{Flare Jeans + Platforms}

Now that we've all purchased our 70s flare jeans, it's time to decide which shoes to pair with them. {In my opinion} the longer the pant + the wider the flare = the more substantial the shoe should be. I've listed below a few shoes that I personally have as well as some that I would love to add to my collection, to give you a few options as you're deciding what type of shoe to wear with your flares. {In my opinion} leave the flats, sneakers, and flip flops alone...

Click here to find out where you can purchase each of the shoes mentioned above.

{Avocado Obsession}

I truly love avocado and {even though I wish the WW points were lower} I put it on everything. If you love them even half as much as me, then you must try some of these ideas below:

Click the links below to be directed to the recipes:
Avocado Bruschetta 
Avocado & Fried Egg Sandwich 
Grilled Avocado & Bacon Sandwich

Avocado Cheeseburger

{Gobs Of Gold}

Lately, I've been pretty much obsessed with all things gold. I'm usually an antique gold jewelery wearer - but now I'm really loving more of the shiny finishes. First I need to buy a watch, and I've been eying the Michael Kors one below for some time now, and while I'm on a shoe-buying fast {only because I need to focus on buying tops} I really do love the shoes below from asos. Sigh....I wish I hated shopping...

{Shoes/Clutch/Bowl/Watch/Sweater/Glass/Earrings/Ring}

{Balcony & Patio Inspiration Essentials...}

1. An outdoor couch
2. A throw for those chilly spring/summer nights {sorry this specific throw not available in US...yet}
3. Extra seating for guests...love these galvanized chairs
4. Lots of pillows...of course
5. Bar cart...SO want one of these - just need to find the look for less
6. Tables that can convert into extra seating - love these too
7. Planters for flowers...or a herb garden
8. Lots of lanterns...for lots of candles

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF Peeps!!!

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~ Chocolate covered kettle chips...mmmmm
~ Watching Jordan's journey through Paris makes me want to go visit...Summer 2012!!
~ Portobello sliders ~ click on the picture and flip to slide 25 of 38 for the recipe!
~ I need a mini-me so I can dress her like this...
~ My sometimes Friday night mantra...
~ Gwyneth Paltrow's GOOP...lovely blog
~ My type of style...loose, comfy, chic, timeless, and effortless
~ Deliverable Cupcakes...someone should send some to me...hint hint
~ Orange crush...
~ Fresh reads for spring...
~ This is print and frame worthy - I love every word and desire to live by them..

{Now that spring is officially here, I say....}

{Hello Sunshine pic via}

1. Don't you love this pic, outfit, belt, stripes, necklace.....EVERYTHING???
2. I really really want this book...what a way to spend a rainy spring Sunday afternoon...
3. Loving this graphic chair...
4. I guess I am pretty great, huh?
5. I tend to carry tote bags all the time in the warmer months - wonderful for the farmers and flea markets!
6. There's nothing more that I love than fruity and fresh cocktail in the spring/summer!

{Rue Magazine DIY Inspiration}

The March/April issue of Rue magazine is out {happy dance, happy dance}, and last night I made special plans to grab a glass of wine, turn on some music, and slowly flip through the pages. {Please tell me that I'm not the only one that is completely obsessed with magazines} Per the usual, each page is chugged full of eye-candy, but when I turned to the pic below {pg. 219} and saw that ah-mazing stool/ottoman, I honestly did a double-take ~ so...

If I can find everything I need this weekend - I'll definitely post pics next week. Cross your fingers for me! To check out the new issue of Rue, click here ~ ENJOY!

{Kitchen Essentials}

While browsing through the April issue of Lucky magazine last night,  I stopped on page 94 {for those of you that have the issue} and allowed my inner Martha Stewart to gush a little. I'm kind of obsessed with kitchens, and while I don't really love to cook {although I can cook - let me add that in}, I've always dreamed of having an amazing space full of all the key essentials.  It's that one place that guests always gravitate to, and to me, it represents warmth and comfort. 

The one thing that immediately grabbed my attention on the page was the indoor herb garden {I so want one of these}, then down to the iPad stand, then I decided to just go online and find all of the amazing pieces. So for your viewing and shopping pleasure - check em out: 

1. Herb garden - perfect for us apartment dwellers...

2. Stool - great for guest as you're in the kitchen...

3. iPad stand - because cooking to music is way more fun & digital cookbooks are brills...

4. Hanging fruit bowl - a great way to save on counter space...

5. Wooden bowls - eco-friendly and modern...

Herb garden + iPad stand = on the wish list!

{Michael Kors Green Maxi Skirt}

Ever since I've seen this Micheal Kors skirt while flipping through the pages of Vogue, I've been obsessed with it. I love that it has a casual and relaxing feel, while still looking polished and luxurious. I tried to create a look for less, but I just can't find another skirt out there that even compares. So here's my look for less creation {minus the lovely and extremely expensive skirt} 

Click here to find where you can buy each of these items. I'm thrilled to see that maxi skirts and dresses are still on trend for this spring and summer!

{Happy St. Patty's Day + Link Lovin}

Top O' The Mornin To Ya'll! I remember last St. Patty's day I went to Starbucks to get my morning treat and I'm sure that morning I couldn't find anything green to wear, so... I wasn't wearing green. One of the regulars {hmmm....how would one know about regulars if they don't consider themselves as a regular....hmmm, denial I suppose? lol} said to me "You know what happens to someone who doesn't wear green on St. Patrick's day, don't you?". I said "as a matter a fact I don't, tell me, what happens?". He said "well I get to pinch you", and he proceeded to pinch my arm. I then say "And you know what happens to the person who pinches you, don't you?", he grinned and said "no I don't, what happens?". I whispered "they buy that person a coffee"...we both laughed...and yep, he bought my coffee. I think I'll swing by Starbucks this morning to see if he's there - again, I have nothing green to wear. Enjoy your St. Patty's day peeps!

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Since I will not be posting tomorrow {as I will be participating in the "Bloggers Day of Silence" support of the disaster relief efforts being organized for the people in Japan} I thought I would leave you with a few links that I've been lovin' this week - ENJOY!

~ Skinny Shamrock Shake recipe - man I wish I wasn't boycotting McD's.
~ When I bit into this on Saturday, I closed my eyes and had a moment. Delish ~ pah-lease try!
~ This is the way the French shop - and I agree!
~ I bought these on Friday, received them on Tuesday, and love them!
~ Word.
~ Obsessed with this outfit...and Kendi Everyday!
~ Lonny's March/April issue is out - have you taken a peek yet?
~ Kinda love this idea - turning an old sunglasses case into a clutch...
~ Such a cute idea to send to your loves for Easter...and I personally know Jill! Yum!!!
~ Ricotta and parmesan frittata - I heart breakfast food!
~ One final thought...lol!

Until Monday...

{For Japan With Love}

Along with many others ~ I will be participating in the "Bloggers Day of Silence"  on Friday in support of the disaster relief efforts being organized for the people in Japan. Two lovely ladies, Lydia {Ever Ours} & Lucy {Utterly Engaged} have teamed up and organized For Japan with Love. My blog will be silent on Friday, which means no posts will be featured to honor and respect what has happened in Japan.

We have all seen the devastation that both the earthquake and tsunami caused - the images and videos are so very heartbreaking. So many continue to struggle to survive the cold and harsh conditions with very limited food, water, and shelter. 

"All of the donations For Japan, With Love will go to ShelterBox, which provides emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters at the time when they need it the most. Each large, green ShelterBox is tailored to a disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items."

If you would like to directly donate to the Shelter Box, please click here. In addition to the Shelter Box, below are a few other ways that you can do your part in supporting and donating towards the people of Japan:

This poster was designed by W + K Studio and is available for $25. 100% of the proceeds will be sent to the American Red Cross.

These bracelets are for sale on Etsy for $4.95, and for every bracelet purchased, 50% of the proceeds will be given to the American Red Cross. 

This print, sold for $16, was created by one of my favorite Etsy artist Nan Lawson. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross. 

 My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan.

{My Style Trifecta}

There is nothing that I don't love about this outfit. Casual, comfortable, simply stylish - there’s something so timeless about hitting that trifecta.

Click here to purchase any of the items above - and if you find a look for less shawl like the one above,  pah-lease let me know!

{Results of a Great Weekend}

Morning Loves! I must say that this time change hasn't put me in the most perky mood this morning, but I'm looking forward to it staying lighter in the evenings! I had a really nice weekend - went out to dinner on Friday night, did some major retail therapy on Saturday, and then yesterday I went to brunch at the North Carolina Museum of Art and it was crazy delicious...

Straight out of the oven herb scones + a mimosa + an omelet with carmalized onions, mushrooms, herbs and goat cheese with roasted potatoes + lemon creme brule with the most scrumptous lemon and thyme cookies = one heck of a fantastic brunch.

And this post wouldn't be complete without me including a few of my fave pieces.

Enjoy your day!

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF Peeps!!!

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Check out some of the links that I've been seriously lovin on this week:
~ This wall of shoes makes me gasp...I must have one!
~ Does anyone want to buy me this chevron tray? Pretty please?
~ Want a reason to celebrate everyday? Check out Mimi + Meg's March celebration calendar!
~ Bursting with big, life-changing, brilliant ideas - I need one of these!
~ One of my fave bloggers, Joy Cho from Oh Joy!, will be on HGTVs Secrets from a Stylist show! Exciting!
~ I would go completely crazy in this store...anyone want to go to Australia with me?
~ Now THIS is a flea market...wouldn't you agree? Paris anyone?
~ Anthro lovin - here, here, here, here, and here...
~ Portion controlled lasagna - I bet these freeze well...
~ One final thought...{lol}

Enjoy your weekend peeps!

{Bedroom Makeover Inspiration}

I've been wanting to completely redo my bedroom as it's the one place in my apartment that is definitely lacking a sense a style and character. I'm thinking of going towards that whole vintage, Hollywood glam look:

The headboard is from Urban Outfitters and yes I could make a couple of clicks and purchase it - but I'm  actually thinking of making it myself {although the tufting part intimidates me}. I know for sure I don't want my room to look cookie-cutter so now I'm on the prowl {via the flea market, antique shops, even Craigslist} to find the perfect vintage and glam pieces. Keep an eye out for me, k?

{70s Flares Are Back...Thank God}

Don't get me wrong - I do like skinny jeans {especially after finding a few pairs that fit well and works on my figure} but I have to say that I'm excited that flare jeans are back! For me, I feel like they make me look a little slimmer {that's always a good thing, right?}. I recently purchased a pair from GAP and I love love love them...and thought I would share today a variety of styles {via WWD} and several different ways you can rock your flares. Check em out:

{For My Raleigh Peeps: PieBird}

I'm really excited for the long-awaited, all-natural, locally-produced sweet and savory pie shop, PieBird, to open. I made a personal call last night and they said they should be open by the end of the week/beginning of next - woohoo! As mentioned on New Raleigh, "Owned and operated by longtime Oakwood residents, Sheilagh Duncan, Krishna Bahl and Chef Kristine Ashwood, PieBird got its roots by Duncan and Bahl sharing their mutual love of baking and their desire to open a restaurant where their neighbors can walk to, have dinner and stay late for a drink or two. “I live in this neighborhood and love it, but it was missing a bakery, a bar and a place to gather,” said Bahl. “Then I met Sheilagh and she was looking to start the same exact thing: bakery, bar, a gathering place.” Click here to read the full article.

I'm definitely diggin' on the decor, and I hear there is a cozy little nook in the back complete with a fireplace. From the exposed brick, to the chic birdie salt and pepper shakers,  this modern-minimalist design just works!

{Images via}

Be sure to follow PieBird on Facebook, and check out their yummy-looking menu here. I can't wait!!!

{Burberry Spring 2011 Handbags}

I have a long weekend trip to New York next month, and to Vegas in June and guess what - I still haven't bought myself a birthday present {which was in October} - gasp!!! Since this birthday was a milestone year, I MUST buy myself something spectacular, right? So I'm starting to save now for my next big plunge - and Burberry's new spring handbag collection is definitely giving me some inspiration. The hardest part is having to only pick one...