This & That: No. 70

A few fashion finds, a dream of a home, a new calendar for the upcoming year and more . . .

~Blog

1. The Classy Cubicle

Thursday’s weekly post Style Inspiration prompts me to always be looking for street style blogs revealing classic, chic attire without the fuss. The Classy Cubicle is one such blog that offers wonderful, creative ideas, mixing high and low items to create a professional, yet feminine look. Whether the author of the blog Mary chooses Nanette Lepore or Rachel Zoe and mixes it with picks from H & M and Ann Taylor, the outfits are well styled and perfect for a day at the office.

~Blog Post to Read

2. 7 Negative People You Need to Ignore

It’s easy to understand why we shouldn’t spend time with people who drain our energies and leave us feeling upset or frustrated, but how do we identify these people before we fall prey to their manipulations or lack of positive energy? Marc and Angel have done it again with their post 7 Negative People You Need to Ignore. A simple list of descriptions, scenarios and a plan of extrication if you find any one of these negative people in your life. Have a look.

~Calendar 2014

3. Inslee’s 2014 Calendar (just released!)

As you might already know, I am a fan and regular client of Inslee Haynes. Her talent for being able to use her artistry to create fashionable, timeless images of women in endless everyday situations and leisurely destinations continues to capture the interest of new fans. And what better way to add a simple touch of her artwork to your work space than by purchasing her new 2014 calendar? With twelve new illustrations, her calendar (also available in a smaller size) is reasonably priced and a wonderful idea for upcoming gifts and holidays.

Curious to find out where she finds inspiration? Kendra Scott shared a wonderful interview of the New York City based illustrator here.

~Real Estate

4. Frances Mayes 2nd Tuscan home for Sale

Perhaps, like me, you feel in love with the film Under the Tuscan Sun. And while we may not be able to buy a home in Tuscany, we can at least dream. This past spring it was announced that author and professor Frances Mayes has placed her second Tuscan home for sale. And while the price hasn’t been officially disclosed, it’s rumored to be around five million dollars. Fonte delle Foglie, believed to have been purchased to escape the crowds her first home attracked, was the home which her book Every Day in Tuscany centers around as she and her husband remodeled and added on to.  Take a virtual tour through this lovely getaway in the Tuscan hills.

~Shopping

5. Citizens of Humanity ‘Ava’ straight-leg jeans in color Indie

As I begin to fill the gaps of my fall wardrobe for work and play, I’m always keeping an eye out for a pair of top quality jeans for casual outfits. And while skinny jeans are nice, they don’t always lend the most comfort. As a fan of Citizen of Humanity, I’ve always been happy with the length, the rise and the structure of their denim, so when I saw the Indie wash of their Ava straight-leg, I put it on my wish list. A bit spendy, so I may have to wait for sales, but either way, it’s the color I’ve been looking for.

6. Diane von Furstenberg Meeson dress (black, navy & red)

A simple black dress for day with a beautiful print scarf or a blazer, Diane von Furstenberg’s Meeson cotton-blend dress is available at an affordable price and worth taking a look at. A simple scoop neck, 3/4 sleeve arms and hitting just above the knee, the Meeson’s style would be appropriate for day or evening and would be an ideal staple to keep in the closet. (If you prefer navy, click here.)