Bow Down to Solid Primaries

No. 1 ~ Obi Structured Dress ~ Warehouse

No. 2 ~ Sunny Kolette Skirt ~ Kate Spade

No. 3 ~ BP Valentine Sandal ~ via Nordstrom 

No. 4 ~ Touring London Bow Dress ~ Ruche

No. 5 ~ With A Bow Crops ~ Anthropologie 

No. 6 ~ Menbur Women's Arda Platform Pump ~ via Endless

No. 7 ~ Red Cotton Sateen Dress ~ Miss Selfridge

No. 8 ~ Bow-tie short ~ J. Crew

No. 9 ~ SM Luxe Zesty Pump ~ via DSW

Outdoor Lounging

With the weather getting nicer, I want to get out and enjoy it as much as I can before the really hot weather hits.  Here's my lust list for stylishly lounging around outside from morning to night...

No. 1 ~ Blossom Floral Skirted Dress ~ Topshop

No. 2 ~ Knitted Mustard Crochet Fifties Style Cardigan ~ Topshop

No. 3 ~ Tan mini satchel bag ~ Dorthy Perkins 

No. 4 ~ Leather Toe Post Plait Flat Sandal ~ ASOS

No. 5 ~ Hurricane Lantern ~ via Surgical Shop

No. 6 ~ Tin Picnic Basket for 2 ~ Blyton

No. 7 ~ Giara Hermetic Glass Bottle - Sky Blue ~ Bormioli Rocco

No. 8 ~ Perfect Paper Straws - blue ~ Kikkerland 

No. 9 ~ Porthmeor Garden Deck Chair ~ Gallant & Jones

No. 10 ~ Coussin Coney 1 ~ Bonjour mon coussin

No. 11 ~ Picnic Gift Sparks Fleece Picnic Blanket Tote with Waterproof Backing ~ via Picnic World

No. 12 ~ Numero Pillow ~ Bonjour Mon Coussin

No. 13 ~ Traveler Record Player - tan with latch & carrying handle ~ Crosley

No. 14 ~ Water Hyacinth Floor Cushion ~ Toast

No. 15 ~ Striped Woven Lobsta Throw ~ CB2

Tea Time

{Butterfly Photography, Kimberly Chorney}

The picture above is more my cup of tea than an actual one sadly.  For as long as I can remember, I have never quite enjoyed tea.  In fact, I have never really enjoyed drinking any hot liquid; i.e., coffee, hot chocolate, soup, etc.  I know it all sounds weird, but I would rather drink a smoothie in the dead of winter than drink something hot.  In recent years though, I have tried my best to get over this habit and broaden my taste palette.  I enjoy coffee (if you count the foo-foo kind that's loaded with sugar, syrup, milk, and of course, calories), hot chocolate, and some teas now, but they have to be at room temperature almost.  To me, that's when you can really taste the flavors and not just scolding hot water.  Either way, I still long to be a member of the tea party...

Five reasons I would like to pick up the habit of drinking tea :

1.  I love scones and tea sandwiches ~ definitely would justify making them more 

2.  Health benefits ~ sickness would be so much easier to combat

3.  I would have an excuse to buy pretty teacups and other fancy tea gadgets and accessories 

4.  I always feel left out when people want to go to The Tea Room or other tea only establishments 

5.  I think it would be quite fun ~ perhaps I never got out of my dress up tea party stage as a child, plus a piece of me has always longed to be British...

I'm really not kidding about that #3 by the way, and here is a lust list to prove it.

Proper Decor-um :
    No. 1 ~ Buttermilk Scones Dress ~ ModCloth
    No. 2 ~ Knot2much2ask Spot of Tea Pendant Necklace ~ via Max & Chloe
    No. 3 ~ One-Lump-Or-Two Lamp ~ Anthropologie
    No. 4 ~ L by Lenox "Floral Waltz" Tea Saucer & Tea Cup ~ via Bloomingdale's
    No. 5 ~ Vintage Three Tier Cake Stand ~ I Love Retro via BOUF

Tea for Two : 
    No. 6 ~ Blueberry Sour Cream Scone Mix ~ Stonewall Kitchen or make from scratch using this Tyler Florence Recipe
    No. 7 ~ Caramel Sundae Escape Tea ~ Talbott Teas
    No. 8 ~ Lemon Curd ~ Stonewall Kitchen
    No. 9 ~ McVities Rich Tea Biscuits ~ Amazon ~ can't get much more British than this, thus it is completely necessary to at least try them

Perhaps if I start acting the part, a love of tea will just come naturally.  I'll work on my decor-um and one day have the perfect little tea for two.  Does anyone else out there share my sentiments?

Style Icon - Michelle Williams

{On set of My Week With Marilyn}

Michelle Williams has proven to be a style icon on and off set.  When she's not channeling her inner Marilyn Monroe for the anticipated film My Week With Marilyn, she's out on the streets and red carpet in style.  I've searched through dozens of photos of Williams to pinpoint several key elements that make up her stylish wardrobe.  You can look below to see what these elements are and then you'll find a shopping guide at the end that provides you with pieces to get a similar look. 

On the red carpet, Michelle usually stays pretty safe in a classic black and white color palette, but once in awhile she'll show up in unexpected pops of color, especially for large events.  She loves pretty details like bows, lace, and little bits of sparkle and beading.  She draws pieces from vintage collections and also picks new pieces that have a vintage vibe. 

 Even on the streets, Michelle's look is always put together.  She ditches the formal attire and heels for casual, comfy clothes and flats.  She's nearly always seen in a pair of shades, but her biggest accessory is her daughter Matilda.  She also seems quite partial to floral prints, stripes, button-up collared shirts, and the color blue. 

No. 1 ~ Fast Anna Lace Dress ~ French Connection

No. 2 ~ Nude Beaded Shift Dress ~ Miss Selfridge

No. 3 ~ Embellished hammered-silk dress ~ Thurley via The Outnet

No. 4 ~ Bow Front Mesh Dress ~ Topshop

No. 5 ~ Long Island Longing Dress ~ ModCloth

No. 6 ~ Perfect-fit stripe snap tee ~ J. Crew

No. 7 ~ Solid Light Blue Oxford Cotton Classic Fitted Blouse ~ Forzieri

No. 8 ~ Bow-Accent Woven Fedora ~ Grace via YesStyle

No. 9 ~ Original Wayfarer ~ Ray-Ban

No. 10 ~ Natural Canvas Women's Classics ~ TOMS - ONE FOR ONE* a pair of shoes is given to a child in need with every purchase

No. 11 ~ Floral Skirt ~ Cacharel via Les Nouvelles

...Bring May Flowers

{I Love Flowers No2 by Eloise Renouf via Etsy}

Even though Spring isn't quite in full bloom yet, your life still can be.  Surround yourself with these floral goods. 

Wear  : 

    No. 1 ~ Impact Poppy Bandeau Dress ~ Warehouse

    No. 2 ~ Myriann's Wide Floral Cut Out Copper Cuff Bracelet ~ via Fantasy Jewelry Box

    No. 3 ~ Stephen Dweck Aventurine Ring ~ via Neiman Marcus

    No. 4 ~ Flower Chain Collar Necklace ~ Nine West

    No. 5 ~ Mika Brogue Shoe ~ Aldo

Decorate :

    No. 6 ~ Cherry Blossom Chandelier ~ Anthropologie

    No. 7 ~ Watercolor Petals Dinnerware ~ Anthropologie

    No. 8 ~ Hollywood Regency Floral Mirror (circa 1960's) ~ via 1stdibs

    No. 9 ~ Ice Blue Chippendale Carver Chair ~ ada & darcy

April Showers...

{Nothing But Rain print by Eloise Renouf via Etsy}

It may be May already, but the April showers still continue.  Conquer those rainy days with this rain gear.  Look stylish outdoors or cozy up with a movie and bake indoors. 

Wear outdoors : 

    No. 1 ~ Vintage Stripe Folding Umbrella ~ Barneys New York 

    No. 2 ~ Tibi Women's Bow Khaki Brown Trench ~ via Van Mildert

    No. 3 ~ Original Tall Women's Wellington ~ Hunter 

    No. 4 ~ Umbrella Necklace ~ Bori via Masked

Use indoors : 

    No. 5 ~ Boot Umbrella Stand ~ Z Gallerie

    No. 6 ~ Singin' in the Rain DVD ~ Amazon

    No. 7 ~ Rain Cloud Pillow ~ Pony and Poppy via Etsy

    No. 8 ~ Summer Sales Apron ~ Mary Koop design via London Transport Museum 

I don't know about you, but I definitely have a love-hate relationship with the rain.  The dreariness sucks out my soul, but I also have a side that has always romanticized it.  Must be from watching too much Singin' in the Rain and the end sequence of Breakfast at Tiffany's...

What do you do on a rainy day? 

Ohio Pride

Today's new lust list category deals with my home state of Ohio.  I was born, raised, attended college (OSU if you couldn't tell by item #5 below), and have so many good memories here.  Although I love this state and being close to family and friends, I'll probably move someday soon for better job opportunities, and I've been looking for ways to keep a part of Ohio with me.  These items are just the ticket...

No. 1 ~ Ohio outline necklace - silver ~ Kris Nations via Tigertree

No. 2 ~ Chalkboard State Map ~ shop dirtsa via Etsy 

No. 3 ~ Customizable Ohio State Pillow ~ love, california

No. 4 ~ Ohio Plyboo Cutting Board ~ AHeirloom 

No. 5 ~ Cleveland Skyline: Day typography print ~ Erin Pilawski via Type City Cleveland {more to come about this project tomorrow!}

No. 6 ~ Script Ohio t-shirt ~ HOMAGE

The best part of items 3 and 4 are that they are customizable {and come in different state forms}.  You can ask them to place the heart wherever your own heart lies....and oh man do I wish Paper Parasol Press would make an Ohio print like the state prints seen below. They have just recently added a Texas print too, so maybe Ohio could be next if I put in a nice little request?

{11 x 14 Letterpress California and Illinois Posters}

PS: I just realized I feature t-shirts a lot.  Do you think it bum-ish of me?  I do appreciate a nice soft t though...

Baseball Attire

The previous post has gotten me excited for baseball this year and has left me thinking about the rest of my baseball attire for the season.  You don't need to lose your femininity when you're cheering on your favorite team.  Though they do make women's fan gear, most of it still leaves something to be desired.  Below is a list of items I plan on adding to my lineup.  They're pieces that are dressier than your average sports attire, but are still down to earth approachable in natural fabrics, such as cotton, denim, and canvas.  Basically, they're all made out of comfortable fabrics that are going to breathe while you're out in the heat, but they're all a breath of fresh air without making you look as though you're trying too hard.   Pieces  perfect for turning your date's, significant other's, or even a stranger's head.  Oh and they're also in a patriotic palette that most team colors don't stray too far from.

Uniform Pinstripes : made famous by the team up North
          ~ Play Ball Pinstriped Dress ~ Laga via Ruche
          ~ Aerie Romper ~ American Eagle Outfitters

Fresh Cottons : light and airy for a day at the ballpark
          ~ Tuxedo henley ~ J. Crew
          ~ Chambray-stripe tee ~ J. Crew

American Denim : twists on an old classic
          ~ Chambray Denim Dress ~ See By Chloe via Matches
          ~ Chambray Denim Button Down Skirt ~ Topshop
    * I have a denim jumper that I absolutely love.  Some people make fun of the idea of it, but I always get compliments when I wear it.  Absolutely cute and as comfortable as your favorite pair of jeans.  Here is to more denim I say!

Fiery Reds : a touch of bold color that'll turn heads
          ~ Cooperative Coney Island Suspender Short ~ via Urban Outfitters
          ~ NW3 Boyfriend Cardigan, Admiral Red ~ via John Lewis

Ruffled Rompers : vintage inspired clothing that is as comfortable as it is cute
          ~ Gelateria Romper ~ ModCloth
          ~ Flounce with Me Romper ~ ModCloth
    * Since creating this post, both of these rompers have sold out {and boy did they sell out quickly}.  I'm on the lookout for something similar.  Does ANYONE know of any such pieces? I was so set on getting one of them...

Comfy Flats : important pieces for a day walking around downtown before and after the game
          ~  Stripes Forever Sandals ~ via Anthropologie      
          ~  Blue jean ballet flats ~ J. Crew
    * With the exception of the Fisher Price heals that were glued to my feet as a child (so much that I went through 2 pairs), I have never really found a heal that was all that comfortable.  Keep in mind that you may be on a date, and I don't know many men who are going to be impressed by your shoes.  Plus, you're going to a ballgame, so keep the heals at home, and go for a more comfortable and appropriate shoe.

Mixed - Metal Necklaces : your (never have to worry about matching) statement necklace
          ~ Three-Tone Chain necklace ~ via Neiman Marcus
          ~ Sailor's knot necklace ~ Banana Republic
    * Since creating this post, the three-tone chain necklace has also been sold out.  I either have really good taste or just really bad luck.  The website given has some alternative pieces though if you're looking for a similar style.

Natural Totes : neutral enough to go with many outfits, but stylish nonetheless
          ~ Canvas Tote Bag ~ Hope via La Garconne
          ~ Cooperative Canvas Buckle Bag ~ via Urban Outfitters
    * When going to a ballgame (or any sports event really), it's important to be prepared for all types of weather.  One minute it could be sunny, and then the next minute the sun has gone down bringing the cold and/or rainy weather.  These totes are large enough to keep a bottle of sunscreen, a poncho, cardigan, and whatever else you fancy.


Now that you look fabulous, just be sure to watch out for the mustard and ketchup stains.

Dime-A-Dog-Night

Tonight embarks the first Dime-A-Dog night of the season at Huntington Park in Columbus, Ohio.  That's right, just ten cents per hot dog!  * Bonus * boyfriend and I can attest that they're actually pretty tasty.  Dime-A-Dog night was introduced to a minor league crowd years after a disaster-filled promotion in 1974 at it's affiliated major league stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.  Turns out Dime-A-Dog night has not only been just as successful as that 10 cent beer night, but also has been much more peaceful as well.

To help with the promotion, Homage (a Columbus based clothing company) has produced t-shirts to be sold at the events and online for just $10 a piece.  I regret not purchasing a t-shirt last year, so I've been waiting for the return of this t.  The shirt brings me back to one of my favorite dates with my boyfriend, and hopefully will see some action at Huntington Stadium sometime this season.

As you can see above, there have been some changes to the shirt from last year.  Though I do wish there was more color incorporated or a deeper hue to the shirt, I am enjoying the new overall look.

Ready for Take Off

I normally don't post on the weekend, but I've been sitting on sharing this necklace with you, and now it's almost sold out.  I have to let you know about it before it's too late.  Just add it to my lust list of origami necklaces like the one from my (500) Days of Summer post yesterday (here).

 {Dangling Paper Airplanes Necklace via Fred Flare}

PS: Since spotting this necklace a little while ago, I saw it posted on Pinterest, and now it's nearly sold out already.  This happens with a ton of other items too.  Does anyone else think that Pinterest is dramatically increasing business for companies, or is it just me?  Clearly a plus for them and the economy, but I get so bummed when I've added something to my lust list, don't jump on it when I see it, and it's gone in a week or less.  

Film Style Inspiration : (500) Days of Summer

So I brought up this movie earlier in the week here, and if you haven't already guessed, it's one of my favorite films.  I thought it would be fun to use this as my inspiration for today's post.  Here are all things Summer:

No. 1 ~ Vintage Baby Blue Eyelet Print Dress ~ Modcloth

No. 2 ~ Fly Like Paper Cranes Necklace ~ Modcloth

No. 3 ~ Apple of the Month Club ~ via HoneyCrisp.com

No. 4 ~ Top Hat - Bowler Black ~ Buy.com

No. 5 ~ Original painting of Ringo Starr on 12 in" vinyl ~ MEGAvisual via Etsy 

No. 6 ~ The Picture of Dorian Gray ~ Penguin Classics via Amazon.com

No. 7 ~ Royal Blue Headband w/ Bow ~ Banbury Cross

I also found this vintage dress similar to another wardrobe piece Summer wore. It's a bit more intricate with lace detail, but it shares the same neckline and silhouette. You could wear it to a wedding just like Summer did or to many other special occasions. 

 {Natasha Pale Blue Lace Dress - vintage circa 1950's ~ via Priestley's Vintage at Coggles.com}

Now if only the weather showed all things summer...

The Fundamentals of Geometry

Geometric patterns have been taking over the world (and my lust list) by storm.  Here are some of my favorite geometrical pieces:

No. 1 ~ Geometric Dress w/ Belt ~ Forever21
No. 2 ~ Precipice no. 2.2 ~ Polymorphia
No. 3 ~ Geometric Pattern Blue and Green Tumbler Glasses {Vintage, set of 6} ~ KMD Creations
No. 4 ~ Ritzy Stripe Grey Geometric Throw Pillow ~ Mod Pillow
No. 5 ~ Remix - yellow throw pillow ~ Ferm Living
No. 6 ~ Tan Brass Pyramid Bangle ~ Stella McCartney via Bluefly
No. 7 ~ Triangle Long Necklace ~ Mirabella

Let's Get Graphic - the British Way

Well bloody bugger to you, you beastly bastard.

One of my new favorite quotes from the Oscar winning picture, The King's Speech.  I might have been a touch late on seeing the film, but it was well worth the wait.  It's amazing that such a film was going to earn a R rating just from a few extra choice f words before production cut them out.

Anyway, if you must know, I am obsessed over almost all things British.  I probably would have gotten around to this post eventually, but being as I just saw The King's Speech an all, I was inspired to do it sooner rather than later (and it most likely won't be the last time).  Let's get graphic the British way shall we...

No. 1 ~ London Tray ~ Maria Holmer Dahlgren

No. 2 ~ Pink Union Jack Cushion Cover via Raw Space

No. 3 ~ Vintage Oxford University T-shirt via Ebay seller 

No. 4 ~ Stripy London Mug & Tin Set via the London Transport Museum Shop

No. 5 ~ London's Skyline Print ~ Richard Coward for Transport for London

No. 6 ~ London City Bag ~ Brown Paper Packages

No. 7 ~ River Series - London Eye Plate ~ Snowden Flood

{fabulous prints via Stella McCartney Kids Collection}

Oh and my favorite designer, Stella McCartney, has done it again with this adorable girl's rain coat and dress.  Where can I find these in my size???  

Great Reads

It's Monday again and oh how I wish it wasn't.  My boyfriend came into town on Saturday for a little bit, and sadly, time went by too quickly, and he was off back to Columbus before we knew it.  We did get some fun stuff in there though (despite the rain), like catching a showing of The King's Speech, browsing the discount sales at Borders (60-80% off woo!),  and meeting up with my parents for a tasty dinner.  Speaking of Borders, my trip there this weekend has inspired my post for today with all things book related.  Relish in these lustful items...

No. 1 ~ The Great Gatsby Tee ~ Urban Outfitters

No. 2 ~ Penguin Classic Postcards ~ Urban Outfitters UK

No. 3 ~ Emma Book Clutch & The Importance of Being Earnest Book Clutch ~ Kate Spade

No. 4 ~ Stacked Paperback Wallpaper ~ Anthropologie 

No. 5 ~ Halve Bookends ~ Generate Design

No. 6 ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald Classic Novels ~ Penguin 

Call Me Tinkerbell

Because I'm in love with Peter Pan...collars that is.

Pretty much ever since I saw these designs from Nadinoo last year, I've been obsessed over the look.  The colors, the patterns, and especially, the peter pan collars.

Here are some current peter pan styles that I've been lusting over:

No. 1 ~ Painted Ladies Dress ~ ModCloth $52.99
No. 2 ~ Contrast Peter Pan Dress ~ Forever21 $24.80
No. 3 ~ Floral Peter Pan Collar Dress ~ Forever21 $19.80
No. 4 ~ Petite Light Pink Tiered Peter Pan Collar Blouse ~ TopShop $66.00
No. 5 ~ Peter Pan Collar Lace Waisted Dress ~ ASOS $80.69
No. 6 ~ Collar Insert Dress ~ ASOS $62.76
No. 7 ~ Dahlia Contrast Detailing Tea Dress ~ ASOS $121.92