Chandelier Skies

Farewell!

2011-01-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

As you all may have noticed, it's been a long time since my last entry and I am sad to say this is the end of Chandelier Skies for now. It's time to focus on other things in life and eliminate a few distractions. Although I love this blog, I will take the next few months to prepare for a much bigger and better version with a focus solely on styling women of success both inside and out. I'm very excited about the future and hope you all will join me in saying bye bye to Chandelier Skies and will look forward to dressing for success!

2010-11-19T10:58:00.000-08:00

The oversized gold watch became a celeb must have last Spring and it's still ticking it's way through the new year in (as Rachel Zoe would say) "Ma-JOR" style. That's why this Christmas I'm asking for Kenneth Cole's Gold New York Watch priced at just $150. It's the perfect gift for ever fashionista to count down to the New Year.

Kenneth Cole New York Ladies Watch

(purchase through this link to receive free shipping!)

Check out these IT girls rocking the style

2010-11-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

What's the use of a flawless, jaw-dropping ensemble if you're going to ruin it with the wrong shoes and bag? That would be the absolute essence of waste! One of my all time favorite success principles states that you must establish good habits, because while at the beginning you make your habits, in the end, your habits make you! I think it goes without saying that establishing good habits in dress is best begun early or else you'll end up with a closet full of wasted money and unpolished garments. (Are you imagining this read/said in a French accent? Or am I the only one channeling a little Coco right now?) That being said, establishing decedent fashion should actually begin with the proper pair of shoes and the perfect purse or bag. And men, you're not of the hook here....your shoes and your briefcase speak volumes of your success).

Start checking into a few great investments like these....

the bag

A great way not to break the bank but still get your money's worth? Try this Hobo from Simply Vera, Vera Wang collection at Kohls!

Shoes are a whole other topic...we'll tackle those tomorrow!

Style Icons by Joanna P. Brock

2010-10-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite and most important things in life is having a mentor, someone to guide me, lead me and set examples that I can follow. Since having a good fashion sense is also so important to me, and should be to some extend, for all of us (remember, what we wear speaks volumes about who we are and who we portray ourselves to be), I wanted to explore a few iconic women. Look to them to do the work for you and then follow their lead. To expand upon this topic I have invited my best friend in life, a woman who is and always has been sure of who she is and has the undeniable ability to turn heads with her class. I bring you, Mrs. Joanna P. Brock.

My bff has asked me to toss in an opinion regarding her recent blog trend on style and I could not be more honored to contribute. Chelsea has specifically asked for my opinion on Style Icons. Well, too bad for you that there is very little "new" in this category - too good for you that that fact is why the people I am about to mention are Icons.

Up to this point, Chelsea has done a lovely job arguing the point of buying less, but better and buying classics, not trends. All of these points I could not agree with more. The ladies that I want to mention knew this and were able to be confident, beautiful, always appropriate, and always stunning while wearing clothes that were timeless.

A few weeks ago the tv show Project Runway asked the designers to be inspired by Jackie O. Even a show based on new, boundary pushing, innovative fashion recognizes that Jackie did it right in a feminine, classy wardrobe! She knew that she could appear anywhere in a smart suit or a flattering CONSERVATIVE* (more on this word in a moment) dress and be appropriate and confident! She always looked put together and aware of herself!

I mentioned the word conservative because there is a disturbing trend of flesh in fashion. While standards do evolve, ladies, fitted is different than painted-on-tight, not every flattering neckline includes the majority of your bust, a short flirty hemline should never venture too close to your underwear (and yes, you should always wear underwear!!). Some of these fundamentals are getting thrown out the fashionable window and I believe this is very sad. Modesty oozes confidence. Yes, people judge the girl in the super tight, super low cut, super short dress as trashy, desperate and cheap. Cover up a bit and let your gorgeous personality shine! A shining personality is always a fashionable accessory.

Back to Jackie. She is known as much for her fashion as much as for being The First Lady. Jackie was constantly being followed by paparazzi, media and adoring fans - a great motivator for dressing up. You don't have the same following? Don't worry - someone is watching and you should care! You never know who they may be!

My second favorite icon is Ms. Hepburn herself! Audrey Hepburn is known for her style of simplicity and elegance. Who knew that black cropped pants and a white tee shirt could be so stunning? Audrey knew. Audrey loved the casual ease of cropped pants and a tee, but knew the importance of putting on a stunning dress for the right occasion. I think Audrey is a great example of knowing one's audience and atmosphere. When you are home having coffee with your best friend, don the yoga pants and flip flops if you like. If you are OUT having coffee with your best friend, ditch the gym wear and put on some real clothes! If you are invited to a dinner party of friends, don't wear your torn up jeans and stained favorite sweatshirt. These may be your friends but if someone is putting enough effort into throwing a party - at least get dressed! Audrey had a great sense of awareness for what was appropriate and flattering to her body.

My newest favorite icon is Kelly Ripa. Her clothing seems to be a great example of merging timeless classic styles with trendy fashions of today. She has a way of marrying classic lines with new fabrics or modern flair. It's exciting to see how she adapts the old to the new! I think she is a great example of how we can make the classic clothing of decades ago seem new today. I am excited to see how she continues to portray herself.

These are the ladies that I look to for inspiration. They embody class, energy, elegance and sophistication. I encourage you to think of these ladies (or your own favorite classy girls) as you are seeking to improve your style. There is a reason why ladies from so long ago are still considered to be so fashionable - they had pride in themselves as women, not as objects. They had confidence in who they are, not who they are wearing. Take a trip to Google images and look around and what these women did - I hope it inspires you to find the style that makes you the best you that you can be!

How To: Find Your Style!

2010-10-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

Part of dressing for success comes in empowering others to define their style. So I think that today would be the perfect day to address some excellent inquiries from my friend, Margie.

She writes:

I have NO idea how to dress for success. I mean, I understand your points but I never even know where to start. I loved my old navy jeans and high school team hoodies. How do I even know what my style is? My personality has just enough Peaceful Phlegmatic to want to wear what is comfortable. But my #1 personality is Sanguine, then Choleric. I love pink and wish I could wear bolder eye colors. I wear a lot of black and white, because (I think) it is classic looking. I don't like 99% of what models wear but I love the style of someone like Aubrey Hepburn. But I don't know that it would work for me.

How do I even know what stores to start with?

Well, pretty lady, you've come to the right place! My first piece of advice is to put aside the personality stigmatisms and figure out what looks good on you, not what your head tells you is you. Your mind can play some tricky games on you when it comes to appearance. When you conquer this, your confidence will soar. And let's face it, our personalities should be in constant development if we are truly on the path to success so who's to say you should cater to one personality trait or another. I say look good, feel good, and keep on growing! That being said, we must address your question about makeup! I'm not a make up artist but I do recommend staying subtle in that area unless you properly know how to apply it without looking like a hooker. If you want to experiment with a bolder color or darker definition around those lovely lashes, start by finding examples of make up trends in the latest issue of InStyle, Elle, Vogue, or your favorite (current) fashion issue, and experiment on yourself. Here's the trick though, don't let the fear of something new make your decision. Snap a pict with your phone and shoot it to a trusted and seriously stylish girlfriend who already pulls off the looks you like. Or, even better, invite them over in person to give their opinion. As a rule, I always ask 3 people with different, yet chic styles, for their advice any time I am trying a style little out of my comfort zone.

That brings me right to the main point: Finding your style. Then we can discuss where to shop and how to take it from shop to your own wardrobe adding, of course, your own personal flair. *PS, there is actually nothing wrong with your high school hoodies as long as you don't leave the house in them for anything short of a service project.

My first suggestion in discovering your style would be to identify your own Celebrity Fashion Muse. Why? Because these days, they are the ones who pay a professional stylist to dress them. They have access to all the latest trends and designers before the rest of us know they even exist. It's a great way to find out about the newest trends and pieces before they even hit the stores. You can basically look to them and say, does that look flatter her and if so would it flatter me? Here's the key though, to get the best idea of whether or not that look that flatters them, will flatter you, identify a celeb that looks like you in terms of hair color, skin tone, body type, etc. You probably won't find your twin in Hollywood but you can certainly find someone to identify with. Can't find the perfect one? Pick a few and watch closely. I think we have already decided you love the classic appearance of Audrey Hepburn so lets start there for inspiration. To keep Audrey updated follow leading ladies like Anne Hathaway, Keira Knightly or Natalie Portman. And Oh! How I love the Audrey look! So timeless! In addition, it really is a fashion any woman can adapt to their closet and pull off with the utmost sophistication. So, Margie, don't doubt that a form of this can be just for you!

Natalie Portman for Harpers Nov. 2006

Finding a celeb with your body type is truly a must when it comes to figuring out what type of clothes will flatter. I'm petite so I try to look to stars like Lea Michele, Lauren Conrad or Reese Witherspoon. I like to ask myself WWLCW? What about you?

Now, this next piece of advice might sound silly but it's actually really helpful. Pick out what you deem to be your favorite outfits, select 5-6 of them, with accessories, shoes and all, and photograph yourself in them. Seeing yourself in a photograph is completely different than seeing yourself in a mirror. You will have the opportunity to analyze that snapshot as much as you want and really decide does the ensemble live or die? When in doubt, ask a friend (with good taste, notice I keep reiterating this, GOOD TASTE!) If you aren't quite sure what good taste is, please ask me, my email is listed, or try uploading your snapshot to Go Try It On for honest advice on your look. Because, hey, sometimes your friends can be way too nice or may suffer from their own fashion faux pax.

The next big thing to tackle is the fact that yes, black and white is classic, but it's important to keep it chic, spice it up, and keep it from becoming ho-hum. One easy way is by jumping on board the nude train. Nudes and natural tones give a very romantic flair to our typical black and white. These are tones that range from champagne to sand with hints of peach or blush. Accessories are another great way to add the wow factor.

this Banana Republic salt & pepper tweed number is timeless and polished with a feminine belt accentuating the waiste and bold accessories keeping the look fresh and modern.

Now that we've established a bit of a jumping off point I'd like to suggest a few places to browse:
1. Nordstrom. They offer a myriad of different designers, looks and dominate in the shoes and accessories department. Plus, the ladies there are extremely put together, offer excellent style advice and will bend over backwards to give you a good experience.
2. Banana Republic. Although the dress forms in the shop windows may be draped in more layers and colors than you are ready to branch out to, they have classic covered. My advice, pick a dress form or two on display that you like (get a little daring even!) and just try it all on.
3. J.Crew. My go to store for life. I recommend doing the same thing as advised for BR. The fits will be different enough to give you a really good idea of what looks best on you.
4. White House Black Market. You said it yourself, you're a Black & White sort of girl. This shop has your name written all over it and the staff is lovely as well. Visit the Easton Town Center location and ask for Jessica, she's my girl :)
5. Target. Your wallet needs a break sometimes and Target will lend a hand in that area while still providing an up to date collection. I love Target for inexpensive accessories, just stay away from the chunky heels in the shoe department, they seem to be still weening themselves out of the 90's.

Last but not least I am dying to share this invaluable website with you all! What Not To Wear's Stacie London and Clinton Kelly on some of their favorite fashion tips, please visit What Not To Wear's website for the ultimate in style advice.

And there you have it! Margie, I've had a blast helping you find your look. I sincerely hope these suggestions will be of great use for you. When in doubt shoot us a look and we'll be happy to properly advise, demise or high five!

A Fun Fact:

2010-10-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

I've advocated for pearls as a girl's best friend many times before so I will spare you my undeniable passion for the tiny white wonders and leave you with this fun fact:

Real pearls have an iridescent sheen that reflects upward, enhancing the glow in a woman's complexion. It's the one jewelry item that's a cosmetic enhancement too.

Dress for Success: OH Polyester!

2010-10-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

Before we begin I want to set one thing straight. I am not against Polyester. I am against 100% Polyester clothing, and here is why: It's not natural (it comes from the same material used to make plastic drink bottles) and it reminds me of the Brady's or a bad prom dress. Halloween costumes are made of 100% polyester, not your wedding gown, not your business suit, not your favorite skirt, dress or pair of pants. Oh, and did I mention it's highly flammable? I'd advice against running through a burning building draped in it.

This is 100% polyester. It didn't look good on Carol Brady then and it won't look good on you now.

Fabric should be the first thing you should pick out when you're looking for quality in an garment. And truth be told, it's really okay to do poly-cotton blends (within reason). They're super soft and some of my absolute favorites as far a good vintage t-shirt goes because it just gets softer with time and isn't susceptible to shrinkage the way a 100% cotton tee is. That's my disclaimer for poly. But let's remember Nigel's comment from The Devil Wears Prada, "Oh, never mind. I'm sure you have plenty more poly-blend where that came from." In other words...it's not special and it's a bit tacky.

Stacey and Clinton, hosts of the American version of What Not to Wear, are adamant when it comes to polyester. They maintain that it’s a big “no no” and that you should rather stick to luscious natural fibers. I am in complete agreement. 13 year old girls who shop at Deb wear polyester.

Here's another movie reference, Saturday Night Fever, remember those leisure suits? Or Uncle Eddy's baby blue suit from National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. Did those look comfortable? Did those look good? No and no. And let me share one more little tid bit: You'll sweat like a mad in those things. 100% Polyester isn't exactly a breathable material and I'd highly advise against wearing it at all in the summer months unless you want to show off your sweat stains, because you will.

BAD.

So when you are selecting your wardrobe with love and care, taking time to be sure your choices are classy, please observe the fabrics and read your tags.

If you look better, you feel better!

Dress For Success: The Chapter on Investing

2010-10-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

The votes are in! When asked which wardrobe staple would you most like to invest in the #1 answer was a classic trench or coat, followed by shoes as your #2. My thoughts exactly. In honor of those picks here are a few tips (in my own opinion) on seeking out the perfect investment piece for you:

1. Make sure you LOVE the color, in my book, whites, greys, blacks and navy's or a sharp red will always be in style. And avoid patterns that you may not want to wear again next year.
2. Observe the stitching and lining of the garment (even a shoe), you can tell a lot about it's lifespan by carefully reading between the lines....I mean stitches. Is it strong, are there lose threads, is the material durable?
3. Only buy it if it is the perfect fit. Tayloring also counts as a perfect fit. I love taking an item I think is 100% my size in every way and asking my taylor, who knows me, my style and matches my love for a good garment, and asking her to make it even better. If it doesn't fit right, don't persuade yourself to get it. Chances are it will sit in your closet for decades.

As I write this I'm donning a loose knit silk slub sweater I spent $100 on at Banana Republic back in high school. I've been loving it for over 12 years now. At 14 coming up with $100 wasn't easy but mama taught me well.

My first investment piece. And Wilmington, he's such a photo snob.

Now, I admit, I learned early on to invest and purchase wisely, however one of my biggest struggles in the up through college was impulse buying. Where? places where you waste $25 on something that can only be worn once, twice if you're lucky. The result? Wishing I put that $25 towards a gorgeous white wool coat I've been loving from Elie Tahari. The lesson is, waste not, people. Investing in that Elie Tahari I could pass on to my daughter or granddaughter is much more cost effective than a trendy top I may never wear again. Still not convinced that to invest is best? Put down those knock-off LV purses (I can see you from here and my heart hurts knowing you're even thinking about it) and think about the legacy you leave with a real Louis Vuitton. I don't know about you but I'd rather have my great grand children looking through my closet someday saying "Wow, Grandma had some real class. Look at these gorgeous fabrics!" Instead of "we're gonna need more garbage bags to get rid of all this crap. What was she thinking?"

The bottom line is this, it's a fact: The better dressed and presented you are, the more public acceptance you will receive. And it can be done very affordably? It's easy. Pay twice as much and buy half as many. You're really spending the same amount but you're buying better pieces. Pieces that last. And when you do this, you not only budget better but you think twice as much about what you are purchasing. I swear, your closet will rock. It will take time and effort, but it will rock. And the great part is, you will find that you are actually ahead money-wise when you follow this shopping rule. Why?

It's simple....

1. Your clothing will last more than twice as long because they are more than twice as good, and as a rule they will show quality as long as they last.

2. What you buy will stay in style longer. Better clothing always does. The same goes for accessories.

3. You'll get better advice. Merchants selling $500 suits are usually more interested in helping you find the garment just for you than are merchants selling $200 suits.

Remember, your appearance talks to you and it talks to others. When you dress for success your appearance says "Here is a person who respects themself, he or she is important." The well dressed person's appearance says positive things, it conveys impressions of success, intelligence, prosperity, dependability, trustworthiness and admirability. The shabby looking individual's (and I don't mean shabby chic - that's another story) appearance says negative things, it says here is a person who isn't doing well." It conveys impressions of carelessness, inefficiency and unimportance. There are many men and women who have very little in the finance department who still dress so significantly well that they feel and command respect. Practice it.

You owe it to yourself to dress your best. That's a little piece of my mind on the topic. I would like to give a shout out to my good friend Miss Meagan Newell for introducing me to a new designer, Elizabeth and James. When I mentioned investing in your wardrobe, Meagan shot me a tweet about E&J with this note: "Investment Pieces! Go." She added, "They're so wearable and really easy pieces." Here are a few of my top picks from their Fall lookbook.

Happy Investing!

Dressing for Success

2010-10-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Instyle Fall 2010 Fashion Trends

Business Casual. What does that mean? Two years ago I switched industries from a casual retail management position where I literally wore jeans and sweat pants to work and dove into entrepreneurship where I had to quickly grasp the meaning of dressing "business casual". Apparently you look more sophisticated when you're not donning sweats and flip flops. I don't know, it was new to me. Now, I figured if I was at a loss for how to dress to impress in this category then I'm sure there are many others who feel the same way. And after two years of mastering this game (once I figured it out) I have to say that yes, there are MANY out there who might like a few pointers. So over the next few days we'll be chatting about how to make your work attire work for you, without looking stuffy, trashy or boring.

Today we'll start with the rules. Thank you to all who participated in helping me come up with these. There are a multitude of other Do's and Don'ts but these have been hand selected by the crew at Live the Dream (my other love) to kick things off.

The Top 12

1. Invest, Invest, Invest.

2. 100% Polyester is usually not an option either. It flatters no one.

3. When in doubt accessorize with pearls. Jackie O did and look where that got her.

4. The shoes and the bag DO make or break the outfit in nearly every case so choose wisely.

5. Spend more, buy less. (especially in shoes and coats and in neutrals or reds).

6. Trends don't always work in the business world…this will be a fun topic for later in this series…but classic is always classy. Leggings and jeggings will be covered. (Thank you, Erin for your input).

7. Find a fashion icon (a good one, I'd steer clear of Courtney Love) you admire and ask yourself, would they wear this? I love to ask myself, “Would Grace Kelly or Jackie O approve?”

8. Accessories in proportion. FYI: cell phones are not accessories. Not now, not ever so don’t even try. This includes blue tooth pieces.

9. Less is not more in the length category however way more isn't so stylish either. (I do know that floor length maxi dresses are trending but ankle biting fabrics are not.)

10. Certain patterns and colors are only ok when in certain patterns and colors. Example: the fabric you used for your country rose colored hand made pillow case should never be seen in another form such as a dress or really any piece of clothing. And to be honest we should probably talk about tossing the pillow cases.

11. Sequins, studs, and embellishment of any kind can be done in ultra fashionable and up to date ways (think J.Crew, or Bebe and the new must have, a sequined cardigan or blazer) but the perfect planning is necessary. The day of the flasher is over and never was appropo for the business world anyway.

12. Gentlemen, when in doubt look to the studs of the series Mad Men for your iconic garment inspiration…it won’t be hard to attain these pieces nor will they be extremely pricey since they are all outfitted by the geniuses at Banana Republic. LOVE.

Tune in tomorrow to tackle the topic of Investing in your wardrobe. In the mean time, visit the poll and tell us: Which piece of clothing would you most like to invest in?

-The team at Chandelier Skies.... (this now includes my husband who has much to add on these topics!)

Noteworthy

2010-08-19T13:11:00.001-07:00

J.Crew Italian cashmere reversible cocoon popover. Simple never looked so dramatic.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone.

Denim & White

2010-07-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

Friends,

I just received a notice of dilemna from my dear friend, Joanna. It seems that her family has decided to do the infamous Family Photo al a denim and white theme. In my experience this has never been a success, therefore, I need your help in directing our little Joanna towards the perfect white top and denim bottom....

Dear Joanna,

I wish I could go directly to Rachel Zoe for this one because when I tried to research stylish white tops with denim things came up all 1990's trailer-park-ish with an odd teenage slightly slutty twist. I don't recommend Google for these searches. What I did find, when my mind so cleverly told me to try investigate these separately, was this:

jcrew

I have come to believe that adding lace, ruffle, a hint of color, or detail to a white top in such photos can make you really pop, whereas a flat white can wash you out and tend to leave you not exactly loving the photo. We want this to be a keeper.

Anthropologie

Now this is how you do Denim and White!

Rachel Bilson glitters in a navy D&G sequin blazer, white top and jeans, toted around Jimmy Choo’s yellow “Zulu” clutch.

Vanessa Hudgens in J Brand Jeans

Here's the bottom line, YOU, my dear, can look great, classic, timeless, like a true Ralph Lauren poster girl fresh off the wild flower fields, but when you add "family photo" to the equation things just tend to get crazy, unpredictable and well, not everyone is going to be happy. It's just the facts. You, my dear, are fortunate to be on the most positive end of this spectrum because your family is in fact stylish, more or less tan, and I doubt would be the type to do something regretable. That being said, just make you look cute and crop the photo if things get carried away, like say, Aunt So and So still thinks denim jumpers are in style or some one brings out the acid wash with the elastic ankles.

As for the denim, stick with dark and skinny (you have those sassy Calvin Klein's I adore) and definitely stay clear of shorts or skirts because you never know where in these photos you might end up...I always end up sitting on the dirt ground and skirts are a poor choice in those circumstances. But I don't have to tell you these things.

When in doubt, you can always accessorize with a scarf (like Jessica Biel's above), chunky necklace or some fabulous bangles to spice up the pictures. I might recommend a adding a spice of color by way of footwear too.

Hopefully one of these tops helped my dear and perhaps a little inspiration from the stars?

Love, Love!

-Chels

Fini!

2010-07-20T09:49:00.001-07:00

Many of you asked to see the finished product, here it is!

Simplicity Pattern #2413 style A without band, for people taller than me, which is almost everyone, you may wish to add the band.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone... Thank you Jesus, for this app!

Stitching With Vicodin

2010-07-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I was paraded off to the oral surgeon for treatment of anesthetics and some wisdom tooth extraction. An ideal Thursday morning, wouldn't you say? Needless to say, I do not recall my morning nor do I remember presenting our highway passersby's with maniacal stares, gauze protruding from my jowels, all the way home, although this sounds like something I would do without the influence of pain killers too. Rumor has it I preyed primarily on a poor student driver who was less than impressed.

I well aware that rest is crucial but three rounds of Devil Wears Prada later and I was getting stir crazy. So I cooked the softest, butteriest mashed potatoes (just like mama's: add a hunk of sour cream, cream cheese and pepper and these babies will charm your taste buds and clog your arteries, but did I mention they will charm your taste buds??) Following the potato escapades, I constructed the majority of a wicked cute high waisted pencil skirt, complete with perfect pleating and radiating in a brilliant eggplant hue. The shoes that could be worn with this piece are hotly vast and more often than not shiny, reptilian or studded. Here are some snapshots of the project:

Images adapted from Hipstamatic iPhone app.

The skirt will be finished today after some more Vicodin and the 7th round of Devil Wears Prada. I'll be sure to post finished picts and would love advice from my stylish friends on the choice top, accessories and of course matching hues.

Additional and noteworthy: my handsome hubby waited on me hand and foot all day yesterday with the best attitude possible. Not only that but the boy even curled up on the floor by me so he could be close if I needed anything. His idea, not mine :) I pray every woman is blessed with such an amazing man (and a fabulous wardrobe).

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Living Free

2010-07-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

I love this new V-neck from the Fortrias Women's line. It's so soft! And the coral hued pointillism is so reminiscent of a Seurat painting it makes me want to cinch it up in a high waisted belt, tailor with a jacket a pair of leggings underneath and some seriously high and sassy heels. Then where to in this artsy number? A gallery of course! And knowing me, a coffee shop for some soy latte's on the way. Dress it down with denim shorts and flops and up again with some dark skinnies and lots and lots of bangles.

Find your perfect Live Free Vneck at Live the Dream & Fortrias Lifestyle Brands, based out of New Albany, Ohio.

I rock mine like it's my job...oh wait, it is!

Even the Bird Pillow loves this top!

- diligo victum totus -

Chanel, A Love Affair.

2010-07-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

Lily Allen shot by Karl Lagerfield. 2010.

I'm feeling a little Breakfast at Tiffany's here.

My love affair with Chanel is growing steadily by the moment. There is nothing Kaiser Karl can't dream up that wouldn't look like pure elegance meets just the tiniest bit of trouble, and what girl wouldn't want that? Until my budget permits I will be simply sticking to my Coco Chanel Mademoiselle eau de perfume which Kate and Keira show us here, is obviously best when worn topless with pearls....or something like that.

Here, a peek at some other Chanel picks a few oldies but goodies....dream girls, just dream.

Love.

From the Lovely Land of Jenna....

2010-06-24T09:34:00.000-07:00

Can we talk for just a moment about how completely GORGE this is?? (Gorge is slang for "gorgeous", absolutely flippin' gorgeous; for all of you who are not familiar with my abbreviations yet. I know I'm not the first to coin it either so hopefully you've heard). These are shots from the home of J.Crew's own style director, Jenna Lyons. Jenna, dear, Jenna, darling, I love your home and will be borrowing ideas from it.

*Thank you to Architectural Digest for the images, especially the last one...I'm still drooling.

2010-06-23T13:16:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited to have Stumbled Upon these Paper Fashions. This is much like what I used to do in college and now I suddenly have a violent urge to tear apart a phone book, destroy a thousand magazines or completely demolish any type of recyclable good in the name of sculptural fashion. This is stunning.

Take Me Away

2010-06-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” -Coco Chanel

2010-06-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

Love this fashion set by Baldovino Barani

Forgiveness, Is More Than Saying Sorry...

2010-06-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Chandelier Skies,

I'm sorry I have neglected you for 28 days. There is no excuse for my actions, but I will tell you this. I didn't write on you for most of May because I got "busy", I know, can you believe it? I found other things more important than blogging about shoes and patterned umbrellas! This was all made worse when my MacBook, which as of this moment I'm affectionately naming Maureen, (think Rent...stubborn and susceptible to a roller coaster of moods and emotions, likes & dislikes) decided to play games with me. She seems to really enjoy extensive, spinning pinwheels, where as I could never see the point of them outside of a 2 year old's hands circa 1950.

So, Chandie....It's nice to be back. Maureen and I have worked out our ways and after several visits to the doctors at Apple she seems to be doing much better, although I think she has a secret crush on Jose. I promise to spend more time with you, telling you the deepest, darkest secrets from my heart...I mean, closet.

Here is my peace offering to brighten up your pages: Abba, wear did you find those kitten tunics? MEOW!

-CK

I'll Be Up In The Gym Just Workin' On My Fitness...

2010-05-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the Savvy Gal's guide: 10 reasons to look great in the gym, Chandelier Skies has put together their top 5 workout ensembles. According to the guide and agreed upon by my girlfriends and I, dressing the part even at the gym, gives you that extra boost of confidence, and who doesn't want that during their last mile on the mill? Besides, if we weren't supposed to look cute when we work out, Adidas never would have pulled that super stylish Stella McCartney into the mix :)

1. Super Chick, Ashley Kumlien of MS Run The US, is running across the United States in the name of fighting Multiple Sclerosis. Work out in a super soft vintage tee designed by Live The Dream. Proceeds go to Ashley and her foundation.

$25 @ golivethedream.com

2. Carry your gear in confidence:

Let everyone know you're Livin' The Dream

$25 @ golivethedream.com

3. Be Fierce

$32.00 at Nike

4. Shake your Groove Thang!

Leave it to Stella McCartney to grace us with these zebra 3/4 dance tights. Yoga Class never looked so good!

$85.00 at ShopAdidas

5. The Kicks

I've sworn by these since they came on the market about 2 years ago.

$99.99 from Under Armour at Dicks Sporting Goods

Now Go Hit the Gym in STYLE!!

Til the Next Story or Trend....

-CK

Getting Waisted.

2010-04-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

Is it me or is the high waisted dress just about the cutest thing in fashion right now. Maybe it's just me, watching too much Glee...(Lea Michele dons like 8 an episode and I want them all), but the shape makes any girl look like a doll straight from your favorite story book. According to May's issue of Glamour Magazine high-waisted is where the party's at, "You create an ultra femme silhouette when you tuck a shirt into a high waisted skirt." Pair with a set of flats or Mary Jane's, some sassy sunnies and you'll be the talk of the town....or at least adored by the audience of Glee.

And yes, miss matched patterns are all a part of the game.

The Cami Dress

on sale now at Abercrombie & Fitch

Shop the Collection

Tell It To Me Straight

2010-04-29T12:01:00.001-07:00

This Spring try a super straight skirt. Whether you go for the trendy longer length or stop at the knee, stick with bright colors and patterns. After this long and dreary Winter, a skirt like the one above from Rochas, is certain to put a new spring in your step!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

DIY Flower Belt

2010-04-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to DYI for your weekend! And seeing as though we have an overcast one ahead of us in Columbus, Ohio, this will be the perfect project to brighten it up! It's Spring and inevitably, that means florals, even if Miranda does say "Florals....for spring....how ground breaking...." - The Devil Wears Prada.

One floral trend I'm loving this year is the skinny floral belts seen across the runways at Rochas & J.Crew.

Style it over your favorite jeans, a cardigan or if you are feeling really daring, a spring jacket. It'll set you back less than $10 but leave you feeling like a million.

Materials:

1. 2 inch wide grosgrain ribbon fit to your own measurements.

2. 2 or more silk flowers selected from your local craft store...I'm a fan of the selection at Michaels, or if you happen to live near a Flower Factory, even better.

3. Scissors

4. needle & thread - thread should match the color of the ribbon.

Assembly:

1. Measure ribbon to desired length, I recommend leaving enough to tie into a bow in the back, this usually looks best when the tails are left long.

2. Stitch the silk flowers onto the belt slightly off-center in the pattern you wish and VOLA!

This project takes about 10-15 minutes to put together. Enjoy it :)

Until the next Story or Trend....

-CK

Lavender Dreams

2010-04-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Did you know that pure Lavender is actually extremely rare? Yes, we see it in nearly half the fragrances out there, not to mention candles, soaps and God knows what else. But this is not pure lavender that we are getting, no, it's actually "lavendin" a much less expensive hybrid of the flower. In fact, true Lavender only grows in high, arid regions such as Lesches-en-Dois, France, near the Alps. And get this, it blooms for only one month! According to a recent article in Shape Magazine (this is where I confess my love for this mag!) it takes approximately 80 pounds of lavender to make just one ounce!

With this being said, take into consideration how valuable Lavender actually is. Not only does it have a rich history in fragrance, being harvested in the Alps since the 1500's, but it has greatly shaped our fashionable past and forecasts our warm weather future ever year. So let's take a look at where we can find some of it's most precious and priceless pieces, as well as some very fun, fashion forward and purse friendly hybrids.

La-La-Lavender....

Classic Calvin Klein Sleeveless Satin Sheath

Grommets lend an edgy twist to our favorite shirt dress by Nanette Lepore.

Even Gaga finds a way to take on the color. In her lipstick. In her gloves. In her jacket...or is that a jacket-tard? I'm giving up on these outfits she concocts. And that being said, expect to see a Gaga exclusive soon...I just can't stay away from the train wreck.

A bit more "Orchid" than Lavender but yum. Charlize stuns in this Christian Dior. I don't care if the gorgeous satin roses are groping her, the hue combined with her berry red lipstick is the essence of glamour. Love.

A hippie at heart, I l-u-v Free People. tissue tee embezzled frock available from Blue Fly.com

Michael Kors cut out sandal or....

Merona Mary-Suede Chop Out Ballet Flats from, you guessed it, TARGET! Only $19.99!

And while we're talking Target...

Even your Yoga Mat is feeling pretty

Balenciaga's City Bag in the perfect vintage Lilac

Rock it like Kim & Khloe Kadashian, Nicole Richie and Jennifer Lopez.

Until the next story or trend....

-CK

Pick Your Pocket

2010-03-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

Shop It!

Since the beginning of time (that's when jeans were born right?) Okay, maybe since the California Gold Rush and Levi Strauss around 1853 , jeans have been "one of the world's oldest fabrics, yet remain[ing] eternatly young," according to a writer for American Fabrics magazine. Keeping them "youthful", flirty, and fashionable, the pocket detail has become an art or, if you will, the maker's "calling card". An opportunity for designers the world over who wish to leave their identity in stitches. For the fashion goers, "name that jean" has become a game based on the pocket. And for those of us blessed to participate in the unruly lifestyle of retail, identifying the pocket can allow us to identify the make, color code and even the stock number of your favorite jeans.

Several years ago my stock manager and I would venture out on the town of Savannah, Ga. and play this pocket game. John was particularly good at identifying the pockets of any female in sight donning denim from either Abercrombie & Fitch or Hollister (our mothership) and then further diving into the style, color and stock sku's....sometimes even the size. John's pick up lines consisted mostly of things like "Hey, those 1111's sure look good on you!" and pretty much died upon being released from his mouth. The pocket game expanded for us and today we are jean-ius's of the artful stitching. Here (and in the polyvore above) are some of our favorites....What's yours?

Rock & Republic

James Jeans & True Religion

Lucky Brand & Marc By Marc Jacobs

Joe's Jeans

Til the next story or trend...

-CK

Let's Go CREWzing!

2010-03-28T17:48:00.000-07:00

Shop It

There is nothing, I repeat, NOTHING about J.Crew that's doesn't make me want to literally pee my pants from head over heels, purely obsessed love. Give me anything with their name on the tag and I'll treasure it like it's the last donut on earth.

This Spring it's worth the minor splurge required to gain a closet full of timeless pieces I swear you'll still be rocking when you're 65 looking 35.

Do you see these sequins! Ah-Mazing! $495

The Belstaff Roadmaster Jacket in Washed Waxed Cotton $695

paired with denim shorts, dark skinny's, a cotton mini or sequined mini and I'm pretty sure this jacket will make you a few friends. Just don't let them borrow it!

A few faves... crewz the shop here

Til the next story or trend....

-CK

Home Sweet Home

2010-03-18T06:15:00.000-07:00

I can't even explain to you the degree to which the stars can mezmoize you here. The night is so clear. And when you cast your eyes up to the heavens, past the tree tops towering so high, past the mountain peaks so dramatic against the blackness, you can't help but tremble at the awesomeness of God's creation. The stars, what a masterpiece. Tonight they truly stun. I can make out Orion with just a glimpse, the dippers are composed as clearly as I have ever seen in my life. Then I look ahead, the house I grew up in, surrounded by acres of wood and miles of stars. It's good to be home.

...and the stories have already started rolling in, apparently my grandad has it in for the neighbor's cat... More on this tomorrow.

Tutus!

2010-03-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming and I'm head over heels for tutu dresses right now. Maybe it's the whole whimsy of Alice & Wonderland still in my head or the fact that summer always makes me feel like a kid again, whatever the reason, these dresses are charming beyond words and there are so many ways to wear it.

Ala' Carrie Bradshaw in Sex & The City the movie. Carrie's tutu here was a $5 vintage tulle purchase the costume designer found in Sarah Jessica Parker's own wardrobe.

I survived an entire class of ballet when I was a child. Actually, maybe not even the entire day. I think at some point I waited by the door, slippers already off and LA lights back on thinking in my little head, "mom, when will you ever get here!? You said if I tried it and didn't like it I could play tee ball with my brothers, well, a deal's a deal!" (in secret I still danced around my room in my tutu and read Angelina Ballerina every night).

Now that I've matured (cough) I'm making up for those tom boy days in a major way. Dresses please! And the more layers and lace the better!

Alice & Olivia

Etsy

Haute Hippe

And if you are shopping for your little one, please visit Dear Lillie for the absolute cutest little girl's tutu's in the world. They are designed by 3 gorgeous sisters from the east coast with flawless taste and style. Make sure to check out their women's wear as well. The Adeliene Dress is already in my shopping cart!

DearLillie

Til next time!

-CK

March Madness...Hatter Style!

2010-03-01T15:54:00.000-08:00

"I die", according to Rachel Zoe, when I see a film with costumes done right, I mean absolutely out of this world, you have to be insane to even come up with this stuff but man, it looks amazing under lights! I literally drool over the fabrics, colors and textures, and lose myself completely in daydreams when productions like Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland (premiering in 3D in just 4 days!) come to life through couture creations the average individual wouldn't dare to go public in. It is however, my sincere belief that we all want to play dress up in layers of tulle, strands of satin and oceans of lace. At least for a photo shoot right?

So what would the average person, then, you know, like you and me (who swear by j.crew because they are always socially acceptable) and who do not have the excuse that Colleen Atwood dressed us for a film with Johnny Depp and we're on our way to our next Oscar? Let's try these:

I usually steer clear of Etsy (90% crap and 10% I not sure if it deserves a golf clap or a caddy smile - except for my friend Jamie's esty, which I promise to share with you sometime) and frequent Regretsy (where you can find anything and everything you would never want) but in the spirit of dress up, this is actually kinda fun...fun as in I like the looks of it on my dresser but not as a giant top hat on my hand.

Mad Hatter Ring

NEXT: You can't have a MaDnEsS!! and a tea party - without tea (cups)!

Thanks to a fabulous blog I've stumbled upon time and time again: Oh Joy! for posting the perfect paris market tea cups for the occasion:

Limoges teacups Oui! Oui!

And now, if I were the Hatter, or perhaps even if not....

Shop this selection here, Do It. Seriously, you can't leave that leather jacket without a home, that would simply be inhumane!

Happy March Madness! And happy shopping - I mean buying!

-Chels

Go Green!

2010-02-26T09:29:00.000-08:00

I for one have had it up to here (this is me pointing to the top of my 5ft frame... but imagine it's more dramatic than that) with the black and grey restrictions of winter. My closet is looking rather drab in the warm clothing category. A splash of lapis here, a burst of fuschia there, but oh, so, so much black and grey! Oi Vey! Time to ditch the grayscale and move into Spring. I know it's coming! In eager anticipation of it, let's talk GREEN!

There's Rachel Green:

There's Tom Green (no thank you):

And then there's a wardrobe full of green!

Keira Knightley in Atonement. Dress design by Jacqueline Durran.

It's the dead of winter and I swear if one more snow storm hits Ohio I'm gonna toss all caution to the wind, crank up the heat, put on a swimsuit, lay out a towel on my living room floor, whip up a smoothie, flip on some Margaritaville and have myself a beach via apartment party. Now where's that kiddy pool Brittany and I used to keep around for times like this?

Angelina's gorgeous Lorraine Schwartz emerald earrings and matching cocktail ring

Something to put your green in: The Gramercy Patented Large Wristlet from Coach

Emerald Silk Ruffle Wrap from BCBG Max Azria

Dive in! Accommodating Maillot at Anthropologie

Go get some color in your closet!

The Jackie Ohh's!

2010-02-22T16:17:00.000-08:00

Question: Who of you wants to be able to pull off sunglasses like these and take a photo like this? I'm sure I'm not the only one.

So let's talk, where did these come from, why did it take me so long to figure out they aren't my mother's sunnies (although my mother does have phenomenal taste now that she's done with her "Fresh Produce Phase" -sorry, mom, I had too! And I know you'll call me out when I put on something as horrid too.) and where, oh where, do I get them!?

They're called the Jackie O. Sunnies!

They are a design that has poked its head back into the fashion world and is well known all over. The Onassis Glasses, or the Jackie-O design sunglasses were popularized by the former First Lady Kennedy. After becoming Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, she flaunted this oversized style of sunglasses all over the globe. The style was so closely associated with her, that it has shared her name since the late seventies. After fading from the public eye, the Onassis Glasses lay dormant for about thirty years. However, poised for a comeback, these sunglasses have begun making waves on red carpets and runways all over. The women credited for bringing back the infamous sunglasses are Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton. Since then, Jackie-O’s have been seen on the faces of famous women and trendy-but-average Janes everywhere. So what are you waiting for? Go get some!

Discover my favorites at Ray Ban .

Stay Warm, Look Great & Keep Your Dignity.

2010-02-17T21:34:00.000-08:00

Just because it's the dead of winter and we're all suffering from the "Snow-torious BIG" of 2010, doesn't give anyone the excuse to forget how to be fashionable. Hang onto your dignity and please dispose of the full face masks and those awful boots you've been kicking around in for God-only-knows-how-long because you think it doesn't matter what you look like so long as you are kept warm. WRONG. It does. For the love all Michael Kors and all things human, it does! Here is a small collection of some of my favorite winter wonderland apparel brands. We're actually not talking high-end fashion here but as a girl who grew up in snow for 8 months of the year, I know a thing or two about being toasty warm on the inside and wicked adorable on the out. Take these tips. Trust me, you'll instantly be transformed into a popular specimen, worthy of conversation and advice on "how to look so darn cute", and possibly even mistaken as a professional athlete. (And if you aren't into sports, now is not the time to tell people you're an Olympian because those people are competing right now and that would make you 1 of 2 things: a liar or a has been and no one likes either of those). On to the gear!

Erin Comstock for ROXY

Fashionista in the pipe: Gretchen Bleiler

When in doubt, grab your snow gear tips from this chick. Dress like her and everyone will think you're the bomb-digity.

A Glipse at the Gretchen Bleiler Collection for Oakley

...and she put out a collection with Oakley that's siiiick.

Burton

My favorite brand of all, just like maple syrup, ben & jerry's and myself, this legit line comes from the great state of Vermont and we know how to do winter.

Until next time, kids....stay warm and don't dress like this chick:

The Art of Letter Writing....

2010-02-06T10:54:00.000-08:00

Live The Dream Stationary

A Note To The Stylish & To Those Who Wish To Become More So:

The art of the hand written letter seems to be losing it's place today. This travesty came to my attention after asking my best friend and confidant if she had any topics she would like to contribute to in this blog. It is my wish that after today you will be excited to invest in some stationary (there are so many types just begging to be scribbled all over and sent off for a friend to love! Of course I have included a link to my personal design, available for purchase, above. I'm telling you, the paper quality is simply luxurious!) and realize the power of your personal words transfered from pen to paper.

For years now Joanna and I have mailed one another a particular kind of card, establishing quite a collection of them by now and in the process capturing so many stories! It is my pleasure to introduce you all to Joanna Brock, epistolary queen, and her thoughts on the lost art of the letter:

Chels,

You are so kind to indulge me on this blog post! Here are my thoughts on letter writing:

Style is far more complex than the clothes on your back, the shoes on your feet and the gems sparkling on your fingers. Style is not fashion. Style is a way of life. It affects everything about you and it comes from the depths of your being. Anyone can wear couture, anyone can follow the fashions of the day, but style is bigger than that. Style is class before it is fashion. Classy stylish women have an air about them. They know how to treat their family, friends, acquaintances, strangers and "enemies" in such a way that makes those people feel special (maybe it makes the "enemies" feel uncomfortable - like they need to watch their back, or something. but really it's just class).

This seems like a rather involved introduction to why I love writing (and receiving) letters, but it matters. I applaud anyone who can facebook everyone on their birthday and never miss. The dedication it takes to tweet a response to all your friend's comments everyday is impressive. But when was the last time you wrote a letter to a friend just because you wanted to? I don't mean a quick email or even a text (that's long-hand for "txt"), I mean a full out paper and pen, cursive (or not) note that gets an envelope, address, and a *gasp* 44cent stamp.

Chelsea, the freshink cards that we have written to each other over the last decade have meant a tremendous amount to our friendship. It always made my day to get a card from you while hundreds of miles away at school. It always made me happy to sit down and write a card to you - it is a peaceful moment in a very busy life. Not to mention how much fun it is to go to Hallmark and sift through the cards until you find just the right one (though now, I tend to lean toward LibbysLine cards). I fully believe that those cards helped cement our best friendship-ness.

I think classy ladies realize the importance of taking a few moments to write a note to a friend. When a loved one passes away, those cards are tangible bits of love and support that a person can hold on to and read over and over when needed. I have shoeboxes full of engagement and wedding cards. I have piles of cards from you, Chels (which, I fully intend to publish into one of those fun little books someday). Classy ladies can pick the right card or paper, they can decide which pen suits the situation (is this a ball-point card or an ultra-fine sharpie card?).

Long story short - a classy lady realizes that writing letters is STILL in style and should not be ignored!!

I'm not trying to write the blog for you - though it kind of sounds like it - but this is just a bit of what I think about it.

Love you! -Joanna P. Brock

Joanna helping with the floral placement on my wedding day.

Beautifully said, Joanna! Let us celebrate Snail Mail!

With Love,

Chelsea

Bringing the Runway Poolside

2010-01-31T20:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Females,

It's that time of year when we wish the snow would hurry up and just melt already so we could stop waking up early to jump start the car, hope the heat works, and jet off to work in hopes that the coffee actually has more coffee than water in it and all the other employees haven't sucked it all up before you get there. It's also the time of year we begin to worry about weight - because we've all stuck to our new years resolution for a whole 5 minutes - (if this is the case, you and i need to talk, my friend, Kayce, just took a genetic test that tells you how you need to be working out and what you need to be eating based on your genes, not the diets of society, she's dropped a size, pretty cool huh?) so we can fit in the swimsuits we google while we are suppose to be acting as busy little bees in our cubicles. I myself am on a new jim, I mean gym, routine and i'm not gonna lie, i'm pretty darn excited about a pretty new suit in the future...a new smaller, slimmer, cuter suit....and this year there is no other way to go than retro. Here are my top picks.

Burda Style

for the fashionable seamstress: whip up your own with this glam pattern

Michael Kors

Jantzen Vamp Retro

you simply cannot done the suit without the hat

Anthropologie

how do you pick?

The ancestors to these poolside beauties:

Don't forget your sunnies and your heels!

-CK

My Fair Lady

2010-01-24T13:24:00.000-08:00

Audrey Hepburn Vogue Cover November 1964

Ever since I saw Breakfast At Tiffanies when I was a teenager I fell in love with the elegance, sophistication and slightly "so-what" attitude that Audrey and her characters shared. May there be many more ladies like her, gushing with charm, stylish beyond words and beautifully brilliant.

[about her "comeback" in 1976] "Whatever happens, the most important thing is growing old gracefully. And you can`t do that on the cover of a fan magazine."

"There are certain shades of limelight that can wreck a girl`s complexion."

"People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone."

-Audrey Hepburn

2010-01-23T13:24:00.000-08:00

Nationwide Runner Ashley Kumlien of MS Run the US for Fortrias and Live The Dream .

January 22, 2010

2010-01-22T14:16:00.000-08:00

So, what's new? Well, I bought a chic little shimmery trench from Forever 21, ditched the belt it came with and added my own zebra print number and VOLA! Fabulosity.

The floral version of my trench...ooo-la-la!

On the flip side, I experienced a close call with an ulcer (what a nasty word) in my eyeball (thanks to my contacts and my incorrect thinking in that sleeping in them was a brilliant idea) and have been restricted to glasses for at least another week. Not so bad, the specks make me appear sophisticated and I look as if I am in constant thought, listening with a sensitive, caring ear whenever I sport them. This is actually because either they or my ears are uneven and therefore force me to tilt my head consistently to the left. But, like I said, I appear intellectual, not diseased, so we'll leave it at that.

On another shopping related note, Ruehl is going out of business. It's a bitter sweet symphony in our house hold. Blake, my talented designer of a husband, helped launch the shop, modeled after a Greenwich Village town home, back when it was less Abercrombie-ish (shocking that it flopped. Why would you pay twice as much for something that you can already get at the over priced A&F?). So, in celebration of the closing tomorrow, I grabbed not one, but three, yes three leather bags. Don't worry, two are gifts so don't judge. Anyway, I love this bag more than my unborn child...if I had one.... and I think it's a pity Ruehl isn't continuing their leather line. Well, pity for me, party for PETA.

And finally, last week my fantastic friend, and freelance photographer (check out her site and if you are in the Columbus, OH area book a shoot, she is professional and fabulous) anyway, Jessica, relocated from the socialist state of maple syrup and Ben & Jerry's -Vermont, of course- to hang out with some peeps of a different lifestyle. BK and I set her up on a luxurious aero-bed in the living room "nook", which was working out pretty sweet until it decided to end it's life at just 5 years old, and literally turn into a soggy mess, like a hammock or a water bed but not so 1970's. So maybe I shouldn't have purchased the leather and shimmer because now we need a new bed for the guest. Jess is a good sport though, she likes hammocks, Avatars sleep in hammocks, so maybe we can pretend this is Pandora for a while.

The bed and the nook before the leak...rest in peace, you will be missed. You served many a gracious guest.

Calling All Domestic Goddesses!

2010-01-14T10:12:00.000-08:00

If you are or perhaps just wish to be a domestic goddess, then the film Julie and Julia probably fired you up to throw on an A line skirt, apron and heels and get in the kitchen. It did for me, but then again, I already love to cook and I think every woman should wear heels all day long regardless, especially in the kitchen. But this is coming from a chick that graduated from a women's college where we had tea every Friday afternoon and wine and cheese nights.

Tonight I am on a mission for the perfect super. It's just me and the man, so it's not as if I'm throwing a dinner party, (mmm...I'll have to do that soon!) but I haven't had much time to make anything worth writing home about lately so I think tonight is the night. Maybe I'll even put a few candles out.

Well, the recipe didn't come from Julia but it was still delicious and worth sharing! (I am working my way up to Mrs. Child's Boeuf à la Bourguignonne. I'll get there.) I am eager to hear if anyone else tries this and would love for you to share your thoughts.

Crispy Parmigiano-Crusted Chicken on Summer Lemon Pasta

Here is the happy couple enjoying the meal! I heard it was bad manners to say "yum" when you're eating but oh my gosh, YUM!!

When you can't think of something to say....

2010-01-12T21:29:00.000-08:00

....talk about pop culture.

American Idol kicked off their 2010 season tonight in none other than Boston, Massachusetts. True to form, Boston and the surrounding New England region was able to unearth their most interesting specimens out from underneath God only knows where, for not just a public, but nationally televised talent search. Our founding fathers never would have wanted freedom of speech and independence so badly had they known what was ahead. Our "dog" Randy, told reporters his thoughts on the auditions: "Boston has absolutely breath-taking scenery", oh boy, that's promising. But let's diverge for just a moment - as a native New Englander, and proud of it - I do indeed have a very high opinion of the place regardless of the eccentric youth. Call it socially elite thinking, even arrogance, but you have to admit, NE has an edge over the rest of the country for many reasons, but just to name a few:

1. Ivy League Schools & the Seven Sisters
2. The Boston Marathon
3. More history and famous historical figures than the rest of the country combined
4. The foliage - really people, you know you all come to us to see the friggin' leaves change.
5. REAL maple syrup
6. Our clam chowder rules all.
7. It's not New Jersey
8. We eat Nobel Prizes for breakfast.
9. Home of ESPN - enough said
10. Louisa May Alcott, Emily Dickinson, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Norman Rockwell, Robert Frost, Carlton Fisk, Daniel Webster, JD Salinger, Steven King, half the women's 2010 snowboarding team and The Kennedy's, just to name a few (yawn).

Now that I have done my job to justify NE to the best of my attention-deficit ability, back to American Idol.

Where was Ellen?? I keep watching Amy Phillips impression of the talk show phenom in great anticipation and then we get Posh? Sorry Spice Girl, but I paid my tributes to you long ago (1997 Halloween costume...yeppers, me and the girls went as the ultimate girl power group) and you don't do the chair dance quite like Ellen, in fact, you don't do the chair dance at all. I will stand up for her though, make fun of the lace-doily head band she sported all you want but, "V", I think you rocked it. The woman could wear a trash bag and still look like a million bucks.

On the other hand we had to witness this guy:

It's like Janet Jackson meets the Lion King.

I have to say my favorite of the night? Berkelee School of Music's own Ashley Rodriguez, or Ashley Makailah as she goes by her stage name. Kara called everyone "pretty" or told them they had a "stage presence" but this chick has got it. I was sitting with my friend Kayce, flipping back and forth between The Biggest Loser and AI when we saw her audition and decided she's got a little Jessica Beale, a little Eva Mendez and a lot of Alicia Keys in the vocals. She's adorable.

Oh, and since I have free time I did my google research and discovered that Ellen will officially join the crew of judges on Feb. 2, after the auditions. Kara is already bothering me and it's day one, so I hope the next 3 weeks fly by.

Happy Belated Birthday, Nanna!

2010-01-06T10:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated Birthday, Nanna! You would have been flooded with friends and gifts on January 3rd, I know because I discovered one as I was unpacking a box of treasures from your condominium. So many of your friends called regardless of your passing this past August. I thought by now going through the boxes would be easy, I was so wrong. In fact, until I opened this particular box, I didn't realize the date. Then, there it was my hands, a book and a birthday card.....January 3rd, 2009 scribbled in perfect cursive in the upper right hand corner with a note from your friend Joan to follow:

"Dear Sunny,
To a dear friend on her birthday - have many more years ahead.
Love,
Joan.

Happy Belated Birthday, Nanna, maybe you would have been visiting a gallery in the city with your friends.

I look around my apartment and pieces of her are inevitably everywhere, even before she died, I had memories of Nanna all over, a photo here, a piece of art there, clothing she had given me for birthdays and Christmases - she had impeccable taste and even in her 80's never went out of style, she always managed to pick out classic pieces from J.Crew and Anthropologie. When friends would share their horror stories about what the grandparents had gotten them for Christmas, I would wait my turn to brag about Nanna's gifts.

Happy Belated Birthday, Nanna, maybe you would have caught a movie and a nice dinner with your brother.

Now I am taking loving care of her Christmas Cactus, which bloomed right on time this year, as if nothing happened. Her collection of Masterpiece Art books, leather bound and beautiful, are awaiting their proper place in the book shelf. Numerous pieces of art, sculpture, and even some cartoons personally signed "with love to, Sunny"- all of Nanna's art, and she had a gallery worth of it, is signed and gifted to her by the artists themselves or else found their way back with her from one of the dozens of countries she visited with her friends from Vassar College - these priceless treasures litter my living room. I vow to take the best care of them, appreciating them just as she did.

Her dresses from her younger days found their way into my possession, as did a muff and sheeps wool hat that she purchased on a trip to Russia. A lifetime's worth of leather, velvet, cotton and lace gloves now belongs to me as well. When did we stop wearing gloves to every event? This is a fashion statement that must come back.

Happy Belated Birthday, Nanna, maybe you and I would have been taking the train to NYC for an afternoon at the Guggenheim.

With the book from Joan still in my hand I began to think about all the things I loved or didn't love so much about Nanna. For one, she always corrected your grammar and sometimes I would purposely miss use words and phrases just to get her riled up. I recall another time when I was young and I thought I'd be a big help and alphabetize her wine cellar, this turned out to be a terrible idea. Don't do this!

Nanna was a fantastic golfer - the hundred or so plaques and trophies engraved with "RHC" (Round Hill Club) were plenty proof - she loved the arts in any fashion and I remember taking a number of trips into New York City with her in order to spend a full day at the MET or the MoMA. She was a debutante originally from Washing D.C., an athlete in her younger years, an alumnae of Vassar College (a rival to my alma mater, in fact, I remember a few of my field hockey games against Vassar when Nanna showed up wearing her Vassar sweater and although she stood on my side of the field, she cheered for them). She was a world traveler and a lifetime scholar. Even in her late 70's she received a Service Award from the city of Greenwich, Connecticut, where she resided. She was surrounded by dozens and dozens of friends at any given time, never alone, always loved and always respected.

The thing I will miss the most about Nanna is her clipping service. She did this for all of her children and grandchildren. As she read through the New York Times every day she would keep her eye out for articles that might interest any one of us, then, she would clip! They would arrive to us in an envelop marked "Brown Clipping Service" and would come with a little yellow post-it that always said this and nothing more: "XOXO Nanna".

If I could send a clipping to her now, I'd send photos and memories of her from the hundreds of family and friends that gathered at her memorial to share their wonderful, hilarious and cherished times with her.

Happy Belated Birthday Nanna, the world loved you.

New Years Eve Dilema

2009-12-31T11:00:00.000-08:00

December 31. 2009 .....

Happy New Years Eve! With the festivities kicking off in just a few short hours I am just now realizing that I never really found the proper party attire. I found the good but not the great. My planning was shameful. Regardless, I am excited about the little number I will be sporting. We'll call it "plan B" although there never was an "A". Plan B doesn't know this though and it is really charming so let's not hurt it's feelings. A lover of accessories, I feel sure that this will still be a knockout.

Now, if I could only find the right tights! (my parents bear sized yellow Labrador Retriever has made sure my current pair of black tights made their way back into my luggage with lucious lockes of his blonde hair evenly and completely dispursed about them). In addition, the weather has slowed our travels (all 9 hours of them) and we are left in a bit of a New Years rush! So here's my plan:
1. Call Target and state that I am the personal assistant for Demi Lavato (I have to pick someone from the Disney Channel because I'm small and no one would believe I need a size xsmall tights and small leopard print fur coat --I need that too-- for Taylor Swift or Britney Spears. I'm over Mylie (or so I say) and never was a fan of Ashley Tisdale, so Lavato it is...she just seems like someone I could share a wardrobe with...a VERY large wardrobe.)
2. Request said tights- black and sparkly, please and thank you.
3. Request said coat.
4. State that I will be by shortly with my driver to pick them up at the checkout for Miss Lavato. Since my husband drives an H2 I doubt it will be difficult for anyone to believe that the Disney Princess herself is in fact inside the tinted, all black, tank.
5. Pick up fantastic garments in record time and continue the snowy journey to our destination where I will brilliantly whip up a most impressive ensemble of lace, sparkles, shimmer and shine. Toss on some cheeky black pumps, tip my hat to 2009 and elegantly take my much awaited seat at the stage production of Dreamgirls, to which I have tickets this evening.

It's looking more and more like I may be thanking the dim evening lights for not highlighting my dog haired tights too noticably.

But then again, I could totally pass as a Disney Channel tweenie bopper or at least an assistant.

Its The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year....

2009-12-25T17:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas is never normal in the Brown Family. Never. We do have the entertaining part down though. For example, my English Grandad has always enjoyed a traditional Plum Pudding after dining. Plum Pudding is best served after pouring a bit of brandy on top and then igniting it with a match. Fire hazard. Pure fire hazard. This same man performed a "science experiment" with fire one summer, that resulted in an explosion in the kitchen sink and all of my brothers and cousins horrified, face down on the linoleum floor....my grandmother has never moved so fast, while I continued watching Nick in the Afternoon.

Lately, the grandparents have been treating us all to a fine dining experience after the gift opening and this year we continued the tradition with fine manners to boot. The Putney Inn may not wish us back. My mother and her sister, Sue, found it necessary to shove various foods up their noses, spoons dangling from their cheek bones (yes, cheek bones) and the tips of their noses. Not embarrassing at all. This was immediately followed by my mother "forcing" game time upon all 14 of us. "Button-button, who's got the button!?" She announces. "Mom, it's not 1950, what the heck are you talking about?" We move on to making napkin hats. Blake moves on to making napkin art of all kinds, swans, flowers, neck ties....he puts the rest of us to shame.

In the midst of the napkin creations, the betting ensues. My beautiful little, 14 year old cousin, Taylor, orders a monstrous prime rib accompanied by buttery mashed potatoes and greens. "I bet you $5 you can't eat that whole thing," I taunt. "Done." She retorts. And "done" she did. Now it's her turn to bet and she challenges me to walk around the entire Inn with a napkin tied to my head like a bonnet. I do. We pass the $5 bet onto my brothers, who must now also walk around the entire Inn (there are now about 100 other very nicely dressed, holiday going families, plus the staff) with napkins on their heads. Napkins that have been transformed into crowns and bishop hats, and then a napkin necktie is added to the ensemble. They're up not 30 seconds marching through the posts and beams of the old dining room when a boy about 4 years old jumps up from his table and laughing, takes their photo. Now everyone is watching and herds of people are starting to pour in.

From there we move on and the brothers bet another cousin to drink a water glass filled with crap from the table. We joke about betting my aunt to shove an entire chocolate cake in her mouth at once and get a bit riotous as we all chime in adding extra dollars here and there if she gags, which she promises she will if this feat is even attempted. Will another cousin dare go pull up a chair randomly at a random table, not say a word and just begin eating off his new friend's plates? Or will Blake serenade a random group with Mariah Carey's "All I want for Christmas Is You?"

Before another bet is taken my 88 year old Grandad is busy making another napkin hat and we decide to call it a day. At least my mother didn't put anything else up her nose and no fire extinguishers were needed. I can't wait til next year.

Merry Christmas to you and yours. May you find joy and entertainment with your friends and family this Christmas Day.

Don't Stop Believing...

2009-12-21T16:16:00.000-08:00

Pour some sugar on me, baby, it's 80's night.

All 80's parties should be held in a high school gym, and we certainly started off on the right foot. Pink, blue and green balloons covered the flooring. Streamers in the same hues really spiced up the walls. We dined on Pop Rocks, Coke, Chips and Pizza all evening and busted moves all night long. From Preppy to Punk we have the fashions covered. Sporting a Run DMC tee, I was caught in absolute amazement and pure excitement when Jam - Master - Jay himself made a cameo appearance.

Happy Sweet 16, Brooke. Although you never were fortunate enough to totally experience the 1980's, you are a part of the awesome teens of 2009/2010 that want to believe the 80's are back. I mean, who wouldn't want to bring back fanny packs and snap bracelets, or fanny pack bracelets? Stirrup pants and Swatch watches? Jelly's anyone? Parachute pants and Chucks's were a staple and thanks to everyone who is "trying to express themselves" through fashion, we can now wear all of these pieces we love so much to hate, once more. Party on with your Sixteen Candles.

Beuller? Beuller....Anyone?........Bueller? Ghostbusters, Flashdance, Breakfast Club, Back to the Future, E.T.....not only did all of these incredible flicks change our lives but let's just talk about these three little magical letters...M.T.V. It began in 1981 and commenced with an oh so fitting blastoff: Video Killed The Radio Star. Oh how I miss the days of actual music on the "Music Television" channel! What's this Super-Sweet-Sixteen-Pretty-Pretty-Buy-Me-This-Daddy-Buy-Me-That-Princess show? I want Madonna! I want Whitesnake! Play me some Wham already!

Let me subtitle: Pict 1.) Air Guitar like a pro Pict 2.) Total Toolbag. Has anyone seen the keys to my saab? Maybe I left them at the Greenwich Country Club? Bummer.

Nobody keeps Baby in the Corner! -Dirty Dancing

I'm totally wearing this headband again....and the t-shirt.

80's night: So done. TTYL all you Punky Brewster babies and remember "I'm never gonna give you up" .....

December 17, 2009

2009-12-17T16:15:00.000-08:00

My work day has come to a close and I have successfully answered more emails than I care to count. My eyeballs are feel like a dragon has been breathing on them for the past 4 hours or maybe as if I've been staring at the core of the sun for the same amount of time. Regardless, I took on the emails today and I conquered. These emails were customer service related, (since Blake and I own and operate our own business, I have taken on the task of email writer-backer-extraordinare!) and in the process I realized I have a very strong love/hate relationship with this particular email account.

The fact of the matter is that I love our customers and I want so much to spend time answering their questions and fulfilling their needs, just as a mother raises her children. But, just as a mother raises her children, sometimes I want to spank them and tell them to think before they speak. Harsh? Raise you're hand if you've ever worked in customer service. Let me here a "Hallelujah!" If you are reading this and you are one of my customers, I probably love you very much and certainly appreciate you but if I get one more email asking if something is in stock, when clearly it says on the website that it is not, I will be forced to put you in time out, so help me, God.

On another note, these kodak moments were captured last weekend and have officially made their public debut:

Blake and I obviously at at Ugly Christmas Sweater party. Do you really think he'd put on a sweatshirt adorned with Caroling Kittens for any other reason?

It's really too bad you can't see Kayce's horrendous gold leggings in this photo.

I. Have. No. More. Words.

Day 1

2009-12-16T20:41:00.000-08:00

A little more than a year ago, I picked up my life, (which was already packed up in boxes from a dozen moves because of my job) in rural Connecticut and followed my heart to Ohio. I had always heard that Virginia was for Lovers, but apparently Ohio is too, or at least in my case. The home land to Abercrombie & Fitch, The Limited, OSU and the Blue Jackets, also housed a gorgeous man with a big dream, and that man was mine.

117 days ago we were married back in my hometown of Brattleboro, Vermont, in a beautiful old Greek Theater (funny, we're both German, I with a touch of everything else, and completely infatuated with Greece, Greek history, Greek architecture, Greek food...). Anyway, it was ......Beautiful. Just beautiful. And the fun! We danced all night and my brothers and cousins shot off fireworks over the river! Even when my bridesmaids showed up in different colored dresses (who knew!?) it just added to the entertainment of the evening. I could go on, but all that to say, I just got married and that's a tad bit about me.

I also love to ski and skate and draw with charcoal because it's messy and I believe all my best pieces rise up out of chaos. You don't need to know these details now though, we'll become friends along the way now that I've jumped on the blogging wagon.

So why start a blog? Two reasons. 1. I have things to share that I know will bless others and it would be selfish to keep them to myself. 2. I have always wanted to write. Recently I heard a fantastic man named John Maxwell say that someone once asked him how he started writing. His answer, "I just did." The individual then said, "I have always wanted to write as well, and I will someday." To this Maxwell replied, "Have you started writting?" "No," responded the man. "Well then you probably never will," Maxwell answered. He didn't say it to be mean, he has a point and that did it for me. You just have to start. This blog could really suck but I'm doing it, and that says something. So, read along, or don't, but if you don't, I do suggest you dive into some of the books below because they are truly magical, astounding works of art and intelligence.

By the way, look up at the skies on clear night when you're out in the country side, dangling your feet over the dock at a lake, or discovering what it's like to be above the city on a roof top higher than all of those around you, and you will discover the most incredible chandelier skies.