The Jewish Carrie Bradshaw

Dinner Table DIY

2012-02-12T17:56:00.001-05:00

This is my new kitchen table, I got the set for $40.00 a complete steal! Of course when I bought the table it didn't look like this.. it needed some love. A coat of spray paint to cover the rust and some new fabric to recover the seats. Here's how you can do this at home.

Before chair and cushion.

Step 1. Remove the seat cushion from the chair with a screwdriver. Measure a piece of fabric slightly larger than the cushion.

2. Using a staple gun fold the fabric tightly around the edge of the cushion and staple, cutting off excess fabric.

Step 3. Ask your kitty to help ;)

Step 4. To do the corners wrap like a birthday gift and staple in place.

Step 5. Make sure to cut holes in the fabric where the holes are already. Once completed screw the cushion back on the base.

I used the left over fabric scraps to make "rings" for my napkins.

The chair as it was.

And the final transformation. :)

Electric Feel

2012-02-06T11:57:00.004-05:00

80's neon green sweater dress~thrifted

Vintage green necklace~thrifted

Green vintage boots~thrifted

Bracelet~Aldo

Embellished suede purse~TJMaxx

I look pretty moody in the second pic and thats so fitting because I have definitely been moodier than normal. 2012 has been pretty awesome..but so busy I have lost my balance. I have a new place with lots of projects, my fulltime job, graduate school, I am on a new Salsa Team and have practice twice a week and a blog I try and keep up with. Some days I don't get back to my house until 11pm. It sucks. I try and make time for my friends and my family and I blink and a week has flown by. I haven't had time for yoga (which maintians my sanity) and I haven't been sleeping well either. It is raining right now and the sound just makes me want to hop into my bed.. fingers crossed that this awesome rain puts me right to sleep!

New Backyard

2012-02-03T20:36:00.001-05:00

So I live on a wild life preserve.. which is pretty amazing. I snapped these pictures in my backyard.Unfortunately, the downside to living with nature is mating season...I can hear birds squaking at all hours of the night. Not so amazing.

A Walk in The Park

2012-01-31T00:09:00.001-05:00

This was actually not a walk in the park but in my new backyard. Its so nice to wake up to this view every day! Moving is probablly the most stressful experience one can go through, but it is growing me so much. I have been experimentin with cooking more and started planting herbs and potted plants. So moving is no walk in the park, but at least I get to live on beautiful property. This little dress is so sweet, my mother bought it for me. It just screams springtime. It's not quite spring in Florida yet, and actually we have had some cold snaps recently, but it's nice to get a chance to pretend for awhile. I got these seashell earings at a vintage store and I love that you wouldn't guess right away that they are made of shells. These shoes are my Cinderella shoes, a little sparkle never hurt anyone!

Animal Prints

2012-01-22T15:00:00.006-05:00

My Christmas present was a new camera and I have been trying it out on my favorite subjects... my pets. Each of these cuties was adopted. One of my goals for this year is to find time to volunteer to help animals in some way.

My orange cat Eisley was found outside under a truck at only a few weeks old.

Martini is so cute it hurts. We adopted him after his owner passed away. He is super territorial over his bones and toys, but he loves his new brother Brady so much. In the morning Tini is so excited to see Brady he runs over to him and knocks him over.

Brady was adopted from a non-profit. He was eight months old, which breaks my heart to think of. I talked my Mom into taking him over younger puppies because I was afraid after he hit a year no one else would adopt him. He is such a sweet little pup.

My tabby Elliot was adopted from the Human Society. He was hopping around the little cage, he still has too much energy at five years old.

If your schedule will not allow you to volunteer your time you can actually shop and help animals! I love the animal rescue site

I bought this cute good luck cat figurine and my purchase fed fourteen bowls of food to needy animals.

Most Amazing Cupcakes Yet

2012-01-18T14:00:00.003-05:00

I made these cupcakes for a Holiday party at my office. I chose to make mini cupcakes since I needed to feed a large group. These cupcakes were so moist, rich and delicious they took on a fudge/truffle flavor. I used Hersheys Brand Cocoa Powder and found Plugra Butter at Wal-Mart. Make sure to follow the directions carefully as mixing each item in at the right time makes a difference. I tried making them as regular cupcakes as well.. but I preffered the mini one bites. I topped half of mine with Andies mint pieces.

Georgetown Cupcake's Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes

Ingredients

For the cupcakes

1 1/4 cups flour, sifted

1/2 teaspoon baking soda, sifted

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons (4 ounces) European-style unsalted butter, such as Plugra brand, at room temperature

1 1/4 cups sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract, preferably Madagascar bourbon

1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

1/2 cup Valrhona cocoa powder, sifted (or another good-quality cocoa powder)

For the ganache frosting

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup Callebaut semisweet chocolate chips (6.4 ounces; or other good-quality semisweet chocolate chips)

Directions

For the cupcakes:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a standard cupcake pan with 12 baking cups, and a second pan with 6 baking cups.
Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt on a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper.
Place the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer or hand-held electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until fluffy. Stop to add the sugar; beat on medium speed until well incorporated.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition.

Combine the vanilla extract and milk in a large liquid measuring cup.

Reduce the speed to low. Add one-third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, then gradually add one-third of the milk mixture, beating until well incorporated. Add another one-third of the flour mixture, followed by one-third of the milk mixture. Stop to scrape down the bowl as needed. Add the remaining flour mixture, followed by the remaining milk mixture, and beat just until combined.

Add the cocoa powder, beating (on low speed) just until incorporated.

Use a standard-size ice cream scoop to fill each cupcake paper with batter, so that the wells are two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes (start checking at 15 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the ganache frosting:

Lay a large piece of wax paper on the work surface.

Combine the heavy cream and chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Fill a medium saucepan with an inch or two of water and place over medium-low heat. Place the bowl over the saucepan and let the mixture melt, stirring until it is shiny and smooth.

Remove the bowl of chocolate ganache from the saucepan; let it cool slightly, for 2 to 3 minutes. Working with 1 cupcake at a time, carefully dip each cupcake top in the warm ganache, twisting your wrist as needed to make sure the cupcake top gets completely coated. To prevent drips, quickly turn the cupcake right side up and place on the wax paper. Allow the ganache to set for 5 minutes before serving.

(If the cupcakes are dipped once, you'll have about 1/2 cup of ganache left over.)

Be Just What You Are

2012-01-15T22:44:00.000-05:00

I have been through some dificult things in my life.. I try and use those experiences to help others. I chose to work for a non-proifit helping first generation college students for many years in my career because I was one and navigating my way through college was a partcular hardship in my life.

I have learned over the past couple of years to view my life from an optimistic stand point, always trying to do the best and see the best in others.

I have tried to share this optimism with others, in my life and through this blog.

I choose to live my life pursuing my passions, the things I love.
As a career Advisor I constantly meet students who like me have many interests and I always tell them that even if they do not pursue artisitic careers, they can pusue their love in their personal lives.

That is what this Blog means to me... a personal outlet to pursue my passions- baking, art, yoga, fashion and writing.

I am thankful for this spring board and for those of you who read and respond.

Unfortunately, I have learned that if you are truly happy in your life and are fufilled there may be people who will try and bring you down, because maybe they aren't satisified and maybe they choose to hurt others to feel good about who they are.

Regardless, true hearts- stay true.
No matter what evil may cross your path.
Do not fight negativity with negativity.
Be just what you are ... and you will always be okay.
Let your light shine and try and always shine a light on others.

The True Beauty of Confidence

2012-01-09T11:58:00.000-05:00

I was approached by the Mesothelioma Society if I would consider hosting a guest post. I was honored to assist them in spreading the message that our true beauty as women comes from confidence and perseverance, especially during tragedy and hardships. I hope you all enjoy the below guest post....

The True Beauty of Confidence
By: Jackie Clark

Every woman knows what it’s like to slip on a pair of heels and feel her confidence

soar, or feel the soft flow of silk against her skin, and suddenly you feel more

elegant than the cream of British royalty. For whatever reason, fashion can make us

all feel beautiful, which is probably why many women head to their favorite clothing

store during times of stress or despair, it’s called retail therapy for a reason!

Despite what you see on magazine covers, nobody is perfect. For decades, fashion

designers have made a living from manipulating fabrics to make women beautiful.

And it’s not just clothing. Shoes have become as much of a fashion statement as a

necessity, and even hats are no longer just for the Hollywood elite.

The truth is, every woman, no matter what her size, shape, demeanor or health,

needs to feel beautiful, and fashion has a way of making that necessity a reality.

Just like a good haircut can take years off your face, a beautifully tailored pair of

slacks can take pounds off your hips. And while the careful use of makeup can cover

blemishes and skin imperfections, the clever folds of fabric can cover the lumps and

bumps that none of us like.

Women instinctively know if something looks good on them, even if it’s going against

all the so-called rules of fashion. For example, most women have a go-to outfit,

something that makes them feel strong and beautiful and powerful. It might not be

anything special but it works. On the other hand, how many times do women feel

uncomfortable in a perfectly good outfit without being able to explain why?

Talking of go-to outfits, as mentioned at the start of this article, women turn to

fashion in times of stress and hardship, in an attempt to make them feel better on

the inside by looking better on the outside. It’s not a conscious effort, but it’s

something most women do nevertheless, particularly during times of illness. Often

when women are unwell, it shows in their physical appearance. Skin changes, weight

fluctuations, and hair problems are often the first signs of sickness, especially with

more serious conditions such as cancers like mesothelioma, a rare form of the

disease caused by asbestos exposure. Fighting these diseases is hard enough

without worrying about how dreadful you might look, and for many women, the best

way around that is through fashion. For example, choosing the right color fabric can

detract from sallow skin making you feel instantly more vibrant, while clever layers

can cover up weight fluctuations while ensuring you still feel comfortable. Hats can

hide a multitude of hair problems and, when worn with a killer pair of heels, will

boost your confidence sky high.

And, as everyone knows, there is nothing more beautiful than a woman confident in

her own skin.

New Years New Dress

2012-01-04T18:08:00.000-05:00

New Years is arguably my favorite night of the year, specifically because of all the sequins. This year I had three different dresses I could have worn and no where to go. That is, until, my friend Ali invited me to her party. Then I was invited to a condo in Miami as well.. guess I had nothing to worry about.

I still have three beautiful sequin dresses to where because I found my New Years dress for three dollars at a consignment shop a week before Christmas.

I fell in love with this dress because...

1. I love long sleeved minis

2. I love studs of all kinds

3. I love a good tu-tu moment

I hemmed this dress by basically tucking the rows of ruffles under the dress- sometimes I take the easy way out.

My three dollar dress made me feel like a million bucks... and got a million Carrie Bradshaw comparisons!

Two weeks ago I moved into a new place so I am a little behind with the blog ..sorry!

But, you should know I will have some space saving closet solutions, cupcake recipes, new photos of outfits taken with my new camera (woohoo), a new feature on Careers (did you know I am a Career Advisor by day?) and tons of deocrating inspiration for all of you very soon..

Until then enjoy this photo of my new bathroom ! (and Eisley)

Farewell

2011-12-31T18:16:00.001-05:00

2011: you challenged me, suprised me, brought me to places I never thought id be, brought me to places that amazed me, brought me peace. I danced, smiled , laughed, started over, and spent so much time with so many amazing people friends and family I love! 2011 I am so grateful. 2012... I cant wait to meet you!

Seeing Clearly

2011-12-13T12:39:00.001-05:00

Lately I have been having some trouble with my eyes. Eight months ago I took a new job which I love, but I spend the majority of my day staring at a computer screen. I have definitely felt the eye strain. A few weeks ago while taking a three hour drive home from a vacation in Orlando Florida, I literally had to pull over because my eyes were blurry and tearing.I was really afraid that I would have to wear glasses, mostly because of the expense.

But I found out that you can buy a great pair of eyeglasses without breaking the bank!

Check out these cute ones I found, you can find fashionable eyeglasses online.

Consider there Early Holiday Sale as my Christmas gift to you!:

If you need to order glasses you can take 20% off any frame in their iSee Eyewear collection and get free shipping within the US. Code: iSee20FS (you can find the collection here: http://www.glassesusa.com/isee-eyewear)

GlassesUSA.com is offering a deal for my readers :take 10% off any order of prescription glasses. Code: Blog10

Use my friend Keiko as inspiration that girls can be super cute wearing glasses...

How cute is the glasses & bangs combo below?

And check out my friend Samara’s Blog post about eye makeup for glasses.

Fashion Friends

2011-12-12T18:11:00.000-05:00

You may or may not know that some of my best friends are bloggers too. The reason for todays post is to give a shout out to my friend Samara and her new blog http://www.deconstructthegirl.com/ . You should definitely check it out. It has been a labor of love for her and you already know how talented she is, as she designed my blog for me she also modeled for me . We have been Besties for 22years, we had a few fights in between but thats what makes us such good girlfriends.

I was recently asked who takes the pictures for my blog.. the majority of outfit pictures were shot by my friend Amrita! How lucky am I to want to take on a venture and have my friends so willing to help me with it! You can read more about our friendship Here

Kimberly of http://canigetawhatwhat.com/ is probably my 2nd oldest friend. We share a love of all things cute, and glittery and fabulous. She is living in LA and is my idol for having the courage to chase her dream and move to a city where she knew no one, not to mention she went on Warped Tour! If you check out her latest blog entry you will see she is wearing a vintage sequin shirt I gave her.

Keiko of http://www.keikolynn.com/ is by far the most accomplished blogger of all! You may remember that in my first blog post I credited Keiko for being my blogspiration. I also was modeling for her site Postlapsaria in my pictures. Keiko is still an inspiration to me. She is fearless and she has acheived so much, its no surprise that her friends would all start blogging too. I am so proud of her success, this weekend I was flipping through my Glamour magazine and saw a photo of Keiks you should definitely check out the magazine and her awesome blog.

Me, Samara and Amrita last new years..

Kimberly teaching us to model at Keiko's sisters wedding

Kimberly, Samara, Me and Keiko ~ Bloggers & Besties

My Awesome Christmas Playlist

2011-12-07T11:12:00.001-05:00

My office right now is covered in christmas lights and I have been listening to this playlist non-stop! This music puts me in an awesome mood! I compiled what I feel is the greatest christmas music around.. U2,Wham, Mariah, Charlie Brown and Jimmy Eat World.. what more could you want! However I will take suggestions for additions! Thanks to my friend Laura for a few last minute changes ! Enjoy

Spicy

2011-12-05T18:55:00.000-05:00

This time last year I was a Salsa dancer, performing my routine all around South Florida, even traveling as far as to Orlando for shows. Salsa was my life at this time and an extreme source of joy for me. If you have read my blog since its inception then you may remember me blogging about my first Salsa class, when the instructor basically told me to give up because I will never be good. Well all you need to do to get me to do something is say I can't do it. I started taking classes four times a week and practicing non-stop, even at my desk and in the bathroom at work.

It was seven months later that I was asked to join the team, a dream I had aspired to but never imagined would happen so quickly. I gave salsa up last January when I started Graduate school. It was too much, I was dancing 5 nights out of the week and six hours on the weekends. I didn't have time for other hobbies, friends or even to keep up my blog. I was also burnt out and a little over my crazy dancing life... but I miss it now.

I especially miss dressing up and wearing the hot costume. I made the hair pieces we wore and had a say in the designing of our costume, which I love. So I decided in honor of the year anniversary I would share some photos and videos, since I never have before. Maybe I can find some room for Salsa in 2012.

Just remember regardless of what anyone says if you want something you should go after it, and don't stop till you get it. And never stop dancing ;)

Solid as a Rock

2011-11-29T13:04:00.000-05:00

If you can't figure it out I recently tried indoor rock climbing. I must say I was apprehensive about this endeavor at first- I am afraid of heights and have no upper body strength- but I like to try new things. I was suprised by how much I liked it. Something about the feeling of climbing, the struggle and pulling yourself up, was very familar and enjoyable to me. I was like a little spider monkey, flying up to the top with ease. And no fear of the height I climbed at all. Maybe its the fighter in me that helped me rise to the top of the rock wall. The fact that our instructor was very cute was also good motivation, either way I definitely reccomend this activity to each of you- go forth and rock !

Winter Favorites

2011-11-17T10:28:00.001-05:00

Living in Florida I don't get too much oppurtunity to mix up my style, since its severnty-five degrees all year round. But when the temperature does dip to the mid sixties I take advantge of it. Here are my favorites for my winter wardrobe.

1. Embellished Sweaters- I have a sequin addiction and the Holiday season is a perfect time to indulge in it with an adorable embellished sweater. I like black and gray sweaters as they have a harder edge and aren't too cutesy.

2. Embellished Black Cowboy Boots - I bought a pair of black cowboy boots with gold studs and embellishments on them a few years ago and they never go out of style. They are perfect with a pair of black jeggings, leggings or tights. I found these on http://www.qualityshoesonline.com/

3. High Socks and Boots worn together- I like the juxtaposition of soft things like knits with tough fabrics like leather.

These socks actually look like boots! they are from www.Ilovelowie.com they would be excellent with heels too.

4. Dramatic Makeup- In summer we avoid dark colors and highly pigmented lipsticks and favor translucent gloss. Winter is the perfect time for heavy black eyeliner and mascara and dark red, plum and purple lip colors.

Perfect Fall Pumpkin Cupcakes

2011-11-07T17:24:00.002-05:00

I love pumpkin. Every year I wait till October to have my pumpkin muffins, coffee and pies. I also try and create new pumpkin treats each year. Last year I made pumpkin cupcakes using a recipe that mixed boxed spice cake mix with canned pumpkin. This year I searched for a recipe that was from scratch. Bad pumpkin flavored things are such a let down. I am not a fan oF Dunkin Donuts pumPkin coffee or muffins. The muffins are too dry. Thats why I was so excited about the recipe I am sharing with you!

These cupcakes are moist and pumpkiny ( I made that word up) I opted for a low sugar cream cheese frosting and used low fat cream cheese as well. It still comes out delicious even if it's good for you ... I promise. The recipe calls for Stevia a sweetner made from plants. I use this instead of sugar in baking, tea, coffee and on fruit. It is great! you can find it at a natural foods market and it has no glycemic impact.

My mother bought me some super cute halloween cupcakes boxes for me on clearance at HomeGoods. I found similar ones at Micheals:

http://www.michaels.com/Celebrate-It%E2%84%A2-Bakeware-Accessories---Black-White-Polka-Dots/bk0772,default,pd.html?start=7&cgid=products-bakeware-packaging-cakeboxes

I also included some of my other pumpkin projects- I free handed my Hello Kitty jack-o-lantern and I think it came out so cute. Recipe follows the pictures. Enjoy!!

My Hello Kitty Jack-O-Lantern

My pumpkin colored kitty Eisley in his Halloween shirt

The adorable cupcake boxes my mom found

The delicious cupcakes

Pumpkin Cupcakes :

3/4 cup butter, softened

2 1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1 can (15 oz) solid-pack pumpkin

2 1/3 cups flour, all-purpose

1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 cup Coconut Milk
Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fill cupcake pan with paper liners.

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg. Add pumpkin, beat well.

In a small bowl, combine dry ingredients, sift together (I use a whisk to mix). Add to pumpkin mixture and beat well.
Bake cupcakes 10 – 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center, comes out clean.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting
8 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons coconut milk

1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon stevia

1 tablespoon honey

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

8 ounces Cool Whip, sugar free

Directions:

Soften the cream cheese with the milk in a bowl. Beat in the lemon juice, lemon rind, vanilla, stevia extract, and honey. Whip until thoroughly blended and creamy. Blend in Cool Whip. Make sure the cupcakes are cold before frosting or the frosting will melt.

Black Swan

2011-11-03T19:08:00.001-04:00

I created these Black Swan costumes for my sisters this weekend. My sister first asked me to just do the feather head pieces since I make feather headbands ( http://www.elliotandeisley.com/). But since I love Natalie Portman, feathers and dance costumes I decided to do everything. This was my masterpiece. A project that combined my love of design, dance, fashion, makeup and hair. I was very happy with the finished project and am now inspired to try some new design projects!

Chase This Light With Me

2011-10-21T15:55:00.001-04:00

Silk shorts- Zuaree

Pink Blazer- Forever21

Nude Shoes- Bamboo

Nude Tank Top- Target

Studded Bag- Thrifted

On this particular day, my photographer/BFF Amrita and I were trying to rush over to this covered bridge with enough time to still see day light. We maybe weren't very successful, I still like these photos though. When I first tried on these shorts I thought I have these at home.. and they are pajamas. But, I went back to the store for them because I couldn't stop thinking about them. We spend alot of friday nights at our favorite bar which has a rooftop deck over looking the ocean- it gets pretty breezy so I choose shorts over skirts for these outings.

Amrita has since moved to Washington D.C. and yes I miss having my own personal photog.. I miss my friend even more. I have been in a slump since she and my friend Sam moved a month ago- a little lonely, staying home more than going out. But I think I'm on my way out of my slump. Halloween is cheering me up.

I love all holidays... I like the decorations and special food. I decorated my entire office for Halloween and put a candy dish out for students. Yesterday I bought my sister and I each a pumpkin to carve and my friends and I are venturing out to a haunted house this weekend. Next week there will be two costume parties and two costumes to perfect, so I think I'm going to be alright.

Have you ever had a bestfriend move away? How about two- in the same month- sucks.

She's a Rebel

2011-10-12T16:38:00.001-04:00

Black and sequin top - Forever 21

Vintage beaded necklace- my moms

Cheetah Print shoes- 8.88 shoe store

Purse- Nicole Lee

Linen Jacket- Ann Taylor (thrifted)

Vintage bracelet (thrifted)

This outfit made me feel like a rebel, go figure a pair of black jeans is pretty scandalous for a goody-two shoes. I should belong to a biker gang because I love studs... maybe a little too much.

I fell in love with this purse and basically all purses by Nicole Lee at first sight. Her bags are so unique and detailed. What a statement piece it is.

I like to think of myself as a contradiction- a girly girl who also knows how to use power tools- I built my closet. Someone who has equal affinity for tu-tu skirts and high heels and hiking in the rain forest. I have actually climbed through a river in pink high heels- I know, talented right!

So I think I can carry the stigma of the good girl and the rebel- simultaneously... I just need to go out and do something rebellious.

Put on your Pink Bra

2011-10-03T18:58:00.001-04:00

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month I will be putting on my pink bra and walking in support this Sunday. I figured since I was wearing pink in these photos it would be a good time to post about the event. I originally had the idea of getting a big group of my friends together and to fund raise together and walk together ... but then it turns out everyone I know will be out of town this weekend. I will still walk, even if I walk alone with my ipod, I made a commitment after all. And my motivation was to do something good for others and not to spend time with my friends-though it would have been fun!

So far I have raised $190 dollars- doubled what my personal goal was- so I am proud of that. The event should be a fun time, attendees all wear pink bras on the outside of their clothes and walk through Las Olas, a pretty and popular part of Fort Lauderdale.
If anyone would like to make a donation you can here: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY12Florida?team_id=992116&pg=team&fr_id=35983
I think that even if your not personally being affected by a disease we still as a community need to offer support to those battling it, well that and I really wanted an excuse to wear my bra on the outside of my clothes!

Pink Silk Top - H&M

Torquise Necklace (top one)- Target

Vintage Torquise Necklace- my Grandmothers

Black pants - Charlotte Russe

Torquise pumps- FRH

Surround yourself with things you love

2011-09-22T18:55:00.001-04:00

Embroidered Blue top- Kimichi and Blue (Urban Outfitters thrifted)

Blue Sailboat Skirt - on sale at Franchescas Collection

Rhinestone and Chain Cuff- Rainbow (a gift)

Denim Shoes- Bamboo

Chanel Purse- Thrifted

I fell in love with this whimsical sail boat skirt immediately. It was on sale but was still a higher ticket price item then I am used to, but I loved it. I love boats. Every summer my goal is always "get on a boat." And actually since I use the power of the secret I get invited on boats allot! I figure walking around with boats on my clothing would be a good way of putting it out in the universe.

I get allot of designer handbags by way of thrift stores. I have no clue whether they are real or not...but I don't care. I don't like them because they are designer...I only like them for their style. Most of the time I tell people my purse is a knock-off. No reason for someone to think I have tons of money I don't have! My sis-in-law has an affinity for Louis Vuitton purses.. she even has my brother trained to spot the knock-offs. So I love to find a fake and tell her "I paid eight bucks for this!"

Its one of our many little idiosyncrasy's.

Cherished

2011-09-14T18:42:00.000-04:00

My friend Amrita snapped a few photos in my bedroom of some jewelry I had out on my dresser. A sampling of some of my cherished pieces. I have a large collection of mostly vintage, antique and thrift store jewelry mixed with costume jewelry. I started collecting when I was a kid, I went through a "Lillith Fair" stage where I only wore thrift store and vintage clothes and jewelry. I have since outgrown some of the delicate hand painted items.. one with two little birds painted on a mother of pearl brooch another a butterly with handpainted flowers on it. I thought about selling the items but then thought better about it and decided to save it for the daughter I hope to have some day. Hopefully she would appreciate their delicate nature and unique beauty as much as I did as a child.

Every Color of the Rainbow

2011-09-06T17:40:00.001-04:00

Doing this blog has had alot of benefits. First my friends Amrita and Samara have been helping me with the blog. They are both lawyers but are also creative... Samara re-designed my blog (shes self taught) and Amrita is my photographer!
I have also kept my closet and jewelry boxes more organized.
I got this top at Rainbow http://www.rainbowshops.com/index2.html... which is a hidden treasure of cheap but trendy pieces.
This purse I found at a thrift store. I actually noticed someone else walking around with it and I was really upset they found it first. They ended up putting it back and I snatched it up before she even walked away.
These comfy bow adorned wedges are by BAMBOO. I got them at this amazing store that sells everything for $8.88. You can find the brand here:
http://shopreflection.com/#/brand/?value=bamboo&page=2&sort=0
I layered a Target necklace with a vintage one that was my Grandma's. I loved the two together so much I wore the combo all week! You will see them again soon!

A few special pieces

2011-08-29T17:24:00.000-04:00

I wanted to feature a few pieces for sale on my site www.elliotandeisley.com !

This vintage wool coat is perfect for winter, just not for me in South Florida! The color is gorgeous I love the big pockets and the big gold button.This would be adorable with jeans and boots. It best fits a large or a roomy medium with room for layering.

I have a thing for chandeliers no surprise this is one of my favorite necklaces I made.

Corona and lime anyone? Good choice for tailgating through college football season.

My cat Eisley lounging in the remnants of a night out! I love this pic and this kitty!