the striped elephant

Monday Style Quote

lanya — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:00:47 +0000

“Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or pretty – never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense.” -Winston Churchill in his commencement speech at Harrow School 1941

In honor of all those recent graduates (such as my best friend who just graduated law school!), Refinery29 posted an article, ” The 20 Commencement Speeches That Will Change Your Life, Even Now.” I love this Winston Churchill one (Prime Minister of the UK from 1940-1945, and 1951-1955).

Winston Churchill, Photo Credit: www.speechbuddy.com

Friday’s Most Wanted

lanya — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:27 +0000

Don’t ask me where and how I found these amazing boots – I can’t remember what I was searching for online when I saw them. Aren’t they adorable? I really love the color. If I had to give this color a name, I think it would be “Electric Blue.” (has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it”)? I love a shoe that’s different (like these obviously are), but not so obnoxiously different that you can’t pair them with several different outfits. I would pair these with jeans or some cute below-the-knee skirts or dresses. Hope everyone has a great weekend – I’ll be spending my time at a Ukrainian Festival, chowing down on perogies.

Miz Mooz Women’s Miro Ankle Boot, $99.95

Photo Credit: www.infinityshoes.com

Monday Style Quote

lanya — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:00:42 +0000

Since it’s finally spring, and dress season is upon us, I wanted to share a few tips from Rachel Zoe, on how to wear a LBD (Little Black Dress).

“- A striking set of earrings is a little less expected and just as cool as a statement necklace.

- A fistful of bracelets that blend diamonds, metal, and chains add glamour with an edge.

- Bring it to life with an element of color. Swap out your black heels for a pair of striking red platform pumps and prepare to be noticed.

- Do not be afraid to go all out with a red lip! This bold makeup move is always unmistakably stylish when combined with a LBD.” – Rachel Zoe

An assortment of LBD’s! Photo Credit: urbangirlsquad.com

Friday’s Most Wanted

lanya — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:00:49 +0000

A good beach towel is almost as important as a good bathing suit. I love these Lacoste Home and Boss Home beachtowels. I especially like the colorful Lacoste towels with the large crocs on them (and crocs/alligators are my biggest fear!). These towels can be found at www.macys.com and www.bloomingdales.com. Have a lovely weekend!

Lacoste Home Beach Towels, Photo Credit: EFGPR

Boss Home Beach Towels, Photo Credit: EFGPR

Mon Style Quote

lanya — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:29:43 +0000

Photo Credit: what-jools-wore.blogspot.com

Amen to that!

Friday’s Most Wanted

lanya — Fri, 03 May 2013 11:00:56 +0000

I always get e-mail blasts from Fab.com, and this week clicked on a picture of vintage necklaces. Little did I know, the prices would range from $68-$1,770. Of course my favorite necklace was the most expensive one – a little out of my price range, but I still wanted to share it with you all.

The necklace is made by designer Mark Armstrong Peddigrew. He collects eclectic little treasures from around the world – flea markets, antique fairs, and estate sales – and creates unique jewelry with them.

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! The bf and I are traveling to visit my family this weekend for Easter (we’re Ukrainian Orthodox and Catholic, and follow a different calendar). Can’t wait to see the fam, play with my pup, and play the piano!

Fab.com, Tokyo Necklace, $1,770

Monday Style Quote

lanya — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:00:23 +0000

“Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It’s a way of understanding it.” -Lloyd Alexander

I took an awesome continuing ed. Creative Writing class at NYU this weekend, so I wanted to start the week off with a great writing quote. This quote is from Lloyd Alexander – a writer known for his fantasy novels, from my hometown in Philadelphia.

Author Lloyd Alexander, Photo Credit: www.culture.com

Friday’s Most Wanted

lanya — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:00:19 +0000

I have two words for these pants…yes puh-lease! I’m a big fan of the patterned-pants trend this season. I’d probably pair these with a basic white tee and a nice statement necklace, or a really colorful tee for a more “summery” look. I’m so excited for this weekend! My best friend is visiting (friends since 6 years old), and I’m taking a continuing education writing course at NYU (education ain’t no joke!). Hope everybody has a great weekend.

Palm Tree Trousers by Jaeger, Photo Credit: TheFancy.com

Monday Style Quote

lanya — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:00:32 +0000

“There’s this idea that everybody has to have everything right away. But you have to let the slow burn happen. I wasn’t the superstar. I had to work for it. Really long hours.” -Jenna Lyons, President and Executive Creative Director of J. Crew, quote from Marie Claire @ Work, May 2013

I love this quote, because it is something that I so often seem to forget – success takes time (especially in the fashion industry). I really admire Jenna Lyons, and all she has done for J. Crew. I was never a “Crew” kinda girl, but within the past few years, have really grown to love the brand. I love looking through the J. Crew style guide – the styling is always so well done!

Jenna Lyons, Photo Credit: www.ohhappyday.com

Friday’s Most Wanted

lanya — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:10 +0000

The bf got me into MANGO, and it just so happens it’s located right down the street from my work (how convenient!). The past few times I’ve been in the store (just browsing of course…), I’ve had my eye on this dress. Love the zipper detail and neutral tan color. It’s very safari-chic.

MANGO, Biker Dress, $79.99