Pattern Play

image via Atlantic-Pacific

I just spent an unhealthy amount of time obsessing over absolutely every outfit worn by the stylish blogstress behind Atlantic-Pacific, but this unlikely combo of leopard and polka-dot in particular have me thinking I need to spruce up my spring wardrobe by mixing up some playful patterns. Here's my seasonal interpretation of this exquisite look:

Butterfly Blouse, $60 & Floral Skirt, $60- both from Zara

Madewell Memento Cardigan, $54
Michael Kors Santorini Clutch, $178
Anthro Solo Strand Necklace, $38 
Modcloth Petal Power Ring, $12
Kate Spade Pop Art Bangle, $42

Does an outfit get any springier than this? Honestly, I don't think so.

Big Joy.

It is a gorgeous 80 degrees outside right now and the only thing making the fact that I am trapped here in my cube trying to ignore the onset of carpal tunnel even remotely tolerable is my new-found music obsession, Little Joy, and my trusty headphones.  They are truly the perfect complement to a sunny day. Here’s a taste, and get ready, because your day is about to get a little bit awesome.

Re-Pleat.

image via Honey Kennedy

Image via Elle.com

Image via Elle.com

You would think that 9 years of a hideous Catholic school uniform would have made me inherently adverse to pleated skirts, but I just can't help myself- I love them. Especially in their most recent incarnation- longer, flowy-er, and in some cases, chiffon-y-er. Granted, they're not for everyone(myself included if I'm in one of my "Doritos" phases) as the pleats don't always do the ponch any favors, but,  you may want to get our your Spanx ladies, because the pleats have arrived, and I've got some for everyone:

Forever 21 Basic Woven Skirt, $24.80

Tucker Pleated Knee Length Skirt, $440

Topshop Pleated Calf Length Skirt, $80

Zara accordion pleated skirt, $79

Asos Pleated Midi Knit Skirt, $71.72

Lulu's Pleated Skirt, $34.50

And I would be remiss if I didn't take the time to thank this woman for making them look sooooo good: 

See you soon, Betty!

My Fix.

Season 4 comes out on DVD tomorrow.

Unfortunately for me, I'll be waiting for On Demand like a peasant, but when the time comes- know this- I will be shamelessly unproductive for a solid week.

Also, thanks to Meags for pointing me in the direction of this gem. I think I spent most of the latter week in Draper Disapproval Pose #6. If you don't believe me, ask my kids.

Hard Wear

Umm, how much is your mind being blown right now by this awesome bracelet made from twine and some hex nuts? Flippin' hex nuts. Find the rest of the seemingly simple DIY here.

Since the boys are always more excited about a trip to the Depot than they would be if we were headed to the mall, I think I'll get them all psyched up to look at some power tools and head over there tomorrow- stat- to pick up my materials. Maybe I'll eat a really big hot dog while I'm there, but whatever.

Love Letter.

via  Hello Lucky!

Kind of random- but how gorgeous are these new LOVE stamps that will be available this May? In reality, the only people I send mail too these days are most definitely not deserving of any of my love, nor do they need it, because they already get plenty of my money on a regular basis.

I originally took notice because I thought they would be fun for all of Molly's upcoming wedding mail, but  I think I'll pretend that I am one of those thoughtful & organized people that sends personalized notes and swoop some of these lovelies up anyways.

Rain Drops Keep Falling on my Head

via MFAMB

Even though my body is literally aching to be baking poolside in some exotic locale right now, I can't say I am quite this bitter about the rain... yet. In fact, I'm actually feeling quite grateful for all-things rain-inspired...

Like this simple rain drop print from Etsy seller Priss Designs

My favorite earrings from Melinda Maria
 

These Poppins-chic, Watler rainboots by Hunter

And, I'd love to be somewhere under this rainbow. Color Wheel umbrella from Uncommon Goods

Here's to May flowers. 

The Butterfly Effect.

I have a little something I want to share with you all, and, well, I'm kind of embarrassed about it because it's a little Mariah Carey of me, but, I can't help it. You see, I'm really into butterflies these days. Perhaps it's a somewhat natural tendency to gravitate towards something so blatantly feminine, given that everyone else in my household is either dressed like a cowboy, building robots or browsing a Cabela's catalog at all hours of the day.

So, for all of you ladies who know what it's like to be outnumbered by people who remain standing while they pee, here's a little dose of some super-feminine, butterfly goodness, just for us:

Butterfly Locket from Etsy Seller Verabel, $40

I may not be able to afford something like this AMAZING Hunt Slonem painting.....

But now that I've been getting in touch with my crafty side, I could probably whip up something like this lovely piece from Oh Dee Doh

I actually have one of these butterfly trays from West Elm, but I'm thinking I may need another one of these decoupaged beauties.

This colorful butterfly frock from Modcloth is much more Betty Draper than Mariah. And I love it.

And we all know I am a total sucker, for Tucker.

with Love.

Today was, by my standards, a really rough day. It's so easy to get wrapped up in our own problems despite all of the devastating things that might be going on around us, but tonight, someone really special, who is dealing with plenty of her own challenges, took time out to help me with some things that really matter. Finding the site above made me realize that perhaps putting things in perspective and doing something for someone else in return, no matter how small the gesture, might make a bigger difference than I think.

Click on the link to donate people and feel good about your weekend.

And...silence :)

Making My Way in the World Today...

It really does take everything I've got these days.

I've learned that making a pillow, however, doesn't have to be that difficult. So, with that said, I'm betting you can guess what makes this such an awesome pillow:

I made it! AND it was super easy, AND super cheap, AND (get this)- I didn't have to sew anything!

Thanks to this no-sew pillow tutorial from Centsational Girl, I was able to scoop up a couple of pairs of discounted cloth table napkins ($2 each!) and some fusible web and iron those bad boys together in about 15 minutes.

Shazam.

 This one was actually for Tia and I haven't completed the others, but I laid out the napkins over a pillow to give you a sneak peek (and yes, I promise they will get finished even if the napkins went in the dreaded "drawer of things that have no other home and are eventually fogotten"):

I heart this batik print. 

smile sectional, you're about to get a face-lift.

I think I've officially reached DIY nerd status. Hand me the Modge-Podge and the skill-saw because I'm ready for the next one.

The Tribal Council

I probably don't have to tell you that the whole ethnic/tribal thing is really big right now. I've already mentioned the overwhelming presence of tribal patterns and textures in design with all of the ikats, suzanis and batik prints we're seeing, but rest-assured we can all blend seamlessly into our carpets and throw-pillows when that less-fortunate kid comes by selling magazines and peeks in the window, because the fashion world is going tribal crazy too.

I myself am going a little crazy waiting for warmer temps to arrive, so I'm really excited to freshen up my wardrobe with some colorful pieces like these, but (and this may sound familiar), I'm a little tight on my clothing budget these days. Thankfully, my friends over at F21 have me covered. Here are some of my favorite F21 dresses for spring, along with some other fun tribal-inspired jewelry finds from around the interwebs:

Forever21 Self-tie Tribal dress (top left), $20
Forever21 Psychadelic Woven dress (bottom right), $22
Kenneth Jay Lane Chandelier earrings $225
Charm and Chain Tribal Necklace , $145

And, for those of you with a little extra cash in your pocket who may be opposed to a wardrobe full of practically disposable clothing, don't worry- I have some lovelies for you too:

Low Luv x Erin Wasson layered gold necklace, $98

Shoshanna Ikat Print dress, $340
Mink Pink layering tank top, $58
House of Harlow 1960 tribal earring, $194
Diane von Furstenberg black silk dress, $325
Forever 21 Statement Piece Necklace, $9.80

Splurge.

I hosted a dinner party for a few of my co-workers this weekend, so, naturally, I went to Whole Foods and spent my life-savings on ranunculus and lilies: 

 

It think it was totally worth it - don't you?  Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to my new "dancing" gig to cover the costs. 

I'm Glad We're Friends Now.

Dear Talbots,

It's me again- just wanted to say "hi" (you know, since we're kind of friends now) and I'm totally digging your new ad campaign with Julianne Moore, and some of your clothes are looking decent and HOLY S, YOU'VE GOT SOME REALLY CUTE SHOES RIGHT NOW. Let's talk about them:

Au Natural Leather T-Strap Platforms, $159

Yep, going to need these. Please send. Moving on.

Patent Leather Lucite Heel City Sandal, $149

Stacked Lucite Heel? Yes, please. Next. 

Au Natural Leather Ankle Strap Sandals, $199

Super squishee soft-looking leather ankle straps? Bring it. 

And, Finally: 

Ankle Strap Leather Platforms, $169

My black heels are looking little beat. These will do.

So anyways, good catching up with you Talbies (can I call you Talbies?). Let me know if you need my address. Nice to see the whole leopard thing wasn't just a fluke. BTW- Santa (aka Grandma Cath and Dana) totally read my blog, because they bought me something for Xmas and I've been rocking that look-at-me leopard coat like it's my business. Just thought you should know. 

xoxo

j

Out with the old.

We've had this hideous- I mean, trusty, console in our living room for far too many years, and while I am grateful for its many years of faithful servitude to our family photos, it was time for this baby to go and make some other early twenty-something feel semi-adult.Unfortunately, my current re-decorating budget is in the zero-to-no dollar range, so any hopes of replacing this with my dream console were shattered. Cue Grandma Cathy and her over-furnished home.

Grandma C was doing some de-cluttering this past week, and I saw this antique table from her bedroom I'd been coveting looking lost and lonely in the hallway outside her dining room. Car seats were moved and we brought her home (the console- not Grandma C).  I know it's not terribly exciting news, but if you had any idea how much that Target console was plaguing me, you'd understand. So, without further adieu- I present to you, the new, old, and most importantly- free, console at Casa HMD:

In general, I love a well-executed vignette centered around some sort of a console or dresser. Mine is still a long way from perfect, but it's definitely going places. I've been hoarding images of little entry ways and consoles that make me happy for a while now. Perhaps it's time I shared the love:

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