Ma Cuisine

I am really blessed to work in a fun industry day-in-day-out, one that involves kitchens and everyone who needs one.

Because kitchens and eating out are such a big part of my day-to-day life, it is rare that I find myself staying home and making a meal from my own kitchen. To change that, I have been stocking up on some pretty must-haves that make staying home and cooking in a bit more fun. Anthropologie is my absolute favorite place for this, with everything from darling aprons to vintage, French-inspired kitchen supplies, hand-sewn towels and beautiful, glossy cookbooks to choose from. Already, a few key pieces have made my kitchen feel more like home and unique in their own special way.

My darling friend Colleen gave me this Anthropologie apron for Christmas- view all of Anthro's adorable aprons here

Below are a few of my favorite kitchenesque additions that I'm coveting:

Pretty Golden Cheese Knives ; Colorful Chalkboard Spice Jars

Hedgehog Measurers ; Coaster Set

And since we all know it is easy to get distracted at Anthropologie, I have also included some of the findings that have caught my eye in said distracted state of mind:

Fish Bone Earrings ;  Potbelly Book Ends

Dachsund Letter Holder ; Fruit Stand Shift

Time for Spring

From head to toe, this outfit on Shopbop has me sold. Light knits like this sweater below are a great option for springtime when the mornings and evenings are cooler and I adore how this one is cropped in the front-great for pairing with flowy pleated mini skirts like the one shown below. Top it off with easy hair and ankle strap heels (which always make the legs look slimmer by accentuating the ankles) and you are set!

Buy the look here:

Shirt

Skirt

Heels

Getting Personal

Some of my most favorite things are those that have a personal touch to them. Call me Southern, but I think there's something special about having your name or initials printed, monogrammed, or stamped on your belongings, whether it's a piece of luggage, a favorite leather-bound journal or your fine card stock stationary. That's why I'm currently going a little coo-coo over this wonderful soft leather transport tote from Madewell that can be personalized with you or your loved ones initials.

It's rustic and rugged in one sense and very functional and stylish in another, making it a versatile option that can go from city life to weekends in the country. I have a feeling it's one of those bags that would just get softer and better with age. Order by December 12th to get it in time for Christmas!

Shop for other great gift ideas at Madewell like these cheetah calf hair booties and this amazing crystal necklace!

A Charm & Chain Special

When I was in NYC for Fashion Week I had the pleasure of meeting Ali, the owner of Charm and Chain, the fabulous online mecca for jewelry lovers and accessory enthusiasts. I am so excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with this fun company and to be able to offer you this huge special! With the holidays coming around the bend there are so many great things that can be swooped up (and now at majorly discounted prices). For myself, I am eyeing these fab snake-chain earrings.... What do you love? Check out all the goodies at Charm and Chain and get presents for your sister, mom, girlfriend, grandmother, aunts, gal pals and anyone else while the offer lasts!

Shop Charm and Chain & have fun!

Beauty Routines

As I've gotten older and grown into my 20s, I have come to embrace more and more of the things that make being a lady so fun. Pretty compacts inlaid with shimmery color palettes, tubes of creamy, vibrant lipsticks, a hot bath with jasmine salts, and a collection of nail lacquers- it's pretty nice being a gal- don't you think? And though I am a firm believer that beauty comes from within, there are times when a girl just needs a little somethin' to feel extra confident. Below are some of the things I'm currently loving and that are making me feel pretty inside.

Jasmine Sea Salts {I love these sugar cubes too by Fresh}

A crystal "OMG" necklace that my sister and I both have. Not so much a "beauty" item but it always makes me feel special (and a little silly) when I wear it. {This high-end version with gold is beautiful}

Guerlain's illuminating pearls add such a subtle yet gorgeous touch to your skin {also love Emilio Pucci's version, complete with a vivacious Pucci tin} 

Josie Maran Argan Oil- so good for extra hydration at night. Use everywhere from the eyes to the elbows to split ends.

Polish is a Sal's best friend 

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks {these are the most amazing for a fast cheek highlight, a neutral eyeshadow, or a quick  sweep onto the decolletage}

YSL Makeup has quickly become a favorite of mine with everything from Blush to Lipstick and Mascara being some of the best I've ever tried. I've always been a sucker for good packaging too, and YSL, with their glimmering containers, does an amazing job making their makeup irresistible.

And speaking of lipstick...Can a girl ever have too many?? My favorite ever is still NARS Jungle Red- it makes an outfit! I find them to be far more fun when out on display.

Have a beautiful day! xo

All Hail

A Great Shopbop Sale!

Shopbop is a favorite over here for their huge product offering and their uber generous complimentary shipping offer. They even pick up your return shipping should your purchase not suit you. So on top of all the goodness, when Shopbop throws in one of their 70% off sales, well.... the situation gets a little cray cray. {Did I just say that? Pardon moi.}

One of the many hundreds of things I'm swooning over that's included in this sale is this Sass and Bide "Double the Distance" Jacket in a vibrant yellow:

Photo Courtesy of Zimbio

Pretty chic, huh?

Have fun and I hope you find something special for yourself- start shoppin'!

Le Clutch

What is it about a women's clutch? The male sex has often believed that the remnants which lye within the confines of a women's handbag are sacred secrets (and are therefore off limits.) These small handbags have been around for centuries, and with the selection coming out by fashion's finest today, it's evident they won't be leaving us anytime soon. I for one have always enjoyed trading out a big bag for a small minaudiere or envelope clutch when enjoying an evening out. Here are a few of my most favorite (I'm dying over this Furry Leopard option, along with this gorgeous Stingray clutch and the Brushed Gold option below with the Panther Clasp) and have a look at the others I'm lusting after below. You never know, you might just find one for yourself...

Furry Leopard ; Brushed Gold With Panther Clasp ; Stingray Clutch ; Gilded Envelope Clutch ; Our Lips Are Sealed Bag

And sometimes the finest clutches of all are the most simple. I love YSL's simple leather fold over bags this season with their trademark stamp. They are subtle yet stylish and add just the right little something to your ensemble:

YSL Bags in Colors

YSL Bags in Metallics

Peruse Sal's Favorites:

Classy 101.

Sometimes my favorite fashion go-tos revert back to the simplistic, classy principles of femininity. I love a good tortoise shell frame, a bold red lip, a thick eyelash and a pretty lace coat {and do we even need to talk about these cherry red Ferragamo flats? They were in style with our grandmothers and they still are today.}

Karen Walker Sunglasses

Dolce & Gabbana Italian Red Lipstick

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara

Red Prada Wristlet {I have this one in black and cream-so versatile!} 

Lace Jacket {steal!}

Ferragamo Bow Flats (lots of colors available!)

Make a Statement.

A hefty statement earring has always been a mainstay in my day-to-day and evening approach to getting dressed. For me, it is the quickest way to amp up an outfit and to give yourself a little style stamina.  I am most drawn to longer varieties and ones that usually have some kind of pretty detail. The three I've chosen below are all lovely in their own way and they could all be worn in so many different scenarios.... what do you think???

 Oscar De La Renta Tassels

 Kenneth Jay Lane Statement Gold Earrings

 African Quill Earrings

A Fall Staple

Boots are always one of the first things I throw on when the temperatures drop every fall. They are easy, comfortable and can kind of go with everything (think chunky knits and a pencil skirt or a flowy tunic with leggings and a cozy scarf). My boot collection is for the most part all basic black {boring, I know} so this year I'm hoping to invest in a pair of fun boots, and these little mommas from Anthropologie might just be the winner:

Don't you love the pom-poms? They are so playful and cozy and I love that there are so many different colors playing off that great neutral brown- makes me think they'd go with more than you'd expect!

To check out more pics and to buy some for yourself- you can visit the Anthro site here!

Channeling Taylor Tomasi Hill

I have been a long time fan of Taylor Tomasi Hill for her unique approach to style {check out this awesome tumblr page} and for her ability to carve out a look uniquely her own in the crazy world of fashion. (And don't we love that she's from Texas!) She is killin' it up in the N-Y-C working in the past as a Style and Accessories Director for publications like Marie Claire and Teen Vogue and she is now over at Moda Operandi doing amazing things. One of the things I love about TTH is her ability to really push the envelope by wearing interesting things, like pairing simple shorts, a neutral top and a printed scarf with those shoes:

I've noticed in lots of blogs, fashion week coverage and street style sites that she wears these a lot in her day-to-day style and she makes them look just as fabulous with shorts and a simple shirt as she does with slim pencil skirts and a more dressed up approach. I found these online at a web-store called 6pm.com and I think they are similar/ pretty cool- what do you think? Would you wear them??

The best part is they are only $85.99. 

I love these options as well:

They are definitely funky! =)

Top 10 Dress Picks for Fall

1. Green Dress 2. Purple Sweater Dress 3. Burgundy Dress 4. Flare Dress 5. Neutral Color Block Dress 6. Ella Moss Black Dress 7. Structured Dress 8. Marchesa Notte Dress 9. Cavalli Dress 10. Navy Shirt Dress

Feeling Sweet.

There isn't a whole lot that's sweeter or more delightful than a Magnolia Bakery cupcake....

Except for this equally delightful and equally sweet jewel-adorned furry coat from Modcloth:

{note sizes are in UK which is larger than a USA size- refer to size chart!}

Headed to Mara Hoffman!

Today I am so excited to be heading to the Mara Hoffman show for New York Fashion Week. The MH team was sweet enough to invite me and I am no doubt going to be taking some serious notes on their ideas for Spring 2013 (which I'm sure you'll be seeing lots of in the next few months!) Here are two of my favorite Mara Hoffman pieces from the past year (one warm and cozy and one fabulous print) Stay tuned for a recap next week!

Shop this chic long scarf sweater by Mara Hoffman!

Buy the dress on sale here!

xx

Carrying Into Fall

Now that Labor Day has come and gone, I'm getting geared up for the cool fall weather and all the coziness associated with the turning of seasons. I'm also gearing up for a transition in my personal everyday style. Though I'm not usually a big handbag gal,  this simple and sweet number is a definite contender for a fresh fall look. I really love the classic Ralph Lauren/Hermes aesthetic but the sweet scalloped detailing makes it a little different and unexpected.

The good price tag doesn't hurt either!

What are you all looking at for Fall?

My Style Scoop

I. Tucker Butterfly Dress

II. Structured Coach Clutch

III. Beautiful Mustard/Marigold Dress

IV. Tory Burch Purple Bracelet with Fox Head

V. Fabric & Crystal Necklace

VI. Jungle Red Lipstick by NARS

VII. Rabbit Clutch {swoon}

VIII. Black Stone Necklace

A Cherry On Top...

For just $56 this little cupcake confection is an absolute must for myself and all my girly girl friends {Tina, Katie, Abby, Bailey- you know who you are!} 

I love the light pink hue and the unexpected double strap. This is a "petite" dress, but ASOS tends to run big on me so I think you could just go with maybe ordering true to size if not 1 size larger on this.

Have a sweet day!

When The Moon Hits Your Eye Like A Big Pizza Pie....

Missoni has sort of won my heart with this fabulous light-weight knit poncho. How perfect for Fall and how easy would it be to wear over skinny black pencil pants or leggings and your favorite ankle booties. I love that it is longer in the back and so effortlessly chic and elegant.

This is a great timeless investment for all ages...

A Bit of Bling

Sometimes a little accessory can cheer up a drab outfit or even a drab day. My friends all know me as a big accessories girl and I'm always on the lookout for fun new pieces to brighten the mood. These are just a few of the most recent I've found =)

If you're interested in any for yourself, you can purchase them here:

1. Jeweled Bracelet (50% off!)

2. Erickson Beamon Long Earrings 

3. Flock of Birds Necklace

4. Stacked Ring Set

5. Fun Beaded Wrap Bracelets/Necklaces

6. Fox Head Cuff

Hoping your week is bright!

The Weekly Favorites....

Purchase here:

Long Sequined Dress

High-Heeled Sweater-Tunic

Tarte Cheek Stain

Purple Kate Spade Purse

Petite Bow Bangle