Mood Boards: Productive Organization Tool or Major Time Suck?

I say both. I love making them! And I spend waaaaay too much time doing it. I really think it is because I am a visual learner and, over my many years as as designer, I have learned that the best way to get an idea across is to draw a picture. Then people get it. And since I am relying on a whole mess of vendors to pull this wedding off, I truly think these mood boards will be super helpful. If not, at least I had fun putting them together. Right? Right. Here are two of my newest ones. (Please don't ask how many I've made so far, its embarrassing...)

XO
-L

 

 Images via Martha Stewart Weddings, Green Wedding Shoes, & Style Me Pretty.

Jamaica Me Crazy

It is snowing here. Again. Seriously? Instead of getting all Debbie-Downer about it, I've decided to go on vacay in my brain. Whenever I am having a hard day at work or am wearing a damn turtleneck cause its so dang cold outside, I think about our upcoming honeymoon in Ocho Rios Jamaica! Nothing cheers me up faster than thinking about a solid week of sun & spa & adult beverages & my new hubby. Aaaaahhhhh...

Join me on my mental vacation, won't you?

Images via The Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

I also can't stop listening to this song. So perfect for getting me in a Sunny Jamaican mood!
Say Hey (I Love You) by Michael Franti & Spearhead

The Little Things...

Ellie Mae, the best cat in the world (who never feels guilty about naps and very rarely helps with the laundry...)

Every once in a while, I have a weekend where I am completely devoid of energy. I hate these! Even though I know I need to catch up on my rest, my brain still wants to go-go-go and I end up feeling guilty about taking a nap instead of running my errands or finishing the laundry. How silly of me! It is on these occasions that I need to give myself a break and remember how wonderful and special the little things are. Here are a few little things from this weekend (that are a much better use of my time than chores...)

Geoff and I going to get Einstein's Bros. bagels in our PJs (in the POURING rain.)

Date Night at Studio Movie Grill...Shutter Island (so good), wine and a big ol' cheeseburger-can't beat it.

Baking on a cold Sunday...Yummy Blueberry Bran Muffins & Chocolatey Brownies. 

Hope you are all having a happy Monday!
XO
-L 

Mirror, Mirror...

Oh. My. God. I have been looking for this mirror since I saw it in Liz Lange's entryway (designed by Jonathan Adler) in Domino about a million years ago. Now if I only had $2,200 laying around....

Peacock Mirror from Wisteria.

Liz Lange's Entry designed by the one and only Jonathan Adler (image from Domino.)

Lessons learned from Olivia

I have blogged about Olivia Palermo before, and while I refuse to comment on her as a person (because its not nice to judge someone you don't know...) I could talk all day long about her style. I absolutely adore her taste-this girl is always spot-on! I often look to her for ideas and inspiration (thank goodness she's photographed a lot.) So, in order to pass along the fashiony-wisdom of Olivia, here are a few things I've learned from style-stalking her, along with some of her greatest hits and Olivia-like pieces that working class peeps like moi can afford. Enjoy!

XO
-L

Images via Getty

So have we studied the above images enough? Now we all know the style commandments Olivia lives by, right? Right. Here are the lessons I've learned from her...

1. Dress like a Lady.
This is one of my favorite things about her-she never shows too much and yet always looks sexy.

2. Blazers: The Great Unifier.
I love that she will throw one on over everything from a white T and jeans to a gorgeous printed maxi dress. Jackets instantly pull a look together without looking like you are trying too hard. Its also a great way to incorporate the menswear look into a girly outfit.

3. Black Tights. Gotta have 'em.
They go with everything and I love that she pairs them with both dresses and with shorts (making them evening-appropriate.) Plus, they are a great way to show a lot of leg without overdoing it. (see #1)

4. Belt it.
If you know me personally, you know this is one of my own style commandments. Eveything looks more polished when belted.

5. Use Black as an Anchor...
Olivia (like my future sis-in-law) wears a lot of black and grey, and uses these colors to anchor her outfits and let the truly standout pieces shine.

6. But Add Pops of color.
I love that she always add a pop of color- be it a bright clutch or a great yellow heel. It can take a simple suit or sleek solid dress to the next level (without being too matchy-matchy.)

7. Soft, pretty makeup, shiny hair and a smile go along way.
'Nuf said.

And Finally, some (affordable) Olivia-inspired pieces

Classic Black Blazer from BCBGeneration available here.

Pop Gray Menswear Pants and a jacket with strppy platforms in a hot color.
Star Ling 'Pan' Sandal available here.

 

So Olivia! A ladylike cut in a gorgeous color- all you need is a balck belt and some platforms!
Eliza J Cotton Piqué Sheath Dress available here.

And speaking of belts...

Braided Licorice Belt from Anthropologie.

Pyramid Trim Wide Belt from Forever 21.

Calf Hair Belt available here.