[Fashion] Shine On

Shiny materials and metallics are totally in this season. Many designers are using metallics as their main point of interest in their spring/summer and fall/winter collections. This trend is a little risky, as it tends to accentuate buldge and other figure flaws. There are plenty of ways to subtly add a sparkly splash of flair to any ensemble. Liven up drab outfits with metallic bags, accessories and shoes.

When it comes to clothes, I tend to lean to the more nude shimmers, since this look is bold enough of its own {but brights are also in, if you so choose}. The good news is that it's easy to dress up or down, or to take from day to night.

For a more daywear/professional look, avoid sequins and even sheens that reflect light too much. Choose a modern cut in a muted, shimmery tone or a big bag with a shiny lustre. After dark, feel free to pull out head to toe mirror-like pieces and prepare to have all eyes on you. I love how the look has been popularized by stars like the Olsen twins, Sienna Miller, Cameron Diaz and supermodels galore... such a grown up and confident trend that really works well throughout the year.

Start off slow: Sparkly shoes are a good way to incorporate this trend into your everyday wear:

Easily take this look from day to night with these great options:

Stand out in these evening looks:

All images via ASOS.

^^ Up ^^

I feel like a little kid again... I haven't been this excited for a movie in quite some time. Up comes out today and I can't wait to see it! I just saw that it is coming out in Digital 3D, too... oh-so tempting! I love balloons, cute old people, chubby kids and bright colors, and this movie seems to be the perfect combination of all these things.

Any other movies coming out soon that you're looking forward to?

Camera Envy

Ohhh how I want this Fuji camera! I love the unique {and instant} business card size image that it creates. I just want to run out and take photos of everything I see!

top photo: v | left photo: *shun | right photo: g. choi | bottom photo: lee wei-l

{camera found via haus maus}

Violet

Is it completely normal to change favorite colors a lot? Violet is mine right now. So striking and lovely.

{via le fashion}

Back To Work

... but I really want to be getting lost here.

Photo by Evan Leavitt.

This Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day! I'm off from work, only to be doing even more work, of course... but at least it's our house stuff! This weekend has been quite tiring but I can't wait to share pictures with you {soon!}. The in-laws have been in town helping us build, garden, clean, paint and assemble. It's so fun to see this cute little home really transform and feel even more like ours. Any big plans on your agenda today? Finishing up work for us and Trav is making his famous Grilled Lime-Marinated Pork Tenderloin. Yum!

{photo via spacepotato}

One Of Those Days

Forgive me for the quick post today, it's been a tad crazy... my in-laws and brother are getting into town and I'm trying to finish out the work week before shutting down for the long weekend. I scrambled home a couple of hours ago for some last minute straightening up and got to enjoy lunch with this precious little guy. I'm taking tomorrow off from work and am SO excited to have a four day Memorial Day weekend! Yay for house work and family time! Hope you all are having a Happy Thursday!

{photo via oh joy!}

Clipboard Art

I just love this idea... displaying art on the walls with clipboards! Easy to change your photos around with no mess or hassle! Something so clever and simple. I'm thinking about this for my future home office. Right now our "office" feels more like a library, just a vintage record player, sofa and bookshelf with lots and lots of books, but I'm determined to make it an office/arts and crafts space for myself! All in good time, I suppose...

{home of rachel denbow, via decor8}

Magical Lights

Oh my goodness. A teacup chandelier!

Created by Trish Andersen and Maureen Walsh of Domestic Construction.

Via Design Milk.

Coming Monday...

Have a lovely weekend, my friends. Check back on Monday for my very first giveaway... so excited! This is one you definitely won't want to miss!

{photos by romeika}

[Fashion] In The Trenches

Looking for a simple way to refresh your wardrobe this season? An easy, unfussy solution is the trench coat. This rainy-day essential is a classic staple item - with changes and upgrades from year to year - which never seems to go out of style. This season, look forward to new details like cropped sleeves, bold shoulders, eye-catching brights, and some new neutrals.

- Find a classic double-breasted trench and throw it on as a dress with high heels, ideal for work but also ready for an evening out, without having to run home and change beforehand!
- Try a short, cropped trench this spring!
- Dress up your trench with a cute skirt or dress and accessories for a party or fancy dinner.
- Cinch the waist with your favorite belt, which will not only give your waist some definition but also add a bit of your own, unique personality to the simple look.

You don't have to break the bank to wear this versatile look. Check out Forever21, H&M and Urban Outfitters for some wallet-friendly picks.

And just for fun... I've also come across some great umbrellas that would pair quite nicely with your new trench (here and here).

Photo from Urban Outfitters.

Happy Hump Day

{via seawood}

She's A Fox

This darling wedding I came across on Once Wed is absolutely heavenly. I just couldn't take my eyes off of the simply lovely invitation, designed by Alyson Fox. This is the first I've heard of her and I'm already head over heels. Photographer, artist, designer and the list goes on... Her creations are simply ravishing.

Igor + André

Wow. Danny Roberts' work leaves me completely speechless. I'll let these brilliant drawings speak for themselves. Also check out the cool character sketches he does of other bloggers.

Baby, Baby

I'm not ready for kids quite yet {even though I may have already planned out their rooms and I may absolutely adore looking for baby clothes}. The hubs and I love spending time just the two of us, and have plans of traveling and pursuing bigger dreams before we're ready to start a family. Although, seeing a precious family like this sometimes makes me second-guess myself. I mean, come on... how could you not?

Photos by Candice Stringham via Design Mom.

[Fashion] Make A Statement

Make a statement with bold shoulders this season. The new fierce silhouette has been dominating the spring and summer fashion scenes. Don't worry, this look can be sophisticated and fresh! Take some notes from these fashionable ladies:


My one complaint is that I don't feel this trend has trickled down to the masses. I've spotted some great strong-shouldered frocks, but who can afford a dress or a jacket that costs thousands of dollars? My suggestion would be to scour your local thrift and vintage stores for affordable finds. Make sure to look for a softer "bold" shoulder, as this look is not nearly as dramatic as it was in the 1980s!

Notice a recurring color in these photos? Opting for black or white seems to be the best way to incorporate this trend into your existing wardrobe. I suggest pairing the look down with jeans and neutral colors, to really draw the eye to your daring, modern frame.

Photos of Beyonce, Gwyneth Paltrow, Keira Knightley from Elle UK, Mary-Kate Olsen from The Insider.

Beauty And The Beer

"I remember running from store to store, grabbing as many ballots as I could. In the neighborhood there sure wasn't talk about the election for mayor or governor... but when it came to the Miss Rheingold Contest, everybody was involved. The talk was all about it. Everybody talked about it... and everybody voted."

- John Corrado, resident of East Harlem, NY during the 1940s & 1950s

I was thinking about my precious grandmother tonight and decided to google her name to see what I could find. I knew that she was a model back in the day {and I'm lucky to have lots of her gorgeous photos}, but it was so fun to learn more and see pictures of her that I've never seen. I am so fascinated!

From 1940 to 1965, the greater New York metropolitan area took part in selecting a new Miss Rheingold every August. Rheingold was a local brewery that used lovely young ladies as their spokesperson/model for advertising campaigns. I have to say {and I may be biased} that 1951's Miss Rheingold, my dear grandmother Elise Gammon, was definitely a knock-out, no? My favorite is the Christmas-themed one in the white.



If you'd like to read more about the Miss Rheingold contests, you can do so here, here or here.

St. Vincent

The new record Actor from St. Vincent {aka Annie Clark} came out yesterday, and I can't take it off repeat. She has such an effortlessly unique sound blending jazz, electronic, pop, classical and rock. A truly fascinating musician.

Get it at iTunes and get a bonus track!

Leather Your Walls

Who needs paint when you can have leather? Stunning 3-D leather wallpaper panels by Genevieve Bennett.

Via Oh Joy!

Home, Sweet Home

Well, we're home and exhausted! We had a great time in Utah and got home late last night, just in time to sleep and get back to work today. I'll be posting more pictures from the trip soon, so stay tuned! I'm looking forward to a few nights with no agenda... what are you all up to this week? For now, I'm finding inspiration from these pretties.

1. matt callow 2. rufuss 3. the photoholic 4. g stonebraker