Style Lush

Friday round-up: Flapper dresses, wall art and a Colorado must-do list

By Jennie

Another week, another mile-long list of bookmarked items I can't afford (this is a bittersweet job, folks). Let's recap!

1. Maggie talked flapper dresses, which makes me love her even more than I did. (A Roaring Twenties party! Why are there so many states between me and her?)

2. Elizabeth showed us how to hang art without frames.

3. Kali was our Blogger with Style this week. Ain't she cute?

4. Valentine's is a few weeks away. Start decorating!

5. We rounded-up our favorite foundations, moving me one step closer to the best make-up bag in town.

6. Yellow or red? Elizabeth polled us for her new, cool flats (you can still weigh in!).

7. Jess shared some must-do activities if you find yourself in Colorado (and with this itinerary, you should find yourself in Colorado).

8. Christina showcased some affordable (and hip!) side tables. 

See you next week. Good stuff ahead.

Sweat in style

By Elisabeth

Ever since I had my second child almost two years ago, I have spent more and more time at the gym than ever before. Noooo, not because I think I'll get Jillian abs ('cause we all know that's never going to happen.)

I go so I can get a BREAK from my precious kids. They, in turn, get a break from me, but they also get a chance to play with other kids and toys in an atmosphere I just can't provide at home.

It's a win-win, right?

Totally.

But, spending 3 to 4 days a week at the gym calls for a decent workout wardrobe as well. (Well, it doesn't have to, but with all that effort, a girl's got to look cute, right?) Now, I didn't want to spend too much money on an entire collection, but I did want some quality pieces to workout in that will last past next Tuesday.

I used to shop at Target for my workout clothes, but I have sort of outgrown my love for the Champion brand. I am tending more towards a better fit in my clothes than just a fitted t-shirt and shorts I used to buy. In recent months, I've had a lot of success at Old Navy.

In my mind, the classic staple to all workout gear is the yoga pant. The pant that works the best for me is this pant from Old Navy. The material is thick enough not to show every nook and cranny in the rear section, but light enough to workout in without too much extra weight holding you back.

Also, they have these awesome razorback tanks that have ballet leotards bras built in, so instead of having a majorly attractive uni-boob, there is a gather in the middle to display your ladies as individuals. MUCH more comfortable and quite attractive to boot!

What's your staple at the gym? Anything you'd like to add that makes you feel spot on?

{photo credit: old navy}

Etsy Favorite: Old Crow Farm

by Elizabeth

So there's pretty much nothing I love more than random vintage rustic distressed hoo ha for my house, especially if it's that certain shade of chippy aqua.  You know what I mean.  Which is why every time I glance through the Old Crow Farm Etsy store, I go to a very special place and start favoriting every single thing in sight as fast as my little fingers can click. 

I mean, seriously, check it out: 

1. A Berry Cute Storage Basket 2. Industrial Funk Black Metal Stool 3.  Go Go Green Distressed Metal Box 4.  Frosted - Blue Distressed Wood Trunk 5.  Merry and Bright Yellow Shelving Unit 6.  Vintage Fold Down Metal Basket

{image credits:  oldcrowfarm.etsy.com}

Art for Your Nursery

By Beth

My crib has recently been retired and we are working on converting the nursery into a big boy room, which will probably mean moving or removing the art I chose for my son's walls.  But before I move on, I wanted to pass the idea along to you, because I am the least crafty person you will ever meet and I am still rather proud of this little project.

To copy my idea, assemble the following tools:

• Several matching frames (I got mine at the craft store for around $2 each.  They don't look amazingly beautiful, but they are faced with plastic rather than glass, which seemed like a good idea for a nursery).
• Appropriately sized mats for your frames.
• An Exacto knife.
• A spare copy of your favorite children's book.

Ta-da!  Artwork for your nursery!

Artwork from Thank You Bear by Greg Foley, a truly adorable book in every way, about kindness and compassion and believing in yourself and the illustrations are beautiful.

(Photos by me, sorry for the glare and otherwise lousy quality.)

You ask, we answer: Kitchen help

by Christina

Reader Anne asked for some help with her new and already lovely kitchen.  She writes:

My new house has a beautiful kitchen with lots and lots of cabinets lining the walls.  They are a light mahogany in color. Counter tops are black & brown granite. Unfortunately for me, design challenged, they don't go all the way to the ceiling. This leaves about 18 inches or so of space between them and the ceiling. Space that needs some style! I've seen kitchens that use baskets up there, kitchens that use birdhouses....but I'm looking for ideas

~~~

Anne, I'm so glad you've come to us for help!  I have a few ideas for you that do not include baskets, chickens or fake plants.

Personally, I think this is a tricky area. I recommend keeping it simple, use a collection of like items and a few pieces that are unique. Take into consideration the feel of your home, is it modern, traditional, vintage or an eclectic mix?  What ever it is this needs to tell the same story you're already telling in the surrounding rooms. I'm thinking of all white pottery with maybe some thrift store milk glass in the mix.  Old blue colored mason jars (also a thrift find, about 1-3 dollars per jar though you can get them on-line, too but for a bit more)  If you're into fiesta ware, you could put a collection of their juice pitchers up there. Add in a large T for your last name and maybe prop up a print somewhere. Globe collections are really in right now and I found a few at Target that are just gorgeous and just 13 inches high. (I totally whipped out my tape just for you!) If you get it up there and are looking for more of a pop, paint the area above a few shades lighter or darker than the rest of your kitchen and add some lighting. You can get a rope light for less than $20 that will add to the drama and no one will know it's a rope light. Here is a little eye candy in the hopes of inspiration.

 

{photo credits: decor pad, Anthropologie, Target, me}

Just get out and see what you can find. If your not into the vintage stuff hit up Home Goods, TJ Maxx and Marshals. Start small, don't go out thinking you are going to knock this out in one afternoon. Look for the first piece, something you love and let that guide you the rest of the way. This could take a long time but once you have direction it should be easier and, maybe, even fun.

One last tip; if you're still a little stumped take some time to scour design blogs, check out kitchens on Flickr, you're bound to find something that fits your style.  Hope this helps, good luck!

{Have a question for Style Lush? Let us hear it! Drop us an email at StyleLushBlog at gmail dot com}

My Imaginary Bookshelf

by Maura

I recently moved from an apartment in New York City where the decor was modern, sort of cold and, well, very MALE. I'm now temporarily living - oh, God, temporarily - with my Grandmother in a house that is pretty much plucked from Colonial Williamsburg. Needless to say, I'm aching to have a place where I can show my own design aesthetic. We'll call it artsy-eclectic for lack of a better word.

In my head I have a bookshelf, only sparsely stocked with books, on which I also place carefully chosen collectibles. My inspiration? Our very own Christina, whose bookshelf was featured on Apartment Therapy! I love, love, love her use of bicycle wheels here.

[Photo credit: Christina]

My bookshelf might have something like these bamboo birdcages from West Elm ($39):

[Photo credit West Elm]

This Vintage Incense Burner Buddha Statue at Curio Castle's Shop on Etsy ($45):

[Photo credit Curio Castle]

A vintage typewriter in a cool color, this one is from The Vintage Typewriter Shoppe ($595):

[Photo credit Vintage Typewriter Shoppe]

These handmade elephant bookends from India, available at Ten Thousand Villages ($34):

[Photo credit Ten Thousand Villages]

What's on your bookshelf? Any suggestions for my imaginary bookshelf?

Bloggers with Style: Kali with Kramey Martin Designs

If you've ever checked out the Working Closet Flickr pool, you know how incredibly stylish and downright beautiful Kali with Kramey Martin Designs is. She's a true style inspiration for me, and she's been so kind as to contribute to our Bloggers with Style feature. I especially love how she points out confidence and style go hand-in-hand. Prepared to be wowed, ladies.

*****

Hi there! I'm Krameymartin (Kali), lover of books and clothes alike. I have a job as an in-house designer, photographer, reporter and PR person, so I can be pretty daring and also casual with my work wardrobe. While I feel like my style is always changing and evolving, gotta keep up with the latest trends, you know, there are a few things I stick to.

1. Jeans. No matter what silhouette of jeans are "in" at the moment (skinny, boot cut, trouser, etc.), I've been addicted to designer jeans ever since high school. I'm always on the quest to find the perfect pair, and I can't resist trying a pair on nearly every time I journey to Nordstrom. There is just something about a great pair that makes you feel confident, sure of yourself and comfortable at the same time. My current favorite is my pair of J.Brand pencil jeans in a dark wash.

2. This one may sound a little weird, and I'm kind of ashamed to admit it, but I spend HOURS Googling my favorite celebrities to find outfits they've worn in movies, on TV or in real life, so that I can emulate them. To me, it's more realistic than just taking outfits from the runway, because they at least have to be able to act in them. I've come up with some of my favorite outfits this way. Now there are more and more sites devoted to dissecting celebrity looks and purchasing the pieces they wear on an everyday basis, but I like to think I had the idea first.:) My current favorite "Style Star" is Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester). I can't get enough blouses, pencil skirts, colored tights and bow headbands (see here).

3. My favorite article of clothing, currently is this dress, the perfect dress in fact. I got it at Anthropologie, full price, but I knew we were made for each other the first time I tried it on, so I had to have it. Red heads and shades of green can be a match made in heaven and I try and find rich green-toned pieces whenever I can. I've gotten to wear it for two big occasions (one year anniversary and Thanksgiving) so far and can't wait until I can zip up it in again. Here I am in my dress.

4. I'm not really a shoe person, or accessory fiend and I rarely spend more than $50 on a bag. I feel like the greatest accessory I can add to my look/outfit is a well-styled hair-do. This is often a challenge for me since I have a rather unruly red mane, but when my hair looks good, I feel like my whole look is more put together. I've always been the one who does other people's hair for events, etc. and I really enjoy doing up-dos and styled looks, even for every day things, like work.

5. And finally, my greatest style "trick" is just trying to feel confident in who I am. Sure I love clothes, fashion, design and putting outfits together, but the best part of all of these is when they make me feel good about myself. And help me help others feel good about themselves. That's a huge part of why I post about clothes so often; I want to be able to help people find looks that make them feel good about the person they are, outside and in!

******

You can find Kali at Kramey Martin Designs, her blog, and her Etsy shop. Thanks, Kali!

Handmade Kindle covers

by Emily

Well SOMEBODY must have read my Birthday Wish List post. Last Friday I was both surprised and thrilled to receive my VERY OWN KINDLE. Now, don't get me wrong, I still firmly believe there are some books that should only exist in hard copy form, but there is nothing quite like the rush of deciding you want to read something and having it right in front of your eyes sixty seconds later. Especially if you are already IN BED.

I wasn't expecting that thing to be such a slippery little sucker, though. It's thin and lightweight and smooth and I am probably going to drop it. I don't particularly like putting it down somewhere, as I'm always worrying that it will get knocked off a surface or - because of its adorably small, elegant stature - overlooked. Things I don't want on my Kindle: THAT GLASS OF ICE WATER.

I found a bunch of delightful Kindle sleeves and covers on Etsy, and now I just have to decide among them.

Clockwise, from top left:

by SeaSideSew, in Green Leaf, $38; by EliteElishi, in Retro Flowers, $14; by sleevy, in dark grey, $40; by SeaSideSew, in Mod Dot, $38; by kimoleybags, in Golden Dot, $30; by ho-bop, in County Fair Dottie, $29.99; by BorsaBella, in Green Asian/Orange Dot, $25; by BorsaBella, in Green Peony, $25

Writer round-up: Our favorite foundation, base, spackle, whatever

By Jonniker

Foundation! The base for all good makeup. Or not, if you've got great skin, but some of us need a little help hiding those flaws, and a heavy-duty concealer just ain't gonna cut it. So! Without further ado, the writers of Style Lush share their best secrets for flawless, gorgeous skin from a bottle. Or a powder. Or a mini jar! Whichever!

We're dying to know yours, too. Really. Pony up in the comments, y'all. Prettify our skins, stat.

Elizabeth: "I use Clinique Superbalanced Makeup. It's awesomely sheer and light and blends really well into my skin - but honestly I probably love it so much because I actually got off my kiester and went to the makeup counter and asked if they could please help me find the right shade for my skin, so it's most likely the first foundation I've ever owned that was actually the correct color."

Natalie: "I'm a Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer fan mainly because I'm a little obsessive about sunscreen, and this has SPF 20. It's light and doesn't have a scent, which I also like. (Also am scared of full-on foundation because I fear looking orange. I should take Elizabeth's cue and get someone to tell me what color to use.)"

Jennie: "I love Stila's tinted moisturizer but want something for the weekends with more coverage and am at a loss. I also love Origin's Nude and Improved, but it's been a couple years since I've worn it."

 
Kerri Anne: "I hardly use any, but when I do it's BeautiControl's Secret Agent foundation. I originally bought it because I love my aunt and she was selling it, but now I can't use anything else. It conceals AND moisturizes and one tube lasts me an entire year."


 

Sarah: "I don't really do foundation, but I do use Amazing Concealer. It's...amazing! No really, one tube lasts at least a year, if not longer."

 
Kristie: "I really, really love Chanel Double Perfection Compact. It's on the pricey side but it lasts forever and travels well."

Maura: "I use Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer. I like the bit of youthful glow it gives me, but if I'm not careful I can end up looking like Edward Cullen when he's in the sun. I also cannot not rave enough about YSL Touche Eclat instant highlighter. It is a MAGIC WAND for dark circles under my eyes. A must have in my beauty routine."

Manda: "Oh dear. I suppose I should start using foundation one of these days. OOPS. Does [Mary Kay] tinted moisturizer count? I use that about twice a year."

Kate: "I only just started using foundation in the last couple of years so my experience is pretty limited, but I've been buying Maybelline's Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Liquid Foundation (that's a mouthful!) and quite like it. It's very light, blends into my skin tone seamlessly, is kind to my sensitive skin and best of all, it's very affordable!"

Christina: "Origins Nude and Improved-  I have pretty easy skin so I just need a little SPF, help to even out an occasional blemish but mostly the freckle factor.  This does the trick, it's so light and looks really natural."

 
Amy: "I'm a devoted Bare Escentuals girl.  I prefer the original to matte, and wear Fairly Light."

(Raven heartily seconded Amy's selection.)

Maggie: "I use Clinique Perfectly Real makeup. Because I walked up to the counter and begged for someone else to decide on the product and shade! Dying to try that Laura Mercier stuff though."

Jonna: "I've tried 'em all, from high to low end, and I swear by Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse. Nine bucks!"

Your turn, my little skincare buffs.

{Photo credits: Sephora, Laura Mercier, Amazon, BeautiControl, Bare Minerals, Clinique, Maybelline, Saks Fifth Avenue, Origins}

Can I still wear it? My friendly old jean jacket

By Manda

I might be tipping my hand here a bit, but I have to ask you all something:

Can I still get away with wearing my beloved ten-plus-year-old Gap jean jacket?

Before you answer that, let me tell you a few things. Number one: I never, ever wear it with jeans. I promise. Number two: This is one of the items of clothing I own that helps me gauge if I am at a healthy weight. If it slides right on, I'm good. No scale needed! Number three: I tend to pair this with dresses, and last spring/summer I wore it with my three cotton maxi dresses all the time if I needed a change-up from my usual cardigan. Yes, this has been washed and worn a million times and is patched just above the left shoulder blade (I had a run-in with a wall frame a few years ago, long story). It is a nostalgic item of clothing that I will never ever part with. I do not, however, insist on wearing it out if it's totally lame to do so. That's where you come in!

What I really want to know is this: When you see someone out in public in a jean jacket of this style, what is your reaction? Is it "Hey, 1996 called and said she wants her jacket back!" or can I still get away with it? I'm dying to know.

And while you're at it, please give me a shout-out if you're still holding on to your old jean jacket and can't bear to part with it. Thank you.

(And here's a more modern twist on the jean jacket if you suddenly MUST have one because you're sad that you put your old standby in the Goodwill bag. Just promise us you won't wear it out in public with a pair of jeans, ok?)