Powder

Guess what? IT SNOWED.

I woke up this morning, got dressed and showered, and was about to walk out the door when I looked out the window to see a blanket of white over everything! Quite unexpected, and definitely an adventure getting around today.

Even though it can be a hassle, it really is beautiful.

I particularly like this lovely snowy image by Heather Fowler that I found on the Little Black Book blog.


What a romantic guy, huh?

*swoon*
Paige

David Slijper Photography

So I'm not sure if I'll be able to write up a fancy-shmancy post for you today, but I wanted to make sure I told you about fashion photographer David Slijper. Definitely swoonworthy.


This diptych is one of my favorites and reminded me of this post on Cassie's blog, coco+kelley.

*swoon*
Paige

Looks from Life - Peonies

I'm still hooked on the whole "spring-is-tomorrow" idea. It's too bad, though, because the rains really started here in Seattle yesterday. It cleared up for the most part by the end of the day, but I have a feeling this is the beginning of the time of year when it rains until June. *sigh*

Well, I'm just going to keep naively daydreaming. Imagining beautiful outfits you're planning to wear once the clouds clear never hurt anyone!

Today's Look from Life comes from this calming photograph of peonies (one of my favorite flowers of all time) from Flickr photographer honey.huckabee.


I love the little details hidden throughout the photo: The little bird on the vase, the corner of the silver picture frame, and the pop of orange from the center of the pink peony. It also incorporates a lot of one of my favorite colors, shades of "boring" beige (although what makes it more interesting is the fluttery texture of the flowers contrasted against the almost cold, linear wall panels).

Once again, I was unable to choose one look (I just couldn't turn down the pink dress, and the skirt was too perfect!), so I made a couple of similar looks which are rather versatile and can share similar accessories.



The only thing you need now is some sunshine!

*swoon*
Paige

Peonies #1
Miu Miu cotton shift dress
Boden flats
Balenciaga giant city bag
Vera Wang scarf (to tie on the strap of the bag, or to drape glamorously around your face a la Audrey)
Swallow studs (via TopShop)

Peonies #2
J.Crew Kya cami
L. Erickson silk Dupioni-wrapped headband
Dooney & Bourke patent leather fold-over clutch
Acne full knee-length skirt
Feathered earrings (via Forever21 - my secret place for the best unique, cheap earrings!)
Cream patent leather flats (unfortunately, I don't know the brand or the original source of these; if you recognize them, let me know!)

What I'm Wearing Today (Er, Yesterday...) - 2/23/09

When I got home last night, I realized I liked my outfit so much that I would create a retroactive "What I'm Wearing Today" post today.

The trench and blouse aren't exactly what I was wearing, but you get the gist. My trench has a higher collar that I like to "pop" every once in awhile, but definitely not in the frat-boy fashion!

My Frye boots are original vintage - my mom wore them when she was in college! Mine have more of a wider cuff folded over the top, but the example is pretty close!

The necklace also isn't what I was actually wearing, but it's the closest I could find. Mine is from a little store near my apartment called bouncing wall, which only sells locally hand-made art, interior goods, clothing, and jewelry. Unfortunately, I can't go in very often, otherwise I would easily buy everything there! My second-favorite purchase from the store were some pretty letterpress coasters with a simple border and the delicate words, "cocktail, please," printed in the middle. A perfect gift for my two best girlfriends (and Sex & The City-watching buddies!).


You may not find it to be a thrilling outfit, but I felt it was perfectly comfy yet put together. A little mild with a bit of sass from the boots and trench!

*swoon*
Paige

1. Amaury Trench Coat, Diane von Furstenberg
2. Cali stretch blouse, K Karl Lagerfeld
3. Boots, Frye
4. Necklace, Mariposa via shoptwigs.com
5. Grey Over-dyed Matchstick jeans, J. Crew

Asymmetry

To be honest, I only watched the red carpet pre-show of the Oscar's last night (while I ironed my clean sheets - who does that?!), but I was not disappointed by the dresses.

This season's runway favorite of asymmetrical, one-shouldered dresses was definitely in full force as seen below. Two of my favorites were Kate Winslet and Marisa Tomei's beautiful dresses, Winslet's in a beautiful blue, and Tomei's with a really interesting (in the best of ways!) geometric pleating.




Hmm... now I need to think up a reason to wear a beautiful gown like these! Grown-up prom-themed party, anyone?

*swoon*
Paige

Pop That Collar

I woke up to another(!) sunny winter day, and it was actually warm enough to don my lightweight trench coat instead of my heavier white pea coat. My trench is pretty basic, although one thing I love about it is that it has a collar that's a bit taller than normal. It adds the perfect amount of drama to an otherwise classic (yet a little plain...) look.

My little trench inspired me to seek out other collars with even more drama. While these are heavier looks, more appropriate for fall and winter, I just couldn't keep them a secret!

This one (from Vogue Nippon) isn't appropriate as an everyday look, but I just had to share. It looks so cozy, just like a cocoon.


This trench from Elroy is not only fashionable but also sustainable (fashtainable? sorry...). Their entire line is made from eco-friendly and socially-responsible materials.


This cute number is from Urban Outfitters and is totally affordable (50 buckaroos, marked down from $158)! Dramatic chic for cheap!

*swoon*
Paige

Tuck Me In

Yesterday evening, some friends and I went to happy hour, followed by a 7pm showing of "He's Just Not That Into You." It wasn't terrible - just about what you would expect.

One thing that stood out in the best of ways was the set design by Randall D. Wilkins. He made sure each character's living space was entirely original, and completely meshed with his or her personality. Unfortunately, it's too early to find good screen shots of their interiors, but I'll try to track some down in the future.

On a different note, one thing that bothered me was Scarlett Johansson's character's outfits... She had a tendency to tuck her cotton t-shirt into her belted jeans. I can understand a blouse being tucked in, but with the t-shirt? Isn't this some sort of fashion faux pas? Occasionally it looked sort of cute (*shrug*), but for the most part I had a bit of a problem with it.

I scoured the internet for a better picture, but sadly, this little peek into her trench coat is all I could come up with:


Maybe it was a bit odd because of the type of jeans she was wearing. They were rather light-washed and high-waisted; reminiscent of stereotypical "mom jeans."

Have any of you seen the movie? What did you think of this tucked-in-and-belted look? I really, really looked for stylish versions of it to post for comparison, but I just couldn't find any!

I hate to leave you on a sour note of bad fashion, so please enjoy the warmth and radiance of the picture below. Yes, it's another sunny, pseudo-spring day in Seattle and I am enjoying every second of it! This photo makes me want to go take a lap around Discovery Park. Who's with me?


*swoon*
Paige

She sells seashells...

I think the layered scalloped trend (some might call them fishscales) has come and gone, but I still absolutely love the texture they apply to any surface. Last summer, I was feeling really ambitious and decided to try to make a dress (keep in mind I am only a very basic seamstress). I must have been channeling Christopher Kane, because his dress (on the left) in the collection of items below is very similar to the one I was dreaming of. Unfortunately, due to my, how do you say, "lack of skillz," my dress never came to fruition; however, I hope to one day make some sort of version of it, even if it is only in the simple square form of a pillow.


And who could ever forget Michael's dress from Project Runway 3 made entirely out of coffee filters? Beautiful!




*swoon*
Paige

a. Christopher Kane scallop dress
b. Christopher Kane pink scallop dress
c. L.A.M.B. Scalloped Camden Open-Toe Bootie (this was originally a hideous banana slug yellow, so I took advantage of my artistic license and changed it to gray for the post - sorry, Gwen, I love ya, but that shade of yellow was not the best choice)
d. 45ºN flats (from Anthropologie)
e. Colette skirt
f. Stella McCartney blouse

This is perfection

Once again, a beautiful sunny (winter) day in Seattle.

How I would love to saunter through a grove of trees with a parasol:

Sandra Freij

I apologize for the short post today. I've been enjoying this weather too much!

*swoon*
Paige

Looks from Life - Springtime Flowers

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! The cabin getaway was absolutely perfect. And to top it all off, we didn't get a chance to make s'mores in the fire at the cabin, so we made them over the stove when we got home last night! We can be silly like that sometimes...

The weather this weekend couldn't have been more perfect, and the sunshine has continued into today! I am convinced spring is just around the corner, even if the groundhog said we would have six more weeks of winter (*sob*).

And it's pictures like this one below that keep me from remembering that it's still February. That it's still in the 30s and 40s outside. That it SNOWED last week. I'm just going to remain naive and keep pretending spring is almost here...

Photograph by Code Poet on Flickr

ALLDRESSEDUP Silk habotai halter dress; Balenciaga Hortensia print bag; J.Crew Marjorie flats

I'm usually not a huge fan of purple, but this dress captures the picture perfectly without being too "Barney." The ruffles at the bottom give it a nice flowery touch. And the bag? Definitely not an everyday item, but I can see myself toting it along to the market on a sunny spring day. The flats were kept super simple because there's so much going on with the bag I didn't want to overwhelm you! All you need now is some blue sky, some white fluffy clouds, and you're set!

*swoon*
Paige

Into The Wild

This weekend, the boyfriend and I are taking a wonderful trip to an island cabin. Such a great getaway!

Anyway, I've been daydreaming of the wooded wilderness we're headed to, and decided to track down some nature-inspired accessories for you and your home. Have a wonderful long weekend!



*swoon*
Paige

1. Acorn Necklace
2. Wolf Ring (Daphna Simon)
3. Love Birds Brooch
4. Bird Sculpture
5. Owl Stuffie (GreenOwlCuriosities)
6. Gingko Leaf Bowl
7. Sand Dollar Pendant

What I'm Wearing Today - 2/12/09

I've decided that every once in awhile I will post a comparable version of what I am wearing for the day. This may, however, be a more expensive version of what I'm wearing just because it's always fun to pretend to be a little more couture - for example, I'm definitely not wearing Louboutin's. Sure, my outfits may not be very exciting for you, but I think it will be fun to have a little catalog of my wardrobe.


What are YOU wearing today?

*swoon*
Paige

February 12, 2009:
Blazer - j.crew
Sweater - American Eagle
Pants - Merona (Target!)
Scarf - from my travels in India, but they're sold all over the US
Shoes - Louboutin (although mine are actually from Target...)

I may have designer tastes, but I'm a definite bargain shopper!

Happily Ever After...

So this may be a little silly, but it's just too cute not to re-post...

Back in August, Ez of Creature Comforts asked readers to send in ideas of what storybook characters might wear today (see the example of her Little Red Riding Hood, Fashion Maven here). I went ahead and made two of them - Snow White & Cinderella - and she posted them on her blog. I was thinking about them yesterday and realized I should probably resurrect them here because I had so much fun making them. Hmm... Maybe I should become a stylist... Well, at least for ladies from fairytales!

Snow White

Cinderella, Day-to-Night

Feel free to send in your own and I will post them here: pbpauli [at] gmail [dot] com
You can use an easy tool like Polyvore or save separate images mix them together using Photoshop or another image editor. Have fun!

*swoon*
Paige

Snow White:
Mini Apple earrings
Yellow skirt
Navy Ruffle Trim Top
Short Sleeve Bolero Jacket
Red Patent Leather Bow Heels
Bird Clutch
Bird Necklace
Headband

Cinderella - Day:
Christian Louboutin Balacorta patent flats
Brown skirt
Valentino bag
Bow Button Blouse
Scarf

Cinderella - Night:
Sasha Clutch
Alexander McQueen Peep-Toe Heels
Nicole Miller dress
Choker
Diamond Earrings

Looks from Life - Architecture

The various colors and lines of some of these looks reminded me of some architecture I had seen recently on Flickr... Do you see each connection?

Photograph by --James-- / Dress by Abaete

Photograph by Alvazer / Dress by ADAM

Photograph by Thomas Hawk / Dress by Monique Lhuillier

Photograph by *atrium09 / Dress by Valentino

Photograph by Thomas Hawk / Dress by Zac Posen

*swoon*
Paige

Let it snow!

First, I apologize for the delay in posting today! My wireless was on the fritz so I had to let it calm down for a bit.

Anyway, I awoke this morning to snow on the ground! And after I had gotten my hopes up with the dresses & cardigan combinations... The meteorologists said there was a good chance we'd get a few snow flurries this week, but I don't think anyone predicted they would start today!

This weather has got me thinking about snowy wonderland illustrations...

Detail of Hide N Seek by Etsy merchant HidenSeek

... and how I would love a cute winter wardrobe like this little lady!

I found a cute pair of green flats which would have matched the picture perfectly, but I wanted to keep it from looking too matchy-matchy. Who cares if the heel is impractical in the snow? Fashion comes first!

*swoon*
Paige

Peacoat: Miss Selfridge
Earmuffs: New Zealand Pacific
Tights: J. Crew
Extra-long Glittens (or Mmm-loves!): Browns Fashion
Heels: Piper Lime

Weekend Hideaway

I wish I had a secret hide-out to escape to for the weekend. Even better? An outfit to match the secret hide-out!

Liselotte Watkins

All I can say is, I'm so happy it's Friday. Enjoy your weekend!

*swoon*
Paige

Button Up!

Yes, yes, I know it's February and still rather chilly, but I have decided I need more everyday dresses in my wardrobe. As well as cardigans. But most importantly, pairings of dresses with cardigans! Okay, and maybe some shoes for good measure...

How about these combos? Which is your favorite?

One

Two

Three

Four

Sadly I think I'll have to wait for warmer weather...

*swoon*
Paige

One: Miu Miu pleated satin dress, J. Crew Merino Lea cardigan, Camper scalloped heels
Two: Moschino silk tiered flounce dress, J. Crew egyptian cotton cardigan, Bruno Frisoni heels
Three: Lela Rose silk faille dress, Miss Selfride cream diamond pointelle cardi, Boden flats
Four: Zac Posen silk love dress, Dorothy Perkins one-button gilet, Dune heels

Tumbleweed Homes

Tumbleweed Tiny Houses have been around for quite some time, but I can't help but share this fantastic company with you. Many of their homes are so small they can be towed by a car; and yet they're still completely comfortable and very well designed (read: adorable). I have always dreamed of someday owning a little country cottage - these are absolute perfection and would be at the top of my list. Check out their website. I promise you'll enjoy it thoroughly.


*swoon*
Paige

An Orange-Colored Sky

Do you see these colors??

These were the colors of the sunrise this morning. A beautiful start to the day. I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am that the days are getting lighter and lighter every morning, hinting that spring is on the way.

*swoon*
Paige

1) John Galliano
2) Lanvin
3) Tuleh
4) John Galliano
5) Elie Saab
6) Valentino

Looks from Life - Sparkling Cocktail

While perusing Flickr, I discovered a beautiful photostream by Flickr-user *Cinnamon. Not only are her photographs wonderfully composed, but many of them have great titles (like this one).

When I stumbled across this one below (titled, "Sparkling"), I knew I had to use it as the basis of a post. The fizzy bubbles, the tiny lemon seed on the far right - they were simply perfect; but what caught me the most were the lovely muted colors... I just had to turn this photo into an outfit! Or two...

Sparkling by *Cinnamon

Just like the cocktail in the photograph, the first outfit starts with a base (in the drink's case, lime cordial; in the outfit's case, this sweet strapless number). Mix in something a little heavier (vodka; shiny leather clutch). Finish it off with a lemon wedge & 7-Up: Tie the beaded sash around your waist for a dash of color and sparkle!

Dress: Threeasfour - Sash: J.Crew - Clutch: Franchi

I created this second look because I honestly couldn't choose between the two. At first I wanted to stick with the cocktail look, but who could ever say no to this dress! The texture perfectly captures the bubbles fizzing in the glass, don't you think? And for the lemon wedge? These hot yellow satiny stilettos peeking out from underneath (just like a drink that sneaks up on you a little faster than expected)! Surprise!

Gown: Threeasfour - Shoes: Pedro Garcia

Drink it all in!

*swoon*
Paige

Looks from Life - Ballerinas

This past weekend, one of my best friends went to Pacific Northwest Ballet's production of Jewels, George Balanchine's tribute to the three golden ages of ballet (Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds, of course!). Her descriptions of the show triggered daydreams of the years I spent on-stage, flouncing around in tulle dresses and pointe shoes under the bright lights.

I love how these looks echo the ballerina style.

(Left) Unknown; (Right) Photo by Paola Kudaki

(Left) New York City Ballet; (Right) Dolce & Gabbana

(Left) "Yellow Ballerina," by Edward Degas; (Right) Charles Anastase

(Left) Alexander McQueen; (Right) Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg
(Check out the hair on both of them!)

*swoon*
Paige

A room imitation of epic proportions

Last week I brought together pieces to recreate a designer look captured by photographer Andreas Johansson. This time, instead of an outfit, I will be recreating a room: actress Claire Forlani's living room - a beautiful merging of stereotypically masculine and feminine design.

Claire Forlani's living room, featured in Domino, October 2006

Personally, one of the main aspects of this room that really strikes me is not in the decoration, but in the architecture itself. The ridiculously high ceiling and ultra-large window fill the space with light, and allow for maximum air to circulate throughout the room. The dark chocolate beams give the space more character and create a nice contrast against the stark white walls.

I realize not everyone has the luxury of high ceilings and beautiful wooden beams; however, you can recreate the look simply (read: stylishly and inexpensively). Purchase some wide chocolate brown ribbon (nearly black, even) and encircle your space, attaching the ribbon to the walls approximately five inches below the ceiling. This has the same effect as contrasting molding or beams, and draws the eye up to give the illusion of a larger space.

Chocolate Wide Satin Ribbon from RedStamp.com

To echo the white ceiling, an inexpensive natural-colored Flokati rug like this one below will work perfectly. If you're willing to spend more on your Flokati, this article lists things to look for in a higher-quality rug.

Flokati rug via Pottery Barn

I hate to seem brief with the coffee table category, but this glass one from Treadway Gallery is a near perfect match! Not much more to say about this one!




Although the chairs in Forlani's living room are more of a mid-century modern design, the Abbott T-Cushion Armchair from Berhardt's Martha Stewart Collection will have to do. Even though it lacks the originals' slender wooden arms and frame (one of my absolute favorite aspects), it has a similar silhouette, and the same sort of low, comfy cushion design. (P.S. Has anyone else noticed how Martha's collections are always so perfect??)

Abbott T-Cushion Chair

Now, the sofas were the biggest challenge of recreating this look. I was able to find sofas with similar lines, but they didn't have the right button tufting. Or the right arms. Or the luxurious texture. Or, most importantly, that beautiful medium blue shade. As it turns out, the sofas were custom designed and manufactured by Forlani and her husband (how convenient). I've decided that, of all the variations I came across, the Hutton sofa from Room & Board (in Indigo, of course), is the best bet. It would also be much less expensive than a custom lounge (hey, not all of us can be celebrities)!


The John side tables from Indochine Decor are an absolutely perfect substitute! And I can guarantee they're less expensive than the actress' originals.


What could end up being a boring room is livened up by a somewhat random assortment of pillows. The array of patterns is brought together by a similar color palette of blues and grays. I scrounged around on Etsy (one of my favorite sites of all time for handmade goods) for some time and found these three, which I felt embodied the living room's variety of cushions. You can find these pillows by searching Etsy for their sellers, listed below each option.


Last but not least (besides your own personal tchotchkes and a delicate, pale pink bouquet on the coffee table), the lamps. They may be different in shape, but their height, color tones, and lampshades are very similar, pulling them together seamlessly. Combining the base of the multi-colored lamp below, and the shade of the classy black gourd lamp would create a perfect substitute. To be honest, I prefer the second lamp on its own; however, the first is simply more interesting and unexpected.

Charlie West

Porta Romana

And there you have it! I hope my creation inspires you throughout the rest of the week!

*swoon*
Paige