Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Changes


Some Feng Shui practitioners say the bedroom, of all the rooms in your house, most accurately represents your inner self. It's usually filled with personal belongings, a private place that guests don't typically see - sometimes even locked or hidden from view. Therefore, the state of your bedroom might be worse than the rest of your house, and may serve as a dumping ground in some cases. When I have guests over, I usually spend my energy clearing up the front of our house, ignoring my bedroom's needs. The fact that it is located at the far corner doesn't help matters. If my bedroom represents my inner self, then I'll be the first to admit I'm in desperate need of an overhaul. The weather is brightening up, and perhaps the blue skies and hopeful breezes have stirred something in me to finally tackle all the junk that has been accumulating in my room. Lets be honest - a bedroom is where you sleep, and it's the first room you experience in the morning and the last at night. It's also the central location for your relationship or marriage. A cool, fresh coat of paint in a medium sage blue inspired by the ocean is where I've chosen to focus my energy. It's not much, but it's something...

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Pretty Things



I never thought I'd get excited about a pair of pillows, but here I am. Interior designers are always declaring how pillows can make a room appear more comfortable and also a good way to add color, style, and texture to your living space. It sounds simple enough, but I rarely see any attractive pillows and when I do, they are usually very expensive. I thought I'd put these pillows from the hip Dwell Studio line for Target on my couch, but they are constructed with a silky fabric and ended up looking more appropriate on my bed. They have a large peony print that I really dig. One side has a yellow background with grey flowers, and the other side has the opposite. The contrast between yellow and grey is appealing to me. I was looking for something bright and bold, with an uncomplicated print reminiscent of the 1960s and I was super excited when I found these at Target, the choice place to score affordable pieces with style.

Tiny Dancer


I recently purchased these darling slippers for my daughter. They are basic ballet shoes for her first class, made by Capezio. They fit perfectly, and are very well constructed. They came wrapped in tissue paper inside a thin black box, and when I opened them, I was transported back to when I was a little girl. I'm a bit wistful about my old ballet school days, so putting these slippers on my daughter for the first time along with tights and a leotard was a sweet experience. There's something inherently beautiful about ballet shoes, and these ones are so small and dear I almost want to prominently display them in our house.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Lovely


As you can see, Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker is an all-time favorite. I've been through a few bottles since it's release in 2005. Of all my perfumes, it's the easiest to wear - softly feminine and sensual, delicately balanced, and not overpowering. It is light and elegant, not cute or girlish - definitely a womanly scent. The pink-hued bottle is pretty with restrained and graceful curves. A grey grosgrain ribbon wraps around the bottle under the cap. I would highly recommend this scent to anyone looking for a light fragrance that does not overpower a room. Don't be intimidated when you read the description of the notes - the patchouli, for example, is a mere whisper. Top Notes: Mandarin, Bergamot, Lavender, Apple. Heart Notes: Patchouli, Paperwhite, Orchid. Base Notes: White Amber, Cedar, Musk.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Sunglasses

House of Harlow 1960, Nicole Richie's accessories line, is clearly inspired by 60s and 70s fashion. I needed a new pair of shades and I almost died when I found these greenish/greyish/brownish ones with gradient lenses. The oversized acrylic frames have a gold HH logo on the side. I love wearing them every day.

Yoga Chic


There's something so stylish about wearing delicate sandals to and from a strenuous workout. I've loved practicing yoga for years, and one of the fundamental reasons is the lack of extraneous equipment or tools needed. It's a minimalist routine, like a barefoot walk on the beach. It's just me, my mat, a bottle of water, and my breath. After class, I can slip on a pair of sunglasses and be on my way. Unlike cycling, skiing, or the countless other activities that require bulky, expensive, and often sharp equipment, yoga simply utilizes the body and mind and not much else. The act of yoga is beautiful, and the simplicity of the routine feels effortless and chic.

Timepiece


I never used to wear a watch. I thought it was a waste of real estate on my wrist, taking away from the possibility of wearing bangles or a cuff bracelet. I also thought it looked too businesslike for me. This negative attitude against all watches is one I held on to until I saw a gold Michael Kors watch on a friend. I was stunned by it's good looks. I've had one for over a year now, and I still love it. It's a heavy, handsome, masculine-inspired watch. It's the first watch I've ever worn that I enjoy looking at. It can be dressed up or down, day or night. Michael Kors watches are manufactured by Fossil, a brand that produces many good-looking and well-made styles of their own. From what I've heard, you can get a decent price on the more expensive Michael Kors watches at the Fossil outlet store.