Housecrush: Bedroom Retreats

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I have not been feeling well since I arrived back in STL, so all I can think about is lying in bed, watching Bravo (hello Million Dollar Listing reruns), and just curling up in a cozy space until I feel better. Since this sickness has me feeling very little blog inspiration, I thought I'd post about what's really dominating my mind - bed. Here are some bedrooms that I would love to snuggle up in today:

via: house beautiful

This one is pretty masculine, but I love how inviting that throw and floor look. So. Plush. Plus, that Beatles pillow fight photo is AH-MAZING.

credit: Veranda
Love the bed and chandelier.

credit: InStyle
Love Maria Menounos's chic bedroom. I lust after that leather bed and the black and white color scheme.
This beachy bedroom is so bright, airy, and preppy. Who wouldn't want to wake up next to the ocean? Maybe that is the cure I've been looking for...

The Big Texan

Finally, after a long weekend of driving and moving, I am back in STL and back to civilization. Unfortunately for my dad and me, most of New Mexico, Northern Texas, and Oklahoma looked like this stunning landscape:

One bright spot in the halfway point of Amarillo, however, was the Big Texan. You can't even drive through Texas without stopping for some great beef and BBQ.

The Big Texan is conveniently located right off the highway, and is famous (you may recognize it from Man V Food on the Travel Channel) for its 72 oz steak in 60 minutes challenge. Yikes! In fact, extreme eater Joey Chestnut downed the meal in merely 8 minutes! I still can't believe it.

The iconic cow advertising the challenge is one of the many cows we saw on our trip. My lovely father was so bored at one point that he started honking and waving at cows. eye roll. While I didn't try to tackle the challenge, I did enjoy some great beef brisket and spare ribs:


SO. MUCH. FOOD. And of course the visit was not without a dose of Texas pride:

So cute. While I am a bigger fan of Rudy's bbq in Texas, I would definitely recommend stopping by the Big Texan if you ever drive through Amarillo. It was so much good food and great, larger than life Texan atmosphere. What did you do this Memorial Day weekend?

Friday's Fancies: Modern Day Dorothy

This week's Friday's Fancies is inspired by another silver screen legend, Miss Dorothy, from the Wizard of Oz. Instead of traipsing down the yellow brick road, however, this ensemble is better suited for shopping, lunching, and casual night's out.

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I LOVE this Tucker blouse, and it wouldn't be complete without red ruby slippers courtesy of Miu Miu and a straw tote to carry around your own Toto. Dorothy probably couldn't have afforded this get up, but it certainly is reminiscent of her famous attire in Oz. Hopefully you won't run into any witches or flying monkeys...

Modern Day Dorothy by edodds featuring high heel pumps

Tucker short sleeve blouse, $280
Citizens of Humanity skinny leg jeans, $323
Miu Miu high heel pumps, $650
MICHAEL Michael Kors straw tote, $199
Marc by Marc Jacobs watch, $250
Kate Spade stud earring, $48

Fashion Friday: SS 2011 Ad Faves

Happy Friday, everyone! Today I'm linking up for the first time with Kori at Blonde Episodes for Fashion Friday! I waste a lot of time looking at fashion blogs and forums on the interwebs, so this link up is perfect for me.

The dreary weather in the Midwest and moving madness in AZ has me looking to great fashion house ads for inspiration. In particular, I've been poring over the SS 2011 ads for some summer dosage and great fashion ads. Here are my favorites so far:

As you can probably tell, I'm a HUGE Karlie Kloss fan and I think she absolutely KILLS it as a bombshell/pinup for Dior.

Anja Rubik stars in these Karl Lagerfeld shot ads for Fendi. I love the coloring and clothes. DIE for those shoes.
This Bottega Veneta ad is my absolute favorite! The shot is purely cinematic and breathtaking. I don't even care about the clothes; I'm simply won over by the photography.

What have been some of your favorite SS 2011 ads? Any that I left out?

all images via.

Pink and Green Thursday: Road Trip

After another group of storms here last night, I'm returning to Arizona for approx 24 hrs then driving my car back to the Midwest. It should be an interesting two day drive through NM, Texas, and Oklahoma, so wish me luck! I apologize in advance for any lack of blogging. Now if only my road trip was going to be as glamorous as these:

Some of my road trip playlist:
Lady Gaga - Edge of Glory
Tom Petty - Free Fallin
The Strokes - Under the Cover of Darkness
Fleetwood Mac - Dreams
Zac Brown Band ft Jimmy Buffet - Knee Deep
Wiz Khalifa - The Thrill

Any good song suggestions for the long car road?

And last but not least, my dream road trip companions:

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Can't wait to see the sequel soon!

Semi Wordless Wednesday: Help Joplin

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As a native Missourian, I truly appreciate any donation you can make to the relief effort for Joplin, MO and any other communities affected by tornadoes.

Housecrush: Khloe K

While I can get a bit annoyed with all of the Kardashian over saturation, I do love Khloe K. The most relatable and witty Kardashian, Khloe is really the only one in the family I can stand in large doses, hence, why I love her reality show Khloe and Lamar.

The show also gives a glimpse into Khloe's fabulous lifestyle and home by Jeff Andrews Design. Her office and closet are to die for:

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LOVE all the purple! And the photo of hubby Lamar is a cute touch.

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HALF of her shoe collection.via.
Blinged out office phone and Louboutins

The likable Kardashian definitely has some lust-worthy digs.

Tea for Two.

I love this tea gift set for an unique hostess gift. Summer is filled with so many parties and events, so this would be a memorable present for your generous hosts.

Are you a tea drinker? What are your favorite hostess gifts?

The Coveteur

Lia Sophia, Messi Jilly, Bebe rings, Louis Roe

One of my favorite fashion-related websites is industry darling, The Coveteur. Founders Erin Kleinberg (always love fellow Erins) and Stephanie Mark take readers into the homes and closets of fashion industry insiders and share glam, lust-worthy vignettes of their finds. For me, it's a perfect escape for rainy days like this one.

They've featured some great tastemakers from Elle, to Vogue, to Flare, etc., and it's very interesting to see how these trendsetters cultivate their own personal style.

Here are some of my favorite images from the site. I encourage you to visit, there's so much to be inspired by!

Anya Hindmarch clutch, Celine Kaplan, Executive Director of Public Relations, Eres; President, MCube NYC

Antique serving tray and curiosities, Celine Kaplan

3.1 Phillip Lim fur, J Crew pants, Balenciaga bag, Joanna Hillman, Senior Fashion Market Editor, Harper's BazaarUnited Bamboo Jacket, Marni necklace, Joanna Hillman

all Chanel, Jen Brill, Agent, Total Management

all images via.

Sunday Inspiration: Hermes and Karlie

Karlie. Hermes. The sea. Just truly inspiring beauty to brighten up your Sunday night.

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Fave:
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Party Treats

A few nights ago, I had the chance to embrace my inner Martha Stewart (love ya, girl!) and become the hostess with the mostest. It was truly the most domestic I've been in ages; I'm the girl who has eaten out almost every meal this semester, much to my parents' chagrin. I was super nervous to make anything food related, but these simple recipes were delish and a hit:

These strawberry marg spritzers were soooo good, and didn't taste like alcohol at all - a great thing for a lightweight like me. Just be careful mixing in the club soda, I made quite the mess on my kitchen counter. I have so much tequila and triple sec left over - I will definitely be making them again! The recipe was in the latest issue of Southern Living, and I would definitely recommend trying it.

Here are all the awesome apps courtesy of my girlfriends and moi. So so good. Went into a food coma afterward, for sure. I made the seven layer dip, but modified it into a five layer dip, since I'm not a fan of olives or green onions. All the apps were wiped out, so I'd say they were a hit.

Finally, I'll leave you with a pic of my favorite party favors, courtesy of the movie Bridesmaids:

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GAAHHH CUTE OVERLOAD. The movie was so funny, I definitely recommend it.

What are your favorite summer entertaining recipes? Share them with me in the comments, so I can do Martha proud!

Friday's Fancies: Modern Day Scarlett O'Hara

For this week's Friday's Fancies linkup with Long Distance Loving, I'm inspired by the one and only, Scarlett O'Hara. I've been on a Gone with the Wind kick recently, so I figured I could cap off the week with some more classic movie inspiration. This look is inspired by the famous Twelve Oaks barbecue scene, where Scarlett O'Hara is able to rein in and play all of the southern gentlemen except for the ones that matter, Ashley Wilkes and Rhett Butler.

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I loved the Miu Miu polka dot skirt and think the Rebecca Taylor blouse would be a great investment piece that could be worn with anything. The wedges are Gap, and are super comfortable and versatile. And, of course, I could not leave out that famous straw floppy hat! You wouldn't look reminiscent of Scarlett without it.

Here's to being the belle of the barbecue!

Modern Day Scarlett O'Hara by edodds featuring cotton blouses

Rebecca Taylor cotton blouse, $245

Miu Miu polka dot skirt, $640
Kate Spade stud earring, $68
Yves Saint Laurent glass shade, 195 GBP
Straw hat

Lust List: The Tipsy Skipper

I'm about to head out to pick my daddy dearest (aka GOPappa) up from the airport, but before I go I wanted to share with you a cute online shop I found while wasting time on the interwebs.

Let me introduce you to the Tipsy Skipper. First, I love the name! Nautical gets me every time, and the brand identity is built around having fun with friends on the sea. The company was founded by a graphic design student, Kearsley Lloyd, who is a descendant of Captain Morgan. Supporting small businesses, especially ones run by women, is a fave of mine, so I really recommend you check out the site! I may have to make a few purchases in time for summer!

Here are some my favorite Tipsy Skipper designs of the Captain Morgan Clutch:

Shellacked, in conch

Pinch Me, in Geranium

Go Fish!, in Trehugger

All can be found here!

She also sells tote bags, key fobs, ballet flats, flip flops, and dog collars - all in even more awesome patterns! The site also has a great blog, The Tipsy Tattler, and I can't wait to dive in. Check her out, I'm quickly becoming a big fan!