Bench Me

I'm on a bench mission. I'm convinced that our living room will be elevated with the company of vibrant, floral bench. Right now, the "extra" seating is one of our dining room chairs and it does absolutely nothing for our living room (other than function that is). I want to find a vintage bench and recover it in an amazing textile. Preferably floral and pink. I love me a little DIY project ...

Carlee from Deliciously Organized has recovered this bench a few times ... the fabric is so sweet

Shannon of Pink Wallpaper took two hideous orange stools and transformed them into these beauties. Clearly she's a pro ... piping and tufting!

I've shared this picture before ... 

While I love the blue velvet sofa and the beige tufted chair, they both feel very neutral to me. A bright bench opposite the chair will add just the zhush this living room needs. Oh and some artwork over the sofa would help too!

{sources: Deliciously Organized, Pink Wallpaper}

Bye Chicago, Hello Wine Country ...

Nate and I have some big news ... our wedding is being be picked up and moved over a thousand miles West. To Wine Country! And, Calistoga Ranch is likely going to be our spot. Jaw dropping gorgeous, right?

So scratch the Chicago History Museum, the band we had booked and the idea of long bridesmaid dresses for something much more intimate! Oh, but not the photographer. We are keeping him! 

I'm so excited, just overwhelmed starting from square one...

Gotta Have Girl Time!

Pairs perfectly with shopping bags, dirty martinis and best friends ...

Girl's Day to Night by Cara_AnUrbanCottage 

Tucker smocked blouse
$276 - piperlime.gap.com

Hudson jeans
$176 - amrag.com

J Crew suede shoes
$198 - jcrew.com

Python handbag
$895 - intermixonline.com

A Fashion Friend - Stella & Dot Stylist
$98 - stelladot.com

DANNIJO / Kaylee
$198 - dannijo.com

As usual, I challenged myself to use at least one piece from my last Spring style posts. In this case, it was the Dannijo earrings (and the nail polish if that counts). I selected some great black wedges for a long day of shopping and a sassy clutch that can be paired with numerous outfits down the road! The white jeans are currently on my wish list and the Tucker blouse, well its pink so enough said ...

The bracelet from Stella & Dot is AMAZING. I tried it on Friday night at my friend Lauren's and fell in love (purchase it on her website here)! After viewing all of the fabulous Stella & Dot jewels at her place, I've decided I'm going to 100% become a stylist. I'll be launching in the upcoming weeks and I couldn't be more excited! If you're interested in having a jewelry party, just let me know!

A is for Artichoke

Sorry for being so M.I.A. the last two weeks. After a week of traveling for work and some intense wedding planning, I'm back!

Lately, I'm loving artichoke decor for Fall weddings ...

They speak to the foodie in me! I picture them with pretty green & white hydrangea for contrast.

{source: Manolo Brides, The Knot}

Spring is Here!

Today is the first day of Spring and I'm so thankful that Winter is over! Hopefully, I can keep this season's complaining about rain to a minimum. Some things I'm looking forward to this Spring ....

Fresh Flowers & the Farmer's Market

Attempting to bake these lemon meringue cupcakes

Like my mother, I consider myself a good cook but am not a baker at heart. I'm ready to challenge that with these beautiful lemony treats!

Dresses and Spring Wedding Attire

Isn't this blush colored dress from Club Monaco so sweet? I'd love to wear it to a wedding we are going to in May!

I'm also looking forward to learning how to sew, taking the pup on long walks in the park and eating outside! Bye, bye Winter ... can't say I'll miss you!

{sources: Bright Blue Events, Cupcakes & Cashmere, Shop Bop}

Shoe Porn.

Yup, I said it ...

Shoe Porn by Cara_AnUrbanCottage featuring isola shoes

Elizabeth and james shoes
$425 - nordstrom.com

Loeffler Randall black pump shoes
$495 - nordstrom.com

Vince Camuto open toe ankle booty
$149 - nordstrom.com

Leifsdottir mules shoes
$338 - bloomingdales.com

Isola shoes
$170 - nordstrom.com

Diane von Furstenberg wrap around shoes
$280 - nordstrom.com

L.A.M.B. crepe shoes
$365 - piperlime.gap.com

Dolce Vita suede leather shoes
$159 - bloomingdales.com

J Crew cut out shoes
$198 - jcrew.com

Rosegold bow pumps
$158 - bloomingdales.com

Glitter shoes
$145 - bloomingdales.com

L.A.M.B. black pump shoes
$345 - piperlime.gap.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors stacked heel shoes
$150 - nordstrom.com

Plenty by Tracy Reese 'Barbara' Wedge | Nordstrom
$139 - nordstrom.com

Boutique 9 "Lelaina" Wedge Booties
$199 - bloomingdales.com

Aqua Wedge Sandals
$160 - bloomingdales.com

Recharge

When we first started wedding planning, I wanted a small ceremony in Napa. Eventually, it was vetoed by Nate. The breathtaking Carneros Inn was my venue of choice. Now, I just dream of being dropped off there for a couple weeks to recharge.

Yes, please!

Hook me up with one of their fabulous private suites and I'm ready to go. A resort centered around beautiful scenery, delicious food and plenty of wine is just where I want to be right now! Instead, I'm traveling to New York for work this week and I doubt relaxation is in the deck ... But hey, a girl can dream!

{source: Travelscapes, All Stays, The Carneros Inn}

Gwyneth Brings "Sexy" Back

It was recently announced that Gwyneth Paltrow signed a record deal with Atlantic Records. From her role in Country Strong to her appearances on Glee, Gwyneth is clearly paving the way for a new aspect to her career. Girl is making a come back and she hasn't looked better {even confirmed by the fiance}!

Premiere for Country Strong

Red Carpet at the CMAs

First ever live music performance just happened to be at the CMA Awards in Music City

After her recent success, she was back for another episode of Glee last night. The theme - Sex Ed. Gwyneth rocked a sexy black leather outfit during the night while singing "Do You Wanna Touch Me". She looked great and was super entertaining. I was unable to find any good images; they all looked like this ....

So just watch the video for yourself ...

How can you not love her?

Not going to lie the school's "Celibacy Club" lead by Emma & her husband Carl {yes, John Stamos!} performing Afternoon Delight was pretty hysterical too...

{Sources: Access Hollywood, TV Guide, You Tube}

Tickled Pink!

In honor of the House Beautiful Pink Issue, the team requested that readers post pics of their pink homes on Facebook. They selected 5 to share on their website and here are two of my favorites ... I'm absolutely crazy for the pink, eclectic living room with exposed brick walls!

Are you tickled pink? Could this feminine color make its way into your space? The more I see it, the more I want it everywhere!

Stella & Dot Stylist?

Lately I've been hearing a lot about jewelry from Stella & Dot. My friend Lauren, a successful Chicago realtor, started selling it on the side at the end of last summer. Out of curiosity, I reached out to her about being a stylist for the brand. In short, her response is that it is really fun, she loves working for the company, adores the jewels and thinks I would love it too.

While I normally would not picture myself hosting trunk shows, I took a step back. I. love. entertaining. I've also considered a part-time job at an art gallery or a flower shop to fulfill a couple aspects of my life - a need to be around pretty things, something totally "uncorporate"and some funds for life's extras {like a fabulous pair of shoes or a great piece of art}. Representing Stella & Dot would capture my entrepreneurial spirit and might just provide the flexibility I need should I chose to go to culinary/design school, open my own business or have to move for Nate's residency.

So that's all of the good, now I just have to get over my ego. This post is the first step in admitting that I might just want to do this ... enough ramblings here are some of my favorite pieces out of their Spring/Fall collection {sorry the pics are so small}!

Just a taste of all the cute things they have this season. Their style is in line with my edgy femme look for Spring/Summer ... rocker cuffs to bright turquoise necklaces and deco pieces. One thing is for certain ... if I do take the plunge, there is sure to be some great giveaways! Do you think this is something I should do?!?