Capetacular

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After seeing this stunning taupe cape coat from Lanvin over on Tom and Lorenzo* I am on a one woman mission to find a cape-style number for myself. Since I'm not a wool wearer, options are a bit more limited, but I'm drawing inspiration from some of these great internet finds to guide my search.

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Okay, this Vanessa Bruno jacket, as sported by Kriste Bell, may be from last December, but I'd wear it in 2011. Well, if I had a spare $1,125 I needed to lose.

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But never fear, for those of us ladies on a budget, H&M's Fall 2011 lookbook included this relaxed creme caped number.

*PS - If you watch Project Runway you've got to check out Tom and Lorenzo's episode recaps which are hilarious and so on point.

Lazy Sunday: Museum Retreat

This Sunday I retreated to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts for a heaping dose of culture and a double shot of inspiration. The new Art of the Americas wing was great, and they had several rotating exhibitions I was excited to see (Japanese woodblock prints and the Art of Tea, to name a couple) which did not disappoint. I find venturing off to museums on my own to be so enjoyable - it can be really nice to take things at your own pace, not worry about whether anyone else is enjoying themselves, and skip the rooms you are simply not interested in.

A few important factors to keep in mind for ANY museum visit:

• Wear comfortable shoes - After about 5 minutes the floors become terribly hard on your feet, and you don't want sore tootsies keeping you from enjoying your day. Opt for some cute sneakers with serious cushioning.

• Bring a notepad - Jot down the names of artists (or scientists, archeological sites, what have you) whose work you want to learn more about. You'll see so much in one museum it's impossible to recall all of the items you wanted to do some more research on, so go prepared with a little notebook.

• Take a pen - Of course you'll need something to write on your notepad with, but I recommend taking a pen for another reason as well... to write on the museum map! The glossy pamphlets they typically provide at museums are hard to write on with a pencil, so take a pen with you to mark on the map as you go. Star the exhibits you absolutely must see, cross out rooms as you go along, make notes of where you found a surprising treasure you want to recommend to a friend, even draw arrows to plan out your attack.

• Rest frequently - Museum going can be exhausting. Most of us aren't used to standing on such hard floors all day in the low lighting, and all the intellectual stimulation can be downright fatiguing if you don't take things at a slow enough pace. Be sure to sit down at regular intervals, and scope out a cozy corner where you can relax between exhibits to jot down your thoughts about what you've seen. You'll be happy to have a record of your trip afterward, and you'll have more stamina to enjoy the rest of the museum.

• Eat - Take healthy snacks with you to power your visit. Trail mix, like raisins and almonds, always packs well and the combination of natural sugar and protein is a great combination for short-term and long-term energy. Many museums offer dining options should your visit span over a meal time, but bringing a sandwich can be a good way to cut the cost of your trip dramatically ($12 salads from a box or a $6 PB&J? Supply and demand, I guess).
  

• Take a layer - You never know how cool or warm it will be in museums, and it tends to vary from one room to the next, so dress in layers. You'll be glad to have a cozy cardigan tucked in your bag in the drafty European portraiture hall, and equally as glad to peel it off when you reach the small contemporary collage room filled with people putting off body heat.
  

Metropolitan Hair

Last night I watched the 1990 movie Metropolitan and fell in love with Carolyn Farina's character, Audrey. If I had darker hair, I think I would chop it into Audrey's cute cropped 'do. I couldn't find many photos from the film where it didn't look all debutanted up (I think it looks better when it's a bit more tousled) but adorable regardless. If you're interested in the film, there's a great review here. It's a quirky comedic look at a group of Manhattan preppies during deb season focused around their after parties where they talk social mobility and deal with Westsider Tom who accidentally falls into their crowd.

Lazy Sunday: Simple Brunch

Things are finally starting to warm up and now that we're able to shed some of those extra layers (goodbye knit scarves!) I'm in the mood for very pared down style. Simple, relaxed ensembles with a slightly nautical theme are most appealing - ideal for meeting up with a friend for brunch! I think brunch has to be the best meal of all; you can go savory or sweet and mimosas are always on the menu. What's not to love?

Insipration From the Ranch

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I just finished another great book called Ranch of Dreams, the true story of Black Beauty Ranch - an animal sanctuary nearly 1,200 acres large - in Texas. In addition to making me want to book a flight to see this incredible operation in person ASAP, the book had me dreaming of ranch-inspired style... western wear, dusty desert scenes, utilitarian forms, you name it. Here are a few of my Ranch of Dreams themed picks.

That's one nice place to relax after a long day.

When I think ranch fare, I think chili, and where there's chili there should be cornbread!

I love the idea of desert labyrinth. Perfect for a dry space.


Detailed view of a beautiful print available on Etsy.

A handmade Giddy Up Cowboy print skirt, also from Etsy!

Sewing Projects

As you may recall from a previous post, I'm an advocate of adult education courses. My most recent conquest, "Sewing for Beginners", was a total blast - and my efforts yielded some fabulous creations too. Our class of 10 learned all about threading, backstitching, interfacing and more. Fueled by clementines, peanut butter sandwiches, and Arcade Fire, we spent two Saturdays crafting ruffled aprons and pleated shoulder bags and laughing about the rookie mistakes we endured along the way. I'm already excited about what I'll stitch up next...

A shot of my ruffled apron - the pattern we used was definitely intended for a shorter person, but it's definitely the kind of apron you put on for serving food... not so much cooking it.

The inside of the pleated shoulder bag - I couldn't resist the green polkadot fabric (purchased at Grey's Fabric and Notions, you must check this place out if you're near Boston).

Lazy Sunday: Winter Walkabout

It's cold, it's grey, and spring is no where in sight - but fighting cabin fever is not optional, it's a must. Download a few interesting podcasts or some new tunes and pop on some headphones, wrap up in a warm colorful coat (everyone could use a cheery sight), strap on some weather-impervious boots capable of slip-free ice trekking, cover your mitts with fingerless gloves (no need to take them off should you stop for a warming beverage along the way), and top it all off with a knitted cupcake hat (I actually have this one thanks to my fantastic boyfriend)! You my friend are ready to beat cabin fever in style. Once you're thoroughly exhausted from walking about in the brisk air, enjoy some hot chocolate and relish in your conquer of the winter chill.

Lazy Sunday: Grocery Shopping

It seems to be on nearly every American's weekend to do list, a task some of us love while others loath - grocery shopping. My boyfriend falls into the later category, but lucky for him I'm an enthusiastic member of the former. While I tend towards the European grocery shopping model (buying my fresh foods throughout the week) there's something about toting home a trunk-load of tastiness and the sight of a fridge bursting with variety and flavor that can't be denied. This week I've got special motivation for my regular Sunday trip to Stop & Shop and I am positively giddy with excitement - my brand new blender will arrive tomorrow! This is no ordinary counter ornament kids, it's a 64 ounce Ohio-made VitaMix industrial strength food pulverizer! Stay tuned for my personal review to find out whether or not this kitchen crusher lives up to its reputation....

Desert Inspiration

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I've always had a thing for the American Southwest, and lately I've been longing for the dry warmth and beautiful views of the desert. If this picture from Zion National Park isn't enough to tempt you, just think about all of the yummy southwestern flavors (fresh corn, spicy peppers... cold margaritas) and electric sunsets over the cacti covered horizon.

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Spring Dress

The weather is starting to warm just enough to make me think Spring may really be on the way, and that means it's nearly time for dresses again. How cute is this floral flock? I like that it's not overly flower powered, and it looks perfect for a Parisian printemps* stroll (that's spring in french... at least according to Google translator).

Design Inspiration: Bookshelves

Bookshelves and cases are not only the perfect places to house your most prized literary classics (or guilty pleasure gossip rags and romance novels, we won’t judge) but when used strategically they can be ideal design inspiration for your home. A carefully placed bookshelf can stand on it’s own as a focal point and conversation piece. Depending on the space you’re working with, bookshelves can serve to break-up the space and even create a room within a room. They’re a quick way to make any room a bit cozier too, adding visual elements of depth and color. Not sure how to incorporate these hardcover holders into your place? Check out these read-ready rooms.

A definite focal piece from Home Interior Designs.

An industrial twist from Furniture Fashion.

Read the rainbow! Found on Freshome.

A luxurious look, easily hidden, found here.

Floating bookshelves from Ikea found here.

A warm reading corner from BHG.

A modern option from Toxel.

Golden Globes II

Photo via ecorazzi

I missed this gorgeous - not to mention green - dress from this year's Golden Globes on the first go-round. Here's Livia Giuggioli, wife of actor Colin Firth, wearing her own re-purposed wedding dress! What a great way to wear this stunning piece a second time. Who says a dress so special should only be worn once? When it's this beautiful, I say wear it for a few worthy occasions... and then pass it along to someone else who will truly cherish it just as much (that doesn't mean keeping it in storage until you have the chance to torture your daughter with the guilt of expecting her to wear it).

Photo via ecorazzi

Golden Globes

Did you watch the Golden Globes last night? I only made it through about half of the pre-show on E! Yes, I admit, I watch awards shows solely for the dresses and to see who's had a bad lift or a botched tuck since last year. Initially, I was hopeful for many sparkly frock photos to post this evening, but I was pretty disappointed in the show of fashion this go-round. No doubt there were many beautiful faces and sculpted bodies to be seen, but the outfit choices didn't send me into an excited frenzy. The fabulous Jane Lynch (from Glee) was definitely one of my favorites in this classically cut olive green number, though.

Elegant and timeless. What was your favorite look from the evening? Did your favorite show come away a winner?

Blogs Worth Browsing

Photo via MSNBC

Every once in a while I like to spend an hour or two scoping out new blogs to add into my usual rotation of daily reads. Here are a few I discovered this past weekend you just might want to check out yourself...

• Mrs. Lilien Styling House

Beautiful and fun collections of themed photo inspiration. From designer do-dads to neon nail polish to swanky swizzle-sticks, Mrs. Lilien has it all... and she makes it look so good!

Perfect for: Women who'd still like to play dress up
I love Ms. Peaches and Cream
Also good for: Discovering gift ideas for your chic friends
How cool are these glasses?

• A New Dress A Day

Marisa decided to make it an entire year without doing any traditional clothing shopping. She's spending only $365 for 365 days and creating 365 outfits out of thrifted goodies... and they are so cute! You have to see the blog to believe it.

Perfect for: Salvation Army regulars and do-it-yourselfers
Have you ever dyed clothing?
Also good for: Anyone trying to make their mom's old clothes cool again
Perfect example

• Missed Connections

Sophie Blackall paints renditions of the missed connections section of Craigslist (where people write about brief encounters they had with strangers they'd like to meet again). I originally found out about Sophie and the blog Missed Connections on another blog I adore, Cup of Joe.

Perfect for: Believers in the interconnectedness of us all
This one's so sweet
Also good for: Anybody who needs a good laugh at life
LOL

Lazy Sunday: Need to Buy

When I first completed my Christmas shopping, I vowed not to step foot in a retail store for anything but the necessities until the New Year. However, I had forgotten just how cold New England winters can be. My attempts at layering a few long sleeve t-shirts under a trusty cotton cardigan have been futile against the bone-chilling wind and 8 inches of snow-turned-slush this past week. My office window provides not only a view of the whitened landscape but a consistent draft too, and by the time my little car warms up at the end of the day I'm half-way home and shivering. My need for some new sweaters, boots, and, if I'm lucky enough, stylish flannel-lined jeans (okay, that may be an oxymoron), cannot wait until the holidays are behind us. So today, I'm off to see what the retails have in store for me this year. I can only hope fleece jumpsuits and woolen balaclava's are the latest must-have items.

Fashion Forward

I wanted to report that I have found unequivocal evidence of my fashion forwardness. In fact, I can quantify my forwardness: 18 years. One of the following photos is a pullover sweater from the Jean Charles De Castelbajac Fall/Winter 2009-2010 runway collection, the other is me at four years old. Now, really, who wore it better?

Photos via Colette

Design Inspiration: Platform Bed

Photo via Alcazar Furniture

Everyone I know has a different taste when it comes to beds. Be it a preference for a sturdy brass four-poster, an oak canopy, or a leather covered headboard - there are as many choices as to what we sleep in as there are people to join us beneath the sheets! My favorite style of bed, however, has to be the understated platform. The unfussy nature of this minimal style makes for easy sheet-tucking without overwhelming even the most modest loft. Platforms are also exceptionally versatile, so their the perfect choice for people who like to frequently change the style or flow of their bedroom. Platform beds work especially well in Asian inspired or contemporary rooms, and many serve double-duty by boasting storage space underneath. Not sure how to make this type of bed work for you? Check out these beautiful rooms bedrooms for some serious design inspiration.

Photo via Apartment Therapy

Photo via Tinypic

Photo via Apartment Therapy

Photo via CB2

Boyfriend Blazer

Photo via Victoria's Secret

I may be on the tail end of this fashion trend, but lately I can't get enough of the boyfriend blazer. Generously cut, this transitional piece is comfy and surprisingly flattering thanks to a single, strategic button. This Sartorialist photo of Alessandra Colombo is what sent me from a healthy enjoyment of the look to borderline obsession. Plus, it's so versatile that the same jacket can add new life to a number of wilting wardrobe ensembles all year long.

Photo via AprilMarin