Got To Get Agate

Iosselliani is a really cool, really hard to spell jewelry line that I first learned about at Beanie + Cecil in Wilmington. This bangle set featuring faceted agate and brass bangle buddies is calling my name. It's on trend but so unique. Love. Get it now and stay ahead of the curve.

I almost forgot to mention: enter the code: SPRINGEVENT to save between $30-$300 on your Shopbop purchases!

Courtly

Is this not insane? These are "Queen's Court" gifts commissioned by Mobile's 2013 Mardi Gras Queen from Caroline Reehl Ceramics (one of my faves!). All of her work is so sweet and beautiful. The little glimmer of gold is perfection.  

Oscar Meh

Real Life Is Elsewhere

Can I be frank? Let's be frank. I was underwhelmed by most things Oscar. I didn't know that cocaine jokes were en vogue on a live prime-time broadcast these days. I sound old and grouchy, but seriously. The stage was beautiful, what with the twinkly lights and such. Good GOD Adele was amazing. I was glad for J Law, and loved that she fell up the stairs; let's face it, I would have. Daniel Day Lewis is EVERYTHING, and was amazing in his navy tux jacket with his lovely wife Rebecca Miller (who, as I understand it, is Arthur Miller's daughter-you're welcome when you win trivia). Sally Field was stunning in red as she has been all awards season. But literally, I can't think of anyone that knocked the red carpet out of the park. Oh, and of course, Kristen Stewart couldn't be bothered with a shower or giving a you-know-what. BUT, the "red carpet" of the Vanity Fair party (for which many stars change dresses for round two), pulled the ship around a bit. My favorite look was Leslie Mann's red Andrew Gn. Drop dead color, simple and sexy shape, and the perfect balance of detail. Secondly, Jennifer Lawrence changed into a sick, age-appropriate, and fun Calvin Klein. She shimmered. There were a few others, but I was mostly unmoved. (Oh...and just because, you know, Bradley Cooper...sigh.)

The Stylite

Friday Faves

Happy Friday to all. It's quite dreary here, but looking forward to a weekend of movies and relaxing. Up top is "Blue White", one of my faaaavorite prints from C'est La Viv, one of my talented interweb friends. I picture a huge version of this hanging in a dining room. It's subtly floral and cheerful. Below is a great shot of Annie Griffin, designer of Annie Griffin Collection, in the style section of the latest issue of Southern Living. I know they're excited, and how fab is her outfit? Shop the "Sam" blouse here. Do it. 

I love the "Haskin" earring from Harper Modern Vintage, a Chapel Hill-based jewelry line designed by Wendy Perry! Each one is hand-wrapped with semi-precious stones. Wear them with anything to add some color.

The picture doesn't do these Matouk euro-shams justice. I was tagging along at a bridal event at Charlotte's with my future sister-in-law when I totally bogarted her registry and started picking out things I wanted. (They just ignored me.) So you can obviously get these beauties at Charlotte's. But while we're discussing the bridal event, my lovely friend and wedding planner Katie Dunn of Events by La Fete was there, and there were goodies from Sugarland Bakery (which should be illegal). If you're not familiar you need to be. 

I found these gorgeous black, mirrored side tables at Target. I was pretty impressed. Shop them here. I suppose I don't have to point out that this is definitely "design within reach"!

Matiko "Elena" cutout cork wedges. These are the bestttttt.

Details

Sometimes it's all in the details...

Chanel Spring '04

Givenchy Haute Couture SS '12

Valentino Haute Couture SS '11

Chanel Pre-Fall '13

Images: 1 & 2 via They All Hate Us, 3 via Burnett's Boards, 4 via Queen Bee 1924, 5-7 via I Dream Of A Couture World

Wonderland

via ChestChest

As I mentioned earlier, it is a snowy wonderland around here today (we get excited about a half-inch of snow in these parts). As I sit snuggled amongst dogs and blankets I daydream of the most glorious snow day delicacy: Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate. It's so wickedly good. There are some great recipies on the interwebs for a home made version, here's an easy one from Epicurious:

6 half-oz. pieces of chocolate

2 teaspoons of hot chocolate mix

1.5 tablespoons sugar

1.5 cups milk

3 cups ice

Whipped cream & chocolate shavings for toppings

*Chop the chocolate into small pieces & place in the top of double boiler over simmering water, stir occasionally until melted

*Remove from heat & slowly add 1/2 cup of milk, stirring until smooth, cool to room temperature

*Place remaining cup of milk in blender, add room temperature chocolate mix, and ice.

*Blend on high speed until smooth

*Pour and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings and enjoy!

via Epicurious

via Dashing Dish

Mara Hoffman: Fall '13

I'm such a big fan of Mara Hoffman's use of color no matter what season she is showing. Fall '13 was full of snuggly and stylish sweaters and gorgeous pops of pink. She is the queen of boho and I love it. The look below is my hands-down favorite. That dramatic shawl collar black coat with rich caramel skinny pants, and topped off with subtle animal print=euphoria. And since it's snowing right now, I'd love to somehow teleport this look onto my body. I just want to wrap up in it. 

via Mara Hoffman Pinterest

"Eye" Love You

Happy Valentine's Day! Isn't this poppy-hued eyelet Thakoon Addition dress perfectly sweet for the day? Great for now with a jacket and booties. I'll be sporting this frock from now into Summer!

Last Minute Tidbit!

Valentine's Day is upon us, still need something to hint for? Try the "Colidas" necklace from By Malene Birger available at Fleur. Neon+pastel+bling=wow. 

Oscar De La Renta: Fall '13

Most of you know how in love with Oscar de la Renta I am. (Hopelessly.) His Fall '13 collection is one of my favorites in a while. This is the best I could do in cutting down my favorites (I should have just posted the whole show). Rich fabrics and embroidery, with a bit of a Downton nod-or maybe even further back in time to a period of opulence. Oscar always manages to keep an old-world femininity while designing for a modern woman. Swoon.

 

Images via ODLR's Facebook

You Are My Sky

Little love notes on your pillow for Valentine's Day. Via adorable Etsy shop Bright July. You are my sky...

Lela Rose: Fall '13

Lela Rose Fall '13 Look 2

Here are my favorite looks from Lela Rose's Fall '13 runway show. As usual she melds architectural details with feminine fabrics and silhouettes. Her love of textiles is obvious, and I love it. I have to say my most favorites were the two final looks; the gown naturally winning out because I love a good gown and it is spectacular. As for the final look, I don't think the runway picture particularly does it justice so I've also included a snap from Vermillion's Instagram; you'll note the way it is essentially floating down the runway in the most ethereal way. Perfection. 

Lela Rose Fall '13 Look 25

Ombre feathers and fuschia...Lela Rose Fall '13 Look 29

Lela Rose Fall '13 Look 15

Lela Rose Fall '13 Look 27

Naturally the gown is my very favorite...
Lela Rose Fall '13 Look 36

Final look: Lela Rose Fall '13 Look 37

Lela's final look via Vermillion's Instagram!

Images via NY Mag and Vermillion's Instagram