Shopping Spree

{photos from Forever 21}

{Lanvin for H&M}

So....I was pretty naughty the past few days while visiting my besties in Vegas. I spent way too much dough on clothes, food & of course, booze. But hey, that's what Sin City's for. Among many, many other things, I bought the jacket & boots shown at top from the most HUMONGOUS, large & in charge Forever 21 I have EVER seen...and that's saying a lot. *Loves* And of course, I'm already looking into more duds that are absolutely unnecessary, like the drool-worthy Lanvin for H&M line coming out soon. (Ummm...hello, yellow.) My wallet is slowly recovering but I still miss my lovies and those blindingly bright lights like nobody's business. Until next time, LV...I bid you adieu.

Citizen Kane

I have forever been fascinated by twentieth century history, and particularly by the opulent life of media tycoon William Randolph Hearst. A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to take a day trip to visit his renowned estate in San Simeon. Hearst Castle sits atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean and anyone will tell you that it is massive, breathtaking, decadent, and downright fabulous. Between the imported fifteenth century ceilings and the gold-laden indoor pool, to the furniture no man would ever feel comfortable touching, Hearst's "ranch," as he called it, is a gorgeous masterpiece and a true labor of love. The eerie fog cascaded beautifully over the property during the night tour. I can just picture Marion Davies prepping for the night in her luxurious silks and furs, set to entertain Hollywood royalty. Sigh. A girl can dream.

Dreaming of La La Land

Venice Beach

Our hotel, the Millennium Biltmore in downtown LA

The amazing architecture of Griffith Observatory

Enjoying the splendor of the Santa Monica pier

About a week ago, I had the BEST road trip to LA with my love. :) We've been to LA so many times, but I really think this trip was the best. We tried Roscoe's, Pink's Hot Dogs, ice cream at the Santa Monica Pier....not to mention our hotel was the epitome of old Hollywood glam, and hundreds of movies and TV shows were filmed there! To say I love LA is a severe understatement, and this trip proved my love & devotion!

Yum.

{Paul Rudd photo courtesy of gq.com}

Dashing good looks + hilarious persona = my ultimate celebrity crush. Enough said.

Luxe Interiors

I adore this combination of modern and retro glam that I saw awhile ago from Coco + Kelley

Saw this lovely pic on Design Darling, originally from here

I am in love with emerald everything lately; love the paint job of this room I saw from The Decorista

I've been all about interior decor lately, slowly gathering photos of how I would want my future place to look. I found these pictures to be particularly inspiring, and I have the sudden urge to paint the next wall I see! (High vaulted ceilings have proven to be a major hindrance, boo.) How beautiful and crisp do white and emerald look together?

Happy {Early} Weekend.

{via 1963 issue of VOGUE}

Hoping you have a lovely summer weekend...I'll be camping at the beach starting tomorrow, right before I start my new job (eep!) Cheers! :)

New Beginnings

Though things have been a little hectic lately, I am so happy to say that I recently snagged a new job! I will be doing exactly what I went to school for and exactly what I had my heart set on. My new position will be as a marketing and event coordinator, and I absolutely cannot wait! I start next week and though it'll be a tough transition and a rather lengthy commute, I know it will all be worth it. I'll be taking a little trip this weekend to help me unwind before the chaos begins...stay tuned!

Fabulous Finds: 2nd Edition

I was looking for a silver vase exactly like this one; stumbled upon it at Ross for $8

Amazing black & white canvas leaf print from Burlington, $12

This cool mirror set also from Burlington, though one was broken LOL, $9

What can I say? I fall head over heels for a good deal, and fortunately I've been finding quite a few of those lately! I should probably stop shopping for awhile, but these deals were just too sweet to pass up! I'm a big fan of black and white, but I also love splashes of color in the right areas. Today, I decided to focus on the black & white (and silver) concept. Do you have any finds that you found for a steal? What are your go-to shops? It's great to discover new places to shop/thrift. Oh, the thrill of an amazing deal!

The Best of California Modernism

Thanks to a great post from the Ruby Press blog, I discovered a fascinating documentary about architectural photographer Julius Shulman, and his amazing pictures that captured the essence of Southern California modernism. I am obsessed with this type of architecture, though I can't exactly see myself in houses such as those pictured above. Shulman had a brilliant way of creating iconic photographs of the works of architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra. If you get a chance, this film is not to be missed!

The Great Gatsby

The fabulous style and grace of the '20s

The draping silhouette of the dresses was positively heavenly

Wondering what a modern-day Daisy Buchanan might look like...

I just recently finished re-reading one of my favorite books, The Great Gatsby. Something about a 1920s New York City summer is completely mesmerizing and enchanting. It's got me fantasizing about everything contemporary and art deco, and a romantic era long since passed. The novel oozes with depictions of Gatsby's luxurious lifestyle, and the tragedies spurred by one of the most amazing love stories ever written. A fine literary masterpiece, it makes me want to re-read my favorite novel, Gone With The Wind. Look out for a Scarlett-themed post soon...

Fabulous Finds

I found these glam Guess t-straps during Macy's big sale last weekend, $36

One of my favorites, I found this cream blazer at Goodwill for $5!

I snagged these cuties at Ross recently, $15

I absolutely adore this porcelain "vase," if you will, which I found at a local antique shop

Lovingly referred to as my pink pawn, it houses a few of my many baubles

Many of the greatest moments in a girl's life are those in which something fabulous was found for a steal, or at a fraction of its original price. These steals also consist of rare or vintage items that simply can't be found anywhere else. I treasure these moments, for the overwhelming pride I feel toward these pieces rivals that of a mother's firstborn. Simply imagining the history behind some of my favorite antique or vintage pieces can transport me to another time and place.

In Love With The Big Easy.

The Big Easy. Crescent City. Cajun Country. Whatever you want to call it, my recent vacation to New Orleans still has me in a romantic daze. My friends and I decided to go for my college graduation, and I was not disappointed. In fact, the sticky humidity and the lingering scent of seafood and Creole spices are still vivid in my mind. If you're planning a trip to this enchanting and raging city, (which effortlessly puts Vegas to shame,) here's a little roundup of some of my favorite spots:

1. Pat O'Brien's--hurricanes are...dare I say?..legendary?

2. Acme Oyster House--you MUST try the boo fries here

3. The Gumbo Pot--the Lost Bread is out of this world!

4. Cafe du Monde--cliche, but the beignets are to die for!

5. The Funky Pirate--watch out...Big Al might make you tote around the tip jar!

6. Anywhere with a 3-for-1 drink special (aka EVERY bar on Bourbon Street. Take note, this special mostly applies to beer.)

7. Amidst the hangovers and food comas, try to squeeze in a Cajun country alligator tour. Did you know they love marshmallows?

8. Mother's Kitchen--all I can say is OMG. Please try the Ferdi Special...and fight the urge to tip!

9. Harrah's on Decatur--for a festive, lively casino experience.

NOLA, you had me at hello, and have yet to let me go!

Simply Refreshing.

Summer is finally coming around, (slowly but surely,) and luckily I have the perfect summer drink. Now keep in mind that there is no alcohol in this beverage but it is nonetheless light and extremely refreshing! My grandpa used to make me "lemon milk" when I was a kid, and it's always held a special place in my heart. The ingredients? One glass of ice cold milk, 1/4 to 1/2 a tsp. of lemon extract, and about 2 tsp. of sugar. I usually add an ice cube as well. This is truly my drink of choice for summer nostalgia. Cheers!

A Tribute To My Best Pearl!

This is kinda sad, y'all. My best friend of 15+ years just had a birthday, so I thought I'd create a little somethin' to celebrate. She's moving down south next month, and although I've coped with her passion for traveling in the past, it still hurts to think she'll be so far away. Below are some pictures from the past 5 years, one for each year. I love her with all my heart, and she'll always be my other half, my soul sista, my best pearl!

Our wild days, 2005

Roadtrip to Tijuana, 2006

Group bath in Vegas, 2007

Beach fun, 2008

Ringing in a new year the only way we know how, 2009

Our most recent escapades, her birthday 2010