Loved

The color scheme and phrasing might remind you of a certain holiday coming up ... but that's not why I am blogging about this piece of art. I spent last Monday talking and studying art with Paulette , Cheryl, and Julie. These ladies reminded me that when you are loved (and we all are, we mustn't lose sight of that) there really aren't any bad days. Thank you Paulette for this beautiful gift, and thank you Julie and Cheryl for all the encouragement; all 3 of you are my inspiration. Remind someone that you love them today.

World of Color

Part 2 of my spring trend watching. I have noticed lots and lots of color together, oh thank heaven! If you're like me and love color wearing and color blocking, rejoice! Be brave and mix your colors, dont just stick to traditional spring pastels. If your'e still a little intimidated, try wearing a neutral (like white or black) and wear a color blocked shoe or piece of jewelry. Be bold or go home. Let your true colors show and have fun.

Pictures above from Shopbop except for those out of control, amazing tights that I absolutely adore from Jewelera on Etsy.

Happy Weekend & Happy (Spring) Shopping!

Sea of Green

Shopbop did an excellent job capturing the Resort trends for 2012. One of them was the influx of green. I have always loved emerald green so I rounded up some of my favorite pieces that I am looking into buying and inspiring my spring. I love that our Jewelry Affaire cover reflects this trend so beautifully, as emerald jewelry is the most coveted. I am actually going to do a good, old fashioned trend story the next few posts, as the richness of these colors has me really excited. Enjoy!

Above:
Haute Hippie
Alice + Olivia
BCBGMaxAzria
ONE by Contrarian (love the back on this dress)
Kenneth Jay Lane ring (sold out)
sass & bide
Tbags Los Angeles
Ellie Saab
Kate Spade

*All images above from Shopbop except for the Saab and Spade ones.

Soldering With Rita Reade

One of my favorite traditions is gathering with Rita Reade for my birthday soldering class. I think it says so much about a person when they give not just a gift, but a skill. A day at Rita's is an indulgence indeed. You really are spoiled the minute you walk in the door. The day included this cappuccino (which was to die for!) made by her sweet husband, a little Wilson's Creek champagne, chocolates, the best fish tacos EVER, homemade chips and salsa, and in the end, this beautiful necklace which I am proud to call my own creation. Soldering is getting easier and easier for me, and I owe that to Rita. She makes her guests feel comfortable and talented. A day at the Reade's is like a homecoming. Part of the fun for me is snapping pictures of Rita's beautiful house, which is filled with eye candy. Hope you enjoy these Instagram photos I snapped. If you want to learn how to solder beautiful things I highly highly recommend a class from Rita. You can view her offerings here. Thanks again Rita, I can't wait until next year!

Zigzag

I pulled this outfit together Thursday. I must say, I am quite pleased with myself. The overriding theme: zigzags galore. These Juicy Couture socks have a subtle pattern in them and I thought they would look oh so cool with these Missoni for Target pumps. After all, Missoni is known for those sweet squiggly lines. The clutch is my fave from the newest Sicilian Gypsy line. I've said it before, and I say it again, houndstooth is my favorite print! Sicilian Gypsy will be making more of these clutches with different colored linings. Be sure to check them out! I love the movement of all the lines and squiggles together throughout the ensemble. The accessories to complete the look are vintage bangles and a crochet cuff made by my friend Alexis. Cream + zigzags = a winter dream outfit.

Glory Days

We all want to keep our favorite things close to us. I love what Anna Marie does for shoes. She alters them using a Sharpie and incredible drawing skills to customize kicks for her buyers. As someone who loves old movies, classic books, and anything from long ago, it's nice to know you can get those glory days back all by placing an order. Her Catcher in the Rye drawing on a sneaker astounds me. I would wear anything and everything Catcher if I could. It's because we want to go back to those days and the things that make us feel good that we strive to keep them close by, or on our bodies. Reminiscing never looked so good : )

Linens & Things

2012 will be the year! I will begin saving money! God, I hope so. But then I saw these neckpieces made of linen, ceramic, and pearls from Cynammon, and that resolution just got tougher. Good luck with yours : )