Is It Fall Yet?

Mmmmm... here's a little autumn anticipation for you from J. Crew's Fall lookbook. I have to admit - I am loving the renewed direction of J.Crew over the past few seasons. The days of ultra preppy seem long gone. Let's embrace the fabulousness of the chic city girl who knows how to embrace clean lines with a bit of edge. Truly loving it...

Check out the entire J.Crew Fall 2010 Lookbook here

Reasonable Replicas: The Sofette Edition

Yesterday I blogged about my desire for a chic sofette for my living room. The problem: every piece was well over $1000. Not really in my price range right now. So naturally, I went on a prowl for more frugal finds. I like these two choices and will definitely keep them in mind when it comes time to make a choice. However, I have to do a little more research first :-)

From Overstock for about $409

I absolutely LOVE the subtlety of this grey piece.
From West Elm for about $600 - 700, depending on the fabric of your choice

I Want It: Sofette

Happy Monday Folks! Hopefully it is a happy day for you all. I'm still riding high from my weekend getaway to New York. And taking today off of work was genius. Nothing like a three day weekend!

Visiting my parents and talking to my mom about the progress I'm making decorating my apartment got me excited all over again. It's coming together nicely, and I'm inspired by so many blogs and sites. I recently bought a cognac leather sofa, and I'm looking for another addition to the living room. I have a leather loveseat that I wouldn't mind getting reupholstered or possibly finding a great slipcover for. But I wouldn't mind a chic sofette or settee instead.

Love the color on this one - the leather looks butter soft

I don't think this one would fly with my boyfriend, but I still like it. Maybe for a study or room turned into a closet ;-)

Photos: Anthropologie

NYC Bound

Photo: here

I'm heading home for the weekend to spend some much needed family and friends time.

Have a safe and lovely weekend.

See you on Tuesday!

Tea for Two... or Three

I've been obsessing for awhile now about having a modern tea party with my gals. I've never been to a tea party, and quite frankly - those I see on TV look rather stiff and too conservative for my taste. I'm thinking more along the lines of free-flowing... colorful dresses, yummy finger foods (and cupcakes!), and champagne along with tea. I can see it now - laughter and silliness mixed with serious and insightful conversation.

I have no idea of the when or where, or even all the whats, but I know it's something I want to do. Therefore, I need to research. That's the fun part! What would this tea gathering look like? What kind of vibe do I want to establish? What's my color scheme??? So many things to consider. I like these pics that I saw in the most recent issue of Nonpareil Magazine (if you know anyone who is looking to have a funky, crafty wedding anytime soon, you must check this site!).

I love the delicate and antique look of the flowers, dessert trays, and the dishware. Definitely something for me to think about :-)

Photos: Nonpareil Magazine

Going Strong / Ladylike for Fall

So I'm reading the August issue of Vogue, and there's an article about Christina Norman, the new CEO of Oprah's OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) that will premiere early 2011. I know a lot of people who are Oprah-haters. "When is she going to retire?" "Why doesn't she talk about more relevant issues concerning x, y and z?"

Look, I understand that this woman is not going to please everyone. So I cut her some slack. Actually, it's deeper than that. I love me some Oprah! I'm not gonna lie or deny it. I think she does well with the abundance that she has been given. And that's good enough for me.

That said, I am thrilled that she will have this network to continue her work after she retires from her show next year. And the article about Norman (sorry, I'm not going to ruin it) leads me to believe that it will be nothing short of awesome.

Christina Norman as seen in August's Vogue

In addition to this news, I was floored by the sneak peaks of what Fall fashion has in store. I LOVE the polka dot dress Norman is wearing in this photo, and it looks as if ladylike lavishness is going to be huge. Yesssssssss!

Prada's Fall coat captures this perfectly:

Photo: Style

It's like 50's librarian meets the 21st century. The gloves, the glasses, the plaid... I don't believe this look from head-to-toe is my style, but I can see the coat with a funky belt and faded dark denim, maybe with a few rips and tears. Make it your own people!!!

Lovin Lula

I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday! If you're anything like me, it's almost 2PM and you still have your PJ's on, sipping on a cup of tea, and browsing the Web like it was the New York Times.

I have been on a kick lately where I'm trying to read magazines that I'm not familiar with - some of my regulars are Lucky, People Style Watch, Essence, and House Beautiful. I've been venturing out and leafing through design mags from Australia and Italy. But the little gem I stumbled upon was the latest issue of Lula Magazine. Maybe it was their Doll Is Mine spread, but I was like WOW - it made me want to play with my mom's makeup and put on her high heels like I used to when I was a little girl.

The spread is floaty with sorbet colors abound. Take a look:

Photos from here

Here's a closeup of the angelic makeup palette:

Liking the lavender lids

Fruity pout :-)

Maybe I'll try lining my upper and lower lids with a soft shade...

I never thought green was a good shade for me (I'm a pink and purple gal) but she makes me want to give it a try

Photos: Lula Magazine

I thought it would be fun to look for some pieces that could help you pull off this fun and flirty look. Here are some options. Enjoy!

All pieces from Ruche


Dress from Ruche, wedge by Unlisted by Kenneth Cole, Stila shadows, and Kat Von D lipcolor

Clutching Prada

I saw this clutch on Everything Fabulous (great blog by the way!) and had to share:

Photo: Everything Fabulous

I haven't worn anything clear since jellies when I was a little girl. But something about this clutch is ultra fab. Maybe it's the bubble clasp, or the neutral material for the trimming, or even the way this woman is holding it. But DAMN! I like it :-)

I found it on Bluefly for $796. A girl can dream, right???

Devon's / Roy Love For Fall

It's Sunday. Ahhhhh... The day before getting back to the hustle and bustle of the work week. I love Sundays. Even though there's the anticipation of the busy work week ahead (as I experience working in an advertising agency), there's a strange sense of peace that always envelopes this day.

Today, I had the pleasure of sharing brunch with a good friend. We enjoyed the Grilled Chicken and Lump Crabcake sandwiches at Devon Seafood Grill in historic Rittenhouse Square. Their fries were cooked to perfection. And the bottle of wine we had - YUMMY!!!


As usual, we had girl talk - men, work, politics, and FASHION. We both admitted that although it was only July, we were both excited for the upcoming Fall season. There's something about the Fall... the colors, the change of seasons that's evident everywhere you look, the crisp autumn air, opaque tights...

When I got home from brunch, I loosened my pants and hit the Web. The talk of Fall fashion made me want to see what was ready to hit the stores in a mere few weeks. Thus far, I've avoided watching any of the Fall 2010 fashion shows. I can't take the anticipation! Plus, I enjoy the September issues of all my favorite fashion magazines. Needless to say, that all went down the drain this afternoon.

If you remember a few weeks ago, I featured a dress by Rachel Rachel Roy. There are a lot of designers that I like, but I adore Rachel Roy. Not only is she just BEAUTIFUL, but she's always classy and chic. Everyone looks good in her digs. So I made a visit to style.com to check out her Fall 2010 collection. Here are my picks:

Gold + draping = goddess gear

My boyfriend once called me the Cardigan Queen. Yes, I love cardigans - they can be the ultimate chic cover up. But I've now grown to love a great blazer. Fit is everything, folks.

A great coat is key in the winter. Sometimes, that is all someone may see of your outfit - so make it count

I'm not sure if this is a sweater or a coat, but I'm loving it

I love the colors and the details of these two skirt suits. I wish I had someplace to wear a piece like one of these. As of right now, my lifestyle doesn't call for it, but one day...

All photos from style.com

Oh, Happy Pills

Happy Friday Folks!

Today we (astral) travel overseas to satisfy our sweet tooth...

I imagine somewhere in Barcelona there are plenty of people running around with cavities. That is exactly what would happen to me if I lived there and had a shop called Happy Pills in the vicinity. I've scoured the Internet trying to find their website, but to no avail. I was able to grab some pics from Lovely Package, a place to check out the some of the best when it comes to packaging design.

Think of your standard candy shop where you load up on treats in a blah plastic baggie at your local mall - then times that experience by ten. This place is all about aesthetics. You pick your poison (pun intended), and pack them into chic plastic or jar containers that resemble prescription bottles.

I'm not promoting candy that looks like drugs. I'm just saying I like the packaging :-)

Nightstand Fixer Upper

Hello lovely people :-)

Today I bring you a set of drawers that I just couldn't part with. It's an oldie but goodie! It came as a set with my desk, but I could never find good use for it. I came close to giving it away after I moved last September, but fought against it. Now, almost a year later, I think it's time to give it a makeover.

Below are the BEFORE pics. I've been doing a lot of research online, and convinced my boyfriend to help turn our thrift store find into a new piece of furniture. I'm thinking of using a satin-based paint in a color in either the turquoise or chocolate family. I'm excited to share the AFTER pics, so stay tuned!

Kinda looks like a smiley face :-)

Not the best quality since I took it with my cell phone, but I can't find my camera attachment.

FREE(dom)

During this holiday weekend, I've had the chance to travel and visit family and friends that are out of town. But I had to take a raincheck - for some reason, this extended weekend feels like the perfect time to take a break from it all. Time to take a step back and reflect.

I started this blog as an outlet of creativity. As of this moment, not a single soul knows about this blog. It's just me penning my thoughts after hours of reading and browsing on the web. I am inspired by so many - the colors, the textures, the patterns and unique styles that flash across my computer screen. I can barely contain myself sometimes.

I have no idea where this may lead. But I am elated to be a part of the blogging community. So here's to being free to do what you want and following your dreams.

Fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art - taken from visitphilly.com's photostream on Flickr

Reasonable Replicas: The West Elm Edition

I made it to the weekend! Yes, I was a little overwhelmed with work towards the end of the week. But I had Friday off, and now I’m feeling rested and ready to enjoy my holiday weekend. I took some “me time” yesterday and did some healthy food shopping at Trader Joe’s, and even treated myself to yet another delicate top from J. Crew.

The Coralie cami in Mink - - looks good on me!

But I also took some time to think about the direction of my blog. Thus far it has been completely random thoughts on variations of stylish people, places, and things. And you know what? I think I like it that way! My life from 9 - 5 is very formulaic. So I will take pleasure in bringing you the randomness in my spare time. Whatever catches my eye, heart, and sometimes my wallet :-)

Along with the randomness, I will share with you my joy in finding beautiful things on sale. That’s right - you will get tidbits from my world of frugality (the J. Crew top above was on sale for $49.99 from $88 - with an additional 20% off!!!). I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love finding a bargain. And today will be my first feature of Reasonable Replicas!

So a few days ago, I featured a few items from West Elm that I hope will someday make their way into my living room. But if not, I wouldn’t be upset to see any of the following.

First up, the PATCH NYC Pillow Covers - West Elm has them at $34.

Automatically, I thought to browse through Etsy to see what I could find. And sure enough, I adore the pillows at Kain Kain’s shop. Like the PATCH NYC versions, these pillows feature elements of nature.

Cute Birdie - Embroidery Pillow Cover

Brown Linen with Leaves Branch Embroidery Pillow Cover

Borneo Tree Embroidery Pillow Cover in Fresh Green and Brown

The pillows featured here range from only $15 - 20, with many more at their shop.

So what's a room without a little dressing for the floor? West Elm’s Andalusia Rug appealed to me because of the chartreuse color and print.

But JC Penney’s Cindy Crawford Poppy Rug has a touch of the chartreuse as well, and I like that it has that nature theme that we see in the Kain Kain pillows. Not to mention that the price is way more reasonable - and it’s currently on sale (can’t beat that).

Love, love, love the natural colors and print

Finally, we have West Elm’s Gourd Table Lamp for $179.


Yes, I think they're quite simple yet fabulous (I like simplicity). But at a whopping $179, I can get the Reasonable Replicas version of the pillows, rug, and this Artesia Amber Glass Table Lamp:

It’s currently on clearance from $200 to $60. Come on!!! Can’t pass on that. And the amber... what more can I say?

So that's all for today. Hopefully your home looks as jazzy with similar pieces as you entertain this holiday weekend. And if not, no worries - I'll have you ready by Labor Day!