Grecian Hair and Leather Jacket

Leather coat: vintage, Blazer: Valentino, Necklace: Kate Spade: Top: H&M

Carnegie Museum in Oakland.  Attempt at wet winter wear. 

Bracelet length sleeves add interest

Medusa Updo...twist hair and pin

Evil eye bracelet, Nails: new favorite color-Revlon Gray Suede

Coat from "Alexander's East Liberty"

These glamorous settings were the perfect backdrop to perk up a dreary mood. 

Laura x

How To: Southwestern Succulents Garden

I think that fresh plants add a lot to a living space.  I bought this vintage bowl/planter at the thrift store this weekend.  It isn't my normal style, but I was inspired to make it into a southwest themed garden. 

I chose a variety of succulents and bought rocks and cactus soil to complete the project.  

The lines of the bowl are seem southwestern, I like that the light blue and green aren't traditionally "southwest."  

The inscription on the bottom reads:  To Mom....Atlantic Mold....From Eda & Tom.....Christmas 1976.

British Beauty Haul

Every type of L'Oreal Elnett imaginable!!

I have a confession.  I am totally obsessed with drug stores, especially ones that has brands and products that I don't normally have access to.  

Kate Moss for Rimmel

One of my first and last stops in England are always Boots and Superdrug. 

A whole section of false eyelashes

There are even brands by European DJs

 Elnett is only recently available in the states.  I swear by it.  I have only found two types in Pittsburgh, this Boots had dozens. 

My Mom and I are obsessed with this spa's products

I also try new products.  This time it is "Backcomb in a bottle."  It makes my hair really straw-like and voluminous. 

Katy Perry eyelashes....no judgment!!!

Mini sizes for desk, purse and travel

The classic: cocoa, rose, and aloe flavored Vaseline

These products cause my undue stress with the weight of my checked suit case each trip, but are totally worth it for the getting to indulge in the best drug store glamor aids I can get my hands on!

Laura x

In the Pittsburgh Snow with a Ukranian Flair

 I have always been drawn to the style of old photographs.  Seeing my grandparents' pictures from their youth is always an inspiration.  Their styles couldn't have been more different: My Dad's settled in America after immigrating from Europe and My Mom's are Ukranian war refugees.  Because photography used to be for special occassions, the images are of them in their Sunday best. 

Hat: Reiss (English brand); Jacket: Vintage; T-Shirt: Topshop; Jeans: American Eagle; Boots: J Crew

I always loved my Baba's winter style: flat black boots and a big fur hat or coat. 

Watch: Nike

 I have found some vintage furs over time and have some from my family.  They aren't for everyone, but I love to wear something with a connection to the past. 

Nail Polish: Green-Hard Candy; Ring: family heirloom

A glam mix of old and new and fancy and casual. 

Laura x

2012 Landscapes

Niagara Falls

The new year is a natural time to reflect.  Each of these photographs inspires me in different ways.  In a fast-paced city, with a fast-paced job, and constant distraction, these images remind me of great times, people, and places.  

The city of Bath from Salisbury Hill

Roses left at the hill's summit

Fallingwater in the Fall

Manolo Blanhik's Townhouse in Bath

Bath

Dryham Park

Leather Effect Nail Polish....Skulls Optional!

One of the funnest things I bought in England last trip was nail polish which claims to give your nails the effect of leather.  It comes in tan and black.  Because I always love a polished look with an edge, I bought with the black kit. 

The kit includes the leather effect polish, 4 small metal skulls, and nail glue to apply them.  The only other supplies you will need is a nail file and a basecoat. 

I always think that dark colors look best on short rounded nails. 

File your nails to remove any tough edges. 

Apply a thin clear basecoat. 

 Once the basecoat is dry, apply a thin layer of the leather effect polish. 

Wait 2 minutes for the first coat to dry and re-apply another thin coat. 

 This is how the nails will look dry (the next day). 

Apparently this polish kit is sold out in the States, but, I would recommend it for a fun Rock n' Roll glam nail effect.

Laura x

Saturday at Pittsburgh Thrift Stores: Pink Champagne, Toy Soldier, and Paris

I think that everyone loves the thrill of the hunt or of finding something unique.  I love thrifting to find vintage clothes, fashion coffee table books, home accessories, and furniture. 

My brother Luke and I went to some of our favorite Pittsburgh thrift stores and antique malls yesterday.  

 It was shockingly warm for January.  I wore a comfortable but pulled together jeans and t-shirt outfit. 

Jeggings: American Eagle; T-shirt: Topshop UK; Vest: Vintage fur coat tailored to become a vest; Belt and Ballet Flats: J Crew; Necklace: From Washington DC Flea Market; Watch and Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs

I wasn't in the mood to look through racks of clothes, so I concentrated on looking for home accents.  I found this bar advertising light from the 1970's.  It had a pink bulb inside, but I had to replace it with a regular lightbulb. 

 It makes for a great nightlight by my rolling bar cart. 

 I also bought this little British soldier for the bar. 

 My best find was probably this art piece.  It doesn't photograph very well, but it is a mirrored and chrome image of Paris, probably from the late 1970's. 

 I hung it by my couch and think that it works with the rest of my black/white/mirrored accents. 

I think these totally unnecessary but truly glamorous items are what make a house or apartment special.

Laura x