Champagne Sunday

Pop of pink

2016-09-09T13:42:00.000-05:00

For the girly glam and maximalist at heart, eat your heart out.

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE - DAY TWO: WOMEN'S COATS

2015-12-16T16:25:00.000-06:00

It is without a doubt, that the most important clothing item for a Midwestern winter is a solid coat, or in my case, ten. Over the years, I've amassed a good collection of faux fur coats, wool coats, and parkas. This year is no different. And on the eve of a potential move south, I am not slowing down. Coat shopping is one of my guilty pleasures. I love bundling up in a statement coat, jacket, faux fur stole and no matter where we move, most likely I will be keeping most of my collection and saving them for a ski trip somewhere in Lake Tahoe or the Alps.

Here's a quick last minute gift guide and personal wishlist of mine. Hurry, you still have time to order online!

Day two - women's coat gift guide by champagnesunday on polyvore.com

Christmas Gift Guide - Day One and Christmas tree hunting

2015-12-14T14:18:00.000-06:00

Last year we discovered Kruegers Christmas Tree Farm, where you can choose and cut your own tree. So of course we had to continue the tradition and go again this year. Last year I discovered the cutest snowsuit from Mini Rodini for little E and bought a Ralph Lauren snowsuit as well - but it was way too big for her then but perfect for her this year!

I have had tons of questions of where I found these great coats for her so I thought it would be fun to shop around and share with you some of my other outerwear favorites for the little ones. Tomorrow, my coat picks for mom and dad!

Cheers!

COATS AND SUITS FOR BEBE

Gift Guide Kids outerwear by champagnesunday on polyvore.com

Pregnant lady in red and over the knee boots

2015-12-08T22:36:00.000-06:00

I hate crowds and especially hate shopping crowds so suffice to say,
Black Friday is a complete online affair for me. I do however, like to stroll through small independent boutiques for unique finds. Even better that I was all matchy matchy that day with this shop front. For the past year, I've especially become well versed in online shopping. I lust after tons of clothes and shoes but to be honest, like most people, have a limited non-friendly blogger budget. I especially love over the knee boots - in combination with long sweater dresses worn as sweaters - it is the go to outfit for most of my pregnancy.

WHAT I'M WEARING:

Swing coat: Chicwish.com / Cossack hat: Topshop.com / Faux leather maternity pants: ASOS.com / Suede over the knee boots: ASOS / Doctor bag: Calvin Klein / Lipstick: MAC in Heroine

Purple fringe

2015-12-03T23:43:00.000-06:00

At 35 weeks it's increasingly getting harder and harder for me to stay on my feet
for more than 15 minutes at a time, so it was no small feat to be able to spend the day out. Winter again has hit us fast and hard and therefore there's a limited amount of places to enjoy in the weather. Ironically, I had taken a hiatus most of my pregnancy and now decided that at 8 months pregnant and in the middle of December that I would start blogging again. Go figure. Thankfully, the museum is always a nice place to escape to, even on chilly days.

Sweater dress, Mongolian fur collar, and maternity jeans: ASOS // Bag: Calvin Klein // Over the knee boots: Arturo Chiang // Wool beret: Nordstrom // Bow driving gloves: Carolina Amato

Mad for plaid

2015-11-05T11:12:00.000-06:00

Autumn, so pretty. Found this gorgeous plaid coat from Chicwish.com
and thought it would be perfect for the bump and beyond. I've been needing a verstaile bag that I can use everyday that can also double as a diaper bag, so finally got a beautiful custom made suede bag from my hubs of course. Its now for sale online at: www.stmedusa.com.

Plaid coat: Chicwish.com / Boots: Yoox / Cloche hat: Nordstrom / Bag

Autumn walk

2015-10-20T16:50:00.000-05:00

Autumn has arrived in its full glory. And what a beautiful time it is!
I'm finally 28 weeks which means I'm in the home stretch - the third trimester! Surprisingly, I'm still able to slip into this non-maternity wear knit sweater dress. The suede over the knee boots were an eBay score for $40. My happiest acquisition of late is this custom made suede shopper bag made by my husband for Landmarks & Lions. I have a tasseled hobo bag on request next. I must be the luckiest woman out there - married to a man who happens to be a master leather artisan.

Dress: asos / hat: topshop /boots: Arturo Chiang /bag: Landmarks & Lions

Vintage Glam

2014-10-05T11:48:00.000-05:00

My good friend HK, who now lives in Lalaland,

surprised me with this beautiful gifted vintage stole. She knew I would need it more than she did - and she's right. Last weekend I was apple picking in a slip dress in 80 degree weather and today with the windchill, its in the 30s. I think last year's Russian fashion inspo will be a continual theme every winter.

Cheers!

White maxi dress: ASOS / Francesco Milano Booties: Yoox / Bag: Calvin Klein / Love Rocks Ladder ring: ASOS / Glitter bow bracelet : Anne Taylor for breast cancer / Vintage stole

Apples to Apples

2014-09-28T15:30:00.001-05:00

Boy does time fly! It seemed like only a couple months ago that we went apple picking this last year, only Elz was only barely walking then. Now she's stomping through the orchard, tripping through the pumpkin patch and eating apples left and right. At 25 weeks, I feel more like 35 weeks and looking it too. I could barely last that day without huffing and puffing so I'm glad we can still get in our fall activities in before hubz will start having to roll me from one place to another. A lot of my maternity wear is re-purposed regular clothes that can be worn either prego or not - empire and swing tops and dresses, like this beautiful silk one I got from Yoox last year.

Next, pumpkin picking!

silk dress: Yoox | aviators: Chloe | Baby girl dress: Janie and Jack | apple pendant necklace: Kenneth Jay Lane | Handwoven basket: Purchased in Provence, France

Over the Bump, across the Pond, and back again

2014-09-26T14:46:00.003-05:00

Off shoulder cheesecloth dress: asos

I'm back from a much needed hiatus. In the past six months I found out I was pregnant, suffered through two months of debilitating morning sickness, only to ride it out while vacationing a month in the UK, and slowly getting life back in order as we prepare for bebe #deux.

Life has its twists and turns and this one has thrown us for a loop, as we weren't quite planning on another bebe coming so soon, thus delaying our expat plans to Europe. We even nixed a move down south. So for the time being, to alleviate yet another cold Minnesota winter, I've decided to freshen things up inside and flex my interior design skills. With all the aches and ailments that come with pregnancy (and this one is much much worse than the first time 'round), I'm happy to enjoy at least one of the fun parts of pregnancy - stylin' the bump. Stay tuned!

Springtime in casual leopard chic

2014-03-17T23:03:00.003-05:00

Our little girl has had a rough month - surgery, though relatively minor as it was, was a harrowing experience for newbie parents like us. No one wants to have their child go through an operation and the ordeal that that entails, especially the genereal anesthesia and the subsequent pain. But my little peanut is a tough cookie and she made it through with flying colors. So we have done our best to spoil her in every way - amusement parks, new books, new toys, the zoo and new kicks of course (wouldn't be my kid without a new clothes!)

When I started the blog, I thought I would be able to write more about motherhood, but quickly realized that 99.9% of my time and energy is spent parenting and I had little energy to expend upon the subject beyond that. Thus style, design, decor, and travel remain the essence of this blog - and will continue to be my personal form of escapism.

Much to my disbelief, April is around the corner, which means no more heavy coats and boots! Temperatures soared last week, causing a mass meltdown of previously waist high snow (you can see how high in my Russian Dolls post). Spring has a way of breathing new life into everything and I'm ready to finish tackling a few projects - personal and business. The most important personal priority being working on our long term residence in France. We're a couple steps closer and I will be sharing our process so far. I recently discovered a wonderful lifestyle blog at Design Mom, whose family lived in France for a couple of years, and it has become a major inspiration for me to start our own expat adventure.

Cheers! xoxo

Coat : Shop Ruche / Pants: Mango / Leopard sweater: ASOS / V heels : Emerson Fry

Icecapades - Diva on Ice

2014-02-28T11:07:00.000-06:00

Although I'd grown up here, I'd never actually been on an iced over lake so ironically decided to try it out for the first time when the weather warmed up to the 40s. Rest assured, the ice is a couple feet deep, but my hubz, a Floridian native, wasn't willing to risk walking too far in. Neither was I really, not in these heels.

Vintage faux fur coat / distressed jeans : ASOS / cami top: ASOS / burgundy heels: Emerson Fry

Cheers!

Staying cool in leopard and stripes

2014-02-19T14:40:00.002-06:00

There was a heat wave this week meaning it was the first time my feet felt the sun since, oh, October. Hubz and I visited the Guthrie theater in downtown Mpls - some cool scenes and great architecture. It was nice to get out after a week of feeling under the weather.

This Emerson Fry leopard coat was a prize possession from last year and it was finally warm enough to wear it, along with a pussybow collar top and distressed jeans. I love the boyfriend look - it's perfect for day to day wear and a proper replacement for my morning-into-night pajama look that I've been rocking this winter and it hides those extra winter pounds - oof!

Cheers!

Leopard Coat Emerson Fry / Distressed jeans ASOS / Driving Gloves Carolina Amato / Patent stilettos Emerson Fry / Boston bag Calvin Klein

Style Inspiration - Russian Dolls Part III of III

2014-02-09T21:57:00.003-06:00

Looking back on this series of photos, it really does look quite spectacular. Funny how in the moment though I was cursing bloody murder during each shot, as the wind bit into the very depths of my living flesh. By the time we did these shots, it was remarkably COLD and I was just not having it anymore.

Oh the things we do for love (of fashion)....

Cheers!

Style Inspiration - Russian Dolls: Part II of III

2014-02-05T22:47:00.000-06:00

Someone commented on this snowy scene as "gorgeous" and I was taken aback because it's such an everyday scene here, that I've forgotten to take a step back and appreciate the intrinsic beauty of a snowy landscape. Of course, one can easily forget when it's been subzero for two months. Luckily, (or not so luckily) on this day it was 9 F. I looked at the snow and told my husband "I'm going in". You can't see my steps but I walked a good couple of yards in the snow and surprisingly, my legs were quite warm. It's a good thing these boots are faux suede - they come in handy when you have to be knee deep in snow.

The instant I saw this ASOS dress, I knew I would love it. As my sister said, it's one of those things that look ugly on the hanger, but fabulous on. The bright blue color with folksy embroidery is so unique - not something you'd find everyday. Paired with my faux fur coat, a cossack hat and voila - Russian dolls.

Local temperature:

Minneapolis: 9 F

St. Petersburg: 19F

Stay tuned for the last Russian doll look this week. Until then... Cheers!

Style Inspiration - Russian Dolls: Part I of III

2014-02-03T13:13:00.000-06:00

This winter has been the longest, coldest, most unbearable winter I have ever had in my life. Nevertheless, this year I vowed to think more positively and to find inspiration even in the seemingly saddest of places.

My husband and I only have one free day a week (if ever), and with the temps being subzero for most of the winter, it was a galling task forcing ourselves to go outside. The first day we tried to take these shots, it was 0 degrees (-20 windchill) so of course we thought, "not so bad, lets do it!". Shockingly, it was so cold, the lens froze up. Yes, even the camera gave up.

My inspiration for this series of looks is borrowed from Mother Russia. A little bit of folkloric texture, a faux mink fur stole, and lots of gold chain jewelry for modern touch... all the while looking as glam as possible in freezing weather.

Current local temperatures:

Minneapolis: -8 F

Siberia: -26 F

Minneapolis wins!

Please visit again later this week for Part II and III of my Russian inspired looks.

Cheers!

Wool newsboy Cap: H&M / Crop top: ASOS / Gold embroidered skirt: ASOS / vintage faux mink stole / Earrings ASOS / Over the knee boots ASOS

Mellow Yellow

2014-01-25T00:03:00.000-06:00

Before, during, and after the holidays, I managed to take advantage of quite a few online sales as well as scored some majorly fabulous vintage items.

With the combination of December being a rather crazy busy work month, the holidays, and it being plainly too bloody cold to go outside, I'm a bit backed up with my outfit posts. Therefore, today is all about this juicy yellow wool & cashmere coat by Essential (made in Belgium) I scored from Yoox for only $100.

We've been assaulted with below zero temps for almost two months now and I'm starting to get sick and tired of bumming around the house, peering out at 3 feet of snow everyday. So today, with it being a balmy 20 degrres, hubs and I ventured out to explore St. Paul and meandered into the old train station. Unbeknownst to us, it was also the site of a major statewide treasure hunt, with hoards of people frantically shoveling holes in the ground and raking the snow in search of a $10,000 medallion. We received more than a few bizarre looks as I sauntered up in 5 inch heels. Afterwards I was stalked down at Trader Joes by a man who insisted "you MUST be going somewhere afterward in that fabulous outfit". Nope, we were just grabbing groceries before heading back home. I tend to get that a lot here in this city. I hate the cold and you will never find my bare skin exposed in this weather, hence my fondness for socks and heels. It may be a fashion hit or miss for some, but in this icebox, this trend is a blessing. Before I went to Parsons, I had considered designing coats, especially after growing up in Minnesota and seeing the same blah black and grey parkas for 18 years. Coats can make such a major statement, and you can wear it all the time - like I will with one.

Cheers!

Coat: Essential from Yoox / Pants: Vila leather look from ASOS / Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana old / Glitter socks from Topshop / Wool cap from H&M / Bag: Anne Klein v. old / Watch: Men's Dolce & Gabbana

Snow queen

2014-01-15T15:23:00.002-06:00

I grew up in Minnesota, yet some people are surprised to learn that of all the seasons, winter is my least favorite. In fact, I mostly hate it. Never in a million years did I think I would be living here again. Alas, here we are, on our last stepping stone before becoming permanent expats. To begin the new year on a fresh start, and hopefully the next new phase in my life (and our lives), I have resolved to think more positively about life in general. In that sense, I can hold onto our last days here with a sentimental grasp - savoring every experience here as our last.

The recent polar vortex we had here in the US was just another walk in the park for those of us in the tundra. For the past couple of months, we've been barraged with day after day of snow, snow, snow. Cabin fever sets in fast and hard, when you realize that leaving the house is not worth it with two feet of snow outside and temps of -40F. So I've taken to romanticizing the dreary landscape - imagining it instead as fairy tale winter wonderland, a world of Russian princes and wicked ice queens.

Dress: ASOS Fit and flare Baroque dress / Boots: ASOS over knee boots (similar) / Hat: Topshop faux fur cossack hat / Jacket: vintage marabou evening coat / Gloves: vintage leather opera gloves / ASOS filigree earrings

The Holidays

2013-12-29T23:23:00.000-06:00

Yet again, December was another whirlwind of a month. It was fleeting - my sis visited from Scotland, it was my birthday, and Christmas and all that entails. Our Charlie Brown tree turned out gorgeous - 500 string lights and a box of ornaments later. This was our baby girl's first Christmas - technically its the second but last year she was only a couple months old and we flew out to NC to visit her grandparents. So it was special, to start our own traditions. The past month was also the beginning of this winter's deep freeze - the coldest one we've had yet - making it nearly impossible and mostly unbearable to be outside. As the new year approaches, I'm looking forward to making steps toward our goals of moving to Europe and of course, to blogging more!

While decorating the tree, my sis and I made homemade hot chocolate - chunks of chocolate slow cooked in milk, with dashes of cinnamon and nutmeg. She introduced me to cayenne spiced hot chocolate - it was a delicious surprise! For my birthday, I hinted at hubz that I wanted to try something new (like caviar), so he delivered with a wonderfully relaxing day together sipping fantastic Champagne and savoring my first caviar. My sweet little sis threw in my first vintage champagne coupes to boot.

My sis proposed a brilliant Christmas menu of an 8 course meal for Christmas dinner:

Fennel and endive citrus salad

Truffle deviled eggs

Shrimp ceviche

Salmon cucumber bites

Lobster

Crab cakes

Bacon-wrapped scallops

Ginger molasses cookies

Unfortunately, this involved three trips to the grocery store and two full days of cooking - including Christmas Eve and Christmas day. The day was ruined it a little for me, as I wanted to really relax after my grueling day of cooking on Thanksgiving - which left me having dinner frazzled, tired, in a tattered t-shirt. After all was said and done, the Christmas dinner was absolutely fabulous. Next year though - we're having cheese and crackers and getting it catered. Cookies for Santa though, will still be homemade.

Merry Christmas

2013-12-25T23:30:00.000-06:00

Oh Christmas Tree

2013-12-15T23:03:00.002-06:00

My husband made a great suggestion - that we should cut our own Christmas tree this year. It was the best idea ever - what better way to celebrate our daughter's first Christmas than to start our own family tradition. I'd been manning the weather reports for weeks because what would even more perfect than cutting your own tree - doing it in the snow of course! And snow it did last week. Unfortunately, it was cold. Real cold. 0 degrees cold. The weather looked brutal the whole of December, so this weekend was our only chance to brave the snow and cold. Krueger's Christmas tree farm luckily was only 30 minutes away. It couldn't have been more charming - cozy cottage sheds, ski lifts and sleighs and even Santa Claus warming himself in front of the fire. My hubz and little girl seemed pretty nice and toasty but I made the mistake of wearing wellies without any lining, so by the time we got our tree, after five minutes, I was so over it. Hubz was having a jolly old time in his parka and badass Sorel snowboots, and wanted to go further into the forest, but as I couldn't feel my toes, and was worrying that my little polar bear might be getting frostbitten, I barked "we're done!" and hightailed it back the warming house. And that, was our first year tradition. Let's hope we have a heat wave next year.

Cheers!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2013-12-09T00:19:00.001-06:00

I must admit, the first snowfall of the year is glorious - even our front yard became a winter wonderland. We quickly went outside and frolicked in the first snow of the season. No question about it, it's going to be a white Christmas this year.

I'd been shopping around for a snowsuit for little E for a while and finally bought a gorgeous faux fur hooded Ralph Lauren snowsuit but apparently, it's made for giant Swedes because the size 24 months is 4 feet tall (!!!). My little bean wouldn't fit in it until fifth grade maybe. Luckily I found an even better snowsuit from Mini Rodini from Blue Carrot Boutique and it couldn't be any cuter. All of December looks like a subzero cold snap so most of our outfits will be little beady eyes peaking out from being tufts of hooded fur. Well, what better reason to shop for the winter.

Let the holidays begin! Cheers!

Coat Twenty-29 from Yoox
Hat Cossack faux fur hat from Topshop
Pants J. Crew
Boots Hunter
Baby snowsuit Mini Rodini
Baby boots Tundra
Baby mittens Janie and Jack

20 GUEST ROOM ESSENTIALS

2013-11-19T21:52:00.001-06:00

Fabric shade / Waterworks bath accessory / White bed linen / Cotton bath towel / Acrylic blanket / Crate and Barrel glass carafe / LSA International home decor, $26 / Window mirror / Fragrance candle, $64 / Signature Chocolate Truffles Gift Box GODIVA / Linea robe, $81 / Ethan Allen king size bed frame / Lacquer furniture / Furniture / Kai perfume oil / Graphic Image Vogue Covers / Canvas Double-sided 6-foot Amalfi and Riviera Room Divider (China) / IKEA EGEBY Rug, flatwoven, medium brown / Pottery Barn Blacksmith Clothes Rack / IKEA Smycka / Bedeck Sanctuary slippers one size whi, $23 / GARDENING 1950s Book Collection, Decorative Books, WildFlowers,...

We've lived in this house for years and not once has anyone visited, except for my my mother in law once when our girl was born, but we stuffed the futon in the nursery and called it a day. Sadly, I've invited my sister in law and her family to visit us this year for Christmas but she's rebuffed me more times than I can count. Why wouldn't anyone want to spend a holiday freezing their asses off here in the tundra, right? So, much to my sheer delight, some old friends are visiting from out of town - from Orlando no less! The average temps there are in the 80s this week. I asked my husband when they confirmed the dates - "are you sure they are coming to visit us... in NOVEMBER?" They're either crazy or in for a big surprise, so as to lessen the blow of the harsh weather outside, my project this week is to convert our dank basement corner into a warm inviting guest room. As has been said, if you build it, more might come, right? I will be covering the before/after when all is said and done.

20 GUEST ROOM ESSENTIALS

1. Immaculate bed

I scored a vintage turn of the century four poster bed frame off of Craigslist - very similar to this one, but never put it together (it's a queen and we have a king). Right now it would make a great guest bed, so now's the time to get the husband working.

2. Beside table

Friendly and functional - every guest needs a place to store their travel essentials - phone, wallets, jewelry, loads of gifts for the host. That kind of stuff.

3. Wall mirror

I always resort to squinting in the bathroom or the hallway mirror at someone else's home and end up looking like a clown from putting makeup on in the dark. Give them their own mirror to take selfies.

4. Cozy sheets and pillows

Sorry, Italian sheets are for us, but what do the guests sleep on, a tarp? Always keep an extra sheet set and Ikea is always affordable and chic.

5. Throw blanket(s)

Some like it hot, some like it cool. Give yours guests an option with a throw blanket. In our case, it should probably be a faux fur throw.

6. Lounge chair

Because not everybody needs to be entertained all the time, even visitors need "me" time. Give them some space to read a magazine or a book - and not just in the bathroom.

7. bath towels

Nobody wants to pay an extra $25 these days to bring towels with them on the plane.

8. Bathrobes

My husband thinks I'm running a B&B, but I got a pair of robes at Ikea for $20 each at Ikea. My friend said we should have them embroidered with - I'm thinking "Manoir de Crosby" has a nice ring to it.

9. Toiletries

Be a little fancy and skip the bar of Dial in the shower. Kai is a great brand I discovered in a spa. Gently scented and luxe.

10. Box of tissues

Any ole Kleenex box would do, but how plush would you feel blowing your nose from a marble tissue box?

11. Clothes rack with hangers

Make them feel at home, not like hobos living out of a dinged up suitcase, even for a weekend.

12. Slippers

Necessary if you are a no shoes household and who wants to slip into their shoes or go barefoot throughout the house after a shower?

13. Water carafe and glass

After they leave, I'll keep this for myself. I get parched at night, especially with winter heating.

14. Flowers

Just one flower or a small bunch works fine. Seasonally appropriate is nice too. I'm including a wreath and pine cones. My inner Martha Stewart just may spray glitter on them too. Go crazy.

15. Candle

Basements - can be musty. While we're at it - a smoke alarm is not a bad idea.

Feu de Bois Scented Candle (see more fragrance candles)

16. Coffee table book

So you seem more cool and worldly.

17. Books/magazines

Ditto on the worldliness. I recommend Business Week, Physics Today and Bazaar.

18. Bottle of wine or mini spirits

If they haven't drunk enough while you're out...

19. Poster or wall art

Maybe this poster so they can identify what might be crawling around. Ha!

I like to have inspiration throughout my house - so the guest room too. Our house is building quite the vintage French/Italian travel poster motif. I found these gorgeous room dividers on Overstock.com.

20. Candy/chocolates

I included just a couple truffles in a candy dish on the nightstand.

Who doesn't like chocolate or candy?

Misty morning

2013-11-03T13:49:00.003-06:00

Days like this, I dream of Scotland.

My little sister is graduating from St. Andrews next June so our next big vacation won't be until then where we'll be spending a week in Scotland then down to London and maybe Cornwall. I wish we were traveling now - this weather seems much more appropriate for Scotland, although I'm told it doesn't get much warmer, even in the summer.

Today's attire is inspired by Scotland, courtesy of dear husband, whose wool fisherman's sweater, I purchased for him in the UK a couple years ago. I bought this newsboy hat for myself before I met my husband, but hadn't worn it yet, and he ended up wearing it himself. The fog was thick and air misty and cold, even the little doggies were shivering a bit but quickly warmed up as we frolicked in the fall leaves.

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone - and don't forget your champagne.

Cheers!

Free people speckled tall socks / VPL cashmere leggings, $155 / Hunter boots, $145 / Carolina Amato red leather glove / Dolce & Gabbana cashmere leather print scarf

Oktoberfest in tartan and feathers

2013-10-29T10:07:00.000-05:00

The cold weather has given me a craving for hearty fall meals - roasts, squash, stews and sausage. This particular day, it was all about sausage and dark beer at Black Forest Inn. Although, I had an immense craving for bratwurst and sauerkraut, I saw the pickled herring dish and had to try it. I've never had it before and am glad I did - love trying new things.

Lately I've been building a collection of vintage pieces for my wardrobe like this black marabou jacket. It's feather light yet perfectly warm for a crisp fall day. Paired here with J. Brand Houlihan pants and a sheer tartan top.

Jovonnista sheer tartan blouse / J Brand black pants / Dolce & Gabbana patent leopard heels / Black patent Anne Klein bag (old)/similar: Versace black handbag / Vintage gold chain necklace/similar: Giuseppe Zanotti gold chain / Fedora trilby, / vintage marabou jacket similar here