Name of the Game.


In the 90’s initials were preppy (LL Bean and Ralph Lauren were key players), in the 00’s they were for trendy (think Paris Hilton carrying a monogrammed purse with a tiny dog inside), and now in the 10’s it seems they’ve turned decidedly hipster (this succulent planter box in the shape of a giant initial pretty much proves my point).  And I’m going to be the first to admit that I don’t hate their latest makeover…


A mix of heritage inspired and sweetly feminine, here are a few ways to get the updated initial look without breaking the bank:
Nest: I think I’ve featured the personalized whiskey decanters from West Elm before, but the initials version just came back in stock and I’m still really coveting these.  So perfect for a gift, or just to bring a little personalization to your at home bar.
Dressed: There is something so delicate and pretty about thin little rings like these.  I love them in a stack of all 3 of your initials, or a simple single band in your significant others initial as a subtle declaration of your love (way less clunky than the old “wearing their ring” tradition).
The Rest: I am a big advocate of keeping the art of hand written letters alive and there is nothing more classic than monogrammed stationary.  This set from Rifle Paper Co. is bound to make it’s recipients smile.     

Weekend Flashback.

Weekend-flashback-instagram-blog-recap
After a particularly long work week, I was more than ready to welcome the weekend with open arms.  That meant dusting off our bar cart on a Friday night, throwing open the windows and letting fresh daffodils bloom on Saturday, and making sunny strolls with the boy a Sunday tradition.  Sometimes the only thing better than having big plans, is having no plans at all. 

Great Lengths.

Great-Lengths-Haircut-Hairstyle-hair-and-beautyAside from variations in color, my hair has been the same style for easily the past 5 years.  And while a few adventurous chops in my middle/high school days (and one seriously dreadful perm…) have proved that long hair really does suit me best, I’m thinking it may be time for a (slight) change?  Here’s to spending the weekend brewing over new ideas and giving yourself or your home (or hey, even your whole life) a little makeover.  Happy Friday!



Office Style 101

Office-Style-Floral-Dress-Spring-Wedges-Wear-To-Work(Rogan Blazer – old, similar here; MinkPink Dress – similar here; Lace Top – my own design; AE Belt – similar here; Nine West heels – old, similar here)
I’m lucky enough to have never had to work in an office with a strict dress code, and as a designer I doubt that I ever will.  But even if you work in a “creative casual” environment like I do, you still want to dress the part…

With that in mind, I try and keep a bit of distinction between my after hours/weekend looks and those I wear from 9-5.  While I may wear this floaty floral dress on it’s own for a date, or with my fail safe denim jacket on a weekend – for work I layered it with a lace open cardigan to add a bit of visual interest and a structured blazer for polish.  Plus I belted the lace top so that the whole thing looks a bit more put together and less thrown on as I ran out the door (which may or may not be the truth..).  Also, shoes are a game changer in office looks.  With a strappy sandal this may come off as too dressy, but with ankle boots or flats it could veer into overly casual territory.  A neutral, solid wedge is a grounding finish for the the whole thing.  Simple as that. What are your favorite ways to wear Spring trends to the office?

Office-Style-Floral-Dress-Spring-Wedges-Wear-To-Work

Office-Style-Floral-Dress-Spring-Wedges-Wear-To-Work

Office-Style-Floral-Dress-Spring-Wedges-Wear-To-Work





Statement Heels.

Matchmaker_how_to_wear_it_style_statement_printed_heels

As I browsed the internet this past weekend, pretend shopping (you know, where you put things into an online cart but never actually buy it? hopefully I’m not alone in this activity?), I found myself drawn to Spring shoes that had a common link.  Their printed heels…


What I love about a statement shoe like the ones above, is that they manage to straddle the line between wild and wearable.  Meaning, there’s a way to work them into almost every Spring occasion.  For a blind date, I love that this pair from Shoemint looks almost completely neutral until you turn around to reveal the snake skin heel.  The perfect way to keep your date guessing.  Pair them with a sporty black mini (somehow way cooler than the little black dress in the back of your closet) and a more modest blouse.  For a gallery opening, these bold heels from Zara are like a modern day work of art.  With a Klein blue mini and a silky abstract print blouse, all you need here is a pile of bangles and you’ve nailed contemporary cool.  For a girly take on the trend, these Anthropologie color blocked heels would be just the thing for an afternoon bridal shower.  Match them up with a cream lace skirt and slightly sheer collared blouse for a girly yet grown up look.