Cortez the Killer

I love Anthropologie. I would have to rank it as one of my top 5 stores to shop in. There's a certain sense of style that it has, and it is totally within my design sensibilities. Unfortunately, we don't have a store near us (its either Omaha or Minneapolis). When I get a chance to visit, I take every opportunity. Earlier this month, we visited Salt Lake City, where I grew up. 

There's a store in City Creek Mall, so I had to pop in. I'm glad I did.

I saw this shirt and it inspired me. I thought it was just lovely.

I even thought it would look cute paired with skinny jeans.

 I was always reluctant to try skinny jeans because I'm not exactly skinny. Then I read the Curvy Fashionista's posts on curves and them this spring and realized I could rock them too.

I love statement necklaces. I love how they add impact to an outfit, and can help change things up.

A few weeks ago, I received my first Birchbox (www.birchbox.com). 

My box included Mineresse Glossy Kiss, 

which is quite possibly THE best lip color I've ever used (plus it can double as blush-score!). 

It also had a mini bottle of the Color Club's Wanderlust collection in a neon coral.

Love the color and how perfect it is for the summer.

All things came together last night when the Big Man's cousins from Las Vegas were in town and came to dinner. 

We had a lovely evening with them. I love entertaining, and am grateful for the opportunity to do so. We had a terrific night of food, family and stories. It also was the perfect opportunity to rock my new outfit.

I found a shirt inspired by the Anthropologie shirt that I saw on vacation on the clearance rack at Target. It was love at first sight. It looked great paired with my Old Navy coral skinny jeans.

 I added a statement necklace that i found at Target. Add my new make up and it was a perfect outfit.

Ruffles and Flourishes

One of my favorite stores is Anthropologie. Unfortunately, we don't have one in South Dakota, so I am forced to drool over their luscious website (http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp). Such torture.

I did get a chance to visit their store when we visited New Jersey. I fell in love with a few things including a pitcher, a skirt & a statement necklace. Someday...

One of their trademark pieces is the ruffled blouse. I love them, but not the price tag. It's a big ouch. There are tutorials out there to make them, but right now sewing isn't happening around my house.

I found a lovely green knock off shirt. I paired it with awesome black trousers. I wore it to go to a hospice conference, where I learned lots and lots.

I felt like I stepped off the website into real life.

Ruffle and flourish love.

  

I am not going to lie. I am in the middle of a decorating funk. I want to do a few little sprucing up projects around the house, and get the creative juices flowing again.

I also need to spruce up my wardrobe, because quite frankly, I am bored with what I've got in there.

So, I am back to surfing the blogosphere trying to find a few new projects....and this is what I found:

 

Even though its been cold and damp here, I am still hoping summer will arrive and we can go swimming more. This swimsuit and towel holder from A Turtle's Life for Me is so cute, and so easy! It would be perfect in our laundry room.

 

 

This wall art could be done with either your first name or last name (or both!) and its something easily whipped up in a weekend. Thanks to mama Jill for the brilliant idea!

 

 

Another cuter than cute family wall hanging by the Gunny Sack is awesome, and would look really cool in MY family room.

I had made something similiar years ago, but its lost to the ages. I think that this

would look nice as a table scape on my server in my dining room.

From Anthropologie it would cost a lot more!

I love the letter!

Maybe its because I am living 1300 miles from the beach,

 but I am feeling very nautical lately. We have a large playroom downstairs, and its well, a big playroom and rather blah. Its painted this awesome shade of blue which is great, but it seriously needs a theme.
This beachy wreath from Heck Fridays is super easy and very cute!

 I
have the perfect spot for it when you get down the stairs.
The V spot teaches how to make faux coral, just like the stuff from Pottery Barn!

These sand footprints from a Cottage in the Oaks would be awesome on another wall in the playroom!

The seashell bucket from No Minimalist There is another done in an hour project (perfect for my lack of attention span!)

The summer mantle from Social Salutations is really cute, and I have a great space to do it!

These shadowboxes from A Pumpkin and A Princess are too cute too!

Happy crafting!