Style Lush

My Current Favorite Necklaces

By Jessica

I know the trend right now is "statement necklaces" and I have seen beautiful examples worn beautifully on many of my friends, hanging in shop windows, styled in catalogs and on various fashion blogger-y types. Unfortunately whenever I try to wear one, I feel like a little girl that has been playing in her mother's jewelry and not in a good way. 

I thought maybe I was just not a necklace person (I love a loud cocktail ring, like whoa) but I have an undying love for a Fossil necklace I own so maybe I'm just a different kind of necklace person, a pendant type of necklace person. 

I guess I like my statement to be a whisper. 

Like these necklaces I purchased, with my Christmas cash, from Fossil (outlet), which I absolutely ADORE. Seriously. I couldn't be more in love with them or this 

wishbone necklace from Sosie. 

Of course, now that I've identified my style I have others I want to add to my collection.

Pin Drop necklace in silver via Sosie

Signature Pendant in yellow via Fossil

Freshwater Pearl and Ebony Friendship necklace via Blue Poppy

or any of these Jennie mentioned.

What necklaces are you loving right now?

Currently Coveting: Weather Vanes

By Leah

Partly because I spend all day at home, and partly because while I'm at home I watch a lot of Nate Berkus Show reruns, all I want to do anymore is cover every last centimeter of my home with stylish accessories, both inside and out. This week's obsession: weather vanes. I don't know what I love about them most: that there are so many (too many) options? that they're charmingly old-timey? that they're completely and utterly unnecessary? A few that have caught my eye:

 

The copper sailboat is a favorite.

Although this whaler ship is pretty magnificent. And only $1,600 for the 12-inch version! *gulp*

My son would love this golden flying horse, like in the classic kids book Big Red Barn, by Margaret Wise Brown.

I'm not much into decorating with barn fowl, but I have to admit this rooster would look mighty handsome on our traditional farmhouse-style Craftsman.

There are plenty of foxes to choose from, but this one seems more special than the others.

A Schwinn! Adorable.

NERD ALERT. NERD ALERT.

Balloons. Cute cute.

Someone with three boys pleeeeeeeease buy this right now.

If you're getting the impression that you can find pretty much anything on a weather vane, you're right. Alien spaceship? Check. Rabbit pulling carrots from the garden? Check. Mary Poppins coming in for a landing? Check. Google away and let me know which ones you're coveting.

An Everyday Shoe

by Christina

I hate shoes in winter. They are clunky and stupid and winter is stupid espicially if you are a shoe lover, which I am, I also live in the midwest. So I'm grumbly about winter boots.

Lets just skip ahead, shall we? It's April and the trees are blooming and it's time for cute shoes! I think these are just the pair.

I just love these. I can see them going with everything from skinny jeans to skirts. Cute for running errands or lunch with friends. They seem to be the perfect casual day shoe. The metalic means they will match every color and come on, they are shiny! Shiny feet are bound to make you happy. Happier than snow boots!

(Photo via boden)

 

Gap Body for Loungewear Lovers

by Megan

I come from a long line of loungewear ladies. In fact, my mother is so notorious for her matching sweat suits that they're known simply as "Kathys" in our house. Recently I stepped into the Gap Body side of the store, where I've never really paid any attention. I have been making a mistake.

In the winter I want to come home and put on my snuggly, comfortable clothes. I don't know what that says about my personal sense of style, but pants with buttons have no place in my life at home.

I've recently begun to embrace leggings - never for leaving the house! - and picked up this tunic for appropriate bum coverage.

I'm keeping my eye on this cocoon cardigan. As soon as it's on sale, it will be mine.

 

Do not be turned off by the prices. Everything was very much on sale while I was there, and I wouldn't ever pay full price for anything at Gap given their ubiquitous coupon codes.

Tell me friends, are you on the same quest to be as comfortable as possible at all times?

{Photos credits: gap.com}

 

Currently Coveting: Simple Black Boots

by Megan

Every once in a while I find a hole in my wardrobe. There's one piece that feels missing. When I'm getting dressed in the morning, I keep thinking about how that one item would be so useful for so many outfits. Recently that was a pair of gold flats and when I found a pair on sale at Old Navy for $9, it seemed serendipitous. I have worn those shoes to death and it was because I knew that I had many uses for them before buying them.

Currently the hole in my wardrobe is in the shape of a pair of simple, flat black boots. Unfortunately I won't be doing anything to remedy this problem until after the holidays because I just can't justify something for me right now. However, when Nordstrom sent me an email full of boots under $100, I couldn't resist sharing my top picks with you. Someone ought to have this wardrobe staple, even if it can't be me.

DV by Dolce Vita Marko Boot $66.96

Enzo Angiolini Zarynn Riding Boot $79.90

BP Runway Boot $87.06

Corso Como Doyle Boot $99.96

If you're in the market for a pair of boots now seems to be the time to snag some on sale, and still get quite a bit of use out of them this season.

{Photo credits: nordstrom.com}

 

 

If I Had Buckets of Money (Sundance Catalog Edition)

by Jenny

I often thumb longingly through the Sundance Catalog and pretend that I'm very wealthy (and also own a ski chalet in Colorado) and pick out the things that I would order. Today, I'm sharing the latest sources of my "lifestyle porn" with you. If I had buckets of money (or maybe just if I was better about not blowing my money on 1,000 little pieces of crap and instead invested my money more wisely in a few quality items) this is what I would order out of the most current Sundance Catalog:

Weathered Leather Peacoat, $548

That leather looks so buttery, soft and classic.

 

Fortitude Suede Bracelet, $198

And, get this: it says, "grow strong" on the back. Love it.

 

Rustic Engineer Boots, $260

These boots are perfection.

Deco Drop Earrings, $298

These earrings are pretty perfect too.

 

Red Nosed Reindeer & Friend, $88

I'm a sucker for anything with an unexpected bird on it (and yes, I have seen that episode of Portlandia).

 

Emerald Archipelago Necklace, $990

Stunning!

 

Is there anything frivolous like this that you'd buy if you had buckets of money? 

{Photo credits: www.sundancecatalog.com}

Currently Coveting: A Visit to Frontgate

By Tara

I absolutely adore visiting the Frontgate store any chance I get, even though everything in there is well beyond my price range. But when has that ever stopped me from creating a wishlist before, huh?

I think this carousel is absolutely gorgeous, and since it can be set to play either Christmas carols or year-round songs, it's almost a steal at $400. Or not. But still...so pretty!

My husband looks at me funny every time I try to bring up this idea, but I think having a life-sized nutcracker or two on my porch during the holiday season would be amazing. Unfortunately, at $400 for a five footer and $900 for a six footer, I'd kind of need him on board with this idea to make the purchase, so that's probably not going to happen any time sson.

I love the idea of drinking champagne in style, but I can't quite get behind $379 for a single champagne flute. When I win the lottery, though? I'm buying a whole set of these for Christmas entertaining.

I love new Christmas pillows. I just don't think I could justify filling my couch with $129 satin pillows with a toddler in the house and a newborn on the way.

And maybe a bit off of the topic of holiday decorations (but absolutely in line with Christina's post last week), I am in love with this particular cart. I was thrilled when I saw it in the store, because there was a tag on it for $129, and I have been looking for one of these FOREVER. Then I realized the $129 was for a wine bucket, and the cart itself was $800, and I cried myself to sleep that night.

And then...there's Holiday Mae. I'm actually a little scared of Mae, here, so $1400 or not, I don't think I'll be adding her to my dream list any time soon.

Everything else, though? Yes, please.

Currently Coveting: Bar Carts

by Christina

I've been working on some tweaks for my dining room lately and I have the perfect corner for a bar cart. Seriously, this corner is begging for it. Nestled in the corner with my curtains as a backdrop, I can picture it. It would be perfect. But, I have kids, two boys, 2.5 and 5 years old. Putting my wedding crystal and booze on a cart, with wheels, is probably one of my dumbest ideas this week. But I want one, and I can dream, there are no shards of Waterford floating in a pool of gin on the floor in my dreams! Also, in said dream, I can afford a $1400 bar cart! HA! My dreams, they are delusional. Whatever, my dreams have good taste.

(via wayfair) (that price, wayfair, IS NOT)

This one is nice too, but not really what my dreams are made of.

(via hsn.com)

This has no booze, mine would have all of the booze. But I still love the styling of the cart and the cart itself. The flowers and the lemons would be a must if I had one of my own. Perfection.

(via the fabulous design file)

So, there you have it. I am obsessed, what do you think?

 

 

Help Me Choose My Birthday Splurge

By Rebecca

My birthday was yesterday, and I was the lucky recipient of a few gift cards, one of them a biggish amount from Nordstrom. Usually, gift cards burn a hole in my pocket and I can never hold onto them for long. But this time, I want to be careful with my splurge! Should I buy something that I wouldn't normally buy for myself? Should I put it toward something that's a REAL splurge? I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!

I started looking around a little, and found a few things that I like. (I mean, it's Nordstrom, I pretty much can't throw a rock in there without hitting something I like.) ((Not that I would throw a rock at Nordstrom, but you know what I mean.))

For example, I could put it toward these gorgeous Frye boots:

 

Or buy these pretty Seasonal Whispers bracelets:

Or a really nice set of makeup brushes?

Or a splurge-worthy pair of sunglasses?

I am paralyzed with indecision! What would YOU buy for a splurge if you were getting something just for yourself?

(All photos are courtesy of nordstrom.com)

 

 

Is Leopard Print Truly A "Neutral"?

By Sara

I fall into the "animal prints 4-eva" camp but I know many people fear they can look trashy or too flashy. Animal prints, and especially leopard, have been in style for a number of years and when done right can act as a great neutral. Take a leopard flat for instance:

Ona Leopard Print Flat, Target, $14.99

The Sidewalk Skimmer in Leopard, Madewell, $135

French Sole India, ASOS, $124

Steve Madden Stroll in Leopard, $90

Leopard flats can add some punch to a basic tee and jeans (rolled at the ankles, stylishly slouchy this season), a crisp white button down and slim ankle skimming pants in any color (go bright!), an oversized sweater or tunic with leggings, and a colorful skirt and fitted sweater. I'm wearing mine with all of the above and excited to wear them for our family photos paired up with the items below:

 

Francesca's Collection Delicate Demeanor Necklace in Coral

Or

r 

Francesca's Collection Neptune Waterfall Necklace

J. Crew Tippi Sweater in Ivory (similar)

Lands' End Canvas Gatsby Colorblock Skirt

 

What do you think? Will you join me in leopard print love or leave the look to someone else?