A Ghoulish and Hauntingly Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween be safe my pretties!!!

Happy Halloween Weekend!

Halloween weekend is here! If you are like me you LOVE Halloween! I just think dressing up is so much fun (and I don't mean in those slutty costumes you can buy at Party City). Since Halloween is on Monday, that means that most people with a social life will have at least one party to go to, or may be throwing a party of their own.

This year is babykins first Halloween, so we are keeping it low key---but I am dressing up as a Pan Am stewardess. I have the vintage name tag and bag which I bought at the HistoryMiami gift shop. I also have a black dress, orange tights and a great head band with a big bling spider on it that my M.I.L. bought for me as a gift. :)

Anyhow--- I hope you have a Happy and SAFE Halloween weekend! If you are throwing a party...above is a cool idea straight from the party Queen herself...Mrs. Stewart.

Boo!

Thursday Threads: Miami in the Fall

So Miami in the Fall is bizarre. It's "cooler" because on average its in the mid 70's - high 80's during the day...but then we'll get a "cold front" and it will cool down to lower-mid 70's during the day. However envious you all may be of us down here...we are envious of everyone up north who gets to put on boots, scarves and cuddle up with a cup of hot cocoa!

So how do we dress... here are some building blocks I found on the interwebs this week that caught my eye... This green dress is a little something I found at Old Navy online. It's about $40, and comes in serpent (green) or a beige...personally I love the green. It's light enough that we can wear on a high 70's day...but easily can be "warmed" up for a cool 67 degree night! Just add a cardigan, a scarf and tights...you are set. Maybe black tights with black booties?

This sparkly number is another Old Navy find. It is an Internet only find at about $35. This is the dress in "black" but it also comes in beige with rosettes embellished on it and another black with rosettes embellished on it. This one is my favorite of the three. Again, easy to "warm up" and dress up.

This southwestern inspired open number I found really lovely. It's a "trend" that is classic, and I could honestly see myself wearing this not only as shown above, but with something like the green dress. It looks beyond comfortable, and in Miami this is normally as heavy as we need to go when it gets "cold".

Last but never least is a rockin' pair of riding boots. I was telling one of my sorority sisters and favorite people in the world, A over at the A-List (a funny funny blog by the way)that if investing in boots, always go with a riding boot. They are comfortable, classic, stylish and will never go out of style! They are a great investment...that's why two years ago when Ciao Bella came out with the solid black and solid cognac colored versions of this dual tone boot, I bought them both. This pair, currently is available at DSW online for under $100! AND they come in a wide calf if you need that. The best part of the dual tone boot, is that all you need is ONE pair of boots! If you live in Miami this is all you really need...these boots you can wear over skinny jeans, with tights and a dress, with skinny black pants they are a great investment.

Wednesday Wardrobe: Bulls Eye!

This entire ensemble is from Target (except for my jewels). Can you believe how cute it is? Of course you can, because Target is full of treasures even when it's not "designer". The best part is that other than the shoes, the top and skirt are currently in stock by Merona.

Hope you are having a great week so far!

Babykins

Isn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful? ...the other day I started sketching my sweet baby girl. I can't believe she is going to be 1 in a little over a week. Although it went by quickly, I am the first to say it seems like forever ago. I'm just glad she's here, she's mine, and I lover her.

Hope you are having a great Tuesday!

Tall Glass of Lemonade

The names have been changed in order to protect the SURPRISE element of this painting.

So...a childhood friend of mine recently sent me an email telling me about her twin sister's new home. Her sister and brother-in law just celebrated their wedding anniversary and she thought a nice way to commemorate the date was by having an original piece of art made for them. I'm a huge fan of lemonade, so I thought that this tall, sweet and lovable drink would be just the right way for this couple to settle into their pad.

Here's what I've got... first off is the sketch. I thought I would put a label on the lemon with the letter for their first names.

Then I moved onto the color sketch. I am torn, and my friend is going to have to pick. I am a personal fan of both...however... Isn't the pink one nice?

Anyhow---we'll see what my friend says and then I will get to work! Which would you pick?

Thursday Threads: White Wedding

Five years ago today I married my BFF, Mr. DDS. Long before we got engaged I saw this picture, and knew that would be my wedding dress. An Amsale dream come true. I was in grad school in NYC at the time I got engaged, and as soon as I could I made my appointment at Amsale to go see the dress with my own two eyes. The dress in the showroom was different...and I will say I was disappointed. It was not until the real hunt began and I landed at Saks that I found this dress...and knew, this was it. My mom did not agree...she did not want me in strapless, or with any color...she thought I would look silly...but then she saw me in it...20 minutes later, SOLD.
If I were to get married again, I would still wear this dress. I love it. I hope one day my daughter will want to wear it (highly unlikely). The only thing I would so, is ask them to put pockets in it. Would you still wear your wedding dress if you were getting married today? If you are not married, what does your dream dress look like?

Anyhow--- Happy Anniversary Sugar! Thanks for the laughs, the love, and the lunacy!

Wardrobe Wednesday: A Little Bit of This...A Little Bit of That...

It's Wednesday! I wanted to share my ensembles from yesterday and today. I am interviewing people for 2 positions at the museum this and next week---so I need to look put together at all times. First impressions are not just important for the interviewee but me as the interviewer. The top image is from yesterday...my blue Missoni number with standard reva flats (which I have worn all week so far). The bottom image is from today-- comfortable, cute and again in the Reva flats.

I started working on my two new commissions last night---so far I am enjoying these. I don't think I can share them until they are done because they are gifts. One for a baby's birthday from her dad and the other from a sister for her brother and his new bride. Aren't those sweet?

Don't forget you too can give a sweet gift like these too...and I'm so affordable it's crazy!

Sketch 1: The BonBon Rose Girl

When I hit 100 followers I did a Giveaway for a "Wardrobe Wednesday" like sketch. Kristin from one of my favorite blogs, BonBon Rose Girls won the Giveaway. She wanted to save the winnings for a specific outfit. Here is what Kristin waited for...cute! If you follow this super fun and helpful fashion and style blog then you may remember this poncho. If you don't follow it...you should!
Happy Tuesday!

Music Monday : Mandolin Rain

This morning when I woke up to the cheerful sound of le bebe's crying...it was still dark. It wasn't dark because she woke up early, but because it has been raining for over 24 hours straight in Miami. As I quickly got ready and then zoomed into the kitchen to prep breakfast for her I moved through the morning routine while the rain continued to come down in a way that would make Seattle jealous.
As babykins and I got in the car and the XM started to pipe in tunes, I had to smile when Bruce Hornsby started serenading us with his song Mandolin Rain. I've always loved this song---but on this morning as the rain came down, it seemed like perfection. If you click on this link you'll get to hear the song live in concert. Hope you are having a nice Monday...may it be cooler, sunnier and drier than mine.

Bruce Hornsby Mandolin Rain

Thursday Threads: Kristin Pearce Designs

Kristin Pearce has been one of my go to jewelry designers in Miami for a few years. Her things are beautifully crafted, classic and impactful. To top it all off...Kristin is one of the nicest people, she's adorbs! ...did I mention she pens a great blog to top it off? How this girl has not been snatched up by a tall, dark and handsome boy is BEYOND me! Kristin is in high holiday gear right now and has trunk shows and bazaar appearances left and right these days. Here are some of the pieces that I want and one that I have and wear often... These earrings are stunning! They are so delicate and perfect for day or night. Yum!

This bracelet is one of my favorites. I wear it along with its sisters I have in other colors all the time to brighten up my wrist for fun occasions!

I saw K wearing this in January and have been wanting one SO bad! SO bad! Isn't it perfect for everyday? Or to layer with other delicate pearls?! Love it! Love all her stuff. Here is her website...happy shopping because she also carries great bags and home goods. She actually will be setting up shop as part of the experiences on the Coral Gables Tour of Kitchens in January (I hope).

Wardrobe Wednesday: Yellow and Blue

OK---so I had some issues with my skin color here...I promise I was not dipping into the self tanner! Anyhow I'm knee deep in school visits for the museum so I had to dress the part for one of Miami's top prep schools today.
I will say this week you may get 2 "wardrobe" sketches because Friday night I am going to a very fun "costume" gala..."prom theme".
Hope you are having a nice week!

Preppy Mafia Queen: Beth in Color

Last week I shared my first birthday gift sketch for the Preppy Mafia Queen herself, Beth. This week I would like to show you the final color sketch before I dive into the actual birthday painting. It will be watercolor on paper, but I will go into "Wardrobe Wednesday" mode with it and label out what she is wearing in the picture.
A few of you said you would love to have one of these done of yourself...well it's very do-able! Just email me and I can give you the procedural details. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

Manly Monday: Chris H.

My gubby Chris came over tonight for dinner...and he inspired me to sketch him and post a "Manly Monday". What can I say about Chris? He is so adorbs! He is an incredible talent, the most incredible organist/pianist you'll ever meet. He's a splendid cook, he's drop dead adorbs, fit, and dresses impeccably! Did I mention he speaks Francias, a little Espanol AND AND...he the best fairy godfather any little girl could ask for, and that's why he's our wee ones Godfather.

Hope you had a nice Columbus Day! If you had the day off, YAY (so did I) and if you didn't...sorry.

Thursday Threads: Dresses to "Fall" in Love With

I recently subscribed to People Style Watch (can't get enough magazines!)...and while flipping through the pages I noticed myself marking several pages. The first page I marked was for the top dress, a fun metallic number from Victoria's Secret .

The second page I marked was for this gorgeous maxi dress (which I am wearing today) from...JCPENNY! Yes, you read correctly. Again, this number is under $100 and perfect for the fall! You can dress it up or down and it makes a great statement! I'm wearing it with a thick gold belt and red heels today. Also...if you are a fan of flowy dresses...you'll love it. It looks pretty on a windy day (like we are having today in Miami) without going all Marilyn Monroe!

The past dress did not come from People Style Watch, but from the sales rack at J.Crew. I love Ikat, and the color on this dress is so pretty! I think it would work well in the fall, throw on some tights under this frock with booties or oxford flats...a chunky cardigan maybe even a brown belt...done!

So there you have it, what I am coveting this week (and in some cases what I caved in for).

On another note, I will say like most people I was saddened by the news of Steve Jobs passing. My first computer was a mac, in high school--- and then in college I owned the pretty blue iMac...eventually I got an iPod, and our main home computer is a Mac Mini and this past spring I got an iPad for mother's day. He was our Edison, our da Vinci, our Apple guru. May we all be as inspired and inspiring as Mr. Jobs.

Wardrobe Wednesday: Yesterday and Today

Happy Wednesday! I thought I would not only include my ensemble from today, but also yesterday's because it too was cute. As usual I combined high and low ticket items to pull my overall look together. What do you think?

Today I am also requesting a press pass for Art Basel. I have gone to Vernissage every year for the past 3 years and other events and parties...but I thought it would be fun to get a press pass this year so that when I am taking pictures for the blog, I don't get creepy looks. Let's hope I get it. If not, I'll use my museum invite and bring my camera anyhow...as usual.

Preppy Mafia Queen: Beth

Beth Dunn, author, mother, blogger, Preppy Mafia Queen, Mrs. Social Climber herself recently celebrated a birthday. A fun birthday! I love her blog, I love her style, she's great and I want to be Beth when I "grow up". Well, I was emailing with Beth about some flamingos and I told her, "why don't I sketch you" a la "Wardrobe Wednesday" for your birthday?! She loved the idea...and recently sent me the picture.
Here is my first sketch. Isn't she the cutest?! I was so flattered when Beth said this was one of the sweetest gifts she's ever been gifted. I think everyone deserves a portrait of some kind! Mine hangs in my entry hall at home, forever I will be 23 with my french bulldog on my lap.

Puppies and Babies...

You may recall that I was working on two paintings for my friend Dr. Tania. I finally got around to finishing them last week and delivering them to her. She was happy as happy can be, but apparently her mom loved the painting for Baby A's nursery a little too much and threatened to take it home with her...and Mr. Tania liked the painting of their dogs so much that he wanted to claim it for himself! So, as you can plainly see, everyone was happy.

The painting of the pups was challenging because the dogs are full of energy and love...and are dark as night. So I took artistic liberty and make them a dark blue.

The painting of the 3 owls on the branch is for their daughter's nursery. Dr. Tania didn't want anything with the baby's name or monogram--- she preferred I draw inspiration from the nursery---which is owly. So here you have it, the Dr. Tania family in owl form on a tree.

I now have three more nursery paintings to wrap up and four lockets in hold (my supplier has run out of one of the shapes and I am patiently waiting for it in order to make them!).

I hope you had a good weekend! Mine was great, SMU BEAT TCU (at TCU!)!!!! YEAH MUSTANGS!