Be Gracious

Be gracious.  Be thoughtful.  Be kind. 

J.Crew Spring 2014 Collection

Read full article here at GlitterGuide

Alright, I know what you're thinking.  Does Rachel get paid to write about J.Crew and J.Crew exclusively... because... she doesn't write about anything else?  No, I am not getting paid for my J.Crew praise but I simply can't help myself!  Some other day I'll write about other topics.  But today, the topic of discussion is the J.Crew Spring 2014 line which debuted last week at NYFW.

I'm seeing some common themes: juxtaposition between fancy flair and comfy casual.  Yes, this is not a new fashion concept but J.Crew has the look down so well it hurts.  I love the harmony between the soft lines in the cotton fabrics coupled with the crisp look of the structured/textured garments. I'm noticing floods of blue, blue and more blue. Oh ...and a splash of coral?  Chunky, flashy and over the top gem stone earrings are still on the books and let's not forget about a fierce and fem heel.

What do you love most about this collection?

J.Crew: the Etta

What is more gorgeous than statement jewelry?  A statement shoe, of course!  I am in awe of the Etta collection available now at J.Crew.  The Etta pump stuns with a mix of luxurious patterns and luscious texture.  I can't get enough.  Styles retail exclusively at JCrew.com from $150 to $375.  

Make Beautiful Things

Saul Bass

"I want to make beautiful things, even if nobody cares" -- Saul Bass

This is my philosophy, through and through.  Don't lose sight of your true passion and ambition.  Make beautiful things, even if just for your own personal satisfaction!

Trouser Style Jeans: In or Out?

L   //   R

What is your attitude toward a trouser style jean?  Yay or nay?  I own a couple of pairs of trouser style jeans (which I love!) but haven't worn much recently.  They've sadly fallen by the wayside to my skinny jeans.  Question being, are trouser style/wide leg jeans in or out of style?  I really love both outfits pictured above and have a hard time ruling out the style all in all.

What are your thoughts?  I'm thinking... in.

Here are a couple of styles to consider.  As always: the darker the hue the better, the less embellishment, the better:

1.  7 for All Mankind - Georgia High Waist Flare
2. David Kahn - Wide Leg Stretch Trouser (I own these)

Color Inspiration: Yellow

How cheerful is the color yellow, anyway?  I am feeling inspired.  How about you?  Oh, and I'll take two of those Prada bags pictured above.

Here's to sunshine and happiness my friends.  

From L to R // T to B:
Art // Emily Rickard
Wisdom // Walt Whitman
Flowers // Sunflowers
Dress // Lisa Perry
Earrings // Elizabeth Cole
Bag // Prada

xo

DIY: Wall Art

Feeling inspired by these looks?  Me too!  Check out these fun wall decor ideas that will add pizzazz to your walls without paying a fortune.  

1.  I am dying to try this modern mosaic paint on canvas; but, I think I'd modify by using a narrower strip of tape (or, use a variety of different tape widths to create less white space).  Buy a blank canvas at a craft or art supply store.  Buy acrylic paints, a paint brush and painters tape (or scotch tape).  Glitter and Modge Podge is optional but always encouraged.  So simple, you could even have kids join in on the fun (if applicable!).

2.  How easy is this?  Seriously.  Search "silhouettes" in Google and your possibilities for creativity are endless.  Depending on the theme or look you're going for, there is a "silhouette" for everything!  Print images on regular white computer paper.  Pick out some simple frames at a craft, home or department store and hang as a collection!

3.  Again, could this DIY craft get any simpler?  All you need to do is purchase some pre-carved ceiling rosettes (find at your local home improvement store) from $8 to $20 dollars each.  Next, paint the ceiling medallions in graduated shades of a single paint color of your choice.  The medallions are light-weight and easy to hang.  This hanging display covers a lot of surface area and packs a lot of bang for your buck!

Now... if only I could add a few hundred square feet to my apartment to follow through on these fun decorating ideas!

Ciao! 

Adventuring

The Progressive Pearl

I hope you've been able to do a little "adventuring" this fine summer season. Let's appreciate the precious days of summer before fall is at our doorstep!

Bejeweled

How cute are these necklaces from Molly Suzanne Jewelry?  Fabulous looking jewelry at an affordable price--you've got me sold.  The sale prices will drop your jaw, consider yourself warned and have a little fun browsing this fun site!

Pictured above are a few of my favorites, which one is your favorite?  Hard to choose.  

MAGGIE NECKLACE - WHITE $25

THE TAYLOR NECKLACE $30

BRIGHT LIGHTS NECKLACE - YELLOW $21

Zara

Seattlites prepare for impact: Zara is to open at Westlake Center by the end of the year, and hopefully before the holiday season! Leave it to SeattleMet to update us with the latest and greatest, the news has been confirmed--Zara will open before the end of the year and the store will include fashions for men, women and children. Zara's styles are chic, contemporary, fashionable and affordable. Think: a few levels up from H&M (described as a "Spanish fast-fashion line").

On top of their generally affordable prices, they also have revolving sales (semi-annuals, end of season, etc.) that make for some outrageous deals. Wait, have I mentioned they have e-commerce opps on their website? Oh dear heavens.  So, shopping in your pajamas, on your couch, in your living room, is also very acceptable.  So do it!

In anticipation of the grand store opening, I have been doing some shameless (slightly obsessive) browsing of the Zara website.  I can't get over their selection of fun and funky blazers and trousers--not to mention their handbags.  Wowzers.  

Here's a few of my favorites:

1. Polka dot blouse

2. Printed trouser

3. Basic wide-striped sweater

4. Statement pinstripe blazer

5. Tribal print Fall jacket