Fashion Forward: My favorite picks for Seeing stripes (under $100)

Patterns weren't always for me.  I used to stick to solids and neutrals.  But life is too short to be dressed in basic black all the time (ahh the steroptypical New Yorker in me.)  I've since converted to wearing everything from a skull and butterfly printed DVF dress to oversized floral prints on a no name kimono sleeves silk dress (shout out to random designers found in the Loehmann's back room.)

Stripes have recently struck me ever since I saw this wall.  Stripes don't just signify a French or nautical theme, they also represent a fun and clean way to pair colors unexpectedly; also remember width of the stripe and contrast can also make a huge difference in the overall look.  I've picked some of my favorite striped apparel and accessories and they are each under $100 - savvy and chic (Shopbop and J. Crew also have some fabulous options too in this range for just a bit more!)

1. Striped tunic by Wall G, Topshop, £21.00 

2. Lead me Straight to you Striped Blazer, Ruche, $84.99

3. Plains Zebra Cardigan, Modcloth, $52.99

4. Lady with dog compact, Henri Bendel, $30 (classic, classic Bendel!)

5. Forever and ever striped top by Many Belles Down, Ruche, $34 (who said stripes are just black and white?)
6. Shipshape up dress, Modcloth, $69.99
7. Shirting stripe anklets, Kate Spade, $12 (the first time I've considered wearing socks and a skirt)

8. Going Green stripes shorts, Ruche, $32 (these shorts make me actually want to wear shorts)

9. Pink Studio Paradise t-strap wedges, Ruche, $69.99

What striped items have caught your eye lately?

Decor Thoughts: Post-it Wall Art

Oh the possibilities of paper!

Remember when I talked about paper walls here?  Well Ruche created a simple, mod, and fun post-it wall!
I can imagine this in vivid colors for a photobooth with the event's initials (or if it's a wedding, the couple's) on random squares.  I really love the pictures and patterns that can be made out of this simple little square. Perhaps treat an artistic friend to dinner to get an amazing background?  Sounds like a good deal to me!

This was their inspiration and what happens when a talented artist gets a hold of colored paper.

Ruche's simple look and details here

All pictures from Ruche

What do you think?  Fun or funky?

Hairband/headband love

I'll admit it, I'm no Blair Waldorf, but I'm just magnetically drawn to random hairbands.  Is it too girly or trendy?  Whatever, if I like it, I'll rock it because it's a great accessory.

Floral
Delicate dahlias on a satin string, how reminiscent of spring!

Only $9.99 here

A delicate tulle flower on a string of pearls - perfect for some high tea styling!

Only $10.15 here

Embellished
I love the range of embellished options, including pearls (sigh I regret not picking this up before).

$3.80 here

I love the fresh, nymph-like look with crystals, pearls, and leaves.

$37 here

Structured
I saw a few beautiful structured felt pieces from some sellers in Spitalsfields Market in London.  I was bummed that I couldn't find them when I returned but found some great options online.

This satin number is polished and slick in a good way.

$3.80 here - how does Forever 21 do it?!

This vintage, refashioned tie seems kinda perfect for a picnic or day out with the ladies.

$31 here

Statement
Sometimes there is one piece, like this subtle black feather and bead, that makes a statement on your hairband.

$5.80 here

Sequins + bows = girly and fun headband

$16.99 here

Formal
I had Jennifer Behr on my wedding registry.  Yes, she isn't cheap, but I love her simple and chic crystal embellishments.  Her crystal hair bands are pretty extraordinary.  There are occasional discounts and she had a lovely sample sale for Haiti relief a few months ago so keep an eye out!

Here is a less expensive but still lovely grosgrain and crystal option.

  $122 here

You had me at pink Swavoroski crystals...lustworthy indeed

Found here for £136.60

Etsy of course has some divine options.  I discovered Lottie-Da and my lovely blogger buddy, the Thirty Something Bride, is giving away a satin and crystal hair accessory from Lottie-Da's shop.

Isn't it lovely?  Head on over to my  lady's blog for your chance to enter!  It's the last day!

Are there any other hairband/headband designers you love?

Decor Thoughts: Floral wall/background

I'm still on the lookout for interesting design ideas since I'm planning my brother' wedding (TBD date).  I came across these two images and was smitten.  I totally want to use them somehow but how?

Ruche's floral wall with flowers made out of butcher paper

I like this because:

• you can make it ahead of time
• they can be used afterwards
• different sizes can be created
• different colors can be created

The garland or runner idea could be kinda interesting too.

Then there's the real floral wall here

From here

Gorgeous.  Simply gorgeous.

But I can only think of using these backgrounds for the ceremony or a photo booth.  Would there be other uses for these floral backgrounds?  I am just a sucker for anything pretty...oh and if I made all those paper flowers, they'd find their way into a wall in my home.

Photo Love: Just a peek into a picture and some peeks into my wish list

I love the innocent glimpse of a face.  It's just a peek of the eyes and profile.  What is she thinking?  What is happening as she speaks?

Photo from Jason Keefer

This was a bride on her wedding day.  I can only imagine what was going through her mind.  But I hope she had fun. :)

I've been thinking a bit about photos and how we'd like our lives remembered (in terms of being captured on film) and the productions we sometimes go through for those pictures.  I think I'll finally post about it this week.

In the mean time, here is a peek into...
...a lust item
Gorgeous Chanel earrings with rounded glass and pearl drops (a Victorian dream, sigh)

sigh, only $2500 here

... a realistic and beautiful item

$14.99 found here

...and my ponderings - would I rather live further away and have a larger space and nicer amenities or be in a smaller space in the city within a few blocks of restaurants?  It's kinda a tough decision but we have to decide soon!  What are your preferences for your living space?