Top 5 Tuesday: lonny nov/dec issue

Well this was again very difficult to narrow down my five favorite finds from this past issue of Lonny. And as promised, I'm a month late. So without further adieu narrative, here they are!

1. the luxe life

Celerie Kemble designs

 OMG that chandelier!!! I will probably get excommunicated for saying this, but I really dislike chandeliers. I think they are gaudy and downright offensive in most living spaces. However; this 1970s Italian glass leaf chandelier is simply glamazing in a feminine, eclectic way. Now take your eyes away from the light fixture, and you'll see the table is set with my new favorite tableware: Goldware! 

2. Jonathan Adler

needlepoint zodiac pillows

Lonny did a 10-page spread on Jonathan Adler for this issue. I've always loved his whimsy, happy and irreverent (his word, not mine!) style, and wanted to know more about who he is and how he tapped in to that fun-ness, oh and made *tons* of money off it. Well Lonny readers, most of those answers are in the mag! You'll get an inside look of his office, which I want to steal the cork wall idea for huge inspiration boards. 

3. hints of peacock

I have a similar vase with peacock feather in my living room right now. It brings some height and texture to an otherwise neutral space. The chair is called Peacock chair, produced by Shi & Erhard. How cute would this be in a master bedroom, or even better, screened-in porch??

4. diy

Some of the beautiful pieces in this Manhattan living room definitely belong in the luxe life section, but the part of this space I want to focus on are the blinds. They are from Sears, and the owner (Lonny's features editor) used Gorilla Glue and brown velvet to make them one-of-a-kind. What a great idea.... this is going to Pinterest for future use.

5. really great quotes/advice

"Carrie Fisher says that what you hang on your bedroom walls is what you want for your life. Yikes. So I've made a concerted effort to surround myself with images that move and uplift me." - Robert Leleux, Lonny's features editor

Advice from Jonathan Adler. I will take it!!

Top 5 Tuesday: Old Navy finds

Good morning readers, and happy Tuesday!

When was the last time you felt like you got some really trendy pieces at a bargain? Last night I went in to Old Navy for the first time in.... oh let's say 18 months-ish. I'm not exactly sure why the hiatus, but regardless I went there's a 25% off coupon right now (gets me every time). I was really impressed with the selection of chic garments at reasonable prices, and the quality was better than I remembered. Most importantly, I recognized a lot of the trends I've been drooling over from the fall runway shows, Pinterest, blogs and expensive department stores.

So in honor of my luck tonight (I spent under $100, saved over $40, and left with 6 items!) I'm highlighting five of my favorite finds I saw at the store or coveted online.

1. faux fur vest

ON: Thank you for letting me channel my inner Rachel Zoe at an affordable price!! This unfortunately was not in the store tonight, but I am ordering it online as I type this...

2. bold colors

You'll find lots of jewel tones at your local Old Navy right now. I bought this purple cable knit sweater to wear while cheering on the undefeated K-State Wildcats when the weather cools off. 

*shameless school spirit plug* Go State - Beat OU!!! 7-0 baby!

3. hello chambray

I'm so excited to finally own an affordable chambray button-down! Big, BIG smile on my face! This will be part of my fall uniform. Word.

4. they sell boots?

They sell boots. Cute ones.

   

5. color blocking

This sweater goes with everything. And it reminds me of Gonzo.... in a good way.

It goes without saying that I had a very enjoyable time at Old Navy last night! Did I miss any other great finds there? Don't forget - the 25% coupon is good through October 30th!!

Top 5 Tuesday: lonny sept/oct issue

Lonny .... need I say more? One of the best decor mags out there, and even though I wish I could afford it in print, they made it super easy to clip and save and reference their lovely finds. (thank you for that!!)

Between all the print magazines I subscribe to (Vanity Fair, Lucky, Elle Decor, K-State Alumni Association) I sometimes forget to indulge in the newest Lonny until the second month in *case in point*. So here are my five favorite looks from this past issue. It was so tough to only pick five, I might have to have a supplemental T5T next week!!

1. glam, eclectic

inside architect Carlo Mollino's Italian apartment

It's no secret I love blue and white (hello fabulous floor!), the gold door is super glammy but not overly extravagant, and the use of books (obsession #1) is unexpected.

2. neutral, tranquil

What's not to love about this calming neutral color palette? I keep seeing friends repin similar interiors on Pinterest and agree that the whites, grays, beiges and tans go beautifully together. I can't get enough of the giraffe pillows!

3. fun, whimsy

I have a mirrored wall in my apartment and love the spaciousness and how it opens a room. Small details like the seashell-backed chairs, rug pattern and vintage dandelion chandelier make this room so interesting. There's probably 50 other cool funky things to be discovered in this one picture.

4. shiny, bold

Lacquered wall in peacock tone (obsession #2) makes this oak secretary pop, where it easily could have been hidden with a more muted color behind it. Love everything about this.

5. adventurous, vibrant

Can you believe this wallpaper came from SkyMall? For serious! I love that bathroom visitors can reminisce where they've traveled, and what's next, while washing up. The mirror is perfection. I'm thinking Blue Eyes would love this in the bathroom. I fly next week, I'll definitely be checking out SkyMall!

Top 5 Tuesday: peacock hues

I'm going to rotate these polishes all fall long. Beautiful jewel tones that are office appropriate yet trendy and fun. Love. Them. All. What shades are you going to wear this season?

1. Jade

OPI Jade is the New Black via

2. Plum

Essie Smokin Hot via

3. Cobalt

Butter London Blagger via

4. Gold

Orly Nite Owl via

5. Turquoise

Butter London Thames via

Top 5 Tues.... er Wednesday: fall fashion. The affordable version.

Happy hump day readers! As promised last week, I've found some of this season's most sought after trends at a deliciously affordable price. There's enough leftover in your purse for a Pumpkin Spice latte to really get you in the mood!

Speaking of purses, I am drooling over this mustard yellow bag:

Tory Burch bombe burch tote

Unfortunately, said bag does not fit in with this post's theme, but a girl can dream.

Back to the affordable fall trends!

1. maxi skirts + big sweaters

Hive & Honey cabled cocoon poncho $69

Old Navy pleated maxi skirt $30

2. technicolor blocking

J. Crew Silk Lucina blouse $98

  

J. Crew No. 2 pencil skirt $120

3. lace

BR Monogram lace sheath dress $198

4. winter white

GUESS double-breasted trench $158

5. floral

H&M floral shorts $25

How about the cute floral corduroy shorts paired with this blazer to transcend in to fall?

forever 21 notched lapel jacket $30

What fashion steals/deals are making their way to your closet this season?

Top 5 Tuesday: fall fashion

It's about that time to celebrate the best fashion season of them all, FALL! I'm over the heat of the summer and for anyone in Kansas City, this recent cooler weather and rain has really got me drooling over these exciting fall trends.

1. maxi skirts + big sweaters

splenderosa.blogspot.com

This is Zanna Roberts Rassi, Senior Fashion Editor at Marie Claire. She is Sr. Fashion Editor for a reason.... how lovely.

2. techinicolor blocking

Gucci

Pairing bright pinks with orange and jade is so not me, but I'm going to do my best to find some great colorful statement piece steals, so I won't have severe buyer's remorse if I don't wear them again after this season. 

However this little pop of color is just perfect. Cole Haan = best classics with a hint of genius.

Cole Haan Stephanie Air Oxford Pump

3. lace

Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung

I love it - especially in black this season.

4. winter white

Burberry

I guess this is always a fall trend.... so even more reason to make sure it made the Top 5!

5. floral

Erdem

Paired with dark tights and perhaps those Cole Haan's above, this is a perfect work-to-evening outfit for fall.

What are your favorites? Have you already purchased your Fall 2011 must-haves? Coming soon.... these trends within a 20-something's price range!

Top 5 Tuesday: bloggers

For this week's Top 5 Tuesday, I wanted to give a shout out to some great blogs I read.... thank you for your funny stories, interesting views, delicious recipes, spot-on fashion sense and inspiration!

1. Pretty in Pink 

2. Grilled Cheese Social

3. belle maison

4. Decorating Obsessed

5. Corporette

Top Five Tuesday - Summer Edition

My top 5 favorite summer 2011 trends:

1. Nautical

calypso-celle.com

2.  Maxi skirts

Victoria's Secret

3. Retro inspired sunnies

TOMS, Nordstrom

4. Pops of Neon

luckymag.com

5. Printed shorts

J Crew

Top Five Tuesday: summertime

It's officially summer! Well maybe not technically, but who wants to wait until June 21st anyway??

What are your favorite things to do during this wonderful season?? Here are my Top 5:

1. Weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks (especially 4th of July!)

2. Walking around the Country Club Plaza.

3. Vacations.... Big announcement in 9 days!

4. Lazy Thursday weekday evenings sitting on porches sipping wine, with or without company.

5. Family reunions, hot dogs, linen shorts, wedding season, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, grilled corn on the cob, gingham, frozen margaritas, aviators, backyard games, Tom Petty, Jalapeno Kettle chips, reading outside and flip flops.

OK, I couldn't keep everything I love about summer to a list of 5, but I bet you can't either!

Wall space

If I had an office, these 5 pieces from Etsy (see caption for specific sellers) would be purchased and mounted without hesitation.

thebigharumph

CitrusTree

TypePosters

lisaweedn

dazeychic

Top Five Tuesday: cheese

Today's topic makes me smile.... CHEESE! My favorite place in KC to taste test and purchase delicious wedges of salty, creamy, nutty cheese is The Better Cheddar. It's a cheese palace, and even offers flavored soda in cute glass bottles - an unexpectedly delicious pairing with just about any cheese. But let's be real here, I don't get the same satisfaction out of those yummy bottles that I do from a good glass of Pinot Noir in my over-sized Riedel glassware. There's just something about wine and cheese...

Top 5 favorite cheeses. No crackers necessary.

1. Port Salut: Creamy and mild semi-soft cow's milk cheese. Simply divine. I'm going to have to make this quiche recipe stat.
2. Parrano: Lesser-known cousin of the popular Gouda, this cheese is harder and saltier and a major crowd-pleaser.
3. Gorgonzola Dolce: Blues aren't for everyone, but this cheese is milder and softer than a typical blue cheese. I love it spread over toasted French bread or in a cream sauce over gnocchi.
4. Gruyere: This one I came about late in the game; it is nutty, smooth and gone before I know it. My favorite is picking the melted gooey pieces off the side of my French Onion soup bowl.
5. Smoked Gouda: Smoky (obviously), semi-hard yellow cheese that most people are familiar with and enjoy.

Port Salut deliciousness