stars & stripes

This sweet collection of handmade goodness leaves me starry-eyed and stripe-obsessed.  Inspired by a new BrideBlu design STARLIGHT.

no. 1 starlight double star necklace no. 2 modern chevron light switch cover no. 3 linen pillow cover no. 4 silver glitter star bobby pin no. 5 crescent moon and star rubber stamp no. 6 grey stripes long sleeved wrap top no. 7 magic wand no. 8 area rug

hello sparkles!

I am not one to wear a ton of make-up but for some reason, whenever I find myself in Sephora (or Ulta), I feel like a sweet-toothed kiddo in a candy store.  I instantly start imagining how I could change my look (smokey eyes! bold, red lips!, dewy-finished skin!) and end up walking out a little lighter in my pocket book.  And then (for shame) most of the stuff I buy just sits, lonely and neglected at the bottom of my make-up bag.  It's not that I don't enjoy wearing make-up it's just that most days, it just seems over-the-top.

However, all that change when I discovered Urban Decay's Heavy Metal Glitter Liner (in Cowboy ... a sparkly neutral beige color).  Even though it is really sparkly, I have found that it is surprisingly wearable.  As you may know, I have a history with sparkles and there is something about sparkly things that just make everything a bit better (like a mom's kiss).

{note: I did not fall asleep in this photo, I am just attempting to show off my sparkly eye lids!}

bunnies!

Ummm, hi Monday.  Can't say that I am happy to see you.  The weekend went by way too fast.  Andy and I hit up a new (to us) middle-eastern restaurant near our house (totally delish!).  To help work off the calorie fest, we took Gin & Juice for a walk in the woods.  I also busted out the sewing machine and started working on a little project I will share later this week (hooray!).  We all had a blast and by Sunday night, everyone was beat.  How was your weekend?

Today I am partnering with lovely folks over at GroopDealz.  So, what's the deal?  BrideBlu's bunny earrings earrings are up for grabs for $5 a pair!  These nickle-free beauties are petite and sweet ... sure to add a "hippty-hop" to your step.  If your interested snag a pair while you can, they are limited!  They will ship in time for Easter!

Happy Monday, friends!

Puss n' Boots

In light of my recent vintage brooch haul, I knew that I need to do a style shoot with at least one of them.  I chose to take Mrs. Marple (a super sweet, charming, demure kitty) out for a day on the town.  I love this sweater dress.  It is an amazing shade of purplish-blue and super snugly warm (a must for these cold Wisconsin winters!) but it is a bit plain.  Dun-dun-dun-daaaaaaa ... Mrs. Marple to the rescue!

Happy Friday, my beauties :)

Coffee + Milk

I drink my coffee black (or, as I like to call it, "straight up") but recently I read an article that said drinking your coffee with a bit of milk can prevents dreaded coffee-stains from forming on your teeth (who knew?).  Another bonus of adding the moo-juice to your java ... calcium!  So, for the past week and a half, I've been adding a dash of milk to my joe.  I never thought I would be anything but a "just black" kinda gal but, I've got to say the milk adds a subtle hint of yummy sweetness.  Bonus ... it turns my otherwise black coffee the prettiest shade of caramel.

no. 1 know your coffees poster print no. 2 hobnail milk-glass sugar and cream set no. 3 ivory and cream striped paper straws no. 4 copper ring no. 5 geometric coffee bean dog collar no. 6 lacey lou leg warmers no. 7 vintage cream colored radio

The Brooch Approach (found)

One of the many things I adore about antiquing and thrifting is the excitement of the unknown.  Meaning, you never know what sort of treasures you might find.  Sometimes (though thankfully this isn't true very often), you come home empty handed and sometimes, you discover a plethora of amazing vintage goodness.  This is exactly what happened to me this past weekend when I went thifting.  It seemed everywhere I turned there was a new jewelry box to dig through and rad brooches to be found ... lilac owls, polka dotted bows, kitty cats, roosters, squirrels, and scottie dogs! 

Spot the Dot!

I had the wonderful opportunity to get a bit of antiquing in this past weekend ... hooray!  There is nothing like a little retail-therapy to put a bounce back in that step.  Among my treasured finds were a bunch of vintage brooches, including this super sweet polka dotted one!  It was one of those finds that instantly conjured up images of poodle skirts, saddle shoes, malt shops and going steady.  What do you think about polka dots ... do you love it when you spot those dots?

no. 1 paper pompom no. 2 polka dot peter pan collar no. 3 mini hair bows no. 4 polka dot pillow no. 5 feather earrings no. 6 bird and lace clutch no. 7 springtime bunting no. 8 polka dot 50's dress

Rust Lust

I recently stumbled across the most delicious collection of rust-colored finds.  While not a fan of rust in the traditional sense (like seeing rust starting to form on my car or on my steel shower caddy), rust as a color (hello warm orangy-reddish brown) tickles my fancy for sure!

no. 1 rusty cuts mini-dress no.2 color block fabric necklace no. 3 whimsical bird watercolor no. 4 fold-over traveler bag no. 5 wise owl feather earrings no. 6 rust orange flower pin no. 7 zig zag chevron art block no. 8 autumn bird

BrideBlu design files: Sangria

The best part of running BrideBlu is the interaction I have with my customers.  I am eternally grateful for each and ever person who sees something in the shop that tickles their fancy so greatly that they add it to their cart and click purchase.  It really is a humbling experience and I feel so blessed that I have found this niche in which to express my creative side.  While I truly appreciate and value each and everyone of my customers, I am extra honored when I am contacted by a bride-to-be inquiring on if I would be interested in making some jewelry for her wedding (ummm ... yes!!!! :).  A wedding day is such a milestone moment and just thinking about BrideBlu being a part of such a love-filled, joyous day leaves me honored, a bit verklempt and speechless.

I had the opportunity to work a few weeks ago with a lovely soon to be Mrs. named Lola (which, on a side note, is such a strikingly unique name!).  Her bridesmaids are going to wear sangria colored dresses.  I hadn't heard of this color before, so I looked it up on David's Bridal.  I instantly fell in love.  Turns out Sangria is a super pretty mulberry/wine/pinkish color.  It would look amazing on with any skin tone, don't you think?  I am hooked on the hue and it's rad name.  Hooray for new discoveries and, of course, wedding days!

for you, valentine

Last week Andy had to go to South Dakota for a business trip.  During some down time, he did a bit of exploring and stumbled across a locally owned chocolate shop.  They make all of their own chocolates and candies on site, right in giant display windows in the front of the store so that passersby can watch the magic!  If I had been along, this is totally something Andy and would have checkout but, in my absence, Andy did the next best thing ... he brought me home a box for Valentine's!  Hooray for chocolate surprises (and, of course, chocolate covered cherries ... my favorite!).

the show must go on

We've all had "those days" ... the ones where you really just don't want to get up and face the world.  I had one of those days last week.  None-the-less the show must go on (so they say).  So I slipped on one of my favorite plaid shirts and, at the last minuete, I decided to add a vintage rhinestone necklace to my look.  The extra-fancy sparkling necklace (even though my outfit was quite casual) really put an extra bounce in my step that day.  Marilyn Monroe once said that diamonds are a girl's best friend, but, in my experience, rhinestones can sure help even a bad day sparkle a bit more brightly.

Scallops!

Meet my newest obsession ... scallops!  This discovery is one of the many reasons I am Etsy-obsessed.  There I was yesterday afternoon just minding my own business, looking through my Etsy activity feed when, bam!  I spotted the cutest green top with scalloped edges.  I swooned.  After regaining my composure, I just knew I had to round up a collection of scallop-touched goodness to share with you!  Oh, and if life couldn't get any better ... today is Friday.  Hooray!

no. 1 mini scallop ring no. 2 salmon scallops notebook no. 3 scallop circles no. 4 taupe + blush clutch no. 5 scallop glitter garland no. 6 heart buttons no. 7 green blouse no. 8 polka dot scallop make-up pouch

Hello Red Dress

True story:  A friend of a friend of mine is a knockout with legs that go on for miles.  One night, we girls decided to get together for a little karaoke singing and, of course, dancing.  Ms. Gams (as I shall call her to protect her identity) wore a short, striking red dress.  So striking that when she was out on the dance floor getting her grove on, she caught the dj's eye to which he replied "hello red dress".  Just goes to show you how amazing and powerful red (and a red dress at that) can be :)

no 1 stopping the show dress no. 2 carnelian ring no. 3 red polka dot coin purse no. 4 infinity scarf no. 5 red flats

breathing in the fresh country air

I took the pups for a long stroll last night and the wind was unforgiving, burrrrrr!  It has been so dreary and cold in Wisconsin as of late (yes, I know ... it is winter and all that :).  I can't wait to see the trees come back to life, let the birds chirp me awake in the mornings, and take the pups on springtime hikes.  But, in the meantime, while old man winter has us in his icy grip, I will just dream of spring ...

no. 1 fresh woods print no. 2 heart cutout dress (I may have featured it before but I do love it so!) no. 3 vintage hot air balloon pillow cover no. 4 felt beaver brooch no. 5 you + me clutch no. 6 bubble chandelier no. 7 leaf headband no. 8 crochet scarf

St. Valentine

Can you believe that Valentine's Day is about a week away?!??! Where did February go (and January for that matter)? Andy and I don't have anything special planned quite yet but I would love to catch a movie. I've been eying The Vow ... nothing like a good old romantic plot (based on a true story!) to fan those flames of love.  I would also adore receiving a box of Sees chocolates (I got hook on them over the holidays and have decided that they are the best chocolates I have ever tasted).  Hint, hint :)

Do you have any romantic plans for Valentine's day planned?

:: Outfit Deets ::

dress ~ Ruche

tights ~ Forever21

shoes ~ Nine West (similar)

cardigan ~ White House | Black Market

necklace ~ BrideBlu | vintage + handmade jewelry

Be Mine by BrideBlu

I am a hopeless romantic at heart.  I love a good *chick flick* and always tear up a little bit during the extra sappy parts (don't tell hubs, he would tease me relentlessly).  I am drawn to hearts and all things lovely dovey.  To channel the pitter-patter of my heart, I created some special romantic heart-themed pieces for Valentine's day should you care to take a peek.

Hope you all have an amazing, love-filled weekend! 

Reader bonus!  Enjoy a 14% discount off your entire BrideBlu purchase with coupon code HEART now through February 14th.  Hooray for hearts!  Hooray for romance!  Hooray for each and everyone of you ... I love you to pieces!

highs and lows

It's been snowing here (as you can see) and the dogs have been in heaven.  Apparently, snow is all the rage when it comes to hot trends in dogdom :).  Last night Andy and I watched  The Usual Suspects, an older movie but soooo good (if you are a thriller/mystery fan, you are in for a ride!).  We also enjoyed "breakfast for dinner" ... pumpkin spice pancakes, sasuage links, and scrambled eggs (Andy's a rock-star when it comes to making eggs ... his eggs are the.best.ever!)

When I first saw this dress on Ruche (similar style), I was instantly smitten.  I fell in love with the interesting hem line ... it's a bit higher in the front and scoops down a bit in the back and it is the perfect shade of misty, muted turquoise.  I opted to pair it with rose patterned tights, a creamy knit cardigan (thrifted) and a Here Kitty necklace from BrideBlu.  I am slightly obsessed with all things cat related ... partly because I go by "Cat" and partly because I just love the little furry munchkins (but only from afar ... Andy is super allergic, unfortch)

On a related note, I am so psyched that today is Wednesday ... only two more days until the weekend.  Hooray!