Friday's Fancies: Royal Wedding

DAY: Philip Treacy hat, Notte by Marchesa dress, Alexander McQueen clutch, YSL pumps, Anita Ko studs, 

Cathy Waterman cuff  NIGHT: Cathy Waterman earrings, Notte by Marchesa gown, Valentino shawl, Jimmy Choo clutch, Charlotte Olympia pumps

After saying I wouldn't blog about "it," I am joining Friday's Fancies where Royal Wedding Guest Attire is the theme this week.  In a page from Chelsy Davy's book, I'll be sporting two different looks.  Shorter dress and hat by day, evening gown and wrap by night.  I've never been a day-to-night outfit kind of girl and this is certainly no exception.  

The Influential Sara Riff

"When did you get like this?" my Mom asks on occasion when noticing my desire for the finer things in life.  I've never really given her an answer, but I know when I got like this and I know who did it.  It happened when I lived in LA and the culprit is the lovely Sara Riff.  Co-worker turned fast friend, Sara transformed a totally clueless Texas girl into a full blown fashion fiend.  Never coming close to the perfection she embodies, I awkwardly followed her lead and have her to thank (or blame, depending how you look at it) for the way I am today.

Sara's incredible style and humorous dialogue are on display at The Coveteur this week and always coming at you @RantingsofRiff.  At times I still hear her voice in my head... "Mel, you should never leave the house without lip gloss.  Mel, you've always got to have a fresh manicure."  And when I hear the voice, I promptly do as it tells me.

Sara's beloved Lola, "who refuses to go anywhere unadorned."

Photos: The Coveteur

Cruise Control

The weather is finally warming up and everyone in NYC is dying to be outside, including me. After a failed attempt at owning a (semi) road bike, I got what I really wanted and cruised through last summer.  These images give me visions of sundresses and flip flops and long slow rides on my well worn wheels. Welcome, sunny days... so glad you're back.

 

 

i love this photo.  the trash bags make it so truly New York.

Photos: Mr. Newton, The Sartorialist, Tumblr

  

Gift Guide: Mother's Day

With Mother's Day around the corner, I'm already obsessing about what to give the special women in my life.  I always inadvertently select things that I'd like to receive but I think I've managed to pull ideas for a wide range of lovely and deserving ladies.

1. Le Papier Studio Antique Lace personalized stationery $24
2. Jo Malone Decorated Home Candle by David Hicks $65
3. Jennifer Fisher personalized necklace (prices vary based on selection)*
4. Hermes Avalon blanket $1,225
5. Abejas Collection flip flops $75-$165
6. Twos Company Zebra Change Tray $33
7. Jonathan Adler Batik Zebra (melamine) Plates $9-12
8. Clinton Street Baking Company Cookbook $18
9. Potted orchid from your local florist or grocery store

* Honey, take note... this could score you mayjah points.

Spring Flowers

We had to make the most of the sunshine's cameo this weekend.  The Hubs took pics of me as I was doing an assignment for our photography class.  It was great to strike out sans raincoat for a change and I was also thrilled to leave behind my tights.  I realize my stems could use some color and plan to work on that should the weather start cooperating for longer than a 6 hour stretch.

shirt: J. Crew, belt: vintage, skirt: ?, boots: Frye, sunglasses: Madewell, watch: Cartier, bracelets: J. Crew, vintage

Eye Candy

The work of one of fashion's best collaborations is now on exhibit at Toronto's The Bay.  Tommy Ton, incredible street style photographer and Anna Dello Russo, Vogue Nippon editor, together make some of the most stunning fashion photos. 

Photos: Jak & Jil, Style.com

the "it" list

Happy Friday... I hope you all have a fabulous weekend, whatever it brings to you.  Check out these fab blogs for plenty of spring inspiration.

• strong sense of style gives color blocking a try... it's so fun and easy!  And really? What feels more properly spring than pink and green together?
• a spot of whimsy has some fabulous eye-candy from the movie Water for Elephants.  Please tell me you have read this book... if not, do it stat, the movie opens this weekend and it looks to be amazing! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• thought and musing wears a simple and elegant maxi skirt for some wine tasting... a perfect outfit for what looked to be the perfect day!
• good clean fun shares her favorite childhood cupcake recipe... angel food cake with strawberry frosting.  These look SO good and definitely what childhood memories are made of! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
• the capital barbie finds some fun accessories with bold angles... this bracelet stood out as a favorite for me.  Pop on over and see her other finds! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• good tots rounds up maternity poolside looks for summer, including this adorable peach polka dotted maternity swimsuit!
• rose a la mode sports this fun yellow and white striped dress and seriously has me craving more stripes. Is that possible? (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
• a spoonful of dish reminds me that flowers never disappoint in the inspiration department. Just looking at them I can feel that summer is closer!
• a little dash of ash will brighten your day with some good old fashion gorgeous guys.  Good looks never get old (sigh). (find a little dash of ash on twitter!)
• lady m says what we are all thinking lately: we can't get enough of Zara.  Check out the inspiration and some of their (very interesting) backstory over at her blog!
• meet virginia design is sure to put some spring pep in your step with this fun mix of bold colors and florals.  This outfit just screams sunshine! (find meet virginia design on twitter!)
• mama loves papa's daughter is quite the fashion prodigy!  Just look at these adorable items she (or her mama, either/or) picked out for herself! (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
• rebecca with an r proves that blazers never, ever get old... at least in my book!  I just love the simple sophistication of this look! (find rebecca with an r on twitter!)
• good life for less is color crushing on purple + blue + white for spring. It's such a simple color combo - check out her looks! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the it list is produced each week by jill of good life for less... click here for information on how you can be involved!

Making an Entrance

While the rest of our apartment could use some finish, our entryway is perfection.  Perhaps even a little misleading because it should set the tone for the rest of the home, but it was a focus of mine early on and at some point I'll tackle the rest.  Whether displaying a bold piece of art, providing a little place to rest or showing off interesting finds or stacks of books, this is a (usually) small space that can actually pack some punch.  The foyer is the first impression you give your guests and I think it's super important, even if they're only passing through. 

 

this says to me, "come in, sit down, have a drink."  ...to which I'd gladly comply.

I love pedestal tables - they make a statement either layered with objects or left alone.

 and Matty, this one's all you...  how dope is that?

Photos: Ashley Goforth Design, Elle Decor, Metropolitan Home, Pinterest