Tuesday, June 29, 2010

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!

Monday, June 28, 2010

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!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

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.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

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!