Style Lush

Help Me Choose: Slouchy Canvas Sandal

by Maura

I am so excited for all things spring and summer. You can find me pawing through catalogs and magazines, dog-earring pages of wish-list items, and clicking through websites with my mouse hovering greedily ready to buy, buy, buy. I fell in love with this slouchy canvas sandal, which I think will pair nicely with skinny jeans for spring and Bermuda shorts for summer. The trouble is picking between these two pair.

Pair 1: Steve Madden Genevvaa $69.95
Pros: Love the leather straps going all the way around the ankle and the studs on the straps. So cute!
Cons: Not in love with the color, which will VERY CLOSELY match my white, pasty legs. I prefer the olive color of the Urban Outfitter pair, below. Also, these are $20 more.

[Image credit Steve Madden]

Pair 2: Urban Outfitters Deena & Ozzy Canvas Wrap Sandal $48
Pros: LOVE the olive color because it will look nice with dark jeans and won't be so matchy-matchy against my oh-so-white legs. Also? $20 cheaper than the Steve Madden pair! Score!
Cons: I wish there were leather straps around the ankles and leather studs to liven up the sandal a little. This looks a little like a cobbled together Nomad shoe as opposed to a fashion-y sandal. 

 

[Image credit Urban Outfitters]

What do you think, Style Lushies? I'm pretty strongly leaning towards #2 because, REALLY, nobody will notice the canvas and will just think I have CANKLES if I wear #1 -- so close will the color match my skin. And we cannot have that, can we? What do you think?

Reader Request: Dress My Windows

By Jessica

Jennifer wrote in with a dilemma about how to deal with the windows in two very important areas of her home, here is what she had to say:

"There are many things I would consider myself good at, but choosing window treatments is NOT one of them. After five years in our house, I'd like to finally get my act together and hang some pictures, hang some curtains, and generally make our house more of a HOME. I know MANY of your readers have more style in their little pinkies than I have overall, so I'm hopeful that your writers/readers might have some suggestions!"

So something you may not know about me, is that I *love* picking out things for other people's homes; obviously, I was all over this. In further conversations with Jennifer, I learned that light control wasn't much of a concern for the bedroom and there wasn't an unfortunate view out the kitchen windows that we needed to block or anything. I also took a good look at the pictures she included and inquired about what stores she has available in her area. (no Ikea unfortunately)

For each area, I wanted to give her at least couple of different options, starting with the bedroom:






Option 1: Dark bamboo or faux-wood blinds flush-mounted inside the window casing on all the windows. On the larger window add a decorative curtain in a neutral shade with some pattern to counteract all the straight lines and yet add another layer of texture. I'd go with an iron rod to repeat the look of the bed, but bronze or brushed nickel would work here too.

(From L-R Bamboo Roman Shade in Espresso at Target $45.99-69.99, Santiago Rod Pocket Panel at Overstock.com $45.99, Bali 2" Vinyl Blinds at Target $12.99-18.99)


Option 2: Patterned fabric Roman Shades on all the windows. These do double duty on their own by adding pattern and softness. They also have the added bonus of being flush-mountable.

Savannah Ogee Medallion Roman Shades at World Market $34.99-39.99

For the kitchen, I was drawn by the pops of red in the pictures:

Option 1: I love fabric ticking stripes. This would tie-in to the full red drapes on the sliding glass door (which are canvas and washable) but not make the kitchen one big mess of red. I also love that they have tulips right next to the window in the picture and there is a picture of a tulip on the wall next to the window in Jennifer's kitchen, that might have swayed me a bit too. Additionally, the tier comes as a three piece set so in theory she could buy one set and stretch it to both smaller windows.

(From L-R Ticking Stripe 3 piece set at Curtainworks $17.99, Casual Home Tab Top Window Panel Pair at Target $14.99-29.99)


Option 2: This is a slightly more toned down version of the red and adds some dimension with the green and natural stripes. For the cafe tier, I went with a wheat color but the added pinch-pleating keeps it from being boring and the light color will keep the kitchen from being too dark with the heavier drape.

(From L-R Woolrich Stripe Window Panel at Target $24.99, Ashdale Pinch-Pleated Cafe Tiers at JC Penny $12.49-$17.49)

Option 3: This option is totally mono-chromatic, even though the picture above doesn't look that way. This would blend more with the wall color but still stand-out with the details through the use of stripes and grommets. 

(From L-R Imperial Stripe Grommet Curtains, Sage/Taupe at World Market $34.99, Essex Grommet Window Tier at Macy's (avail in wheat) on sale $17.99-$19.99)

So, I hope this helps Jennifer! If you have any more questions just let me know. All of these items should be available in a store near you or online for purchase. I can't wait to see the end result!

{Photo Credits: Target, World Market, Macy's Curtainworks, JC Penny)

   

Reader Help: What should I do about the sad state of my hair?

By Sarah

I used to have beautiful, healthy hair. It would get a little out of hand if I went too long without a haircut (which was often, oops), but then it'd go right back to being awesome once the dead ends were cut off. On top of that, it almost never needed to be washed. I would only wash my hair two or three times a week and it never looked greasy or matted.

Over the past two years or so, though, my hair has turned into a monster. Admittedly, I still don't get it trimmed as often as I should (full disclosure: I haven't had a haircut since November.) However, I rarely use a blow-dryer or straightening iron and it hasn't been color-treated in over a year. And yet, it's completely and totally whack.

The problem, you see, is that my hair has split personalities. The ends are dry as dirt, but the top gets oily/greasy by the end of the day. I've tried everything from shampooing only the scalp and conditioning the ends, to only shampooing once every-other-day while still conditioning every day. Nothing seems to be working, which is why I need your help.

Do I suck it up and lop off a good 6 inches in order to get it back to its usual, shiny self? (Please say no.) Or, is there some sort of genius/awesome/hair-saving product you can recommend? Please say yes and tell me all about it in the comments! My mop-top and I thank you!

Reader help: Days late, dollars short, stickers ahoy

By Jonniker

Well! Nothing like a reader help question that you were SO SURE you answered, only to find that you DID NOT, and then feeling like a total stooge! Welcome to the land of Jonna being a total dumbass! WELCOME!

So! This one comes to us from reader Melissa, who is (or, uh, was) considering some wall quotes and, frankly, she is understandably unsure if they are, well, tacky. We here at Style Lush weren't sure either, and at first, we were pretty split. To illustrate what we're talking about here, take a look at this:

You know, it's like a vinyl decal that goes on the wall -- they're very popular right now in terms of wall art, but this is a different animal altogether, given that it's a quote, which can be a dicey proposition no matter what the medium, depending on your perspective.

So, readers. What say you?

Reader Help: What Color Should I Paint My Bathroom?

by Elizabeth

I've been gradually working my way through all of the badly painted rooms in my house, eradicating all the "builder beige" slapped casually on the walls, and this weekend I think I'm going to try to tackle the bathroom.  It REALLY needs to be painted, especially since the current paint job is a bizarre layering of flat and semi gloss paint.  But I can't decide what color to paint it!

I'm not afraid of color, but for some reason I really can't think of any color to paint this bathroom besides white.  Is a soft off white a mistake, or my best bet?  The bathroom is the only one in the house, and it's tiny.  The floor is a tan colored travertine tile, we have all white towels, and the woodwork and trim has already been painted white.  I guess that's my concern, mostly, because I like it when white woodwork stands out against a paint color and I'm worried that if I paint the walls white it will all just blend together and look lame.

I'm not afraid of color, but I'm not a fan of green, and I've heard blue is unflattering in a bathroom. I've already painted my bedroom, hallway, and living room gray.  And I don't want to put a dark color in the bathroom because it's so small, and I really can't do any more baby poo beige (especially since this is the color it is right now).  I actually wanted to paint the bathroom pink, since it's supposed to be really flattering, but my husband isn't a fan of that idea, shockingly. 

So what do you think?  Should I just paint it white, or is there a perfect color out there that I'm overlooking?

Here's a picture, if that helps:

(eventually that hideous vanity will be replaced with a pedestal sink, btw.)

Reader Request/Reader Poll: Slow Cookers

By Jessica

Natalie was looking for some guidance when it came to slow cookers, something digital so that it would automatically shut-off. 

The first name that comes to my mind (and I'm sure the minds of at least a few others out there) when you mention slow cookers is Crock-Pot, so of course, I went there first. Unfortunately, it seems that all of the Crock-Pot options don't have automatic shut-off, but instead switch directly to warm, which isn't bad but just not exactly right. I am going to recommend this ONE Crock-pot ONLY. There are others out there that have multiple cook times and look all fancy but I own one of those and it cooks EVERYTHING at the speed of light. I have burned more food in that thing then I care to mention, so just say no, seriously. 

Crockpot 6-1/2-Quart Programmable Touch Screen Slow Cooker

Cuisinart is another well-known name in the kitchen, but not one that I would normally associate with slow cookers and I'm sorry I didn't. This 4 Qt. option comes with a rack insert for use with ramekins and other bakeware!!! (sorry, I get excited when ramekins are involved) You can make custards in your slow cooker and Cuisinart wants to help make that happen and given it's on sale now for $64,95 with free super saver shipping? It seems Amazon would like to help make that happen as well. 

Cuisinart 4 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

 

In reading reviews and recommendations of slow cookers, Hamilton Beach is a name that came up over and over again. This 6 Qt. model looks like a good option and has additional features like a meat probe thermometer, clip-tight gasket lid, clip-on spoon and power interrupt protection. 

Hamilton Beach Set n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

 

The most expensive one of the bunch is the All-Clad Deluxe Slow Cooker with an Aluminum Insert. The main reason I am including this one instead of the lower-end in the All-Clad line will be revealed in the next paragraph, but additionally it's because the aluminum surface allows for browning of meats right on the stove before putting the insert into the cooking base. As Chef Anne Burrell would say, "Brown means flavor."

There are a few recommendations and you would think that my work here is done, right? Wrong! Unfortunately almost every slow cooker out there has more than a handful of bad reviews.* Consumers site things like the ceramic insert cracking, food being over-cooked and, in the case of Hamilton Beach, the cooker randomly shutting itself off leaving the owner's coming home to cold food. So readers, this is where you come in. Which Slow Cooker/ Crock-Pot do you recommend? Do you have any personal experience or horror stories with the ones I have suggested? Is there a better one out there that I haven't listed? Help me, help Natalie! 

*I haven't found many reviews period on the All-Clad with the aluminum insert, I think the cost might be prohibitive of many people purchasing that version.

{Photo credits: All but the All-Clad were from Amazon.com, The All-Clad is from Williams Sonoma} 

Reader Question: Find Me A Bag!

By Amy

Last week, Wendy, one of our readers, wrote in with this question:

I've been searching for weeks for the perfect work bag. I HATE schlepping a bag, purse, and lunch tote with me each day, so I want one that can hold everything. I tend to bring a lot to work (a couple of binders, a few books, some folders, etc...) so I'm struggling to find one that's large enough without being overnight-baggish, has some structure, and isn't too expensive.

I jumped all over this question, because as a teacher, finding a bag that can hold everything I need is a huge problem. I've had the same work bag for the past five years and I'm starting to look around in hopes of finding a new one that can carry all my junk without looking completely hideous. Truth be told, finding the dream bag can be really difficult, especially when---like Wendy and me---you want to carry everything and remain organized. Here are a few of my favorite finds:

 
This bag, from Target, is one of my favorites for a few reasons.  First, it advertises an organizer pocket and a removable laptop sleeve---this means I can either stash my computer OR remove it for more room for other stuff!  Yay!  I love the structure of this and the texture means it'd be easy to keep clean after dragging it around everywhere.

Another Target find, I love the structure and look of this bag.  I also love the fact that it's a bright neutral---I could pair this with either black or brown and it'd look great.  This bag also has an interior key ring---something I desperately need since I am forever misplacing my keys.  The two front pockets would be perfect for stashing my cell phone, gum, lip gloss, etc. for easy access.

This roomy bag from Etsy expands in all four directions, meaning more room for me to shove stuff in!  Plus, I can never, ever pass on a hot pink anything.  I think this would add such a fun pop of color to any work wardrobe.

I'm a sucker for vintage luggage, so when I saw this little number on Etsy, I couldn't resist!  The side pocket would be great for snacks and small items, and it looks roomy enough to house at least a few binders or stacks of paper.  Even more fun, this seller will customize your bag with a variety of designs, from birds to dandelions---I love the idea of a custom touch on a bright, vintage bag! 

This bag, is the bag I've used for the past few years, and I absolutely love it. It's roomy, yet structured and I feel pulled together. Inside, there are some smaller pockets, too, so I never have to rifle around for a pen.  The quality is outstanding---it's handled being thrown in the car, dragged to meetings and taken to happy hour. It's a winner.

So, to Wendy, and the rest of us trying to find that elusive "dream bag" I hope this is helpful!  Let us know if you choose one of these, or are inspired to try something else.

{photo credits:  target.com, etsy.com, amazon.com}

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}

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?)

Reader Question: Eyeliner Help!

by Natalie

From lovely reader Anne comes the following issue: 

I'm looking for a new eyeliner. I use Clinique right now, and it's served me (relatively) well for the past several years. I don't know what it is, but by the end of each day my left eye is always droopy underneath. It's like the liner spreads or something. I'm ready to make a change!

I'm so excited about Anne's question because I, uh... I have a problem with products. I love them. No, that's not a strong enough phrase... I looovvvee them. However, in this instance, my “issue” is your gain, Anne! I have tried way too many products over the years and I don't discriminate at all by price point. Some of my favorite products are from Walgreens and are under five dollars, and others are from Sephora and are (cough,cough) over $twentymumble dollars. (My husband doesn't read this site yet. YET.) Here's a quick roundup of some products that might work for Anne.

{image via sephora.com}

My favorite eyeliner is EmphasEyes from Tarte, which you can find at Sephora. Since Anne is currently using Clinique, which is a hypoallergenic line, she might like this because it's 100% free of parabens, petro-chemicals, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, etc. I mean, this stuff is going practically IN OUR EYES, so it would nice for it to be safe, right? I use the chocolate color, and it's very creamy, goes on easily without tugging, and stays on. I especially like how skinny the tip is, and it's a twist up so it doesn't need sharpening. All plus points!

{image via sephora.com}

Another eyeliner that gets rave reviews is Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil (also at Sephora). It's a soft pencil that's easily smudgeable on either upper or lower lash line, and the best part of this one is that it's waterproof. These do have a touch of shimmer but it isn't overwhelming, and the colors are fantastic.
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{image via nordstrom.com}

All Bobbi Brown products are winners in my book, because it's makeup that doesn't look like makeup. She just makes everyone look like a prettier version of themselves, which is what we all want, yes? Her Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is legendary; it's a little bit different because it comes in a pot, which means it has to be applied with a brush. However, everyone I know who uses this swears up and down that it isn't more of a hassle at all, and that the brush allows for great application. It's a creamy water resistant liner that, according to all reviews, completely stays put. You can find the gel and the brush at Nordstrom.

At the other end of the price spectrum, we have our drugstore favorites!

 
{photo via amazon.com}

Almay Amazing Lasting 16 Hour Eye Pencil (aside from having the longest name ever) gets high marks for its, well... lasting qualities. It's waterproof, smudge-proof and hypoallergenic and retails for under eight dollars. Bargain! It's also available at almost all local drugstores, or online at Drugstore.com.

{photo via drugstore.com}

Another bargain is CoverGirl Outlast Smoothwear All-Day Eyeliner (also a contender in the long name department, apparently.) For about six dollars, you get an eyeliner made for sensitive eyes that's fragrance free, smudge-resistant and has a built in sharpener. They also make a special point of noting that this is a good product for those who wear contacts, which is always a plus point. Lots of color choices and available almost anywhere, including Drugstore.com.

Readers, any great recommendations for Anne?