Showing posts with label polyvore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label polyvore. Show all posts

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Haul out the holly...

My husband just spent the better part of the evening schlepping all our Christmas decoration up the from the garage, and I was greeted with 32 years of holiday.  Hooray!

Although I never part with anything Christmas related, I have created some very specific rules around what goes on display- simply put, it has to be red or gold.  No silver bells and no green- unless its pine scented.  The only exceptions being our actual tree decorations- our tree is like a scrap book and I'd take the memories over the department store perfect tree anytime.

I was looking through the decorations and mulling over the dress your space philosophy.  I've mentioned it before, but I love the idea that thoughtful decor would reflect the same taste as a great outfit.  Well, consider this dressing your space in reverse... and check out these great holiday duds inspired by my fav decorations, and with an eye towards your budget, nothing over $100.

ps... can we have a moments pause for that red handbag from DSW?  $35- really?!  I'll race you to it.
Haul Out The Holly

Oasis crepe dress
$75 - oasis-stores.com

Moon Collection disco dress
$53 - modcloth.com

BKE top
$28 - buckle.com

Cropped jacket
£24 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Jersey pants
£19 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Nine West slip on shoes
$80 - zappos.com

La Regale metallic clutch
$30 - macys.com

Red handbag
$35 - dsw.com

Monday, November 14, 2011

Fur Real

... or more accurately faux fur real.  I am so in love with the fur trend that comes out in fall- it makes me feel like Doris Day sipping cocoa next to a fireplace.


But, from a practical standpoint fur creates some challenges.  The first is ahem financial- not only can I not justify coat that costs as much as my mortgage, but I always run the risk of anything from a sucker to spit-up getting ground into what I'm wearing.  Then, there is the issue of proportion- a curvy girl in a fur piece can tend to look a little... Sasquatch-y.  Lastly, I hate looking like I rushed out and bought a trend, and while fur (real or faux) is timeless- many of the styles I'm drawn to smack of this weeks fashion mags.

So I've gathered a collection of my fav, mostly faux, fur pieces.  Reasonably priced (under $200), body skimming (to avoid "bulk") and each with a touch of retro.  Eat your heart out daycare moms!

Fur Real

Fur dress
$75 - modcloth.com

ONLY fur cardigan
£48 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Faux fur trim coat
$170 - topshop.com

Fake fur vest
$105 - warehouse.co.uk

Helene berman
$46 - theoutnet.com

Zara fur heel boots
$159 - zara.com

Star by Julien Macdonald teal bag
£39 - debenhams.com

Abercrombie Fitch knitted shawl
$98 - abercrombie.com

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Tufted Headboards- cozy on the cheap

 I've always gravitated to the commanding look of a four-poster bed.  But, lately I am really loving tufted headboards.  There is something about them that just seems so cozy and inviting, I just want to snuggle in. 
Even better- they are usually a less expensive alternative to big wooden bedsteads.
I especially love when they are slightly winged like this version from Broyhill.  They just barely remind me of the forts I built out of blankets as a kid- gotta love a reason to hideout in bed!




Here's My dream bedroom in creams and blues:






tufted headboard by substyle on polyvore.com

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Thomas Paul Flash Sale

Today on Haute Look, New York fashion designer turned furniture visionary Thomas Paul is showing in an invite only flash sale- use this link as your invitation to view.  Great classic lines in big, bold prints and with the most modern color pallets.  This is a great change to embrace the "dress your nest" philosophy.  Here are some of my favs... and what I'd like to wear with them.

Dress your nest

Zimmermann cutout dress
850 AUD - zimmermannstore.com
Mulberry print cocktail dress
$850 - mulberry.com
French Connection cotton dress
£69 - mylabel.co.uk
Missoni plunging neckline top
$552 - theoutnet.com
Flower top
$15 - kohls.com
Hobbs floral jacket
£179 - johnlewis.com
Tory Burch low heel boots
$495 - net-a-porter.com

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Fall Classics

While working on an entry for a Romwe knitwear contest on Polyvore, I was reminded of how much I love capes.  Initially intimidating, they are surprising easy to wear, and timelessly elegant.  I wear one with jeans, and a great pair of boots.  To pull it all together carry a structured bag.  
 
How do you wear your fall staples?

Monday, October 3, 2011

Wishing for waifishness...

I'm a curvy girl (when I'm not pregnant).  Curvy in the right places I think, bust and hips... a little softer the thighs than I like... but curvy in a good way.  Still, sometimes I find myself wishing for waifishness.  One of those times is when I see a great bold necklace like this one from Kenneth Cole.  Something about ample decolletage call out for a longer necklace, something that nestles in the cleavage.  A big bold necklace like this always feels like it is competing for attention.  So here's how I'd rock this necklace, if I were built for it- love that aside from the necklace, nothings over $50.  Urban chic on a coupon clipper budget.

Anybody out there got an idea how to balance baubles and bosom?  ... I'm all ears!


Cheap Monday top
€25 - weekday.com

Miss Selfridge skinny fit jeans
£25 - missselfridge.com

Riley tall slouch boots
$40 - payless.com

Club Monaco canvas handbag
$50 - shopbop.com

Kenneth Cole snake necklace
$65 - endless.com

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Dress like your nest...

I have mentioned this theory of design that says decorate your house like you dress...  so I thought I'd flip in around.  I considered yesterdays fall design obsessions, and with the help of Polyvore created outfits inspired by the design... no piece over $100

I love this houndstooth skirt- I kept it ultra simple with a black cashmere sweater and added a pop of color with the red Naturalizer pumps (fashion and function!)

Then I took the warm camel and caramel colors and created this layered sweater look with luxurious gold tone accessories.  What do you think?


houndstooth and neutrals

Victoria s Secret cashmere sweater
$50 - victoriassecret.com

Cashmere top
£45 - flannelsfashion.com

Cable knit cardigan
$35 - kohls.com

Pencil skirt
$51 - macys.com

Billy Blues stretch pants
$88 - nordstrom.com

Nine west shoes
$90 - nordstrom.com

Steel bracelet
$89 - yoox.com

Alexis Bittar bangle bracelet
$55 - alexisbittar.com

14k gold jewelry
$88 - kylerdesigns.com