Leopard Print Accessories

Photo Credits: saksfifthavenue.com; net-a-porter.com

Leopard print is so big for fall 2010 - open up any fashion magazine right now and you will see leopard print everywhere. Three fabulous pieces... Which one suits you?

1. Dior Leopard Platform Sandals, $790
2. Tory Burch Reva Leopard-print Ballerina Flats, $225
3. Mulberry Leopard Print Scarf, $250

Outdoor Entertaining Spaces

Photo Credit: housebeautiful.com

With Labor Day fast approaching and a few days of summer entertaining left, it seems like the perfect time to talk about outdoor entertaining. While all of the outdoor areas shown above are vastly different (from traditional to a bit more modern/minimalist), they are all chic signature spaces. Each one stands out for its coziness, unique design and approachability. See here for more pictures of outdoor room design ideas from House Beautiful. I have chosen my favorites. Which one is your favorite outdoor entertaining space?

J. Crew + "The Romantics" = Perfection

Photo Credit: Courtesy of J. Crew

For those of you who ADORE J. Crew, the day has come where Hollywood and J. Crew have come together for an amazing photo shoot for you to enjoy! A special thanks to J. Crew for passing sharing these photos with us!!! You can see more of the photo shoot and find a clip of "The Romantics" here. What do you think of the photos?

The Better Plastic Bag

Are you one of those people that packs your toiletries in plastic bags when you travel? I am! My mom always taught me to double bag anything that could explode or leak in your suitcase. And, yes there have been times when I had some fabulous designer toiletry bag only for it to be almost immediately rendered useless after a shampoo explosion, probably mid-flight. And, then, back to using good-ole plastic bags again. Well, if you are like me, wanting to be sensible and stylish, I have found the perfect thing for you. Tili Bags - see here. It's basically a decorated plastic bag. Genius!

Tili Bags Large Box (12 one gallon bags), $8.49

Anthropologie Flats

I can't decide if these python print ballet flats are sophisticated with an edge (thanks to the python print) or edgy with feminine detailing (courtesy of the beading on the toe). Regardless, these flats are lovely!

Anthropologie Tap & Slither Flats, $148

Beautiful Bag

Photo Credit: saksfifthavenue.com

What could be better than a Bottega? Beautiful leather, in a modern hobo shape - timeless, stunning and quite the show stopper. This bag is the pinnacle of luxury, yet a bit more subtle than a Gucci or Fendi bag. Sure to make you the most sophisticated fashionista around...

Bottega Veneta Maxi Veneta Hobo, $2,450

Fall Looks from Rebecca Taylor

Photo Credit: neimanmarcus.com

AMAZING!!! As soon as I saw the new pieces for fall available now from Rebecca Taylor, I wanted to buy pretty much every single look. If you had to select only one of these looks for yourself, would you pick # 1, 2 or 3?

1. Rebecca Taylor Silk Tuxedo Shirtdress, $350
2. Rebecca Taylor Faux-Fur Collar Bomber Jacket, $495 shown with Rebecca Taylor Bow-Print Sequined Runway Dress, $550
3. Rebecca Taylor Knit Coat shown $395 with Rebecca Taylor Bloomie Floral-Print Silk Blouse, $275

A Little Bit of Luxury

Photo Credit: saksfifthavenue.com

Sometimes, you want just a little luxury in your life. Small things can make a big difference. I adore this hand soap, lotion combination. And, I love the fact that both products are lightly scented and not overwhelming. After staying at a hotel that had Molton Brown toiletries in the bathroom, I decided to do the same thing at home. And, voila, a little luxury for me! You can do the same!

1. Molton Brown Rose Granati Soothing Lotion, $25
2. Molton Brown Rose Granati Fine Liquid Soap, $25

Absolutely Delicious

Last night was wonderful. Five good friends getting together for cupcakes & wine! We were celebrating one of our friend's recent recovery from a serious illness. All of the girls loved the chocolate cupcakes that I made for the occasion. The baking cups are from the Williams-Sonoma store and are so bright and celebratory. I cannot find the baking cups on their website, but I bought them in the store this past week - so if you go to your local Williams-Sonoma store, you should be able to find them. The recipe is pretty easy - these cupcakes are always huge hit. I made the cupcakes according to this recipe, adding extra chocolate chips on top. And, then I used vanilla icing from the grocery store instead of making my own. A big thank you to my friends for coming together for a fabulous celebration of life & friendship. And, the top picture styling was recommended by one of my friends who adores food blogs. Cheers!

Lovely Lela Rose

Photo Credit: bergdorfgoodman.com

To me, this designer embodies absolute perfection. Pure Luxury! These dresses are the perfect mix of sophistication and youthfulness. And, there is definitely an element of fun thrown in as well. The feminine details, streamlined silhouettes and that cardigan!! Thoughts??

1. Lela Rose Cashmere Silk Cardigan, $550 shown with Lela Rose Lagoon Print Sateen Dress, $945

2. Lela Rose Belted Silk Cotton Dress, $1,595

Happy Bookmarks

Photo Credit: paper-source.com

Paper Source Letterpress Bookmarks, Red/Bluebell Set of 4, $1.95

I recently purchased some of these adorable bookmarks. I love the patterns and prints. Put one of these in whatever book you are currently reading, and it is sure to make you just a little bit happier. What book is currently on your night stand?

Dreaming of Fall Boots

Photo Credit: toryburch.com

I can't get these tan Tory Burch boots out of my mind. They are fabulous. Tory herself wears a pair with her denim here. The Dallas high bootie merges the comfort of a clog with the edginess of an ankle bootie - all set on a bleached wooden 3 inch heel. What boots are you planning to add to your closet for fall?

Tory Burch Dallas High Bootie in Royal Tan, $395

Trina Turk Residential Line

Photo credit: modernchichome.com

Known for fabulous women's clothing, Trina Turk has branched out into pillows, towels, and other accessories for the home in her relatively new residential line. You can buy this fun zig zag print pillow here. Or, you can check out even more of the Trina Turk residential line here. This line was a recent discovery for me, so I thought I would share it with you. Enjoy!

Trina Turk Bombshell Needlepoint Pillow in Blue, $79

Back to School

Photo Credit: poketo.com

For those of you heading back to school (or maybe wishing you were), let me recommend this stunning and modern tote from Poketo for Target. The bright colors are fantastic. Plus, this is definitely a "cheap chic" item - such a great price. This would also make a great reusable grocery tote for your next trip to the market.

Poketo for Target Dots Large Tote, $14.99

Pure Inspiration

Photo Credit: caitlinmcgauley.com

Watercolor artist Caitlin McGauley inspires me. Whether she is depicting well-furnished interiors, fashionable clothing, or food, her watercolor paintings make me smile.

For more of her work, see here.

Style Spotting

These best friends pose in their favorite little black dresses. Love the sparkles & ruffled sleeves! Very chic! What do you think? What is your favorite little black dress (LBD)?

Best Lip Balm

It's amazing how there are a myriad of choices to solve a simple problem, like chapped lips. When my lips are chapped, I reach for one of these three go-to lip balms. Do you use on of these standard bestsellers or something different? What lip balm do you use?

1. Rosebud Salve, $6
2. Kiehl's Lip Balm #1, $7
3. Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, $3

"Well Red"

Boho chic! Be bold in this Haute Hippie eye-catching red stretch-crepe dress. The embellished beading is exquisite! What accessories would you pair this dress with?

Haute Hippie Beaded stretch-crepe dress, $595

Simple Beauty

When it comes to jewelry, I love to keep it simple. This necklace is truly gorgeous!

Maya Brenner Designs Treasure Teardrop Necklace, $495

Necklace Information:

14k gold teardrop with ruby eternity circle and turquoise drop on 14k chain.

Eternity Circle: 1/4"

Chain: 18"

Cheap Chic

Add these black suede and mesh peep toes to your closet... perfect for your next night out! These shoes have recently been featured in Lucky and InStyle Makeover magazines. 5" heel, and 1" platform.

Nine West Felicita, $99

Fashion Craving: Lemon & Lime

With only a month left of summer, we are craving citrus colored clothing right now! Lemon and lime are so cheery and summery. The revived Halston Heritage hits the mark with this lime dress. Try pairing the Milly linen top in lemon with khaki or white linen shorts. Finally, this Shoshanna dress will win rave reviews when you show up in this sunny colored dress at your next big event. Which one of these options do you like best?

1. Halston Heritage Asymmetric Silk Dress, $385
2. Milly Embroidered Linen Blend Top, $225
3. Shoshanna Seamed Sleeveless Dress, $305

Spotlight on artist: Rebecca Ward

Photo credit: rebeccasward.com

Colorful and striking installation! When I came across photos of this installation, I was mesmerized by the colors and complexity. See more photos of the installation here.

Art information:

rebecca ward
seventeen is sharp
electrical tape, vinyl adhesive
06.19.09
kansas city, mo
charolotte street foundation/urban culture project

Kate Spade Paper

As a lover of all things Kate Spade, I adore Kate Spade stationary. This red and gold flower print is striking. Check out the equally adorable Kate Spade Brushstroke Peony Boxed Set for another inspiring print.

New Classics: Rebecca Minkoff Nikki Bags

Rebecca Minkoff sells the most fabulous leather bags. The Nikki design comes in two sizes, appropriately named "Nikki" and "Mini Nikki." Both bag styles are "new classics," as they are wildly popular with celebrities and fashionistas alike. The Nikki is a classic hobo with a modern spin to it, including dazzling custom hardware.

If you need a larger bag, then the Nikki is the right bag for you. The Alligator Nikki bag is luxe, chic and sophisticated. It is truly a stand-out and be noticed bag!

I have the Mini Nikki, and I think that this is the perfect size. The Mini Nikki is back by popular demand - currently available in the classic black color.

1. Rebecca Minkoff Alligator Nikki in Brown Alligator, $595
2. Rebecca Minkoff Mini Nikki in Black, $475

The Perfect Pair

In the summer months, I love getting a mani/pedi. These are my favorite colors right now. I am loving Bubble Bath for nails and Red My Fortune Cookie for my toes.

What is your favorite polish color? An of the moment blue or a more classic color like a light pink for nails?? Endless possibilities for pedicure...

New Arrivals at J. Crew

Photo Credits: J. Crew

New Arrivals at J. Crew!!! Here are my top 5 picks from the new arrivals. What are your favorites from the new arrivals?

1. J. Crew Fiver Ring, $58
2. J. Crew Collection Lacey Cami, $695
3. J. Crew Cascading Ribbon Cardigan, $88
4. J. Crew Solid Ripstop Field Jacket, $98
5. J. Crew Jayne Platform Heels, $228

Chocolate Cookies for Dessert

There are times when you want chocolate for dessert, and nothing else will do. When you feel that way, you have to make these cookies. They melt in your mouth! I used a simple recipe - click here to see it. Enjoy!