((( the black veil )))

...She had envisioned herself; while she lay awake in bed; in a long satin gown with chiffon detail stretched down past her ankles and a small train delicately draped behind her on the floor. She had on a veil made of lace; something she had picked up in a roadside flea market on a trip back from visiting her father years before. She threw it into a stamped burlap sack and placed it next to the silver candlesticks, inside of a cedar chest with leather straps and brass buckles. She felt accomplished by the wheeling and dealing that bantered back and forth between the keeper of the market and herself. They got some laughs out of the entire ordeal. She laughed at his southern hillbilly accent and he laughed at her stilettos and excessively large sunglasses. "City Girl," he'd say, to point out another gem he thought she'd enjoy having a look at. She could have walked away with much more, having had the room in the car. She thought of bungee straps and the need to always keep an extra set in the car for such instances. She promised she'd revisit soon and continually bring back treasures each and every time.

The veil was handcrafted and in pristine condition with black jewels dangling from the edges and a slight metallic sheen woven between the threads. She often thought of the stories behind its life, full of travels and endless pages filling leather bound books found in vintage suitcases that were carried on steam powered railroad locomotives with white smoke blowing hastily out of its stack. 

The veil covered her face; covering the black mascara that ran down her jawbone like the chills down her spine knowing he was not only fooling around with someone but treating her much like a foreign substance all the while. Not that she minded much with the lack of attention, just the sound of his voice made her skin crawl and her central nervous system gag in reflex.

The entire ensemble; excluding  her blonde hair pulled taut in a classic chignon, veil neatly pressed against her dampened face, all the way to the extension of the train that flowed behind her like the past that seemed to follow her around; was jet black, the exact color of the soul that currently fed the relationship. Black like a top hat, black like night, black like tar and black like the innards of the eye that was bruised upon the weight from his right hand...

Tidbit Tuesday :: Color w/Confidence

The weather today was irresistible and I matched my outfit to my mood, bright and cheerful. That got me thinking: with Spring being right around the corner, it's going to be time for everyone to get busy with DIY projects around their homes to get them prepped and primped for proper Spring and Summer partying. 












First and foremost: a fresh coat of paint to any interior (or exterior wall) will do wonders to liven up any space. I paint any and everything to add new life to old things and to surround myself with the colors that brighten my day.


A successful color palette creates a smooth flow room to room and can help a small house feel larger. Here is how to put color to work:


Spread the love around- Connecting with color doesn't mean that every room should use exactly the same hues in the same proportions. For color to flow, start at the front door, then move that shade through the house along with the others you pick up along the way. You dn't need to migrate the entire palette every time- just pieces of it. For example, if you start with rich coral walls in the entry, carry that hue to pillows in the living room. Continuing through the house, the coral might evolve into pink in the bedrooms or even yellow in the kitchen.


Use are to transport color- Select artwork or make your own pieces featuring the dominant colors in your palette to help pull the hues neatly together.


Let architectural features provide a smooth transition- Trimwork and molding create definitive starting and stopping points that make switching colors between rooms easier. To maintain a united front, keep your trim color consistent from room to room.




With that being said, let's discuss the basics behind wall painting.


Painting 101:


1) Prep School- Before getting started on any painting project, prepare the surface. Fill nail holes with a small dab of patching compound. No need to sand such petite blemishes; simply wipe with a damp rag. Larger holes and cracks may need to be patched and gently sanded. Finally, be sure walls are clean. Remove any grease or residue.


2) Cutting Class- Before dipping your brush for the first time, cover floors and furniture with drop cloths and plastic. And be sure to remove outlet and light switch covers. Tape around windows, doors, and trim with low-tack painter's tape. Then start small. Cut in around the room's edges with a quality 2-inch brush, hold it near the base of the handle. Keep a wet edge as you work around the room.




3) The Big W- Painting isn't brain surgery, but knowing proper techniques will make you more efficient and give you better results. Using a quality roller, start in a corner painting as close to the edges as possible. Paint a large W on the wall, filling in and overlapping areas while the paint is still wet. Repeat around the room until complete. 




4) Edge perfect- An edging tool may allow you to skip a step when dealing with windows, doors and other trim. The small wheel on the tool allows you to glide it along flat woodwork without taping it off. Take your time, though. Patience is key.




5) Clean Sweep- Cleaning up the mess after working with latex paint is fairly simple. Wash brushes and rollers with soap and water until water runs clear. To remove excess water and paint, run the curved edge of a painter's tool along the roller. When the water runs clear again, dry the roller or brush on a roller spinner, holding it inside a garbage bin or deep sink. 






Spend more for Quality- Choose your paint wisely. You'd be surprised (like a great pair of denim or stellar suit) what the extra bucks can get you!


Consider Luster- Sheen refers to the degree of shine. Generally, the higher the gloss the better the finish will stand up to stains, abrasions, and cleaning.
How to Choose a Paint Finish


Use the Right Equipment- Choose brushes with long and dense bristles. Nylon for latex and natural for oil-based paints. Talk to your local paint store employee. They should be able to set you up with all the necessities.


And?... Don't be afraid! Paint, although permanent, can always be redone. If you don't love it, change it until you do! 

Have fun with it! Not only do bright colors really liven up the space and get us looking forward to spring and summer but it's therapeutic for me. Whether you are choosing a plain white to add freshness and crispness for the approaching season or adding chartreuse to your master bathroom to liven it up. Either way, enjoy yourself! 


"One must act in painting as in life, directly."
-Pablo Picasso

2012: The Happy Home Project (Cutting out Clutter)

I am not certain if it's the weather but something specific has put an extra spring into my step. It seems each and every time I turn around, I am bagging up excess stuff and filling bags that will be hauled to the Goodwill. I haven't actually taken any loads to the G'will, only because I can't seem to stop from bagging up more and more and figured I can make one trip with ALL the stuff versus trip after trip with bag after bag.


I've managed to accumulate 9 entire garbage bags full of this stuff that we just haven't a use for any longer. Most of the bags are filled to the brim with clothing; old, new, outgrown, outlived, and likewise. Having 4 growing children in the house, a husband that keeps fluctuating in weight and years and years of having held onto things, its time to let it go. And it feels great! Everything is getting neatly organized, de-cluttered, and eventually each and every item will have a home to be placed within, even if that means hanging on a rack at the Goodwill for other people to be able to get some use out of.


I dig and dive into dresser drawers, clothes hanging in the closet, a basement excessively filled with the excess and as I hold something up to examine for either garbage bin or goodwill bag; it becomes absolute apparent how extremely fast these small beings in my home have not only grown; but matured. There are themed shirts; anything Pixar and/or Disney themed whetherbeit Cars, Despicable Me, Princess & The Frog, monster trucks, soccer balls, flowers power, and glitter glam, etc and I realize that not only do these items not fit their bodies, the propaganda covering the front, sides, backs, all the way around no longer fits their personalities. Its stripes, plaid, cool DJ prints, skateboarding gear, and anything with graffiti tagged across the chest. It's leggings and a knee high boots with a vest and finger-less gloves.




















It's a great wonderful feeling knowing that excess is being diminished, clutter is being kicked to the curb, and everything will have a place and be out of our face. The curtains are all tied back in the house, the sun glowing through the clean windows; a few which have been cracked open to circulate some fresh air into the space; Febreze is being implemented thoroughly and all seems right in the world while the smell of fresh bread is baking in the oven and filling the house with an ever pleasant aroma that every home should have so often, especially on Sundays :) 


As as great as it is that we're letting go of items to make room for new things that start new chapters in our lives, it's also surreal knowing that these kids grow so very fast. Day by day goes by and our routines remain true. We each grow in our ways, taking on new traits that make up our individualized personalities. But where does the time go? Must they grow so darned fast? I have an infant that has bags full of clothing that is already too small :( I find pictures of children that have baby faces and pigtails and OshKosh overalls and find that they're being replaced with the same kids except with a mouth full of missing teeth with each smile captured by the camera, a little girl that has a tooth popping through her gum filled smile, and sometimes; even though it's just stuff; it's harder to let go of the memory than it is the actual item. 


I think down the road a bit. I daydream of what the future might have in store; for each being in the household. Although I know each will be absolutely perfect in his or her own way, I sometimes want to freeze time and hold on tightly to the memories I have of them while they are still young. It seems like tomorrow we'll be preparing for high school graduations, meeting boyfriends and girlfriends they enjoying hanging out with, when we can't seem to keep them home while they are running around to high school basketballs games, taking tours of colleges they wish to attend, and preparing to take on a life of their own. 


Call me sentimental. It wouldn't be the first time, nor the last someone called me such; overly sensitive, delicate, or high-strung. I take everything to heart; spoken aloud or quietly gestured. It makes a difference to me knowing that every single aspect of our lives is shaping the character of these children; forming them into the adults they will grow up to be. 









There will be many more springs of cleaning and de-cluttering; getting rid of the old and too small and making way for new and what is trendy. I am certain that every spring as we make way for new life of our surroundings, get ready for growth and rebirth of the things in our lives that we do on an annual basis this time of year; that a tear (or two) will be shed at the speed in which it all goes hurling by.


...Stop this Train... (sometimes I simply cannot take the speed it's moving in)


"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth - and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up - that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had."

-Fashion-Forward-Friday- ::: Personal Style (Your Own Look) :::

Some say there is an art to dressing well. That may be true. Mastering what goes with what, knowing which designers are in and which are out, and eyeing exactly where the hemline should hit and how high the heel should certainly take talent.


But let's face it, most of us don't have the time, energy, or patience to elevate what we wear every day to an art form. Our goal is usually to find some that feels comfortable, makes us feel confident, and looks chic. We want dressing to be effortless-and we want to look effortlessly dressed. Yes, there are the enviable lucky few who have a knack for looking oh-so-perfectly pulled together every time they step out the door, and then there are the rest of us, who have to try a little harder (and still those who don't bother at all).  But with the proper tools, the right mind-set, and a little direction, we all can be well dressed in no time. 


Express Your Inner Fashion Sense


Here are tips to find your own style:


-Don't dress in a look straight off the runway or all in one trend.


-Feel free to mix and match.


-Don't be stuck on one style; experiment with new looks. Or, find a signature look and be true to it.


-If you like it, buy it and wear it (with confidence).


-Have fun with trends, but don't be a slave to them.


-Know that keeping it simple is often the best way to go.


-Add your own touch to a look, whether it's a bow, belt, or brooch.


-Do the unexpected. Don't always wear things in the traditional way. 








(((On a side note)))
There are 3 ways to Wear a Blazer-Know the value of a good suit. The traditional twosome looks smart as a set, but the jacket alone is just as chic.


1) A dark suit: You can rest assured you'll look appropriate-say, at work or on evenings out-in a sleek suit. Try a classic, frill-free cut and avoid getting caught up in short-lived trends. Plus, black will always be flattering (and slimming). Find a cut that works for you and stick with it.


2) A jacket * jeans: Your favorite blues with a tailored jacket is what casual chic is all about. A fitted jacket is the most polished.


3) A mismatched suit: Try your blazer with different trousers. A wide-leg style in crisp white, for example, is dressier than denim and a nice alternative in warmer weather. 














It really THAT easy with a great black blazer :) 


I hope everyone enjoys their (well-dressed to impress) weekend! Be safe out there and most of all be fashionable!!!

Tidbit Tuesday :: St Patricks Day Ideas

St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time - a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic.

With St Patrick's Day approaching faster than a leprechaun chasing after a pot of gold, it's time we get into the spring of things and start preparing for the decorating for the holiday. 

No need to get all clover'ed out and splash shamrocks from floor to ceiling. There are plenty of ideas you can do to get your pad prepped for patty's day and here a few:

Add a centerpiece to your dining table or ottoman/coffee table that is emphasized in the green family. Green vases and jars, greenery from your own yard or even faux picked up at the local JoAnn's. Either way, you can go all out without going all gaudy. 

(Anything set upon a gold tray is GOLDEN in my book...PERIOD!)

http://recycledcrafts.craftgossip.com/recycle-green-bottles-into-the-perfect-st-patricks-day-decorations/2011/02/23/

A simple ribbon tacked into place with pearls push pins and placed upon a small saucer (from any local dollar store) will lighten the mood.

Placing Granny Smith apples into a glass vase or jar will add some eye-popping color to any corner.

You can also do this with leftover green ornaments from Christmas. Get out the box of decorations from this past holiday and see what you got to work with that is clever.

And don't forget: If you are entertaining for the evening, nothing screams Happy St Patrick's Day like corned beef and cabbage. 

Corned Beef & Cabbage Recipe

If prepared properly, it'll have all your guest feeling lucky you invited them. 

A good drink I'd like to offer would be the classic Mint Julep. It's refreshing, down home, and sure to be a crowd pleaser. Garnish with a couple mint sprigs (or even a four leaved clover if you come across any) would be festive.

Mint Julep Recipe

Happy Decorating for St Patrick's Day! I wish you all but luck (you'll get plenty of that when you find the pot o' gold :)

2012: The Happy Home Project (basement brush-up)

To anyone else: a basement is a basement. It's dark, dingy, and drab. It's where the cobwebs go to grow and the dust bunnies jump as if in a garden of plush greens. 


Well, my basement is the same. It's NOTHING special and it's all of the above aforementioned. It's where we store things; anything from extra garments, shoes, handbags, toys, ski gear, painting supplies, crafting supplies, the vacuum and carpet shampooer, a pool table that is currently being used for more storage and an extra queen sized bed that we'd love to have guests sleep in but the remainder of the basement makes us too ashamed to even show them that we have a basement at all. Most importantly, it's where I do the laundry. 


It may be my obsessive compulsive behavior acting out again, I do my very best to keep it at bay, however; like the bathroom; I don't see ANY sense in trying to take a shower or clean yourself when the surrounding area is filth. The moment you step foot on the bathmat set outside the tub, you feel like jumping right back in right? The same goes with the laundry. I've literally been avoiding EVER possible instance when I must step foot to the basement and upon retrieving the laundry from the dryer, I quickly scramble upstairs to do the folding as to not get any of my laundered clothes dirty again. (I know! Sounds crazy right? Well, if the shoe fits...and I've ALWAYS been fond of shoes:))


I look at the basement as what it is: its the foundation to this (happy) home. It's the building blocks that holds the rest of the structure (that I work so diligently on maintaining). It shouldn't go without being noted.


So, with NO money at all and no plan to boot...
Well...actually I just went downstairs to retrieve the laundry and started sweeping while I was waiting for the buzzer on the dryer to sound. Sweeping led to dusting which led to cobweb removing and rearranging of almost anything on the floor to get to the dust bunnies which led to moving more things around which led to about an hour of me downstairs (the longest I've ever been down there, especially by myself) yelling to the kids, "I'm downstairs!" In unison I hear, "Where?!" I scream again, "I'm downstairs." I hear the elephant stampede down the first flight of stairs, then the second flight right above my head. Then I see their faces peering through the open door at the top of the last flight, bending down to see me. My son says, "Mom? Why are you down here?," when he really wants to say, "What the hell are you doing down there and most importantly why are you alone?" It's quite terrifying and they were as surprised as I was. 


I only got to roughly 1/16 of the entire space that needs a good overhaul but I'm satisfied with the progress thus far (and even more satisfied that I did it all with things lying about the basement:)

bLaH right?!?! Now you know why I've NEVER been a fan of doing the laundry. I simply have NO inspiration, no motivation, and nothing pretty to look at while I'm laundering the loads. 

And?..

I used some old closet doors to partition off the water heater and furnace and threw some old curtains up behind the units to hide all the mechanical features and the cinder block walls framing the atmosphere. I pulled in an older metal shelf that wasn't being used for anything in particular, gave it a good scrub and placed all my laundering necessities neatly upon it. I then took an old dividing screen that has seen better days. It's so old that the only thing remaining was the actual frame. I used $1 wrapping paper I had left over from a previous project and I simply taped it into place. I will most likely find some fabric to affix into place at a later time but for the moment, this is what I had and it works fine. 

Pretty proud of the project. It makes doing laundry much nicer to attempt and it certainly makes me want to get busy on the rest of the area. It's inspiration to a rather dark and drab basement and until there are actual walls or flooring (aside from concrete), the used up dividers, drapes and throw rugs are barely breaking any budget for this basement brush-up.

My laundry room is like life: I'm continuously sorting it out (one load at a time). 

-Fashion-Forward-Friday- ::: Great Finds :::

The Basics : Pieces you can save on

Luckily, when you're wardrobe building, there are many places where you can skimp a tad. It's not about low quality, it's about knowing what should be easy on the budget. 


*Jeans- While, hands down, most people claim to get more wear out of their jeans than any other article of clothing, there is still no need to spend big bucks on your blues. Yes, we all have our favorites that get a lot of use, but we are also fickle and no doubt happier to have more than one cut to choose from- at least a pair to wear with high heels and one to wear with flats. Besides, who needs high maintenance denim? You won't think twice about throwing more affordable jeans in the washer and dryer. 
I scored on a pair of black straight leg jeans from a thrift store this past weekend. 99 cents Green Tag Special and they are superb! SUPERB I say! 


*Pants- Think of them as dinner-table dressing. No one sees your bottom when you're sitting at a table, behind a desk, or even having a tête-à-tête at a crowded party. So why empty out your wallet on something that gets so little attention? Spend on your top. If that's exquisite, it'll keep all eyes up (to your smiling face).


*Skirts- Following the same logic as pants, skirts are the second half of your outfit and are a support for your top, therefore they don't always have to be so pricey. Yet, unlike pants, they have the potential to define you- say, tantalizing in a thigh-high, demure in a dirndl, or powerful in a pencil- so choose your skirt shape wisely.


*Button-ups- (my fav fashion find) These no-frill tops aren't meant to last a lifetime. White is the color of choice for the men's-style shirt, which means its needs to be laundered a lot-and it requires ironing to keep it neat. Therefore, the shirt gets worn out fast. Since it is best sharp and crisp, you'll want to restock often. My favorite cut is from Express and although they can be pricey, I've been lucky enough to stock my closet with one from almost every color in the rainbow including black and white from second hand stores as well. If you find them on sale at Express, stock up on them. They're timeless and classic and can go with almost anything.


*Lightweight knits- Thin sweaters are ideal for layering, so it's advisable to have many in your stable. Because you'll use these as flexible go-to items (over anything, under some things, thrown in your bag in case you get cold), multi-ply, heavy-duty fabrics are not necessary. Fine (and therefore less expensive) wool or cotton works best.


*Tees & Tanks- This is the most obvious are where you can pinch pennies. There are plenty of brands out there offering well-made tees with appropriate price tags. Look for longer styles for more layering versatility. So, when you find the best fit and fabric, stock up!


"If you find something you like, get it in two colors." -Elle Macpherson

2012: The Happy Home Project (More than meets the eye)

As I've mentioned before, upon starting out on this whole adventure, this entire Happy Home Project is about more than just what is aesthetically pleasing; it's about much more than what meets the eye.


Sure, it's apparent, we all want our homes to reflect our personal styles and family behaviors. We like to have things comfy and cozy for nights of snuggling and watching movies and we want our rooms to shine with happiness as our souls do upon entering such said rooms on bright mornings filled with chatter and laughter. We like to update where we can, downgrade where we like, sweep and scrub, polish and primp, and fluff our stuff to the fullest right? (((winking))) RIGHT!


However, when your spirits are feeling low and like they're barely hanging on; like the cobwebs hanging in the corner of the unreachable corner of the tall vaulted ceiling; it's irrelevant the glow that reflects on the walls when the sun shines through. It's difficult enough to climb out of the bed in the morning, let alone make it when you finally do peel yourself from the sheets. 


I'm in that slump. As much as I want to make this Home Happy, I realize it's not about how much effort I put forth; it's about the rest of the family that make up this Happy Home. If I haven't the help of all parties, the appreciation and acceptance from everyone involved in this Happy Home; it's not much a Happy Home no matter what color I paint it or how many throw pillows I throw upon the sofa to cuddle and relax. The candles go unlit, the dusting and vacuuming of the floors goes longer between takes, the pillows are not so fluffed (like my confidence), and the response has been the same. 


It's not the Happy Home when the smiles and laughter are replaced with shattered dreams and endless hopes. It's not the Happy Home I had constituted. It's not the utopia I had placed highly on my most valued (dusted) shelf and let shine in the light and glory of each new day. It's nothing like I had hoped, nothing like I had imagined, and worse than it's ever been and worse than all, there's no sense in opening the drapes in the morning, sunlight isn't seeming to shine here.


I quite possibly should have started on the basement, fixing it up here and there, scattering some throw rugs over the cold concrete floor and plugging in a fluorescent lamp with a snake neck for altering the mood in the corner of the room and placed myself down there (in peace). That way the sun would only be possible to shine through one small corner window that is covered by clothing racks. That way I could step foot on the floor and relate the coldness to that of the heart of others. That way I wouldn't be able to nail pictures into the wall to surround myself with smiling faces, only scotch tape them to the cinder blocks to showcase the jail cell I currently reside in. It makes complete sense to me and although that might be fine for others to live with; this Happy Home(Maker) might need to find some new digs to fill with happiness. 


It's nothing that is set in stone, nor can be done overnight; but the thought is burning bright like the vintage lamp that currently resides in the upstairs family room (where no family resides). We currently spend our days in our separate spaces of the house, no talking over the dinner table because "dinner is meant to be quiet"???, and no doing homework at the dining table because it was supposed to be fixed when we moved in and later broke apart again and crashed all the dishes to the floor, breaking everything in its path; including the spirits of 4 small children who were shaken with fright and startled with surprise. 


That table has 4 legs, one leg is off balance and just rests there and lets the other 3 legs do the work. If someone (or something) taps the alignment of that leg within an inch, it'll all come crashing down. I wanted to glue it. Why not?! They make glue stronger then the wood itself. It would signify the solidarity of the table, add some oomph and strength and live to host another dinner. However, that was a "silly idea"-to put it kindly. "It will get fixed." Yet another thing being spoken and then left floating about in the air like the dust filling the room since the furnace filter has yet to be replaced. (It's been purchased already ((thank you))). <<<>>> 


That table is a trademark to the family that resides in this Happy Home. It takes all of us to stand it up, working together to support the strength of the table top that is this family unit. One person falls down, gets out of whack, off course a bit and the entire top comes crumbling down with everything that was piled upon it. However, the other 3 legs stand strong. They're attached, they're firm and they do their job to the fullest. They stand tall, they stand proud, they support. 


Looks as though I might have to listen to myself and glue that damn leg ...OR get a new table altogether.


I haven't decided yet. Either way, that bum table leg has to get a complete overhaul or it'll find itself out on the curb Monday with the rest of the trash. It needs all your thoughts and prayers. Pray for the leg. It needs the assistance, the support, the strength and it has proved it's not possible to do it by itself. 


Thanks for the support!


Until next time...enjoy your Happy Home; big, small, contemporary, or country. It is what you and your loved ones make it to be; try to keep it Happy :)

2012: The Happy Home Project (Dining Room Chand)

H8 2 Decor8? NOT ME! I'm obsessed and although I've been out of commission (errr...staples) these past few days, have no fear! I am back in gear!!!


While enjoying my favorite part of the day---romantic evenings huddled around the dining table after the hustle and the bustle of the days routines have settled down nicely like the meal set neatly upon the table. All 4 children settled in, ready to get to their storytelling about the days events. The stories and the memories are always wonderful. The light fixture hanging above the dinner table?...not so wonderful.

It has good bones, a nice sprawled out design that can easily light the entire dining area but the orang(ish) color had been peeling and flaking off this old fixture and I was NOT having it!

And clearly there is no sense in updating and making the rest of the space presentable (yet functional) if this gawd awful fixture is old and dilapidated. It had run its course and it was time to bring it back to light. 


So...
I got to work! 

Some light sanding and some mild soap and warm water got them in painting condition.

And while the first coat of paint was drying, Jaxon and I made banana bread and while it was baking in the oven, we laughed and giggled to pictures we posed for while nestled on the kitchen floor. 


I've finished up with the second coat today and hung the final project. Not a dime was spent to update the 'lier (used excess paint from my inventory;) 

I can't wait to see it lit (in the grand golden hue it is) when the sun falls neatly upon the late afternoon. 

Slowly but surely becoming a Happy Home?! .... I think so :)

I hope that each of you enjoy the rest of your week and have a joyful, fun-filled weekend with family and friends (in your Happy Home no less)

"A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams."
Cheers to your happy home! (and yes, I have a glass of champagne in my hand) I deserve it. 


On to the next project...

-Fashion-Forward-Friday- ::: Ultimate Classics :::

The Timeless Staples


Once you have your closet essentials down, it's worth stocking up on pieces that will always look great, no matter the trend du jour. Think versatility, longevity, and everlasting appeal- the clothing that style setters from Catherine Deneuve to Kate Moss have always relied on. 


*White Tees: They are the all-American standard. You'll always find uses for basic tees, whether atop denim on weekends or with a dressy skirt for a sporty edge. They're also the ground work for layering.


*Cashmere Cardigans: As a part of a sweater set or in a longer V-neck grandpa cut, a button-up sweater offers the most adaptability- perfect with a pencil skirt for work, sexy at night with nothing underneath or as a cocktail-dress topper, and a great layering piece for casual days. Classic colors- camel, navy, black, and gray- will get more wear than brights or patterns.


*White Jeans: A more glamorous take on the basic jean, these clean pants are effortlessly cool. All they need is a cashmere V-neck on top for a jet-set aura. They even work in the winter paired with a cozy knit or fur.


*Shift Dress: Think Jackie O's simple, pared-down, but polished style. The minimal frock couldn't be easier to wear- working with a blouse or a tee under, with flats or pumps- making it a no-brainer for every woman's wardrobe.


*Trench Coat: It's the ultimate symbol of chic- loved by woman young, old, curvy, slim, conservative, or edgy. It's a versatile piece that is at the same time practical, glamorous, and cool. Whether you wear it over worn-in jeans or a fancy dress, you're sure to look sophisticated.  






 





 







It is not my intention to make this post entirely about Jackie O or her endless and timeless  style, however, I started searching and couldn't simply find one picture to post of this iconic fashionista. And?! She deserves a little bit more of a write up than I am currently capable of, and although she has been covered endlessly and praised upon everywhere; I figured the pictures do the most judging and Jackie O's got it!!!


Now?! Have a wonderful weekend where I hope you enjoy dinners in (or out), event hosting (or attending), cocktail tasting (or downing), and may you always be dressed the n9nes in any occassion. Because?!...you deserve to be!


Happy Friday and Have a Great, well dressed to impress Weekend!