Bricolage

A Weekend in Carmel

2012-02-23T14:24:00.004-05:00

A few days ago, I got back from a lovely weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, celebrating a very special birthday for my mother-in-law. We shared lots of family time together while relaxing at this cute little inn, eating at some great restaurants, and wandering through boutiques and art galleries. On Sunday, we took the fabulous 17 Mile Drive from Carmel through Pebble Beach into Pacific Grove. I love to travel, but there are few places in the world that I find more beautiful than the California coast! And it never ceases to amaze me how much of it I've still yet to explore after growing up here...

Outfit Details:

Day 1: Kenneth Cole navy pants, Jason Wu for Target blouse, Calvin Klein navy patent heels, Kenneth Cole rose gold watch, Kate Spade New York cocktail ring Day 2: Jacket from a random boutique in Annapolis, Banana Republic white tank, Rock & Republic jeans, Michael Kors riding boots, Kate Spade New York bag Day 3: J.Crew Minnie Pant, J.Crew chambray shirt, Anthropologie sweater, Michael Kors riding boots, Kenneth Cole rose gold watch, Cole Haan sunglasses

P.S. In case anyone who saw my Lost Dog announcement last week has been wondering... little Rocky was found wandering through a neighborhood after five days of being lost! He's now home safe and sound, and more spoiled than ever. :)

Valentine's Day Gifts For Her

2012-02-13T13:46:00.001-05:00

February 14th is a day designated to celebrate love; why restrict that to only the romantic kind? Valentine's Day is even more fun when you use it as an excuse to celebrate your sister, your daughter, your mother, your best friend, or *ahem* yourself. Just in case you still haven't found something sweet for the ladies in your life, or you think you might need to drop a hint to the mister, here are some lovely gifts sure to melt any girl's heart:

1. Viktor & Rolf 'Flowerbomb' Eau de Parfum (Limited Edition), $110 or Viktor & Rolf Valentine's Petite Flowerbomb , $50 / 2. Kate Spade Karolina Pump, $298 / 3. Jonathan Adler Enamel Brackets Frame, $68 / 4. Thread-Wrapped Sentiment Necklace, $48 / 5. Mini Ban.do Heart, $10 / 6. Saint James unisex Meridien II nautical tee, $85 / 7. Yves Saint Laurent Brass charm keyfob, $145 / 8. Alexander McQueen Blackberry Holder, $195 / 9. Smythson 'Everyday I Love You' Wafer Notebook in Red, $60 / 10. Selima Sun for J.Crew Sophia Sunglasses, $128 / 11. Catbird Arrow Cuff - Brass, $60 / 12. Voluspa Japonica Large Glass Jar Candle Goji & Tarocco, $24 / 13. Decorative Ampersand Plate, $45

Valentine's Day Gifts for Him

2012-02-12T14:21:00.007-05:00

February is flying by, which means Valentine's Day is just around the corner! When it comes to Valentine's Day gifts, I've always been a fan of sticking with the holiday theme. Whether he's spent $5 or $500, all it takes to melt my heart is for my valentine to give me something that's red, pink, or has hearts on it. Most men aren't as in to red, pink, and hearts as I am, but if you give him something along those lines, it will always be a sweet reminder of your love. Just in case you still haven't found a gift for your guy, here are some of my picks for Valentine's themed gifts that any man would love:

1. Crosley Spinnerette USB Turntable, $129 / 2. Nike Vintage Collection Waffle Racer sneakers, $80 /
3.
DODOcase for iPad 2 (Red)
, $60 / 4. Cire Trudon Nazareth Christmas Scented Candle, $80 / 5. Gant Rugger Marled Crew Neck Sweater, $200 / 6. The Godfather Trilogy: The Coppola Restoration [Blu-ray], $61 / 7. Smythson Small Leather Notebook, $80 / 8. Poker: The Ultimate Book, $35 / 9. Lock & Co Hatters Herringbone Tweed Flat Cap, $140 / 10. The Art of Shaving The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave, Sandalwood Essential Oil Set, $90 / 11. Drake's Polka-Dot Silk Pocket Square, $60

What are you giving your valentine this year? Do you usually stick to the holiday's color theme... or is that just me?

Hope you're enjoying this Valentine's Day Weekend!

A Wedding for Your Wednesday: Luxe-Boho Barn

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm back with another wedding for your Wednesday! Technically, this one isn't a "real" wedding; it's a fabulous photo shoot with a great color scheme and luxe-bohemian style. I love the high-low combination of fancy china and crystal, calligraphy, and silver with a quiet, unembellished barn. Rustic elegance isn't a new thing, but the black-tie dress code, champagne bar, and lack of burlap make this example totally fresh. This photo shoot could easily inspire a whole wedding, but I think I'm more for the idea of translating it into a backyard dinner, especially perfect if your backyard is a farm. I'm dying for an excuse to throw this party right now!

All photos by Trent Bailey, Flowers by Roundtree Flowers

More photos and information can be found at the source, Style Me Pretty

Have a happy Wednesday!

A Chanel Backpack

2012-02-07T14:03:00.002-05:00

I've been browsing vintage designer bags online and imagining a world in which I have a Chanel backpack. The one at the top is for sale on Bella Bag in case anyone's interested... or in case you're feeling generous and want to surprise me for my birthday. ;)

Words for the Weekend { Inspiration Exists }

2012-02-04T14:24:00.001-05:00

Image Source

This week I was a little absent on the blog front because I've been busy trying to find motivation and focus in some areas of my real life. I've been returning to some old hobbies, like running, painting, reading, and journaling. I'm realizing that the more variety I have in my life, the more I feel alive. It's amazing how much clarity comes when living in the present. I dream of finding work that has the potential to amuse me and inspire me in the way that some of my hobbies do.

Anyways, happy weekend!

Words for the Weekend { She Adjusted Her Sails }

2012-01-28T14:55:00.000-05:00

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Mint Chocolate Chip Fashion Inspiration

2012-01-26T15:02:00.000-05:00

Most of the time, I'm a neutrals and jewel tones kind of girl, but right now the shade I'm feeling is minty green. I love its happy vintage vibe and think it's just perfect for spring! Here are some stylish picks inspired my favorite kind of ice cream:

1. Yves Saint Laurent 'Manicure Couture' Duo, $30. 2. RED Valentino Bow Top Handle Bag, $745. 3. J.Crew Drapey sequin tank, $20. 4. Anthropologie Hue-Kissed Cameo Necklace, $58. 5. Karla Colletto Square plunge-front swimsuit, $245. 6. Staple of Summer Shorts, $58. 7. Madewell Keepsake Tee, $30. 8. Miu Miu Suede pumps, $580. 9. Versace Baroque-print silk-satin scarf, $115. 10. Sperry Top-Sider boat shoes in twill, $98.

Katie Ermilio Images: 1 / 2

Are you drawn toward a color that's a little bit out of your comfort zone?

A Wedding for Your Wednesday: Pink Napa Valley

2012-01-25T12:44:00.000-05:00

After planning my own wedding for almost two years and blogging about weddings for even longer, I was on wedding overload for a while there. When I first got engaged, I just couldn't get enough, but by the time ours came around, every event had started to look the same. But now that I have a few family and friends' weddings and engagements coming up in the next year, I'm just giddy over all the possibilities: not only for the weddings, but for the showers, parties, and rehearsal dinners! How I've missed the flowers, the linens, the food, the dreamy photos! My wedding may be behind me, but I'm starting to realize that my passion for entertaining has barely begun! So from now on, Wednesdays on the blog will showcase some of my favorite entertaining and event planning inspiration! I'm opening up the archives of all I've saved over the years, and I hope that some of you are as excited about it as I am! Today's wedding was held at Beaulieu Garden in beautiful Napa Valley, California. Anyone who remembers my wedding and is aware of my love for pink flowers won't be surprised that I'm head over heels for this one, recently featured on Style Me Pretty:

All photos by Sylvie Gil Photography, Gorgeous flowers by Valley Flora

More information can be found at the source, Style Me Pretty

Have a happy Wednesday!

The Coveted Celine Luggage Tote

2012-01-23T18:26:00.002-05:00

I thought I'd brighten your Monday once again (and mine too) with a little bit of handbag eye candy. There are very few It bags that have had me jumping on the bandwagon, but if there's ever been one, it's the Celine Luggage tote. What do I love about this bag? Well, the elegant lines, the lusciously thick leather, the structured shape, and the lack of embellishment... to start with!

Image Source

A few weeks ago there were a few for sale on Bluefly, and I was beyond tempted to go for it, but unfortunately the timing just wasn't right for my bank account. For now, I'll go on enjoying the bag vicariously through one of my very favorite style icons, Bee of Atlantic-Pacific:

What's your take on the Celine Luggage tote? Love it, or hate it?

What It bag are you willing to jump on the bandwagon for?

Words for the Weekend { Let Go }

2012-01-21T15:36:00.002-05:00

Source: pennyweightonline.com via Brianne Cain on Pinterest

We are officially settled back into California life, and I spent the past week job hunting. I've found myself thinking a lot about the fresh possibilities and unthought of opportunities that unemployment presents, and getting really excited and curious about the future. Does anyone have an uplifting story to share about life not turning out as planned? Or about discovering a career better fit for you than what you'd dreamed of? I'd love to hear!

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

And seriously, anyone want to hire me? ;)

Pre-Fall Fashion Inspiration: Carven

2012-01-19T13:54:00.000-05:00

All images from Style.com

Pre-Fall Fashion Inspiration: Chloe

2012-01-18T12:43:00.001-05:00

Images from style.com

Kate Spade Barclay Street Handbags

2012-01-16T14:14:00.001-05:00

I am loving the new Barclay Street handbag collection from Kate Spade. The combination of stripes, black/brown, and classic luggage-inspired details covers so many of my favorite things. I can never seem to get enough stripes in my life, so it's kind of fun that this month, Kate Spade can't either.

Browsing handbags online is always such a great cure for a case of the Mondays... Wishing you a wonderful week!

Words for the Weekend { On My Way }

2012-01-14T13:37:00.000-05:00

Source: wordpearls.tumblr.com via Brianne Cain on Pinterest

I hope you're on your way to somewhere wonderful this weekend!

Since I've Been Gone { 3 Weeks In Instragrams }

2012-01-11T13:46:00.002-05:00

Well hello again, blog!

Since I've been gone, I...

- Made candy cane macarons for my Maryland friends.
- Not only mailed out our Christmas cards, but added envelope liners cut from wrapping paper. (FYI: Your favorite design ended up being my favorite too, but alas, none of our photos worked in it. So I went with design 7 and ended up loving the old movie vibe!)
- Said goodbye to Annapolis, Maryland, where B and I lived for the first year and a half of our marriage.
- Drove through Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and right back in to my beloved home state, California.
- Felt overwhelmed by reunions with family and friends.
- Spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day sick in bed.
- Cuddled with my family's three dogs, and welcomed two new puppies into my life. (My brother's mini Rottweiler, Rocky, and B's parents' little Frenchie, Oliver.)
- Received some fabulous Christmas gifts.
- Added some great ornaments and Santa mugs to my vintage Christmas collection.
- Basked in the warm sunshine on the Central Coast.
- Went to bed at 10 PM on New Year's Eve.

Looking forward to a new year filled with possibilities. A clean slate. Every year I pick a word to be my focus for the coming year. This year, I resolve to be fearless. If you had to sum up your outlook on 2012 in one word, what would it be?

Happy Belated New Year!

P.S. Dear new followers, I don't know who you are or where you came from, but you make me smile.
Welcome, and I hope you stick around! :)

Gifts for Your BFF

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

She borrows/steals your clothes and finishes your sentences. Sometimes in public, people even mistake her for your twin. Whether she's your best friend forever, your sister, or both, the best way to know what she wants for Christmas is to ask yourself the same thing! Here are some perfect little gifts that are sure to brighten her holiday season!

1. Gossip Girl: The Complete Fourth Season, $50 / 2. Kate Spade Sparkler Missy, $155 / 3. Bobbi Brown 20th Anniversary Lip Palette, $60 / 4. Kate Spade Gold Playing Cards, $18 / 5. Castle Key Bottle Opener, $12 / 6. J.Crew Hearthstone snood, $40 / 7. J.Crew Cashmere gloves, $58 / 8. Madewell Animal Print Happy Socks, $12 / 9. Anthropologie Valise Journal, $24 / 10. Vintage Cocktails, by Assouline, $50 / 11. Kate Spade Mint Julep Cocktail Ring, $78 / 12. Anthropologie Monogrammed Mug, $6

This season, I'm coming up with gift guides for all of the interesting characters on your Christmas list! So far we've covered the Budding Francophile, the Park Avenue Princess, the Modern Gentleman, and the BFF. Anyone else you'd like me to include?

Winter Road Trip { A New Chapter }

2011-12-17T08:56:00.000-05:00

Today we load up all our stuff and embark on our second cross-country drive in two years... this time, headed in the opposite direction. Right this second, my life feels chaotic, surreal, messy, exhausting, somber, exciting and so many other things all at the same time. This most recent chapter of life has been so strange and hard for me to explain. Sometimes I'm tempted to say it's been the worst chapter of my life so far, and sometimes I absolutely want to call it the best. It's definitely been the hardest, the most confusing, and the most challenging. Someday I hope to sum it up with more wisdom and maturity. Really, my only Christmas wish is a moment silent and still enough for some solitude and reflection. But for now... here we go! Goodbye, Maryland. Hello, California!

^ We're actually going to be in a giant Budget truck and my 2006 Mini Cooper, with craploads of boxes rather than a Christmas tree... but, I'd really prefer if you picture us this way. It's much more stylish and quaint. ;)

P.S. I sincerely apologize for my sporadic blogging lately. The next couple of weeks will be insane, and as much as I'd like to post all of the fun gift guides I have lined up, I can't guarantee whether I'll post all of them or none of them. But I do promise that no matter what happens, I'll make it up to you! Also, some blogging advice: Don't ever start a blog series when you're in the middle of moving. And some life advice: If you can avoid it, don't ever make a cross-country move the week before Christmas.

P.P.S. If you have any recommendations of restaurants, shops, and sights worth seeing along the 40 in between Virginia and California that you think would make our trip more fun, let me know please! Maybe I'll snap some Instagrams there for you! :)

Gifts for the Modern Gentleman

2011-12-13T13:23:00.000-05:00

These days, many doubt their existence. They are the Prince Williams, the Chuck Basses, the Edward Cullens, the Ryan Goslings of the world. He not only holds the door open; he always carries a handkerchief. He sleeps in silk pajamas. He knows how to tie his own bow tie and can list off more fashion designers than you, yet he exudes masculinity. He's a modern gentleman. And if you have one on your shopping list this year, I can guarantee you one thing-- he most definitely doesn't want a Target gift card. Whether he's your husband, your brother-in-law, or your best friend, here are some gifts he'll be delighted to find under the tree! (And you can count on receiving a thank-you note!)

1. American Fashion Menswear, Assouline Books, $65 / 2. Tonal Skulls Bow Tie, Rugby Ralph Lauren, $40 / 3. Kiehl's Since 1851, Ultimate Man Holiday Set, $50 / 4. Neiman Marcus Handkerchiefs, $28 / 5. Brooks Brothers, Plaid Broadcloth Pajama, $98.50 / 6. London Undercover Classic Prince of Wales Check Umbrella, $120 / 7. iPad 2 Keyboard and Case, $100 / 8. J.Crew Leather flask, $42 / 9. Gilt Groupe, Round Ostrich Coasters (Set of 4), $60 / 10. Derek Rose Bonham-Shearling Lined Slippers, $95 / 11. Cire Trudon Candle, $80 / 12. Salvatore Ferragamo Double Gancini Cuff Links, $195 / 13. Nixon, Kensington leather and stainless steel watch, $160

You're welcome!

This season, I'm coming up with gift guides for all of the interesting characters on your Christmas list! So far we've covered the Budding Francophile, the Park Avenue Princess, and the Modern Gentleman. Anyone you'd like me to include?

Words for the Weekend { Really Quite Simple }

2011-12-10T11:59:00.001-05:00

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From Paris to Bombay {Chanel Pre-Fall 2012}

2011-12-09T19:00:00.001-05:00

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One of my childhood fantasies was to be just like Sarah in the movie A Little Princess... especially in the scene when she goes to sleep in the attic of an orphanage and wakes up to an extravagant Indian feast. As a child, I remember being genuinely enamored with the vivid colors, the opulent textiles, the delicious looking food, and just the sheer magic of it all. I guess you could say that the message of the movie, that all girls are princesses, just really resonated with me. ;)

Image Source

So maybe it shouldn't come as a surprise that these days, I just can't get enough of Chanel's Pre-Fall 2012 fashion show. The design house's annual Metiers d'Art show, which celebrates craftsmen, transformed the Grand Palais into an Indian-themed dinner party, and the results bring me right back to my days of watching A Little Princess. I love it all-- The tweeds! The silks! The bright colors! The creamy whites! The smokey eyes! The bling! I might even take it to a whole new level of cheesy by deeming the scene a true feast for the eyes! I've never been to India, and I'm truly sorry to admit that my strongest association with the country is a children's movie from the nineties, but like Karl, who's also never been to India, said about the show: "It's much more inspiring not to go to places than to go." Here are my favorite looks:

All fashion show images from Style.com

If you don't want the feast to end, go check out the beautiful behind-the-scenes images featured on The Coveteur!

Which country's fashion (not including your native country) influences your wardrobe the most? For me, the answer would probably be France, or England. But after gazing upon this inspiration by Chanel, I'd definitely like to start injecting a little more India!

Gifts For the Park Avenue Princess

2011-12-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

You don't have to watch Gossip Girl to know this girl. She has her macarons flown in from Paris. She shudders at the notion of public transportation. She dreams herself into Audrey Hepburn movies. Most of her possessions are monogrammed. And even though they may be out of season, only peonies will do. If you want to win your way into her heart this Christmas, (or maybe just score an invite to one of her infamous parties,) one of these suggestions might just do the trick!

1. Tiffany Keys Oval key pendant, $150 / 2. Kate Spade Hand in Hand Pom Pom Pillow, $195 / 3. Dean & DeLuca Two Dozen Classic Macarons, $45 / 4. Audrey Hepburn DVD Collection, $25 / 5. Max & Chloe West Avenue Classic Monogram Necklace, $175 / 6. Peonies in Pink, $80 / 7. Louis Vuitton Blackberry Case, $290 / 8. Hammonds Gourmet Cinnamon Candy Cane, $3 / 9. Wolford 'Velvet DeLuxe' Thigh High Pantyhose, $48 / 10. Henri Bendel Centennial Stripe Pill Box, $48 / 11. Chanel No5 Parfum, $105 / 12. Cara Accessories 'Friday Night' Fascinator, $48 / 13. Jo Malone Vintage Gardenia Home Candle, $65 / 14. Holly GoNightly Sleep Mask, $15 / 15. Henri Bendel Poker Set, $98 / 16. Henri Bendel Disturbed Stripe Hatbox Wheelie, $495

I'll take one of each, please! :)

This season, I'm coming up with gift guides for all of the interesting characters on your Christmas list! So far we've covered the Budding Francophile and the Park Avenue Princess. Anyone you'd like me to include?

Pretty Juxtaposition: Hot Pink in Paris

2011-12-07T08:00:00.008-05:00

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If you ever feel the urge to release a thousand pink balloons in front of the Eiffel Tower, I can't imagine a more perfect outfit for the occasion! And on the topic of hosiery: for most of my life I've held the opinion that legwear was reserved for grandmas. I actually have memories of wearing nude-colored hose to church on Easter Sunday one year, resulting in a certain thirteen-year-old boy shouting out "Are you wearing pantyhose?? Weird!" from way across the Sunday school classroom. (Scarred for life.) Yet, these days I feel absurdly naked if I leave the house past September with bare legs revealed. None of my friends back home collect stylish stockings the way I've begun to in the last year. So is hosiery an East Coast thing? Does this recent change in my wardrobe signify my transition from girl to woman? Or am I just that easily influenced by the fashion on Gossip Girl?

Out of pure curiosity, do you wear hosiery? If so, how old were you when you discovered the possibilities that stylish stockings can add to your fall/winter outfits?

Holiday Outfit Inspiration { J.Crew Collection }

2011-12-06T23:23:00.000-05:00

As usual, I'm loving the styling in J.Crew Collection's new lookbook. Makes me want to spend all winter wrapped up in black, cream, red, and camel! Here are some of my favorite looks:

Words for the Weekend { Decide What to Be }

2011-12-03T08:00:00.016-05:00

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I'm approaching a new stage of life that will involve some serious decisions, including what I want to be when I grow up. All of a sudden, I have not the slightest clue. Either that or I want to be a thousand different things. And I'm not very good at decisions. Have you ever been in that place?

As for this weekend, I'll be busy doing some serious packing. Seeing your things in boxes definitely makes a move feel more real. I hope you're all having a lovely weekend! :)