Destination Stay-cation

Take me away...but not very far!

Small oases in the midst of home.
1,2,3,4 and 5.

A Vibrant Start

via

Here's a fun way to start 2012: incorporate Tangerine Tango, Pantone's 'color of the year' into everyday life. You can challenge your creativity and use the color in different facets of life: from inside the home to elements of personal style.
I've already begun searching around for the vibrant color. You can follow my style board on Pinterest as I hunt for more. For now, here's a few items that have caught my eye so far:

Find them here: Parlour chair, Platform heel, Shift dress, Blouse, and Sleeveless button-down.

Use Your (Re)Imagination: ModCloth

ModCloth is a site for those who are not really interested in the "now." This girl brushes up on her history, and take a hint from the photos of the past. Over at ModCloth clothing, accessories and household items are there for the taking, whether you're after vintage pieces from a bygone era or textiles and cuts reminiscent of the past few decades. Here are a few ModCloth pieces to take you back:

You can find them here: Retro dress, Mod heel, Jumper, Satchel, Knit sweater.
Holiday dress, Wrap dress, Platform heel, Feather cuff.

Add Interest to the Fall Chill with Jackets

This weekend we experienced the first snowfall here on the east coast (OcSNOWber!) and it got everyone thinking about cold weather clothes. For me, one of the best parts of fall is that I get to wear layers! Over the past few years, I have been dubbed the "layering queen" by friends and family. Most of my base layers are the same basic colors. The more a piece of clothing is exposed, the most interest it can add to an outfit. Whether its an eye-catching pattern or a rich texture, the outermost layer is where you can spice it up!

Jackets: Velvet, Fringe, Feather print, Bird print, Plaid.

Monday Motivation: Mix it up!

The best way to combat Monday Blues: add color! Bold prints are to be embraced in all their forms this fall, from tried-and-true plaid (top right corner), to a new take on animal print (bottom left corner). When your mood is down and you need to uplift your spirits, dress the part! If you read this post to late, after you've already dressed yourself and left the house, use it to look forward to next Monday.
Have a great week!

Find 'em here: 1. Spaghetti-strap dress   2. Maxi dress  3. Earth tone dress   4. Crossover blouse
5. Zig-zag shoe   6. Missoni trousers  7. Animal-print ombre dress   8. Shades of brown pants
9. Tribal print coat   10. Maxi skirt.

Midweek Mood Board: Earth Tones for Leather and Knits

This week's mood board is dedicated to the best aspect of fall weather: making us want to get comfy. What better way to embrace the current season than creating the simplest fall palette? Earth tones represent quite a few autumn elements like durability, protection and rich warmth. You can usher in the season with neutral earth tones from the board below:












Find them here: First row- Infinity scarf, Legwarmers, Knit sweater, Portfolio clutch,
Second row- Leather trousers, Worn-in boots, High-waisted shorts, Cardigan.

Midweek Moodboard: Animal Textures Continued

I have become quite fond of clothing inspired by animal print/fur this season. I want to note that I do have a love and respect for animals, but I've noticed that their fur/skin looks fierce on me as well (just do everything in moderation and embrace faux options). Last week's moodboard focused on trendy items, but this week is inspired by the autumn season. Trends are fun, but functional items that look amazing are a win-win. Fur is prominent this season in all its forms, and cozy West Coast 1970's influences are popping up in quite a few editorials. In short, warm animal textures are all over right now, including below:

You can find these items here: 1.Aplaca-blend sweater, 2.Fur and suede boot, 3.Faux-fur jacket, 4.Two-tone jacket, 5.Shearling vest.

Midweek Mood Board: Fur, Feathers and Scales

The most intriguing design inspiration this fall: beautiful animal print. It's popping up everywhere from coats to accessories. Nowadays it's not necessary to pay up for the real deal- faux fur is just fine. Here are a few swatches to get you inspired, and samples from Fall 2011 lines:

Three items to consider if you love this trend: 1.Peacock print dress 2.Max and Chloe leopard print cuff, and 3.Jefferey Campbell snakeskin heel.

Midweek Mood Board: Cocktail Attire

All this talk about New York Fashion Week's got me in the mood to party and socialize. But as a Stylista, we all know you have to take this tradition and make it your own. Besides, the whole idea of cocktail parties is to take things to the next level while still keeping it classy. Here's my take on cocktail apparel:

Dresses from Asos: Contrast, Bandeau, One-shoulder

Affordable Cocktail Rings from Fantasy Jewelry Box: Citrus Orange, Contemporary, Octopus

Unique Clutches from Modcloth: Black, Beige, Tan

Shoes from Shopbop: Glitter Pump, Taffeta, Platform

Midweek Mood Board

Last week’s Mood Board was for the single destination girl, but this week’s is for the Travel Bug. We all have her in us; some more than others. She’s the part of us itching to hop on a plane or catch a train to an unknown destination. Experiencing the world’s diverse cultures (and not to mention food) is one of her greatest pleasures. Her ‘bucket list’ consists of places to see around the world, and she tries to make to every continent at least once. We might not have the time/money to do it all, but we can indulge in her character every once in a while.

The Travel Bug is constantly thinking of far away regions to explore, however she keeps her feet on the ground long enough to incorporate the current trends which best suit her style. At the center of it all is the Graphic Satchel Backpack that stylishly holds all of her essentials and more. The Aqua -Green Demin is comfortable enough to wear every day, and so unique her daring personality shines through. Faux-Fur Vests are one of this Fall's staples and fit easily into her adventurous wardrobe. Also right on trend is the Tiered Maxi Skirt she can save for more casual walks down city streets. The Tribal Fleece Cardigan will definitely come in hand on chilly nights, and can be paired with the Fur-lined Ankle Boots. Other staples include a White Button-down Blouse and Multi-colored Flats with as much flavor as she has. And our Travel Bug is always ready for a night out with her own twists on classics pieces like the Structural Black Dress and the Bow Detail Sweater Dress.

I hope you all have been inspired to become Travel Bug Stylistas yourselves!

Monday motivation: organization + inspiration

via Bodie and Fou

One of the best desk rules: a clear space = a clear mind. An organized space is essential to starting off your week right. Surrounding yourself with images you love is even better. If you have a tidy area, you'll be more motivated to do other tasks because you feel like you have something done already. Inspiration boards are a given for me as well. They're like automatic mood-checks. If you feel down or become distracted,  inspiration boards can remind you mind of your purpose in a beautifully artistic way. I hope everyone is motivated to make the most of their week!

Midweek Mood Board

Here’s a little something I put together to get you through the rest of the week. Summertime is coming to a close, and these are our last few weeks to make the most of our vacations. With so many great travel sites on the web it’s easier than ever to book a weekend getaway— I’ve done it twice this summer. This week’s Mood Board is made to inspire you with clothing for a beach atmosphere. Along with staples like the nautical striped shirt and vintage one-piece suit, you can take lots of tips from nature: from marine animals to the colors you see around you.

When I imagine the colors associated with the beach, my thoughts go from the bright sun, to the waves, and finally the sand under my feet. The hue of the yellow colorblock dress mimics the sun, and the color of the khaki pants is like sand after the waves have washed away. On a more literal note, you can show your love for your favorite animals, or those seen at sea such as the goldfish, whale or starfish. And of course you have to represent the nautical theme! Along with the striped shirt, there’s the boat-print dress and beach tote made of rope material.

If you haven’t checked the beach off of your summer list, you only have a few weeks left. Get lost!