Monochromatic Work Wear

When faced with a short week why not simplify your already rushed morning routine by sticking with one color head to toe.




Black and white are a bit easier to pull together but I love the idea of going big and bold with this season's brights. Tangerine shift with YSL pumps? Now that's what I call the perfect uniform.

I hope you have a great week luvies!
*Mrs.E

images via vanessa jackman, musings on feminity, who what wear

Happy Memorial Day!

Here's to kicking off a rockin' summer! Hope you have a wonderful day off luvies.

image by doug freidman via instyle

Happy {Reflective} Weekend

Memorial Day is typically the time for a getaway, BBQ's or parties on the beach. But it's also a great opportunity to hit the pause button.



It's amazing what you can accomplish with that one extra day. I'm thrilled to finally have the chance to be still and catch up on life, on the blog world and on the need to simply sit with my own thoughts for more than one second!

What are you up to this long weekend luvies? Whatever you do, I hope it's both fun and rejuvenating!

Till next week,
*Mrs. E

image via cognac & coffee

You're Making Me Blush

Nude hues were all over the spring runways. How delightful would it be to breeze through the day in this stunning Valentino?

 

But blush tones aren't just only the hot thing in fashion. They're all over the latest interiors too and it's easy to see why. They make a space so inviting. Like the second dining room in this post, adding even a hint of a blush hue, from a bloom to a bench to a seat cover brings a sense of ease to a space. Using it as the foundation of your color palette feels lush and totally comfortable all at the same time.

I for one am totally head over heels for the look. I suspect the husband will prefer the dress though!

dress via vanity fair, rooms via holly becker's pinterest, happy mundane, materiallust, decorista

Hats Are the New Umbrella

Seattle refuses to let it's death grip on February-esque weather go. But at least that forces you to come up with creative fashion solutions to the relentless drizzle.



Like embracing hats. They're pretty much everywhere. And I'm finding them completely fabulous. Who doesn't love an outfit finishing, look changing, hands-free rain protector all wrapped into one! I'm personally partial to the fedora or cloche, but some can pull off the the panama or classic sun hat. Don't let the name fool you - sun is not required!

images via hanneli, decorista, vanessa jackman

Wedding Wednesday {If the Shoe Fits}

As many gorgeous bridal white wedding shoes there are out there, there are so many stunning, dramatic alternatives. You really cannot go wrong. We you can, but you don't have to look far to find amazing options.




I'm adoring the idea of a classic black and white pump. Can you get any classier than Chanel?! But then it's hard to resist having your 'something blue' be your shoes - especially when they're deeply saturated booties or sparkly Miu Miu pumps!

Then there is still plenty of fun to be had even when when you stick with neutral tones. Ankle cuffs, gray suede with hardware detail or glittery goodness? I do, I do, and I do, thank you very much!

Has pair captured your hearts luvies?


images by alison conklin via merci, w. scott chester via 100 layer cake,  jill thomas via 100 layer cake,  ryan garvin via grey likes wedding, sarah yates via sitting in a tree, elizabeth messina via utterly engaged

Tasty Tuesday {Dueling Dining Rooms}

Rue Issue 5 features features some stunning spaces {nice work Rue girls!}. But I was stopped dead in my tracks by two dining rooms in particular. While on the opposite ends of the design spectrum each draw you in and make you want to sit back and relax, with fabulous cocktail in hand of course.



This glossy space designed by Kendall Wilkinson, oozes a subtle sex appeal with the black fur rug, high shine deco chandelier and mirror. I love the lucite chairs and the modern touch they bring to the space. It's the perfect spot to hold a cocktail hour. Can you just see yourself milling about, Olive & Rosemary martini in hand?


In contrast, this light and airy dining room combines old-world charm with contemporary touches that make you feel right at home. In a 160 year-old farmhouse in upstate New York, the space evokes a sense of ease and comfort, starting with the focal point: the natural wood farm table. The soothing neutral color palette and cozy layers leave you saying ahhhhh. But contemporary touches like the modern chairs (Ikea people!) keep you from feeling like you've been transported back in time. I'd love to sit around that table on a warm summer day sipping Thyme Lemonade with friends!

What do you think luvies? Which space do you prefer?

drink images and recipes via martha stewart, rooms via rue magazine

Dazzled by Denim

With Memorial Day {and summer!}just around the corner it's time to relax a little. That's why I'm totally dying over denim, but this is about more than your basic 501s.



From a chambray skirt, to the classic western work shirts, to a dark denim suit, you can inject a little ease into your day-to-day wardrobe with all the lovely options out there.

I'm particularly smitten with the look of a cropped black pant, untucked light blue denim shirt and crisp gray blazer. I just might try it out tomorow.

To pull it off at work a strong heel is still required, but denim is not just for the weekends anymore!

Looks via ulla johnson, pinterest and madewell, rag & bone jacket, surface to air skirt, madewell wedges 

Monday Work Wear {iCandy}

Lest we forget, accessorizing is an equally important part of work wear and you can make sure your tools are just as dressed up as you are. That's why I'm swooning over theses dashing iPad cases.



Now, I don't actually own an iPad, let alone a gorgeous case for one, but I'm making my wish list.

Because, as you may have heard, the darling Erin of Design for Mankind has partnered with Merida Home to generously give away a complimentary iPad 2 to one very very lucky winner!

You can get all the details here. I've got all my fingers and toes crossed for this one. I hope a little luck comes your way this week luvies!

*Mrs.E

1 dannijo 2 kooba 3 marc jacobs 4 burberry 5 asos 6 jimmy choo 7 smythson 8 lanvin 9 hermes 10 dakota 11 ysl 12 dvf

Happy {Beach Bummin'} Weekend

This weekend we are headed out of town yet again. But I can't complain because we're walking out the door and into the sunshiny joys of....


 

San Diego! I am looking forward to one more injection of surf, sand and pool time in the sun. (Even at a mild 65 degrees). It's just good for the soul.

Oh and my San Diegan readers - if you have any tips please send them my way!

We'll also be feting dear friends for their bachelor/bachelorette so I suspect I'll come home with some very good stories to go along with my tan.

I hope you have a glorious weekend luvies.

Till Monday,
*Mrs. E

images via cote maison, cognac and coffee, pink + blue blog

Soleful Decor {White Space}

Color may be queen for Spring but there just something so refreshing about clean, bright, white?



White rooms feel so inviting to me. Especially these, with reams of natural light, stunning hardwoods and that bathtub ~ its as if you're bath in the middle of someone's library.

I'm head over heels for white fashion too - especially bright white shoes. Those Chloe flats are so calling my name, though in the back of my head I can still hear my mother saying, but Erin, how will you keep them clean?!

Years of practice Mom, years of practice.


shoes by tommy hilfiger and chloe, rooms via brunch at saks

Fit To Be Tied

Have you heard? Unless you're living under a fashion rock you're probably aware that JCrew just keeps getting things right right now. But the capsule collection with Pabral Gurung has just skyrocketed to the top of top of my must-have list.



I'm over the moon about Prabal's bows. They add gorgeous interest without being frilly.

And p.s. all six pieces are available TODAY! I think you might want to hustle on this one.

I know I will be!!

images via ny mag

Wedding Wednesday {Peachy-Keen}

Faux, fresh or actually edible sweet as a peach blooms are make your mouth water.




Though I'm not the girliest of girls, I'll make an exception for all three of the lovely feminine options above, including the cake, no wedding required!

images by scott clark, caroline tran and lavendar and twine

La Dolce Vita

It's funny how something simple can completely change your mood. I was all set to share a Belizean inspired Tasty Tuesday post today, but the forces of culinary delights made me take a hard right after I ate at Spinasse, one of my absolute all-time favorite restaurants that we're lucky enough to have here in Seattle.

After four courses of a custom menu my family and I enjoyed last night, I have nothing but images of Italy dancing in my head.




I could happily spend the rest of my days in a rustic Italian kitchen, attempting homemade pastas and delicious sweet treats like amazing terrone pictured above.

Unfortunately, that's a skill set I still need to hone so in the meantime I thought I'd provide you with another sweet option from an actual expert, Chef Jimmy Banos of The Purple Pig in Chicago.

Lemon Panna Cotta with Lemon Marmalade
Ingredients
marmalade
3 large lemons
3/4 cup sugar
panna cotta
1 cup whole milk, divided
2 tsp. unflavored gelatin
2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar
Peel from 1 lemon (removed with a vegetable peeler)
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

Preparation
Using a knife, cut peel and white pith, end to end, from lemons. Juice enough flesh to measure 1/3 cup; reserve. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add peel; boil for 5 minutes. Drain; repeat 2 more times. Let peel cool; slice lengthwise into thin strips, then crosswise in half. In a small heavy saucepan over medium heat, stir sugar, reserved 1/3 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 cup water until sugar dissolves. Add peel, bring to a simmer, and cook until mixture is reduced to 2/3 cup and an instant-read thermometer reads 225°, about 10 minutes. DO AHEAD Can be made up to 2 weeks ahead. Cover and chill. For the rest of the instructions go here.

Bon appetito luvies!
*Mrs. E


kitchen via brava casa, recipe via bon appetit, dessert image by me!

Taste Treat

It's only Tuesday and I'm already day-dreaming about tropical places far far away.



Thankfully I still have memories of Belize dancing in my head. Oh to be on that sailboat right now.

Back in a bit luvies!

image by me!

Monday Work Wear {Lite Brite}

When looking around for my work wear inspiration this week, I stumbled on this stunning ensemble. And while I swooned over the de La Renta, it was the beautiful bright color that really caught my eye.

I often have a hard time breaking out of my neutral ways, but I'm loving the look of brights, for the lip!




Monday mornings can dawn grey, dreary and dull but I love that something so simple as a lipstick can make you feel ready to take on the world. So kick your pale lips glosses to the curb ladies and start your week off strong!

Happy Monday luvies,
*Mrs.E

images via sterling style, glitter guide, musings in femininity, style essentials

I've Got a Crush

On my current color inspiration come to life,



On double bagging it,



On fuel-efficient jet setting,



On sweet sidetables,



On pups almost as cute as Chloe,



On moody blues,



On saucy side-ties,



And one day having a room with a view!



Here's to dreamin' big (and for Blogger finally working again!) luvies !

Happy Saturday!
*Mrs. E

ps: don't forget to click on the photos for their sources!

Blogger Ate My Baby

Well darlings, I'm sorry to say all my pretty posts got caught in the tangled weave of the interwebs this week.



Still unclear when everything will be unstuck so I'm just going to continue to stand by until we receive the all clear signal.

And investigate Word Press. Dorky technical question: but do you have a blog platform you prefer? Because the time to leave the Blogger nest has officially come.

Till Monday (or whenever Blogger is fixed) luvies,
*Mrs. E

image by drew reilly via 80%20 NY 

Doing Double Duty

Well, in this case, quadruple duty! Have you been feining for fashion shows? Well S/S 2011/12 is in full swing in Australia and I'm loving this poppy print from Bec & Bridge collection.




Although I can't decide what I love more, the various looks or the adorable shoes. I'll take a pair in each color, thank you very much!

images via vogue

Wedding Wednesday {Belizean Brights}

Our little jaunt down to Central America for our friends' wedding {more to come on that shortly, I promise!} sent me home flush with fresh inspiration of tastes, smells, sights and especially color palettes.



As we were racing back along the Belizean North Highway to the airport ~ and I mean racing, I nearly had a heart attack! ~ we whizzed by an amazing image that went too quickly for me photo but is still seared on my brain. It was a two story house, tired, a little worse for wear but awash in this bright inviting mint green. Behind the house, like banner of celebration, a line of wash strung across the interior courtyard in a harmonious mix of pastels - peaches, pinks, and soft sherbet hues softly swaying in the wind.

But the pièce de résistance was the bright, eye popping mass of hot pink bougainvillea slowly taking over the front of the house, glowing brightly, almost with a day-glo effect, against the minty green backdrop.

It's this amalgamation of pitch perfect hues that I tried to capture in today's color board. It's inviting nature completely eclipsed the disrepair of the house. It made you feel happy - hopeful. It is the perfect palette for a summertime wedding. Sweet without being overly saccharin. The punch of hot pink provides the sass you need for a hoppin' party. I love to see the burst of color used subtly on table tops (think napkin rings or votive candles), on the bridal party (shoes, hair pin or bouquet ribbon perhaps) and deftly dotted throughout the flowerscape.

It's the type of color combo that can transport you to a very special place ~ exactly as any wedding should!

images via pinterest, jose villa, net-a-porter

I'm Baaccckkkk!

Hi Luvies! I have finally returned from glorious Belize (visions of jungle, beach, sand and sun still dancing in my head)



But reality has dawned (grey and low 50s in case you were curious) and I'm diving right back into the catch up rush.

I hope you enjoyed your visit from little Miss Chloe last week. Look forward to seeing everything I've missed!! Be sure to let me know if you have something I should be sure to check out.

Cheers,
*Mrs. E

image via coffee and cognac

OOF

Back soon luvies!

*Mrs. E

photography and design by bonnie tsang

Happy {Sun-Drenched} Weekend

I wonder if this is what mom is doing right about now? And I wonder why she didn't take me with her?!
~ Miss Chloe

My body may know it's grey and dark outside, but my brain is still vacationing in the sultry heat of the weekend.

Between Sea and Sky Slim Arons

 

Soleful Decor {March 2010}

I looooooovvve shoes, almost as much as mom. Maybe that's why she keeps hers up very high.
~ Miss Chloe

I'm loving the mix and match of the spring trends. They provide the perfect amount of versatility and my favorite, tons of sky-high heels. Translate it all into decor and no matter which direction you go, you really can't take a wrong turn.

You might prefer sweet whites,

Or perhaps spring pinks,

but then there are the supple neutrals,

And, my current favorite, the exuberant brights. 

shoes dolce vita, elizabeth and james, fendi, louboutin, all rooms via {this is glamorous}

Really, there's a look to suit any mood. Now if only changing decor was as easy as shoes! That's why I invest in big closets.

Wedding Wednesday {Jan. 2009}

I'd love to go for a walk with mom in one of these lovely frocks, but only if I get to dress up too!
~Miss Chloe

I know so many engaged ladies these days (and have been trying on my fair share of bridesmaid dresses) so I've seen first hand a lot of what's on the market right now. Personally, I am a fan of the slightly non-traditional.

These looks from a Chanel campaign and shot by Karl Lagerfeld himself provide some lovely and deliciously different options for all those brides-to-be.

photos via here

You would certainly be the belle of the ball in these. To all those betrothed - happy shopping!