After seeing this image of Nicole Richie in front of France’s Eiffel Tower, it’s my new mission in life to recreate this portrait one day. There’s just something so lovely about the contrast in the subjects – a simple kiss in front of a major monument – that makes for a darling snapshot.
{Image courtesy of NicoleRichie.celebuzz.com}
Obsessed as I am with making my bed each morning, and ensuring my home is neat and tidy every night before bed, I can’t help but want to loosen up a little bit on particularly rushed days, and dozy nights. My boyfriend, with whom I’ve been with for over four years now, can’t seem to understand my need for clean. And while I’ve fought this since we first met, I’ve accepted our yin and yang ways quite happily now.
But that doesn’t mean I will ever lose my Type-A ways. I’ve just found ways around them. Take, for example, my bed. My current comforter has been in need of an upgrade for quite some time now, so I set out to find something polished and simple, but something that wouldn’t look awful when left unmade. A rosette comforter was the perfect choice, with its pleats and gathered fabric that (almost) looks better rumpled.
I took inspiration from this Anthropologie quilt that looked beautiful, but was far from my budget of $100. After trolling websites and stores, I finally found the perfect, budget-friendly alternative at Target for only $69.99, which meant I had room left over to change up my curtains, too.
What do you think of the transformation?
Before: A little too formal for such a comfy bed.
After: Much less buttoned-up, for maximum sweet dreams.
Remember when style experts would stress the importance of staying far, far away from horizontal stripes of any kind? At risk of looking wide and (gasp!) fifteen pounds heavier, we went all vertical, all the time. Thank goodness rules were made to be broken, otherwise we’d miss out on major style points. Just take these picks – can you imagine life without them? They just scream Parisian-chic, and are available at any budget.
{Ruffle-Trim Jersey Dress, Old Navy, $24.50}
I’d cinch the waist of this dress with a chunky brown belt and pair it with peep-toe wedges. And then I’d frolic about town.
{Striped Vest, Need Supply Co., $52.00}
The forgiving silhouette is so flattering on days when you’re feeling less-than-flattered.
{Carlota Stripe Dress, Rachel Pally, $224.00}
I’m not sure I can live without this dress, which I’d wear all spring and summer long to dinners and on lazy strolls.
Nothing says spring quite like a bunch of cheery flowers. So with our ground still covered in snow, and warm weather still a few months away, I’ve taken the fairest season into my own hands with these lovely bunches of daffodils. They’ve brightened up both my home and my cloudy mood for just $10.
I’m going to Aruba in June for a week and am already sweating about my packing problems. I tend to overpack (give me a break here – what girl doesn’t?), but with restrictions and bag fees, I’m getting nervous that I’ll wind up dipping into my vacation fund to cover excess charges. Luckily, someone else with similar problems to my own thought of a solution. It’s called www.3floz.com, where you’ll find luxury products from favorite brands like Ahava, Jonathan, Ole Henriksen, Malin + Goetz, and more, all in handy, TSA-approved sizes. For all you expert packers out there, this might not be the most exciting news you’ve heard today, but for those of us who’ve seen beloved lotions and potions be tossed out at security checkpoints, we’re pretty darn excited this won’t happen again.
I’ve made my picks already (hey, I’m excited for my trip!), and listed them below. Any Chic-Thrills readers out there with upcoming trips?
{Frequent Flyer Kit, Ahava, $22.00}
{Rejuvenating Oil, Philip B., $30.00}
{Essential Kit, Malin + Goetz, $30.00}
With brands being added by the day, it’s nice to know there’s a website catering to make travel a little more comfortable. For more great products, fly on over!
While sitting on the F train heading back down to the office, I had a rather lengthy conversation with Dina Fierro, of Eye4Style fame, about her manicure. She spilled the beans – she had quickly done them the night before and used Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure.
In all honesty, I was shocked! Not only was I surprised to hear that this was her favorite drug store brand, but I was intrigued when she began to tell me about the special paint brush that has multi-length bristles. It’s on the thicker side and has a round-ish tip. So, this weekend I made a trip to my local Walgreen’s and scooped up the polish in Commander in Chic.
To put it simply, I was blown away by the results. The brush itself was shaped like a “U” and made for a smooth, error proof manicure. The paint itself went on flawlessly, and had the perfect texture and consistency. And at $8, this is a no-brainer for those looking for a gorgeous color and easy, quick application.
Check out some of my pictures of the nail color and brush below.
When paired together, I think black and gold pack a huge visual punch. There’s nothing particularly fancy about any of my top home and accessory picks below, but something about the color combination really gets my heart racing.
{Black Gold Triangle Necklace, House of Harlow 1960, $125.00}
{Black and Gold Mirror, Cindy Crawford for JCPenney, $109.99}
{Wood Bracelet with Studs, Gap, $16.50}
{Thank your Lucky Stars Cluster Ring, Kate Spade, $95.00}
To buy, click individual images for links to retailers.
I did a major double-take when I spotted these gorgeous heels from a store at which I never shop. It’s not that I have anything against Ann Taylor per se, it’s just that up until recently, the clothes just haven’t suited my taste. But in recent months, the brand has overhauled its image, appealing to a broader set of consumers, myself included. This leads me to my new favorite pair of shoes.
{Camille Bloom Sandal, $158.00}
Seriously – what’s not to like about these sandals? Similar in design to this pair from Christian Louboutin, the delicate blooms add just enough whimsy to a highly versatile shoe, altogether avoiding the risk of looking like you borrowed from your little sister’s dress up shoes. These would be just as appropriate in a create office environment as they would at a black tie wedding, plus the 3 1/2″ heel won’t leave you barefoot by day’s/night’s end.
Here on the east coast this weekend, we got a taste of spring, with unseasonably warm weather and lots of blue skies. And with nothing to do but go about my Saturday at a very leisure-friendly pace, I got a chance to remember the feeling of warm sun and fresh – not biting – air. I wasn’t the only one enjoying the break from hibernation, either. All around me, people emerged from their homes to enjoy this break from the brutal cold and snow we’ve had over the past three months, reenergizing the world around me. So for the rest of the weekend, I enjoyed the simple things in life – a teary movie, a good book, and time spent catching up with good friends.
I also learned that the very best cure for winter Sunday night blues is a giant helping of vegetarian chili, served with sharp cheddar cheese, copious amounts of cilantro, and warm cornbread. While the cornbread came from a box, my chili was a labor of love for much of my Sunday afternoon. For the recipe, click through to read on.
How did you spend your weekend? (more…)
After seeing the bathroom of Flaming Lips lead singer, Wayne Coyne, on FlavorWire.com, I felt it was necessary to share with you. It’s such an incredible use of space, but certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. Fitzsimmons Architects created a Jetsons-esque room, with mirrored tile and trippy use of color, and a budget we can only imagine as sky-high.
I love the unusual elements and bold escape from the norm, but want to hear from you, too. If you had the means to do so, would you go for a bathroom like this?
