Love the Look

Good Morning! I wasn't able to share last week's look I am adoring, so I'm kicking off Monday with my usually mid week post! You all know I am a big fan of the high-low combo. It's also a good idea to never look like you are trying too hard. (wink wink) Alexa Chung has this idea down! Here she perfectly combines a dressy blazer with simple jeans. She chose the perfect pump to finish off her outfit. I also included my go to lipstick . Can you stand how adorable that Hillier Bartley bunny purse is?

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**I've shared a high and lower priced pump option.

Love the look - sale, sale, sale!!

I'm posting my "love the look" series a day early this week for two reasons, one is that I CAN NOT wait to wear my summery clothing, sunglasses and sandals, and two because Nordstrom is having their bi-annual sale through June 4th!! Everything in this post is on SALE!! I'm channeling a clean, classic Jackie O. (ish) look today! Tomorrow is Wednesday y'all!!! (I love long weekends)..all links below.

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Love the look - graduation party attire

With any creative venture I take on, I usually have a starting point and overall vision. I've been doing this for as long as I remember. Today, I was inspired by the images above, the color, textures and overall feel. I love that this look can be dressed up or down depending on the event or time of day. It is also soft and approachable so you won't be overshadowing the guest of honor.

'Tis the season for graduations and parties! I happen to have one this weekend for my cousin - Congratulations Hayley!! I'm not sure what I'll be wearing yet, but you can bet it will be fashionable but comfortable, like the look I've created. I recommended gladiator flats (or wedges) because I'm sure you're not a fan of sinking into the grass either!!

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I also loved this take on the hoop earring!! Purchase here. 

Loved the look

There are so many cute styles out right now, I'm having trouble containing myself and wallet! Today, I'm sharing my love of cropped jeans. They really give you the opportunity to show off all your adorable shoes. Here I've shared the look "two ways". One look is a bit dressier than the other but they are both fabulous! And design client friendly!
Ummm, Jenna always looks perfect, no?

I have a tan moto leather jacket and a pair of vintage cropped Levi's (someplace). I need to break them out and create this look too. Here are the deets on the goodies above:

classic t shirt//leather moto jacket//sophia pump//top bracelet//arrow bracelet//aviators//button down//pink sweater//loafers//cropped jean

This budget friend sweater is 50% off and is another option. 

Love the look....

sunglasses//stripedshirt//clutch//cutoffs//fedora//sandal//lipbalm//ring

** the clutch is 50% off!!

July 4th weekend, (woo hoo) is truly one of my favorites!!! In Christmas Eve fashion we begin the celebration with fireworks and cocktails on the beach July 3rd eve!  It's a casual holiday that kicks off the beach season. Hope you have a fabulous weekend! Here's a look that I'll be wearing! During the day I'll throw on a bathing suit and cover up.

I'd also love to settle in and grill out on pillow filled sofas like these!  - xo

Image via OKL.

Love the look - airport style

I'll be honest here, I'm all about comfort when traveling for vacations! Let's face it, planes are either too hot or too cold and flying is far from glamorous these days. (Unless you own a G6 - lucky you) I'm going to be organized with packing this year. Here's what I'll be wearing to the airport. I also drinks tons of water and travel with my design and fashion reads. Happy Weekend and Easter!!! I'd promise to be back with my Shelter Loves post today but I have 11 kids coming over to decorate Easter eggs.

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Love the look..In the Navy

In all seriousness, a huge thank you to all those who have served and all who are currently serving for our country! (Including my Dad who was in the Air Force when I was a baby)

The cooler weather has arrived for sure here in "Bean" town. It's about time to purchase a new wool or down coat. I love the option of navy blue over black. Don't most of us already own a slew of black jackets and coats anyway??

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Love the look for running....

This post is in support of everyone running the Boston marathon today...My brother in law is going to be running so we are heading into Boston to cheer him on in a few minutes!! I do a little running myself, nothing crazy, but I do enjoy an occasional 5K and run about four days a week! Running keeps me sane and in pretty good shape. It's also efficient when you are tight on time.
Here is a peek at my typical gear for a race. Good Luck to all the runners!! Go Jonnie go!!

1. I start with a warm layering piece before I start a run.
2. Wireless headphones. I am investing in these!! The less cords the better!
3. A tank
4. Sports watch. I love to keep track of my mileage and pace.
5. Water bottle. It's tough to run with water but I once got heat exhaustion and dehyration. I feel panicky if I don't have at least a little water with me. This bottle should clip to a running belt. I may have to try it! I ran a 5K last week with a bottle in hand. It's a pain!
6.  A colorful sports bra for extra support!
7. Fitted lulu lemon running tights.
8. An armband and a great music play list for my phone!
9. I have had good luck with Adidas running sneakers. They seem to be a little wider. I try to replace them every eight months or so! I'm in need of a pair now.

I've also recently downloaded this running app.by Nike.  I love the larger font!

Love the look - getting fit!

I tend to eat pretty healthy and work out regularly but I definitely get off track around the holidays. I don't think I could do a full cleanse but I can sub out a meal or two with a smoothie. I need to do that more often! I'm off to the gym this afternoon to run. I've been trying to work out at least four days a week. Ideally I would love to work out five days but some days it's tricky to make it there with work and the kids.. I also want to take a few more classes to mix up my routine.

Here's a similar outfit that I would wear to the gym! I have also shared a yummy smoothie recipe I want to try. (I might minus the seeds) but I have been using coconut oil lately. It has a host of benefits and grapefruit is amazing for you! Cheers! Have a fabulous weekend. xx

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• 4 slices of pineapple
• ¼ grapefruit, peeled and cut
• 1 cup plain low-fat Yogurt
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin seeds
• 2 teaspoons of coconut oil

Mix, blend and serve! 

Love the look - New Year's Eve

Big plans for New Year's Eve?? I'm going to lay low this year with my kids, Matty and hopefully a few others! I won't dress up too much but I'll wear something a bit festive. Here is a great outfit for a night in with friends, a toast of bubbly and yummy food! All links below...

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I may also take the time to make a seafood or clam chowder for either New Year's Eve or for this weekend when we head up to Vermont!

This seafood chowder looks delicious. via this site.

seafood chowder 2.0

. . .

Seafood Chowder 2.0

recipe: inspired by Rose Dyer and Jackie Huskins

This chowder is very much like Beaucoup Seafood Chowder, but better, because I added a little of 2.0 and his family. (Not to be taken literally.)

• 3/4 cup butter, divided (divide into: 1/2 cup, 1/4 cup)
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks of celery, diced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups (approximately) sodium reduced chicken broth
• 1 lb. cooked lobster, chopped into bite sized pieces – fresh or frozen
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon celery salt
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• three dashes Tabasco sauce
• 1/2 lb. haddock*
• 1/2 lb. cod*
• 1/2 lb. scallops – fresh or frozen, no need to defrost
• 1 litre light cream (5% milk fat)
• 1 cup heavy cream (35% milk fat)

* you could use just haddock or cod if you don’t want to use both – use a pound of whichever you choose

In a large Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup butter and then sauté the onions, carrots and celery over medium heat – allowing them to soften a little – about 5 minutes. Add the potato and add only enough chicken broth to barely cover (about 3 cups). Stir to combine and then cook until the potato is just barely tender (8-10 minutes).

As the potato is cooking, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter in a skillet over medium heat and then add the lobster pieces to the skillet. Cook the lobster until the butter has taken on an orangey-red colour from the lobster, and the lobster has heated through. About 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Add the basil, oregano, celery salt, paprika, pepper and Tabasco sauce to the vegetables in the Dutch oven and stir to combine. It will seem like a lot of spices, don’t worry. Layer the haddock, cod and scallops on top. Gently press the fish down so it is just covered with liquid. Cook only until fish barely flakes (4-5 minutes).

Add the lobster and every last drop of butter from the skillet to the Dutch oven. Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream and the light cream. If you think you’re going to run out of room in the pot, skimp on the light cream, not the heavy.

Allow the chowder to warm through. Keep on low heat until serving or refrigerate and slowly heat up before serving. Don’t allow to boil.

Notes: I find chowder is best on the second day, so when entertaining, make it the day before – it will save you time and stress on the day as well.

After refrigeration, I put the pot on low and allow 30 minutes it to heat through. Do not allow the chowder to boil – low heat is key.

You will notice that the spices seem to sit on top of the chowder, like an oil slick. Don’t worry – when you serve, give a little stir and then scoop – just the right amount of spice will come up with the ladle.

Love the look...

There is a fine line between chic and tacky.... I love me a leopard print but never want to over do it. The leopard coat is close to crossing that line but if it's done well and worn with the right mix, I think the look would be so fun to wear!! Here is an example of it done right, she looks adorable!! And the details on the look....

1. Similar coat here.
2. Classic Ray-Bans
3. Black hat
4. Every girl needs a pair of faux leather (or real leather if you want to cough up the $300+) pants.
5. Kate Spade clutch
6. Love knot ring

Love the look - holiday style

TGIF! I've decided I need a bit of sparkle in my life! It seems I've mysteriously developed asthma (have never had it) since I had my Mohs surgery on my nose. Strange? Yes! Annoying, Yes! In any case, I am literally praying it passes and carry an inhaler every where. I certainly have an appreciation for all the poor people who suffer from it?! Awful.

Onto the fun part of the post.....How cute are these sequined pants? You can pair them with virtually any simple top and a pair of sandals. No sandals? You need a pair pronto. They are a closet staple and look fab dressed up or with jeans!! xx - have a great weekend!

Here's a high and low version of the look!!

High(er)
1. Milly pant
3. Joie gilded sandal

Low(er)
2. Urban Oufitter pant
3. Shutz sandal

Love the look.....

I'm heading to a Patriot's Game on Sunday, this is about what I will wear. I'm not an over sized game jersey sort of girl but I want to be comfy and practical. It looks like a sunny day too, so I'll be loading on the sunscreen. That's where my back story comes in: I had to have some basal cell cancer removed from my nose yesterday. It was a long procedure and I then had a plastic surgeon close it and stitch it up. I was pretty un-prepared this am for not only how swollen my face would be but the size of the enormous stitched up wound on my face! UGH.
I'm paying the price now for spending too much time in the sun as a teenager. Don't get me wrong, I'll always go to the beach, but I will NOT leave the house without at least a 30spf sunblock on my face! I don't want to be a Debbie downer but I am however offering my advice to all you beautiful people. If facial sunscreen isn't a part of your daily routine, I would highly suggest adding it asap. xx

Here are the details and sources for you to get this adorable look for yourself!

1. I would live in this DVF sweater.
2. These earrings are at the top of my holiday wish list. I love them and they are called the "Emerson" (my daughter's name) earring, so even more reason to want them.
3. Comfy jeans. These are on sale too!
4. Sunglasses, you can't go wrong with Ray Bans.
5. White chuckies. A staple in my closet.
6. White tanks - "  "
7. Sunblock!!

Love the look

I'm back, I'm back! I was away last week with Ace Hardware at a trade show. It was a successful week but it was a busy one. I'm happy to be blogging again today!!

I think Fall dressing is one of my favorites. The mix of warm and cool weather allows you to add and layer your array pieces. I came across the above photo last week when searching Pinterest while at the airport. I love the look of high + low, chic + casual. This is basically how I dress on a daily basis. (when I'm not wearing yoga pants).  Those Chanel Espadrille high tops are amazing but are now only available on ebay!! So I subbed them out for one of Fall's hottest trends - the converse high tops. (they have been all the rage in Europe for a couple of years now) 

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Love the look

Dare I say I'm ready for a little change? Transitioning from summer clothing into Fall looks always makes me happy. There is something very comforting about layering on booties, scarfs and light jackets. Today my "love the look" post combines fall and summer staples! 

Speaking of transition, this time of year is always a little tough with the kiddies. It seems just when you have your summer routine down it is time to mix their schedule up again. My four year old daughter was out of sorts today and couldn't understand why "mommy" had to work and why she had to go back to pre-school! I felt for her..... Hope your week is off to a better start than mine...(all sources below) - rag and bone bootie - is on my must have list.

Love the look....

 Today, I'm all about casual luxury......a soft t-shirt, comfy suede shoes, a vintage designer watch, a personalized touch, feminine lace details...I think you get the picture....A pair of jeans or fitted black or white pants would work perfectly with this look!

I'm convinced it doesn't take a tons of money to create something fantastic that is entirely yours. This can be done with both your wardrobe and home. (or any creative venture for that matter). If you're feeling stuck, take a break for a few days and try again from a different approach. Sometimes starting from scratch is the best answer. ;) Bonsoir!

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Love the look

Ahh, summer days, when carefree dressing is the norm. Luckily cutoff shorts are still considered hot! In fact, I'm wearing a pair right now. Purchase Alessandra's look below, unfortunately this Victoria Secret's perfectly sculpted legs aren't available!

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Shelter Loves....

hello, hello, hello..Happy Monday!
I had lots of meeting and was away on business for a couple of days last week so I couldn't squeeze in much blogging time.

I'm feeling inspired so I hope to post everyday this week!!

Here is what's happening and what I'm lusting after this am.....

1. These chairs are sexy and fun. I like changing things up and love to design unexpected spaces, these beauties fit that bill perfectly... via House of honey
2.  How adorable is this storage idea?? Image via Style me Pretty
3.  Matty and I cranked on the yard and house this weekend. I went with a glossy black door! (this is not my door) Now I need to order the knocker and paint the interior of the door black! (my bf isn't sold on this idea yet but I like it!)
4. I'm itching to purchase some items for my trip to Bermuda in June. I love scarfs and wear them all the time. I'd wear this Lilly scarf with jeans and a white t!
5. I also need new pjs! I'd love a comfy classic pair by three J NYC.

Love the look...the tunic

The warm weather has finally arrived in Boston!! I recently came across this image of Tory in a fabulous tunic. It's from one of her early collections. (maybe they should put it into reproduction). It got me thinking about my summer wardrobe and my trip to Bermuda. I'm planning to purchase a few new items and a fun tunic might just make my shopping list. They are easy to dress both up and down! I especially love them with shorts and a great pair of sandals...Here is a sampling of some available online now!

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Love the look - the tulle skirt

I love adding feminine details to my wardrobe. A tulle skirt can be dressed up or down. For a dressier look simply add a simple t-shirt or cardigan, a staple necklace, and a sweet pair of shoes a la Kate Spade! I've included a high and low version of the tulle skirt and statement necklace. I find it wise to splurge on shoes simply because most inexpensive shoes just aren't comfy and they don't last! (dress a tulle skirt down with a denim shirt and thong sandals)

Happy Weekend, Easter, Spring and Passover!! We are decorating eggs at my home today!

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