April 30, 2012

Where My Heart Is...Part Two

Once again...I'm in a new zip code. And I have to say, the space has me reeling and has offered some amazing opportunities to spruce up my bedding, office, bathroom, and closet decor. 
Metallics & Paisley
My prettiest necklaces hang above the jewelry armoire
Shoe carousel, jewelry armoire, and purse bin ensure that all my accessories come together
The love of peacock feathers continues with the addition of this dish.
Scarves and hats that are too pretty to hide 
An architectural iron scroll frames the closet
New age + timeless entertainment
Desk area to meet all needs - violin practice, blogging, grading or looking at pictures of family and past adventures
Parisian, vintage bathroom nook

More to come as the communal spaces come together!

Hemingway


Let's consider this skirt my "capote," which is a magenta & gold cape used by matadors to observe a bull's behavior and quirks through a series of passes. Regardless of your opinion of bullfighting (mine is less than favorable), the cultural significance is undeniable in Latin American countries. So instead of imparting my ethical opinion on this practice, I'd like to focus on Ernest Hemingway. It's impossible to do a Google search of "bullfighting" without running across his name - try it! He frequented Pamplona and became fascinated with the sport stating, "Bullfighting is the only art in which the artist is in danger of death and in which the degree of brilliance in the performance is left to the fighter's honor." So, the connection between Ernest and bullfighting is clear, but why do I feel the need to discuss this literary hero? Mr. Hemingway has really permeated my being from an early age. Most notably, our annual family trips to Key West included visits to his home and meeting his cats (or their children and children's children). However, since studying existentialism, and of course, psychology, I have developed an insight into his motivation and view of the world, which is fascinating. Since I am now reading The Paris Wife, I'm sure I will gain a much deeper understanding of this complex, troubled, and inspiring man. Which authors challenge, inspire, or intrigue you?

Aryn K. skirt, Allen B. jacket, Target tee and necklace, Nine West sandals, Revlon Certainly Red lipstick

April 27, 2012

Tailor

 If you know me, you know I've been coveting a sleeveless trench coat...even more than I've been wanting the bright blazer. So what did I do? I had my tailor hack of the arms of the trench coat I sometimes wore to create a piece that I will always wear. Mission accomplished. 
LOFT trench, XXI blouse and pants, Nine West boots, H&M tiger ring, Kenneth Jay Lane snake ring, Stella & Dot ring and necklace

April 26, 2012

Again

After searching and searching, I finally found my summer blazer and now I can't stop wearing it. It smartens up boyfriend jeans, elevates work basics, and holds its own paired with other brights. Not to mention that it matches my favorite lipstick! What would you pair with my newest addition?
Worthington blazer, H&M lace tank, Gap jeans, Sam Edelman pumps, Target belt, Francesca's necklace, Revlon Orange Flip lipstick

April 23, 2012

Naranja


Worthington blazer, Zara tank, LOFT trousers, MRKT shoes, Fossil watch, Revlon Coralberry lipstick

Did you know...the bigger the navel in an orange, the sweeter it will be?

April 20, 2012

Dot-dot-dot

 
To say I am a grammatical nut is an understatement. Blame it on my mother, the editor, but nothing (except intolerance and slow drivers) makes me more irate. That being said, I am most definitely guilty of the overuse (and likely improper use) of the ellipsis. Ellipses are three periods that usually indicate an intentional omission of a word, sentence or whole section from the original text being quoted. An ellipsis can also be used to indicate an unfinished thought or, at the end of a sentence as a trailing off into silence. The ellipsis calls for a slight pause in speech, or any other form of text, but it is incorrect to use ellipses solely to indicate a pause in speech. Well, that is exactly what I do, but I'm not alone! With the evolution of the written word through it's use online and in text messaging, ellipses are also used to show that a thought is forthcoming or to indicate an awkward silence. Now all the adults can blame the kids and the Internet for ruining the English language.


Old Navy Blouse, Apt 9 scarf, Target tee, shoes and tights,, NY & Co skirt, Halogen purse, Stella & Dot ring, Maybelline Coral Crush lipstick

April 19, 2012

Boyfriend

I have been on the quest for the perfect boyfriend jeans (and boyfriend, for that matter) and found both recently - what luck! The jeans hail from Gap and the man? He's a good friend from high school - go figure! When the fit, and timing are right, magical things can happen, people.
Target Kimono, NY & Co blouse, vest via Crossroads, Urban Outfitters lariat necklace, Gap Sexy Boyfriend Jeans, Jessica Simpson pumps, Limited earring, bangles from NY& Co, Claire's, and Express, Revlon Minted nail polish

April 17, 2012

Keep Calm and Shine On


My mantra today...and everyday.

 
Anthropologie sequined bolero, a.n.a blouse, Old Navy Skirt, JC Penney tights, MRKT shoes, NY & Co leather jacket and necklace, XXI flower brooch, Urban Outfitters glasses

April 13, 2012

Tabula Rasa

  As a mental health counselor, I am consistently wrestling with the nature vs. nurture debate. While my opinion is that the answer always lies in the gray of a black and white situation, I find more consistent evidence, in my own experience, for nurture slightly over nature to explain human behavior, personality, skills, difficulties, etc. Art imitated life today as I dressed to mimic my epistemological belief - a blank slate to showcase some killer accessories.
 
Ann Taylor blazer, H&M blouse, Mavi jeans, Aldo pumps, Stela & Dot ring, Charming Charlie necklace and bangle, Poppie purse via DSW

April 12, 2012

April-spirations

{Full skirts in tropical prints}
{Two tone oxfords to "steam punk" up a preppy ensemble}
{Blush leather jacket as the new transition piece}

{Turbans and head scarves}
{Panama hats with everything but Tommy Bahama shirts}
{Rose hued tresses}
{Anything in lucite}
{Crop tops and bandeaus with pencil skirts}
{Floral jeans are a perfect mash up of rugged and feminine}
{Silver heels to brighten up pastel ensembles and boyfriend jeans}
{Coral lips}

All images via Pinterest