Happy Friday, friends and welcome to a new weekly column: found. My thinking behind this is quite simple, showcase one item I’ve recently fallen in-love with. Up first, let me introduce you to Millie. Isn’t she just the perfect sandal? We made acquaintances earlier this week and I’m thinking I need to add her sister to my closet too. I know I am going to wear these sandals all summer long… from a day look with my boyfriend jeans and a white v-neck to dinner out in my favorite sundress. If you are in the market for a new sandal, I highly recommend these.
Tag Archives: Shopoholic
Inspired
As you know, I’ve been thinking quite a bit about what’s next for me. This discernment process has been fun. Am I a city girl? Am I an island girl? Do I miss a “desk” job? Can my passions really be my vocation? What motivates me to get up in the morning? You know, all those important life questions. While my path is slowly revealing itself to me, I have realized one very important thing. I want my work to impact the lives of others. Corporate Social Responsibility is something I am passionate about as I do believe you can do well (from a financial perspective) by doing good.
A company I’m constantly inspired by is TOMS. I received their Spring 2014 Vagabond Journal in the mail earlier this week and thought, now there’s a company I want to be a part of. After visiting a village in Argentina in 2006, Blake Mycoskie was struck by the fact that children around the world were without shoes. So, he created a simple but life changing business model: for every pair of shoes purchased, a pair would be donated to a child in need. One for One.® Realizing that his approach could serve other global needs, Blake launched TOMS Eyewear in 2011 to help restore sight to persons in need with every purchase of sunglasses and optical frames. And just this year, Blake launched TOMS Roasting Co. with the mission to provide clean water to developing communities with the purchase of premium coffee. Are you inspired yet? I am!
In addition, last year he launched an online marketplace accessible from his site to highlight global commerce. In his words “We believe commerce can be about more than just profits. But it takes more than a belief to make this a reality. So we’ve created a platform on our site to help other social entrepreneurs succeed and build momentum for this way of doing business. Welcome to The Marketplace. This is bigger than us.” Just look at some of the offerings: these earrings, this bracelet, and just look at this hammock. This may just be my new go-to site for all things gifts.
And let’s be honest. I am obsessed with my classic TOMS. I think I have gone through 3 pairs in the last 2 years alone. Jonathan Adler recently teamed up with TOMS to launch a terrific and eye-catching spring line. Check them out here.
Blake reminds me of a very important lesson “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Have a great weekend, sweet friends!
I Like It
I am always inspired by women who have a dream and follow it. Emerson Bethany Fry is one such inspiration. An artist by training, she left the hustle and bustle of New York City, purchased an old farm with her husband in New Hampshire (how cute – they have known each other since childhood) and set-out to build her lifestyle brand, Emerson Fry. Initially, her product line was simple. Beautiful flower pins and clutches (I still have mine that I purchased in 2010). Her business has grown gradually as she introduced beautiful silk tops and skirts in 2011 and today her line includes stunning leather goods, killer shoes and accessories and the kaftan, featured above, that I am lusting for. With a focus on simple lines, luxurious fabrics and the modern woman, there isn’t a single look that I wouldn’t want to add to my closet. Just take a look.
And if you need just a little more to love this woman for, take a look at her home. Her pantry is an inspiration!
Collaborate
I’m back! I certainly did miss you all but had a wonderful time on my California vacation. I promise to provide a full report next week with all my must-do’s in the Golden State.
While lounging on the beaches of Malibu (don’t mean to rub it in), I was able to catch up on some much-needed reading (and sleep). And I must say, I was excited to read about several exciting collaborations that have just launched. Let’s begin with one of my favorites… Rifle Paper and Garance Dore. If you don’t read Garance’s blog, you should. She lives a life I dream of… in Paris no less. A lover of the finer things, she has an incredible eye for all things street fashion. She, like me, is also a lover of all things paper and always dreamt of launching a paper line but knew she needed to find the right partner. Enter my all-time favorite paper designer Anna Bond and Rifle Paper. The two hit it off instantly and created a breathtaking line that launched in Paris last week and will be stateside soon enough. Can’t wait to add a few of these pieces to my ever-growing stationary collection.
Not only am I a lover of paper but beautiful shoes make me weak in the knees. Sarah Jessica Parker, a/k/a Carrie Bradshaw, partnered with Manolo Blahnik to create a beautiful shoe line fondly named SJP. Available at Nordstroms, her first collection is breathtaking. In honor of her mom, several pairs of shoes in the collection feature grosgrain ribbon the heel. What a special touch. I have my eyes on these and these.
And last but certainly not least, Gwyneth Paltrow has teamed up with Peter Dunham to offer an exclusive line of pillows on her site. And as I have said before, I have a thing for throw pillows. Aren’t they just beautiful?
My takeaway from all of these is that collaboration really does make everything better. An important lesson on this snowy Thursday. Stay warm!
Score
Sorry if you thought this might be a post about the Olympics. It isn’t and I will sadly confess that I haven’t watch any (too busy with Breaking Bad and House of Cards). But it is about a great new site that you will find several scores on… Hunters Alley. The brainchild of the women behind One Kings Lane, Hunters Alley is a new kind of marketplace created for design lovers that connects shoppers and sellers. From vintage barware and one-of-a-kind jewelry to Moroccan rugs and killer accents, this site has it all. Just look at what I found:
– Old books, which I love to use to decorate any space. Just look at this one… clearly I need it for many reasons, least of which is the name.
– A beautiful piece to add to my growing art collection.
– Just like you can never have too many bags or shoes, I also believe you can never have too many sets of candlesticks. This lucite and brass pair is fab.
– I have an affinity for all things old kitchen, like these mashers.
– While I have had some luck finding beautiful pieces of sea glass on this little island of mine, I have yet to find an actual sea glass bottle. Perhaps I should purchase these for a little luck for future findings.
– I have always had a thing for small bowls and I have a bunch on my dresser to catch my jewels, hairbands, earrings, etc. Think I might need to add this etched brass piece to the puzzle.
Perfection
Anthropologie. What can I say. You just keep getting better and better. Every time I walk through your doors I feel like I’m home. Seriously, how do you do it? And I love that you are now offering not only a beautiful selection of intimates and workout wear but your beauty offerings are expanding as well. You are that friendship that just gets better with age.
Here are just a few of my picks from their February catalogue:
My dear friend is getting married the first weekend of May so a few new dresses are in-order for all the pre-wedding festivities. This Tracy Reese number is certainly calling my name.
The one New Years resolution that I have fallen a bit short on is my stretching, or sweating my butt off. Now that I have discovered Pure + Good, Anthropologie’s exclusive workout line, I might just kick myself into gear. These cropped leggings and jacket are currently my top contenders.
This beach cover-up is perfection, hence the title of this post and represents everything I am and love: boho, beach and ever so chic.
In the past, I have always had basic dinner plates in my cabinets and used colorful accent salad plates when setting the table. The thinking was simple. I wanted the food to take center stage. That was until I saw these dishes. Aren’t they amazing? And I love the message: Dream, Love, Eat. Words to live by.
Any for my beauty picks, I would gladly take this hand cream (and its lovely packaging), this all natural cover-up and this under and top coat collection.
Fresh
I have never been a make-up girl… something about applying foundation and using eyeliner has always caused me some trouble. What I am, though, is a skin-care product girl and let me tell you, I have been a fan of Fresh for quite some time. My addiction to all things Fresh began in college while working at Beauty by the Sea, where I was first introduced to Hesperides, which to this day is my go-to summer fragrance. Since then, I have been an loyal customer. They may know me by name at the Newbury Street location, just saying.
With these cold winter days upon us, I try to keep my skin well nourished. My routine is quite simple. I begin and end the day by washing my face with their Soy Face Cleanser. I have been using this product religiously for nearly five years. This cleanser works for all skin types and contains nourishing amino acids, rich soy proteins, and soothing botanicals to hydrate, calm, and tone. And for those nights when I attempt eye make-up (very, very limited), this cleanser washes it clean away.
Moisturizing is key. My go-to winter moisturizer is their Black Tea Age Delay Cream. Wait, did I really just admit that I use a product with the words “age delay”…. my secret is out. This nourishing and soothing cream has restored a certain glow to my skin. I can’t tell you how many comments I have received lately and I owe it all to this product. I should note that I switch things up just a bit in the summer months and use the Lotus Youth Preserve Cream. A little less rich for those warmer days.
Once a week, I indulge in a little extra TLC and use their Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask. I apply this soothing cream and twenty minutes later, my skin is like new. Try it, I promise you will see instant results.
The great thing about this Boston-based company is that they are constantly introducing and improving their product line. While visiting their Newbury Street location last week, I was introduced to three new products: Black Tea Age Delay Serum; Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate; and Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion Treatment Toner. As I admitted moments before, I am focusing more and more on “age delay”. These products, as the nice salesman told me, will do just the trick. Diminish fine lines, fight free radicals, hydrate. These are my major concerns as of late. I ended up splurging on the eye cream and toner and I’m very happy I did.
Are you a Fresh fan too? If so, do tell. Would love to hear your favorite product. And remember, use your moisturizer!
Escape
Let’s be honest. I think we could all use a little escape right now. With more snow in our forecast for tomorrow, I have officially started the countdown to my escape to Southern California. Surf, sunshine and sand… yes, please.
When daydreaming of warmer weather, I also think, what will I wear. Here are a few pieces I may just need to pack in my California bag and have ready for an island summer.
– I tried this Calypso tunic on while in Atlanta a few weeks back and made the executive decision that it will be my go-to summer 2014 piece. Great with skinny jeans or as a beach cover-up.
– My girls know that I’m a tried and true Nanette Lepore fan so when I saw this beautiful blue two piece, I just knew it had to be mine.
– Every summer, I have one mission… to find that perfect white dress. A special thank you to Shopbop for helping me find this one. Love how this will transition into evening with a simple belt and a leather jacket. Beautiful and so mine.
– Being that I’m a bit on the tall side, I love me a maxi dress and I am so grateful that this trend is sticking around for another season. Loving this one from Piperlime. Again, a perfect day to night option. I guess I’m secretly hoping for lots of evenings out this summer. Maybe just maybe!
– Last summer I had to sadly retire my favorite J.Crew sandals. I think these ones will make a fine replacement. Note to self… if you find a sandal you love, purchase 2 pairs and hide 1 away.
My Crush
Allow me to introduce you to John. Isn’t he just adorable?! I love a man in tortoise glasses. And even better, he loves to travel the world like me.
In all seriousness, though, John is the mastermind behind John Robshaw, one of my all-time favorite textile companies. I started collecting these pieces of art nearly 6 years ago. I remember saving for months and months to purchase these classic blue and white ones. Even after all these years, I am still obsessed(this so rarely happens). They have been on my bed, my couch, my accent chairs. What can I say, they have a permanent place in my heart and home.
This past week, John launched his 2014 Spring Line and I thought it would be fun to share my picks.
– I love to keep throws around the house. Great for an impromptu picnic, lounging at the beach or to cozy up with and watch a movie. This hand loomed and hand-knotted South Indian cotton throw in guava will soon be mine.
– My 35th birthday is in May and I’m thinking I will host a lavish dinner party with my dear friends. This table cloth has sparked my creative juices flowing for not just the color scheme but menu too.
– Since clearly I need more pillows in my Robshaw collection, I am thinking of adding this one, this one, and perhaps even this one (that also happens to be the same print as my first).
Any pieces that have caught your eye? Do let me know.
A Little Love
Valentine’s Day. Whatever your relationship status may be or feelings on this “hallmark” holiday, I think it’s important to show a little love, no matter the month. If you are in need of some inspiration, look no further. I have highlighted my favorite gifts that say I like you/I love you below.
– I don’t know about you, but I love to get a little something for the single ladies in my life on Valentine’s Day. I think this rain African heart soap from Terrain is just perfect.
– As I’ve mentioned in the past, I have a thing for sleepwear. My sweet pick and my sexy pick for your Valentine’s Day night.
– Why not write your love a letter. This little kit includes everything you need to create a gift that will last the test of time. The best gifts really are those that come right from the heart.
– Love to Love You print… a great addition to any gallery wall in my humble opinion.
– What is it about women and jewelry? We somehow can never get enough. This sweet necklace from Sundance is a simple piece that could easily go from day to night and also won’t break the bank.
– As is custom with most good things, Clare Vivier began making bags in response to a need and that need was a lack of a functional yet fashionable laptop case. Since then, Claire has created a handbag line that has an almost cult following. Simple, chic, and oh-so French, Clare’s bags are sure to please your lady. And lucky for us, she has launched a love shop. The sweetheart clutch in red is my personal favorite.
– Love potion. Why the heck not! An aromatic blend of ten of the world’s most potent aphrodisiac essential oils to stimulate the senses, heighten sensuality and immediately inspire an inner sense of beauty and confidence. I think I would use this everyday.
– Oh and how could I not include chocolate. The way to this lady’s heart is certainly through food.
And please do remember, I am always sending a little love and light to you!
A Day with May 