Houseplant Confession

So remember how I have been hunting for a house plant for---well, a month or so?

Hmmm....haven't found one yet.

However, due to not going out of town today as was expected, I had a little extra time to do some exploring in my own home town.

It is a beautifully sunny day--cool but warmer than it has been. The perfect weather to get out and about.

Red and I headed down S. Grand to Chimichanga's for lunch---despite rave reviews via Urbanspoon, we left being glad we got that our of our system and with no intention of returning. ( I will say their chips were excellent....thin and light.)

That aside...

Red was meeting up with AD at Sump, so we headed down to Cherokee Street to Antique Row so I could pop into a few of my favorite places. By few, I mean one---where I found a fab old chair that I would love to buy and reupholster. (I'm kidding!!! Ok, no I'm not--but now isn't the best time.)

We left there for Red to hang with AD. I headed around the corner to Meremec and Grand---to an area known as Dutchtown.

Now. I had heard of Dutchtown, but I had never experienced it. And the row that had caught my eye was 4 stores of consignment/re-sale shops. You know I like that.

The first one-- Zaftig was great.

Here is where the confession part comes in.

I found a pair of J.Brand jeans for $17.00

This is an incredible find people. I couldn't pass it up. They fit (....besides needing to be hemmed a few inches) and they are beautiful. I say yes to that.

And the proprietor of the store was a sassy woman filled with personality. Bricks (her nickname) was not to be pushed aside. She even gave me some earrings for half-price. I say yes to that too!

Soft coral/pink color

Unfortunately, this means my hunt for a houseplant is on pause. I had set aside a little birthday money and have officially spent it.

So, future Houseplant? I say sorry to you. My heart is weak for good deals and the jeans beat you out. In a few months I'll make it up to you.

La mode a là Paris

Ladies, Ladies (and perhaps a few gentlemen)...

It is officially time to discuss the style of the fashion capital of the world. This post is in no way meant to be difinitive, but it does reflect a few main ideas that I have gleaned from our counter gamines a là Paris.

1. Bed head is in: it seems that most French women allow their hair to do it's natutral thing. Whether you have course curls, frizzy waves, or stick straight strands, style it as it goes. And if you do "fix" it, do so in an effortless way such as a messy bun, half undone braid, or a random clip.

2. Make up is meant to enhance: I've seen more French women with more make-up on than ever before. Red lips and blue eye shadow being the highlight. However, the French have the art of enhancement down. Even when they have on a full face of make-up, it never seems like a mask. It seems natural---are we Americans even able to fake this?

3. Boots, boots, boots: Never before have I seen so many styles in my life (nor have I ever seen so many uggs in the city of love...they use to make fun of them!) They are wearing a lot of riding boots and desert boots, and wedge booties, and all types of ankle bootes...with everything they own.When I say they are wearing boots with everything...I mean everything: shorts, jeans, leggings, skirts, dresses...colors mixing; brown with black; navy with black. It is such a ménage!

4. Short skirts and hose: French girls are not afraid of the cold nor of pantyhose. They rock the pantyhose with everything including all frocks, shorts, and mini skirts. I have seen only 1 bare leg yet and she looked miserable. So ladies in the U.S. don't be afraid to wear panty hose or tights, they make everything look très chic.

 http://www.scarfcreative.com/2010/12/street-style-winter-white.html

5. Nipped at the waist coats: Well thought out, the typical French girl realizes that most people will only see her shoes and her coat. So she opts for a coat that nips in at the waist so that her shape can be appreciated. It could be military style, a puff jacket, long or short, but most likely it will be nipped in at the waist.

6. Handbag: Really you will see every style of purse possible. But there seems to be an influx in bags you carry by hand instead of a shoulder strap. Think big and practically structured like a weekender bag.

As a general rule, the French dress more elegantly than we Americans. Though this does not mean more formal---it's simply more beautiful.

It certainly inspires me to take my purchases more seriously by buying fewer but nicer pieces.

What are your thoughts? Should we be satisfied with less but with better?

Creative Haven on The Hill

Stunning.

As it is the week before Christmas--life has been a madhouse.

However, as crazy as the times are, it was a sweet delight to have my sister-in-law Michelle visit St. Louis with her younger sister Megan.

Whenever someone comes to visit, I strive to expose them to an area of St. Louis they may not typically visit if they came knowing no one here...

With this in mind (and considering that Michelle and Megan specifically requested we spend some time on "The Hill"..they are part Italian, mind you...) we ended their short visit with a morning of Italian goodness.

With only a little time to explore, we meandered the streets pretending as if it weren't cold and horribly misty. We relaxed at Shaw's coffee, meandered through Viviano's grocery, browsed another speciality food shop looking for boxed tomatoes (not to be found)...and then...

found a haven for all things creative and beautiful. By this I mean-- SKIF International. Home to both SKIF and jipisiboho.

You are asking--what is this?!

This fabulous studio/shop, located at 2008 Marconi, is a warehouse filled to the brim with unique finds.

The jipsiboho element is a feast for your eyes:

jenny b. of jipsiboho, made these chairs from deconstructed
sweaters...and the wall decor: old books.

jenny b. specialized in interior design, styling, art direction, staging, props and sets, wardrobe, and events. The moment we walked in, jenny shared her passion for art and design. You could feel it emanating from her as she explained different pieces she had made and some of her inspiration.

She even grabbed her favorite Japanese magazine to show me her vision for her digital magazine she is laying the foundation for.

Here are more of her products:

This couch makes me happy. Perfect for a reading nook in a child's room...or
as a prop in a photo-shoot...or in a boutique. OK--or in my tree house I'll have
one day.
Love love.

A genius inspiration board.

And my favorite:

Imagine this over our sick new couch. yes.
Only $150.

Jenny B.'s distinctively charming style is the perfect compliment to SKIF's organic rawness. The clothing  they create here at the St. Louis studio--is beautiful.

Designed to drape and compliment the body, their pieces are appropriate for all people in all walks of life.

There are shirts, pants, tunics, vests, dresses...really anything you can imagine. They also will work with you if you'd like a piece made with a different yarn or with slight variances such as sleeve length.

While you shop, the studio is buzzing with clothing being made as well as other unique woven/sewn goods.

A rug being made from "trash"..or remnants
from other clothing being made.

A quilt being made from fabric remnants.

Nina, the owner of SKIF, had her desk set up so she could view the show room, her hospitality evident. Their website even offers a guest house if you are interested in coming to stay there and learn more about their business---or just to shop!

Michelle, Megan, and I spend the bulk of our time on The Hill at SKIF. It was such an education to discover this place in the middle of St. Louis. No longer must I brave the mall for Anthropologie--I can now go to a quaint Italian neighborhood and shop a local store with the same degree of creative of inspiration.

It pays to shop local, doesn't it?

I must say that after leaving the studio, my desire to be creative had quadrupled. I was raking my brain for every way possible to be paid to do my passions.

Though I am still deliberating about what exactly my passions are--I did come up with one way I could do this--

I am a professional estate "saler"... and by this I mean, I love love love bargain hunting for random things at people's massive garage sales (or really anywhere, for that matter.) Perhaps I could turn this into a professional treasure hunter for those who need treasure?

'Tis a thought.

So, since my own creativity is at a standstill, go, and support our local creatives. Their work is outstanding.

SKIF INTERNATIONAL

2008 Marconi

St. Louis, MO 63110

www.skifo.com

Nina

314.773.4401

jipsiboho

2008 Marconi

St. Louis, MO 63110

www.jipisiboho.com

jenny b.

314.303.5499

Refresh with Purpose

I haven't met too many people..ok women...who don't enjoy refreshing their wardrobe. Especially in the Fall. It seems that Fall lights a fire within us that smolders until we deal with it...and to deal with it, we must find incredible articles of clothing and accessories that imbibe our wardrobe with that je ne sais quoi we are striving for...

For some of us...ehem....me.... this fire must be dealt with through good deals. It's not just about the item, but about the good deal..

So, where is a better place to search then local consignment stores? There isn't a better place, actually.

Yesterday I searched out 2 stores I had heard of through the grapevine:

The ScholarShop: An upscale consignment store that supports The Scholarship Fund of St. Louis.


Upon arrival, the ScholarShop was very busy---mostly with middle age and older women digging through a more mature gathering of clothes. I was not to be discouraged, however. I jumped right in only to find....

She's vogueing...ha

This! Fantastic, slick, chic, lemon yellow leather skirt. YES! The sad part is that I decided not to get it.

The sweet part is that I'm going back to get it...and at 20 buck-a-roos it's a sweet deal. (Feel free to send up a little prayer that I'm not too late...surely everyone is clamoring for a lemon yellow leather skirt...)

If you are a digger, there is an absolute possibility that you will find something here. And if you would like to donate, The ScholarShop  will send you an itemized list of deductibles at the end of the year.

The 2nd consignment store I visited was: [Re]Fresh, A Fashion Coalition


Now, [Re]Fresh is a little more youthful and modern in set-up and style. They even have a DJ area!

It was an Urban Outfitters-esq consignment shop. Though some items seemed to be overpriced...some were underpriced as well. I found a Nanette Lepore dress for $18!

If you have pre-teen to young adult people in your life...this is a great place to check out. The entire upstairs is mostly party dresses ranging from short and conservative to long and bedazzled.

All of this store's proceeds support the work of the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition. They even have special event days during which foster children/families can come shop and get 90% off every item.

[Re]Fresh also offers a special service to it's patrons: Free Fashion Workshops! You or your child can learn how to get a look for less. Very cool...

I hope this post encourages you to check out your local consignment and thrift stores. It is a great thing to refresh your wardrobe with purpose.

The ScholarShop

8211 Clayton Road

St. Louis, MO 63117

(Another location in Webster Groves)

314.725.3456

Donation Hours: Mon-Sat 10-5pm

[Re]Fresh

1710 S. Brentwood Blvd

St. Louis, MO 63144

314.881.0331

Open: Thurs-Sat 11-8pm

Sun 11-5pm

Treasure in Memphis

I grew up going to Jun Lee.

My mom would load me up in the car and we would drive down to Summer Ave., arrive... and hop out of the car...to a whole new world.

Experience this:

This place is the ultimate accessory haven. You can find everything here---pearls, fake Yurman (be picky...but you can find some beautiful things) pashmina scarves, purses, glam earrings, etc.

Every time I come to Memphis I am sure to hit this place up. (We even found a head-piece for the bride to be and her rehearsal dinner hair-do!).

You never know what new item you might find...

If you're ever in Memphis, go to Jun Lee.

Contact

Jun Lee Trading Co.

3397 Summer Ave.

Memphis, TN 38122

901.327.1822

Shopping Spree for Free

I have a friend. Her name is Amanda over at Part-time Homemaker.

She hosts fabulous themed parties every week for our community group...but the one I'm about to share with you is extraordinarily special.

Would you like to know why?

1. You get rid of things you don't need, like, use, (or wonder how it got into your house in the first place.)

2. You get to compete via paper-rock scissors.

3. You get new-to-you items for free.

Allow me to show you my treasure; and then I will tell you how you can host your own fab party.

1. A book that retells the Bible in a narrative style...fiction to make it come alive for you. 

2. A stack of Paula Deen and other cooking magazines...yay! 

3. A pair of awesome yellow wedge loafers. (I wore these to lunch yesterday and everybody was asking where I got them...they were shocked when I told them they were free....) 

4. A Limited waist cinching belt...I always need belts and never want to pay much for them.

As you can see, I racked up. 

I also walked away with 7 less items in my closet...which is a blessing.

Here is how you can host your own Shopping Spree for Free Party:

1.Gather friends.

2. Have them each bring 5+ items of good to great quality (ie. home goods, clothes, accessories, basically anything. We had everything from a set of dishes to a dvd of Tahitian hip-hop).

3. Give each person stickers with their initials on them (# determined by how many items they brought...around 5-7 per person)...go around and place the stickers on the items you want.

4. If you really want an item, place 2 stickers on it.

5. If more than one person wants an item, you play rock paper scissors to decide who wins. If one person placed 2 stickers on an item they get 2 lives in rock paper scissors.

6. Have round 2. If anything is leftover, donate it to Goodwill.

This is an easy way to update your life with out spending money! It's also a lot of fun to see how people's competitive side comes out...

We had some high-demand items. (ie. galoshes)

Amanda is in the process of changing over her blog, but be sure to check her out...she will provide some awesome ideas for you home-making mavens...and for us other folk too.

Estate Sale Part 2: Did you say Fedora?

No, I don't mean Larry Fedora.

I mean this Fedora:

Despite what that funny look on my face might be saying to you, I am ecstatic to be rockin this hat.

This is my second estate sale find at $2.50. Yeah, be impressed.

I found it in the corner of the Master bedroom's closet...slammed it on my head...asked a lady if I could pull it off...and walked out triumphantly holding it in my hand wondering if I could wear it the rest of the day...I resisted.

It is vintage and made by Dobbs...a famous hat-maker out of New York.

The fedoras Dobbs makes today run around $150+...so you can imagine my elation in finding this hat.

Every person should have at least 1 good hat...it can add sass, class, and, well, swag...

...perhaps you should be looking to invest...everyone needs swag.

Sunny Day in The Louis

For some reason I think that St. Louis should have a nick name.

And Louis is an obvious choice. And I chose it.

So, yesterday I met up with some gals from my church small group for lunch.

We headed down to The Blues City Deli for a delicious meal in a sweet atmosphere. As the owner says "When you walk in, you're gonna hear the Blues and taste the Blues."

Located down in Soulard (An awesome area to check out if you're coming into town...lots of restaurants, shops, and an incredible farmer's market)... The Blues City Deli is rockin'.

I had an incredibly unhealthy and delicious chili dog topped with cheese and onions, some Zapps "Voodoo" potato chips (right outta Louisiana and straight to your heart...they are incredible...try them.) and an awesome Black Cherry Soda.

Don't be jealous.

After lunch, we decided to head down Cherokee Street and check out a store that Kelli recommended: Retro 101.

This place is incredible. Filled with Vintage clothing, furniture, and other household goods, it is worth taking an hour...at least...to plunder it's troves.

The clothing here seemed to be in extraordinarily good condition. Usually I find some moth holes or a few open seams. I didn't find anything of the sort.

We spent our time there talking about where we would have worn these dresses back in their hay-day...and then talked about having a party where we would rock these frocks.

My vote is for a garden party with a table scape like this one I posted before....and with dresses that make us feel like we could be Lucille Ball's other best friend (Move over Ethel).

I look forward to returning to Cherokee Street--where Antique Row is located.


The parents come into town next week...I think we might be hitting that up.


Get to know Louis real intimate-like.


Bring it.


Also, bring me your vote...garden party in party dresses? Or just garden party? You tell me.

The Joy of Flowers

For me, there is no better gift then a beautiful bouquet of flowers. It doesn't bother me that they don't last a lifetime...and I adore the life they bring into a room.

Just like a bouquet of flowers, floral details in fashion bring a little life to whatever you're wearing. (I think J.crew has made that very clear these past few years).

Not being a wild flower print kind of gal, here are some other ways to incorporate flowers into your life in a more subtle way....well, except for the hat..it might be a little over the top for everyday.

1. Cheerful yellow earrings from Etsy shop: Pompom-mum-almond 2. Romantic white pillow from Etsy shop: Dedeetsyshop (which was highlighted on Good Morning America) 3. Dried rose wreath from Etsy shop: Sunnydayz5 4. Flowerhat from Etsy shop: Mignonhandmade

Another fabulous resource for flower details is Etsy Shop: No.144 They have some awesome flower shoe clips that can add a pop to any outfit.

My advice is this: Don't feel the need to resist the urge to buy yourself some new flowers.

Anthro at Home!

I nearly bit my tongue off when I opened an e-mail from Anthropologie highlighting their new line of products for decorators...and people who like to pretend that they are decorators *clearing throat* me.

As you know, I have been hunting for things to decorate our little abode, and though these items highlighted here are for a home far in the future, they are still eye candy.

And who doesn't appreciate eye candy?

Here is some wallpaper that made my heart flutter:

You can learn more about these wallpapers and even get swatches if you'd like here.

I'm also loving the gallery presented by Anthro as well....such a cool way to highlight up and coming artists and designers. 

I always wonder how everyone discovers new creative things/people/experiences...and I guess it happens organically...

But it seems that such cool stores...aka Anthropologie, are finding ways for consumers to be exposed to more whether or not they are buying their products.

Who can say no to inspiration?

From Bollywood with Love...

I was on the phone with my friend Sudha yesterday, and our conversation reminded me of this lovely memory.

A couple of years ago I needed to come up with a creative idea for Red's birthday and I didn't have much money. Sooo, I took him to India... In my apartment. Is your imagination rolling?

Get ready for a wild time my friends. No, it's ok. You can definitely keep reading.

Sudha, my dear friend from India, was not only my inspiration, but also my secret weapon. She lent me an incredible sari a lot like this one:

AND, most importantly, taught me how to wrap it. (It could have been very dangerous if I didn't learn how to wrap that thing correctly. It's an art people.)

I worked all afternoon fixing a traditional Indian recipe that Sudha provided me. It's aromatics filled the air. If you walked past my apartment, you would have felt like you were in New Delhi. I promise.

Red came over that evening and I was there to greet him, posted up in my bright red sari; a scarf covering the chandelier (to lend to the Indian feel...until I took it down because I was afraid it was going to catch on fire, and then where would our night in India go?); and a Bollywood film playing in the background. The music is so moving and unique. Here is an example:



To say the least, Red was extremely surprised by his birthday celebration. I figured I didn't have much to offer, but why not take him to another country for the evening. (Who could argue with that?)

Besides, it gave me an awesome excuse to cook delicious Indian food and wear a sari. It had been a secret desire of mine for a long time to wear a sari...and now that I've done it, its no longer a secret...and wait, now that I've written it on here, it's definitely not a secret...

All of this to say, Indian culture is rich and well worth exploring. I am lucky to have a friend that can teach me so much and expose me to so much outside of my world. How sweet!

In case you have a desire to wear a sari  for a birthday, wedding, or just because; or you'd like to create a craft from a sari, here are some resources for you:

• http://goodgrace.wordpress.com/2010/08/09/58-ways-to-recycle-saris/
• http://www.indianwomenclothing.com/articles/howtouse-oldsaree-recycledclothing.html

Jump in the Nude

No, no, I don't mean it THAT way. I mean, jump into the trend of wearing nude colored clothing. I know, the thought of wearing something the color of your skin is intimidating. But throw on some splashy lipstick or some bright accessories...and just take the risk, you'll be just fine.

They call me mellow yellow...

I love all things yellow. Last Spring I vowed to wear yellow everyday...and though I succeeded for only about a week, it was a good challenge. 

Yellow cheers me. And I always want to sing "Mellow Yellow" by Donovan...partly because I was obsessed with that GAP commercial that came out...a long time ago.

It's not Spring. And, it's dreadfully snowy. So here is my salute to all things yellow...not dreadful or snowy...

I love these "Brentwood Curtains". They would add freshness to any room. Picture a room with dark floors, light walls, a large bed with white linens and a crazy amount of pillows...and these gorgeous curtains shifting with the cool breeze moving through your open window. sold? I am.

 These glorious pants,  lead me to imagine a day of "business" in...Miami, perhaps. You could join me there, and we could match. I'm totally down.

I've always imagined myself having a fabulously rad yellow couch to lounge on in my personal library. So, I'm eyeing this one now, and praying that I can afford it in 20 years when I might actually have my own personal library.

And while I realize that having a home phone is completely passe', I also realize that this phone would be completely worth not fitting in with society. I'm sure it would add not only personality but a wonderful presence to your home. Phones have presence, you know.

This chic vest makes me feel like running errands. Errands may not be your thing. Maybe you're a picnic kind of gal, or someone who would rock this on a date...whatever your fancy is fine by me. If a vest is a little too much for you, these fab yellow moccasins could be an easier way to add a pop to your wardrobe. J.Crew's newest collection is right on the money folks, and these are just a couple of pieces that will make you giddy.

Wowthatsbeautiful, from Etsy, makes beautiful jewelry. I particularly love this large and in charge necklace. It could bring a little flavor to any outfit you got.

And the field...really it just makes me happy. Reminds me of my time in France when I would pretend to be a runner just so I could be surrounded by all of those yellow fields...

I hope this inspires a bit of happiness in you. It made me feel a bit better, no doubt.

Thought I'd leave you with a little Donovan to fill in any GAPs.

Haha, I had to say it. Forgive me. 

It's a whole neeeeew world!!

Yes. That is a snippet from the famously romantic Disney's Aladdin. And, yes, I did sing it while I typed it. But the point is, this is a whole new world.

Having recently moved, I have truly realized how small each person's world is. And though there are millions of people out there who get some sort of high from traveling and exploring, there are ten's of millions of people who have no motivation to leave their neighborhood.

Dude. This is the place for you. My hope is that through this blog, you will be inspired to stop at that corner cafe you have always wondered about; that you will try a new food you have never heard of; read a book that challenges you; or find a good deal you didn't know existed.

Tap into your world like no one else can.