Back to School

Skirt and Sweater-JCrew, Blouse-Equipment, Boots-Aldo, Necklaces-EmersonMade,
Watch-Coach, Bracelets-Target, gift, maui, Earrings-Limited

When I awoke this morning, there was a chill in the air. It reminded me of the first day of school. The time of year when the nights are cooler, but warm during the day. It's the time of year that makes me want to break out all my fall clothes, but I know it's still August and I should be savoring summer. With that said, I went for it and wore some of my new fall finds. It seemed like the perfect day to dress a bit warmer. Even our puppy didn't want to get out of bed this am. She was snuggled up tight in her bed.  I know it won't last, it will get hotter again and then we'll hit the tundra freeze. But I'll know I had today and if felt just like it did years ago, on that first day of school. I wish Fall was a longer season, it really is my favorite time of year.

Muse Monday {Card Inspiration}

I'd like to introduce you to Muse Monday. When I sit down to make cards, more often than not I turn to the web for inspiration. To be more specific- Pinterest, Online Magazines (think Rue, GlitterGuide, LonnyMag, etc) and Fashion/Interior Design bloggers/sites tend to garner my attention. There is so much out there, it's hard not to glean inspiration. Each Monday, I'll showcase a card I've made and show you where the inspiration came from. It's similar to my outfit to card posts (here and here), but broader to include any and all things that get my creative juices flowing. Maybe they'll inspire you too!   

To kick things off, here's a card I made for my dad's birthday this past week. I love the colors citron, grey and turquoise together. 

Materials for card:

Paper: SoftWhite, Gravel (PaperSource), Spring Moss (PTI)

Stamps: Enjoy the Ride (PTI)

Ink: Jet Black (StazOn)

Other: Ribbon (Joann), Buttons (Sewing kit)

Here is the inspiration for the card:

Photo from Kendieveryday

Do you know Kendi? Her blog is hilarious and I love her style.  Read it once and you're hooked. A few other images that helped me craft my design:

Photo from Pinterest

Photo from Pinterest

Polished

Dress-Gap, Blazer-JCrew, Shoes-BCBG, Belt-Target, Necklaces-EmersonMade,
Watch-Coach, Bracelets-Target, Maui, Gifts, Earrings-Limited

I love this dress. I bought it on a whim just before heading to Maui earlier this spring. Best impulse purchase yet. It's been a key go to piece all summer long (as seen here and here). Today, I decided to make it work for work.  The blazer dresses it up just enough so it doesn't look like I'm wearing a sundress to work (not that I haven't seen that at work *pet peeve*)

Outfit to Card {Stripes}

Photo courtesy Atlantic-Pacific

If you haven't checked out Blair from Atlantic-Pacific, do so now. I'll wait, take your time perusing her blog. She's amazing huh? I've never met her, but everyday her style amazes me. I love how she throws on the layers and plays with prints and color. She always looks effortlessly chic. Today, she's the inspiration for a card I made. I was looking for a cool color combination and voila, look no further. I think it turned out pretty nice. I love the splash of pink with the greens- preppy, but not in a stuffy way.

Materials:
Paper: Moss (PaperSource), Leaf (PaperSource), Striped Paper (All about girls stack DCWV)
Stamps: Think Big (PTI)
Ink: Orchid (Colorbox)
Other:Ribbon (Michaels), Cane Impression Plate (PTI), Bigz Top Note (Stampin' UP)

Mixed Media

Tshirt and skirt-H&M, Belt,necklaces-Target, Shoes-Sam Edelman, Watch-Coach,
Bracelets-Gifts, Target, F21, Sunnies-Target, Earrings-Limited

A co-worker stopped me today and said I was breaking all the rules by mixing stripes with spots and she liked it.  Funny, I didn't think there were rules anymore when it comes to style. You put together what works for you. To top off the two prints, I threw on the leopard shoes for fun. Three different prints. Awesome. I think people like to still follow rules from way back when because it's not intimidating. I know it's scary to think "can I put this print with that". But, it's really what you like and if it looks good to you, go for it! Be brave my friends, be brave. It takes practice, but once you start feeling more confident, you'll be mixing three (or more!) prints too.

Silhouette

I've got a LOT of birthdays this month, which means I've been making a lot of cards. I try not to make the same one twice, making them as unique as possible. At times, I lose my creativity and have to look for inspiration elsewhere. When I need some creative inspiration, I look to Pinterest. A word of caution if you haven't been on yet... it can suck you in and the next thing you know, you've lost a couple hours.  Since I was short on time to make this card, I turned to my jewelry collection for ideas. This card was inspired by a cameo I have from my mom. I love the pink and black combo. Chic, Simple and classic.

Materials:
Paper: Sweet Blush (PTI), Stamper's Select White (PTI), Black (PaperSource)
Stamps: Flourish (PaperSource), Simple Sentiments (PTI)
Ink: Frost White (ColorBox), Versa Mark
Dies: Signature Series Dressform, Mat Stack #4, Double Ended Banners (All PTI)
Other: Damask Impression Folder (Stampin' Up)

A little bit country

Blouse-Equipment, Skirt-Anthropologie, Belt-Linea Pelle, Shoes-BCBG,
Necklaces-Juicy, EmersonMade, Bracelets-Maui, gift, Target, Watch-Coach, Earrings-Limited

This is a skirt I've fallen in love with over the years. I found it on clearance at Anthropologie for mere pennies! When I first brought it home, I had no idea what to wear with it. I spent many weeks trying to find a top that would match. I was trying to find the exact same orange! Can you imagine? That would have been so matchy-matchy. I cringe just thinking about it now. Then, it finally dawned on me to try a complimentary color.  I've worn something similar before, but there is something about this dotted blouse that makes this combo one of my all time faves. It feels a bit country...maybe I should have paired my cowboy boots with it! HA.  I think that would have been a bit to costumey-even for me!

Birthday Shoe

It was my girlfriend's birthday this past weekend and you know what that means-I made her a card. I think this might be my new favorite. I found a template online to make the shoe shape and then created the shoe to look like a chevron printed Louboutin. I think it looks fantastic. My girlfriend loves shoes more than anyone I know- she's even built a separate closet for just shoes. It showcases them beautifully. Hopefully she loves the card as much as I do. 

Materials:
Paper: Stamper's Select White (PTI), Raspberry Fizz (PTI), Paper bag (PaperSource)
Stamps: Background Basics Chevron Stripes (PTI), Tiny Tags (PTI), Wonderful Word Additions (PTI)
Ink:Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Dies: Wonderful Words (PTI)
Other: Online Template (Sara Sandberg) Baker's Twine (PTI)

Big Pony

Tank-Target, Polo-Ralph Lauren, Blazer-JCrew, Jeans-Paige, Shoes-Vince Camuto,
Necklaces-EmersonMade, Watch-Coach, Bracelets-Target, gifts, Maui, Earrings-Limited

This post is dedicated to my husband, lover of all things Polo with big logos. I don't know what his fascination is, but he LOVES the big pony, they big crocodile, etc. I think my issue with Polo is that I lived in it in high school. I had every polo color under the sun, throw in sweatshirts and button downs and you basically summed up my closet. I lived in Polo. Not so much anymore. Don't get me wrong, I like Polo. I  just haven't shopped it in a while. Imagine my surprise when I tried on this fitted, striped polo and loved it. Lucky for me, my husband loved it even more and bought it for me!

Working Animal

Blouse-Equipment, Blazer-Zara, Skirt-H&M, Shoes & Belt- Target,
Necklaces-EmersonMade, Bracelets-Gift, Target, Maui, Watch-Coach, Earrings-Limited

I scored this blazer on clearance at Zara while I was in CA a few weeks back. I had to beg my husband to let us stop and shop on our way up the coast. The closest Zara to me is in Chicago and they don't have online shopping. Yet.  Starting in September, Zara will be available online for the US. Can you see me jumping up and down with joy? It took years for us to get H&M and we still don't get the same stuff big cities get. At least with online shopping, I'll be able to have more to choose from-at least that's what I'm hoping. My pocketbook on the other hand may not be so happy.

Brooklyn

Meet Brooklyn.  She's the newest member to our family. Almost two months ago we suddenly and unexpectedly lost our girl Riley. Since then, it hasn't been the same in our home. Coal has been moping, looking for his companion, and I've missed the ruckus two dogs cause. We'd been looking for another bulldog when we spotted Brooklyn on a rescue site. She is a little lover. When she meets you, all she wants to do is climb on you and give you kisses. When she came for the home visit on Friday night, Coal was having a great time playing with her - that is until he tore his cruciate ligament. Poor dude. Who knew dogs could tear ligaments in their knees (dogs have knees?) just like us. With him limping around all weekend, Brooklyn didn't get much play time.  Feeling somewhat better last night (the drugs masking the pain, I'm sure), he played with her. Not the smartest idea, but I couldn't get him to stop. They were having such a fun time together. 

Brooklyn is definitely keeping us on our toes. She's total puppy, getting into everything, being curious, and fearless. We've got to keep watch of her at all times or else we end up with trouble on our hands. I can't wait for Ramesh to take her to obedience classes! She's a crazy little rugrat, but we love her to pieces.

Busy Bee

Blouse-Zara, Pants-Macy's, Belt and Necklace-Target, Shoes-Bandolino, Watch-Michele,
Bracelets-Gift, Target, F21, Earrings-Macy's

I packed in a TON of activities into this past weekend. Thursday and Friday was a girls cabin getaway. We laid out in the water, made fun drinks, enjoyed donuts for breakfast and spent part of the day boating. It was wonderful being on the lake all alone.  If you follow me on twitter, you saw how calm the water was- it was like glass. Friday night we adopted a puppy. Yep, we got another dog. Coal was moping around and needed a buddy, not to mention I missed having two dogs around. We lucked out and were able to get one from a shelter in town. I'll post more on her later this week. Taking her in Friday night meant Saturday we were running around getting all things puppy-a kennel, toys, a new collar and leash, and making sure we new where she was at all times (she's a mischievous little rugrat). Sunday I started my tennis class and went to yoga. I haven't played tennis since high school and it was great to get back out on the court. You forget how much you enjoy things sometimes. I can't wait to get back out there again this week. All in all, it was a great weekend. How was your weekend?