love this look

I love these simple outfits.  For me, they serve as great inspiration for items I already have in my closet.  Hopefully they evoke the same response from you.  I love seeing my seemingly boring wardrobe in a new light.  (I forgot where I found these images...please help if you know!)

Etsy Sidebar

Happy Monday!

My love for Etsy never ends.  However, it can be slightly overwhelming trying to find a crafty thank you card, the perfect gift for your mum, or a little something special for yourself.  As I stumble across Etsy sites that I love, I will add them to this handy-dandy sidebar on the left side of my blog.  Please, please share your favorite sellers as well!  Hopefully my list will help you find just what you are looking for.  I have a collection of original prints, cheeky textiles, and fabulous jewelery vendors, some new, some handmade, and some vintage.  Hopefully you can find something that strikes your fancy.

Speaking of original art, have you heard of the Sketchbook Project? I think I am going to order my notebook this week.

100th Post!

I cannot believe it is my 100th blog post!  This little ole blog of mine has evolved quite a bit over the past 100 posts, but I hope you have enjoyed my creative outlet as much as I have.  As always, please let me know if there are any particular topics you would like to see/read about.  Here's to 100 more...and Happy Friday!

Blueberry yum yum

Over the weekend, I made the following delicious treat and I have to share the recipe.  It is seriously so easy to make, and the bars turned out delicious.  It is the perfect recipe to make over the weekend and keep on eating during the rest of the week.  Get the recipe here.

GOOP

{via}

Who doesn't love Gwyneth Paltrow?  Her classic style and timeless look make her my favorite style icon in recent times.  If you are like me, and just can't get enough Gwen in your life, check out her lifestyle blog, GOOP.  Topics are classified by MAKE, GO, GET, DO, BE, and SEE.  Each weekly post has a personal flair and sophistication that is all Gwyneth. 

Some of my favorite GOOP links:

hair how-to

the perfect LBD

guide to SF

be a better child

website love

Summer to Fall

With all of this flip flop of weather, I can't decide if I want to wear fall or summer clothes.  Here are some ideas of how to transition fall pieces for warm days, and summer pieces for when the air gets crisp.

Idea #1:  Pick a wardrobe staple and accessorize it according to the weather.  The shirt-dress is a classic example of a versatile piece that fits any type of weather.  For warmer days, pair it with nude pumps and a light cardigan; and for fall, pair it with boots and a blazer.

Shirtdress by kcfox featuring leather shoes

Idea #2:  Liven up your fall clothing with bright summer pieces.  It might still be too warm to wear those new army green pants you just bought with a turtleneck and booties, but it's the perfect weather to pair them with your favorite summery tank. Plus, no one likes a Negative Nancy, so I love to wear happy, bright tops with darker bottoms anyways.

Liven it up by kcfox featuring cross body tote

What are your wardrobe staples that you wear regardless of the season?

Lazy Monday

{via}

Just got home to scorching heat. It appears that summer has FINALLY arrived.  I had a wonderful trip in Ohio visiting my bf and some friends.  It seems like those weekends go by waaaay too fast.  Looking forward for my next adventure over Labor Day.  For now, I'll have to deal with laundry and unpacking. 

Some inspiring summer photos to help you beat the heat!

{via}

Have a good weekend

I'm off to Ohio to visit the bf.  Excited for lazy mornings, adventure filled days, and warm summer nights.  I'm hoping the hot midwest weather will keep up for the following weekend.  I am so tired of this fog!  These photos inspire me to pack a baguette and have a picnic, or sip a latte while watching the sunrise.  Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

images

love this look

{via}

How adorable is Lea Michelle's outfit?  I am loving the neutral palette with bright lipstick. Not to mention the billowing top with shimmery skirt provides the perfect contrast.  I am ecstatic that sequins and shimmer are no longer reserved for New Years Eve, but when paired with toned down basics, result in a great look for day or night. Get the look for less with these options (each item is under $100). 

Summer Glam by kcfox featuring Miss Selfridge

Dollhouse Women's Kim Pump- $42; Cream Knotted Crop Top- $39; ASOS Double Ring Finger- $12; Twist of Fate Bag- $29; Haley's Skirt- $78; CHANEL ROUGE COCO lipstick- $38; CHANEL Le Vernis Nail Color Nouvelle- $30; Zip Stud Bangle Set- $28; Nude Lace Tails Jacket- $63

The double finger ring is an edgy way to add interest to this seemingly sweet ensemble.  Pairing a structured tuxedo jacket and bright red lipstick with the neutral basics provides the right contrast to keep this outfit from being boring and blah.  What are your thoughts?  Would you only wear sequins for night, or would you pair a shimmery skirt with boots for a daytime look?

Target - \Tar-jay\

{via}

I have always been a fan of Target.  Their great prices, and even better merchandise have kept me coming back for more year after year.  Recently, Target has stepped up their game and is now featuring more designers than ever in the fashion and home decor departments.  I am drooling over these chic bags from Poketo and Poketo for Target.

 Not to mention those adorable plates above by John Derian.  The layout below is from this month's Lonny Mag and I am in love with those silhouette coasters.  The New York designer makes his debut at Target on September 5th. 

{via}

Other noteable Target designers include...

1. Sonia Kashuk- great color palettes and even cuter makeup bags.  Right now I am coveting this lip palette

2. Jemma Kid- fantastic concealers and mascaras and a plethora of makeup tools that will make your friend who only shops at Sephora, wildly jealous.  Right now I am coveting this skin illuminating concealer.

3. Christiane Lemieux-Who doesn't love Dwell Studio?  Lemieux's collection of sheets, pillows, and table linens have me swooning.  Right now I am coveting this bedding.

4. Zac Posen- fine, fresh, fierce.  I think Katy Perry was really chanelling Zac Posen's clothing line for Target when she came up with that little dity, California Gurls.  Right now I am coveting this little number.  (Plus, did you know that the tulle can be removed?  For only $27.98 you get 2 dresses for the price of 1!)

 I'm looking forward to the addition of Poketo and John Derian to Target's already stellar list of designers.  I definitely think a trip to Target is in my near future...

Farm Fresh to You

{via}

Farm Fresh To You is a wonderful resource that brings you fresh, organic, local produce straight to your door.  My bf calls it the "lazy man's farmer's market," but I think it's genius! Get organic produce delivered to your home or office weekly, every other week, or every fourth week.  It's easy to customize your order with various fruits and veggies, and everything is fresh and in-season.  Prices range from $25-$110 depending on the amount of produce.  Unfortunately, the farm is located in Sacramento, and thus is only available to folks living in the Bay Area.  I'm going to be signing up promptly with my roomie and enjoy some fresh goodies in the next couple of weeks!  Here's to healthier meals...

{via}

{via}

{via}

Before and After

Before

 

I found these before and after shots on Dwellers Without Decorators, one of my favorite design blogs, and thought the transformation was remarkable.

After

It's amazing how some framed pieces of art and a light fixture complete the space and turn dull into interesting.  The light fixture in this image can be found here, but I also like these more affordable options that can be found at IKEA.

RUTBO Pendant Lamp $39.99

IKEA PS MASKROS $89.99

FILLSTA Pendant Lamp $49.99

Before and After

I found these amazing before and after shots on Design*Sponge yesterday and had to share.  The above image is the "before" shot.  Not too bad though, right?  I mean it's a little boring, but nothing hideous.  The mirror behind the sofa creates the illusion of space and the floors are beautiful.  But wait until you see the after...

It looks like a whole new apartment!!!  I love the color palette, especially the lime green behind the shelves in the built-in (which by the way, is a super inexpensive way to liven up the space).  If you don't have the budget to get all new decor, getting a rug, and replacing window furnishings is a great place to start.  See how the curtains add a level of sophistication?  When I liven up a space with hints of color, instead of one big statement piece (like the lime green sofa), I typically use tints and shades of the same color.  A hint of green, a hint of orange, and a hint of yellow with neutral sofas and chairs does not have the same effect as one color accent (in varying shades to create visual interest) accompanying dominating neutrals.  Here are some additional before and after shots from the same update.

Some of my favorite tips to keep in mind when decorating (or re-decorating) a space, get the full list here.

1.  The best interiors are a harmonious marriage between architecture and interior design so spend time in an empty apartment or house before you decorate it.

2. The most successful rooms defy categorization. They're allergic to design templates because they reflect their owner's individuality and life experiences.

3.  Rooms that stay relentlessly true to one particular style or period (even, dare I say it, mid-20th century modern!) are predictable.

4. A coat or two of paint is the least expensive and quickest way to transform an interior.

5. The best rooms never take themselves too seriously

Happy Friday!  

love this look

{via}

I'm shivering in my office right now, so I figured a fall inspired "love this look" was in order.  This outfit is great for work or dinner.  Each piece can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, and mixed and matched with everything and anything currently in your wardrobe.  Get the look with these items...

Fall 2010 by kcfox featuring Forever21 bags

COZY CABLE TURTLENECK, $37
Terrace House Jacket, $138
Spotlight Heel in Grey, $80
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - 1077717608, $30
UrbanOutfitters.com > Women's  Bottoms > Pants, $58

Army green slouch pants and oxford pumps are on my list for must have's for Fall 2010.  What's on your fall wish-list?  What are your fall staples? 

Up-do inspiration

Loving these up-do's.  Now if only my hair would cooperate.  Any suggestions on how to get these looks?  Lots of bobby-pins I presume...

{via}

{via}

Lonny Mag

I LOVE magazines.  I love lazy weekends flipping through luxurious layouts and reading interesting stories.  However, if I were to purchase every magazine, every month, it would get quite costly.  I have my favorite interior magazine (Dwell), my favorite fashion magazine (Vogue), my favorite lifestyle magazine (Glamour), etc., etc., etc.

Enter: Lonny Magazine, a free, online mag that has my favorite interiors, fashion, and lifestyle rolled into one amazing resource.  I was a little hesitant about looking at a magazine online, but once I started "flipping" through the pages, I was hooked!  The layouts are to die for, and the presentation is very intuitive and reads like a real magazine.  I'm sure it would be AMAZING on an iPad.  My favorite part is that for every item they feature, you can click on the image and there is an embedded link to take you directly to the product.  Now that is some crafty marketing.  The content contains product reviews, editorials, DIY projects, inspired interiors, the list goes on.  You are sure to find something here for every price range and color palette.  Here are some of my favorite spreads from the most recent Lonny edition.

What do you think?  Would you subscribe to a free online magazine?  Do you think this is where publishing is headed?  I'd love to know your thoughts!