a happy haven

You're in the wrong place!

2011-08-05T12:09:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for me...

I am over here.

Sequins and Stripes. Daily inspiration for a styled life.

Thank you for stopping by! Your visits mean so much to me.

Friday Fancies

2011-07-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

Pop over the Sequins and Stripes to check out my Friday Fancies post!

Happy weekend! xoxo

Sequins and Stripes: Olivia and Mira

2011-07-28T06:22:00.000-05:00

Head over to Sequins and Stripes for a blogpost on these style icons and what to add to your wardrobe that can help you compete! xoxo

Surprise!

2011-07-27T06:59:00.002-05:00

It's here, it's here! Sequins and Stripes.

Daily Inspiration for a Styled Life.

Alaina is the rockstar behind the design.

Stop by and check it out.

I will be at S&S on a daily basis. A Happy Haven isn't going anywhere, but it may not be updated as often as before.

Yay!

Thank you for all of your kind words and support. I am so excited to see this come to life and can't wait to enjoy it with you. xoxo

Soon

2011-07-26T08:13:00.001-05:00

A hint, of what is to come in the next few days. I am hoping by Friday.

I'm excited :)

{image via Pinterest}

How does your garden grow?

2011-07-25T07:14:00.000-05:00

I really want a garden of my own.

I would love to be able to venture into my backyard and have all of the necessary herbs and veggies to create a fresh summer dinner. While roaming the Sheffield Garden Walk this weekend, there are so many people in the city, who live in tiny little apartments, that create beautiful gardens full of all types of flowers, vegetables, herbs, and plant life. My garden would definitely include:

What would you grow in your garden?

Have a happy weekend!

2011-07-22T08:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday, loves! We made it.

First of all, I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your kind words of encouragement yesterday. You guys are the best. The blogosphere is such a world of support and I am so proud to be a part of it.

This weekend I plan to RELAX. I am going to sleep in, drink coffee on my porch, get outside, cook breakfast, hit the gym, take a walk along the lake, sit poolside, and roam around the Sheffield Garden Walk {my favorite summer festival in Chicago!}. The weather is still saying hot so I plan on living in my bathing suit, a cotton dress, sunglasses and beach dried hair. I can't wait.

What are you up to?

PS: Have you seen The Jump Book by Philippe Halsman? I'm sure you have, it was a blog favorite a year or two ago. Anywho, I love these images, they are so carefree and feature icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn. I think it would be a wonderful coffee table read.

xoxo

Time

2011-07-21T08:21:00.000-05:00

For some reason I am having issues this week, grasping what day it is, what time it is, and constantly feeling like I am in a hurry. I have been super busy at work, and I am trying to play catch up at night while slipping in some me time here and there. Sometimes I need to step back and take a break from the computer. Summer is flying by and looking at my calendar, my weekends are full until Labor Day and my weeks are full of a job that I isn't fulfilling or satisfying. Joy! At least fun weekends outweigh the weeks, right?

However, being that I am unhappy with my current career choice, it makes my actual dreams and direction that much more apparent. I have to say, being a blogger has opened my eyes to so many amazing creative opportunities and allows me to use the part of my brain that I worried was dormant for awhile. So I have to say, being a part of the blogger community rocks. All of you {bloggers, blog followers, readers, listeners, those who comment and those who chose not to} are such a source of inspiration to me.

As summer keeps on slipping by, I am still working on my special project, which I hope to debut in the next month or so {!!!!}, and finding inspiration in the best sources available: blogs!

Also, it is currently 3546816 degrees in Chicago. There is no possible way to look good when it is this hot, or find motivation to do anything except hibernate inside a block of ice. I would love to escape for a few weeks to completely unwind, enjoy a good book, wade in a cool, crisp lake, and relax.

Oh well!

{images via Pretty Stuff}

The Glitter Guide

2011-07-19T06:25:00.000-05:00

I know we are all fans of this fabulous site, and for extremely good reason....

The Glitter Guide tumblr is full of style inspiration, fascinating ladies, decor, and glittery details. I could create a mood board based solely on this sparkly site. It definitely inspires me to revamp my personal style and play up the sweet feminine details, a common theme in a glittered life.

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I've decided that the time has come to invest in a ban.do glittery pin or a giant pom pom flower. How cute is that golden piggy bank? And wouldn't you love a place to wear this Anna Sui dress? I think we could all use a little glitter in our lives - and The Glitter Guide is just the place to find it.

My trip to Maine.

2011-07-18T18:50:00.000-05:00

Have you been to Maine? I hadn't, and let me tell you, it is beautiful. Full of colonial style homes, rough waters, enormous cliffs, blue hydrangeas, lobsters, and American flags. We went sailing, lounged at the beach, enjoyed a fresh lobster dinner, shopped at some cute boutiques {a home shop called Spaces, and I purchased my first Baggu lunch bag!}, chomped on some lobster rolls and clams, and strolled around town in the hot, hot sunshine. If you ever have the chance to travel to Maine, go. It is a simple reminder of just how wonderful our nation is - filled with such beauty that I definitely take for granted!

Traveling in Style

2011-07-15T07:27:00.000-05:00

Today, I am headed to Boston!

Unfortunately, I am just popping in to say hello, nosh on a delicious lobster roll {thanks to Kate's recommendation, we are headed to the new Legal Seafood Harborside to enjoy the views!}, enjoy some frosty brews and call it a night. Because, on Saturday morning we are heading to Maine!

Flats Dress Earrings Nails Sunnies Bag

Kennebunkport, Maine to be exact. I have never seen this beautiful state and absolutely can't wait to take in the waterfront views, colonial architecture and nautical way of life. Dave and I are cramming this quick vacay into a short weekend but I am sure it will be totally worth it. Of course, since I am going to one of the most stylish areas of America, I better plan on being pretty stylish. I am linking up with {av} of Long Distance Loving, to feature a dress that I saw on Blair {swoon over her entire wardrobe} that needs to be mine - the BBDakota Halsey dress - perfection. Pair that with a few necessary accessories, and the perfect berry red nail polish and I am good to go - ready to take on a day of exploring!

I plan on returning with lots of photos so check back on Monday for my weekend recap!

What are you up to this weekend? xoxo

How do you feel about...

2011-07-13T08:40:00.001-05:00

The twitter world is all a buzz with talk of Lauren Conrad's dip dyed locks. Although I don't think I can pull of this look given my current career choice and general style; I do find this uber cool. Leave it to sweet LC to pull off something playful, fun, and edgy. So, what are your thoughts? Would you ever experiment with gradient dyed hair? Or is this look a little too bold for you?

{images via Pinterest}

Detailed Interiors

2011-07-12T06:36:00.001-05:00

I have always been drawn to detailed interiors. I contribute this attraction to my mom, who filled the home I grew up in with vintage treasures, tea candles, and glittered figurines. I think having a mother, who was an interior designer before a mom, made me appreciate the details.

1 Custom Orange Pendant Pieces Inc. 2 Details by Lili Dialo 3 Claw Bottle Opener Jayson H+G

4 Gold Bud Vases Jonathan Adler 5 Brazilian Agate Bookend The Evolution Store 6 Knot Door Stop Jayson H+G 7 Open Arm Dining Chair Pieces Inc. 8 Hydrangea Pillow John Robshaw

9 Brief Print Jayson H+G 10 Chevron Frame Furbish Studio 11 The Domino Book of Decorating 12 Vintage Black Canister Jayson H+G 13 Kate Spade Confetti Plate 14 Calla Lamp Furbish Studio 15 Greek Key Rug Furbish Studio

Happy shopping!

{images via Lonny Mag, Elle Decor, Matchbook}

Essentials

2011-07-11T06:32:00.000-05:00

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I noticed this weekend that there are numerous summer essentials missing from my closet and beauty routine. Whether it be the perfect white dress, a flattering string bikini, day and night sandals, or fun accessories - all of these items would be gladly accepted into my warm weather wardrobe.

have a summery weekend

2011-07-08T08:29:00.000-05:00

This being my first weekend in Chicago since what seems like forever, I plan on taking full advantage of the beautiful weather. Tomorrow will consist of a trip to the Green City Farmers Market, walks along the lake, refreshing cocktails, bbq's, and hopefully finding time to make some delicious homemade popsicles.

What are you up to this weekend? Whatever it is, I hope it is filled with lots of summery goodness. xoxo

{images via Atlantic Pacific, Pretty Stuff, Glitter Guide}

I think you should buy these.

2011-07-07T07:02:00.001-05:00

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...because what better way to indulge than a few bold accessories {and a cute dress} to spruce up your wardrobe. Go on, you deserve it.

xo

Dreaming of...

2011-07-06T21:02:00.000-05:00

An escape that actually feels like an escape. A trip that is long enough to completely let go of reality and allows me to get lost in a totally different world. I am dreaming of going here...

The Italian Riviera. A place that thrives on the sea, appreciates carbohydrates, and brews delicious coffee and savory morning pastries. Pretty perfect if I do say so myself.

Pop over to Sprout Through Concrete to share the adventure you are currently dreaming of.

xoxo

4th of July Photos

2011-07-06T07:25:00.001-05:00

Our trip to northern Michigan was exactly what I needed - relaxing and refreshing with tons of sunshine and fun on the water. We began our weekend on Walloon Lake at Kevin's amazing cottage - losing track of time, spending the day on the boat, grilling dinner amidst a breathtaking sunset and celebrating America's birthday. The weekend rapped up in Traverse City where we visited Dave's family, floated the river, and went to the National Cherry Festival. It was a whirlwind, and I am looking forward to spending some time in my favorite place - sweet home, Chicago.

Happy Tuesday! So sorry for the lack of post yesterday, still playing catch up! xo

PS: I am positive that I have to have a Nespresso machine. They are magical. Thoughts?

Celebrating the 4th

2011-07-01T06:31:00.000-05:00

Necklace Flats Aviators Dress

I hope you all have a wonderful time celebrating the 4th of July! I am headed North and will be back on Tuesday with photos from my trip. Remember, if you are posting about the 4th today, feel free to share a link to your site in the comments section of this post.

Happy Birthday, America. xoxo

My Favorite Holiday

2011-06-30T09:08:00.000-05:00

It is difficult for me to describe my love for Independence Day. It started when I was very young. My mom would dress me up in a red, white and blue dress, matching hairbow, and I would ride my bike through my hometown parade. My plans for the 4th have always remained a tradition through the years with a now more grown up version of a hometown celebration. Everyone from my past comes back to where we grew up, starts the day with a bloody mary, watches the parade, bounces around from house-to-house, enjoys friendly barbeque's, and celebrates this wonderful nation that we call home. Of course the night ends with a beautiful firework presentation with Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" played in the background. It is without a doubt my favorite point of summer and I am always sad to see it end.

This year, I am missing my favorite hometown tradition and heading north {again} for a weekend on the lake with friends. It makes me a little nostalgic; traditions and rituals of your youth, changing with age. Although I am super excited for my weekend with friends, I am a little sad to be leaving my sleepy little suburb. However, this change of plans will not stop me from dressing and celebrating in my normal 4th of July fashion. You better believe I will be bouncing around northern Michigan in stars and stripes!

So, tomorrow, come back for a full preview of how I will be celebrating my Independence Day weekend! And, I welcome you to join! I don't have a Linky Tool but feel free to share your post in the comments section of tomorrow's post! Happy Thursday! xo

Swimwear

2011-06-29T08:06:00.000-05:00

Solids: Left to Right

Pattern: Left to Right

How do you feel about one-piece bathing suits? I think they are sometimes adorable when they aren't matronly. I especially love the navy blue solid or the sexy green corset suit. Would you wear one?

Also, I am guest posting over at Six Twelve Place today while Lesley makes the big move to Chicago! Pop over and check out some of my favorite things about the Windy City!

Sheridan French

2011-06-28T20:12:00.000-05:00

Oh my goshhhh, have you seen the family room of blogger Sheridan French? Not only is she a rockstar mama, but she creates ridiculous interiors {obvi} and fabulous clothes, too. Drew at Coral Cafe introduced me to Sheridan and I can't pick my jaw up off the floor. The neon curtains, patterned chairs, crazy tables, beautiful walls and leopard carpet - swoon.

Her home is featured on the Quadrille website. Check it out, you'll be in awe too.

Mackinac Island, MI

2011-06-28T06:30:00.001-05:00

Mackinac was amazing. It reminded me of the movie, Pleasantville {a guilty pleasure}, with the tiny shops, dress codes, and carriages. The homes were incredible. The Grand Hotel was absolutely stunning - with it's turquoise ceilings, yellow antique sun chairs, black and white stripe awnings, and enormous rocking chairs overlooking the water. It reminded me of the Titanic. I ate a ton of fudge, walked a lot, and made Dave and I get matching sweatshirts. It was such a fun weekend!

Hope your week is going well! xo

Today

2011-06-27T07:12:00.000-05:00

Today, I need to focus on reality and take advantage of the short week I have back in Chicago. I am leaving again this weekend for a fun 4th of July, but living out of a suitcase is sorta wearing on me. So, today is dedicated to to-do lists, laundry, exercise, H2O, lots of coffee, productivity, and me. I will be back tomorrow with photos from my fabulous trip to Mackinac Island! Happy Monday my dears! xo

A Day Outfit

2011-06-24T09:51:00.000-05:00

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Today, I am catching the ferry to Mackinac and exploring the island while Dave preps for the wedding. This outfit would be ideal for walking around, enjoying some fudge, exploring the Grand Hotel, and snapping photos of the beautiful island. See you Monday! xoxo