Rose A La Mode

the “it” list – January 28, 2011

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theitlist

Happy Friday and welcome back to another endlessly inspiring IT list… there is truly something for everyone here, so get clicking!

  • rose a la mode is on vacation at the beach… and of course looking ever so stylish while there!  I love this outfit… what I wouldn’t give to be walking on the beach! (get more of rose a la mode on twitter!)
  • a spot of whimsy is having a little celebration over on her blog and is giving away a one-year subscription to either martha stewart living or real simple… head on over to enter.  These are definitely two of my most favorite glossies! (get more of a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
  • much to my delight reorganized her pantry using ball jars. Swoon!  Vintage inspired organization at it’s best!
  • merci blah blah looks fabulous (as always, but especially) in this breton strip top… hello gorgeous long skirt!
  • capital barbie is embracing scalloping in fashion… it’s so fun and feminine, it’s hard not to be drawn to it. I love these red scalloped pumps! (get more of capital barbie on twitter!)
  • sweetie pie style always brings the best inspiration on a monday morning… this jade-like chain necklace had me at hello.  (get more of sweetie pie style on twitter!)
  • good life for less launched a fabulous e-book… “50 things every woman must own…” They are selling like hot-cakes, get your copy now! (get more of good life for less on twitter!)
  • a delightful design just started a fun new series called “ask abby” – check out this week’s question or submit a question about interior design yourself! (get more of a delightful design on twitter!)
  • rosy + tart is giving away a $25 giftcard to modcloth.  Hello spring shopping!  Enter the giveaway and check out her spring picks right away! (get more of rosy + tart on twitter!)
  • undeniable style is paying homage to style icon jane birkin.  It’s no wonder this lovely lady has one of the most coveted handbags named after her! (get more of undeniable style on twitter!)
  • good tots starts a weekly series featuring etsy sellers that carry fun goods for kids… this week’s featured seller sells the most adorable Valentine’s heart confetti. Must have!
  • the hillside home is pulling together inspiration for her great room. I am loving the sophisticated yet cozy blue color she has chosen for her wall.  Check out the whole inspiration on her blog!
  • a fashion fixation pulls together a very simple but very stylish outfit for a road-trip. I love the use of a belt here! (get more of a fashion fixation on twitter!)
  • yams designs delivers big time inspiration this week… all in black and white (remember last week it was technicolor?).  You have just got to see what she has pulled together! (get more of yams designs on twitter!)
  • one hundred inspirations is definitely thinking spring this week… they recreate this fun whitney port look for less than $85!  What a deal!

the IT list is published weekly by jill of the good life for less… for more information on how you can be involved… click here!

Chilly

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I should have packed way more winter clothes than I did. I have a bunch of tank tops just begging to be worn, but instead I have to wear sweaters and jackets—together! But that’s ok. I can’t complain seeing as I left 10 inches of snow. So instead of laying on the beach, we went to the Edison/Ford Winter Estates. It was insightful and pretty cool. My favorite part was all the GIANT trees on the property. I havne’t seen the California Redwoods yet, so I can safely say these are the biggest trees I’ve seen. There may be a few like them in the Missouri Botanical Gardens (one of my favorite places), but not as many and in such amazing clusters.

And I found my new favorite quote:

There’s a way to do it…find it. -Thomas Edison

Edison Ford Tree

Gap Jacket

Edisons River

Anthropologie Sweater

Survey Says: Good Life for Less

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I’m really excited for you to read these answers from the amazing Jill from Good Life for Less. She’ been a HUGE inspiration to me and I’m pretty sure once we do meet, we’ll be BFFs! She also just wrote an e-book about what every woman needs to have. I’m obsessed! So go buy her book, check out her site, and say hello! But not until after you read this:

1. What is your go-to item?

The boring and predictable answer to this (if you know me) is jeans. They are first and foremost in my wardrobe as a busy mom. But lately I have been more dependent on my shoe collection; and more determined in building it. I find that having four to six (or more !!!) pairs of REALLY great shoes can take my wardrobe further and make it more interesting. What do I mean by “REALLY great” – I mean shoes that fit great and make me feel great, that offer enough variety that simple outfits can be easily transformed by them and that express my personality best. I deem 2011 the year of the shoe, for me at least.

2. What is your secret weapon? (Moroccan Oil? Great shoe insoles? Spanx? Give it up!)

I don’t know if I have ONE magic bullet. But I will say this, for a long time I wouldn’t even think about wearing drugstore make-up. (gasp!) But I ran out of patience searching out the best of the best and my wallet ran out of patience forking over the funds for the good stuff – that is when I discovered Boots No. 7 at Target. Their make up is simple to use (big for me) and always looks amazing. So there you have it, I found the perfect drugstore make-up and I am eating my own words.

3. What is on your (realistic) wish list right now?

This is a great question… I have a to-do list that is frightening right now (for me at least). So the other day at the side of my to-do list I listed three rewards for completing certain items. They are a pair of shoes from Target I have been eyeing, a new nail polish or two in honor of the New Year and a few new pieces of make-up (also in honor of the New Year). So, that’s my short list!

4. How do you keep things fresh everyday?

Accessories!!! Scarves, bracelets, earrings, belts, etc. My wardrobe would be nothing without some fun accessories.

5. If you could go shopping with anybody, who would it be and why?

Can I name two people? The first is kind of funny, but I just picture shopping with Oprah to be really productive. I have a feeling she wouldn’t mince words when you ask her how you look. And really, every gal needs some honest to goodness truth in the fitting room. No? Next I would say Gwenyth Paltrow. She always looks so effortless and gorgeous. I want her secrets.

6. Who is your Fashion Icon?

I don’t know if I have one… I always like bits and pieces of people’s style, but I don’t know if I directly relate to one. These days I seem to find most of my inspiration from bloggers, which I think speaks volumes about where fashion or style blogging is going. There about a handful of gals that I pull inspiration from on a random basis – my style has definitely evolved from reading fashion blogs.

7. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about fashion?

Always, always just be you. Experiment with who you are, but don’t try to be someone else. I get some flack on my blog at times for wearing (pretty much) only jeans… but that’s who I am. I won’t apologize or change for my readers. There are plenty of gals out there that don’t wear only jeans, check them out.

8. What do you do to keep yourself fresh & looking great during travel/vacation?

I will say first, lots of water. I tend to get off kilter while traveling and if I don’t get enough water it’s liable to ruin a perfectly fine day. Next up I don’t skimp on the toiletries like trading travel sized items for the items I usually use. I don’t take the chance. Lastly, I always pack my favorite clothes – why not? Bring out the big guns, it’s vacay!

9. What is the best cheap/drugstore item that is totally underrated?

I touched on this in #2… but I also love Garnier hair products (they are SO cheap!) and Dove soap (total must have!).

10. What is the one item you should splurge on?

Shoes… I don’t mind the cheap ones, but I think it’s good to have a few really high quality pairs on hand as well. Nordstrom Rack is perfect for snagging a great deal on shoes. I have a pair of Donald Pliners and MICHAEL Michael Kors shoes that were both originally like $300 each that I probably only spent $50 each on. There is nothing like expensive shoes.