A Work in Progress

First of all, I want to thank you for your patience and delay in this week’s motivational Monday post. Even though today is Thursday, I thought it fitting to save this week’s until today as it is my birthday.

Today I am 34.

And I am thrilled to be 34 and feel fortunate for the life and lessons I have lived through thus far, thankful for where I am today and excited about where tomorrow will lead as I am confident while there will be challenges, there will also be wonderful moments to celebrate as well.

Birthday’s always prompt me to reflect, analyze and set goals, so when I came across the quote above, I couldn’t help but ponder my answer to the question it posed.

After all, perfection while not attainable, when understood as striving for our best self is something that can’t help but allow our answer to the above question to be YES!

It should ease our minds to know that we will make mistakes constantly along the way. After all, if we wish to grow we must try new things, and in the process we will become bruised as we are very much like a toddler trying to walk. But unless we try, we will never grow. We will never improve.

Today I’d like to share with you a few ways to continue to grow, improve and change as we all continue down the path of becoming our best selves that our old selves will most certainly be proud of. Have a look:

1. Read nonfiction. Learn how things function, work and once were. Allow others’ time, energy and experience help you to avoid unnecessary mistakes and setbacks.

2. Let go of what you don’t use (household) and what does support what you value (people, responsibilities, etc). By doing so you opening up the door to new experiences, more time and less stress.

3. Travel.

4. Master your thoughts. When we adjust our attitude, we adjust our perception of the world we live in which allows us to see things differently. And when we see things differently, we see new opportunities, new inspiration for creativity and more hope that indeed the life we are trying to create is possible.

5. Keep a gratitude journal or simply keep a journal.

6. Eat lunch outside when the weather becomes lovely once again. It is amazing what basking in the sunshine, hearing the birds and squirrels dither about can do for our psyche in the middle of a work day or plopped in the middle of a delightful weekend.

7. Become determined to learn one new thing each day. Whether it’s learning a new vocabulary word (mellifluous - adj. sweet or musical; pleasant to hear. “She had a mellifluous voice.”), or becoming more acquainted with a new law that is on the ballot in an upcoming election, consciously choose to invite more knowledge into your life.

8. Stop complaining. When we complain, we actually invite more negative thoughts into our minds, squeezing out our attempts at becoming optimistic and hopeful. Think of it this way, if you can do something about whatever it is that is frustrating you, do it, don’t complain. And if you can’t, keep your mouth zipped.

9. Take control of your money. Set a budget, reduce or stay out of debt, eliminate unnecessary expenditures. (See TSLL money page. Full of posts on just this topic.)

10. Use only cash for purchases. Upon having to actually see how much money you are paying for something, you are less likely to fork it over so quickly and absent-mindedly.

11. End multi-tasking. While many things may get done, they aren’t typically completed with high-quality results.

12. Leave your cell phone out of the bedroom when you go to bed. My friend recently shared with me that she has every member of her family leave their cells in the kitchen upon going to bed. We need our sleep, and often we get in our own way of a blissful night’s slumber.

13. Take a look at your schedule for the following day the night before. Organize it in such a way that is feasible. Eliminate any tasks that are unnecessary. Each day should be very much goal-oriented as well as it includes small steps that we take to reach our larger goals. Knowing what to wear, how early to get up, when a bit of exercise can be squeezed in is often sabotaged by not planning ahead.

14. Eliminate eating processed foods. Read Salt, Sugar, Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us to discover the grip processed food companies have on our eating habits and health.

15. Spotlight one food that sabotages your eating habits and eliminate it cold-turkey today. For me it was cookies. I used to be able to eat a whole batch in very little time. Deadly! Now, only on vacations do I let myself enjoy, and I never bake them anymore.

16. When in discussions, keep in mind, raising your voice doesn’t mean what you have to say is more important or deemed right and someone else’s opinion wrong. Easier said than done, but with practice, it is a tremendous ability to have in your arsenal.

17. Stop comparing your life to others. You may look to them for inspiration, but not competition.

18. Ascertain what you are passionate about and pursue it without delay.

19. Give compliments freely, but make sure they are sincere and specific.

20. Associate and work with people who inspire you and whom you respect.

It is the little events, at-first-glance small steps that we make each day that create a life we can look back on and smile as we realize how far we have come. Today, pat yourself on the back for how well you have done thus far, and always know that you can always learn something more to polish your best-self. Have a wonderful Thursday everyone.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~Take Time to Reflect & Gain Reassurance

~Remember to Spread Your Wings

~Why Not . . . Read? (a three part series)

Images: (1) source (2) source

Style Inspiration: Leopard, Leather & Stripes

Many of Thursday’s Style Inspiration posts involve leopard and stripes (for example – here, here, here and here), but without question, they are both options that work with a variety of different styles, personalities and ages. Today, yet again, more infusions of leopard and fantastic nautical stripes. However you will also find boyfriend jeans, ankle strap sandals and pumps as well as a polka dot blouse that completed a fantastic look (and I’ve found one that is quite similar to add to your own closet).

Read more »

Want & Have Outfit: No. 23

As I was putting together TSLL’s annual Spring Trends newsletter (scheduled to be sent out to newsletter subscribers this Friday morning – March 1st), I began perusing through Tibi’s spring collection and I didn’t want to leave. While the prices range from $200-$700, you can receive a 20% discount off your first purchase when you add your name to their email list. Currently on the look-out for a new dress that makes the transition from winter to spring, this neutral colorblock dress caught my eye.

Paired with a pop of color, classic black sandals and gold hoops, the black trench I already have would work well for warmth while en route. I have to share quickly something regarding the earrings. Recently a reader turned me on to Gorjana-Griffin, and I discovered endless simple, yet sophisticated hoop earrings that are quite reasonable in price. Do take a look if you are in need of a classic gold or silver hoop set of earrings. You’ll also find shoes, handbags and other accessories.

~WANT~

~Tibi basketweave V-neck dress~

~Manolo Blahnik ‘Chaos Cuff’ sandal~

~Foldover Clutch basketweave (green)~

~Gorjana vintage hoops~

 

~HAVE~

~Ellen Tracy black trench~

 

~SHOP THIS LOOK:

Why Not . . . Indulge in Simple Luxuries?

With life filling up our schedules and night turning into morning far too quickly, it can sometimes seem as though we aren’t able to enjoy all that is going well. Being willing to work hard for the life we want is mandatory, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy regular simple luxuries.

The beautiful reality of simple luxuries is that they are everywhere waiting to be savored. From the first cup of freshly brewed coffee we sip in the morning (or tea) to the way we spend the last waking hour before catching some sleep reading a wonderful book, listening to our favorite music or catching up with our loved ones.

With the changing of the seasons, I am reminded that every three months there is something to celebrate and something to welcome. Something to luxuriate in as it only happens once a year and something to look forward for exactly the same reason. No matter where we find ourselves in the life we have created, the simple luxuries are there. However, it is our job to seek them out, to take breaks, turn off our cell phones and allow ourselves to indulge without feeling guilty.

Studies have revealed that working endlessly does not produce the best results, but in fact, working a balanced life with a quality vacation during the year, breaks throughout the day and weekend respites, allows our minds to recharge and perform at its best.

“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a beautiful crop.” –Ovid

I encourage you to welcome moments throughout your day and week that allow you to take a deep breath and relax, indulging in a simple luxury that slows down your heartbeat just enough so you can appreciate all that is going well. Here are a few examples that you may want to include in your repertoire. Please feel free to share your own as well.

1. Time during each day to catch your breath, close your eyes or put your feet up without distraction

2. An a la carte spa treatment . . . manicure, pedicure, facial – your choice . . . at the end of a weekday.

3. Feeling the young spring sun on your face.

4. Sipping a crisp French rosé paired with a decadent brie, Genoa salami and water crackers.


5. Reading from cover to cover the just-delivered new issue of your favorite magazine.

6. Seeing the daffodils become available in the farmers’ market for the first time. Spring is indeed coming!

7. Serving meals on beautiful, simple white plates that allow the food to do the talking.

8. Savoring the last fire in the fireplace as winter winds down.

9. A decadent dark chocolate truffle from your favorite local chocolatier.

10. Sipping Mariage Frères tea as a reminder of your trip to Paris.

11. The time set aside to meet a dear friend for a simple chat and to enjoy each others’ company.

12. Playing classic Dave Brubeck or Miles Davis jazz tunes on my record player while getting lost in a fantastic book.

13. Being surrounded by endless reading material options – whether at home or in a bookstore.

14. While taking a walk, enjoying the sun either rise or set and basking in its beauty.

15. A gourmet hamburger paired with a scrumptious red wine on a weeknight.

16. Discovering an intriguing article in the latest newspaper or magazine and losing all track of time.

17. Catching deep, peaceful Zzzzzzs under a fluffy down comforter paired with silky soft Egyptian sheets.

18. Indulging in a flaky, buttery croissant topped with a touch of homemade jam.

19. Sunday morning – the weekend papers, tea and breakfast in bed.

20. A day that is entirely mine to do as my heart desires.

21. Getting caught in a spring shower while on a walk.

22. Having something – a date, a trip, any plans that excite – to look forward to well in advance of its actual occurrence.

23. Discovering exciting news or reason to celebrate, and reveling in it by yourself for one full evening before sharing it with those who love you.

24. A fresh baguette


25. Knowing you have money in the bank.

26. Knowing you’re on the right path for the life you’ve dreamed of living.

27. Knowing you have the perfect outfit for an upcoming occasion.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

~What a Simply Luxurious Life Looks Like to Me

~Ideas for Ending the Day Well

~An Enjoyable Way to Start the Day

Images: (1) source (2)Instagram 

A Day in Portland & Big News!

~Hanging on the wall in the Pearl District’s Lovejoy Bakers is this wonderful piece of art (unfortunately, I did not write the details down). This four by four foot painting depicts one of the many rainy days that have always drawn me to this beautiful city of Portland.~

Over the weekend, I ventured down the Columbia River to Portland for a day of some business, exploring, shopping and coffee with a wonderful opportunity to catch up. There is something about making the three hour trek to the City of Roses that brings a burst of exhilaration. In fact, just knowing in advance of my plans to head to the city does wonders for my mood.

The visit this time was no exception to my heightened expectations.

While I spent the majority of my time in the Pearl District, I had to stop by my favorite consignment shop in Nob Hill – Seams to Fit. While the above khaki dress from Carolina Herrera caught my eye immediately, I reminded myself that my budget was much smaller than what its price tag listed and instead picked up these aviators and the wrap top you see here.

Making my way to the neighborhood of the Pearl District (home of Powell’s Books and so many other wonderful shops, parks and restaurants), this boardwalk led me to the Lovejoy Bakers which offers breads of all shapes and sizes, pastries and delicious lunch sandwiches and soups where I met my friend and her two daughters for a treat and catch-up.

The street car that runs through the district and up through Nob Hill is a simple way to quickly get to the Max or a destination that may be just out of walking reach.  I was excited to discover that there is an additional street car line that just began running last fall on the east side of the river as well. Interestingly enough, it stops right in front of my next stop for the day (below) . . . Rejuvenation.

On the prowl for hardware for my kitchen cupboards and drawers, I have come to love the unique variety and retro styles that Rejuvenation offers. Salvage items are available as well as new, and from lighting, to hardware, furniture, fixtures and more, they have what you just might not realize you need. Here are a few pieces that caught my eye:

Now as for what I decided to purchase, you’ll see the glass brushed nickel knobs recently installed and on display in my Kitchen Facelift post, but I must have been excited and overwhelmed at being in Portland because I incorrectly measured when it came to the drawer pulls. Oh well, just another excuse to stop there next month when I return.

Before heading out of town and back home, I stopped by my favorite fresh flower shop in the city, Sammy’s Flowers. This particular location was located on Lovejoy street in the Pearl, but the original location can still be found on NW Glisan and 23rd. Picking out these hydrangeas, I hopped back in my car for the return trip.

But . . . there is one thing I forgot to mention.

It has been nearly seven years since I left Portland to begin living in eastern Oregon, and I am beyond ecstatic to share with you that I will be moving back to Portland, specifically the Pearl District part-time beginning next month. What does this mean? Well, it means I will be gradually decorating my new studio which means more decor posts (see decor inspiration I rounded up for February’s Ideabook). It also means more posts similar to this one and all the things I will be discovering when it comes to fashion, food and anything that is simply luxurious.

Am I still teaching? Absolutely! Nothing has changed on that front. I am simply taking advantage of an opportunity that has presented itself. And the beauty of having summers free is that I can spend my time in two amazing places. I do hope you’ll continue to stop by and discover more specific inspiration and insights on how to live a refined life on an everyday income.  It has taken me time to share personal peeks into my life, but while keeping my boundaries in check, I would like to show you a bit more of why I genuinely believe that a simply luxurious life is an amazing life to live.

~A FEW POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~Why Not . . . Shop Consignment?

~Simple Strategies for Flower Arrangements

~The Kitchen Facelift

~Why Not . . . Become Your Own Decorator?

 

Images: All taken by TSLL via Instagram – follow me here.

This & That: No. 47

Beautiful silk blouses, a play to see if traveling to New York City, an film to enjoy and a few other discoveries I’m happy to share . . .

~Blog

1. Urban Weeds

While flipping through the most recent issue of Portland Monthly magazine I discovered a Portland street style blogger/photographer Lisa Warninger. Her blog Urban Weeds was founded in 2009, and she now has photographs appearing regularly in New York Magazine. Capturing the eclectic fashion found on Portland streets, she not only shares what she sees through the lens, but introduces her readers to each individual featured. While Portland style tends to be much more loose and unrefined, it is certainly unique and original, and what one discovers while reading her posts is that Portlanders own their signature style regardless of trends. Often individuals are captured while walking their dog, and she gladly includes them in the image which is something I can’t help but love.

~Theater

2. A Nora Ephron play, Lucky Guy starring Tom Hanks

If you, like myself feel the film world and world at large has lost a tremendous talent with the passing of Nora Ephron last year, there is one more opportunity to see what she was creating right up until the end. The Broadway play Lucky Guy starring Tom Hanks and written by Nora Ephron begins previews on March 1st and officially opens on April 1st in New York City. Originally scheduled to end on May 19, it has been extended until June 16th.

Described as “"a new play about the scandal- and graffiti-ridden New York of the 1980s, as told through the story of the charismatic and controversial tabloid columnist Mike McAlary (played by Hanks). From his sensational reporting of New York’s major police corruption to the libel suit that nearly ended his career, the play dramatizes the story of McAlary's meteoric rise, fall and rise again, ending with his coverage of the Abner Louima case for which he won the Pulitzer Prize, shortly before his untimely death on Christmas Day, 1998."

So, if you find yourself in the Big Apple in the next few months, this might be something you’ll want to look into.

~Movie

3. Quartet

Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut is set in a small town in England (it was filmed at Hedsor House, Buckinghamshire, in autumn 2011) where a retirement home for talented musicians resides. Based on Ronald Harwood’s play which ran in London’s West End under the same name, this British comedy stars Downton Abbey’s Maggie Smith as an aging opera star who begrudgingly begins living at Beecham House where her ex-husband resides. A script full of comedy, everyday drama and a desire to come together and celebrate, I cannot wait to sit down and enjoy this film.

~Shopping

4. & 5. Robyn Top in pink blush & poppy drip from DVF

Diane von Furstenberg is easily one of my favorite designers, and these silk chiffon blouses are why I adore her designs. Easy to wear to work paired with a slender pencil skirt or out and about with dark denim jeans and beautiful accessories, the versatility and quality create numerous mix and match outfits and last for years.

~Wine

6. Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman (W5)

As I have shared a few times on the blog, with Walla Walla Valley just 40 miles away from where I live, I have come to appreciate the delights of wine as they are paired with endless options of meals, as well as learn more about how an exquisite bottle comes to sit on our tables for dinner.

One of the first local blogs I began to follow was created by a local wine expert Catie McIntyre Walker titled Through the Walla Walla Grape Vine. With the success of her blog, in 2010 she opened her own wine shop in downtown Walla Walla – W5 (better known as Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman) a destination for picking up local wines I love and French wines  as well (oh, how I appreciate her having bottles of rose to choose from). One of the perks of stopping into her shop is that she knows what the wines have to offer and can steer you toward a bottle you will be wonderfully delighted to have purchased.

The Kitchen Facelift

For more than seven years I have lived in my 1930’s Normandy home, and while so many other rooms throughout the house have had facelifts and remodels, the kitchen has remained the last to receive my attention . . . until now.

My goal was to institute a change that would not require a contractor’s help, yet would create a more welcoming and functional space. Therefore, the term facelift – paint, hardware, window treatments and dishes – pertains to that idea that all the changes were something I could easily do myself.

First the before pictures:

BEFORE

And now . . .

For the past two months, the kitchen has slowly taken shape. The decor aesthetic I wished to create was one that blended clean, tranquil simplicity with a welcoming French country touch. Have a look at the after pictures below and following the pictures, I’ve broken down all of the changes and links to anything you see in the photos that interest you or you might have questions about.

AFTER

~My boys – Norman and Oscar – patiently waited Sunday morning for me to finish the kitchen post. A walk and a treat quickly followed this photo. ~

While my kitchen may not be making the pages of House Beautiful any time soon, I was thrilled with the outcome. What I discovered during the process is that simple changes, cleaning out the clutter (much was edited and will be sold in yard sale to be held this spring), choosing colors that work well together or create the right tone for the mood one wishes to create, as well choosing quality accessories can make a tremendous difference.

I now spend much more time in my kitchenette reading and sipping tea in the morning. When having company over, I tinker away in the kitchen while they are able to relax in the kitchenette, sipping wine and catching me up on what is going on in their lives.

I’ve now designated the right side of my sink (where the wine is stored and the cupboard full of glasses is located) as my “bar area” where drinks are prepared, while keeping my food preparation on the left-hand side of the sink where all of my appliances and dishes are stored. A simple change, but it is working well. And since I eat oatmeal every morning, I’ve placed it by the stove-top to prevent messes and instill simplicity in the process.

Needless to say, I’m inspired to cook even more, am having fun with meal presentation and enjoy welcoming my guests into my kitchen. Thank you so much for your patience in waiting for the final pictures. Bon appetit!

ALL THE DETAILS:

*A thorough, deep cleaning

*Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White on the walls and ceiling (matte) and trim, as well as faux brick (satin)

*Window treatments (due to my window frames which were not wide enough I was not able to mount them inside the frame, but they are capable of such a placement) customized from Blinds.com – white roman shades with no cords (love this!). They are customized to the 1/8 of an inch of what you need.

*Added a dimmer switch to the kitchenette and changing the electrical outlet plates

*Changed the cupboard knobs to glass 1 1/4 inch brushed nickel knobs from Rejuvenation (the pulls for the drawers that I picked out didn’t fit, so I’m picking up the right size when I return to Portland next month).

*Removed the above-counter cupboard doors

*Lined the shelves with cork

*White porcelain dishes and glassware from Sur la Table and Crate & Barrel (purchased during December & January sales which was a budget saver)

• Both the round and square dinner plates are the medium, not the large size which provides more than enough room for a meal (and saves money).
• Viv 20 oz Big Red wine glasses
• stemless wine glasses (love these for casual lunches or afternoon snacks as well as when dining outside)
• tea/coffee cup
• espresso cup and saucer
• pasta bowls
• square plates (8.5”)
• bistro round plates (10”)
• large glass canisters
• tea kettle from Le Creuset

*Added a framed print of “Dignity & Impudence” by Sir Edward Henry Landseer – located at the Tate Britain museum in London (where I originally saw it and became smitten – do read the back story. I have a feeling if you are a dog lover, you will appreciate it as well).

*Please note, the rug is old (saving up to have it replaced soon!) And you may have noticed, I am still debating on what would look the best.

*The lighting (while put up three years ago) is from Rejuvenation – nickel finish).

*Changed the wall clock to white – click here to purchase. 

*Removed under-sink doors and replaced with a white cotton curtain set from World Market.

*Added two white porcelain utensil canisters from Providence Fine Living in Walla Walla – the most lovely store owner with endless expertise.

*Added a large, trimmed in white, corkboard for recipes, coupons, grocery lists and newspaper articles freeing up the refrigerator and eliminate the endless magnets.

*The wall mounted pot is not new, as it came with the house when I bought it, but I am thrilled to have it. It can be found here.

*The wines are from Walla Walla and Oregon wineries as well as French wineries picked up at my local wine shop – Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman aka W5. (Currently on the rack – a French Chateau Petit-Freylon 2010 bordeaux, French La Vieille Ferme rosé, Charles Smith 2011 Syrah and Abacela’s 2007 Malbec).

*Flowers – hydrangeas picked up in Portland’s Pearl District – Sammy’s Flowers

*Garage Sale finds – cutting board, kitchenette table (added the white paint), and tablecloth

A list of the cookbooks found on the counter:

*Barefoot in Paris by Ina Garten

*The Barefoot Contessa Foolproof

*Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics

*Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child

*Pure Beef: An Essential Guide to Artisan Meat with Recipes for Every Cut

by Lynne Curry

*The New York Times Cookbook by Craig Claiborne

*A New Turn in the South: Southern Flavors Reinvented for Your Kitchen

by Hugh Acheson

*Everyday Italian by Giada de Laurentiis

*Bouchon by Thomas Keller

*The French Women Don’t Get Fat Cookbook by Mireille Guiliano

*The Country Cooking of Italian by Colman Andrews

*The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

*Weeknight Fresh & Fast (Williams-Sonoma): Simple, Healthy Meals for Every Night of the Week by Kristine Kidd

Finally, if you have further questions about anything you see in the kitchen, leave a comment below and I will be sure to do my best to answer.

~If you are seeking more decor inspiration, I have good news. First, stop by my monthly Houzz Ideabooks (January’s highlighted my kitchen facelift and includes more links to products used or desired). Second, beginning next week, I will be posting a four part series of simple decor inspiration. Lastly, later this week I will be sharing some exciting news that will have me learning the ropes when it comes to decorating small spaces, yet adhering to the simply luxurious premise.

~Rest assured, this week’s motivational post has been moved temporarily (this week only) to Thursday. Next week, the regular Monday schedule of posts will resume.

The Weekend . . .

I don’t know about you, but this week felt like Thursday for four full days before Friday would finally arrive. But indeed it finally has, and oh, how excited I am as I am heading down to . . . can you guess based on the inspiration of the umbrellas above? . . . Portland!

Whether it is raining or not there (I do hope so), I am tickled to be going as it has been far too long. With a chance to catch up with a dear friend, a bit of consignment shopping, an exciting meeting of which its details I will be sharing soon on the blog, and a handful of other stops here and there, this weekend is one I’ve been waiting for for quite some time. (Follow me on Instagram or Twitter for the latest updates and images of my trip.)

And in case your week has been a bit hectic, busy or exhausting, here is a look back on what has been going on here on The Simply Luxurious Life this past week . . .

~This & That: No. 46 . . . a documentary not to be missed, Rachel Zoe’s new beauty business venture and more . . .

~Want & Have Outfit: No. 22 . . . inspired by London Fashion Week street styles

~Style Inspiration: Leopard, Black & Gray

~Why Not . . . Live in a Smaller Home? . . . the readers’ favorite post of the week

~Joie – Fall 2013

~Guest Post: Style by Tiffani . . . a NYC stylist shares a glimpse of her new online boutique

~How Refusal Welcomes a Life of Riches . . . the foundation of a simply luxurious life.

And this week’s newsletter – issue #137 – click here to read.

I do hope you enjoy this last weekend of February. So much as already happened in the two short months of 2013, but so much awaits to be enjoyed. Until Monday, bonjour.

  Images: (1) source (2) source

Want & Have Outfit: No. 22

During London Fashion Week this past week I noticed a handful of wardrobes involving boyfriend jeans which made me all the more eager to wear the pair I have in my closet and perhaps add one more to my wardrobe. Either way, one of my favorite things to do is to wear something fabulously feminine (just as the t-strap nude pumps) and then pair them with something unexpectedly chic and casual (a la, boyfriend jeans).

With simple classics, a fantastic leopard blouse layered over a nude or black camisole makes just enough of a statement without saying too much.

And the accessories . . . last weekend I sampled the scent of Bottega Veneta’s Eau de Parfum and quickly became a fan – with scents of jasmine, plum and pepper, the traditional mixed with contemporary scent is perfect for the mix and match wardrobe above. Top it off with a functional, yet stylish watch, the reading material that I will be carrying around in my tote this weekend as I enjoy the city of Portland (however, this red one from Coach isn’t bad either) and the freedom the weekend provides, and I couldn’t ask for much more.

~WANT~

~KORS Michael Kors Adrielle Pointed Toe Pumps~

~Equipment ‘Ava’ henley animal print silk-chiffon blouse~

~Coach medium leather tote~ 

~Bottega Veneta Eau de Parfum~ 

~HAVE~

~J.Brand ‘Aiden’ cropped distressed boyfriend-fit jeans (similar)~

~The Atlantic – March 2013 issue~

~Michael Kors ‘Parker’ chronograph leather watch (similar)~

~SHOP THIS LOOK:

Style Inspiration: Leopard, Black & Gray

 
I’m always looking for new and creative ways to wear classic colors and prints. While spring may be just around the corner, there is still a chill in the air, so choosing layers and pumps is still the most reasonable option. With a nude t-strap pump from Michael Kors that mixes up the classic style just enough, leopard pants paired with a silk ivory blouse or a chic leopard print driving coat and boyfriend jeans paired with statement heels, the inspiration from London’s Fashion Week and beyond is full of style inspiration as February has its last hurrah. Have a look. 


          
~SHOP THESE LOOKS:

  Images:  (1) source (2) source  (3) source(4)  source (5)source  (6) source (7) source (8) source   (9) source  (10) source  (11) source (12) source  (13) source (14) source (15) source  (16) source