Quote of the Week

via dameazon.blogspot.com

I'm looking to this quote for inspiration today because I have a crummy head cold but lots to do.  My daughter has a soccer game and my son has his last basketball game of the season.  I can't miss either even though I don't want to leave my bed.  I know this quote doesn't exactly apply to my situation, but  today I will just use it anyway.  Aren't they great words to live by?  

Have a really great weekend!

Fall Wish List

Well, it's here- Friday. Thank God; this week it couldn't seem to come soon enough. This weekend we are heading down to the beach; this will be the first time all summer that we've gone. This is a far cry from our usual summers, where we have always spent at least a week at the beach on vacation. In fact, I think this is the first time ever that a summer vacation went by without a single trip to the ocean. But we will fix that tomorrow. Then Sunday we are heading to the local movie theater for a showing of To Kill a Mockingbird.  I am really looking forward to this, as the Cat has never seen this movie nor has she read the book.  I love Atticus Finch. (I love Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch.  Hell, I love Gregory Peck!)
In honor of the fact that I needed a light cardigan to throw over my sleeveless dress yesterday morning as I headed over to work, I thought I'd share with you some of the items on my fall wish list.  (The word WISH is heavy in play here, as some of these pieces are way out of my price range.  But hey, that's what stores like Zara and F21 are for, right?!)

Fall Wish List

Hive & Honey beige sweater / Dorothy Perkins loose shirt / Loose shirt / 3.1 Phillip Lim line leather jacket / Orla Kiely coat, $740 / J.Crew military field jacket / Tory Burch plaid skirt / Cole Haan buckle strap boots / Kate Spade pull on shoes / Old Navy round cap / Coach purple purse / MICHAEL Michael Kors purse / Giles & Brother hinged cuff bracelet / Humble Chic moonstone necklace / Hive & Honey wide bangle / Hive Honey bracelet / Hive & Honey chain jewelry / Tory Burch tech accessory


Okay, I left one piece off of this list that I have not been able to get out of my mind ever since I saw it over on A House in the Hills.  I am in love, in serious, serious love, with this dress.

One by Marna Ro 

                                                                    black cocktail dress/

It is perfection, is it not? And sadly, it is sold out. Anway, I hope you have a fantastic weekend! Any plans?

We Want Fall!

Autumn is just good for the soul, don't you think?  It is such a cozy season that still consists of warm afternoons.  Someday I want to travel to Vermont (or anywhere on the East coast, really) during the Fall months and see a proper Autumn.  Today I will just daydream...

NYC in the Fall via luxuryvacationsource.com

sweetpaulmag-digital.com

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thisisliv.blogspot.com

moonlightrainbow.tumblr.com

sugarpiefarmhouse.com

lolobu.com

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Here is a photo of my little family last Fall (taken by my friend and talented photographer,Johanna Rae). It is really gorgeous in our local mountains --even if we do live in the high desert.

Are you excited yet?

Stop, Collaborate and Listen

If you are like me, you just read that title in your best Vanilla Ice voice.  (You are so welcome!)
I love collaborations, don't you?  For some fantastic clothing choices, we have Phillip Lim for Target coming up on the 15th (perfection in the form of a trench coat).  And for the home?  For the home we have the collaboration between stylists Emily Current and Meritt Elliott (formerly of Current and Elliott jeans) and Pottery Barn Teen.  From what I have seen so far, there are some really gorgeous, eclectic pieces in this collection that are going to be suitable beyond your teen's room.  Which is especially good for those of us who do not actually have a teen (although I am pretty close to having one!) and for those who have no kids at all.
I don't know about all of the bedding, but the lighting, furniture, and accessories that I have seen are pretty gorgeous- with a very ethereal, Alice-in-Wonderland-down-the-rabbit-hole kind of vibe.  But current, not played out or tired.
Take, for instance, this chaise lounge updated in chambray. Chambray, people!  Do you know what that means?!  It will go with Everything!

PB Teen Current and Elliot chaise
image via Lonny

Forget the teen.  I want that in my room.
And how are these for whimsy?  I am loving the tiny animal silhouettes on the sides, and dying to add them to my own gallery wall.  I especially love the elephant and the unicorn.

image via 

image via Glam

I love the polka dots and stripes in the bedding pictured above, and how fun is that alarm clock with the addition of the gold/bronzed rabbit ears?!

image via

image via

This is a layout from Foam magazine.  Isn't that bunny lamp adorable?  And how about that gold threaded needlepoint pillow emblazoned with Lovely?
I can't wait to see what else Current and Elliott have in store for us!  And in about a week, we'll be able to do just that.  The full line will be available for viewing (and buying!) online on September 18.

I would also like to take this time to remember those who lost their lives or had their lives forever altered back in 2001.

Change It Up For Fall

Pretty soon the days will be shorter and the cool weather will set in.  When that happens (even slightly before, if I'm honest) I like to change out a few things in my house.  Pillow covers, throw blankets, candles (scented and plain for ambiance), flowers, stacks of books and pretty objects are the best and easiest way to add coziness and chic comfort.

Cozy for Fall by desertgirls featuring a round bowl

Throw pillow / Faux fur throw pillow / Serena & Lily blanket / Simon Pearce glass candleholder / Hervé Gambs purple plant, $255 / Design 55 antler home decor, $230 / Illume candles candleholder / Votivo red home decor / Round bowl

Today I am on my last few chapters of the last Harry Potter book!  I'm rather sad to have finished because I have really enjoyed reading the series.  I know what you're thinking: she is just now reading those!  Yes, I know.  I am afraid that I am the type of person who rebels against TV shows/books that are popular in the beginning until they have proven their value over a period of time.  I will never be able to say, I saw/read that right when it became popular.  I'm just not cool like that.  I am just now starting to get into Dr. Who.  A hipster I am not.
Have a great mid-week!

Minor Obsession: Peg Pants

I had a dream last night that stayed with me when I woke up.  Part of it involved a house I have dreamt about before, one that has a bunch of rooms in the back that are a pain to get to and are a little, um, shall we say haunted.  I don't know what's up with my psyche; all I know is that some crappy Hollywood producer would probably be able to get his next psychological thriller from some of what goes on in the back of my brain when I am asleep.
But I digress.  One part of the dream was far from nightmarish, though the aftermath that is my new obsession just might turn out to be... I was wearing, in the dream, the most perfect pair of black peg pants that you ever did see.  They were slim enough that they didn't teeter over into M.C. Hammer territory, and I did not look like a harem girl.
I woke up thinking about those pants, about how I need those pants to make my life complete.  How is this a nightmare?  Because as far as I can tell, the designer who has obviously had the same dream as me is one Stella McCartney.  (Let me clarify- this is only nightmarish because $595 for pants that came to me in a dream are, sadly, not in my budget.)

Buy them here, if you have $595 in your budget for pants.

Oh, Mrs. McCartney, did you have a bowl of Special K before bedtime too, causing you to have dreams of this type of pants?

They're obviously one of her staples, as they are all over the pants section of her website.

Still $595.00

Stella McCartney Dahlia Trousers

Okay.  So, happily, Stella McCartney is not the only designer who still sees the fabulousness that is the peg pant.  Below I've put together a few more choices, some even well within my budget!

Theory pants / Topshop clothing / ASOS peg pants / Forever 21 highwaist pants / Women's STELLA McCARTNEY Tapered - Pants - Shop on the Official Online...

I'm thinking I could get away with $17-$64.  Any thoughts?
I hope your week is off to a wonderful start!

Mogambo and Leopard

Mogambo (1953)was on the other day and I had forgotten just how much I enjoy this film.  Clark Gable is at his chauvinistic best, Ava Gardener sings a smashing chorus of "Comin' Thru the Rye," and Grace Kelly is prim but convincing (Mogambo was one of her first big movie roles).  If you haven't seen it, you really should.  

One thing I especially like about the movie is the safari style:

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The safari influence of Mogambo, combined with the post I did the other day on Stephen Shubel (and Suzanne Kessler before that), have totally inspired me to take a little closer look at leopard  prints successfully used in interiors.  When done properly, leopard is a beautiful neutral accent or foundation for a room.  See what you think.

Jeffrey Billhuber design via blog.asmarainc.com

image via theenchantedhome.blogspot.com

image via theenchantedhome.blogspot.com

image via theenchantedhome.blogspot.com

image via mulberryinteriordesig

image via glitterandpearls.com

Great.  Just great.  Now I need a leopard rug.  I'll add it to the list...  Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!  And do watch Mogambo when you get the chance.