Book Fashion

Who doesn't love the classics?

I am really enjoying uncovering Penguin designer Coralie Bickford-Smith, who designs their hardcover classics: Jane Austen, Homer, etc. What a great idea to revamp them with modern designs to create interest and remind me to re-read them. These would be great to collect or to give as a gift. I just think they're perfect!

Look how great they'd look on a bookcase! So Creative!

"Featuring gorgeous patterns stamped on linen cases, colored endpapers, and ribbon markers, these are rich and sumptuous volumes that continue what will be one of the most coveted sets of books ever produced." -Penguin Group

Wedges Wedges Everywhere

I always enjoy a good wedge. Wedges tend to be super comfortable, funky, very easy to stay in all day, & dance the night way which what makes them a great transition shoe. Wedges like most heels come in a variety of heel heights.
Here's what I am liking this spring:

Seychelles 

I've already ordered these! So adorable!

Burberry

Tory Burch

Valentino

Anthropologie

Moschino

Christian Louboutin 1

Christian Louboutin 2

espresso yourself

I was lunching at 676 Restaurant & Bar on Michigan Ave, located inside the Omni Hotel, when I noticed how much I really liked my coffee mug!  The restaurant is a really nice lunch spot with floor to ceiling windows and delicious items (I ate Margarita Flatbread with pesto, hand rolled mozzarella, grilled tomatoes, pine nuts, and a Blue & Black Salad...so yummy).

My cup & saucer

Now you might be wondering "what makes an Awesome coffee cup & saucer?" 

1. The handle is perfect for just about my whole hand

2. The rim is substantial & wide to let the coffee cool so I don't burn my tongue off

3. The cup is large enough so that my free hand has the option to "cup it" and it was thick so it doesn't burn too

4. The saucer angles up with that extra edge to support the spoon & the sugar

5. The style is modern & bright!

Looking underneath the saucer I discovered that the manufacture is Steelite- a hospitality provider...last time I checked theAuv doesn't count :(

So I am on a mission to find similar coffee mugs especially since I just purchased my first French Press from Bodum! I'll let you know how I get on with it...it should be interesting!  It is the green way to brew fresh coffee and I've heard such tasty reviews of the coffee that comes from a French press. Suggestions on mugs and coffee brands would be appreciated.

Oh won't you stay just a little bit longer

Today's sunshine is beautiful but what a teaser...

oh summer how I miss you 

xoxo
ME 

School Wardrobe Envy

I love Glee! Glee is such a fun and quirky show. Mind you there were a few moments in season 1 when it was bit juvenile and I thought to myself "why am I watching a high school drama show??" Then the next thing I knew I was sucked in by the songs, the dancing and the hilarious Ms. Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch). So if you're skeptical click on the video...HILARIOUS!


On to the important bits: the Style
Two character's attires standout as my favorites: Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) & Emma Pillsbury (Jayma Mays). I love lots of pieces from their looks and thanks to both for reminding me that cardigans in bright colors can be so darn cute dressed up or while running earrands.


Rachel- Even myself as a blondie, I love her dark hair and dark look. Rachel's wardrobe is full of skirts, knee high socks, flats, and shirts with vests. A very preppy girly style...

Sometimes it gets a little on the punky bruster side of things but overall I like the look. I am really digging the belt with the dress and the knee highs with flats in a skirt for cool spring days. I especially like the gold flats with the black socks as I just purchased these Choos in Palm Beach. Pefecto!

Emma's look is a sweetheart style full of colors layered then a sudden hint of contrast, lots o'cardigans, embellished blouses and chunky jewelry. She's a bit quirky on the show and it suits her wardrobe.

Real Life Finds for these looks

For the spring I will certianly be rocking knee high stockings

On the Runway     &                                                                                      SJP

Where I plan to investigate my style envy:

Jcrew

 

Lily Pulitzer

Cheerio!

Sweetest Things

MMMMmmmmm Doughnuts....

Picture taken by me @ work today b4 I devoured the little thing...didn't take long.

La Dolce Vita

Milano Fashion Week is in full swing! Italian Fashion houses are parading their beautiful masterpieces through to Wednesday before it heads into it's final week à Paris, mais naturellement. It's always bit odd to be looking at the Fall/Winter collections when I am really looking forward to my white shorts and slipping into my sperry's before I head off to lake for sunshine but then again all I need to do is look out the window to see grey skies filled with flurries and I can accept admiring the fall 2010 collections.

A few of My Top Standouts (so much to choose to from!!) and where I image I would where them because of course I can fly to Milan tomorrow and order them for myself ;)

Black-tie Event

Alberta Ferretti- from Milan, known for her draping and twist techniques...

The office (perfect for après work in the City too)

Prada- Luxury Goods from La Italia

I really like that the tights pattern doesn't clash with the dress

Gucci-The ultimate "bling" fashion house and the largest in Italy.
Always a large fashion show production with every detail thought about-so tailored.
Day and night wear picks

I L-O-V-E this wide belt, that was a key element in the fall/winter collection.  If I can afford the Gucci (which I can't wait to see what the price will be-fingers crossed it's reasonable) I think I'll be adding this accessory to my wardrobe! It looks great with each outfit!

Smile Spakle & Shine! Looks like glitter is here to stay!

Looking at my selections, I  like black-a classic choice, no?

2 days left in Milano and I would love to sip a Lemonchello while looking at collections. Arrivederci!




Pictures from Milan Fashion Week

Take a little trip Take a little trip and See

I am really looking forward to checking out the to new West Elm store that just opened in the city! Hooray no more treks out to Oak Brook, where until now the only IL store existed!

West Elm, to me, reflects some key elements when looking for home or office furnishings: Simple, Modern & (mostly) Affordable.  Their style really doesn't waver away from the simple side of things, which is why you can add a piece to your space whatever your taste may be and it usually works!

A HUGE bonus is that many of the items at West Elm come assembled, so no accidently screwing through the new TV stand you just purchased...whoops! If furniture is not what you need, I am seeing lots of textures and accent pieces that would compliment most tastes...definitely want to curl up with one of those throws!

I love these clips shown for curtains but the clips could certainly be used for hanging art work, pictures,  or dried flowers. I could also totally use them in my accessory closet (yes I have an accessory closet-very handy when getting ready) to hang small towels, scarves, headbands or whatever! Really anything would look great hanging from these clips!


 I am really digging these "Scoop Back" chairs that I came across, so FUN! The grey striped chair seems to be calling my name, tres chic.I wonder if their comfortable or awkward?

So without stepping a foot in the store, the only foreseeable downside is that it's located where every other store happens to be off North Ave, so getting there will be an adventure-any takers?


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