Fashion

July in Photos

August 17, 2013 by Michelle Leave a Comment

This summer is just zooming by like nobody’s business. Frankly, July was a rough month. Started out fine but then it took a nosedive. My crazy work schedule took over again and a lot of late nights left me feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Near the end of the month I made some adjustments in my attitude and did my best to start looking at things from a place of gratitude and abundance. Amazing what a difference that makes. Two things that have really helped me are the IG posts from @tarotandtea, particularly her daily tarot advice, and Katie O’Keefe’s blog and IG. I’m loving watching her moving through #intentionalaugust and #mth (making things happen). Both are two roads to the same destination, a destination of re-engaging with myself and what means most to me. All a work in progress, but I’m feeling a lot better equipped to deal with the “stuff” that’s going on in my life right now.

So, what adventures did I get up to in July? It was so nice to have a long weekend for 4th of July, and you can see I celebrated with a fun mani. I spent a day with some girlfriends over that weekend too – I even baked cookies! Eric and I opted to not go out to see fireworks, but instead we enjoyed the evening at home and watched some of the specials on tv.

We had lots of rain in July and it actually made for a much cooler summer than we’re used to in Texas. I love it when it rains, so it’s always a little bonus.

As part of my attitude adjustment, I spent some extra time on myself – nails (of course), some new makeup (eyeliner and powder), dug out my favorite summertime heels (don’t those cherries kill you?), and some summery statement necklaces like my starfish that jingle! I even went through all the lipstick I have hoarded in my purse. Amazing what you find in there.

I had a little bit of relaxation time that I spent working on a gift for my Goddaughter (a summery yellow quilt) and catching up on my DVR’d shows, namely the red carpet from the Oscars. Yes, it was in February.

Eric and I also did something for ourselves, we finally ordered our frame for the photo we printed from our honeymoon so we could hang it over our bed. The frame is perfect and goes beautifully with the warm tones of the sunset from the top of the Spanish Steps in Rome. Apologies for the reflection/glare in the photo…but trust me it looks wonderful. And it allowed us to mark our bedroom as complete on our home improvement list.

So that was July, and we’re already halfway through August so I’d better start thinking about my August in Photos post!

Things I Love Thursday: Birthday Crushes

August 15, 2013 by Michelle Leave a Comment

My birthday is coming up next week, so I thought it would be fun to use this week’s TILT post to show you some things I’m crushing on right now. Plus, what’s more fun than putting together a dream wish list?

Right now I seem to be all about bracelets. There’s such a fun selection of bangles available right now, probably due largely to the “arm party” trend. And I’m so happy to see gold making a comeback. I absolutely adore the arrow bracelet from Stella & Dot. There’s just something so simple about it. Makes me think of Katniss, Cupid, and my imagined alter ego who excels at archery.

My wishlists always seem to have something of the practical side to them too. Lately, I’ve been keeping a running tally of things I need rather than want – shorts, sandals, bras…basic stuff. So many things that are falling apart or don’t fit. One of the things that’s become a bit dire of late is that I’ve completely run out of perfume. I know – #firstworldproblems – but, I’ve even gone rummaging through my bathroom cabinets in the hopes of finding some of those little freebie tester perfumes. No dice. So, a bottle of perfume falls more into a necessity than a pure want, but I had to include it anyway. At the top of my list of perfume wants is Lady Gaga’s Fame. It’s black, which tickles my little Goth heart so much, and it smells delicious. It’s described as “Enriched with tears of belladonna, a black veil of incense, and pulverized apricot, this fragrance may cause illicit fits of extravagance, unrivaled rushes of adoration, and prolonged moments of ecstasy and rapture.” How could I not want this?

You may recall last year, when I decided that my birthday really needed to be an extravagant, Marie Antoinette-inspired, and fun? I’m absolutely going to continue that tradition this year. So, I’m thinking macarons are a must. Because, why not? It appears that there are a few bakeries in Dallas that are now offering macarons, so you know I will be scoping them out.

I have been seriously wanting a maxi dress for- I don’t know -ever. I’ve yet to own one and lately my interest has been rekindled by some IG photos of some lovely ladies who purchased this maxi from Target. It’s a steal at $29.99 and I love it. The kimono-style sleeves, the chevron print. Gimme.

And back to the bracelets. I’ve been really wanting a mint link bracelet, but since Fall seems to be quickly approaching, this tortoiseshell link bracelet from T+J Designs is killing me. Gorgeous!

And you know my continued love affair with all things Kate Spade. This KSNY Twist and Shout bracelet brings a smile to my face. It reminds me of my sweet German friend, and of course sharing a pretzel with my darling husband.

I’m also thinking forward to my springtime travel and realizing that I still don’t have a good camera bag. I’ve been looking at these Kelly Moore bags for a while now, and I really like the look of them. The B-Hobo bag looks roomy enough to carry what I need plus it has both a zipper and the flap to keep everything inside safe. I’d like to be able to try one out and see what I think in person, just have to see if someone in town carries them. But I really adore this mustard color.

The best gift I’m giving myself for my birthday this year – a week of vacation. I have been working so much this year and such crazy hours that I know I need some time to relax and regroup, plus time with my family. I intend to do some fun things like going to see the first Mortal Instruments movie with a friend, a fabric shopping day with a friend and maybe catching up on some of my reading or DVR’d shows.

Things I Love Thursday: Summertime Style

June 20, 2013 by Michelle Leave a Comment

Today is the last day of Spring, and tomorrow is the official first day of Summer. Although here in Dallas it’s been in the 90s already, so it has felt like Summer for at least a few weeks. Being a Summer baby (August), I love this time of year so I thought it was the perfect subject for a TILT post this week!

This morning I was perusing Instagram and saw a photo from alixcherry wearing these Miu Miu parrot sandals. Gorgeous! So perfectly summer. I’m so in need of a new pair of sandals.

The one wardrobe essential every girl needs is a pair of well-worn pair of cutoffs.

I sure wish I could find my old (well-loved) pair. They were my “studio” shorts that I seemed to live in throughout my ceramics, etching, and painting classes. But, in lieu of those I did make myself a new pair of cutoffs last weekend. They’re not quite “lived in” yet, but they’ll get there. The other thing I love about cutoffs is that you can dress them up or down.

Style Within Reach had a great photo on Instagram of her OOTD on Tuesday that’s a perfect example. And bonus, it features another fab summer trend – lucite necklaces!

This one was from Glitter Guide’s IG/Tumblr – and it’s a gorgeous lucite statement piece from BaubleBar. Same one Style Within Reach is wearing in her OOTD. It’s fun, it’s funky, and it’s got an airier feel because of the lucite which is perfect for summer accessorizing.

And of course, I can’t forget another perfect summer trend – white polish. I’ve been seeing it everywhere, but first noticed the look back during Fashion Week at Kate Spade’s SS show, white manis and pedis.

A woman's hand showing a white polish manicure with gold bracelets on her wrist, one is an evil eye

Love it. In fact, I think white polish is in order for my next mani. Can’t go wrong with that! (and how much am I dying over Kim K’s evil eye bracelet??)

Things I Love Thursday: Catching My Eye

April 18, 2013 by Michelle Leave a Comment

Today’s TILT post is going to be rather a mishmash of things that are making my heart beat a little faster this week. Last night the photo above of the Crescent Hotel in Beverly Hills stopped me in my tracks. I’m so completely in love with the hummingbird painting/print above the bed – such an amazing statement piece. And the pendants on either side of the bed are beautiful as well. They actually remind me of the lamp I have next to my bed. Anyway, Eric and I have been working on some changes around the house and desperately need a focal piece over our bed. I think we’ve settled on one of the photos he took in Rome, but now we need the perfect frame.

I’ve also been looking for a new wallet. Mine is starting to look a little worse for wear. I’m loving this patent LV – bringing a little bit of sexy back to my purse.

I’ve been looking at the pave link bracelet trend that I’m seeing everywhere. Especially fun in colors like pink, teal, emerald! Lately I’m finding myself drawn to wearing bracelets, so I’m thinking I may need to add a little sparkle into the mix too.

I’m obsessed with Moroccan style, as you know, particularly the dramatic rugs. This one from West Elm was recently featured in Bri Emery’s office makeover.

I just love this rug so much.

And, per usual, I am way behind on my DVRed shows (still need to watch the Oscars, in fact). I’ve had a couple of evenings at home and I’ve been catching up on The Carrie Diaries. Have you seen this show? Of course, Sex and the City was always near and dear to my heart – particularly as a single girl. I was skeptical about Carrie Diaries (and still mourning the ending of Gossip Girl), but I’ve been pleasantly surprised! It’s fun, it’s young, and OMG it’s taking me right back to highschool. The music, the clothes, my subscription to Interview magazine…so much win.

If you haven’t been watching, you should definitely check it out.

So, that’s just a quick little look into what I’m loving this week. I’m glad that tomorrow’s Friday and I’m hoping to get some time this weekend to make a little progress on a few projects I’m working on around the house. I still need to blog about some of the design changes that have been going on at the house too – we’re nearing completion on most of the rooms in the house, which is really satisfying. So, more to come on that. Until next time, what’s catching your eye lately?

First Days of Spring

March 23, 2013 by Michelle Leave a Comment

With the first day of Spring this week, my thoughts turn to clear sunny days and soft colors. Although this morning is full of thunderstorms and chilly winds. But, I can indulge in my little piece of Spring right here! Lately I’ve been catching up on my DVR’d shows, which includes several hours of Red Carpet watching. Seems the days are gone when I can actually watch things live. But, what surprised me about this year’s Oscar Red Carpet was the overall softness of the colors. There were very few bright colors, particularly the emerald green I was expecting to see everywhere. But there was no lack of gorgeous dresses to choose from, as you can see above. One of my favorites was Jessica Chastain in that amazing coppery beaded Armani Prive gown. So many subtle shades.

And Chanel has released their lovely Spring collection of nail lacquers, Printemps Precieux. You know I normally go in for the dark, vampy colors like Accessoire, but I’m really drawn to Emprise, which is a rosy beige. Perfect almost nude nail that would go perfectly with a brighter wardobe. And Fracas, who can resist a pretty, bright pink? This one will most definitely transition into the summer months.

Even Starbucks is celebrating Spring in Japan with their new Sakura line. It even includes cherry blossom macarons (which you know I can’t resist). It’s too bad that this lovely pink deliciousness won’t be available in the States, but from what I hear the taste (not cherry at all) might not translate to the American palate. But what fun a pink latte would be (as long as it’s not strawberry, since I’m allergic!).

And I saw a photo on Instagram the other day of the new Coach handbags in Mint. I can’t resist, such a gorgeous color for Spring. Too too tempting. Alas, I am on a new handbag hiatus, so no Coach bag for me. But look at those fun tassels too. Gah!

I did have to indulge in my own version of that luxurious mint color though. How do you like my Essie Mint Candy Apple mani this week? Perfect, huh? Such a fun color. I’ve really enjoyed wearing it.

And how can I resist anything in a bright pretty yellow? (I can’t) Of course, the J Crew bubble necklaces are almost everywhere these days, but I just love it in yellow. A fun bright pop of color against a subtle colored top? Love. It.

What’s bringing thoughts of Spring to you this week?

February in Pictures

March 7, 2013 by Michelle 1 Comment

I can hardly believe another month has come and gone. February was a rough month for me. It marked the one-year mark of losing my dad. It still feels fresh, and he was on my mind a lot this month. Work was also very intense this month, but I did manage to take a couple of days off in order to have a long weekend at the beginning of the month. And while January is always very peaceful and quiet, full of new potential…February for me is the first burst of color and seeing progress on new projects.

This February I found myself drawn to pretty spring colors, visually feasting on dreams of Paris and macarons. I found time on my days off to finish some crafty projects – one a gift for a friend and one a quilt I’d started two Thanksgivings ago. It feels so good to be able to focus on some fun things I wanted to do. And it seemed that Lana Del Rey’s music was my personal soundtrack throughout the month (still is – I can’t get enough of it).

Eric and I celebrated Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras with a King Cake and dinner out. It’s been several years since I made a King Cake (this one was bought)…maybe next year? I managed to spend an afternoon with a good friend (much-needed girl time) and wrapped up the month with a very delicious work dinner.

Despite the memories February brought with it, and despite the craziness at work, it was a good month and I’m so pleased to have been so productive and even steal a little time for myself!

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