Just Jump!

So I recently fell in love with jumpsuit's. At first when they hit the stores I thought, "who came up with this horrible idea?" However I am a changed woman. On our recent trip to Italy every cute fashionable female was rockin' a jumpsuit. So I went on a quest and purchased one in Rome & let me tell you that was one of the best purchases I have ever made.

It looks a little something like this jumpsuit, which can be found at Asos via Polyvore.

I can't tell you how many compliments I've received on the jumpsuit. Think maxi dress on steroids. So I was out shopping and purchased a jumpsuit similar to this one below (I looked high and low online for it and couldn't find it but the cut of this is exactly like it) & paired it with a black blazer and a cute pair of wedges. You could add gold accessories like a chunky ring, earrings, a charm bracelet, and bangle.

Now that fall is around the corner you can spice up your wardrobe with this great & comfortable look.

Tiny Retreat from the New York Times

Sandra Foster had always wanted a retreat of her own since she was a teenager. As life would have it, this former hunting cabin became her safe haven. Ms. Foster lovingly turned this tiny victorian cottage- and boy do we mean tiny 9 feet x 14 feet - from a hunters cabin into a shabby chic retreat to call her own. Every nook and cranny is elegantly & thoughtfully decorated and what's even more amazing is that she did it all for $3000. 

Tiny Victorian Cottage [via The New York Times "Home&Garden" June 24, 2010]

(It's a good article) Read the entire article, "In the Catskills, Comfort in a Gingerbread House" By  Joyce Wadler via The New York Times

Labor Day

Labor Day is the unofficial official end of summer....sigh. Always a bittersweet holiday weekend, whether it be having a beach and sun filled weekend with family & friends, or having some quiet time catching up on good books, there is the feeling of knowing that the days will be getting shorter, and the temperature getting colder and sooner than we realize it the holidays will be here.
But enough of that.....to get you in the mood for the long weekend, here are some idea's for your Labor Day Weekend.

(Image Courtesy of Best Beaches)

Have a beach day, the beach is always relaxing, if you live close to the beach & know it will be warm, have a mini vacation at your local beach. Pack a picnic with some delightful treats, bring a good book, some tunes and don't forget your beach towel, beach chair & sunblock.

Steve Madden Beach Towel $19.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Super Comfy Beach Chairs at Bed Bath & Beyond $49.99

Alba SPF 45 $9.95 

(Image Courtesy of Real Simple & Anna Williams)

Get creative with your beach picnic - pick up some delicious sandwiches, sparkling water, a little apple pie, what ever floats your boat. Real Simple has some really great suggestions for a perfect beach picnic. Make sure to have plenty of napkins and ice handy and to keep your food shaded from the sun.

(Image courtesy of Graphics Hunt)

(Image Courtesy of Real Simple & Anna Williams)

If the beach isn't in your cards this weekend, invite a few friends over and hang out while enjoying a  glass of wine and prepare a meal together. This kind of bonding is great and sometimes it's better than going out. Real Simple is amazing and has such a variety of easy recipes that won't break the bank and will allow you to hang out with your guests instead of slaving away in the kitchen! I personally love the "Easy Grilling Guide: 5 Grilled Dinners." That got my taste buds going.

And lastly, there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with a little R&R. Take some time for yourself. Read a book, catch up on your favorite TV series, see a few movies, have a spa day, what ever floats your boat. 

Most importantly this weekend - enjoy your time off! xo

Letter Perfect

There is something about stationary that has a place in my heart. I feel like because we are in such a fast paced digital world the art of writing and receiving letters is almost lost. During my engagement and wedding planning I was able to indulge in stationary and it has forever inspired me. As a rule I think that everyone should have a set of classic "Thank You" cards on hand and a simple set of blank cards. You never know when you'll need them.

Kate Spade - I love what can I say, these are some pieces that have caught my eye and are worth picking up and having on hand.

(All Images Courtesy of Kate Spade New York)

I also really love personalized stationary. It's a perfect gift for someone you care about. For my mothers birthday last year I gave her a set of personalized stationary.  A simple monogram in navy blue, it's come in handy and it's a little personal touch when sending written correspondence (which is so rare these days). Crane & Co. has an AMAZING personalized stationary line that is worth checking out and purchasing some pieces from, either for yourself or as a gift. It makes a fantastic birthday gift or housewarming present.  Here are a few of my favorite items from the collection:

(All Images Courtesy of Crane & Co.)

Hope you're inspired to pick up some of these charming pieces and write your loved one's a sweet note. After all, usually the mail is filled with bills or junk so it is such a nice treat to open the mail and find a note from someone you care about! xo 

I love my....

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue

This product is amazing! I use it daily on my hair and it has been the biggest lifesaver ever. It is a nourishing tonic that is great for moisturizing those dry ends. My hair is shiny and feels so much better, not to mention this product also protects your hair from UV rays. It is not heavy and does not weigh your hair down. Made with Camellia petal the scent is light and fresh. If you're looking for something to tame your mane I highly recommend this product, a little goes a long way. $68

Steve Jobs Top 5 Quotes Of All Time by Loren Ridinger

Loren Ridinger, is a powerhouse. Since Steve Jobs resigned as CEO of Apple on August 24th, today she shared on her blog, "Steve Jobs Top 5 Quotes of All Time." I thought this was an interesting collection of quotes and wanted to share it with you.

"Steve Jobs Top 5 Quotes Of All Time

Steve Jobs, creator of Apple and Pixar announced his resignation as CEO of Apple yesterday. The 'Walt Disney' of our time, Stevehas revolutionized our culture and the way we live. Steve's passion and vision has inspired many and made Apple the most profitable company in the world. When it comes to innovation Apple's CEO Steve Jobs is legendary, his quote 'think different' is much more than an ad is a culture. In honor of his illustrious career Loren's World lists Steve Jobs top 5 quotes of all time. 

1. Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.

2. Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. 

3. Put a ding in the universe

4. "Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes.. the ones who see things differently - they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things.. they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do."

5. Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."

Thank you Loren!

I don't think Steve Jobs stepping down is a bad thing, I think he is embracing change and has made the best decision for himself. Change is good and I posted this article to celebrate his new chapter in life and Apple's new chapter! xo

Go to Bed!

I'm having a hard time getting a move on it today & I've used it as an opportunity to find some sleepwear that is super cute & stylish. We do after all spend 1/4 of our lives in bed - just say no to the frumpy dumpy sleepwear and pick up something fresh and cute and most of all COMFORTABLE! xo

Go to Bed! by melissaperry featuring a lace chemise

Pretty Patterned Sheets

There is nothing else like a wonderful pair of sheets. Good quality sheets are a must, they just feel so good. Lately I've been obsessed with pattered sheets. Given our duvet cover is white I like to add pizazz to our room by mixing up the sheets. If you're fickle like me, you can achieve so many different looks for your room by switching the sheets.

Recently I purchased a set of Pimento French Ring sheets from Serena & Lily. I'm obsessed with these sheets, they are so incredibly soft, and feel wonderful, not to mention the pattern is fantastic - it's classic but with a modern twist.  As a result of being in love with these sheets, I didn't want to get out of bed today - thus I was prompted to gush about sheets. Become a fan on Facebook because they often have promotions that offer a discount.

(Image courtesy of Serena & Lily)

If you're into the small geometric prints, West Elm, sells these Dot Print Sheet Set's which are super cute. A little playful but clean at the same time. These sheet set's have a price point of $59-$99. 

(Image courtesy of West Elm)

Ikat is everywhere not just in your living room but in your bedroom too! You can purchase an Ikat Sheet Set at West Elm, they are organic which is always nice to have. The set runs from $79.00 - $119.00 for a set. To me these sheets seem better suited for a more modern space. 

(Image courtesy of West Elm)

I love anything & everything Marimekko and Crate & Barrel has quite the selection of Marimekko sheets. My personal fave are these, Pieni Unikko Black sheets, shown below. Sets range between, $84.95 - $159.00, if you're a poppy colorful type of person who likes to make a statement these are your sheets.  These are definitely great if you're space is modern or has a mid-century aesthetic to it.

(Image courtesy of Crate & Barrel)

These bold sheets have a little vintage flair to them, they can be found at Sin In Linen - the Wallflower sheets are a nod to victorian bordellos....hubba hubba. $69.00-$129.00 a set.

(Image courtesy of Sin In Linen)

Diane von Furstenburg, always a trendsetter has a bedding line and these Batik Dot Sheets are luxurious. I personally like this light blue / green color, appropriately named "Bahamas." They can be found at Bloomingdales. 

(Image courtesy of Bloomingdales)

I am in LOVE with the Sunbird sheet set at Anthropologie. Anthropologie makes really nice bedding, that is so soft and well made. What I like about their bedding is that it is unique and you can find something that fits your personality. $48.00-$168.00

(Image courtesy of Anthropologie)

Now you can spruce up your bed and get some zzzzz's in style xo

Glamour Girl

Looking to spruce up your wardrobe this fall?  Grab a pair of skinny jeans, & a simple tank, use this as a base, add a fierce blazer, velvet is going to be hot this season, and I always am a fan of the slightly un-structered blazer, add some hot heels like the one's shown here. Since your outfit is very simple - the accessories will be the items to dictate the look you're going for.

Glamour Girl by melissaperry featuring platform high heels