Library, Part 2.

Remember this room?  Well, she's finally getting hardwood floors and I couldn't be more excited about it!  The installers arrive tomorrow and my floors should be complete by Friday. 

Then comes the challenge of finding a rug.  Do I go with a solid to balance out all the pattern in the room?  Or do I layer another pattern on?  Funny how I am ripping up carpet to lay down hard wood only to cover it up again with a rug...

Here are a few leading contenders.

Simple, subtle blue.  Oddly enough the chairs on this catalog are the same material as the chairs in my Study, so I know this rug would fit in perfectly. 

Patterned options from Ballard Designs and Shades of Light.  I've always liked this kind of pattern and don't have anything like it currently in my home. 

What do you think?

Oh, in case you missed it, I was styled in "Leap Year" fashions on our local morning news.  Head over to my Facebook page for the link...and great timeless pieces worth investing in.

OP in Tibi.

By now, I'm sure we've all seen these pictures of Olivia Palermo at Fashion Week.  I am in love with her Tibi Horatio Striped Jacket.  This whole ensemble is something I can see myself wearing (minus the high heels - just not practical at the park, you know?!)

The funny thing is that I have similar pieces in my closet that would allow me to recreate this cute look.  If you don't already own a striped blazer or jacket, I highly suggest one.  I have this one and it was in heavy rotation in my Spring wardrobe last year, so I imagine I will be reaching for it again.

J. Crew Factory Stripe Knit Blazer, $98

They are very easy to top off jeans and a white t-shirt, but even more fun for evening with a blouse in a fun color. 

What do you think?  Do you love Olivia's style?

Coach Classics.

About 6 months ago, Coach announced that it was going to re-release some of their classic handbags - the designs from the 70's that defined them.  I didn't really think much about it at the time, other than the fact that I think my mom probably had one when I was younger. 

Fast forward to today and I am loving, loving, loving how simple the brand used to be.  A focus on the buttery soft leather, minimal hardware and their signature leather ID tag.  (And none of those annoying C's plastered all over the place.)

Leather Stewardess, $358

Field Bag, $498

City Bag, $278

More styles and colors can be seen here. 

These actually remind me of the J.W. Hulme bags I blogged about a while back.  Both lines very timeless and fuss-free.  I think the Stewardess bag is my favorite - the black version would just get better over time. 

Do you own a classic coach bag? 

Leather Love.

Sort of having an obsession with getting a leather jacket.  Such a COOL piece to be able to throw on - toughen up a girly outfit or top off your basics.  It has long been on my list of wants, but I have never pulled the trigger. 

Here are two that I can't stop thinking about....

Boden Leather Biker.  I have a waxed cotton jacket similar to this style that I wear all the time, so I know this style in leather would slip effortlessly into my wardrobe.  I am loving that tan color. 

Leith Quilted Leather Racer.  This one is so special - zippers, quilting, two-tone leather.  I have tried this on and the fit is unbelievable.  I just worry that I will grow tired of the more modern feel of this and wish I would have invested in something more classic. 

Which do you prefer?  Do you have a leather jacket?  Any others I should be considering?

Radiant Face.

I've long been a fan of Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer.  It's always been a staple item in my makeup bag.  But for a while, I have been "setting" it with powder - I felt like I needed to in order to make it last throughout my day.  The problem with this is that you lose all the dewy goodness that the moisturizer provides when you cover it up.

When I was at Nordstrom last week, I was introduced to a new product in their line up - Foundation Primer - Radiance.

Love it!  Basically, you apply a thin layer before applying the Tinted Moisturizer.  It gives you more of a glow than the Tinted Moisturizer alone and it helps everything last throughout the day.

The Primer is enriched with rose-gold pearl extract so it has a bit of peach tint to it, but that doesn't show up on your skin. You just look like you have smooth really perfect skin with a healthy glow. I have even been putting it on by itself with a little blush to do school drop off or run to the store.

I highly recommend this product, especially if you are already a fan of the Tinted Moisturzier.

Anyone else love Laura?

Did You Miss Me?

Eeks!  Eight whole days without a post..my apologies.  Sometimes life gets in the way!  It's been a busy several days.

Here is what I have been up to.

Making batches of Vanishing Oatmeal Cookies.  Who knew that such a delicious recipe could be found on the lid of the Quaker Oatmeal Box?  I made them sans raisins and added dried cranberries instead. 

Celebrating the fact that OPI FINALLY has a good gel nail product...I had tried their Axxium line, but wasn't loving it and frankly, didn't think it lasted as long as other gel products.  Got a manicure with their new GelColor, in You Don't Know Jacques, and so far, so good!

Playing helper at today's Valentine's Day party at preschool.  Total Mayhem, but the "Love Bugs" were a big hit!

Finally get myself a comfy pair of loafers.  I know black loafers probably aren't the most practical spring purchase, but they are so cute and look great with my black cropped work pants. 

What have you been doing?

Artwork.

With lots of empty walls in our house, I have been on the hunt for prints to fill the space.  I am trying to get away from buying something that everyone has, so I am trying to make my art purchases something that I love. 

Over the weekend, I was introduced to the artwork of Fairfield Porter.  Did a little research and learned that he is considered to be one of the most influential 20th century painters.  He mostly painted landscapes, scenes of homes and portraits of family and friends.

One of the subjects is he famous for painting is his family's summer house in Southampton.  I think you get a sense of classic Americana images in many of these works.  This is what I imagine a bright summer day is like on the Coast....

I think the use of color in these works is really unique.  It's not bright, primary colors and not muted pastels either.  Apparently, he was always playing with color and trying to create a shade that no one had come up with yet.  

Have you heard of Fairfield Porter?  Who are your favorite artists?

Naughty Gwyneth.

So excited each week when the Goop Newsletter hits my in-box.  (Even if Gwyneth does recommend $450 cleanses.)  I love that it seems she really does write the copy and certainly live the life she waxes poetic over. 

So when yesterday's landed, it brought a behind the scenes peak into her recent Harper's Bazaar feature. 

I like the styling.  Apparently they were going for that strong sexy woman vibe.  It's always fun to see someone who has a clean image turn in to a fashion vixen. 

If this is what you look like after a macrobiotic diet and loads of Tracy Anderson, I'd say it's working.  That body is insane.

Apparently, she is working on a follow up cookbook filled with "really delicious health food."  I'm not sure that exists...but I'm willing to try it!  Let's hope it's filled with recipes that are better than my experience.

Happy Weekend Friends!

Toms Ballet is Here.

As much as I hate to admit it, I LOVE my Toms.  So comfortable.  Not so stylish...until now. Everyone has been eagerly anticipating the release of their ballet flat and they are now available!  Everything you love about Toms, but in a more fashion friendly shape. 

They've upped the price a little as they are using nicer materials like leather and suede.  I'm a little surprised to not see a sequined pair amongst the collection, but some of the prints are pretty cute!  As always, for every pair you purchase, Toms will give one pair to a child in need. 

Here are few of my faves...

This cobalt blue shade is pretty big for spring - these would be darling with white ankle jeans.  And wouldn't it fun to actually own a pair of blue suede shoes?

I love an interesting neutral shoe.  This would fit perfectly in my current wardrobe. 

If you don't own leopard print, here is an easy and cheap way to incorporate it in to your life.  It really is a neutral!  Pair it with almost anything for a pop of personality.

I'm seeing a lot of tribal inspired accessories right now and these shoes are definitely that.  A lot of detail on a shoe!

What do you think?  Do you wear Toms?

And the Winner Is...

The lovely Shannon from Merci Blah Blah. 

Girl is all kinds of crazy funny, so check out her blog and congratulate her!  And who knows, maybe she will show off her new Smoky Eyes for us...