Inspired By...

Moonrise Kingdom

I am pretty sure I have a new favorite movie. 

I finally watched Moonrise Kingdom (three times) and loved every second of it. It was beautiful, funny, weird, charming and so romantic. 

All of Wes Anderson's movies are  perfectly styled... each scene is like a precisely lovely and strange diorama, the dialogue is sincere and hilarious all at once, and the acting is always amazing. Plus, Bill Murray is my favorite actor and he was hysterical, as usual, in this movie. 

And the music was just awesome.

The two kids who star in the film were incredible and adorable, and the love story between them was sweet as can be.

Here are some beautiful, quirky items from around the the internet inspired by Moonrise Kingdom.

Beetle Earrings / Raccoon Patch / Teal Eyeshadow / Messenger Basket / Coonskin Hat / Binoculars Necklace / Pearl Brooch /  Dress / "Sunday School Shoes" 

And some cool things to take a look at if you are as into this movie as I am...

Suzy's Books

The Khaki Scouts' Tents came from here

Childrens' Choir Song from the film

The Pumpkins of Pinterest

Martha Stewart

It's time to head to the pumpkin patch, pick out the perfect pumpkin and decorate it for Halloween!

Here are some really cool pumpkins I found on pinterest for inspiration.

Tim Burton

Frankenweenie

Patton and I are both pretty big Tim Burton fans... particularly his animated movies. They are the perfect combination of sweet and spooky, and they always have such great soundtracks.

"Frankenweenie" comes out this Friday, and I can't wait to see it. It looks like just the movie to put me in the mood for Halloween.

Here are some whimsically weird Tim Burton inspired items from around the web:

Playing Cards / Flatware / Tights / Dog Sweater / Poster / Coraline Sweater

And here are three Burton-esque cocktails from the Queen of Halloween, Martha Stewart...

Martha Stewart Drink Recipe

The Ghost in the Graveyard

2 ounces black vodka

2 ounces creme de cacao or coffee-flavored liqueur

1 scoop vanilla ice cream

Pinch of finely grated nutmeg, for garnish

In a glass, combine vodka and creme de cacao, and set aside. Place a scoop of ice cream in a highball glass, and slowly pour vodka mixture over ice cream. Garnish with nutmeg; serve immediately.

Screwed-Up Screwdriver

Serves 1

1/4 cup ice

1/2 cup freshly squeezed tangerine juice

1 1/2 ounces black vodka

1 black licorice twist, for serving

Place ice in a tall glass. Pour juice into glass. Pour vodka over the back of a cocktail spoon into glass so it sits on top of juice and creates a layer of black. Slice 1/4 inch off each end of licorice, and use as a straw. Serve immediately.

Berry Scary Martini

Serves 1

1 cup ice

1 ounce black vodka

2 ounces cherry juice

Fresh raspberries and blueberries, for garnish

Combine ice, vodka, and cherry juice in a cocktail shaker; shake vigorously. Pour into a martini glass. Thread raspberries and blueberries onto a cocktail skewer, and place in drink. Serve immediately.

Necklaces and Knobs

Jewelry Display

I love the idea of displaying your prettiest necklaces on almost as pretty knobs.

Here are some fun combos and where to get 'em.

All Necklaces / All Knobs 

And, while I am on the subject of necklaces, I don't think I will EVER get over the incredibly sparkly double diamond strand that Gwyneth Paltrow wore in Country Strong  (such a good movie... almost makes me a country music fan and DEFINITELY made me a Garrett Hedlund fan). 

Check out that necklace

I found a similar faux version here.

A Proper Picnic

Picnic

The weather was so gorgeous today that Patton, Lucy, Goalie and I ended up spending the afternoon lolling under the weeping willows by the river. I wish I had planned in advance so we could have had a proper picnic. 

If the weather is as nice next weekend, we're going to picnic, for sure. I will definitely bring the beautiful quilt my little sisters, Marisa and Katie, gave me for my wedding shower a million years ago. It's a fabulous patchwork of tropical prints and chambray, and it makes me happy every time I look at it. My sisters were both in school at the time and it means so much to me that they saved up to get Patton and me something so pretty. We originally used it as  a bedspread, but over the years it has become our favorite beach and picnic blanket and I hope it lasts forever.

Here's some other Picnic-worthy Stuff:

Quilt / Basket / Chillable Wine Tote / Sparkling Wine / Leash & Bag Holder & Water & Bowl Combo / Teddy Bear's Picnic

For the Birds

I saw so many beautiful birds on my walk around the harbor yesterday and it inspired me to do a little birding on the internet... 

Dress / Belt / Top / Necklace / Scarf / Espadrilles

And if you haven't seen this movie, check it out soon. So funny and touching. And they filmed a great scene in Anacortes, where Patton, Goalie and I used to live!

Clever Little Fox

Lucy's locks have begun to take on a lovely coppery glow as the days go by, and so Patton and I have been calling her our clever little fox.

Here are some fantastically foxy nursery items that make me wish I had a second home so I could decorate another nursery for my little fox:

Find Foxes:

Fox Cub Print / Comforter / Fox Tracks Rug  / Foxy Jumper / Fox in a Box and Blanky / Fox Pillow / Toy Tote / Book / Mobile

AND.... 

if you are the crafty type, you can

make your own ADORABLE fox light 

Solid Gold

Golden Girls

In honor of the spectacular Olympic Gold Medal Winning US Women's Gymnastics Team, Here's some London Gold for you from the UK based ASOS:
          



Chunky Bracelet / Cardigan / Metallic Wedges / Scallop Tank / Skirt / Spike Earrings


These beautiful golden treasures at these prices make me feel like this!

McKayla Maroney celebrating her PERFECT vault

Pink Flamingos

 

I love flamingos. They are so decadently pink and strangely beautiful that they look like something out of a storybook and don't seem like they should actually exist in real life. 

Here's a Pink Flamingo inspired outfit 

 

Clutch  / Dress  / Peeptoes / Earrings / Ring

and a cocktail of the same name.

The Pink Flamingo

Mix 1.5 ounces of Vodka, 1.5 ounces of Cointreau, and Orange Juice with a dash of Sloe Gin. Shake it all up and pour into an iced filled glass garnished with a long lime twist.

Then stand on one foot like a flamingo and sip it in the sun.

Nothing But Blue Skies

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The perfect outfit for a clear blue sky day.....

 

 Clutch  $29/ Dress $44 / Heels $29 / Cocktail Ring $20 / Hair Clip $36  

... and the perfect cocktail to match.

Horizon Blue Sky

1 oz. SKYY Infusions Citrus
1 oz. Blue Curacao
1 oz. lime juice
1 oz. triple sec

Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass

Nothing but blue skies from now on.

Cute Outfit, Cuter Price

Michael Kors

Such a casual yet luxurious look. 

I found this adorable Michael Kors look on  my  Mom's Pinterest  board (she pulls so many cute, clever and beautiful pins together).

I think this outfit was from Kors 2011 line,  but I definitely want the wallet friendly version for this fall and I searched the web and pulled it together for under $200... Woo Hoo!

           

Cardigan /   White Skinny Jeans / Aviators / Boots / Belt / Bag

Anchors Aweigh

Nautical

Maybe it's all those summers I spent in Avalon, NJ or the Navy towns I've lived in, but I completely adore anything nautical. I love sailboats, navy blue and white (especially striped) clothes and have a hard time not buying anything involving an anchor, like these fun items below:

 bottle opener / Skipit Pup / Doormat / nautical print / socks / bracelet / sweatshirt / shorts / phone case / belt  / watch

Stars and Stripes Forever

Red, White and Blue

Happy Birthday, USA!!

Some Old Glory inspired items:

Star Spangled Blazer / America Bikini / Old Glory Tank Top / Uncle Sam Booties / Patriotic Skirt / Striped Dress

"With My Hair, You can't Even See Me in Here"

Roger Sterling

 "Stop being demure. You're already on the bed."

Roger Sterling's Office


Not only is Mad Men's Roger Sterling the king of the witty one liner, but he also has a very cool, very stylish office in my favorite decorating colors... black and white.

Here are some Sterling worthy items at a smaller price tag         


Shop Here:

Spinal Chair and Ottoman / Marble Table / Ball Stool / Chrome and White Glass Bar Cart / Op Art

Animal Kingdom

Walton Ford

A couple of years ago I got a beautiful day planner full of Walton Ford's gorgeous animal illustrations which are reminiscent of Audobon illustrations only the animals are always up to no good in Ford's version... monkeys getting drunk, birds fighting fish, snakes stealing eggs, etc.

As a great lover of animals, both in real life and in home decor, here are some great items for your house inspired by the wild and wonderful animal kingdom.

     


Rhino Head / Giraffe Nightlight (Lucy just got this as a gift.. Lucky girl!!) / Elephant Salt and Pepper Shakers / Leather Piggy Bookends / Bunny Mobile / Owl Lamp / Leopard Area Rug / Silhouette Pillow




Ice Cream, You Scream!

Ice Cream Truck

It's getting more summery by the day. Here are few fun and cute outfits inspired by my favorite summer ice cream treats. And the best part... each look costs under $200!

Neopolitan Ice Cream Sandwich:

Pink Jeans $40 / Eyelet Top $78 / Ballet Flats $36 / Necklace $32 

Orange Creamsicle

Melon Dress $129 / White Jeweled Belt $10 / Faux Fire Opal Earrings $28 / Peeptoes $33

Ice Cream Cone

Dot Top $35 / Shorts $66 / Striped Pumps $79 / Colorblock Earrings $4

Sleeping on a Cloud

Illustration by David Wiesner

How peaceful and comfy would it be to sleep on a cloud? Inspired by incredible author/illustrator David Weisner's wonderful Caldecott Honor Award Winning Book, Sector 7, I set about finding a way to do that every night.

Sector 7

Ever since Patton and I had our "Mini-Moon" at the Four Seasons in Philadelphia (thanks, Mom & Dad!!!)  right after our wedding in December 2003, we've been trying to recreate that amazing sleeping experience in our own home.

I think we may just have done it!

We were looong overdue for a new mattress and box spring since we've been sleeping on the set Patton bought at some sort of roadside warehouse situation while he was in flight school in Pensacola in, like, 2002. A decade later, it seems we were more than ready for an upgrade.

First thing I did was call the lovely people at the Four Seasons who were happy to tell me which products they use (Stearns & Foster Luxury Plush Firm Pillowtop Mattress and 500 thread count cotton sheets, in case you are wondering). I checked online and the mattresses were a bit out of our price range, so we went to our local mattress showroom and laid down on a bunch of beds. Funnily enough, the sales guys gave me a big spiel on what kind of mattress is best for me since I am pregnant... like it is a permanent condition. 

We found the mattress we liked best, a firm mattress with a plush pillow top, at the store and then bought it from US-Mattress for a little over half the price of the showroom and that included box spring and in home set-up & removal of our old set!

Then I did a little research and went crazy with the bedding accessories. 

The key to creating a bed as comfy as a cloud is lots of layers. I always notice in the nicer hotels that there's an abundance of pillows, super soft, cool to the touch sheets, blankets, and duvets.

Here are the 13 (!!!) layers that went into Patton, Goalie & my little block of heaven....

Layer 1 - Simmon's Beautyrest box spring & firm mattress with plush pillowtop 

Layer 2 - Down Alternative Cuddle Bed

Layer 3 - Westin Heavenly Bed Mattress Pad

Layer 4 - Bamboo Fitted Sheet 
(Bamboo is so soft & cooling & eco-friendly & magically gets softer with every washing!!!)

Layer 5 - Bamboo Flat Sheet

Layer 6 - Thin Down Alternative Duvet in Bamboo Duvet Cover

Layer 7 - Thicker Down Alternative Duvet in Bamboo Duvet Cover

Layer 8 - Furry Throw

Layer 9 - 2 Firm King Pillows in Bamboo Shams

Layer 10 - 2 Westin Heavenly Bed Standard Pillows in Bamboo Shams

Layer 11 - 2 Goose Down Squishy Standard Pillows in Bamboo Cases

Layer 12 - 2 Body Pillows in 100% Cotton Cases 

Layer 13 - 1 very fluffy, cuddly Havanese/Papillon mix dog

Ever since we set up this luxurious new sleeping situation my very pregnant, and achy body has been feeling wonderful and my hubby's back, which was usually sore in the morning, has been feeling much better!

It's just like sleeping on a cloud.....

Ceremony

Ceremony

Last week I rewatched the quirky comedy, Ceremony, written and directed by Max Winkler (the Fonz's son!). I liked it even more than the first time I watched it and definitely appreciated the amount of effort that went into the styling of the set and the development of the silly, unique, pretentious but lovable characters.

Rehearsal Dinner

The story centers around the wedding weekend of a beautiful woman and the young man who crashes the party at a private beach front inn hoping to convince her that she is marrying the wrong man.

I love all the organized activities (arts and crafts, three legged paper chases, late night costume parties) that happen throughout the wedding weekend. It's like a weekend of summer camp only with lots more to drink and chic outfits, and makes the perfect backdrop to the unrequited love story of the romantic (to the point of stupidity) Sam and  the ambivalent Zoe.

And the sound track (that Jacque Du Tronc song is sooooo good) is perfection.

Check out some fun items inspired by this stylish comedy.

Cermonial Shopping Sources:

animal mask / corduroy suit / feather headdress / tiara  / long pearl necklace / champagne dress


And a Ceremony worthy cocktail recipe :



Ginger Lime Rickey Recipe

Fill and tumbler half way with ice
Add 2 shots of gin (I like Hendrick's best)
Fill Rest of Glass with Ginger Ale (the spicier the better)
Add a dash of bitters and squeeze in the juice of half a lime in.
Garnish with a lime wheel and sip away

Modern Gypsy

Goalie, Patton and I were cuddled up on the couch the other night watching an insane show called My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding.

Picture some very tough teenage girls in some extremely gaudy and crystal encrusted ENORMOUS ball gowns getting married to boys with spiky blowouts who they've never even smooched before.

Not at all the romantic and beautiful image I had in my mind of gypsy life (think a sort of Southern California version of Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche in Chocolat , which is one of my all time favorite movies), but riveting, interesting and slightly horrifying, none the less.

I am rejecting the TLC version of American Gypsy in this posting and drawing inspiration from the more mysterious and soft version I've got in my head.

Coin Bracelet / Hair Chain / Scarf / Tunic / Maxi Dress / Bag / Hoops / Scarf Wedges / Tarot Deck / Shoulder Necklace

Favorite Colors

If you've seen pictures taken in my home (or if you have seen my dog Goalie), you'll know that I deeply love the color combo of Aqua, Black and White.

But not just for home decor... it's also a very chic and crisp palette for fashion as well.

Here is a weekend's worth of very affordable outfits (each under $200) in my current favorite combination.

For Your Friday Night Date (Outfit Total = $199)

Shopping Sources:

Chrysanthemum Clutch ($65) / Structured Shoulder Dress ($80) / Aqua Heels with Crystals ($24) / Bali Cuff ($30)

For Saturday Afternoon at the Farmers Market (Outfit Total = $100):

 

Shopping Sources:

 Oxidized Necklace ($17) / Tie Waist Dress ($45) / Flip Flops ($22) / Monogrammed Canvas Tote ($16)

For Sunday Brunch with the Girls (Outfit Total =  $160):

Shopping Sources:

Color Block Platform Sandals ($88) / Aqua Skinny Jeans $40) / Feather Earrings ($5) /  Striped Tunic ($27) 

For Sunday Night HBO & AMC Watching while Snuggling on the Couch

(Outfit Total $170)

Shopping Sources:

Microwavable Polar Bear Slippers ($32) / Yoga Pants ($115) / Cotton Wrap ($18) / Racerback Tank ($5)

Fun with Fringe

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I find fringe and tassels to be so festive! Add a little fringe to anything... string a tassel garland along a wall, finish your outfit with a fringe bag, or add some fun to your outfit with a pair of fringe earrings ... and you're ready to party

  

Find your own Fringe:

fringe dress / earrings / heels / garland / belt / Toddler Booties / Bag / Bathing Suit / Shorts 

The Offshore Pirate

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The Offshore Pirate, by F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of my favorite stories ever. I've read it at least a dozen times and love it more with every reading. The bratty but chic Ardita, charming and handsome Curtis Carlyle, lovable Babe and the musical crew of the Hula-Hula, the romance and the humor... It's the perfect read to get you ready for summer. Here are some fun things inspired by this terrific tale.

Shop Here:

The Offshore Pirate / Striped Bikini / White Sailor Pants / Bustier / Heart Sunnies / Espadrilles / Nantucket Bracelet / Sand Dollar and Seaglass Necklace / Sun Beam Illuminator 

And something incredibly refreshing to sip on while you read:

Claro con Limon:

Fill Old Bay Rimmed Glass with Ice

Add about 1 can of Light Beer

Pour in 3 oz of Lemonade

Squeeze in the Juice of Half a Lemon

Add a Lemon Wheel to the Rim and Enjoy!

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Floating Away

Maybe it's this big baby belly I've been toting around for 34 weeks, but today I am in the mood for floaty, light as air items like these.

Achieve Weightlessness:

Duvet / Cloud Throw / Heels / Beach Pants  / Cape Dress / Chiffon Dress / Necklace / Bolero / Headband

April Showers

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  You know what they say about April showers.

Here are some pretty lavender hued items to enjoy during those rainy April days until the May flowers begin to bloom plus some appropriate music to listen to while you peruse: Purple Rain Video

Add some Lavender to your Life:

Daisy Umbrella / Wellies / Polkadot Raincoat / Scarf / Striped Tie / Shirt /  Playing Cards / Eye Shadow / Patent Dog Collar / Lilac Fragrance / Glass Vase / Purple Tulips

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms in DC

Sometime over the weekend, Washington, DC's Cherry Blossoms went into full effect, making my drive into the city much more dreamy than usual. I look forward to the next few weeks as the flowers deepen from white to pink and fall like cotton candy snow to the sidewalks.



Art

Here is a lovely selection of floaty, dreamy kimonos perfect for the beginning of spring. Kimonos look great with nearly everything... jeans, leggings, over dresses or paired with skirts, and have become an easy and pretty way from me to dress up as my baby bump gets bigger everyday.

Shop the Japanese staple here:

Sheer Kimono  / Teal Kimono Wrap / Embroidered Kimono / Fringe Kimono / Black Kimono / Feather Kimono / Pink Kimono / Light Kimono / Pink Sequin Kimono Top

And here's a fun and easy craft project:

Make your own Cherry Blossom wonderland at home with tissue paper pom poms strung from the ceiling

 

And even the Angry Birds are celebrating this beautiful time of year... download Angry Birds Seasons from your App store and get the Cherry Blossom series today!
Under the Sea


Beyond the ken of mortal men, beneath the wind and waves, 
there lies a land of shells and sand, of chasms, crags and caves
Where coral castles climb and soar, where swaying seaweeds grow,
and all around without a sound the ocean currents flow...
 ------ Graeme Base, The Sign of the Seahorse

photo found on French Frosting 

Sometimes I dream about how wonderful it might be to have been born a mermaid....

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 and get to eat this for lunch every day

 

Luckily, for those of us who live on the land, Joss Sushi exists with their Little Mermaid worthy Sushi and Sashimi Combo Lunch Special. Patton and I have lunch (and sometimes dinner and then lunch again the next day) every time we are back in Annapolis.

Enjoy your own mermaid magic by grabbing a copy of this fun, guilty pleasure-ish spin on the fairy tale and give your closet, your baby and your home an under the sea update. 

 

 

Shop Like a Mermaid Here:

Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale by Carolyn Turgeon / Max & Cleo Dress / Peeptoe Pumps / Noir Jewelry Bracelet / Savage Salvage Necklace / Starfish Barrette / Baby Costume / Fish Tail Stencil / Pier 1 Stemware / Dishes

In Bloom

The weather has been gorgeous all week and each day when I come home to the Harbor these roses on my dining room table just look more beautiful as they open.

     

Other pretty rose inspired things....

Shop For them Here:

Vera Wang Dress / Shoes / Cuff / Earrings / Clutch / Sparkling Wine / Benefit High Beam Illuminator / Michael Kors Very Hollywood (So Light and Sweetly Floral) / Ruffle Baby Blanket / Ruffle Diaper Cover / Baby Legwarmers

The Night Circus

If you haven't gotten swept away in the wondrous novel,  The Night Circus, by the endlessly imaginative Erin Morgenstern, start reading it immediately. I finished it a couple months ago and clearly I can't stop thinking about it...


You can be a Reveur, too.....



Book / Dress / Chic Maternity / Earrings / Shoes / Necklace / Tights / Hat / Clock /  Baby Play Mat / Baby Romper / Stuffed Zebra / Dog Collar / Collar Charm /  Chair  / Pillow / Rug




un Homme et une Femme

Could Anouk Aimee have looked more gorgeous in every frame? The long sleeve sequin dress... the crisp white mens-style pajamas... that fabulous suede and shearling coat... those eyelashes? Wishing...

Dress / Pajamas / Shearling Coat / Lashes

"May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor"

Only one more day! Are you as excited as I am about The Hunger Games movie? The Suzanne Collins trilogy completely hypnotized me and I read all three books in as many days. I pretty much couldn't focus on anything else until I finished them all. That was about a year and a half ago. Since then I've forced the books on a dozen or so friends and family members and have waited impatiently for the first movie to arrive in theaters. Sooo excited to see it this weekend!

Here are some Hunger Games inspired looks to hold you over until showtime.

Capitol Inspired:

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Shop the Capitol here:

Lilac Faux fur jacket / Liquid Leggings / Fascinator / Wig / Sparkly Pumps / Necklace / Glitter Polish / Mascara

Katniss Inspired:

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Hunt through District 12 here:

Arrow Bracelet / Suede Bag /  Boots / Mockingjay Pin / Chamois Shirt / Jacket

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