There's No Place Like the Shoe Department.

Having grown up watching the "Wizard of Oz" at least 51,000 times and being well-known for my love of red shoes, this made my day. For the 70th anniversary of the flick, Swarovski has gotten together with some of the best shoe designers on Earth to re-imagine what Dorothy would wear for ruby slippers today. I have to say, she's looking good. Best part is they're being auctioned off to benefit the Elisabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Apparently more than just the tinman got a heart!

{image via The Frisky}

every pair has a personality

My conversations with several girlfriends on crazy shoe shopping sprees and now this post on metacool made me think about why the right pair can be so irresistible! Shoes have been a medium for great design forever. Every pair has a personality of it's own - what better way to explore personal style and share your personality with the world :)

Cross-Stitch Gets a Facelift!

Something I’ve been noticing a lot of lately is the popular craft of cross-stitching. It’s been popping up on everything from clothing, to home décor, to stationery and even jewelry. But what makes the cross stitch of today, different from that of the past? It’s the imagery. Modern patterns feature graphics taken from video games and pop culture, giving the craft a youthful, more vibrant flair. Most of what I’ve shown here is from the talented peeps over at Etsy. However, I’ve also included some items (below) from prepster retailers Stubbs & Wootton and Smathers & Branson who feature similar looks in their collections. My personal favorites are those sporting the Jolly Roger!


Images Top from {L to R}
Mustache Pin by Neawear
Watermelon Hearts Cross Stitch Earrings by thepinpals
Jolly Roger Cross-stitch by Futuregirl
Cross Stitch Monogram Initial Pocket Mirror by AdandBragButtonCo
Pinky Pin by stitchandplay
Retro Girl by DefiantDamsel
Yellow Bird on Robin's Egg Blue Cross Stitch Pin by thepinpals
Pink Camelia Counted Cross Stitch Pattern by WooHooCrossStitch
Images Bottom {L to R}
Jolly Roger (Black) from Smathers & Branson
Jolly Silver UK Slipper from Stubbs & Wootton

Lighten and Brighten with Sunshine Yellow

Can't get enough of that mellow yellow. Paired with white, it doesn't get more clean, pure, cheerful or refreshing.
Clockwise from top left: White Yellow Floral Border invitation from einvite.com; Chamomile bouquet from marthastewartweddings.com; Becca Dress in Honey Eastern Shangtung by Jenny Yoo; Poetic Licence Women's Mint Julip Sandal from endless.com; lemon yellow cake found on theknot.com

A Balance of Warm and Cool: Yellow and Pewter

I was inspired to appreciate the warm and cool contrast of yellow and gray by the Enchanting invitation by einvite and the new shimmering pewter high neck dress from J Crew. I love the way gray offsets the sunny hue, tones it down and makes these vintage styles feel fresh and contemporary. Earrings and shoes also from J crew; calla lily bouquet found on Project Wedding.

Social Butterfly

It’s amazing how you can gain a new appreciation for something when you see it out of its normal context. When I saw this photograph that my friend Manya took in France, I gained a whole new appreciation for the monarch butterfly. As a dress, the wings of a monarch became more about pattern and color than about a flying insect that feeds on flowers. The black and white dots, bold orange patches, and powerful black lines inspired me to think outside the insect box. I thought wow, what a fantastic combination, so bold and fun, perfect for that social butterfly looking to flutter her way through a party!


Images from Top L to R:
Timeless Butterfly ring from Free People
Soutache Pebble Dot Top from Charlotte Russe
Kenneth Cole New York Black Elastic Tiered Tooth Bracelet available at Kennethcole.com
Chinese Laundry Woman’s Nuance Pump available at endless.com
Blank Skinny Classique Jeans in Orange available at tobi.com
Blu Bijoux Orange Lucite Circle Earrings available at maxandchloe.com
A Surprise Party Invitation from Checkerboard Ltd., available at einvite.com
Beaded Clutch in Black by Santi available at Urban Minx

Color Me Canary

It only seems natural to discuss the color yellow after covering pink and orange in last week’s blog, however it also appears as though yellow is the “it” color of Spring 2009. Pantone, a leading color source which provides color standards to design industries, predicts that the public will embrace many tones of yellow this spring.

Similar to a sunny day, yellow shines with optimism, clarity and happiness. However, when used on its own, yellow can be a bit over whelming, so it is best paired with other colors, or used sparingly as a pop value. Yellow will advance from surrounding colors and instill intellectual energy, as well as spark creative thoughts. It can be used to perk up subdued palettes of blues and grays, or to carry out a summery, citrus theme when paired with pale orange and green. Very pale yellows can even work as neutrals when partnered with dark or rich colors such as chocolate brown. For an eye-popping effect, combine yellow with blue as they are high contrast and will add a splash of excitement to any décor, or ensemble. Going for a high-tech look? Mix yellow with neutral gray and a dash of black, this sophisticated combo is perfect for a home-office or gym.

So whether it be with a pair of bright yellow rain boots, or a canary colored end table, may you find that little bit of sunshine to brighten the days ahead! Here are just a few that would brighten mine…


{images Top L to R}
Tory Burch “Jada” Stretch Crepe Strapless Dress available at Nordstrom
Solid Silk Elizabeth Halter from JCrew.com
Sterling Silver Cushion-Cut Yellow Stone Ring with Goldtone Accents available at Target
Merona® Double Breasted Jacket available at Target
Women's Xhilaration® Tanya Strappy Sandals available at Target
Tanner Krolle Yellow Large Cutter Handbag available at Overstock.com
Juicy Couture Snakeskin Buckle Bracelet available at Nordstrom
Trollsta Side Table from Ikea
Marimekko ® Tamara Sheet Sets available at Crate&Barrel
Hunter Original Rain Boot available at Nordstrom
Geometric Pattern Frame available at Target
BR Monogram silk/cashmere cardigan from Banana Republic

wedding shoes with character

Personal style, I am your biggest fan.

Surprises, I just love them.

Ethnicity, show your roots...

I have a theory about shoes. You can tell alot about a person by what they wear on their feet. Think of everyone you know and compare their shoes to their personality. Uncanny.

Let your personality shine on your wedding day by adding a glimpse of your inner self.

(That goes for the men too!)

{images: Indian wedding shoes by Claudia Gustafson at

claudiaphotography.com, vintage beaded mules by haberdasheryboutique.com; red patent pumps by Sara Heinrichs via flickr.com; and feather femme fatales by

Manolo Blahnik}