Pencil Skirts & Lattes

Don't mind if I do...

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 01:06:00 +0000

Just booked a trip to Cabo in May for a MUCH needed vacation. To say that I'm excited about this trip (and BREAK) would be a serious understatement. Now... better start shopping for things to wear ;)

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Current Style Crushes

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 03:38:00 +0000

Just a quick post to share two of my favorites with you. Olivia Palermo and Taylor Tomasi Hill... who are both always IMPECCABLY dressed and styled. Everything about these girls just exudes cool. Every time I see a picture of either of them, I feel inspired about fashion all over again. These are just a few of my favorite looks from both...

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My happy place

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 01:13:00 +0000

As I said in a previous post, the home decorating is coming along. I can't tell you how many times in the past 6 months or so I've felt exactly like Carrie Bradshaw from the scene in the Sex in The City II movie when she tells the salesperson at the store that she's been cheating on fashion with furniture. Truthfully, when I think back, I've been back and forth between fashion and home decor for most of my adult life. The funny part is that when I moved into this place in October and started having ALL kinds of home decor ideas, my first thought was 'noooo.... don't forget about clothes, you have a fashion blog!' LOL. Silly me. I can write about whatever I want, yes? Don't mind if I do. :)

The new(ish) place is starting to feel more and more like a home every day. The one room on the main floor that has been left completely untouched is the dining room. People... it's time to change this. Sadly, the primary hold up with the dining room is that I couldn't make up my mind about what I wanted. This actually turned out to be a good thing, because after seeing how some other things turned out in the loft, I've had time to think about what NOT to do in the dining area. I'm still somewhat undecided, but these are some pics I'm looking to constantly for inspiration:

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My Best Dressed - Oscars 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:45:00 +0000

Overall, the Oscar red carpet was a bit of a let down this year. I wasn't really blown away by anyone's look, but a few of my favorites are as follows:

Source: popsugar.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Gweneth in Tom Ford... SERIOUSLY my best dressed. Her hair was a little plain (didn't like the rubber band for the Oscars) but her makeup was flawless and obviously the dress was stunning. Also, Gweneth makes me never want to eat carbs again. I'll be researching the GOOP diet immediately. Thanks, Gwen.

Source: washingtonpost.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Yes, I know Nicole Kidman wore a similar dress a few years ago. It was a different color red (not fuchsia, like this one) and was a different silhouette completely. That being said, it is a red color dress with a bow at the neck. And I LOVE IT. Besides, Emma is such a cutie and can do know wrong. She was adorable when she was presenting!

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Apparently I'm the only person who loved this Elie Saab dress on Berenice Bejo... and I'm ok with that. I'm not even on this pastel/mint trend with everyone else... and I STILL loved this dress. I love the shape and the the details, and her skin looks amazing in it.

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Okay, this wasn't actually a best dressed nominee for me - mostly because of the fit (it was cutting into her bust pretty badly). But it's McQueen. On Jessica Chastain. And she DEFINITELY wins best hair and makeup...seriously gorgeous.

Help 'Kickstart' Emily Hallman!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:11:00 +0000

The 'Mille' Dress

I have this amazing friend who is also amazingly talented. To be interested in fashion and love fine clothing is one thing... to have the skill, talent, and determination to create your own brand is on a whole other level. I'm SO lucky to have gotten to know Emily and her brand, Emily Hallman, through my blog. If you're new to Pencil Skirts & Lattes and haven't seen Emily's designs before, I've included in this post a few pictures of her pieces that I've styled. I have purchased several pieces from multiple collections, and cannot express how fabulous these clothes are... from the impeccable tailoring to the fine details and fabric selction, everything about her designs are absolutely top notch.

Emily is in the process of launching her Fall 2012 collection, and has initiated a project on Kickstarter to help make this happen (read all of the details about the Emily Hallman Kickstarter Project here). In short, funds raised through this project will go towards fabric and trim, advertising, website and graphic design, photography, promotional materials, pattern grading, and sample production. We all know someone who is exceptionally talented and needs a bit of a boost to take their skill and brand to the next level... anything at all that you can do to help Kickstart Emily's collection is greatly appreciated.

The 'Abigail' Skirt

The 'Rosie' Skirt

Just FYI

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

I've been through several of these cycles so far this year... I'm sure some fellow bloggers can relate. Fun. Times. :) It did make me giggle to put in into a diagram like this.

If you follow PS&L on Facebook, I posted an update earlier about being a bit behind on the blog at the moment. (If you don't follow PS&L on Facebook... you should!) I promise to be back very soon with new outfit posts, some sneak peeks of my home decor that is FINALLY starting to come together, and a few articles.

Battle of the Blonde

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:50:00 +0000

As far as new years resolutions go, I've had better starts to the year. Let's revisit the list and see how I'm progressing, shall we?

1) Run the half - good intentions... got up to 5 miles training and hurt my knee. I did start back with our trainer so I've been working out. That counts, right?
2) Call Mom more - I've definitely done better with this.
3) Be more organized - oh please.
4) Practice yoga at least once per week - I've been once in 2012. ONCE.
5) Stand up straight (hoping #4 will help with this one) - see #4.
6) Go BLONDE(ish) - more info below.
7) Shop Smarter - YES. I've done this. But mostly because I'm just not in a shopping mood lately.
8) Be a better listener - I should try harder.
9) Eat CLEAN food - sometimes I do. but sometimes I want to come home and put my face in a pan of brownies.
10) Shop more flea markets and antique stores - haven't been to either yet.
11) Buy a dining room table - I'm on the hunt for one!! Progress...
12) .... and chairs - working on it. goes with #11.
13) Do more DIYs - I did one, and love the way it turned out!!
14) Stress less - this one's just funny.
15) Buy my first pair of Louboutins - I don't even know how this one made the same list as #7. But it's still a goal.

Moving on.... I thought I'd take a tiny little survey about this blonde idea. Basically, two of my very good friends -one happens to be my hair stylist- have launched a 'Sarah- don't ruin your hair!' campaign. They mean well, but I can't help but look at all of these images (including some from a few of my favorite bloggers with TO DIE FOR hair) and think this is a good idea. Besides, it's not like I want to go platinum with it. And I promise to work on a tan. Thoughts?

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Exactly

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:02:00 +0000

Source: piccsy.com via Tara on Pinterest

every.single.night.

Happy Almost Friday :)

Pinspiration: Timeless glam

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:50:00 +0000

Oh, the irony of Pinterest. It inspires even when you have no creativity left in you, then leaves you with little to no time to act on that inspiration. :)

My eye was instantly drawn to these images of the Christian Dior Couture Spring/Summer 2012 show. How stunning are these? Not just the dresses and the models... but the setting, the vintage-inspired styling, the black and white photos...

Source: purple.fr via Sarah on Pinterest

My mind immediately goes to these (mostly familiar) images of a few timeless beauties and vintage couture.

Now, if only I could wear a ball gown to work....

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So many cardigans

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:03:00 +0000

I probably have over 40 cardigans in my closet. I swear I have almost every color there is - yet every time I go shopping, I browse through the cardigan sections as if I need another. I'm not sure why I wear them so often... occasionally for work I'll put on a cropped jacket instead, but if I have my choice I stick with my favorite. Cardigans are just comfortable and you can add them to an outfit without sleeves to layer it for winter, or you can wear one in the summer to cover your shoulders. I'm going to go ahead and call this my biggest wardrobe staple. Mr. Rogers was definitely on to something.

Karen Millen cardigan (similar); J Crew factory blouse; Banana Republic pants; Zara shoes; Michael Kors watch; Francesca's clutch; F21 bracelet; old earrings; (Plā) Beauty lip gloss in Sheer Delight

Typical

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:19:00 +0000

Still trying to incorporate more brights into my winter looks... this look is suuuuuper typical of my work style. Classic navy trousers, white button down - funny how I put on this patterned scarf and bright orange bag and thought 'oh good, not so boring anymore!' Then I look at the pictures and think 'nope, still pretty boring' haha. :) What can I say? I can't exactly pull off cutting edge fashion in my office environment (at least without getting looked at like some kind of freak), but I try to make the best of it. :)

Ann Taylor Loft blouse and pants; NY&Co scarf; Banana Republic belt (similar); Zara shoes; Cynthia Rowley bag; Michael Kors watch; WHBM earrings (old); Charming Charlie's ring and bangles; Francesca's sunglasses; L'oreal Colour Riche lipcolor in Volcanic (similar)

Winter casual prep

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:29:00 +0000

Seems like forever since I've done an outfit post. Winter outfits are just... complicated. For starters - the fact that this outfit has no black in it makes it an exception to my typical winter wardrobe. Note to self: stock up on more brights during the winter months when you hardly get to see the sun. On top of the drab colors that leave zero motivation to take pics of the same boring outfits over and over, there is the super unflattering pale skin, extra pounds, and inability to smile (and mean it) when it's cold and dreary outside.

But this weekend was sunny and beautiful outside. It was chilly, but it almost felt like the first hint of spring. And I took the time to put together an outfit that wasn't black or grey (serious accomplishment). I got past a bad migraine, got tons of things done around the house, relaxed, and even got a massage.

Woo. Hoo. Now let's see how long I can keep this mood going! I'll venture to say it will last until roughly 8am tomorrow. ;)

F21 blazer, plaid shirt, and ring; Target t shirt (old); NY&Co jeans and earrings; BCBG boots (similar); Michael Kors watch; AT Loft bangles; D&G aviators; Louis Vuitton 'Sarah' wallet

Surviving your work week: It's the Little Things

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:56:00 +0000

I sort of failed this week. I failed at surviving the work week. The irony of having this series of posts about surviving work... then getting a horrible migraine because of work and not even being able to post anything is classic. All better now finally - and thankfully in time for the weekend to get some much needed rest and good habits back under control.

A few things in my life that I think everyone should make time for (and I should have made more time for lately):

1) Exercise. I cannot stress this enough (ha - stress... funny subject). I worked out with a trainer for 10 months and then took about a month off. After the month I've had I can tell you this: it will never happen again. Countless studies have documented the benefits of exercise and I'm no health nut or expert, but I am an expert on what makes me happy and exercise does the trick. We do 2-3 one hour sessions (30 mins strength/30 mins cardio) per week. I also love yoga, and need to make more time for it.

Source: google.com via Sarah on Pinterest

2) Indulge in your guilty pleasures. Once in a while you just have to zone out on mindless things that make you happy. Pinterest is one place where I go to look a beautiful images, inspire creativity, and refresh my imagination when I'm feeling stifled. I don't watch much TV anymore, but when I do - it's mostly reruns. I love putting in my old Friends DVDs just to laugh. I also LOVE The Rachel Zoe Project. I know, such a cliche for a fashion blogger to love RZ. But it's her unapologetic, unfailing love for all things fashion that gets me every time. Plus, you see THE MOST amazing clothes, shoes, and accessories on her show. The same type of inspiration I get from visiting other fashion blogs, I get from that show.

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I also LOOOVE fashion books, magazines, and fashion photography. I could get lost for hours....

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3) Relax and Recharge. Everyone knows what works for them to wind down, decompress, and recharge their batteries. The extrovert in me loves to go out for cocktails or dinner with friends and laugh and talk for hours. But if I'm in a really exhausted, run-down state, I go for some more serious down time. Getting a relaxing massage is a great way to detox... and I plan to do exactly that this weekend :)

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4) Get your priorities straight. To get back on track, I try my very best to remember what's important after getting lost in the hustle of work/life for a while. I need to exercise and eat healthy food. I need to stress less. I need to CALM THE EFF down. I also need to be thankful for all of the gifts I have and the amazing people in my life. (all of this is much easier after the above massage, by the way)

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Also, I could work harder on being nice to people :)

Surviving your work week: Office to Happy Hour

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:06:00 +0000

With as much time as I've been spending at the office, I thought I would write series of posts dedicated to powering through a tough work week with style. For me, part of surviving a brutal week at work is having at least one night for going out with friends after hours, having a few cocktails and a nice dinner. The only catch to this is that at around 5 pm every evening -although I don't do any physical labor as part of my job- I look like I've absolutely been through hell and back. We're talking flat hair, dark under-eye circles, chapped lips (from obsessive biting/chewing/licking lips when I'm stressed), red eyes, wrinkled clothes, etc. All I really want to do is come home, take a shower, and crawl into bed... but I always have such a great time when I actually go out and socialize. I know myself well enough to know that if I come home to change clothes or get ready, I won't resist the urge to cancel plans and stay in for the night.

My solution for this is twofold: 1) Start with a fab, comfortable outfit that can easily transition from work to happy hour:

DVF Audrina sheath dress

Office: Kate Spade necklace / Reed Krakoff tote / Valentino pumps / Chanel sheer gloss
Cocktails: Morgan Ashleigh necklace / Belle Noel ring / BCBG clutch / Stella McCartney pumps / Nars lipcolor

... and 2) prep your work handbag/tote/desk drawer with an arsenal of key beauty products to help refresh yourself AND your appearance before your night begins.

1) Colgate WISP spearmint mini-toothbrushes. Need I explain?
2) Bobbi Brown blotting papers. Use these to blot any oily spots or residue from your face. Psst... in a pinch, toilet seat liners work well, too ;)
3) Caudalie Beauty Elixir. This revitalizing mist feels amazingly refreshing on your face at the end of the day. Radiance in a bottle.
4) Kai Body Glow. This body splash/dry oil spray smells amazingly fresh and clean and is great for moisturizing tired skin after work.
5) Ojon Full Detox rub-out dry cleansing spray. Spritz a bit of this at the roots, flip hair over, shake out excess, flip back over and voila! It's like you just fixed your hair (and it smells great, too).
6) YSL Touche Eclat. If you have been living under a rock and haven't tried this yet, please do so immediately. YSL has managed to formulate and package a good night's sleep in a handy little click-pen. Genius.
7) Benefit Dandelion. This universally-flattering color is perfect to freshen up tired makeup at the end of the day. It isn't a shade that I typically use in my morning makeup regimen, but when I plan to wear a bold lip color (such as the Nars one above), this is a great product to liven your cheeks just a bit.
8) Lancome Hypnose Drama. I use this religiously -morning and night - an extra coat is crucial to make lashes pop for an after-work outing.

Bangles: my love/hate accessory

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:19:00 +0000

I have to admit that as much as I LOVE the look of bangles stacked on my wrist, I have issues with wearing them. I have my reasons. For starters, most often I have trouble even getting out of the house with them on because of the noise they make. I am constantly brushing my hair out of my face, motioning with my hands/arms, or something else that inexplicably causes bangles to make an irritating amount of noise. Then let's say I do get out of the house... to the car. Where I usually put on my makeup in the passenger's seat while The Photog drives to work in the morning. Again, more arm movement/more noisy clanking and jingling of bangles. (Alas, we can all understand The Photog's frustration with the cup holder shortage, as that's where they end up.) I've even made it all the way into the office, to my desk with bangles on and sit down to work. I usually can't make it for a whole 5 minutes before I take them off and put them on my desk so that I don't clank against the keyboard/desk the entire time I'm typing emails/etc. So why do I keep wearing bangles? Why do I shop for them and buy them as if they are not optional? Why is probably my favorite go-to accessory? Because they're pretty. And for the $, I think they're the best accessory to add instant impact and polish to an outfit. They're also versatile... you can wear one as a simple accessory or stack several different widths/colors/textures together for a more dramatic look. Did I mention that they're pretty? :)

Just a few of my favorites at the moment....

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8

Guest Post by The Photog: Life with a Fashionista - Day 5

noreply@blogger.com (The Photog) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:11:00 +0000

Yes, I'm still here. Yes, I know you've been waiting for this. The time has finally come.

Congratulate yourself, gentlemen. I applaud your fortitude in making it this far. We've endured 11 hour shopping excursions. We've surrounded yourself with other ~~crazies~~ fashionistas. We've even pulled a muscle or two lugging heavy bags around. Why in the world would we want to go any further? Before I answer, let's recap.

Day 1 is the disruption. In an instant, we have nothing. No closet space. No money. No cupholders.
Day 2 is the agitation. Whining from our fashionista that she has no clothes. No money for clothes. And wants you to buy her some clothes.
Day 3 is the recognition. Accepting that this is how it is. Learning the basics of their language. Having to shop with them. And how to keep from dying.
Day 4 is the cooperation. Being surrounded by fashionistas. But more importantly, putting ourselves in those situations on purpose.
Today is the capitalization. Today is the 'why.' Today, we take back control. Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!!!

And so I conclude this 5-day training session on Life with a Fashionista with Day 5: Touche.

Session 1: Marketing your fashionista (formerly titled 'Pimping your ho')

I am confident all guys are born with at least one common superhero attribute - being a ninja. And yes, I'm referring to those kung fu movie characters dressed in all black who sneak around nefariously undetected and continue speaking after their mouths have stopped moving. Ninjas. Why do all guys have this attribute? Because we're awesome. And we have Chuck Norris. 'Nuff said. To the untrained eye, us guys appear as pushovers. Spineless drones forced into a life serving the almighty diva fashionista. I scoff at your naivety. We have actually been channeling our inner Bruce Lee waiting for the right moment to strike. That moment is now.

Time to take all of the notes - both mental and documented on our smartphones - and get to work ~~pimping~~ marketing your fashionista. Get on Facebook. Get on Twitter. Create some business cards. Contact publications and media outlets and businesses. Tell everyone you know about your fashionista. Send her to fashion shows. Send her to grand openings. Send her to fashion/beauty events. Reach out to those store managers you took note of on your smartphone to tell them that your fashionista would love to help market their store announcements.

The Super Bowl will be here in a few weeks. She will be busy for the next 9 months Time to sit back and enjoy the game in peace, my friend.

Touche.

Session 2: She can buy you clothes now. And alcohol.

Black Friday. Cyber Monday. The day after Christmas. The 40% off sales event at Ann Taylor. Your fashionista already knows about these discount events. We (unfortunately) all know about these. No need to dread these days as much anymore. She's already so plugged in with department stores and boutiques and online outlets that she's getting discount codes and deals before the store owners even realize they have products to sell. And to top it off, she's getting things at such great deals she doesn't have to spend your money!!

What else does this mean for you? Not only does she pick up a purse, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 sweaters, a scarf, 5 tops, 2 skirts, and a 5-gallon bucketful of rings, necklaces, earrings, makeup and other ~~crap~~ accessories (anyone see a reason why you have no cupholders?) for herself, she is also buying you 2 sets of workout clothes and a nice winter coat that you've needed for 10 years. Obviously there isn't quite the same balance in purchases, but hey, you've got no closet space anyways.

After spending 15 minutes loading up the car with all of said purchases, your dear, sweet fashionista turns to you and says, "There are several of my friends going out for dinner and drinks tonight. Let's go with them." Your head spins as the flashbacks of you stranded with a room full of fashionistas hit you wave after wave. As your breathing returns to normal, you realize you've got this. "Sure, babe. But you're buying."

Touche.
________________________________________________________

You're welcome. I accept Paypal.

Designer Obsession: Jason Wu

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:53:00 +0000

My obsession with Jason Wu began last July. As I was shopping for a birthday dress, a sales person convinced me to try on this dress (although it was roughly $1K above my price range)... and I remember thinking, 'why not?' People, let me tell you why this was not a good idea: 1) I felt like a million bucks in this dress. I mean - like a 1950's bombshell siren as soon as I put it on. 2) no matter how it looked, I still couldn't afford it. 3) I later saw Revenge character 'Emily Thorne' wear this on the 4th of July episode and was SO GLAD I didn't buy it. Really, no one looks like a bombshell next to this girl. Dodged a bullet there.

Source: blog.zap2it.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Since trying on that dress, I've been stalking all Jason Wu designs. Seriously, the man is a genius at dressing women. Just look at these styles... so classic, chic, and even perfect for work. In. Love.

1 - 2 - 3 - 4

Based on this obsession, you can imagine how THRILLED I am that the Jason Wu for Target collection (read: the Jason Wu collection that is actually affordable) will be launched Feb 5. I've picked out a few of my favorites from the look book already - love, love, LOVE all of these looks:

images via Huffington Post

Cozy and Classic

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:08:00 +0000

Apparently it's boring outfit week on Pencil Skirts & Lattes. As much as I love fun colors and patterns, sometimes I just prefer a simple, classic look... like this cozy, camel-colored sweater and black skinny trousers. I added a statement necklace and a bright lip. That helps, right?

TJ Maxx sweater, Banana Republic pants, Michael Shannon ankle boots, Aldo bag, Michael Kors watch, Anna and Ava ring, F21 earrings, Charming Charlie's necklace (similar), Francesca's sunnies, L'Oreal Colour Riche lipcolor in Volcanic

Trench

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:00:00 +0000

This Karen Millen trench coat is one of my absolute favorite purchases ever. I bought it last year at the beginning of summer (when it had been steeply discounted - yay!) and I knew I would get lots of use out of it in the fall/winter. It is just the perfect weight for nasty weather without being overly bulky or heavy. I also love the details and cut, I always feel a little bit like The Duchess in it :) As an investment piece for your wardrobe, I highly recommend an amazing quality trench that is well tailored. You get countless uses out of it, and it is a great way to add instant classic appeal to almost any look.

Karen Millen trench (similar style here 40% off), Francesca's blouse (similar) and clutch, AT Loft skirt and necklace (old), NY&Co Earrings, Hue tights, Michael Shannon ankle boots, Charming Charlie's ring, Michael Kors watch, Nars velvet matte lip pencil in 'Damned'

First blog DIY - Guest room wallpaper

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:52:00 +0000

So when I moved into this loft, one of the most aesthetically-challeneged rooms was this guest room. The walls are at an odd angle, the 'headboard wall' is about 20 ft fall (not an exaggeration), and the room is rather small. A small guest room doesn't bother me all that much... not like guests really need a full dresser or chest to house weeks worth of clothes or anything. The oddly angled exterior walls do add a bit of interest and dimension to what would otherwise be a very boxy shape. But that 20 ft white wall. Gah, did that keep me up at night (I want to act like that is a joke, but sadly, I did lie awake at night - on pinterest, mostly - trying to figure out the best way to make that look better.) At first, I thought I would just compensate with a tall upholstered headboard in an interesting color or print fabric. Insert my fear of commitment pertaining to furniture and that idea got tossed pretty quickly. I knew I would tire quickly of whatever color/fabric choice I made and didn't want to re-do the room 80 times. So I researched and studied and browsed and merged several bits of inspiration to piece together this DIY. I am so, so pleased with the way this turned out.

Side note: this room is FAR from finished. Please ignore the tragic lamps, side tables, and poor lighting.

First, I saw this post on another blog (actually I saw the pic on pinterest first that led me to the blog - which I LOVE, btw), and read all about the Sherwin Williams removable wallpaper that they used in their apartment. I absolutely LOVED this pattern. After deciding to go with the wallpaper method, I looked through so many wallpaper books... and always went back to this as my favorite. Obviously, wallpapering a 20 ft tall wall was out of the question (for me, at least) - but I wanted to create interest behind the neutral oatmeal-colored linen headboard. I decided that measuring and wallpapering a section of the wall behind the headboard and framing it with some black painted trim was the best idea.

Before:

The only thing done at this point was that the exterior walls had been painted a dark blue/navy color. It doesn't really show that well in these photos, but if anyone is interested in knowing the exact color just shoot me an e-mail. Unmade bed and all, sigh (sorry Mom).

During:

After measuring, we drew with a pencil on the wall where the molding would go. Then we put the wallpaper up. It took 5 cut strips of this for us to do this much of the wall. This part took less than an hour.

Then I painted the trim/molding strips that were cut to the size that we needed. I used a Behr semi-gloss primer and paint in one. Yes, that is parchment paper underneath the painted boards.

After:

Once the paint dried on the trim, we put it up around the border of the wallpaper and trimmed any excess paper. I also made the bed. You're welcome.

Happy Pants

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:11:00 +0000

I got these slim, cropped blue pants at AT Loft last weekend and I was SO happy to have found them there. I love the color, can think of tons of looks to put together with them, and they are NOT GREY OR BLACK!!! I was instantly cheerful (obviously so cheerful that I put a yellow sweater with them!) I love finding things (on sale) that I've been looking for, especially right now when I desperately need to have some bright-colored basics added to my otherwise drab winter wardrobe.

Moral of this post is: expect to see these pants quite a bit. I have lots of spring/summer looks in store for them. :)

AT Loft pants and sweater; J Crew blouse, Michael Kors watch, NY&Co bangle, Studded ring from Posh Boutique, old earrings, Charming Charlie's necklace, DG sunnies, Zara heels, Expressions NYC clutch from TJ Maxx

Here we go

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:45:00 +0000

To say that I am not looking forward to going back to work would be SUCH an understatement. It's not the work or job that I mind, it's just that I've really enjoyed my time off. Being able to relax, run, shop, cook, and get some home projects squared away has been complete bliss. Not having to set the alarm has been awesome, too. Want to know what the very best part of being off work is at this time of year for me? DAYLIGHT. I hate that it is still dark when I wake up for work and dark again by the time I leave the office. The good news is that it will start to stay light for a little longer each day, and in less than 10 weeks (yes, I'm already counting) we gain a whole extra hour! Bring.It.On.

AT Loft cardigan and jeans, Old Navy shirt, Banana Republic belt (old), Michael Kors watch, Zara heels, Francesca's sunnies, Charming Charlie's ring, Anna and Ava elephant ring, F21 earrings, Louis Vuitton 'Sarah' wallet

Not quite resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 01:29:00 +0000

I've gone back and forth over the years on setting New Year's resolutions - from having a super long list that I've actually looked at later to track progress... to being too cool for them because 'no one sticks to them anyway.' Turns out, I prefer to start the new year with a few goals. Some serious and some silly, it makes me happy to just have a few things documented and try to hold myself accountable. Here goes, my random list of goals and resolutions for 2012....

1) Run the half

Source: google.com via Vickie on Pinterest

2) Call Mom more

3) Be more organized

Source: thenestuk.blogspot.com via Deann on Pinterest

4) Practice yoga at least once per week

5) Stand up straight (hoping #4 will help with this one)

6) Go BLONDE(ish). My stylist and I discussed this look, and I made my next appt for March to start the process :)

Source: thefashionspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

7) Shop Smarter

8) Be a better listener

9) Eat CLEAN food

Source: angelahardison.blogspot.com via Lexy on Pinterest

10) Shop more flea markets and antique stores

11) Buy a dining room table

12) .... and chairs (currently liking these as one option)

Source: wisteria.com via Kristen on Pinterest

13) Do more DIYs. I'm excited about this because I already have a few planned.

14) Stress less

15) Buy my first pair of Louboutins. It's gotta happen.

Source: google.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Wishing everyone a healthiest and happiest 2012!!!

Need a little color

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 04:11:00 +0000

Clearly a tan is out of the question, but I needed to perk up my entirely too predictable black/grey ensemble with at least a little color. How do we feel about fuchsia? Good? Great. I'm so glad that all of the messy rain and gloom is gone... even though it's still cold, I'm LOVING this sunshine. Let's hope it stays around for a bit!

Express tank dress (old), Cynthia Rowley jacket from TJ Maxx (similar for 75% off!), Charming Charlie's scarf, Seychelles boots (similar), NY&Co earrings and bracelet, Michael Kors watch, Francesca's clutch, DG sunglasses

Still here

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:30:00 +0000

I'm alive and well.. and completely caught up with the holidays this year. Between the standard Christmas plans with family, out of town guests (FUN!), and time off work... I have had little to no creativity left for the blog. Add this to the fact that I've been spending most of my spare time for the past few months perusing every possible internet site, magazine, and television broadcast for home decor in addition to fashion inspiration. I truly admire bloggers who do it all. Fashion, beauty, home decor, DIYs, etc... I don't know how you all do it (as I get anxious at the thought of having more than one thing on which to focus my efforts). The good news is - I have lots of home decor DIYs to document in the next few months. Also, I may actually get dressed and out of the house BEFORE it gets dark at least once while I'm off work and get some outfit pictures taken.

A few pretty home decor inspiration pics I'm loving...

Source: decorpad.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: cozamia.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: southofmarket.biz via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: globalatelier.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: delightbydesign.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest