Fabulous Martha

On Saturday, I finally had the opportunity to see one of my idols, Martha Stewart in the flesh, once at her book signing, at the Theta Antique Show, and then once again at the Houston Guild Shop!  It was a great day to say the least.  Martha spoke about her fabulous new book, Martha's Entertaining, her second book on entertaining which was published in 1984.  She was absolutely hilarious, listening to her talk about her self proclaimed "very interesting life" was definitely an experience worth blogging about.  In her talk she divulged her obsession with collecting things, anywhere from glass domes, to fine linens to clay pottery.  She, as my mother would say, is a borderline hoarder.  Her collections so extensive that they require her to dig new basements.  The woman loves beautiful things and who could blame her.  Martha's book is absolutely beautiful, within the pages of the textbook, she shares real parties that have been hosted at each of her three exquisite homes, one of which she "bought fully furnished, animals, cars and even then people."  As she spoke, she firmly scolded the city of Houston, as well as Dallas for already decorating for Christmas - and thus received a loud applause.  The book is absolutely beautiful and I encourage each of you to buy it - it would also make a great Christmas gift!

As it came time for me to finally approach her for her fabulous signature, I was so nervous, then was extremely jealous, as she complimented my mother's orange jacket (I believe it caught her eye because it was so seasonal in color)!! So jealous!

Loving on leopard carpet

Leopard carpet?  I say, "why not?"  Even the most traditional decor can be quickly transformed into an anything but ordinary statement with the choice of the spotted flooring.  I have seen this look in real life, and absolutely fell in love.  If a patterened beadskirt doesn't suit you - covering your floors in the, oh-so-chic leopard print, provides a great compliment to all white bedding.

Photos: Pinterest

Fall-nally its knee high season

Now that fall is finally here in Houston (fingers crossed), I am whipping out my knee socks!  I have been collecting them for the past two years, and this is the year I plan to generate some serious wear out of them.  There are so many fun ways to wear a knee sock, for a bold look pair them with a solid or plaid mini, silk top and pumps.  For those of you less daring a knee sock poking out of a knee high boot is such an easy look to achieve, bare legged or over jeans.

Photos: Pintrest

A Collection For Your Fingers

1. Jacquie Aiche - Rectangle Bezel Waif Ring
2. CC Skyee - Mackenzie Knuckle Ring
3. Dara Ettinger - Melanie Petrified Wood Ring
4. House of Harlow - Starburst Ring
5. Dara Ettinger - Mimi Druzy Double Ring
6. Lisa Freede - Crystal Dome Ring
7. House of Harlow - Yellow-Gold-Plated Turquoise Enameled Ring

Let your hands steal the show and pile on all your favorite rings.  Great thing about this look, is there is no way to go wrong - the more eclectic the mix the better. This fall is the perfect time to pull out all of your grandmother's ornate/gaudy pieces (that you thought you would never wear), polish them and draw in lots of compliments.

Glamor from the toe up!

J.Crew - Darby Glitter Loafers

Loving these sparkly loafers I spotted at J.Crew. These would look great at the office, with some cropped dress pants or as part of your off duty wardrobe with skinny jeans and a chunky sweater. The on trend loafer is a great buy and easily adds glamor to any outfit!

Cozy Breakfast Nook

The absence of a breakfast room is a hurdle many people face and are thus forced to toy with the idea of a breakfast nook.  If done right, a breakfast nook can be cozy yet functional.  All you really need is a place to drink your coffee and read the paper.  Notice how every one of these nooks include a vase of fresh flowers, definitely a great way to wake up in the morning!

Photos: Pintrest

Seeing Spots

Photos: Pintrest; Shopbop

Leopard Clutch - Sara Burman Emma Envelope Clutch

Photos: Pintrest; Zappos

Leopard Flat - Sam Edelman Alvin Flat

Fall is here - well not really so much here in Houston, but I desperately wish it were.  Leopard accessories are terribly difficult to pass up, they literally go with almost anything.  Currently, I am on the hunt for the perfect leopard flat and clutch I believe I may have found them.  The clutch will take you into almost any occasion and the flat would be so chic and unexpected if worn tailgating at a football game.  The animal print is timeless and there are always new and exciting ways to wear the classic print, but my favorite is in an accessory, especially a belt.

All business up top and party on the bottom

Photos:  Pintrest

I am a sucker for white bedding, but I find it has the tendency to remove the personality from a bedroom, which should be the place in your home that is the best representation of you.  What I do love about an all white canvas is that it is extremely versatile and that it can be easily updated as your taste changes.  Investing in a neutral duvet and matching shams that you love allows you the opportunity to add character to your bedroom with accent pillows, monograms, wallpaper or wall color, and even the bedskirt!  The contrast of the white duvet against a daring pattern on the bottom is so unique and I am absolutely coveting the look.   The bedskirt is definitely my favorite other kind of skirt!

Ultimate Blouse

While perusing the J.crew website I was so excited to find my absolute favorite silk top is now available in more colors - including a camel color which is so luxe!  The Blythe Blouse in Silk has been a staple in my wardrobe all summer and I am beyond thrilled to find it available in the beautiful  "extravagant green" color shown above.  The cut of this top is so flattering and is fun to seriously layer jewelry against at work with a skirt or at play with super flared jeans.  Which color would you get?

Night Night!

I am always on the hunt for a good nightgown - especially one that matches the decor in my bedroom.  My mentality is that if you go to bed feeling great and looking great, you will certainly (hopefully) wake up feeling the same way.  Eberjey's line of intimates are by far the softest and most comfortable nightgowns, you can find them at Anthropologie or Nordstrom.  Also loving Lauren Conrad for Kohl's line of nighties, so feminine.  You will be sure to sleep like a princess while wearing any of the nightgowns below!

1. Topshop - Vintage embroidered slip
2. Lauren Conrad for Kohls - Vintage Slumber Rosette Chemise
3. Lauren Conrad for Kohls - Vintage Slumber Tiered Chemise
4. Eberjey - Aztec Princess Chemise
5. Anthropologie - Moonflower Cami
6. Cosabella - Amore My Love babydoll

Pristine Celebrity Pools

My favorite thing about the summer is laying by a pool wearing my favorite sunnies and sipping a delicious drink.  Below are some ultra fabulous celebrity watering holes which all define a backyard oasis.  My favorite - Cindy Crawford's backyard, its hard to beat that pool with a view.

Cindy Crawford

Cynthia Rowley

Ellen Pompeo

Estee Lauder Creative Director

Equestrian, Kelly Klein

Roberto Cavalli

Ben Stiller

Photos: Elle Decor

Preppy Penny

Preppy never goes out of style and the perfect penny loafer is absolutely tomboy chic and can be worn with anything.  I am oh so excited about what this fall has in store and a penny loafer is one accessory we can all start wearing now - yes in August.  To start working the penny into your summer looks, try pairing it with a dark skinny jean and a button down shirt, or for a more feminine look substitute the button down for a lace top.  I love the contrast of a girly top against a skinny jean and an ultra tomboy flat.  Of course accessorize with pearls or a crystal necklace and or bracelet and you're ready to hit the streets.  The loafer can be worn numerous ways.  Below are several of my favorite flats and a few photos of fashion icons Kate Moss and Brigitte Bardot for inspiration.

1. Tory Burch - Penny Loafer
2. Fendi - Kelly Green Loafer
3. Cole Haan - Air Penny Driver Moccasin
4. Audrey Brooke - Penny Loafer
5. Peter Millar - Blue Suede Driving Shoe
6. Elizabeth & James - Embossed Snake Skin Penny

Kate Moss as a different take on the loafer look, which is equally as fabulous and can easily be worn to work.

Photo: toryburch.com

Style icon Brigitte Bardot, has a classic take on the loafer, which I love, paired with knee highs.

Photo: Pintrest



Sunniest Sun Room

Photos: Pintrest; Elle Decor

One day I hope to have one of these fabulous sun rooms.  Natural light breathes life into any room and what a wonderful concept, to have a sun room that if full of light and life.  The all white sofas look amazingly comfortable and look perfect for a sun room.

Sienna Street Style

I have been majorly crushing on Sienna's embroidered denim dress since I first saw her in it early this summer.  Finally, I found a copy cat dress worthy of sharing from Zara.  This look is great because I see it transitioning easily from late summer to early fall.  Miller's street chic style is effortlessly cool and laid back, and I find myself coveting her looks quite often.  Plus a denim dress is on point with the denim trends we are seeing everywhere.



Photo: Vogue



Photo: Zara

Working for the Weekend Uniform

Everyone has their favorite go to work outfit, that they put on without committing much thought - mine is an all black ensemble.  The cashmere shell is a frequent flyer in my workday wardrobe repertoire.  The J.Crew version is beautiful and also functional as my office, like many, operates at subzero temperatures.  The pearls and signet ring add glamor to the gothic look.  All around this outfit never fails me.

Work Uniform by metandlovedit featuring slimming pants