Wednesday, September 26, 2012

The French & Skirts


I finally paid a long overdue visit to the glowing Lluvia (and her newest adorable addition to the fam, Uma) and Amy at Wildflower. I came across lots of one of my favorite designers, French Connection, as well as a new favorite look, involving long skirts. Traditionally, long skirts have been set aside in my "teacher" wardrobe in the event I were to stumble into that profession. However, with the right fitting, length and print or pleat, I think I just became a huge fan without having to step foot in a classroom. The skirt to the left above is pictured on me below, and at a great price point ($48)! The French Connection top in the middle is the perfect combination of luxury material, nudes paired with bright stones in a geometric arrangement that brings joy to my little heart. Far right is a long-sleeve maxi, which I recommend pairing with a jacket at nearly all times.


A few other related pieces I found on the interwebs:





French Connection Navajo top, French Connection Fantasy Lace Blouse, Zara Skirt, Alice & Olivia Skirt

Friday, September 21, 2012

EOW Suit For Thought


So, I'm really pretty ademante about maintaining a positive focus on all things published via this blog. I mean, it is one of my "happy places," "as they say, "and I can't be bringing bad fashion or lackluster end tables to the C&T mix here. However, I'd like to take a minute to "discuss" the above photography, and then learn what we can do about it.

I'm a huge Tibi fan; if you follow my blog, this you know. And I think that both of these suits have huge potential, particularly paired with their respective cropped tops and in light of the color blocking. I saw this image yesterday via Twitter, simultaneously smiled (inner smile) and cringed (outer cringe) and it actually came up in conversation last night at a little shindig I was hosting at the lovely Noble's Grille, so I know it's not just me. Two things: I dig oversize sweaters, etc. but when it comes to a blazer, always err of the side of fitted unless you want to look like Amanda Bynes in "She's the Man" (guilty movie pleasure by the way-shout out to katelyn), or, one of these poorly postured models pictured above. I mean, it is a blazer, after all, and that speaks "bossy" not "your boss." I get that the bare midriff angle can be grounds for covering your other bodily part bases, but this a suit, so your entire body has ample material stretching across your wingspan and legs. Some favorites (as for cropped tops, let's hold off till Spring and I'll hunt those down):






Pictured above: J. Crew Ludlow Jacket in Irish LinenTheory Narolie Wool Blend BlazerVince Shawl Collar Leather BlazerTrina Turk Alfred Blazer

Friday, August 31, 2012

Fashion's Night Out, WS


So it's the kickoff to a long holiday weekend and a short blog post. Just wanted to get the word out about little ole Winston-Salem's very first Fashion's Night Out to be held at Hanes Mall next Thursday, September 6th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. Susan G. Komen will treat shoppers to a Pink Label ribbon along with raffles and refreshments. Macy's Fashion For a Cause Runway show will feature breast cancer survivors at 7:00pm in the Belk Court.

Hope y'all have a terribly relaxing Labor Day weekend. xx





Friday, August 24, 2012

Love Quotes








The time of the year when scarves become more abundant, and when I'm happiest, is encroaching. Fall. Just four letters... bearing cooler weather, chunky knit sweaters, boots, football season, the fair, Marisaween (my birthday/halloween) and oh-so-much-more. I'm going to FALL back into my blog writing with summertime laziness fading. #puns

I briefly mentioned a Love Quotes scarf last year here, but upon further discussion with a dear pal (shout out to Elizabeth), I believe it needs more dedication. In my investigation, I've discovered many a celeb enjoyeth rocking these amazing jewels of fabrics (love how Sofia uses as a wrap above). Not shocking, seeing as they come in nearly any color under the sun, and they are lightweight but also do their job as a scarf.

I love that each scarf comes with an actual love quote, and there are daily love quotes posted on the site. Because, isn't above all, love, the greatest thing? So, thanks Phyllis Wiener for these... xx happy weekend!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Eye Heart Stationery








Maybe I'm a little biased because she's my best friend, but these pieces are darn cute and you know it. Amigas, I give you, Eye Heart Stationery by Katelyn Applegate. That's the store, but you can also view her blog here (and by can I mean do). Ms. Applegate is a freelance designer who has a passion for creating unique pieces for every individual. And for every event that's near and dear to your heart, it will be near and dear to hers too, so you're in good hands. 


Katelyn's personal style is fresh, clean and modern. I have no idea why, but I want to also call it New Mexico or Arizona or something. So that will always speak through in her designs, but when she's creating something especially for you, your personality and vision are her focus. Hope y'all enjoy!!!! Friday! xx

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Tuula






What sort of crap is this being at work the day after the 4th? It's bad crap, that's what it is you guys.

Let me apologize for starting out on a cranky note... how about, I hope everyone had a marvelous 4th of July, that you got too much sun, ate too many hot dogs and were impressed with fireworks. I'm taking July by the horns now and vowing to give a lot more love to posting again.

I need to thank my adorable friend Sarah for introducing me to Tuula. Beautiful photography. Wardrobe style is romantic and sexy, lace accents (see black shorts-precious) to black leather stiletto booties (pictured just above). And the gold sharks teeth necklace piece... I DO! xx

Saturday, June 9, 2012

COCOA & HEARTS






How about these pretty pastels? Instant mood enhancer. I need one of these in every room of the house. And my office. Speaking of the office, whilst doing some research for a project, I came across this savvy blogger slash artEEst. That's artist in case I lost you. Check out COCOA & HEARTS. Happy Saturday!

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Summer Wardrobe





Twitter: "@MarisaGray What are your latest fav spring finds for wardrobes"

Praise the gods for this @mention I received from my college roommate - a reminder that I've written one blog entry this month. Frankly, I've been going goo-goo ga-ga over all things related to matters of the home. ElleDecor? I'm there. OneKingsLane? I have the app. Williams-Sonoma? Way over-priced but I indulged. Pottery Barn? Brilliant. Marshall's... a new must for the rotation.

PS - I just moved into a new place. Hence the home furnishings tunnel vision.

But I do have opinions on Spring wardrobes, because one can't be walking around wearing lamp shades (or can one....), which I've previously shared (neons paired with neutrals, color-blocking, pastels with a modern edge, etc. etc.)... but we're approaching Summer, so let's embrace it.

A few turnkey pieces to keep in your Summer Wardrobe, starting from images above, top to bottom.
>> Get yourself a chain necklace and some white haute jewelry. This here is vintage Chanel from Monkee's of the Village  here in Winston-Salem.

>> Rompers. They don't flatter my figure very well, but I heart them a lot. Maybe I'll find The One soon. Pictured is DVF romper, and below that is also DVF, but a jumpsuit - which appeases my lankiness a bit more. While we're still in romper-land, I will go ahead and mention I fell in love with the bottom left photo via Rebecca & Co. by Hunter Dixon.

>> Blazers, so hot right now. Get a bold and a neutral, my preference navy. Buy this neon Juicy Couture one here.

>> White Jeans. I buy new ones every year. This year I got some Paige boot-cut and Joe's Jeans scalloped. BUT I will say last year I had a pair of all-time favorites, Citizen's of Humanity.

>> Cut-off Jean Shorts. Always. But these mint colored cut-offs really do it for me. Plus, they have a subtle leopard pattern. 'Nuff said. Buy here.

Not pictured, but let me provide insufficient detail, and help me if you can. For the life of me, I cannot figure out who makes the get-up that Jessa is wearing in an episode the Girls (which is amazing by the way) when her employer's friend says she has the face of Brigitte Bardot and the ass of Scarlet Johannson. Any takers?

Friday, May 25, 2012

Tribute to a Male



This goes out to my old pal who lives in Nashville. Sleek lines, humble watch, sitting atop a TUFTED couch. Dark-rimmed glasses and argyle socks that speak "I went to Vanderbilt, what of it?" One word: style. And ten more: ladies, don't sully his swag with texts, tweet at him @chrissong

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Gena Chandler / Raleigh





Three things. New Alexis Bittar (so fun) jewelry. Tibi/DVF Sale. And Jonathan Adler (see my post here) at High Point Furniture Market. Gena & Chandler, doing it right, per usual. As for the jewels - ladies, you always need your hoop staple, and go ahead and indulge in a long chain necklace piece while you're at it. Stop in and see these amazing ladies, 4209-106 Lassiter Mill Road, Raleigh NC / 919.881.9480.

Friday, April 13, 2012

One King's Landing Sales



Any of the above elements can be added to, dare I say, any type of room to add an attractive zing. What zing means, you ask? As defined by dictionary.com...

zing

 [zing]  Show IPA
noun
1.
vitality, animation, or zest.
2.
a quality or characteristic that excites the interest,enthusiasm, etc.: a tourist town with lots of zing.
3.
a sharp singing or whining noise, as of a bullet passing through the air.

g.

Now, this accent table, likely isn't going to be suited for just any room. I envision this bamboo-and-tassel white delight in a sunroom, or entry way. A room with bright light, and perhaps holding up a fresh bouquet of Spring's most colorful botanicals.



I'm as equally excited to have come across these babies as I am bashful, but I give you my frank appeal for hot water bottles. For some reason, they help cure my insomnia. And now perhaps I can look less like a 85- year old hanging out with one.

d. Garrett Bench, Sale $199 (est. $545)
b. Hand-beaded Linen Pillow, Sale $99 (est. $145)
g. Faulker Accent Table, Sale $369 (est. $815)
f. Bradie Stool, $109 (est. $235)
c. 4x6 Shellwood Frame, Smoke, $Sale $22 ($44)
e. Square Mirror Tray, $39 ($110)
a. Clover Crystal Basket Mount, $169 ($345)