Design Crush: Over-dyed Rugs

I’m currently crushing on over-dyed rugs right now.  The process is simple in concept yet intense in labor: deep hues are hand poured over vintage or traditional rugs which allow the original pattern to show through.  The end product is a vibrant and highly saturated version of the traditional rug.  Over-dyed rugs are a great way to add color and drama to an otherwise simple or understated room.  If I were Princess Jasmine, I would put in a special request to fly around on one of these with Aladdin! In addition to flying around town on one of these, I’m considering purchasing one of these rugs in red and pink hues to add to our new home where the color scheme will be mostly cool colors.  Rugs are a great way to bring a room together and identify a space, but the over-dyed richness really adds another level of character.  Can’t you just imagine the surprised reactions of your guests when they walk in and see one of these beauties?! Because the process to over-dye is done by hand, these rugs generally come with a hefty price; however, I have found some similar ones that are printed not hand dyed on Overstock for a 1/3 of the price! Go ahead and check out a whole new world of rugs…

Top left: Lavender Antique Overdyed Rug | Top right: Lavender Antique Overdyed Rug | Bottom: West Elm Katana Overdyed Kilim

Minty Fresh

A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to model for the LA Fashion Council x Asos online shop which features up and coming LA designers.  I fell in love with so many of the pieces as I modeled dozens of outfits – I have no idea how professional models don’t run off in the gorgeous outfits they model?! I was lucky enough to make it to the LA Fashion Council sample sale the day after the modeling shoot to pick up a couple items, like this simply perfect slip dress in the softest silk, from LA based designers.  This dress is lightweight enough throw on over a bikini for a pool party and is the perfect match to bold leather jacket – a win-win.  

Alana Hale Dress | Vintage Slip | Leifsdottir Leather Jacket | Shoedazzle Heels c/o | Thrifted Betsey Johnson Bag | Vans Sunglasses (on sale for $10)

 Shop my look:

Pretty in Pink

I usually opt for vintage when looking for a classic dress that will last through the years and is versatile enough to wear over and over again.  I was surprised to find exactly that in this Zara dress last year.  The silhouette, the fabric and texture, and soft color are perfect year-round (last seen here with some polka dot tights and trench).  As always, I like to mix things up a bit and paired this very ladylike and sophisticated dress with pumps that are both bright in color and fun in pattern.  I kept everything else muted, including light pink lips and a lucite bracelet. 

 Zara Dress | Color by Amber Bracelet c/o Style House PR | ShoeDazzle Cindy Pump c/o | Swarovski Ring c/o | H&M Clutch 

Walk This Way

I usually don’t wear skirts and dresses that are both fitted and mini; I usually opt for shorter and flowy or fitted above the knee.  My friend Jenny bought me this pretty little number for my birthday and I really loved it, but I was a bit weary.  I put it on so many times, but I would take it off thinking it’s too short and tight for me. I get flashbacks of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman when she walks about town in her mini dress and gets stare downs from people – I want to avoid the feeling of looking like a streetwalker.  For the record, I know that sounds ridiculous but we all have our quirks, right? Finally, I put on the skirt this past weekend while temps were in the 90s for a celebratory dinner with Alan.  I think I asked Alan about 100 times before we left for dinner if it was too short or too tight – obviously, his answer was no (I’m not sure what man would say yes!).   I paired the outfit with strappy nude heels to make my legs look longer, since I was feeling adventurous and thought “why not!?”  This was a good test because I did feel like a pretty woman all night, plus I think I look good in a mini.    

Madewell Shirt | Club Monaco Skirt | ShoeDazzle Brooklyn Heel c/0 | H&M Clutch | Anthropologie Necklace | Vintage Bracelets

Braids, Lace, and Florals

The extreme heats this weekend were a warm welcome from the rain earlier in the week.  It was also a nice change switching out from booties and leather jackets to sky high wedges in a pretty floral pattern and a simple white lace dress.  The high temps, however, mean that my thick hair transforms from easy breezy to feeling like I’m wearing a wool carpet on my head.  I love and hate my hair for the same reasons: it’s super thick and I have a lot of it, which means it’s equal parts fabulous and flowy and uncooperative on rainy days, humid days, and extremely hot days.  I have been experimenting with some simple fixes lately including the ever popular crown braid, which kept my hair out of my face and kept me cool. It was also the perfect add-on to this cutesy look.  So tell me ladies with thick hair, what are some of your tricks for keeping your hair in check?

H&M Lace Dress | ShoeDazzle Rosalie Wedges c/o | Vintage Bag | Anthropologie Necklace | Color by Amber Bracelet c/o StyleHouse PR

Summer Picnic with Penny Chic

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Shauna Miller of Penny Chic at a Swarovski hosted blogger dinner some time ago and we bonded immediately.  We talked fashion, family, weddings, and Arrested Development! Shauna is one of the sweetest gals around and I love that her fabulous blog brings on-trend fashion to every day ladies at an affordable price.  I was able to spend an afternoon with Shauna and Shideh (her photographer + equally adorable mom) to try out some picnic chic looks.  This entire look cost less than $125! Shauna is beauty, brains, and fabulous in one – she has a line of beautiful dresses at $20 a pop and has a finds of the week post where she shares great deals! Be sure to stop by her beautiful blog and say hello.

Thank you to Shauna and Shideh for a beautiful afternoon!  xx

Photos by Shideh Miller

Ikat Pencil Skirt + Breaktime

I think this week is devoted to breaks and naps – could it be a sign that I’m just a little overworked and need a vacation? I think so! After a long day at work, I was so excited to come home and veg out on our patio and enjoy the last minutes of the day.  BF was so sweet and brought out some water (unfortunately, not spiked) and snapped away.  I’ll definitely be doing another post with this gorgeous skirt from LA based Soldat Tailoring soon.  For those of you who work in a professional environment and are tired of the boring suits, then Soldat is  the answer.  I fell in love with Camilla’s suits when I modeled some of the looks for the LA Fashion Council x Asos shop. Can you imagine my excitement when I saw professional suits in beautiful prints and colors?  I’m definitely having Camilla create a fun suit for me. 

  

Gap Chambray (get 35% off with code GAP35) | Soldat Tailoring Skirt | ShoeDazzle Heels | RayBan Sunglasses | Anthropologie Necklace

Hammock Time

 

Lazy days are always a good option, especially when it includes a nap on a warm, sunny day.  I took a nice long nap in our hammock this weekend (the first time this year!).  As much as I love the idea of naps, I rarely fall asleep. I usually just lay there and think, which is the opposite of relaxation, no? I must have been tired since it only took two minutes after snapping these pictures for me to stay put in the hammock and drift off to sleep land.   

Joie Blouse (similar) | DIY Cut-offs | J. Crew Panama hat | ShoeDazzle Bindhi c/o 

Red Dress and Wedges

After a busy and long work week, I was glad to sit back and enjoy this past weekend, which started out with a fabulous clothing swap party hosted by the lovely Kelly Golightly.  We all brought clothes to trade and donate for a great cause – I was lucky enough to pick up this beautiful bag handcrafted by Kristen of Glitter ‘n Glue (my favorite DIY blog around).  The schedule for the rest of the weekend did not include anything else but a mani-pedi, multiple naps, and eating – definitely my kind of weekend!  However, by Sunday afternoon I was feeling a little trapped in the house so BF and I headed out for a stroll around the neighborhood.  I was happy to throw on a simple dress and my new sky-high and super comfy wedges from ShoeDazzle. 

Madewell Waterflower Dress (on sale) | Vintage Belt | Shoedazzle Anjali Wedges c/o (get 20% off on your first order) | J.Crew Bracelets | Bag by Glitter & Glue

Vintage Find Friday: Lamps

A vintage pair of lamps can dramatically change your decor for the better, whether at home or at the office.  Vintage lamps also mesh well with most styles of decor from traditional to modern – yes, even better than that great find at Ikea.  You can find beautiful and immaculate vintage lamps at most vintage stores, but you can score some beauties in thrift stores and on eBay that will require some TLC as long as you are persistent in your search.  I’ve included some picks that only require your credit card in hand and some pretty lampshades.  However, you should definitely look into your local thrift store for some finds (I will be posting a DIY on how to refurbish discolored brass and some other enhancement tricks from taking your vintage to glam – stay tuned).  Here are three styles that are guaranteed to take your space from drab to fab.   

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For those of you who entered the Lulu*s Giveaway, I have announced the winner on the blog post! See you if you are the lucky winner!