operation cardi

Operation Cardigan is officially over and I declare it a success.  Not only did I make ruthless decisions about which sweaters to toss or donate, but I learned a lot of the same things that Melanie learned, the worst of them being that I dress super boring.  I wear jeans almost every day and I hardly ever accessorize.  I blame Ezra, but I don't hold it against him.  Wearing a scarf, earrings, necklace, bracelet, or even an embellished tee shirt gets difficult when your six month old thinks everything is his personal chew toy and proceeds to soak anything within grabbing distance with drool.  My goal for the next six months is to get dressed every morning.  I don't mean just put on clothes, I mean get dressed, meaning putting thought into if pieces coordinate and complement each other so that I don't mentally smack my hand into my forehead when I run into someone I know at the grocery store and I'm wearing jeans with holes (real ones, not artfully placed ones) and Reefs and a day old ponytail.  We'll see how long this resolution lasts.

operation cardigan

(image via you are my fave)

Last week I read about Melanie's completion of what she called operation cardigan and immediately thought her more brilliant than before.  I decided to embark on my own operation cardigan with the eighteen cardis that are currently hanging in my closet between my button-down shirts and Matt's dress pants.  There are some favorites (hello, green cardigan) and some that leave much to be desired.  In about eighteen days I should be able to determine the keepers.  I'll leave you with this quote from Notting Hill - "Ooh! Sexy cardi!"  No, it doesn't make any sense when taken out of context like that, but it always makes me laugh.  Wish me luck!

i heart tulle

(image via gap)

I'm starting this week off ogling this gorgeous dress I spied at Gap over the weekend.  Time to start saving my pennies!

trunk show chic

Another fun event this weekend was the grand opening of the Trunk Show Chic showroom downtown at the Providence Piers.  Trunk Show Chic is a company that sells their own line of new and vintage jewelry, Zoho Couture, and other brands including Chicklet, Varadian Beaded Couture, One Language, Alex and Ani, and In Bloom.  Matt, owner of blueflash photography (and my husband) brought the bluecube and it was the hit of the party, second only to all the gorgeous jewelry.  Here are some photos from the bluecube... don't you want to rent it for your next party?     

As for the jewelry, I can personally vouch for its awesomeness.  I drooled over a piece at one of his photo shoots that Trunk Show Chic was providing jewelry for (hair accessories provided by In Bloom) and he very sweetly remembered I loved it and bought it for me for Valentine's Day.  It's a Zoho Couture piece, Lucky in Love, and I LOVE it and get tons of compliments on it.  I love that it has the Italian horn (that way I can ward off the Malochia) and a giant piece of quartz.  Rachel has designed a lot of other fabulous bracelets and necklaces that are equally eye-catching, including this one, which I love because one of its charms is a rhinestone-studded whistle.  I also have a set of Alex and Ani expandable bangles, some with charms and some without.  For now I've got my eye on this canvas tote screen printed with a bicycle by One Language.  Check out the Trunk Show Chic site or book an event at the showroom to take a closer look at all the designs, and visit blueflash to view the rest of the bluecube gallery.  So, between the evening of enchantment and this par-tay we had a very busy weekend.  I'm looking forward to a low-key couple of days - a work project with the youth group during the day and movie night on Saturday, and church on Sunday.  What are your plans for this weekend?  

pretty nails

I just received the new Urban Outfitters catalog in the mail and I was reminded of all their great nail polish colors.  My friend Rachel introduced me to their nail polish last summer and I once spent about $24 on it in one day, but don't let that price tag fool you - the bottles are reasonably priced at $4.  I couldn't stop myself from buying six colors!  Anyway, Urban has tons of colors available in the store and select shades available online.  I have orange 2, yellow 1, green 1, and blues 1, 3, and 4.  I'm currently sporting blue 3, although my manicure is in dire need of a touch up.
The only hue I'm not really a fan of is yellow 1- my friend Jaclyn was kind enough to point out that it looked like fungus the first time I wore it and I haven't worn it since.  With spring right around the corner I recommend that you get yourself on over to Urban Outfitters and stock up on lots bright colors for your fingers and toes!  

Rhodey Girl Tests

I was recently introduced to Rhodey Girl Tests, the website of a Rhode Island native and current Philadelphia resident who maintains a healthy lifestyle while entertaining for friends and family.  Sabrina's website is devoted to her experiences in the kitchen and I intend to test several of her recipes, including baked taterfries, apple walnut raisin muffins, butternut squash soup, the strawberry banana love smoothie, and her basic granola.  

(image via Rhodey Girl Tests)

Last week Sabrina began a giveaway for delicate soles- adorable flats that will give your feet relief after a long day of shopping or a hard night of dancing.  Each pair comes with two totes - one for your heels and one for the delicate soles so you can keep them on you at all times.  Once rolled and slipped into their little tote they're about the same size as a lipstick, which means you can throw them in any purse and maybe even keep them in your pocket!

(image via delicate soles)

Visit Rhodey Girl Tests for a chance to win a pair!  The giveaway ends on tomorrow, March 5th, so click on over as soon as possible!  I'm hoping they'll relieve my toes post-high heeled leopard print mary janes.  I've got my eye on onyx...

(image via delicate soles)

from across the pond

(image via Holly's article for Real Simple)

As you've probably heard, Liberty of London is teaming up with Target and debuting their line of clothing, accessories, and home goods on March 14th.  I couldn't be more excited, especially since my one Liberty print article of clothing slipped through my fingers due to fitting issues.  Anyway, I'm dying to get my hands on those teacups!  It is my firm belief that one can never have too many pretty teacups.      

(image via The Recessionista)

Learn more about the collaboration at here at refinery 29, here at J.Crew Aficionada, here at decor8, and here at Real Simple.  You can also visit Target for a preview of the patterns you'll see in the store.  You can even download them for use on your computer!  My advice is to get to Target bright and early on March 14th... I definitely will!    

(image via zimbio)