DIY: Go Bold Outdoors

This poor little table has been in my backyard for awhile.  I was going to just get rid of it when I decided that I needed another table for an upcoming party.  I had left over blue paint from my front door and back gate which I love, so I thought I would give it a try.

 It was in rough shape.

You know what?  It never fails...bold paint colors outdoors are amazing!  Just make sure the paint is exterior grade and that it is cohesive with your garden and landscape colors.  For me, I use a lot of lavender, blues and whites in my garden, so this intense cobalt really works.  I would love to see this done in orange, with a yellow scheme, too.  There are so many options so be bold, be unafraid. 

Style Inspiration: Jackie O

Jackie O.
I bought a book entitled Young Jackie for my little niece of the same name.  I flipped through the book and it is full of beautiful pictures of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis taken throughout her childhood by famed photographer Bert Morgan.  There is a little bit of biographical information included between the pages of beautiful black and white pictures, most of which depict a young Jackie on horseback. 
I love the idea of my little Jackie having a role model such as Jackie O to look up to; and how cool is it to have a role model with the same name?!  Of course, that's not reason enough for a little girl to look up to someone, but Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis definitely fits all of what should be the criteria for a young lady to aspire towards.  She was not only a fashion icon, she was also a contributor to the arts and she was a truly graceful, cultured woman.  In her later years, she returned to her love of literature and became an editor.

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Upon graduating from college with a degree in French literature, she and her sister, who had graduated from high school at the same time, took a trip to Europe together.  They documented their journey in the autobiographical One Special Summer. 

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The book contains drawings, poems, letters and musings by both sisters.  I found a first edition copy on ebay, but you can find copies at online retailers.  It is an interesting read, and something that would be fun to do for your own travels.  Thanks to sites like snapfish, it is easier than ever to put together your own little book to document your travels.

From the book, a drawing by Jackie O.
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Of course one could argue that Jackie O is most remembered for her iconic style throughout her White House years and beyond. The following images certainly help make that point!

Look at that coat!  On some people, that print would be overwhelming,
but not on Jackie O- on her, it is just amazing and classic!
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Love her in white pants and a
black top, and that white trench is
pretty fabulous too!
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President and Mrs. Kennedy-
I love her in timeless, chic navy, and that scarf is
perfection.
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~Lori

DIY: Girl's Crochet Flower Headband

 For Gwenna's birthday this past Saturday, she got some wonderful gifts from her wonderful friends.  One of those gifts was this handmade headband.  Is this not the cutest thing you have seen in a long time?  I love that it is stretchy and stays in place so well, which is important when one must run around shooting objects with a new bow- and- arrow (thank you Lori and Alli)!

 See the pattern here

Yes, I think we are going to need more.  

Thank you for the great gift, Min!

Monday Challenge and Outfit of the Day

image via the paris apartment

I thought this was rather good advice for the start of the week, and a lovely thing to challenge people to.  They are all pretty easy things, but think about how much difference they would make, either to you or to someone else.  Or both.  I think they're great ways to ensure that you have a lovely day.

Rebecca and I joked that this is a classic
pinterest pose.  What am I looking at?
A mantis.  A praying mantis.  

Not this mantis.
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blouse: Forever 21  (similar style (in cut) here and here)
skirt: Ann Klein (similar style here)
shoes: Sofft (similar style here)
bracelet: Dillard's (similar style here)
jacket: Dillard's (similar style here)

This outfit, a simple navy pencil skirt, blouse, and striped jacket, works well in the summer heat.  The jacket adds structure, but can be removed.  The blouse and skirt offer a put together look that allows you to stay cool.  A gold cuff and a sock bun completes the outfit.

~Lori

Outfit of the Day: The Marvellous Maxi

A few things about living in the high desert in the summer: obviously it is hot, but it is often windy too.  Dresses are one of the coolest options but with the wind, they fly up.  I am not Marilyn Monroe  in The Seven Year Itch so Maxi dresses are the way to go.  This sort of outfit evokes a carefree summer day.

This crochet lace dress is pretty and summery and has a 70's vibe that I have perpetuated with the amber bead necklace and bone colored espadrilles (from Dillards).

dress: Forever 21 (similar style here)

Quote of the Week: Impossible Alice

One thing that I believe in- we are going to have a fabulous time at 
the birthday party we are going to today, because it is being thrown by my partner 
in crime, Rebecca, for her adorable daughter. 
The theme is Alice in Wonderland, and I can't wait to see all of the clever details and decorations that 
Rebecca has in store.  I will leave those for her to discuss, of course, but to get an idea of some of the  delightful madness that will be present, check out her Alice pinterest board here.  I hope you have a happy Saturday!

~Lori

Minor Obsession: Topshop

If you have followed our blog for any length of time, then chances are you've guessed that I am an anglophile.  I can't help it; I love (almost) all things British.  London is my favorite town.  The English accent is my favorite accent, both to listen to and to poorly emulate.  So while I was checking out Topshop online, I came across these new in items that made my heart swoon.  

I've seen these little cupcake kits before- I've even purchased some,
but this is the first time I've seen the British one!  I want it!! 
 Look at those Queen's Guards!

You know, for when you need to make some
super cute paper chains.

And when you need union jack paper chains.

Pencils and a cute pencil case!

I have insoles in almost all of my shoes-
being a teacher means being on my feet all day
and I refuse to give up my cute shoes.  I love these Union Jack insoles!

London tea towel

Jubilee Tea Cup Charm Bracelet

This year England is celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

2012 marks 60 years of the Queen's reign; a feat that has happened only once in the country's history, with the last time in 1897 with Queen Victoria. 

London 3D Skyline

Want to try something fun?  These London Skyline Lashes from Paperself are crazy!

~Lori