Monday, January 31, 2011

And the watch obsession continues...

For me, last week was like a dream. The Steelers won the AFC championship game, so I've been on cloud 9 ever since (Superbowl Countdown: 7 days!!!) . Then, classes were canceled Wednesday and Thursday due to mass amounts of snow, another win for me and the rest of the student body. I don't have Monday, Wednesday, Friday classes, so the only day I ever ended up going to classes was Tuesday, another win pour moi. So what do you do when it snows and no cars can safely drive in the snow? You walk your bean booted feet to the nearest fraternity with all of your sorority sisters and have a celebration of course! Then the skiing ensued on Thursday. Being exhausted after two fun snow days, what to do? Watch a movie of course.
 The movie was The American with George Clooney. I actually didn't want to watch this movie, but the consensus was against me. As for my review? I say it was decent, but definitely a man's movie. However, the entire movie I was enthralled by George Clooney's watch. I did a bit of research (meaning as soon as I laid my eyes on that beauty, I whipped out my BlackBerry and Googled it faster than you can say obsessed) and found out that it is an Omega Speedmaster Professional.
Talk about a beauty. Sadly, the $3,000 price tag is a bit of a deterrence from me acquiring this timepiece. I guess I will just have to add it to my mental watch list... which is growing at quite a fast pace. Why, oh why did a pick something so pricey to collect?
Have you seen The American or any other movies recently? Did anyone else drool over this watch, or am I just the crazy watch obsessed lady? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Hairbows

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you'll know that I have a major obsession with hairbows. I probably have more bows than the average 6 year old. I actually have some hairbows that I've had since I was little, and they are great because when someone asks me where I got my bow, I say I got it when I was little. I get a kick out of it every time. I thought I'd share my collection with you, and I would love to see your collection! If you do a post about bows, post a link in the comments!
For privacy reasons, I cut off the bottom of this picture because the bottom bow is navy and has long tails, and on one of the tails, my name is stitched right on! It's definitely my favorite! Where do you buy your bows? I find them all over the places. Craft shows seem to be the best and have the most creative options. However, for a nice, big, grosgrain bow, Claire's Accessories fits the bill. The best part is they're only $7!
Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

OOTD: Featuring Bean Mocs

First of all, I just have to say: PITTSBURGH IS GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL. Ok, now that I have let that out, I can resume the post.I have had several questions on how to wear bean boots or bean mocs from L.L. Bean. If you don't own a pair, I highly recommend them. They are one of the most practical shoe you can own. They're comfortable, warm, and waterproof. So perfect for trudging around campus in the snow or rain! This is just an example of how I wear my bean boots. On rainy days, I tend to take a very casual approach to my outfit, just because I don't want to ruin any of my nicer things in the snow or rain, and because you can only dress up bean boots so much! Rugby: Ralph Lauren Rugby, Jeans: Hudson, Bean Mocs. I love when girls wear their 6" bean boots with leggings or tights, it really puts a twist into a dressed up outfit! 
How do you wear your bean boots?
Have a fabulous day!
Yours, 
sCe

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Vino



How neat is the above picture frame and cork-board? My parents are big wine enthusiasts and they always save the corks from the wine that they drink. My daddy had been trying to think of what to do with all of the corks, and he came up with this great idea to make an actual cork-board and several picture frames. My parents gave the picture frames out as additional gifts to their closest friends. They thought it was such a fun idea and the perfect addition to a wine cellar or bar.
The cork-board is my absolute favorite though. I think it's so neat that I wouldn't even tack anything into it! There are so many fun options for bar decorations and this is a perfect way to recycle and be creative. Have you ever done anything like this? What do you do with your corks when you finish a bottle of wine? I know my parents are always looking for new ideas! Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Reliving the 1960s

I have always LOVED the show Bewitched starring Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York. For Christmas, I got the entire 5th season on DVD and I have been watching it obsessively ever since. I've been noticing a trend in the shows/women/style that I just can't get enough of... what you ask is that? It's the 1960s. No, no, I don't like the hippie, psychadelic look, but I can't seem to get enough of Samantha Stevens wardrobe from Bewitched, or Betty Draper's from Mad Men, and of course, who can forget Jackie O.  Short sheath dresses, pretty flats, styled hair, lots of pearls and other gorgeous stones, and elegance is all found in the 1960s. Just look at some of the examples..I would love to own each of these pieces!
 Simple and classic in Kelly green!
 I love the look of a full skirted dress... I don't know why we don't see them more often, they are so flattering on most women's figures.
 More gorgeous dress examples. The 1960s used lots of gorgeous colors and patterns.
 Love this dress on Samantha! It fits her so well, and the cut is classic and conservative. The striped belt adds a fun punch to the dress!
Betty Draper looks glamorous with perfectly coiffed hair, and pretty white gloves. I love the pleating on the skirt of her dress.
 Charlotte from Sex and the City in a pretty 1960s inspired frock. I love the a-line fit of the dress, and again, the full skirt!
 Who doesn't love these two outfits on Jackie O. They are not only fabulous when she wore them, but every thing about her outfits are perfect for today!
 This has so much 1960s qualities! Bright color, a-line, high cut on the chest, and a full skirt!
 I am OBSESSED with this dress and matching coat. Samantha wears a lot of these coat/dress combos, I wish they still made dresses with matching coats, how elegant!
 This dress has a very Betty Draper look to it. Betty is normally dressed is a floral-y printed dress which I just love!
 Another example of the full skirted dress. This one has gorgeous embroidered detail on it and would be just perfect for a cocktail party.
 Whenever I see something with a neck like this, I scoop it up! I just found a gorgeous silk tank from Talbots with this neckline and I just had to get it because it's such a flattering neckline. Not only is the neckline on this dress gorgeous, but the fabric and the cut of the dress is just too perfect!
 Another glamorous coat.
I love, love, love this dress. The embellishment around the neck adds just the perfect touch of fun, and the white gloves are nice and dainty.
Do you love 1960's styles/fashion? I have become a bit obsessed, and soon hope to acquire a wardrobe of vintage inspired pieces! Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Friday, January 14, 2011

Mad for Plaid

With the holidays several weeks past, many people decide to give their plaids and tartans a rest until next year. However, plaid is NEVER out for me. Whether it is madras plaid in the summer, or  a dark tartan for the winter, plaid is always acceptable in my book. I especially love when plaid is used in home decor (which isn't too often). I know Ralph Lauren does a lot with plaid which is part of the reason I love his creations so much! Here are a few pictures I've collected that are taken from either Tumblr or Google for your plaid inspiration. So, whip that plaid back out from storage and start sporting it again!
 Love the idea of using plaid in a mudroom. Plus, this plaid is very understated!
 This plaid is a little dark, and daring with color, but the white detail brightens up the space!
 I LOVE Mad Men and who couldn't love their kitchen walls. It really makes their dining "nook" cozy.
 This is all sorts of plaids. I love the idea of mixing and matching plaids, it adds character to a space.
 I love this bedroom, mainly because the pillows are too perfect but also because the room is so simple but the plaid throw adds a little character and coziness to the otherwise plain atmosphere.
 This bedroom is the perfect mountain house or lake house plaid. It mixes plaids very tastefully, but the plaids look cozy and rugged.
 I love this lamp shade! If you aren't too crazy about plaid for your entire room, start with something small--this lampshade is a great start!
 The idea to have a plaid piece of furniture is just too fun. I also love the oriental rug. I think oriental rugs go beautifully with most plaids.
 Good ol' Ralph does it again.
I would have never thought to add a plaid runner to a dining room table. What a fun idea for the holidays or you could make a madras runner for a fabulous summer cook out!
Are you mad for plaid like I am? How do you incorporate plaid into your home or your wardrobe? I'm always looking for fun and creative new ways! Have a fabulous day!
Yours, 
sCe

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

So, the holidays are over, you're back to school, or you're almost back to school and...it is still cold! Really, what is up with that?! Do the winter blues have you down? I know sometimes I get a huge travel itch and want to run away from school and the cold and head to the tropics for a little warmth and sun (unlike Pittsburgh, at least Virginia gets a little bit of sun). Well, here are fool proof ways to turn your day around, and cheer you up!

Step 1:


"When you wake up early
in the morning
Feeling sad like so many of us do
Hum along a song
Forget whats going on
And surely something's
gotta come to you
And you gotta say it's alright

Yeah it's alright
It's alright, to have a good time
Cause it's alright
"- Huey Lewis and the News

Just  like the song says... when you are waking up early for class or wherever you are going today, and it's freezing cold, and you are putting on all of your layers, turn your speakers up really loud and listen to this song. It is such a feel-good song and will instantly put a little groove into your day.

Step 2:
Put on your running shoes, spandex, and fleece and get outside and go for a run. I know, it sounds like exposing yourself to the cold will make you even more crazed for warmer weather, but getting out and breathing fresh air is sure to lift your mood...plus, you will be getting in shape for bikini weather! To quote Legally Blonde, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy."

Step 3:
Clean a room, any room, living room, your bedroom, anything. Even if you hate cleaning, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and you will have a clean space!

Step 4:

It's 5 o'clock somewhere, isn't that how the saying goes? Get together with friends and mix fruity cocktails. Think daquiris, margaritas, bahama breezes, pina coladas, etc. If you aren't 21, just don't enjoy alcohol, or are the driver for the night, no worries.. here is a great recipe for a mocktail (non-alcoholic cocktail):
Sunny Citrus Cooler:
  • 1 (46 fluid ounce) can pineapple juice
  • 2 (12 fluid ounce) cans frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
  • 3/4 cup lemonade concentrate
  • 6 cups ginger ale, chilled
  • Orange slices

Step 5:
 Wear color! During the winter it's hard to incorporate bright colors into your wardrobe, if you can't think of anything else, throw a colored long sleeve cable-knit on and add a LP Murphy scarf, and you are sure to brighten your day, and anyone else's! Another fun option, when getting a manicure, instead of going for a dark, winter-appropriate, go for a coral-y, or bright shade to instantly add a punch of color!

Step 6: 

As you are winding down from you cheer-ed up day, add a little Bob Marley to your iTunes and give your speakers one more go before you head off dreamland. Three Little Birds- Bob Marley.

I hope this helps you cure the winter blues!
Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Genious Boots

First of all, happy 1/11/11...that's a lot of 1's! A while back I was reading through the January issue of Southern Living and they featured Lillybee shoes. In one of the photos, the creator, had boots on... they're 2-in-1 boots. My jaw almost dropped because they were so genius-- how nobody thought of this before, I'm not sure.. and if they have, then excuse my ignorance!
They entirely leather, with a stacked wooden heel and they are $295, which may seem a bit pricey, but that is what most riding boots go for-- I would say these beat all of the other options because they have the removable upper! I knew I just had to share these with you all because they are so pretty! Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Monday, January 10, 2011

Winter Break, Recaptured

Finals week exhaustion was in full swing... at least I was looking cute in my RL cable-knit
Aprés finals week, I headed straight north because Santa Claus was coming to town. A good 3 weeks in Pittsburgh, and lots and lots of food, friends, family, and fun. First, it started off by returning to lots and lots of snow, and I don't think it stopped snowing until the day after Christmas (During the winter, Pittsburgh is a tundra, and the sun really never shines, nonetheless, I still love it). Then I got reunited with high school friends!

 This was a BlackBerry pic of a gingerbread man that I made at one of my bff's house. She hosts a Christmas party every year! I tried to make him "fratty" but was limited to icing colors. If you can tell, he has an oxford button down, the green sprinkles are supposed to be a needlepoint belt, and khakis, and the yellow feet are supposed to be boat shoes... I tried...

BS, OV, and I posing during a night out!
After re-uniting with friends, I had some last minute shopping to do and had to run some errands for my aunt. One of the errands was to stop at the mall and get a gift card from Game Stop for my 12 year old cousin, M. I can honestly say I had never been in the store before, and as soon as I walked in, I felt stares. It was as if I were walking into a party uninvited. I actually think I may have been the only girl in the store... it was definitely a new experience, but ya learn something new everyday! Then Christmas Eve! 
cCm and daddy. My daddy wore a traditional Irish kilt... down to the shoes and socks. We kept joking that his "skirt" was shorter than our mothers and that his "fanny pack" didn't have a lot of room. Nonetheless, he pulled it off (if you are wondering, we are Scottish and that tartan has a name, which is unbeknownst to me, but it is "our specific clan's" tartan)
Here I am with my kilted father. I guess this was the year where we wore "different" things considering my dress was something I wore when I was about 12. My mother was going through our storage and picking out things to give to Goodwill, and I saw that dress and remembered how much I loved it. I just had to try it on, and it fit.. of course a whole lot shorter and tighter than it originally was, but I made it work. 
 Christmas day came, and I guess Santa thought I was a good girl all year long because I was one lucky girl! cCm got me the Brooks Brothers bear, isn't he darling?!

And.. I think Santa knew I had a obsession thing for watches because he got me the Brooks Brothers watch with changeable bands. The two bands to the left of the watch are new, and then Santa was also kind enough to give me my dad's old bands from when he was my age.
Santa also knows about my favorite TV shows...12 months of mad men and 30 episodes of Bewitched, not bad Santa, not bad at all.
I also think Santa knows about the little problem I have of always being cold. The fleece is Patagonia (it's the men's, they don't make this color for women... why Patagonia, why?! we women enjoy a nice "natural" color with fun blue accents every once in a while!) and the green fleece is from LL Bean and the black down jacket is from Lands End... I recommend all three of these things. However, LL Bean won't monogram their trail model fleeces and Lands End won't monogram their down jackets, not a fan of their decision making. Therefore, they had to be taken to the monogrammer to get monogrammed--LLBean and Lands End, step up your game!
Since I am always cold, we cozied up by the fire while we opened presents. Mac got the best seat in the house and was so pleased to open his stocking to find toys and treats! The first Christmas we had Mac, we were helping him open his stocking and I guess he go so overwhelmed, he took one of his presents, headed straight for the back door, so we let him out. He went right outside and dug through the snow and into the ground and buried his brand new toy. We had never had a dog before and we were all just standing at the window starting. Once we saw him bury it, we laughed SO hard. It was one of the funniest Christmas memories ever.



I guess Santa also knew about my pearl collection, and knew I didn't have a multicolored strand...boy was he right. I think he was also aware of the little relationship I have going with Lilly Pulitzer.

I am in absolute awe of how he knew that my shoe closet was lacking tan riding boots? It's as if I made a list.. I also opened a whopping 10 dresses; some casual, some cocktail, and some sundresses. And some gorgeous jewelry... that Santa has great taste.
Then of course, I had to eat all of my Pittsburgh favorites while I was at home. My favorite pizza, Moes for the fajita burrito, my favorite sushi restaurant, my favorite Italian restaurant, and you can't forget about the good ol' country club for a Shirley temple and the chicken Caesar salad....yum.


And what's Pittsburgh without a ride on the incline?!

And what winter break would be complete without post Christmas shopping and a giant Bean Boot sighting...
Last but not least, I read a book and I highly recommend it. "When Character Was King" by Peggy Noonan

If you read the novel of a post and are still with me, today is the first day of classes...but not mine! I have no Monday classes... This could be a good thing, or a bad thing.. only time will tell! Good luck to all who started their spring classes this semester and have a fabulous day!
Yours, 
sCe
 

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