They're Back! They're Back!

I can never contain my love for these shoes.  I mentioned them last January (here), but I still continue to stalk them.  I was very disappointed when all online retailers no longer had them available in flat leather...  because patent just scuffs so easily! 

My friends and husband know of my obsession...  They even call me from other locales when they spot them...  thanks Liz!  I mean, who doesn't need the perfect pair of leather slingbacks that I can love and cherish?! 

$795, Christian Louboutin, neimanmarcus.com

Love. Love. Love.

Totally Obsessed - Wedding Dresses

Ok, I fully understand that I am married and do not plan on ever having another wedding.  A renewal of vows, however, will now HAVE to be in the stars.  There are many, many things that I would do differently about my wedding if I were to do it all over again, starting with the dress.

I should have bought the dress I really wanted, but that's neither here nor there, because my dress was great that day.  Enter BHLDN. 

If this Anthropologie creation had been around 4 years ago, I absolutely would not have hestitated to buy my dress from here.  From a collection stand-point, I have never seen one that is more inclusive, creative, well-rounded and averaged priced. 

From this collection, these are my two favorite dresses.  I can't pick between the two, and there are others I love as well.

 $3200, ethereal monarch gown, bhldn.com

 $3600, pleated fantasy gown, bhldn.com

When we got married, I wanted something different for my bridesmaid dresses.  They had sleeves and tied at the neck, which I loved.  They were tea length though, as I never found a long gown that I liked.  This Rivulet dress changes that.  How gorgeous?!  It's probably a little much, depending on the bride's dress.  But, if I had any occasion to wear a formal gown, I would grab this one in a heartbeat.  Also, it does come in white and ivory in a different fabrication, as a wedding gown.

$1600, rivulet dress, bhldn.com

If you're getting married, PLEASE check this site out.  They have stylists available to help, as well as so many fabulous accessories!  It's amazing.

liste de désir

Stripes.  I know many people find the idea intimidating, but they can be so chic and easy!  I am totally a sucker for striped walls in decorating magazines, the nautical look that rolls around each January, and bold stripes in the fall.

This top, although it has bold stripes, makes wearing them very easy because of the flowly chiffon.  I love the idea of it tucked in with a great pair of cuffed shorts (as shown) and some platform wedges. 

$210, Diane von Furstenberg, shopbop.com

While I prefer it tucked in, you could also wear it untucked for a less polished look!  Throw on a pair of ankle-length white pants and some sandals, and you've created an easy daytime look.

Finally! A decorated foyer

We have a long, somewhat narrow foyer leading into our condo.  Until recently, a console table and mirror were the sole inhabitants of this somewhat awkward space.

Many of the decorating publications and blogs that I frequent show walls artfully sprinkled with artwork and photography in frames of differing sizes and shapes, such as these:

 courtesy Elle Decor

courtesy Elle Decor

My love of photography, along with my husband and I's love of travel, inspired my interpretation of a random assortment of wall art to fill a space.  Each of these photos (with the exception of the matted one, a gift from our wonderful friends) were taken while traveling - from Nevis to Italy, California to Paris.

After each trip, we will pick a photo that I have taken, print it in black & white, and continue to add to the collection.  For us, it's a constant reminder of our passion for travel, and the wonderful experiences we have had while doing so.

Gift Wrap

There are many times when I am too rushed while wrapping gifts, which is so unfortunate.  There are so many fun things you can do with wrapping paper and a few trimmings!

For Christmas each year, I try to pick a color theme and stick to it.  This year (as well as the last few), I went with blue, silver, turquoise and lime, to match the colors that we decorate the house with for the holidays.

While watching the Today Show this year though, I saw a segment on creative wrapping.  The woman who was featured adorned packages with flowers made from cocktail napkins.  So, when my sister-in-law's birthday rolled around, it was the perfect excuse to try out the technique!

I used three different colors for this rosette, each cocktail napkin sized.  I completely unfolded the darkest lengthwise, had the second color about 3/4 of its total length, and then the lightest was left folded in half.  I folded them into a fan, and then tied them in the middle with some wire.  I then unfolded each layer, starting with the middle, until it looked like a flower.

It was fun for the first attempt!

liste de désir

As I have mentioned before, I have a major shoe problem.  I could create a shrine to my shoes, as I love each of them so much!  The change of seasons is always very difficult for me because all I want to do is have the most fabulous new shoes. 

Today is no exception.  I LOVE these wedges.  Piperlime's email yesterday had a focus on wedges, and I all I wanted were these lovlies (again with the nude, as mentioned here)! 

$169, Messeca, piperlime.com

What stinks is that I have a giftcard to both Zappo's and Nordstrom, and neither carry the shoes.  Don't worry though, my Nordstrom card will be spent on any of these beauties...

Somewhat affordable:

$310, Diane von Furstenberg, nordstrom.com

Probably not attainable:

$850, 3.1 Phillip Lim, nordstrom.com

Completely Aspirational:

$1,595, Lanvin, nordstrom.com

Have a fabulous weekend!



Stuffed Peppers

This week has been a long, tough week (I know, I know, it's only Thursday), as referenced by my lack of posts.  My husband and I have set a new record since the new year started for the amount of nights we have eaten at home.  In order to ensure that I don't further increase my stress level, I have been planning our meals on Sundays and purchasing everything for the week.

On a trip to Costco on Sunday, I saw a six pack of beautiful peppers.  I decided immediately that I would make stuffed peppers...  and these yellow, orange and red peppers were perfect (since I don't like warm green peppers)!

Stuffed peppers are so easy (and not to mention, gluten free).  I hollowed out the peppers, and chopped up the area around the stem to use in the filling. 

Here is my recipe - but the great thing about stuffed peppers is that you can make them whatever you want!

5 peppers, cored and tops around stem chopped

1 medium vidalia onion, chopped

1 package 99% fat free ground turkey, browned

1 can tomato sauce

3 tbsps garlic powder

1 tsp chili powder

1 cup reduced-fat mozarella

1/4 cup shredded parmesan or asiago

Preheat oven to 350.  In a mixing bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients (through chili powder).  Add 1/2 cup of the mozarella and the asiago to the mix.  Spoon the mixture into each of the peppers (it's ok if it creates a little mountain on top).  Top the peppers with the remaining mozarella. 

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and peppers are hot throughout.