Falling for Neon

Alright, I admit it.  I'm slowly falling for the neon fad.  At first when I started seeing this trend, I was reminded of the 80's and thought of urban grime (eww!).  But the more I kept seeing it around- in interiors, fashion, paper goods, everywhere- I began to think how it can become a beautiful contrast against whites or neutrals.  While I currently don't own anything neon, I'm thinking that the yellow tape or pink string below might be a good place to start.  Here are a few of the best neon images I've seen.  What do you think about this trend?

interior/ packaging/ tablescape/ letterpress/ skirt/ door/ image board

Birthday Wishlist

Happy Monday everyone.  I hope you are doing well and not letting these dreary winter months get you down.  One thing that's been taking my mind off reality is dream shopping online.  Here are a few items on my in-my-dreams birthday wishlist :) Funny how almost everything is Kate Spade!

a. Kate Spade Tabitha Flats/ b. Kate Spade Sailors Knot Hinge Bangle/ c. Kate Spade Barclay Street Parker/ d. Kate Spade Dixon Place Blaine / e. Kate Spade Monogram K Note Cards/ f. Kate Spade Tabitha Flats/ g. Ray Ban Small Aviators/ h. Michael Kors Madison White Horn Watch /i. Kate Spade Squared Away Necklace

Aqua, Mint, & Seaglass

I've craving spring temperatures and all that comes with them- including the bright and pastel colors.  This palette of aqua, mint, and sea glass is currently inspiring my wardrobe and interior. So bring on the blooming flowers and morning rain.

[a. Anthropologie Flats, Serena & b. Lily Seychelles Chandelier, c. Modcloth So Very Pleasant Skirt, d. Rochas Borsa Rosa Tote Bag; Images courtesy of Ashley Sullivan on Pinterest & Tumblr]

Mix & Match

Lately my eyes have been drawn to colored denim, neutral tops, and bold accessories.  I love unique textures- like leather & light knits- paired together.  Aren't you loving that neon cord bracelet?  And the slouchy clutch?  All of these pieces would be great to mix in with any wardrobe.

[First Column: Clutch, Pants, Flats; Second Column: Sweater, Belt, Cords, Wedges; Third Column: Bracelet, Leggings, Booties]

Winter Wedges

Who said wedges were only for summer?  Rich textures like suede, leather, and snakeskin make these shoes perfect when paired with stockings, leggings, or trousers. Their rich, neutral tones can be combined with winter whites or dark regals- perfect for the colder temperatures.

[a. Kors by Michael Kors Malone,  b. Kate Spade Kiki, c. Seychelles Typewriter,  d. Aldo Melquiste,  e. Kate Spade Caelyn,  f. Steve Madden Roxxiee,  g. Seychelles Eye to Eye II,  h. Naughty Monkey Vice]  Bandolino Edoile

Ivory & Night

Layers, textures, and neutral colors are quickly becoming my staples this holiday season.  Hope you enjoy these chunky knits, nude accessories, and this cozy interior as you relax with family after Thanksgiving.  And to all of you brave enough for Black Friday...happy shopping!

[Atlantic Pacific, Where the Sidewalk Begins, Natalie Merrillyn, Sacramento Street]

I dreamt about a Yellow Necklace

and since then I've been on the hunt to find one as pretty as the one I remember in my dreams.  Random I know, right?  But the more I think about it, the more I love the idea of a pop of yellow against a navy blazer, black tee, and the list goes on and on.  Which necklace is your favorite?

[a.  Jewelry by Jessica T on Etsy, b.  Tree & Kimball on Etsy, c. Elva Fields,  d.  Drawing Room Necklace from Anthropologie]

Trends: Antler Accessories

Lately I've been seeing antlers everywhere.  Chandeliers, wall mounts, graphics-they are a trend in fashion and interiors.  This suits me just fine especially since I have a husband that loves to hunt! (I'm still trying to convince him to make me an antler chandelier!) But until that happens, here are some stunning pieces of jewelry that can bring the antler trend into your everyday style. And the best thing about all these pieces is that they are handmade sold on Etsy for totally affordable prices!

a.  Dainty Antler Silver Necklace by Moon Light for Violet
b.  Bronze Whitetail Deer Antler Ring by Moon Raven Designs
c.  White Stag Antler Earrings by Peaches and Pebbles
d.  Sterling Silver Antler Post Earrings by Autumn Equinox

Michael Kors Watches

I can't get enough of Michaels Kors latest collection of watches.  I'm a big fan of rose gold lately, and they have so many styles using this metal.  Rose gold and lighter leathers look less contrasting against your skin tone so they can be more versatile.  These watches can easily transfer from daytime into evening.  One thing about watches though is that they always look so different when you try them on in person.  You're favorite style might not look as good on you as you thought, and you may be drawn to one completely different that you originally planned.  I can't wait to try some of these on in person!

[a. chronograph watch rose gold & navy, b. oversized madison chronograph watch horn,  c. midsize runway watch brown,  d. crocodile embossed watch rose gold and gray,  e. brown leather strap watch, f. shiny rose golden watch,  g. shiny golden watch,  h. mini bel-air watch rose golden, i. davenport wrap watch]

Game Day Attire for Work

Now that I'm in the real world and going through college withdrawal, I'm constantly thinking about ways to still show my school spirit.  Being away from Blacksburg and not being able to go to every football game is so hard to get used to! I'm still getting used to having to dress up for work and not wearing yoga pants and VT sweatshirts everyday! Here are some business looks that can still show some subtle VT pride whether its game day or any other day of the week.

a.  Loft Cable Cowl Neck Sweater Dress
b.  J. Crew Skinny Leather Belt
c.  Tory Burch Patent Robinson Mini Bag
d.  J. Crew Refined Silk Cashmere Wrap
e.  Hermes Cape Cod Watch
f.  We Love Colors Maroon Tights
g.  Colin Stuart Curved Seam Boot
h.  Victoria's Secret Oversized Tee
i. Tory Burch Patent Leather Reversible Logo Hip Belt
j.  J. Crew Stretch Vintage Bootcut Cord
k.  Browns Vince Sweater
l.  Kate Spade Gold Coast Shimmer Evangeline Bag
m. J. crew Booker Booties

From Art to Inspiration

I discovered Cocoa & Hearts colorful paintings on Ritzy Bee. I love her color combinations and streaky textures of the compositions. I was originally intending on just finding images that contained the same colors as the painting, but as the post evolved, I began to crop the images to become vertical strands that echo the composition of the painting.  I love how this painting translates into inspiration for style, decor, and furnishings.

[Painting] Cocoa & Hearts

[Salmon] Pinterest

[Aqua] Katie Rose Cottage

[Navy] Sacramento Street

[Yellow] Made by Girl

[Peach] Pinterest

Cognac Leather

Cognac colored leather is definitely a staple this fall.  Besides from boots, leather can be introduced to an outfit through bags, belts, shorts or skirts, and even necklaces.  And there's nothing better than cozying up with a warm throw on a worn-in leather couch or chair. Leather provides a richness against cool metal detailing while also serving as a backdrop for a bold pattern or colorful accessory.  How are you wearing leather this fall?

1.  Rilleau Knotted Belts, $125 each

2. The Brick House Tumblr

3.  Pinterest

4.  Asos Pleated Collar Leather Necklace, $35

5. East Atlanta Tumblr

6.  Sincerely Jules

7.  Poppy Talk

8. Guess Bazile Leather Wedges, %54.95

Autumn Outfit

I love the layering of textures, plaids, brights, and snake skin in this ensemble.  This is a perfect example of a transitional outfit that can take you from summer to fall.  Who says summer brights can't be paired with autumn plaids? Add a pair of stylish flats and a neutral bag and you'll be ready for whatever type of weather comes your way.

a.  Ralph Lauren Rugby Little Boy Polo Jacket, $298
b.  J. Crew Pencil Skirt in Super 120s, $118
c.  Ralph Lauren Lightweight Wool Plaid Scarf, $85
d.  Michael Kors Otley Flat, $195
e.  Kate Spade Westward Adventurer Satchel, $795

Fall Hues

Lately when I look at my closet it seems like everything I own is gray.  Now don't get me wrong, I love gray.  It's contemporary and can be combined with just about any color.  But I think it would do my wardrobe some good to add some of these rich hues for fall.  These certainly would dress up any of my gray tanks.

[Images courtesy of Gather Love, Life Love Laughter, Fashion Geek, & Fashion Lover]

Outfit Inspiration for the Upcoming Work Week

I figured we all could use some outfit inspiration for the upcoming week.  A little color and texture would do the corporate world some good.  What are you wearing this week?

[Images courtesy of Atlantic Pacific, Tumblr, Dress Design Decor, & Walking Around]

Latest Loves: Industrial, Hides, and Mint

It might seem like an unusual combination, but I think these three categories go hand-in-hand.  Textured hides give warmth to industrial interiors and when accented with mint accessories, a space can suddenly exemplify depth and refinement.  And when it comes to fashion, a fresh mint green piece can be sewn into any season when paired with a grounding rich brown or contemporary neutral gray.

Camel, Tan, and Beige Accessories

I love the idea of pairing a buttery, neutral bag with any outfit to spruce it up.  Whether its paired with a monochromatic palette or with a bright summery color, a tan accessory is a subtle compliment to any wardrobe.

{Images courtesy of Fashionistha, Fashion--Geek, & -FashionGeek}

Style Icon: Reese Witherspoon

I think Reese Witherspoon is truly America's girl.  She is naturally gorgeous and has a laid-back elegance.  Her wardrobe's palette consists of classic neutrals highlighted with colorful accessories and chunky jewelry.  My favorite thing about her style is how she doesn't have to wear a pair of heels with every outfit - she can totally rock a pair of flats!

1.  Linen Stripe Popover, J.Crew $78

2.  Rosemary Purse, Dace $250

3.  Turtle Bay Skinny Braided Belt, Ruche $13

4.  Jocelyn Sunglasses, Kate Spade $138

5.  Kimchi Blue Two-Tone Wingtip Skimmer, Urban Outfitters $34

6.  Rodebjer Disa Pant, Urban Outfitters $230

1.  Aviators, Chanel

2.  Refined Silk-Cashmere Wrap, J. Crew $75

3.  Eyelet Border Pleated Linen Skirt, Ann Taylor Loft $60

4.  Open to Hope Fitted Lace Dress, Ruche $39

5.  Slim Ballet Flat, Jack Rogers $198

Style Icon: Kate Middleton

Or should I say "Dutchess of Cambridge"?  Kate is such a style icon, I just can't get enough of her natural beauty.  Her effortless style and timeless look have been endlessly blogged about and covered in Royal Wedding media.  I for one could rewatch the wedding everyday and still not get sick of it.  But for all of you who may be burned out on the Royal Wedding Hype, I've put together a few key pieces to capture Kate's everyday attire.

1.  Maritime Blazer in Heather Metal, J.Crew $98

2.  Reversible Leather Belt, Ralph Lauren $58

3.  Larue Boot in Black, Liz Claiborne $79.95

4.  Butterfly Print Scarf, Ann Taylor Loft $34.50

5.  Vivette Cotton Pencil Skirt, Ralph Lauren Black Label $398

1.  Kent Wedge Pump, Jones New York $59.95
2.  Stripe Pleated Button Shirt, Ann Taylor Loft $49.50
3.  Airy Flowers Tuck Detail Dress, Ann Taylor Loft $69.50
4.  Vintage Stud Tote in Maple, Frye $328

Nautical Cravings

With summer soon beginning, I'm looking forward to crisp white shorts, seersucker accessories, and wide navy stripes.  These nautical pieces would be the perfect base or accessories for any outfit.

Roxy Braided Rope Flip Flops, South Moon Under $32
Zip Front Seersucker Dress, Jessica Simpson $128
Just a Little Knotty Wedge, Lily Pulitzer $198
Merona Lara Stripe Flip Flops, Target $13