Newlyweds and Nesting: Elizabeth Anne Designs Living: A Food, Lifestyle, and Craft Blog » Fashion

Teal & Mustard

Rachel — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:00:27 +0000

Ah, teal and mustard.

{image by Toast}

{images via The City Sage by Anthropologie March 2011 and Elle Decor, February/March 2011}

I love this combination of colours – it probably comes as no surprise that teal is one of my favourite colours. Last night I went to a Fashion Show*. Bearing in mind I live in a small village near a slightly larger town, I was really going along to support the charity. But, talented girl that I am, I can spend money anywhere and so I ended up buying a teal dress. Which would go perfectly with mustard. Only I am blonde, and don’t own much (anything?) in mustard. Anyone got any ideas for me?

{images courtesy of author’s personal collection}

Please excuse the poor quality and poor lighting. And the fact you can see my pants drying on the rack. It was intended as a quick snap to e-mail to facebook (by popular demand I hasten to add – people wanted evidence that there was fashion to be had where I live) but I thought, what the hell.

The flowers are the only mustard coloured items I am aware of in the house at the moment. I think they would look fab in a wedding bouquet. I am not sure that a bouquet is the right look for my teal dress though…

* I tried to take some photos of the show but the models didn’t pause for long enough and the lighting was terrible. The average age of the audience was definitely old enough to be my mother and the announcer had some strange ideas about “what all the magazines are doing” but, among the vast swathes of what can only be described as um, rubbish, were, occasional nice pieces. Like my teal dress. And the polka dot blouse with pussy bow that I am wearing today.

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Posted in: Decor, Fashion

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Cowboy Take Me Away

Rebekah — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:00:57 +0000

I saw an image from the 2011 Ralph Lauren Collection on Carrie Leber’s website, and spent a few minutes just staring. I’m definitely a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl, but these dresses were so romantic and sweet. They pull in that perfect Wild Wild West feel with a touch of Americana.

{images credited to Monica Feudi for GoRunway.com}

I love how they kept the makeup and hair fresh and easy (perfection!) and while I probably won’t (ever) purchase a cowhide purse or vest, I’m definitely thinking I need to introduce a little cowgirl style into my spring wardrobe.

{images credited to Monica Feudi for GoRunway.com}

I really really love the shoes they used. They seem perfect for spring. Dressier than flat sandals, and perfect for extending these oh-so-short legs of mine. I found identical shoes on the Nine West website, as well as a cute western style belt.

{Braided Leather Belt and Mayne Shoe by Nine West}

{accessories from the Nine West Vintage America Collection}

Until my budget includes trips to New York for fashion week, and purchasing directly from the runway collection, I’ll be showing my cowgirl off by updating my spring dresses with accessories and purchasing a few spring dresses from Old Navy and Forever 21.

{images credited to Old Navy}

You can get inspired by the complete Ralph Lauren Spring 2011 Collection on Style.com.

Will you be embracing this new trend?

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Posted in: Beauty, Fashion

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Spring

Rachel — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:00:22 +0000

Despite the cold weather and almost constant ice cold rain this week, spring is on it’s way. Lambs are in the fields, snow drops popping up in gardens and in verges. It’s getting lighter in the mornings and the evenings here. And now Valentine’s Day has passed, my thoughts turn to lighter clothes. I might still be wearing gloves and a tweed coat when ever I step outside, but inside, I am buying my new spring wardrobe. I don’t want to spend too much money though, I’ll mainly be recycling what I already have in my wardrobe, with one or two new additions.

I can’t wait until it’s warm enough for bare legs and sandals. I will be wearing this skirt and shoes with stripy tops that I already own, perhaps with a blue blazer and a brown double wrapped thin leather waist belt. I already own those too. With my vintage 1950s leather strapped mens watch.

{images credits: skirt by Hush, shoes by Topshop, bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs via Net a Porter}

The new additions being the skirt and the shoes. Sadly, I can’t afford the Marc Jacobs bag, yet.

Has anyone else started their spring wardrobe?

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Nautical Spring Style

Rachel — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:00:16 +0000

Hi there! I hope everyone has survived this brutal winter we’ve had! Luckily, Springtime is just around the corner with some warmer weather to lift our spirits. And along with the new flowers coming up, there’s lots of cute new fashions and accessories for your home.

One of the influences I’m seeing everywhere is nautical. It seems like the water beckons us whenever the temperatures rise, so it makes sense that this is such a classic look for spring and summer.

{images via Ann Taylor Loft and JCrew}

Stripes are EVERYWHERE! There are so many cute striped tees out there – I already have 2!

{images via Google Images and Flickr}

Natural elements like cotton and jute are showing up on accessories and shoes.

{images via Lands End, Zappos, Canadian House & Home, and Ballard Designs}

So what do you think of nautical style?

{images via Amazon.com and Bayan Hippo on Etsy}

Is it something that floats your boat, or do you like to keep your feet planted firmly on dry land?

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Posted in: Decor, Fashion

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Vogue Fashion and Decor Inspiration

Rebekah — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:00:57 +0000

One of my favorite places to look for party, fashion and decor inspiration is Vogue.com. They have a great collection of images. Even if I can’t afford the brands and companies they promote, it definitely inspires me. Here are a few images that have caught my eye lately.

This House of Lavande beach party is pretty fabulous, and I think this would be pretty easy to duplicate on a much smaller scale for an outdoor party when the weather warms up. The biggest expense would be the tent, but you could definitely bring down the cost with some creative planning.

It’s hard to see because the image is so dark, but the seating consists of a giant square and then rounds set up in the middle. Wouldn’t this be great for a large scale wedding reception?

I’m not sure if this current trend of undead type makeup is related to the Twilight saga success, but I’m not really loving it. You don’t have to go crazy with the bronzer, but a little color wouldn’t be so completely awful.

Ah, this is more like it. Mila Kunis is a dreamboat and a half. That gown is perfect for her vivid coloring, and her makeup is noticeable without being overdone.

Where do you go for fashion and home inspiration?

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Posted in: Beauty, Entertaining, Fashion

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Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

Maggie — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 13:00:16 +0000

It’s freezing outside. Full-on, brrrr-cold freezing outside. Hey, when you’re already facing temperatures in the teens in mid-December, you’re allowed to be dramatic. In fact, preparation can be fun! Despite the fact that we moved to DC last winter during a blizzard, I stuck it out until spring with the one pair of (heeled, unsuitable-for-ice) boots that life in previously warmer climates required. Can you see where I’m going with this? By the time winter weather rolled around this year, I was ready for it. Enter my cold-weather footwear upgrades:

Cole Haan Air Chatham Rain Boots

I loooove my rain boots. I’ve already sloshed around yucky cold rain with them, just waiting for the day when they’ll plow through snow and ice with ease. I adore the look of them, too – the tweed on top is perfectly me. Despite the fact that another pair of Cole Haans in this apartment inches us dangerously closer to being “That Cole Haan Couple,” I love these things to pieces.

Frye Archie Hikers

I bought a pair of brown leather boots from JCrew when I went off to college in Boston years and years ago, and I wore those shoes out. I had them re-soled twice in ten years, that’s how much I loved them. I finally (with tears!) gave up on them in Dallas and have been searching for replacements ever since. Enter Frye with these fantastic boots that somehow seem perfectly “me” and timeless all at once.

Not-yet-purchased Furry Fabulous Boots

My next purchase in the warm and practical footwear category is going to be something furry and fabulous, for days as cold as today when there’s also inches of snow and ice on the ground. Any of these would fit the bill fabulously, don’t you think? And while we’re at it (and as a nod to furry black or gray boots that might be out there)….

Eddie Bauer Slope Side Down Parka

…I think this parka would be fantastic on those bitter days when my pretty wool coats and scarves won’t cut it.

Oh, how times change… at one point my delicate open-toed stilettos were my prized shoe possessions, but these days I’m prioritizing all things sturdy, waterproof, and decidedly un-shiny! Cold weather veterans out there (Chicago girls, I’m looking at you): any tips on looking cute and staying warm at the same time?

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Posted in: Fashion, Good Things

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What items get you through the dog-days of Summer?

ABC Dragoo — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:00:23 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I spend most of Springtime fretting about when the weather is going to teeter over 70 degrees. It must be my Swedish heritage, because I fare much better in frigid Winter weather. When the ladies of EAD asked me to share the items that get me through Summer, several comfortable, body cooling-items came to mind…

Image via Athleta

The Organic Cotton Senorita Dress from Athleta. They come in the most delicious, organic colors. The dress comes to just above the knee, they’re super comfortable, flattering and machine washable. The Senorita Dress is so versatile. I wear them to clean around the house, to the farmers market and dress them up when we go out to dinner. I purchased two last Summer and they are the first thing I reach for on a hot day. Casual, Summer perfection! *FYI: they’re on end of Summer SALE right now!*

Image via Athleta

I have also been wearing my Shapeable Poolside Sun Hat quite a bit. I am the type who gets sunburn through a window on a Winter day, so the wider the brim, the better! I like this sun hat because it’s crushable. You can pack it in a suitcase or bag and re-shape upon arrival.

Image via Coolibar

During the Summer months, I always have a Sandalwood fan in my purse. At $0.65 a piece, I can’t help but beat the heat in the NYC Subway with my own wind-chill factor. *Just last week, I went to an amazing interior design event at the D & D building. Nate Berkus, S.R. Gambrel, Laura Kirar, and Jesse Carrier were all there to sit on the panel. It was a hot and steamy night in NYC, not to mention, many of my interior design idols were gathered in one room – You bet I pulled my fan out to create a wind chill effect!

Image via Amazon

I have two favorite shoe styles for Summer in the City. During the day, I love my Gizeh Liquid Gold Birkenstocks.

Image via Birkenstock

And at night, (or when I want a slightly more sophisticated, streamlined, but still comfortable look) I like to wear my nude color, kitten heel, Martha Davis peep toe mules. So cute and super comfortable for walking around!

Image via Martha Davis

Now that I have covered my wearable Summer must haves – I’d like to talk little about must haves for the home. First of all, one must have a fabulous iced beverage dispenser. For my own use, I selected the Simplicity Collection beverage dispenser from Chefs Catalog. I like it because the dispenser doesn’t need to sit on the edge of the counter top. I recently did a review of glass iced beverage dispensers on ABCD Design. If you’re in the market for one too, you might like to take a peek at all the different options I found!

Image via Chef’s Catalog

And in the kitchen? I adore my Cherry Me Apron by The Hip Hostess. Because really, you can’t get any more Summery in the kitchen than dressing up in a kicky sheath apron!

Image via the Hip Hostess

Don’t forget to freshen up your kitchen counter top with these good looking vintage style pantry storage tins. (I am considering them for our new kitchen in the country house!) Even though it’s dreadfully hot outside, the weather will soon turn and you’ll find yourself wanting to bake breakfast scones and muffins!

Image via Stylish Stuff

And last, but certainly not least, in the Summer I think it is imperative to keep a case of Veuve Clicquot 1/2 bottle splits on hand. It’s so refreshing to have a wee-bit of icy-cold champagne at the end of a long, hot Summer day – without having to commit to drinking an entire bottle – Unless, of course, you want to! *winkwink*

Image via City Wine Cellar

So tell me: What items get you through the dog-days of Summer?

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My Favorite Christmas Gift

Jenna — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:00:29 +0000

Christmas is over and I’m finally settling back into my normal routine. I loved being home and spending time with my family, but by the end of my 10 day stay I just wanted to be in my own bed, with my fridge full of the food that makes up my regular diet, no longer needing to dig through my suitcase every time I needed something to wear. I’ve created a list of the gifts we received so thank you notes can be sent out because if I don’t write it down I’ll forget who gave me what. Yes, I was a very lucky girl this year.

Not to choose favorites but… I’m going to tell you which is my favorite. It’s the gift that makes me smile every time I use it. I think it’s also the gift I can’t stop talking about because I threw it on to my wish list at the last second when my mom asked for ideas. A few things I wanted/needed this year? A toaster. LaraBars. Accessories to dress up my black stretchy maternity dresses. And oh yeah, a robe since I remember making my dad a bit uncomfortable while I walked around in my towel when my parents came to stay for the weekend at the beginning of December.

Yep, my favorite gift this year, out of all the wonderful things I was blessed to receive, is a robe. This robe to be exact.

Source

This isn’t just any robe. It’s the softest, most luxurious, dreamiest article of clothing I have ever slipped into. Wearing it feels like a visit to the spa and I find myself getting excited to step out of the shower each day and slip into it.Thanks mom, this was one of my favorite gifts ever from you.

What about you? What was your favorite Christmas gift this year?

P.S.-Isn’t the model posing this way ridiculous?

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Posted in: Fashion, Good Things

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Change of a dress

Maggie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:00:38 +0000

A funny thing happened last week when I was in Boston for a conference. After finishing up my work as quickly as possible, I burst out of the hotel to explore the streets of one of my favorite cities. I found myself smiling at old places, mesmerized by new ones, and… shivering. Violently. My cute little jacket with the pretty lapel and two little buttons and no lining? Not really doing much of anything in the face of Beantown wind. But I pressed forward, committed to the task of reacquainting myself with my old college town, and simply walked faster to generate more body heat. Only, um, well…. my feet hurt. A lot. Of the searing pain and bursting blister variety. Those cute “so practical!” heels on my poor feet? Boston was laughing at them. Actually, between the tiny jacket and impractical shoes (with bare feet inside them, of course) that I was sporting in America’s best walking city, the natives were all but pointing at me and laughing. And I used to call myself a Bostonian…

What my wardrobe debacle brought up for me was how much I’ve gotten accustomed to the climate and way of life in Dallas. I lived in Boston for six years, but did it ever occur to me to pack a wool coat or gloves for my trip? Nope. Did I pack even a single pair of flats in my suitcase? Nope. Why this matters is that we’ve set our sights on the Northeast as our next stop on the newlywed train. That means my closet full of fun, lightweight dresses and shoes unfit for a walking city are going to start gathering some dust. Time to take a refresher course on all things boots, tights, layers, and coats. I guess that means my cold weather footwear fantasy will have to substitute these:

For these:

Tell me: How has your wardrobe adjusted with big moves over the years? What do you miss about your old look, or look forward to about your next one?

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Posted in: Fashion, Newlywed Life

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Rain, Rain: Here to Stay

Kate — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:31:43 +0000

When I packed up for college – headed to North Carolina from Austin, Texas – I was looking forward to lots of things. One of them (lame enough) was seasons! Changing leaves and snowfall were foreign concepts to me, and I was thrilled to sport my meager winter wardrobe for months at a time, as opposed to three days out of the year. Actually, “Boys in Sweaters” ranked pretty high up on the “Pros Column” when selecting Wake Forest University as my undergrad alma matter, if I remember correctly.

But people kept mentioning the rain. ”Oh its rainy up there – pack your umbrella!” ”Do you have a good raincoat? North Carolina sees a lot of wet weather!” Um, okay silly adults, I’m from Texas, remember? I’ve been practicing tornado drills since kindergarten and survived some pretty severe thunderstorms… I’m pretty sure I can handle “the wet season.” Bring it, North Carolina.

Yes, well. By October, my foot was planted firmly in my mouth as rain – from drizzle to downpour – continued for days on end. Some days, I felt like Forest Gump and Bubbah… hard rain, soft rain, sideways rain, upside-down rain – on and on and on! And it was cold! By Christmas-List-Making-Time, I was coveting the Northfaces that seemed standard fare for my South-Eastern classmates, and something nearly identical to this topped my wish-list.

Ever the practical shopper, my mom found a coat she claimed to be “the Northface’s twin!” You won’t even know the difference, she promised. I took the woman at her word… and subsequently walked around campus like this for several months a year for the next four years:

{source}

If you feel I’m being a tad over-dramatic, I have (seriously embarrassing) proof of the ginormousness of the Yeti Jacket:

{author’s personal collection}

Why I appear to be molesting a mannequin’s torso in this photo is neither here nor there, but, let me tell you, I never allowed my mom to make a Cardinal Fashion Switcharoo again. (I love you mom, even if I did look like a colossal snow beast as a coed)

This (rather lengthy) journey down Fashion Police Memory Lane is not merely a humorous anecdote. Nay! Rather, it is my oh-so-clever lead-in to an actual point…

IT WILL NOT STOP RAINING IN DALLAS.

{Seriously, at this point, we’re probably better off moving to Seattle. Or the Amazon Rain Forest. We might see the sun more. And have super delicious coffee / play with super awesome spider monkeys on a daily basis.}

This time, however, I’m older, wiser, and I have credit cards (or at least credit cards that I’m actually allowed to have)! Thus, without further adieu, I give you my picks for looking fabulous whilst staying warm and dry during seasonal downpours:

(1) a Fabulous, Water-Proof Trench:

{source}

(2) Fun Wellies:

{source}

(3) and a Funky, Standout Umbrella!

{source}

Stay dry! And Non-Stay-Puff-Marshmallow-Woman-Looking!

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Posted in: Fashion, Good Things, Just for Fun, Outdoor Life

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