Friday, February 26, 2010

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF peeps!! Guess what? I just looked at my countdown clock on my Facebook page and realized I have 208 days until Italy! Still seems kind of far away - and that’s ok because I need as much time as I can get to save up for the shopping extravaganza we have planned – along with lots of wine, gelato, pasta, and gondola tours. Ahhh…can’t wait! Back to present time - I’m happy that the weekend is here although I can’t complain because my work week was pleasantly mild. Regardless, I'm happy to have some down and relaxation time. What are your plans this weekend?
weekend plans 2.26

Final Signature
PS.
the winner
I'm happy with my decision and THANK YOU to all who helped me get there!

PSS.
My dress form came yesterday and it's F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!!! And look what was attached...a very old rusty needle and thread. I will never remove it and wonder how long it's been there....I'm in love!
needle pic

Thursday, February 25, 2010

{Etsy Love}

Cocoricooo is one of my many favorite Etsy sellers. I've been eyeing their dresses for some time now and with the warm weather right around-the-corner (fingers crossed), it's time for me to start thinking about updating my wardrobe. Check out some of their lovely designs below - they are cost-effective (approx. $40), handmade (most importantly), and flattering to most figures.
1 use this
2
You'll definintely be seeing me in 3 or more of these this spring/summer. And even though I have some Dolce Vita sandals that are similar to the ones the model is wearing in the pictures, I need to find those exact sandals - FAB! The hunt begins...
Final Signature

PS. My vintage dress form should arrive today - yippeee!!!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

{Nesting Newbies Magazine}

Yesterday one of my favorite bloggers, AphroChic, posted about a new online magazine called Nesting Newbies. I usually don't like to repost an exact story that one of my fellow bloggers posted, but after giving credit to where it's due, this magazine is just way to fab not to share the love. I was immediately drawn to the lovely photography, food/recipes, entertaining tips, and of course their interior decor eye-candy. I could go on and on about how amazing this magazine is - but I will allow you to see and judge for yourself. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do...
cooking
soup

shrimp

entertaining
fushia room entertaining

fushia room how to

decorating
hollywood glam

urban femme

So luxe...so fab...right? Be sure to click here to see the entire issue, and here if you would like to join Nesting Newbies' Facebook fan page.
Final Signature

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

{Business Cards}

I need your help! It's time for me to get "real" business cards and I'm having a hard time choosing which one to get. Below are my top 6 cards, all by designers on Etsy. This is where you come in - after looking at all the choices, leave a comment below and let me know which one you like best. Cool?

Double sided yellow 1
Double-sided card by OhSmile

Die cut 2
Die-cut card by ReadyGo

Double sided mini 3
Double-sided mini card by Zoopri

Rounded corners 4
Rounded-corner card by Pixelimpress

5 use this one
Keeping it simple card by EmilyleyPaper

Stitched 6
Stitched card by ReadyGo
------------------------------------
Don't forget to leave a comment below to help me decide which card to choose. Thanks for your help!!
Final Signature

Monday, February 22, 2010

{Raleigh Flea Market}

I decided to go to the flea market at the NC State Fairgrounds this weekend because it was the first weekend in a couple of months over 50 degrees. I knew there would be a lot of vendors there - but boy did they show up, I've never seen the flea market so crowded. Of course, I could have bought a TON of things, but I stayed true to the reason for going and that was to gather pieces for MODAGE. I did have one "splurge", the cutest little salt and pepper shakers...I just had to have them (yep...I'm turning into my mother). Below are some of my findings...
my findings
Clock-wise:
~Vintage salt and pepper shakers
~3 vintage brooches
~Antique brass pendant
~2 sterling silver bracelets
~Vintage brass button
~Sterling silver ring

I abosolutely love my findings, and you will be seeing each of these pieces MODAGE-ized (ha! just made that up) soon! Stay tuned...
----------------------------------------------
Here are some of the items that I would have loved to purchase, but I refrained, and instead will  allow them to be eye-candy...until the next time:
chandeliers
As you know, I've been dying for a chandelier to put over my bed. These weren't exactly what I was looking for, but they were still lovely...

rusty grates
Love these...wish I would have asked the price on them - maybe next weekend...

tons of jewelry
They had TONS of jewelry and I could have gone crazy, but with my recent ebay purchase I was on a budget and stuck to it...

glass doorknobs
These lovely glass doorknobs would be PERFECT for my Hollywood glam bedroom makeover, wouldn't they?

DSC_0147
Another great Hollywood glam finding...I would probably reapholster it though...

rusty slider
This rusty glider reminds me of my childhood - my Aunt Sookie and Grandpa Beard had one. I know I have a picture of me and cousins sitting on it - hmm...where is that picture??...

rust plaque
There's a man at the flea market that has a truckload of rusty items. I love this plaque and thinking back, should have bought it...

mustard suitcase
Vintage mustard suitcase. Love it but figured I probably wouldn't love it as much while lugging it around Italy...

mini doughnuts
If it wasn't for my friend Rosalyn giving up sweets for Lent, we would have gotten some. Aren't I a good friend for not getting them and eating them in front of her?

radio flyer
Vintage radio flyer - adorable...

roller skates
I'm such a kid at heart - I love these vintage skates. Wouldn't they be great sitting on shelf?
----------------------------------------------

Finally, I joined a photography meetup group and we met for the first time at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Here are a few pics from the class on Saturday...
The group
Have a great day - make it lovely!
Final Signature

Friday, February 19, 2010

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF - we made it another week!!! Per the usual, my work week was pretty hectic and I’m so looking forward to some down and relaxation time. I do have to say that I’m very sad that my friend is moving to Atlanta tomorrow…but I guess that means I have another vacation spot to visit, right? Sharon I will so miss you and it definitely won’t be the same without you. You are one fab chick and I’m so happy and blessed that our paths crossed here in little Raleigh, NC – you are a forever friend. Drive safely and we’ll see you soon. Love you!!!
Weekend Plans 2
Ok peeps, have a great day and enjoy your weekend!
Final Signature

Thursday, February 18, 2010

{Hollywood Glam}

So I must admit, I love the show Keeping Up with the Kardashians (don't judge)! Clearly I don't watch the show for their award-winning acting abilities, but I do love the fashion, interior decor eye-candy...and maybe just a little bit of the scripted drama, lol! Every once in a while we get a glimpse of Kim's bedroom and I just love the Hollywood glam decor she has going on. I'm definitely more of a Crate & Barrel/Restoration Hardware/espresso wood type of girl, but I'm really diggin the hollywood glam look.

Yesterday morning, on the etsy front page, I noticed retailer Karina Gentinetta and immediately fell in love with several of her listed items. Now clearly at this point in my life I am not able to afford all of her lovliness - but I just had to share with you a few of my faves, and until I can purchase something they will remain eye-candy.
1st part

2nd
Now the question is...I'm in need of a bedroom makeover - how can I get the look for less? Any ideas?

Final Signature

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

{Nautical Stripes - Spring 2010 Trend}

There's a huge nautical influence coming up for Spring - although stripes always seem to show up in spring styles. However, this year the focus is on the French sailor stripe first popularized by Coco Channel in the 1930s. Stripes are definitely a throwback to the past, but fashion designers at this weeks' New York Fashion Week have made them glamorous, sexy and classic at the same time. Check out Karen Walker's runway nautical fab-ulous-ness....
nautical (2)
I have to admit that I've never been a big fan of stripes...but after doing some research and seeing Karen Walker's spring line, I'm inspired and will be adding a few pieces to my spring wardrobe. What about you?
Final Signature

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

{Vintage Must-Haves}

It's true - be careful what you look for...you just may find it! After doing some extensive searching for a vintage dress form, card catalog, and a empty bottle of Chanel No.5 - I found them! I tell ya, ebay has it all. I am watching all of these items knowing I can't get them all, but I'm crossing my fingers that I'll be able to bid on at least one...or two. Aren't they amazing???
crushes final

Have a great day - make it lovely!
Final Signature

Monday, February 15, 2010

{Weekend Purchases}

Hi-ya! Hope everyone had a nice weekend and Valentines day! I did exactly what I planned - dinner and a movie with the girls, launched MODAGE, relaxed, caught up on my DVR, gave myself a mani & pedi, and had an unexpected Valentines day shopping spree with dinner at Dos Taquito's (AMAZING!!). Check out my purchases below, and meet my new baby...
v-day purchases FINAL

Enjoy your day!
Final Signature

Sunday, February 14, 2010

{MODAGE}

It's been a long time coming and I'm excited to announce that.....(drum roll please) MODAGE is officially open for business!!! I hope you enjoy the collection and please visit often as I will be adding new pieces frequently. All items below and several others are now available on my Etsy site. Enjoy!
Launch Picture

Final Signature