Monday, April 30, 2012

Music Monday: Jazzy Lady

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend, I know I did...although the only thing missing was sun. Mr. S and I had a weekend stay at the Biltmore Hotel, site of many things in our lives, including our wedding. As we lounged in our poolside cabana with friends on Saturday I wished and wished for the sun to break though the rain clouds...but alas, the rain fell and fell ...all the way into today!

While enjoying our cabana, drinks and food with friends, I also played this song a few times. Madeleine Peyroux sounds like she's been recorded in 1947...but she is only 39 and from Georgia! Her sound is Billie Holiday-esque and gloriously smooth at that. I have liked everything of hers I have heard (thanks again The Spectrum on XFM)...but Don't Wait Too Long was the first song of hers that I heard. I hope you enjoy it as well!

One quick programming note... how are you enjoying the current features?
Music Monday
Art Tuesday
Wardrobe Wednesday
Thursday Threads
???

I am thinking of adding "Week-Ender" on Fridays--- where I post a collection of images I take of my week. This is directly inspired by Made by Girl who has does this now and then. I always enjoy it so much that I thought perhaps I should try. What do you think?

XOXO

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Thursday Threads: Right on Target

Hello everyone! I am so very happy it is Thursday, especially since I am taking tomorrow off to get things done before a baby free weekend begins. Hoorah Hoorah! This past weekend I was at Target for my weekly purchase of diapers, milk and other needed baby items. Well, as usual I meandered into the clothes section and found these two super cute items. I did not get them (insert sad and annoyed face) but wish I had. They fit great and just made me want a long weekend to come my way!
 These shorts are Merona and come in several colors and even in a couple of fun prints. They are a rock bottom prince of $18! Really a fun fun article of clothing to add to any one's spring/summer wardrobe!
This top is also Merona and is a pretty swiss dot fabric. It too comes in a couple of other colors, but the white was my favorite. It's only $20! Again an easy no brain addition to your wardrobe.

Put these two together and ANYONE would think that you got this at J.Crew...pair the shirt with white jeans, red jeans or blue jeans for a cute outfit on the 4th of July. Pair the lilac shorts with a blousey top and some sandals and be ready for just about any BBQ this season.

So next time you are at Target, make sure you stop in the Merona section and enjoy the treasure hunting!

xoxo

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Wardrobe Wednesday: Really From Tuesday...The Gap

I have a confession to make. This is actually what I wore yesterday...not today. It's been unseasonably "cool" in Miami the past two mornings. The temperature when I walked out of my house was in the mid 60's, down right cold for Miami in April! Fortunately the Gap came to the rescue in my closet and this is what I wore.

1. Ray Ban eyeglasses
2. CZ studs
3. Silver St. Benedict pendant
4. Silver and CZ pave side cross
5. Hot Pink, navy and plum ikat open cardigan, Gap
6. Grey and hot pink striped dress, Gap
7. Black tights
8. Brown suede desert booties

Today I have a similar look... with oxford flats and also I have a Fraulein Helga thing going with my hair...a crown of braids essentially.... thought I would give it a whirl. Hope you are having a nice day!

XOXO

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Gibran

One of my favorite quotes...and today I need it. Thank you Mr. Gibran.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Music Monday: A Catchy Tune You Can Dance Too

This weekend I caved in and finally downloaded, Tongue Tied by Group Love. I originally heard the song on the radio---and then they used it at the beginning of an episode of Gossip Girl (yes, I watch GG). It's a very fun and upbeat song that reminds me of being a teenager or in college. So if you are looking for something to add to your running mix or for an upcoming party, this is your song!

Hope you had a nice weekend!!

XOXO

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Thursday Threads: The Jackie Kennedy Collection at HistoryMiami

If you are like me, Jackie Kennedy Onassis is one of your fashion inspirations. An iconic figure in our nations history who set the bar for the way women dressed. Today HistoryMiami announced that they are the first museum in South Florida to carry the Jackie Kennedy Collection. All of the jewelry was cast from Jackie's own pieces, which means they are exact replicas of her pieces, right down to the weight. The collection can be found at the museum store but also online. Here are the pieces that I am coveting!  The best part is that museum members get a discount! If you are not already a member you should consider becoming one, as you will not only support a wonderful cultural institution, but also add something beautiful to your collection of baubles!

Grand Tour Earrings, $55 ($49 for members)


Grand Tour Necklace, $110 ($99 for members)

Signature Triple Strand Pearls, $150 ($135 for members)

Waterfall Earrings, $95 ($85 for members)

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Wardrobe Wednesday: Pencil Skirt and Cardigan

Trying out something new today. I decided to try and draw my Wardrobe Wednesday ensemble on the iPad today...and here you have it. I think it looks good for my limited experience on the Pad. I had to dress super cute today since it was my first Beaux Arts General Membership Meeting. Here is what I have on...

1. Tom Ford horn rimmed glasses
2. Pearl earrings
3. cSd locket, silver
4. Long pearl necklace
5. Old Navy, cream colored neck tie shirt
6. Old Navy, beige and orange accented cardigan
7. J.Crew multicolor pencil skirt
8. Gap, orange bow back flat

Hope you're having a nice day!

XOXO

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Snapshots from Portland, OR

As you know last week I was in Portland, OR for work. Here are a few images that capture the essence of the week...minus all the great food and beer that was consumed by moi!

Journal Spines at Powell's Book Store

Across the street from the historic Heathman Hotel... site of some hot fictional moments between Mr. Grey and Ms. Steele

One of the food trucks. The phenomena started in Portland (a.k.a. PDX) and is obvious as you walk around and spot the "trucks" everywhere.

A nifty little corner. Portland is full of great architecture and a unique flare that is distinctive to the city.

An old factory turned into new businesses.

Famous for a reason, Voodoo Doughnut is a must when you're in the area. Get the Maple Bacon...it's cray-cray good!

This message is seen across the street from Voodoo Doughnuts.

This sign is beautiful at night , but iconic regardless of time of day.

Another iconic piece of Portland is the sign in front of the theatre. As you can see it is next door to the historic Heathman Hotel.

When the sun comes out (rarely) you can see Mt. St. Helen's and Mt. Hood. Here you can see Mt. St. Helen's in the distance.

Having a beer slushy at Whiskey Soda Bar.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Music Monday: Portland Influenced... Podcasts and More

This past week I was in Portland, OR and got to experience their Hipster and Hippie lifestyle for a whole 4 days in the Pacific Northwest. It was beautiful!The food was amazing, the beer was plentiful and the fashion was ALL over the place. Have you seen the show, Portlandia? It's not an exaggeration!

Anyhow, we arrived on Wednesday and spent that day wandering the Pearl District, then all day Thursday and Friday at the Portland Art Museum in a workshop. On Saturday my co-worker, Sarah invited her friend Katy to spend the day with us going to Voodoo Doughnuts, the Saturday Market, the Farmer's Market, the Aerial Tram, the Japanese Garden and dinner at Whiskey Soda Bar (after deciding not to wait 1.5 hours for Pok Pok).  It was a very Portlandian day! To top it all off my new Portlander friend was telling me about her new favorite podcast, Throwing Shade. It's 2 Hollywood writers, a gay man, Brian and his woman BFF, Erin who talk about the week's issues or "shoes" as they call them. I heard a little bit of it, and have decided to subscribe, they are a very funny pair!
Another podcast which was recommended to me while in Portland was Extra Hot Great. It sounds hysterical! I tell you, these hipsters now only know how to blend prints and eat organic...but they also know their humorous podcasts!

Here I am sarcastically excited about Mt. Hood---which I had not yet seen due to cloud coverage. Later on that day I not only saw Mt. Hood but Mt. St. Helen's...are you diggin' my hipster vibe in this picture? Minus my Burberry jacket...but who knows I could have gotten it second hand...they don't need to know I didn't...LOL.


Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Portland Bound

Early tomorrow morning I will be heading west to Portland, OR. I have never been and am taking recommendations from people---so if you have your own set, I would love to hear them! If I don't get a chance to check in for Wardrobe Wednesday or Thursday Threads, forgive me but I will be back next week with full reports.

XOXO

Monday, April 9, 2012

Music Monday: Talented Gentlemen

Hello Monday! I hope you all had a nice weekend and enjoyed the holidays (if you celebrate them). We made the most of the egg hunt and made out like bandits courtesy of our 17 month old egg collector!
So this weekend wasn't just about eggs, family and pastel colored frocks. I also got to download some music... here are some of this weeks recommendations for you to add to your play lists...
For a few years now I have really enjoyed the music and lyrics of Death Cab for Cutie. One of their newer songs is called "I Will Follow You into the Dark" it's such a pretty song, sweet and simple. It has their ever recognizable sound that tends to stay with you all day.


Mayer Hawthorne sounds like he's stuck in the 1960's which is really fantastic! His single "The Walk" reminds me of an old Motown tune. If you miss Amy Winehouse's 60's like vocal stylings, I recommend you check out Mayer Hawthorne.

I first heard The Shins on the Garden State soundtrack. Their latest single "Simple Song" is fantastic and has a unique sound that is all their own. The video is pretty funny too!
So those are this weeks tunes. I hope you have a great start to your week. I am going to be traveling to Portland on Wednesday---so I will do my best to keep in touch...but I may not be able to.

xoxo

Friday, April 6, 2012

Hip Hop Happy Easter Weekend

I hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend full of family, friends, good eats and may you find every egg in the hunt!
XOXO

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Thursday Threads: Cardigans and Broches brought to you by Guest Blogger Sheffield MacIntyre


This Alice & Olivia cotton cardigan sweater is a whopping $330!  Here, Sheffield MacIntyre from BackInStyle.com shows you how you can do it yourself for around $100.  Our example even includes a cashmere sweater, and will only set you back $145, still less than half of the Alice & Olivia version.
First find, any cardigan sweater that fits you well.  It can be cotton, cashmere, silk, what ever feels and fits best.  The one shown above is a vintage Neiman Marcus cream cashmere sweater, and only costs $75!
Then, find a few vintage rhinestone brooches that you like.  They can be ones you already have in your closet, or that you find at a vintage store or flea market.  Choose colors that fit into your wardrobe, and motifs that you like.  This will likely be a conversation piece, so pick pins that you will want talk about, or that have a story behind them.  The rhinestone brooches pictured above cost between $10 and $35.  Pin on as many or as few brooches as you feel comfortable with, but be sure to group them all together in a bunch so they become one unit, sort of like a flower.  And there you have it.  It's simple, quick and easy, and you can probably make it with items you have in your own closet.  Not only will you look current and on trend, you'll save a few Gs.

Another great thing about an embellished cardigan sweater is that it is so versatile.  You can wear it to work wish serious, and sophisticated pants to add a personal and feminine touch.  You can wear it over a cocktail dress (instead of that annoying stole that always falls off your shoulders and the fringe lands in your drink).  On weekends, you can wear it with jeans and flats to the farmers market.  You can wear it just about anywhere!
Here are a few other options  from the  Back in Style website. Here

Enjoy and Happy Shopping!!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Wardrobe Wednesday: A Shade of Pink

Hello Wednesday! Tonight I was with a new group of lady friends who were asking me about Wardrobe Wednesday. I was telling them how I pick my outfits for Wednesdays so carefully now!
Here's what I am wearing...

1. Ray Ban glasses
2. My "Oprah" earrings
3. J.Crew Turq. link frog necklace
4. Old Navy pink tunic dress
5. J.Crew turq. ljnk frog bracelet
6. Gold link bracelet
7. Black tights
8. Tory Burch animal print Reva flats

I hope you are having a great week so far!!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Pink Lemonade

A few years ago I pencil sketched this piece. I was thinking about my favorite color combinations, one of them being pink and yellow. This is the digital version of my Pink Lemonade pencil drawing.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Music Monday: 50 Shades of Music in the Pages

I was a bit preoccupied last week. See on Friday March 23 after watching "The Hunger Games" my friends were talking about the current must read book, "Fifty Shades of Grey". I didn't think much of it, and then on Monday March 26 Summer in Newport blogged about the trilogy.  Curiosity hits me and when I get home I download the sample. I can't put it down! It's not what I was expecting...but it is very very good. Next thing I know I've read the first two books and have moved onto the third book. I've said it before and I will say it again...I am a slow reader...so getting through 1200 pages (according to my iPad) and being on page 500 of another 600 or so of the last book...with a 17 month old at home, work and other activities like the Junior League...well it's unheard of! But here I am telling you...this is what I spent all of my free time doing last week. As I was reading songs came to mind---the soundtrack to these books.
 There are lots of references to music the characters are listening to---but I also had music playing in my mind during part of the trilogy.

Book 1: Fifty Shades of Grey-
1. The Cardinals, "Lead Me Into the Night" I first heard this song in 2003 when my music loving friend Robyn introduced me to The Cardigans sophomore album. You may remember them for their song "Love Fool" Well their sophomore album is nothing like that song. It's low and brooding, emotionally charged and beautiful (apparently just like the character Christian Grey).
2.  Everything But the Girl, "Driving" a beautiful song about the lengths you will go to for the right person.

Book 2: Fifty Shades Darker-
1. Jason Mraz, "I Won't Give Up On Us" I love this song and it basically sums up the entire trilogy although the second book really has this undertone.
2. Celine Dion, "To Love You More" I know this is cheesy...but for some reason I kept thinking about this song while I read the book.

Book 3: Fifty Shades Freed
1. Mazzy Star, "Fade into You"  I can't tell you how much I love this song. It's so sweet and sexy and really bring back some great memories of trying to learn it on the guitar (fail) and of my mom's old apartment on Key Biscayne. It also captures the essence of this book and the entire trilogy.

So there you have it. My Fifty Shades of a Soundtrack. The movie rights have already been picked up...the industry is buzzing over who should play who in the film adaptation (which I have no idea how they will make these books into movies without being rated NC-17). Anyhow my vote for Christian is the devilishly handsome Matt Bomer.

Grey