Archive | November, 2011

What Will I Make Wednesday: Nightstand edition

30 Nov

My grandparents love to keep things, I suppose that’s where I get it from. So when I was looking for a nightstand I skipped Craigslist and Ebay and went straight to my grandparent’s attic. Upon some digging I found this gem.

By the time this picture was taken, I had already removed the hardware from the front. But as you can see it’s you’re typical wood night stand. So I wanted to spruce it up a bit with some white paint.  Now I have spray painted only two things in my life, this nightstand, and a set of Mickey Mouse shaped bookends.  I struggled with the book ends (granted I was 8 or 9) so I was a bit nervous to spray paint today. Yet I sanded a bit to remove any imperfections and started to spray.

 


I was pretty pleased the way things have worked out, despite my nerves about the paint. I also painted the hardware of the drawer black to go with my theme.

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Trendy Tuesdays: Boots

29 Nov

Now I don’t know about you but it is a toasty 62 degrees here in Boston…I mean it’s almost December and I have yet to break out any type of boots! In a way I’m not complaining, I love warm weather but to get a head start on the cold that is sure to come here are some tips on different kinds of boots and what to wear them with!

Much like winter coats, boots are an investment. I would recommend skipping the Forever 21, Charolette Russe and Wetseal and go for a well made boot that can last you several seasons.

The Rain Boot

As far as New England weather goes, rain is a preferred alternative to snow. When searching for a rain boot look for something that is stylish but will keep your feet dry. There’s no sense in buying cute boots if you’ll be walking around in little puddles all day.

If you live in a particularly cold area with rain try some lined rain boots or boots that can be lined with tall socks.

Lined Rainboots

For the girl who wants her boots to match with everything try to find a solid color. Going with a solid black or a color that compliments your wardrobe like a bright red, will be beneficial.

rain Boots 2

If you’re more of a statement maker look for some fun patterns! Target always has some fun patterned boots (I’ve had my pair of target rain boots since I was a senior in high school!)

Patterned

For those of you who want to keep your calfs just as warm as your feet try a pair of calf high boots!

For more info on how to look cute in the rain see my article here: http://sparkleonandwearbows.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/how-to-look-cute-in-the-rain.

Snow Boots

It’s weird to almost reach December and not have snow on the ground, but I’m sure there is some frozen precipitation in the works. For snow boots, look for water proof seals and fur lining to assure both dryness and coziness. The boots below are all from respectable boot makers from LL Bean to the North Face or Sorel. Name brand boots are generally “name brand” and a bit pricey are worth the money because they have been proven to be great.

Snow Boots
For Fun Boots
There are so many fun boots that I would love to own that I had just had to include them!
What are your favorite kind of boots? Have you seen any snow?

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Monday Musings: Kate Spade

29 Nov

” Fashion should be about enthusiasm for what you’re wearing. It should be fun.  Finding that perfect balance between what is fashionable and what you totally love is the ideal. So often people are either intimidated or bored by fashion. Having a ‘been there, done that’ attitude takes all of the fun out of it. Put fashion in its rightful place and enjoy it.”- Kate Spade

Kate Spade, her name is synonymous with her famous nylon bags, and other great accessories. She is an American designer whose colors, and design aesthetics have made her and her brand an American Icon.

Fun Facts

  • She was born on Christmas eve in 1962, as Katherine Noel Brosnahan in Kansas City, MO.
  • Graduated from Arizona state University in 1986, she then made her way to NYC,  where she would work for Mademoiselle magazine for five years.
  • Kate launched her first line of handbags in 1993.
  • Her husband, Andy Spade served as her business partner, and their company grew to be featured in high end stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales.
  • The couple sold their business to the Neiman Marcus Group in 1999, but have remained active with the brand.
  • Andy Spade, is the figure head for the spin off brand Jack Spade, featuring the male equivalents to her female line.
  • The couple had a daughter in 2005, Frances Beatrix Spade, who they truly treasure and adore.

Bright Blue Bold

Kate Spade Inspired 1

I love Kate Spades choices of colors, they are always so cheerful and fun! An instant mood booster in my opinion. With this look I chose to emulate the look in the bottom right hand corner from one of Kate’s current collections. The dress is a simple black dress, which serves as a blank canvas for a pearl bauble necklace, bracelet and a pop of bright blue in the tights and one of the bracelets. Keep the shoes simple and sweet with some strappy black heels.

Polka Dot Fun

Kate Spade Inspired 2
This second look also includes some bright tights, with a mixture of neutrals. To start the dress is a fun light polka dotted frock, which pairs with the bright red tights, bejeweled flats and a fun pink coat. I also included some Kate Spade stationary as well as one of her bags.
Mod Fun
I adore this fun sixties secretary kind of look. I recently just thrifted a fun vintage dress very similar to the top of this look. For the top try a black shirt with buttons and layer it with a yellow dress like the model or a yellow skirt. For the legs try some lace tights and fun bow flats. The accessories are key in this outfit from the purse, to the pearl necklace, and the round glasses.
Do you own any Kate Spade bags or stationary? Would you wear any of the outfits? Let me know!

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Today I Wore

27 Nov

I know that it’s only a few days after thanksgiving but today was the official start for the Holiday season in my family, as today was the day that we cut down our Christmas tree. We have been tagging our Christmas tree for as long as I can remember.

So this today we got up bright and early and headed to the Turkey Hill tree farm.

 

Once we got there we grabbed a saw, a cart and a tarp and wandered through the maze of trees to find the one we had tagged a few months ago.

Once I had my gloves it was time to get started!

The first part is always the hardest, at least for me. I always struggle to keep the saw straight!

Here is a lovely action shot!

And it’s done!

Now I’m not sure how many of you cut down your Christmas tree, but in the name of fashion I figured I would post about what I wore on this lovely tree trip. It was surprisingly warm so no need for gloves or hats! I had just gotten an “Irish” or fisherman sweater from my Grandfather, and paired it with maroon pants, and flat black boots. And of course a white bow!

Cutting down the Christmas Tree

Do you cut down a Christmas tree? When do you start to celebrate the holidays?

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Saturday: Steal? or Splurge?

25 Nov

Phew, after all that turkey and pumpkin pie I was afraid that I would just sleep through this entire weekend. But fear not, I have in my food loving state shopped around for a splurge and a steal for this week! Let’s get right to it.

Continue reading →

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Today I Wore Thursday/Happy Thanksgiving!

25 Nov

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you had a great day filled with food, fun, family and anything else that you’re thankful for. Thanksgiving has long since been a day of traditions, and every Thanksgiving morning, we lace up our running shoes for the Feaster Five Road race.

I’ve been running this race since I was a kid, and the race was an 800 meter dash around a kiddie track, and everyone finished with a medal. Once you move up to the 5k or 5 mile everyone gets a fun shirt and an apple pie at the end of the race, who doesn’t love a pie after burning some serious calories?

This year I decided to spice things up by dressing up as a present, which involved as you can guess a ton of bows! I safety pinned them to make sure that they would stay on during the race and even added one to my headband.

So I finished with a time of 31:33 which I was pretty pleased with, not that I was out to break any records! It’s a great way to start a holiday full of stuffing your face.

So hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Did you have any family traditions that you celebrated?

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Trendy Tuesday: Loafers

23 Nov

Loafers have become feminized this 2011 season. A long time popular menswear staple these shoes are now beautiful and better than ever! Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu and Lanvin have all put out versions of this classic, in a variety of heights colors and materials. Read on for a bit of history on these shoes as well as some fun facts!

Lovely Loafers

Some Fun Facts  and a brief history on Loafers

  • First appeared in the mid 1930′s from Norway.
  • In 1932 Esquire magazine announced that the word loafer originated from Norwegian farmers. On a farm the place where a cow is milked is called the cattle loafing area, and farmers needed a slip on shoe to wear in this mucky area.
  • Today they come in a variety of colors, and heels can also come with or without fun tassles.
  • The Spaulding family from New Hampshire, began making a loafer type shoes in the 1930′s.
  • Then in 1934, a boot maker from Maine, G.H. Bass, started making Weejuns. Weejuns were a loafer with a leather strip across the top of the shoe with a diamond cut out.
  • Weejuns became an instantly popular hit in America, and went from a summer shoe to a shoe worn with suits in the 1960′s.
  • In the 1940′s and 50′s, people put dimes, the price of a telephone call, into the shoe pockets. Later the idea of adding pennies as a matter of style.
  • Gucci added a metal strap across the front of the shoe, in the late 60′s. The Gucci loafer style has become a new subtype on the shoe, and reached widespread popularity by the 1980′s.
Preppy and Pretty
Jessica Hart
Here Jessica Hart is keeping it classy and preppy. For her look, try a pair of black pants, pair it with a black blazer, and add a red sweater for a much needed pop of color. The black and red contrast nicely against a chocolate brown pair of loafers. Keep it simple with accessories, with simple studs or a fun leather bracelet.

Leopard loafers

Nicole Richie

New York Leopard
Here Nicole Richie is taking the classic loafer and bringing it to the jungle. Leopard loafers are a fun way to wear the leopard trend in a low key way. To pair with these bold shoes, keep the outfit simple with a pair of black jeans, a baggy pink shirt, and a black purse. To channel Richie, add some over sized sunglasses and a baggy beanie hat.
Do you own any loafers? Would you go with the classic preppy look? Or try a bold pattern like leopard?

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What to Wear to Turkey Time: Take 2

22 Nov

The big turkey day is so close I can almost taste the cranberry sauce. So here are a few more outfits for your Thanksgiving celebrations!

Really Rustic

Really Rustic
In Thanksgivings past, my family has taken trips to Vermont, to stay with family there. And while the foliage is beautiful the weather can be a bit brisk. For this looks layering is key. Starting with the fun deer sweater, with dark blue skinny jeans, next the rust colored cardigan and finished off with a off white colored scarf. For shoes I love these rustic take on desert boots, that have a soft lining to keep your feet nice and toasty. For accessories try chunky jewelry in the form of a ring or a fun bomber hat.
Coffee with Friends
It might be cliche, but once the holiday breaks begin, my friends and I always meet up at Starbuck’s for some holiday drink (peppermint mocha anyone?) and to catch up. This outfit is cute, casual but still super trendy. Start with a long white tunic, with some sweater tights for warmth. These tights are not only warm but they have bows on the ankle, how cute is that? Next add a green cardigan and some cute desert boot wedges. For neck wear you can go with a simple tea cup necklace or a fun scarf if it’s super chilly out.
Black Friday Fun
Now I am not particularly pleased that many stores will be opening their doors at midnight on Thanksgiving, but for those brave souls out there I’ve picked out a comfy outfit so you can battle for bargains comfortably but still looking cute! It’s all in the footwear so wear some comfy shoes, like these red sequin converse! They’re super festive but will let you move quick to get that last holiday sweater. For pants try some black jeggings and this cute white t-shirt with a black bow decal.
Pumpkin Pie
For the next two looks I was inspired by some of my favorite holiday foods. For this look I went with the ever classic Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin pie. For the top, try this cute cape shirt from Modcloth, which pairs well with a tan Romwe skirt. For shoes try some dark brown oxfords, and white patterned tights.
Cute as Cranberry Sauce
Cute as Cranberry Sauce
I love cranberries, it might be a Massachusetts thing, but this cranberry dress is super cute! With a festive color you can add black in the tights and in the cardigan. For shoes try a two toned flat, and for accessories, try this lovely Essie nail polish color, a cranberry colored bow and a black clutch. This look is perfect for those dressier Thanksgivings.
What will you be doing this Thanksgiving weekend? Will you be having coffee? Pumpkin pie? Or maybe shopping on Black Friday? Let me know!

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Monday Musings: Stella McCartney

21 Nov
“The only positive thing you can really gain through losing someone is learning, and teaching other people, … So I hope to teach other people, and I hope to learn.”
-Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney is the daughter of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney and the late photographer and animal rights activist, Linda McCartney. She is a great English fashion designer, who sticks to her morals and creates amazing pieces. Read on for some fun facts and Stella inspired looks!

Fun Facts about Stella McCartney

  •  Her love of fashion started when she mad her first jacket at age thirteen, three years later she interned for Christian Lacroix, who was working on his first fashion design collection.
  • She does not use any leather or fur in her designs and supports PETA. Her designs might have texts that go with her “no animal” policy 
  • She grew up on a farm in the English Countryside, Her strong connection to animals prompted her vegetarian lifestyle.
  • In 2003 she launched her first perfume Stella
  • She launched a lingerie line in 2008
  • In November 2010 the Stella McCartney kids collection
  • She was the Fashion director of French ready to wear Chloe from 1997-2001
  • McCartney’s Autumn Winter 2010 collection was shown at the Opera Garnier at Paris Fashion week.
“It’s not like evening wear, it’s just kind of ‘easy wear’. It’s more like take one incredibly stunning thing and put it with a pair of jeans. I just think personally that’s what I would do.” -Stella McCartney
Nice Neutrals
Nothing like Nuetrals
This first look is all about the neutrals. The top photo is from Stella McCartney’s 2011 Autumn and Winter collection, and is a great outfit for this season! Pairing a chunky knit sweater with a pair of chino’s or sleek pants give a great contrasting look. For accessories, I love these oxfords with ribbons for laces, along with the ring, bracelet, earrings and purse.
Sheerly Polka Dot 
Polka Dot Pretty
Polka dots are the perfect pattern. They’ve never really gone out of style, but were particularly popular on the runways this fall. Stella McCartney paired polka dots with another popular trend this season, sheer materials. Mixing the two give a look an instant dress up and party vibe. This dress combines the sheer and dark black polka dot elements that Stella played with in her collection. As for accessories, keep it simple with a pair of black pumps, studs and a purse.
Stunning Stripes
Striped Shirt
Another popular pattern is stripes. In this case Stella used the striped top as the main focus of a very chic and clean look. Aside from the top Stella used a pair of black pants, and black kitten heels.
Flirty and Fun Peplum
Pearls and a Peplum
Gosh, I love a good peplum don’t you? Peplum comes from the greek word meaning tunic skirt. In this case the peplum juts out from the hips creating a fun and retro figure. This dress is cute and fun for any family or holiday parties you might have coming up this season!
What are your thoughts? Does Stella McCartney’s style align with your own? Would you wear any of these looks? Let me know!

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Ask Away!

17 Nov

 

Hello all! Now I love writing my daily post, but am also curious as to what all of you, have to say. Is there a certain occasion, trend, or even just a style that you would like to see more of? Let me know in a comment below! Can’t wait to read the responses!

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