Busy Busy Busy

I haven't written in a bit of a while, but don't think it's because I have nothing to write about; I think we can all agree I rarely run out of things to say. It's just that I've been doing, going, making so much lately I haven't found the time to tell you all about it. Here's the summary (mostly) in photographs.

My friend, Jim, graduated from college earlier this month.

Guess which one is Jim.

Jim is something of a teddy bear wrapped in a bad ass, tattooed, bald-and-I-own-it shell. In honor of that I accompanied Emily to a nearby ceramics studio and painted Jim a pretty pot.

It's impossible to tell, but I wrote "Ashes of Passed Exams" atop my painted flames. I have no idea what will actually go in his jar,but he seemed pleased with it.

I actually missed the giving of Jim's gift (his wife kindly delivered it) because I was in San Antonio at Hava's baby shower! And oh what a shower.  I wish I'd taken photos, but, alas, I'll have to wait for them to appear on Facebook. In any case, Hava and Ryan have chosen to do Baby Caleb's room in a Dr. Seuss theme and the shower took that idea to highest possible level.  I did my part via my gift: a tummy time swanky blankie.

I suspected I wouldn't have time to photograph the finished product so I took some snaps midway through the making. Babies learn so much about the world through touch so I chose a variety of fabrics and embellishments, each with a different texture and all in a common Seuss color.

On the flip side I went with a black and white color scheme. For the first few months babies are unable to see colors, but I wanted Baby Caleb to start enjoying tummy time to the fullest right from the start; well, as much as any baby ever enjoys tummy time.

Speaking of black and white...

Okay, black and white and pink. Those are the favorite colors of my favorite high school graduate, a darling girl called Courtney. She just got her dorm room assignment and I cannot wait to show her the memo board I put together. You might recognize the fabric... Since the wall was getting some jewelry I didn't want the bed to feel left out so I made a little something for that too.

Hopefully, she's as keen on monograms as I am.

I've got a few other things in the works: a shirt for Ben (because I like to punish myself) and some placements for a neighbor. I may even do a tutorial for the mats. Ooooo. Aaaaah.

The Finally-Finished Powder Room

Apparently I never told you guys, but late last year I started to re-do our downstairs powder room. I blogged about it in a guest post for Alicia. Well, after a bout with pneumonia, then nearly taking a third of my finger off, the powder room is as finished as it's going to get.

In the beginning...there was yellow.

The bathroom is really tiny, making it difficult to photograph. If you look at the family room wall you can see the buttery/lemony yellow gracing the powder room.

Next, came Pinterest, where I pinned this fantastic paint job by Susannah.

Then, the taping and striping began...

Followed by sickness and other mayhem (see above). Actually, the mirror you see just peeking around the door frame in photo two is the finger-injury culprit.

And now..THIS!

I'm no longer allowed to hang things without supervision so rest assured this mirror went up under a watchful eye.

There has been absolutely no place to hang a towel in this bathroom since the second week after we moved in. Oh how I love that towel rack. I hung it before the finger fiasco.

We picked this sign up at an antique shop in Charleston. I think it adds just the right amount of color.

So there it is; the powder room is complete less than two months before we move out. There is so much more I would like to have done, but at this point, it is all rather moot. I'm just glad to have that dingy yellow paint gone.

Stuff I found while looking around

If you follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter you already know that I am spending my morning with the orthopaedic surgeon having my tendon reattached. Don't be jeal.

To keep it short: My finger was caught between two large mirror fragments; the tendon is severed and must be reattached; the nerves are also cut so I'm not in much pain (yet); I finally get to live my elementary school dream of having a cast for all my friends to sign.

Since my hunt and peck finger gets worn out pretty quickly that's all the verbiage you get today. Instead, I thought I'd share some things I found while futzing around on the web. Click on the images for source info and details. Enjoy!

P.S. Any tips on how to handle my inevitable DIY withdrawal?

You saw it here first

Ack! My darlings, don't you just love when the things you love come together? Like Amy Adams and Clint Eastwood in a movie together or burlap and lace in home decor. Or...

Matchbook Magazine featuring Kelsey Genna!

The Verona Gown from Kelsey Genna's debut boutique collection

Just two weeks ago I was blabbering on about the greatness of Matchbook, and, Last March one of Miss Genna's designs caught my eye while I was hunting for inspiration on Etsy. You might remember the sweet Begonia Dress from her Etsy shop...

 ...and the garter it inspired.

Well now, Kelsey has an online boutique...

...the Begonia Dress has a few chic new friends...

Begonia Gown I

Begonia II Gown

Begonia Cocktail Dress

 ...and all of the greatness is being touted by Matchbook Mag!

Cherry Blossom Gown

Also, how gorgeous is the designer?

via KelseyGenna.com

Go! Bask in the loveliness! Just remember, you saw it here first.

For every girl, a garter

If you follow me on twitter or Pinterest then you already know about the manicure that caught my eye this week.  But for those of you who don't stalk  aren't slaves to those particular forms of media, I give you...

Feather Nails!

They're rather chic, yes? And it just so happens I have the perfect garter for the bold and be-feathered bride.

Swan Lake by Never a Plain Jane

This particular garter is a bit less edgy than the nails, but it rocks just as hard. Of course I now have wild ideas for some of my less angelically-colored plumage. Hmmm.

What do you say, internet? Would you sport down on your tips?

Summertime

With the rain literally coming down in sheets outside my studio window it is hard to think yesterday was the start of summer for us in the states. Sure, the calendar says the first day of summer is June 20, but we all know Memorial Day is when it really begins.

1954 Cole swimwear ad via MyVintageVogue

Yesterday, that sweet boy of mine treated Emily and I to lunch at The Pub. Nothing says "I am celebrating an American holiday" quite like eating classic British fare at a pub. I digress. Besides the amazing beer selection and awesome menu, we love The Pub because it is a prime spot for people-watching. We snagged a corner table on the porch and let the fun begin.

And that brings me to today. People, I know it is hot outside. I live in Florida so I don't just know it's hot;  I know it is hot outside. I understand that your urge is to expose as of your skin as possible in hopes the heat will escape your body more quickly. But, please don't. Think of the children. There are plenty of actual clothes that you can wear to stay cool and look good through the season of swelter.  Let me help you out.

1. Ban polyester. It doesn't breath and, therefore, tends to make you sweat more.  More sweat means you'll feel less than fresh and you'll definitely smell that way.  Opt for lightweight, woven fabrics such as cotton or linen.

Victoria Dress from Sierra Brooke

2. Say goodbye to black; at least during daylight hours. The darker the color the more light it absorbs and when we're talking about sunlight you can bet we also mean heat.  No matter how cute that black tank top is avoid wearing it before sundown. I promise, you'll look just as good in other colors.

Floral + Red + Stripes via Life's a Journal

3. Pack your jeans away.  Okay, I know this might be hard for some of you.  Most of us all but live in our jeans.  If you must put on denim to feel human, at least opt for summer-weight denim.  Yes, there is such a thing.  The fibers in summer-weight jeans are thinner, making the fabric lighter so you can avoid heat stroke.  For those of you willing to part with your favorite pair of blues for a few months see above regarding fabric.

Put those jeans away! via Polyvore

So as to not overwhelm you, I'll save my list of don't for another day.  In the meantime, go! shop! dress summery!  And by all means, dress well.

Oh! I almost forgot to ask; what are your warm-weather staples?

Once upon a fashion era...

Isn't it amazing to think that something considered underwear a hundred years ago would now be thought of as "overdressed."

B. Altman & Co. silk and linen Petticoat at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Just look at those details - the stripes! the lace! ribbon and scallops too! In 1905 all that intricacy would be hidden under a Parisian woman's skirt. It seems like a shame. Then again, some of the things ladies wear today are pretty shameful too.

Holiday Tips

There are two types of tips this time of year: the kind that help us survive and the kind we give to thank those who help us survive the rest of the year. It is definitely better to give than receive - even more so when you give graciously.  For those of us prone to making a mess of every social situation, Sarah from This is Glamorous has prepared a lovely guide. (and didn't she include the most divine images?)

Whether you are traveling or will remain at home this Christmas, it is always thoughtful to think of those whose services you require on a regular basis, for a well-mannered traveler is always grateful for good service.

via This is Glamorous

Beyond a spoken thank you, tipping is essential in many cases, and for services above and beyond, a handwritten thank you note is always an elegant and appreciative touch.

via This is Glamorous

As for your regular go-to services at home, it is a wonderful gesture to acknowledge their continuous service during the holidays . . .


Continue

A little boudoir

I love love love the idea of a boudoir photo shoot. The whole concept is just awesome. The photos would make an amazing gift from a bride to her new spouse, to commemorate an anniversary or milestone birthday, to stay close to a spouse who travels a lot (I'm looking at you military wives!), to celebrate weight loss or recovery from illness, or even just as a chance to live out your own super model fantasy.

I adore this photo from the Free People January Catalog.

One Sunburst Maxi Dress (click the image for more info)

Your boudoir shoot can absolutely be catered to your specific tastes.  I love how this shot is both modest and very sexy.  The sunlit balcony gives us a glimpse of the model's silhouette while leaving plenty to the imagination.

Of course there are plenty of more risque poses if you are so inclined, but we'll leave that for another day.

Would you consider doing a boudoir shoot?

Get your swim on!

Today I am taking Sarah and my Emily to the beach! I'm sorry you all can't come; I'm sure we'd have a fabulous time together.  To make up for it, I put together a little picture post of vintage and vintage-inspired swimwear. Enjoy!

1946 LIFE Magazine - Photo by Nina Leen via MY Vintage Vogue

Beach Blanket Bingo in red from ModCloth

Grace Kelly via Spires and Gargoyles

Fantastic find from Mountain Meadow Vintage via The Dainty Squid

Holly in Ebony& Ivory from Rey Swimwear

Black Foil Paisley One Piece from Torrid

Costa Swim Suit from Shabby Apple

Bathing Beauties via Couture and Cupcakes

Lady in the Street: For every girl a garter

Thanks, once again, to Pinterest I have discovered my new favorite designer, Karen Millen.

Gasp!

  Swoon!

 

Thanks to my visiting friend, Hava, I also have a dress and garter pair for you:

Dress: Karen Millen via Pinterest, Garter: Never a Plain Jane

According to Hava, there is nothing better than a chic business outfit hiding a hint of rock star!  I have to agree! I'd love to know my garters were being worn as a reminder to women that they can indeed rule the boardroom.  Of course, no one would ever have to know the secret to their confidence.