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With my Craigslist dresser makeover well under way, and the arrival of a brand new (Queen sized!) bed on Saturday, this weekend is all about the bedroom…


And the perfect accessory to a freshly made bed?  Cute sleepwear, of course.  A classic sleepshirt, fitted and flirty henley, or adorably playful ruffled romper would all do the trick.  Add an Audrey approved sleep mask and you’ll be hard pressed to find a reason to get out of bed tomorrow morning.  Happy Friday!  

(Sleepmasks: True and Co; Target; Target)
(True and Co Sleepshirt; Aerie Henley Dress; Anthropologie Romper)

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When I lived in New York one of my favorite weekend activities was wandering aimlessly around museums with a great friend in tow.  I recently checked out the LACMA here in Los Angeles for the first time and the trip left me craving a bit of modern art in my everyday life…


Lust: These black lips from Kelly Wearstler are so beautifully sculptural (and even a little sinister).  They’d be the perfect conversation piece to add to your coffee table vignette.

Must: The Neiman Marcus designer’s collaboration with Target is spot on (aren’t they all?) and this abstract printed sweatshirt from Proenza Schouler is an affordable must have.  Perfect for running holiday errands paired with leather leggings and studded loafers.  

Trust (me): As I think about adding art to our new place, Society 6 is at the top of my list for price conscious, unique prints.  I’m actually sort of allergic to cats, but this graphic little feline makes me smile nonetheless.  

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I’ve been feeling all consumed by home decor projects lately.  And while it’s exciting, I was feeling like I’d been missing my usual fashion inspiration.  And then came Michael Kors Pre-Fall presentation…

A slightly over the top mix of late 50’s glam meets 2013 chic, this small collection immediately made me think of what a Modern Day Barbie would look like.  Like some sort of younger Jenna Lyons power woman?  Also, I love that the looks are paired with crisp white accessories.  Modern Barbie totally wouldn’t adhere to the ‘no white after labor day’ rule.  Get the look for yourself with a polished pair of printed trousers, thin cotton turtleneck, frivolous faux fur collar, ubiquitous white pumps and cat eye sunglasses with a sense of humor.

(1. J.Crew Factory turtleneck; 2. Asos cateye sunglasses; 3. Madewell pumps)
(4. J.Crew Collection trousers; 5. Ruche faux fur wrap; Michael Kors)

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Between work and life (and in my case a new job and a new home), it’s easy to have the holidays pass you right by…  

In an effort to start traditions in our new home I decided to make an advent calendar of activities, each ornament holding a single task.  Some are simple (share a favorite Christmas memory) and some are grander (go ice skating – a real feat for Southern California), but all are fun and meant for the boy and I to take time to enjoy sharing this time of year together.  Inspired by the lovely blog Oh Happy Day and based on these templates by Mini-Eco I set about making these simple little card stock ornaments (download the template, cut, decorate and fill with a little treat).  Totally easy, but also time consuming.  The happiness we’ve already gotten from just 2 days worth of these little ornaments though?  Worth every minute.  If you missed December 1 and getting in your full 25 days worth, make them for the 7 days of Hanukah or the 12 days of Christmas instead!

Follow me on Instagram to see all my #25daysofChristmas and #ChristmasinCali adventures! 

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White Elephant, Secret Santa, Family Gift Exchange?  All potential traps for too generic or overly specific gifts…

Think useful, unisex, and unique and you can be sure that you’re giving something anyone would love to have.  My ideas below to get you started:

Nest: You may not know their personal decorating style, but almost everyone has an iphone or ipod these days and would appreciate a pretty way to store and charge it in an entryway or on a nightstand.  These iPhone docking stations from Etsy will be a hit in a friendly White Elephant exchange.

Dressed: Some put socks in the dreaded holiday gift category but I feel just the opposite.  Socks are one of those things that I love having a new pair or but rarely treat myself to.  A set of Happy Socks are cheerful, unisex (when bought in the right patterns and colors) and a simple enough gift that pretty much any co-worker in a Secret Santa situation wouldn’t mind getting.

The Rest: A Family Gift Exchange can leave you wondering what on earth your Aunt and Uncle would actually want for under $50.  I love the idea of giving an activity instead of a tangible gift that may not be used.  Scour sites like Groupon or Living Social (where I found this wine tasting tour for two) for a voucher that can be redeemed on a number of flexible dates at a location in their area.  It’s the perfect thing that can be enjoyed at their convenience and will end up being far more memorable than a gift card to the mall.