outRACHous

Arts Festival

2010-06-09T11:15:00.008-04:00

This past weekend was filled with errands, errands and more errands. Owning a house is a lot of work let me tell you. A LOT of work. We did manage to squeeze in a little bit of "fun time" by heading down to the Columbus Arts Festival. Like I mentioned last year in this post, I truly look forward to this event every year. I really love the array of art at the show - handbags, photographs, jewelry, hammocks, prints, life-size animals made of nails (yes, you read that right) - really, tons and tons of stuff to peruse and keep you entertained.

We wandered around the artist's booths, drank excessively sweet lemonade and listened to some live music. All in all, a perfect day.

I walked away with this AMAZING print by Christina Smith (you can view more of her work here) that I'm totally jazzed about hanging in our house:
I plan on framing this gem and spending hours upon hours staring at these adorable little pelicans. Now I just need to find the perfect spot for it...

[source: gcac; photo cred: christina smith]

Tee Party

2010-06-02T11:20:00.006-04:00

Yowza, it's been a while! I'm not even going to apologize this time because I seem to get in these little "no blogging spurts" every once in a while and hey, that's OK, right? It always happens around big, life-changing events (um, hello, we bought a house AND I'm working full-time!), so I think that's fairly justifiable.

Anyway, I'm easing my way back into blogging because I love it and I missed it. My first "I'm back" post features something so easy and so simple, yet helpful and extremely relatable. I came across this article on InStyle entitled "8 Ways to Dress Up Your Tee." Like I said, pretty simple stuff, but informative nonetheless. I often times overlook some of these pairings, so it's nice to have a little style refresher every now and again.

It's a great little slideshow and you can check it out here. Hey, any excuse to wear a tee is pretty awesome in my book.

[source: instyle; photo cred: gap]

Dude, where's my blog?

2010-04-19T15:25:00.007-04:00

Wow, I've been really, really bad about this whole blogging thing. I guess my New Year's resolution didn't hold up too well. Is there such a thing as New Month resolutions? If so, that being "a better, more consistent blogger" thing is definitely mine for May.

So take that.

UPDATE: I meant June...

Modern Military

2010-03-29T10:39:00.003-04:00

A slim and sleek cargo pant, complete with a skinny-leg silhouette? Don't mind if I do.

[photo cred: martin + osa]

Peachy Keen

2010-03-22T23:26:00.007-04:00

How pretty are these lovely peachy pieces? Now, pastels aren't normally my cup of tea, however I find myself completely enamored with this gorgeous shade. Great as an all over color, as in Anthro's "Drifting By Dress," or just the right added peachy punch, as in this J.Crew "Sunray Sequin Tee" and/or these Alenxander Wang "Natasha Pumps."

[photo creds: anthro, j.crew, barneys]

Two's Better Than One

2010-03-22T23:21:00.004-04:00

One statement jewelry piece is great, but two? Well, two's just tops. Loving the double cuff look on these pretty ladies.

[photo cred: instyle]

Stripes and Coffee

2010-03-10T12:34:00.001-05:00

An unbeatable combination.

[photo cred: stockholm street style]

House of Harlow 1960 Shoes

2010-03-05T10:15:00.011-05:00

I was pretty jazzed when I first heard Nicole Richie was adding shoes to her House of Harlow 1960 collection. I've been lucky enough to view her jewelry line up close and personal (at Ladybird, of course!) and let me tell you, it's pretty fabulous. Her jewels are extremely heavy duty and very beautiful, which leads me to believe her shoe line won't disappoint!

Here are a couple pairs from the House of Harlow 1960 shoe collection I'm currently lusting over:

Pearl Scaled Leather Heel

Black Brigit Flat

Want to shop the shoes? Head on over to Singer22 or Kitson.

[photo creds: kitson]

Pretty in White

2010-03-03T09:51:00.007-05:00

Ladies, it's time to retire that LBD for the spring and summer months and invest in a LWD. Translation? A little white dress. Instead of playing it safe in black, try out this trend for your next big event. I can tell you firsthand you'll be pleasantly surprised by the results (I thought I'd look super washed out or bear resemblance to a marshmallow, but I loved the look!).

Choose a piece that soft and flowy, with a dash of femininity, and trust me, you won't be disappointed.

My pick? This gorgeous little number by Pavonine (available at Ladybird!).
[photo creds: the cut, pavonine]

Listening to:

2010-03-01T12:34:00.001-05:00

Devendra Banhart - "Bad Girl"

Both this song and the artist were recently introduced to me by my music-loving husband. He played "Bad Girl" for me first, knowing I'd love it (I'm a sucker for pretty slow songs) and then acquainted me with the rest of Banhart's repertoire. And it's a good thing he eased me into his music because, at times, it can be a little cooky.

James Piatt Bags

2010-02-25T13:30:00.004-05:00

As Racked said, I can't decide if these bags are creepy or cool. James Piatt's handcrafted bags take on the form of Paris Hilton's chihuahua Tinkerbell, a machine gun, brass knuckles, and screaming abandoned babies. Even if you don't love them, you've got to admit they're interesting (to say the least!).

The handbags are available online and are priced from about $85 to $1,000. Check them out here.

[source and photo creds: racked]

You got it, dude.

2010-02-23T14:28:00.003-05:00

Who knew little Michelle Tanner would grow up to be so chic? Mary-Kate attended the Burberry show during London Fashion Week looking ultra stylish in her black ensemble, complete with subtle touches of color in her accessories. Love!

[source and photo cred: fabsugar]

Romper Room

2010-02-18T12:42:00.008-05:00

I've recently started coming around to the idea of wearing a romper. When I first saw them popping up all over the place last year, I was a little hesitant (to say the least) to give this style a go. However, after seeing all the great new rompers out this season and viewing endless photos of designer's Spring 2010 runway shows featuring this trend (Hermes, Stella McCartney, Derek Lam, Karl Lagerfeld, Elie Tahari, Valentino, Anna Sui, Ports 1961, Marc Jacobs...the list goes on and on...my, rompers are so very tres chic!), I've found I really do enjoy the look and practicality of a romper.

Pair this look with stacked/wedge heels, a vintage belt, a fitted blazer and lots of jewels and you're good to go!

Here are some of my current faves:

Corey Lynn Calter - Available at Ladybird!

Only Hearts "So Fine Keyhole Romper"

Shoshanna "Ruffle Front Romper"

[photo creds: latimes, shopbop, bloomingdale's]

Garden Patch

2010-02-17T10:48:00.007-05:00

One MAJOR downfall to apartment living is space...or, I should say lack of space. With only a couple rooms, limited parking and no yard, it's difficult to really feel comfortable and own/do things I would otherwise LOVE to own/do. Specifically, I've always, always wanted to grow my very own garden. Nothing big, nothing fancy, just some herbs, tomatoes and other various veggies I can consume fresh on a daily basis.

And, looking through these photos of photographer Dan Martensen and his girlfriend Shannan Click at home on The Selby make me yearn for my imaginary garden even more.
Other examples of things I'd love to own include: bikes, a fire pit, a cute dog, etc...and things I'd want to do: decorate, have friends over, dance and sing at the top of my lungs.

[photo creds: the selby]

l.a.m.b.

2010-02-12T14:49:00.003-05:00

The always fabulous Gwen Stefani debuted L.A.M.B.'s Fall 2010 collection on the first day of New York Fashion Week and from the looks of the pictures, it was amazing!

According to Stefani, she based her collection "on this vintage, naughty Hollywood girl — starlet girl, and then a little bit of a modern, futuristic girl, and a little bit of a soldier girl." Sounds like a whole lotta different girls mixed into one!

Though I have to say, browsing through the looks you can definitely see Stefani's unique, edgy style present within the collection. Each piece reflects what she'd typically wear. Frankly, I'd LOVE to wear any of these looks myself!

Read the full story/interview here.

[source and photo cred: fabsugar]

Round and Round

2010-02-09T23:44:00.007-05:00

The revival of round sunglasses?? According to many fashion blogs, runway shows and designer collections, these circular specs are back in a big way.

Will you be sporting these unique, retro shades?

[source: ny mag, photo cred: shopbop]

A Lace Affair

2010-02-09T13:48:00.003-05:00

One spring trend I'm definitely jumping on the bandwagon for is lace. I've always loved the pretty, feminine feel of this fabric and I am beyond thrilled there's so much of it currently out there. Every time I put on a lace top or a lace-embellished accessory, I instantly feel more confident and ladylike. Truly a perfect addition to any basic outfit.

Here's a peek at a few of the pieces I'm slightly obsessing over:

Anthropologie's Field Game Cardigan

Anna Sui's Embroidered Lace Dress

Topshop's Lace Blouse

Aurélie Bidermann's Gold Lace Cuff

[photo creds: anthro, net-a-porter, topshop]

Pop of Color

2010-02-05T12:45:00.005-05:00

Neutral pieces with a bold-colored bag? That's my kind of outfit.

[photo creds: the sartorialist, streetpeeper]

The REAL Devil Wears Prada

2010-02-04T09:35:00.005-05:00

You know, I never really heard much about The September Issue until well into all the movie hype. I know, I'm ashamed. It got great reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes...and they're usually fairly critical!) and I've heard some amazing things from friends about this little documentary. The film delves into the making and production of Vogue's most important issue, why, the September issue (obviously)! A look into the empire that is Vogue, learning more about Anna Wintour and her creative staff and marveling in the lovely fashion eye candy?? Yes, please.

I'm so sad I missed this in the theaters, but you can bet I'll be curled up on my couch watching this baby when it hits stores on February 23rd. I'm already counting down the days.

[source: amazon, photo cred: fashionindie]

The Color Camel

2010-02-01T14:24:00.004-05:00

This neutral tone is apparently the new 'it' color for spring. Embraced by designers such as Moschino, Chloe, Stella McCartney and even Monique Lhuillier (all pictured below), this lovely color is sophisticated and the perfect complementary shade to any outfit.
[source and photo creds: the fashion spot]

Are those things real?

2010-01-24T15:10:00.004-05:00

Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 2010 Ad Campaign featuring Raquel Zimmermann and a whole lotta snakes.

Absolutely gorgeous!!

[photo cred: nitrolicious]

She's So Heavy

2010-01-24T14:46:00.006-05:00

My current everyday handbag - Kenneth Cole NY "On A Slant" Large Tote.

I read this article the other day and it really got me thinking how much I (and most women) carry around with me at all times. It seems the older I get, the bigger my handbag.

The New York Post took to the streets and found women carrying 6, 7 and even 10-pound bags! In the interviews, the New York gals had bag weigh-ins and went on to express statements such as, "the bigger it is, the better" and "...I'm trying to stuff up my bag no matter what." My sentiments exactly.

So, because my bag is so heavy, does this mean I can skip out on gym visits more often??

[source: ny post; photo cred: amazon]

Let Them Eat (Dress) Cake

2010-01-21T20:41:00.007-05:00

Um, why didn't I think of this when I tied the knot? I have a HUGE sweet tooth and I'm absolutely obsessed with cake.

Plus, wouldn't it be so fun to stand on a glorious pedestal on your wedding day and have all your family and friends eat your skirt? No?? Hm, must just be me then.

[photo creds: gather and nest]

The 39 Steps

2010-01-20T17:20:00.005-05:00

Last night, Nick and I hit up Broadway Across America's production of The 39 Steps at the Palace Theatre here in Columbus. Based on Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 film of the same name, the show has been ongoing for over two years now and has received two Tony awards and an Olivier award.

We hadn't been to a "real" play in a long time (I say "real" in that I haven't been to a play in a while, musicals on the other had, well musicals I go to as much as I possibly can) and I have to say it was extremely entertaining. The four characters of the show play over 150 parts - that's right, over 150 parts! It was insane...but insane in a good way. The most refreshing part of the play was that the actors don't pretend that it's not a show. They embrace the fact that it is, in fact, a production and they are working with limited space, props and people.

Nick and I were lucky enough to attend on opening night, however the show will be up and running through January 24th. To learn more about the show and to purchase tickets (which cost between $20 to $50) click here.

If you're in town or The 39 Steps comes to a theater near you, I highly suggest going!

[photo cred: capa]

It's Love

2010-01-18T15:53:00.011-05:00

Soaring Pistachio Platforms

I currently have a major crush on these beauties. After discovering them in the latest Anthro catalogue, I've been thinking and dreaming of their gorgeousness nonstop. The minty green color, pretty knotted cuff and sexy stacked heel make up the perfect statement shoe.

Prior to spotting these platforms, I don't think I've ever had this strong of feelings for an inanimate object. I guess there truly is a first time for everything.

[photo cred: anthro]