wild thing

I've been loving animal print lately. I mean, the last three times I've gone shopping, I've gotten a piece of leopard to add to my closet. It's certainly a print that can go terribly wrong, but if you don't overdo it, it can be fabulous. I typically go for leopard when it comes to clothing and accessories, but for interior or event design, I LOVE a pop of zebra. The print is neutral in color, so with a soft, muted color palette, it can add that chic and modern touch you're looking for.

And just so y'all know, I got this top from Ann Taylor Loft for 40% off last night! Perfect for work and going out!

Photos 1,3,4,6: Pinterest, Photo 2: Erin Ever After, Photo 5 Nordstrom, Photo 7: Ann Taylor Loft

home sweet home

Growing up, I don't think I ever truly appreciated living in such a beautiful place. Sure, I loved that my friends and I could go to the beach or go boating year round, but when Christmastime hit, I didn't want that. I wanted a festive, white Christmas, like I remembered from my brief stint of living in Pennsylvania. Now? Heck no do I wish my parents lived anywhere else! I am so lucky to spend the holidays with my family and friends while still feeling like I'm on a real vacation. So while it's certainly not typical to spend the day after Christmas on the beach, that is where I'll be. And I wouldn't want it any other way. Friday cannot come fast enough!

All my own photos

Turquoise + Gold

So I came across this ridiculously amazing cake on the My Sweet and Saucy Blog (amazing cakes, you have to check it out), and instantly saw an entire event based around this in my head. Most weddings these days are rustic and/or vintage, which is gorgeous, but unoriginal. This event would be modern with a feminine flare and utterly fabulous. I tend to lean towards gold, rather than silver accents, so possibly change the flower to gold and, in the words of Rachael Zoe, I die.

 My Sweet and Saucy

Revamping Christmas

I love Christmas. Heck, I even got to see Justin Bieber sing Chiristmas carols at the Christmas in Washington show last night! What more could you want!? But seriously, who in the world came up with the idea to make my beloved holiday's color scheme red and green? Bleh! Is it because of pine trees and Santa's suit? Well, that's not a good enough reason for me, so from now on my holiday decor will be metallics with a splash of color! Oh, and can I also make note that when I grow up I want gold flatware?! 

Photos 1+2: citrusandorange Photos 3-5: Pinterest, Photos 6+7: Coco + Kelley

friday favorites

Often times, event designers and photographers collaborate with other industry professionals to create an inspiration shoot. These shoots showcase the vendors' talents, while allowing them to make all the decisions, rather than consulting a bride first. This inspiration shoot is unbelievably elegant and every detail has been thought out. The bride's vintage dress reminds me of a modern twist on my mother's gown that she wore 31 years ago! So feast your eyes on this stunning shoot and keep cozy this chilly December weekend.

Ruffled Blog

Gift Giving Guide

I've put together some gift ideas for you slackers (like me!) who haven't gotten around to Christmas shopping yet.

For Mom:

This gorgeous tray would be the perfect gift for mommy-dearest.  It is so modern & chic, while also being totally multifunctional. 

For Dad:

Typically, I get my dad a t-shirt, a book, or some sort of food product (and it looks like that's what I'll be getting for him again-- sorry, Dad!), but last year Lisa and I got him this. I can honestly say it was my Dad's favorite gift that year. It is an iPad case that also stands the iPad up to any height, perfect for using on the go! It can only be found online, so if interested, check out their site. 

For your sis:

I wear my Michael Kors tortoise shell watch everyday, and a wrist full of stacked bangles nearly every time I go out, so this bracelet is totally something I would buy for myself. And anything I would buy for myself I end up getting my sister so I can borrow it, of course!

For the bestie:

I love this sassy envelope clutch from JCrew. It's a perfect statement piece for any winter outfit and I'm pretty sure my bestie would love it.

For your man (just kidding, I hate when people say that):

No matter how hot a guy is, throw these bad boys on him and he'll be even more irresistible. Somehow, Ray Ban Wayfarers manage to be timeless and trendy at the same time, and fit almost everyone (other than myself-- I look ridiculous in them). 

I hope I was able to give you some inspiration for your Christmas shopping! Happy Holidays, my lovely readers! 

dear santa

 

I know you all are just dying to know what's on my Christmas list, so I'm going to share a few things I've asked Santa (a.k.a my parents) for:

Last year I bought myself a pair of really cute Tory Burch rain boots, but those things let the first drop of snow seep in so I need something a bit more practical. Joules is a dependable wellies and riding boot brand out of the UK, and seriously, how amazing are these? My mom is a tad hesitant to buy anything abroad after Lisa bought (blackmarket) Uggs from China. The poor girl wonders why everyone questions her common sense.  

Want to know a secret? These bad boys are $70 from Target and are identical to the Frye version. I have a pair of heeled brown boots from JCrew that I love (and wear way too much), but I needed a pair of flat ones that wouldn't break the bank. Lucky for me, Target read my mind, as usual!

My current Kate Spade iPhone cover is all stretched out and my phone literally falls out of it, so it's time I ask for a new one! I spotted this case on Lauren Conrad's twitter (my style icon--don't judge) and loved it.

My mom has Lisa and me writing "stocking lists" now because when we used to head back to college, she'd find a bunch of the stocking stuffers left behind. Terrible, I know, but now she can be sure we'll use each and every thing in that giant sock. Of course, I requested my favorite bronzer by Too Faced. Not too orange and it even smells like coco! Can't get much better than that!

My sister has a pair of these Champion for Target running capris and I steal them from her all the time. They are so comfortable and great for running in any weather, so I figured it was time for me to get a pair (or two) of my own.

No Christmas is complete without a stocking full of candy. Haribo gummy bears are a definite favorite of mine! 

Flutter & Sparkle

And last but not least, OPI's Rainbow Connection from the Muppet Line. I paint my nails at least twice a week and have an embarrassingly large collection of polish, but that doesn't stop me from adding to it every other week. What can I say? It's just one of my quirks.

friday favorites

I am so excited to be showing you this wedding for my friday favorite. This event is brilliant, especially all of the amazing light fixtures, and the bean bag seats for the kids. How darling! I have a weak spot for mercury glass, chandeliers, and a hot pink, turquoise, and grey color combo (so bold!), so this wedding is certainly my cup of tea. I almost feel like the yellow accents are a bit unnecessary, so eliminate that and we've got ourselves a winner!

Style Me Pretty