Back to my Roots: Zara Heels

Coat: J Crew Collection; Shirt: GAP; Purse: Vintage Christian Dior; Jeans: AE; Shoes: Zara

Pittsburgh is such an amazing city to live in.  The contrast of the old and new everywhere is very inspiring to me.  It's a reminder that things change, but as long as you are pushing yourself forward, change can be a good thing. 

This shot was at an abandoned factory in Homestead. 

The colors of the building and its beautiful decay were very striking.  It almost had a sad haunting feeling. 

 I love these heels.  They might be my favorite pair.  Don't forget to look at Zara for fun shoes!

Necklace: J Crew; Earrings: Robert Lee Miller

 Laura x

Camel, Black, and Red

Trench: J Crew Collection; Sunglasses: Vintage; Bangle: Kate Spade; Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Shoes: Aldo

Along with an army green surplus jacket, a classic trench is a must-have for spring.  I prefer the darker khaki colored jackets and after much deliberation, I ordered this trench (J Crew Collection).  It doesn't have any frills or trendy details which means it will be a clotheshorse in the years to come. 

Oxford Shirt: GAP; Belt: J Crew; Skirt: Calvin Klein

I saw a quote once that you should never wear more than three colors in one outfit.  I don't normally prescribe to that re. prints etc., but this outfit stands out more because it is based on three main colors: camel, black, and red.  

Laura x 

How To: Paper Leaf Wreath

My favorite craft project my Mom and I (ok all credit on this one goes to my Mom) recently made is this wreath made from old legal reporters.  My Mom had the idea when they were getting rid of the paper copies of the Supreme Court and Federal Reporters at her law library.   I love the light and airy look at have two perfect ones (one at work and one above my bookshelves). 

This project can be adapted based on your interest (ie. nursing books, dictionaries, etc.). 

1. Choose what type of paper you will be using.  These Supreme Court Reporters were on light and flexible perfect which made it easy to cut and glue.

Hint: Black and white paper looks the cleanest.  

2. Wrap the foam wreath with the papers. 

 3. Cut dozens of leaves by folding the paper in half and cutting along the fold (about 3 inches long). 

4. Glue the leaves onto the wreath form one by one stacking and alternating them.

Hint: Face leaves in the same direction as you fill in the wreath. 

 5. Continue until you reach the beginning section of leaves. 

 6. Let dry, choose a contrasting ribbon, hang. 

I think these wreaths which can easily be made in a few hours, make a great personalized gift!

Laura x

Phipps Conservatory and Prabal Gurung

Sweater: GAP; Dress: Prabal Gurung for Target; Necklace: J Crew; Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs

I spent last Sunday at Phipps Conservatory in Oakland with my Mom.  It is such a beautiful place and the textures, patterns, and colors were so inspiring.  I wore a Prabal Gurung for Target orchid print dress with a neon sweater.  

Like clothing, the brighter the flowers' colors, the more varied the textures, and the contrasting shapes, the more interesting the displays were. 

Ring: family heirloom

Ballet Flats: Brooks Brothers

Mom's bracelets: Top: self-made; bottom: vintage from the west

Laura x

How To: Wine Cork Tray

With my Mom in Pittsburgh, I have had my best thrifter and artist inspiration in town.  We have both been collecting wine corks to make a project.  At first we thought a corkboard, but I ended up with a unique and fun display tray made out of more than a few corks.  If you want to make one, start collecting corks now! And follow the directions below.....

1. Pick out a foam shape that you will use.  I bought all of these at the store and was planning to make all of them.....the cubes would be stands for large candles, but I only had enough corks for the large rectangular tray. 

Hint: Always have a lot more corks than you think you need!

2. Remove any corks that aren't really made out of natural cork.  I was shocked how many corks I couldn't use because they were plastic. 

3. Once you pick your foam shape, determine what pattern you would like the corks to make.  It takes some playing around because you can't cut them to size.  Ours is an alternating 2 vertical and 2 horizontal pattern. 

Hint: Varying directions of the corks make them easier to fit to scale and add visual interest.  

 4. Make sure the ends of the corks are flush with the edges of your shape. 

Hint: Make an effort to put the most interesting corks to you in the middle and varying which ones you use based upon whether the design is better vertical or horizontal. 

White Pants before Memorial Day

White pants only after Memorial Day is one fashion rule that I don't follow.  White cropped jeans and peep toed heels felt perfect on one of the first warm and sunny spring days. 

Earrings: Tiffany's

Bracelets: All-Links of London except Coach gold bangle

Sunglasses: Vintage Bill Blass; Coat: Caslon; T-Shirt: Ann Taylor; Belt: J Crew; Jeans: American Eagle; Heels: Vintage Burno Magli; Purse: Coach (on loan from my Mom)

 The heels are a great mix of nude and grey and are low enough to wear all day. 

Laura x