Reduce. Reuse. Anthropologie.

February 8th, 2010 by Catherine

Waste positively irks me. It doesn’t matter if it’s food, money, water; I hold no particular specific dislike to one form over another. It’s partly the disregard to our precious planet, but also the insensitivity to the cause that gets to me. Why not switch from plastic bottles to refillable ones? It’s not difficult to turn off the water while you’re brushing your teeth, is it? And why not consider using leftovers from dinner for lunch tomorrow? These little changes make a huge impact in the quality of life for everyone.

The creative team at Anthropologie must feel the same way, given their current window displays. With 38 billion plastic water bottles being thrown out each year, they set out to reduce that number by creating delightful window displays and ceiling installations from them. And while their particular scale might be unattainable (and impractical) for your own home, I think a few displayed in a garden bed, or even a simple vase

Here’s how you can create your plastic garden:

1. Using a box cutter, carefully and lightly slice top of bottle off. The size all depends on how long you’d like your petals to be.

Picture 1

2. Cut out petals, in shapes of your choosing.

Picture 2

3. Bend cut petals back.

Picture 3

4. Paint them in colors and patterns of your choice.

Picture 4

{Images courtesy of Anthropologie and Flickr}

For inspiration on “growing” your own garden, simply visit your local Anthropologie store or click through after the jump for photos from national stores’ windows. Read the rest of this entry »

Daily Diamond: Wildfox Couture Red Sparkle Heart Jumper

February 8th, 2010 by Catherine
Show some love.

Show some love.

Having worked in public relations for a number of years, I can appreciate the spike in value an object has once connected with a hot celebrity. Perfumes, clothing lines, nail polishes, cars, even salads have a certain worth when paired with a movie/pop/TV star fan. Such, however, was not the case when I spotted this jumper on Jennifer Lopez. I just happen to really love wearing hearts. And with February’s end nowhere near, a punchy pop of color and love to my wardrobe won’t hurt to keep my spirits bright!

If it's good enough for her...

If it's good enough for her...

Sweet treats.

February 8th, 2010 by Catherine
Sweetie Pies, $49.00

Sweetie Pies, $49.00

I’ve grown to love Valentine’s Day. What’s sweeter than a day recognizing the people you love? The fact that the holiday centers around chocolate and other treats doesn’t hurt, either. While I was hoping to make some confections from scratch this year, it doesn’t look as though I’ll have the time. Thankfully, Williams-Sonoma has got my back with these sweets, available online and guaranteed to arrive by the 14th if you order by today!

Perfect Endings Heart Red Velvet Cake $68.00

Perfect Endings Heart Red Velvet Cake $68.00

Heart Madeleines, $19.95

Heart Madeleines, $19.95

A dress for all seasons.

February 7th, 2010 by Catherine

I’m not one to reinvent my wardrobe with every season’s change, which makes my appreciation for a great year-round dress even greater. When paired with boots, thick tights and a blazer, these dresses from French Connection look every bit the fashion plate as they do when worn bare legged and sleeveless in the warmer months. The maximum bang for your hard-earned buck is pretty sweet, too.

Raindrop Dress, $130.00

Raindrop Dress, $130.00

City Sparkle Dress, $120.00

City Sparkle Dress, $120.00

Edelweiss Dress, $148.00

Edelweiss Dress, $148.00

Love, love, love.

February 7th, 2010 by Catherine
Love Ring, $125.00

Love Ring, $125.00

I know plenty of people who wear their hearts on their sleeves, but what about love on their fingers and necks? I adore the idea of displaying a little love, no matter what your romance-status may be.

Arrow Pendant, $125.00

Arrow Pendant, $125.00

Retro Love Ring, $110.00

Retro Love Ring, $110.00

How sweet are these lovely designs by CCSkye?

Living well, spending wisely in Brooklyn.

February 6th, 2010 by Catherine

Inspiration, for me, comes from knowing others are on the same course as I am – to live well and spend wisely. Such a life goal can be tricky, especially when there’s temptation to shop all around us. But then there’s someone who always comes along and makes me realize I’m not the only one trying to make a great life on a budget.

The Wall Street Journal recently published such inspiration for me. Click through the image below for a tale about writer Neal Templin’s daughter surviving in Brooklyn.

Image courtesy of Steve Pica/WSJ.com

Image courtesy of Steve Pica/WSJ.com

Nine West Spring Trunk Show.

February 5th, 2010 by Ruth
Post, Ships 3/9, $120

Post, Ships 3/9, $120

I love shopping at Nine West for affordable Spring/Summer shoes and accessories. A few days ago, they launched a pre-order  2010 Trunk Show. Nine West Creative Director, Fred Allard “felt it was important to transition from the tough gladiator styles we had been seeing to a softer, more feminine look – with neutrals and metallics, but still keeping an edge with details like caviar studding.” Amen, Fred!

Here’s a few of our favorite picks. Which items will you be scooping up?

Liberty Patched Paisley Scarf, Ships 2/16, $38

Liberty Patched Paisley Scarf, Ships 2/16, $38

Earth Bound, 36 Necklace, Ships 2/15, $44

Earth Bound, 36" Necklace, Ships 2/15, $44


Daily Diamond: House of Harlow 1960 Peacock Cuff

February 5th, 2010 by Catherine
Bold bird.

Big bird.

Statement jewelry just had its bar raised with the launch of this stunning cuff from Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow 1960 collection. It’s a drastic departure from the delicate bangles I tend to wear, but one that’s got me all aflutter.

A little flair for your chair.

February 5th, 2010 by Catherine
Stripes.

Stripes.

I’ve never given chair legs much thought, and then I came across Chair Personality Socks from Charles & Marie, so now everything I once knew about home accessorizing has changed. These adorable little booties fit chairs with legs 4.3″-5.3″ in diameter, and come in 4 can’t-live-without designs. So maybe they’re not the most essential item you’ll buy for your home, but they’ll definitely strike up more conversation than your figurine collections.

Sock convention.

Sock convention.

Preppiest Pink Argyle.

Preppiest Pink Argyle.

Gray Argyle.

Gray Argyle.

{Chair Personality Socks, Charles & Marie, $20.00 for set of 4}

Florals done right.

February 4th, 2010 by Catherine

V295306

Thanks to an overkill during the 90s, florals have taken on a bad name (here’s looking at you, Laura Ashley). But thanks to new, sweet designs from designers worldwide, they’re slowly making a triumphant, chic-er return to everyday runways. This skirt from Victoria’s Secret’s PINK collection, is just too sweet to pass up. Toughen it up with a leather jacket, or simplify your look as the model has done here; all you need is a basic tank and hoodie.

{High-Waist Skirt, Victoria’s Secret, $29.50}