MRA :: the penny pinching preppy

Entry Chair Search

2012-08-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

When I found this photo on pinterest my heart skipped a beat. I am completely obsessed with this chair. It would be beyond adorable in our entry and I must find it asap. I'm thinking of scouring thrift stores in the next few weeks to find a similar frame and then attempting to reupholster it myself in one of our Cowtan & Tout leopard prints. Do you think that's too ambitious? I think I can do it. Has anyone every tried to reupholster something themselves? I found a DIY tutorial here on one of my client's blogs. Lets see if I'm brave enough to attempt it.

xxx

image via bluedogbelle

Arm Party of the Month

2012-08-14T12:16:00.001-07:00

Stack of the Month by tasselsandtrends featuring j. crew jewelry

We're all obsessed with our daily dose of arm candy, no? So, I've decided to do a once monthly favorite stack post. I love the colors in this batch... so perfect for our last few weeks of summer. C Wonder is quickly becoming a fav of mine for jewels. How about that Hermes look-a-like? It's such a stunner. Have a great day ladies!
xxx

Friday's Wedding Favorites: Beau

2012-08-10T11:19:00.001-07:00

Beau's Wedding Shoes by tasselsandtrends featuring open toe pumps

Since both of the Rinfret girls are getting married this year, to differentiate between myself (Missy) and my sister (Amanda Beau), I'll put our names in the title. I'm obsessed with the light pink Manolo's or the amazing Valentino bow shoes for my sister's big day, but just in case that is not in the budget I've chosen some let expensive alternatives in the Badgley Mischka's and Kate Spade options. All of them are so beyond cute that any of them would be perfect! We shall see!

My fiance is away for the weekend visiting his college buddies in Chicago so I will be on Long Island with Amanda helping to decorate their new house. So excited!! Have a great weekend, girls! What are you all up to?
xxx

Inspired.

2012-08-09T10:24:00.002-07:00

My life has been pretty hectic lately. I haven't had time to breath, let alone blog, but I had to stop in and share something. Never forget that life can be full of opportunity, surprises and love. Strive for this every day. Changes to come soon. xxx

via

Scheming

2012-08-01T11:13:00.003-07:00

Our living room is gray. Gray, gray, gray... there are touches of black and white, but besides that it's pretty damn dull right now. I've been trying to decide on a color pop and our new Cowtan & Tout yellow geometric print just did it for me. It's so fresh, young and fun.

I'll use the new C&T, as well as a Jane Churchill Damask and a white linen Larsen for pillows. Then, I've decided to reupholster our arm chair and dining room seat cushions in the polka dot Manuel Canovas. What do you guys think? I can't wait to show you the finished room! It's going to be so happy and bright!

xxx

Lake House Weekend

2012-07-30T11:47:00.001-07:00

I was a horrible blogger again last week... I'm still blaming our broken laptop. Our vintage mac has finally died after 8 years of good times. Until we bite the bullet and get a new one, my posting will suffer a bit, but every chance I get to post at work I will... Today I had to share our pictures from this weekend.

Every summer Alex's family heads up to his Uncle's lake house. This year was epic... the weather was perfect, the vineyard was a blast, the sunsets were incredible and the vodka lemonade situation was ridiculous. Enjoy some of snaps of the weekend. Leave comments letting me know what you guys were up to... I love hearing all about it :) !

Beach Chic

2012-07-25T14:04:00.001-07:00

My sister and her fiancé are moving into their house next week. It's right on the water and they are going for a beachy, shabby chic vibe. Here are some pictures I've pinned as inspiration.

via

After stalking pinterest I had to do an inspiration board, I couldn't help myself! It's only half way done, but I wanted some opinions... Thoughts? I would have her white wash an old amoire from her bedroom and turn it into a bar. So amazing. I still need a comfy arm chair, an end table and some fun accents, but i thought it was a good start. Have a great night!
xxx

Beau's Beach Chic by tasselsandtrends on polyvore.com

Weekend via Instagram

2012-07-23T10:57:00.001-07:00

I'm so sorry for being the worst blogger last week! Our laptop is broken and we had a few events with work so it was very hard for me to escape and do my postings. Here are some pictures of the last few days... I'm looking forward to having more free time this week and definitely blogging a lot more.

outfit for a cocktail party at a clients... leopard, pearls & jacks

view from my sister's new house... how amazing?! so happy for them...

hot pink & lace for our second engagement party

my girls minus one late bird & one who couldn't make it

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

xxx

Look for Less: Emily Maynard

2012-07-17T11:25:00.004-07:00

Look for Less: The Bachelorette by tasselsandtrends featuring forever 21 jewelry

If you say she's not the cutest girl on earth you're totally lying and her style is killer. She is the sweetest, most gorgeous girl... obvi I'm a bit obsessed, but how can you not be? For those of us who watch the bachelorette Emily Maynard is perfection. Who watched last nights Guys Tell All? So juicy. I love & I'm so sad he wasn't picked, but he is totally the next Bachelor. Don't you think? Anyway, I adored both hot pink dresses that Emily chose. The herve leger was killer, but the other one that she wore during her one on one with Chris was just as amazing. Here is a little look for less for you ladies to enjoy.

xxx

Inspired by Us.

2012-07-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a great weekend! I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I work for the fabric company Cowtan & Tout in NYC. We deal with interior designers and architects and have been the inspiration for many beautiful projects. Since I was sick as a dog this weekend I did not have any time to really think through today's post. So, I decided to show you some gorgeous interiors with our amazing product. Their each so different, but beautiful in their own way. Let me know which is your favorite... xxx

1/2/3/4/5/6

Target Must Have's

2012-07-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

Target Must Have's by tasselsandtrends featuring a two piece swimwear

Just kiiiiind of went a little nuts at Target, but how could I not. HOW ADORB'S are all of these items? I mean, obviously I really needed three pairs of flats, two of which are basically the same color, but how could I say no? The cap-toe pair was $8.90! Seriously? Die. Get off your computer and run to your nearest target because the summer line is beyond adorable and basically free. Like, the same price as your morning latte and a nutrigrain bar. I'm just sayin... Have a great day, ladies!
xxx

Fav of the Week

2012-07-10T12:21:00.001-07:00

I adore my new Zara dress! On sale for only $39.99! It's coral tweed and perfect for this weather because it's a little bit heavier than your normal sun dress, but definitely light enough for summer. There are a slew of adorb items on sale for up to 50% off so I would definitely check out the website for similar deals.
xxx

Friday's Wedding Favorites: Again with the Bridesmaids

2012-07-06T12:03:00.000-07:00

I STILL have not decided on a bridesmaid dress. Color, style, length, material, anything. Granted, our wedding isn't for another 10 months and my sister's wedding is around the corner so I'm pretty focused on that BUT I still kinda need to make some decisions. The only thing I know for sure is that I love the colors champagne, ivory and pink... I just don't know which will go where and on what. I'm pretty sure I want champagne dresses, blush flowers for my girls and ivory flowers for me (below)... I may have to just pull the trigger and tell my girls what to do.

Also, something so fun happened. A follower liked the idea I posted a few weeks back and sent me a picture of her girls in their monogrammed shirts! You guys look so cute!!! Congratulations and I wish you lots of love and luck with your marriage.

Have a wonderful weekend!

xxx

Look for Less: Adorbs Outdoor Patio

2012-07-05T12:36:00.001-07:00

Look for Less by tasselsandtrends on polyvore.com

Firstly, let's say congratulations to last week's winner: Sam at Reddy or Knot (an adorable blog that you all should check out)! Please e-mail me here to customize your very cute Pottery Barn pillow!

Next, let's discuss a fun re-do. My future sister in law wants to update their porch so I have been scouring pinterest to find a look. If anyone knows the designer on this project please post the name in the comments! My version will cost you around $700, but we can get the price down even more just by white washing their current wicker furniture and adding some new linen cushions (target has very inexpensive ones). That would keep the cost under $400! What do you guys think?

Hope you all had a wonderful fourth of July!

xxx

Friday's Wedding Favorites: My Girls

2012-06-29T08:56:00.001-07:00

Bridesmaid Gifts by tasselsandtrends featuring bohemian earrings

I've done a few posts about gifts for my bridesmaids. I want something special, that really tells them I've thought about their style, what they love and how much they each mean to me. I love the idea of all of these items. The jack rogers are adorable to throw on at the party. They're comfy and easy to dance in. I adore this robe as well. It reminds me of one of our Manuel Canovas old school toile's and it would be so cute for pictures. The monogrammed bag is completely adorable and can be customized for each bridesmaid... different color options, stripes, animals, tassels, anything. Last but not least those earings. Die. Most gorgeous color. They're actually more perfect for my sister's wedding, but either way...

Have a wondeful weekend ladies!

xxx

Here is where to buy:

1. Jack Rogers

2. Iomio Bag

3. Pretty Plum Sugar Robe

4. Bauble Bar Earrings

Crazy week via. instagram

2012-06-28T10:40:00.002-07:00

I'm having blogger's remorse because I've been a terrible one this week, but it's been a busy one. We went to visit Alex's brother & wife in Mass and had the pleasure of meeting Quinn, who is the best little cutest nugget ever . We also got to hang out with her little brother, Cole who is such an adorable little munchkin I can't even take it (pic's below). I miss them already and it makes me start to have baby fever (not until after the wedding though, promise). Thank you so much for having us, we had the best time.

Then, last night I had dinner with some girlfriends. It's always so fun to see friends, catch up on their lives and reminisce a bit about things that have happened before our "grown up" lives began... careers, hubs, kids, everything. I appreciate these nights so much and always come to work with a smile on my face the next day (and a bit of a hang over). I wish I had a picture to show you guys but ours came out kinda horrible.

Tonight, I have my parents anniversary dinner (old school picture below). How cute are they? They really give me something to strive towards in a marriage. Constant friendship, support and love. It's very inspiring. Love you guys.

Tomorrow night, I have another family dinner and then finally it's off to the hamptons with my bff for some definitely needed R&R. Hopefully next week I will be a more responsible blogger, but I will definitely try to do my wedding post tomorrow.

Toodles.

xxx

ps... will announce the give away winner on Tuesday so keep trying for it! xxx

Pottery Barn Give Away!

2012-06-25T08:39:00.001-07:00

I am thrilled to have reached 300 followers. Thank you so much for all of your comments & love. I want to show you guys how much I appreciate it so I've decided that for every 100 followers I will host a give-away. I adore these pottery barn pillows & I hope you do to. In order to win just share the pPp on Facebook or tweet about the giveaway & then leave me a comment telling me that you did. I will randomly pick a winner next week.
xxx

Fav of the Week

2012-06-21T12:31:00.001-07:00

I just picked up these adorbs neon earring from h&m at lunch.
Only $5.90. Seriously?
Done.
xx

Look for less- Little Boy's Room

2012-06-20T12:28:00.001-07:00

Look for less- Little Boy's Room by tasselsandtrends on polyvore.com

I found this adorable little boys room on pinterest by interior designer, Liz Caan. I think it's the cutest thing I have ever seen. A ton of my friends have kids & I thought this would be the best transitional toddler room ever. Don't you agree? With my look for less breakdown it can be done for under $400! Don't you guys just love it? Hope so!

xxx

Payday Purchases: Summer Fun

2012-06-19T17:48:00.000-07:00

I've been trying my hardest not to spend money because of all the weddings, apartment needs, housesavinggrownupthings we have coming up this year, but I needed to treat myself this last pay check. It's been a long month with market, birthdays, engagements... lots of back & forth. Basically, it's been a cray cray running arround session. Isn't this high-lo dress adorable? It totally reminded me of a DVF print, but it's only $69 (can be found here)! The shoes are my splurge item from Michael Kors (you can find them here). What do you guys think??
xxx

Friday's Wedding Favorites: Beau's Beach Colors

2012-06-15T14:06:00.002-07:00

I love the idea of coral & turquoise for a beach wedding so I put together this inspiration board for my sis, Amanda Beau. It's so fresh & fun. Perfect for preppy Palm Beach. I'm off to Long Island for fathers day. A happy one to all your dads or hubs !
xxx

Fav of the Week

2012-06-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, I stalk this pillow from dwell studio. Our living room is different shades of grey, white & tan with black accents. This would go perfectly and it is being purchased immediately. One of my goals was to completely finish our apartment so hey, this is a start. Accents are very important in making your apartment or house feel like home. You want people to walk in and say, this is totally ___(your name here)__ and this screams me. It's traditional & subtle, with a hint of modern & crazy.

It's perfect.

xxx

Gift Guide

2012-06-12T10:44:00.001-07:00

Father's Day is right around the corner. As you all know part of my summer goal list was to save money so I can't blow the bank on a ridiculous father's day gift. Luckily, Pauly is easy peasy and would be very happy with a bottle of Scotch and a few cigars (maybe a dinner cooked by his two daughters as well). If you guys are in the same boat, here are a few adorable father's day gifts under $50. My favorite is the personalized golf ball maker. For some reason the polyvore link does not bring you to the site for purchase so you can click here if interested. Have a great day ladies!

Anything good on TV tonight? I feel like after the Mad Men finale, True Blood starting and the Bachelor blow out last night that nothing will be able to beat the last few days of TV. Did you guys watch?! Thoughts?!

xxxx

Summer Goals

2012-06-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

I think every once in a while you have to take a step back, see where you are in your life, evaluate things and set some new goals. Their are a few things I definitely want to achieve by the end of the summer and there's no better way to get motivated than to post them for all to see on your blog...

1. Reach 500 followers- by the start of September I would love to achieve this. I feel like I need to have a more consistent focus (which I plan on having with a new sister venture- gimme some time) & I'll be hosting more give aways to persuade my lovely followers to promote the pPp to their friends (a little bribe never hurt no one).

2. Save $$$- my fiance & I want to buy a house in the next few years so saving money is a major priority for us. I definitely need to curb my latte & silk dress habit (or at least tryyyy).

3. Run 6 miles without stopping- this may seem small to some, but I just started running to get in shape for our big day & it's a battle for me to do a mile so this would be a huge step for me. Ps...If anyone has a good beginner running plan send it my way.

4. Fully decorate our apartment. We have a great start, a cute color palette & some fun prints, but we definitely need art work & accessories. I've been busy picking fabrics for my clients & haven't focused on our own decor. I need to take some time this summer and make our apartment home.

5. Finalize wedding details. I've been procrastinating. We still need bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses, grooms men attire & little guest details. My wedding Friday favorites needs to me more detailed and specific so I can get these things picked and settled.

There you have it. I think these goals are certainly attainable. How about you ladies? What do you hope to achieve this summer?

{image via tuttibella}

Friday's Wedding Favorites: Beach Wedding

2012-06-08T11:27:00.001-07:00

My sister's getting married on the water at the amazing Breakers in Palm Beach in FOUR MONTHS! So basically we have a hot minute to find a dress. Should she go light & airy chiffon, cute & preppy taffeta, veil, no veil??? Decisions decisions.... I know she wants something comfortable and low maintenance. There are so many options! We are going dress shopping on Monday so I'll keep you posted. Have a wonderful weekend!

xxx

{images courtesy of pinterest}