inside my school bag

A new SCAD quarter just started yesterday and while it's still a tad organized I thought I'd share what I routinely have in my bag.

Clockwise from top left: I've given up on folders and resorted to these great envelopes because I was never one to keep them very tidy anyway. It has a great front pocket on each where I can keep my syllabus handy and it keeps everything in one spot. I always have my mini stapler, glue stick, and white-out on me. My calendar that I rely on to tell me everything. I usually have a couple rolls of washi tape in my bag somewhere because they are great for taping things into my sketchbooks or calendar. An assortment of pens and markers. I'm very loyal to my felt tip marker that I take notes with and it's essential to have large markers handy for brainstorming. My headphones, id card, and chapstick are always inside my wallet. Lately I've taken to carrying a large container of ibuprofen around. And lastly, an assortment of post-its. Very important, and I always find myself searching the bottom of my bag for them!

seamstress bracelet

Such a lovely idea for the seamstress in your life.

Seen on Fancy French Cologne.

vintage rings

If my hands needed another ring, these would be in the running.

From Jean Jean Vintage's etsy shop.

darling oxfords

I've fallen in love with the oxford style lately. I found so many great deals on cute pairs while shopping on Black Friday (yes, I was one of those) and didn't pounce on any but luckily I have found some great options online.





top to bottom:
1. SM Oxford Flat, DSW, $49.95 2. Envy Tango Oxford, DSW, $59.95
3. & 4. Bursley, Aldo, $41.99 5. Ann Marino Library Oxford, DSW, $44.95 6. Audrey Brooke Stake Oxford, DSW, $69.95

already planning for 2011

My search for the perfect planner always commences around this time. New calendars and planners are being introduced for the new year and I am on the hunt. I start this early because it really does take me months to find the perfect one that fits my strict criteria. Yes, I have rules for my planner.

a. It must have full page monthly calendars. None of this weekly calendar stuff.

b. It must be small enough to be portable, therefore, it needs to be able to fit into my purse. The 5.75”x8.75” size is ideal. I shy away from the notebook sized planners.

c. I need adequate square space for writing. I really do write EVERYTHING in my calendar so it needs to be able to accommodate it.

d. I also don't like them to be burdened with all the extra bells & whistles such as daily planning pages, address pages, future planning calendars that extend to 2020, or the entire periodic table of elements. I usually find a way to eliminate those because I pack it full of my own things. It quickly becomes home to all my little slips of paper, lists, and pay stubs. I am slightly flexible on this element, however, I understand I'm asking a lot.

e. And finally, it must be pretty. I have to carry this thing around for 12-months! That's a longer commitment then I make to the purse that it will be in.

So, you can understand my amazement today when I was browsing online and came across this. It might just be the one! Now I don't want to jump to any conclusions but it meets about 90% of my criteria. It does have a lot of extraneous pages, but even I can concede that a few might be helpful. Who knows, maybe I can actually use the "notes" pages provided versus writing my ideas or sketches on random post-its and scraps and tucking them in between the pages. I think I may be in love...but I also have strong feelings for this one as well. Oh dear, who would have guessed that I'd find 2 strong candidates before it is even October!

[images via fred flare]

market tote

Single handle or double strap? I love that trim but I'd like to be able to slip it onto my shoulder.
From my new favorite place Brook Farm General Store

hat hunting

The beautiful weather these past few weeks has quickly reminded me that the sun and I are not friends. This summer, in addition to my over-sized sunglasses and 70 spf sunscreen, I've decided to add a hat to protect myself. Anthropologie has a gorgeous collection that I fall in love with each year. Now I just need to narrow it down to just one!Twined Ribbon Cloche, Best-of-Both Hat, Spring Dive Hat, and Baker Cloche all from Anthropologie

lace up riding boots

Riding boots are my current shoe obsession. I have fallen in love with the lace up style and decided to track down some of my favorite variations.



Tall Vintage Brown Leather Lace Up Riding Boots from SuperKitsch Etsy shop / Ariat Heritage II Field Boot from Rod's / Frye Melissa Riding Tall Boot from Zappos / Vintage Brown lace up Riding Boot from Nstylevintage Etsy shop / Romana Leather Riding Boot from Delia's

erie basin antique jewelry

Cameo rings run in my family and they will always hold a special place in my heart. I love the variety of styles, shapes, and colors that the rings take on. I came across a great collection of cameo rings on Erie Basin's tumblr which led me to Erie Basin's stunning shop. I wish I could visit the Brooklyn store and see all the antique pieces in person. In addition to a wide selection, his prices are ridiculously reasonable for the age and condition that all the jewelry is in.

Visit the shop for the most unique selection of antique jewelry.

decisions, decisions

I swear I've been on the duvet cover search since 2007. The options seem to always fall into one of two categories, ridiculously expensive or bland and boring. I've fallen in love with a few but hesitated just long enough for them to sell out. My current cover used to be yellow but has faded to a off-white and now blends into my bedroom's off-white walls. My search has led me to these two beautiful but drastically different styles. You have to just picture the left duvet cover in a chocolate brown; they didn't have a good photo. I was elated to happen upon the first one because Anthropologie had similar bedding about 1 1/2 years ago and I couldn't justify spending $200 on it. Compared to that, this one from West Elm is a steal! The right one is from Urban Outfitters and is just so perfectly vintage that I think it could spice of my otherwise sparse bedroom. Ohhh the dilemna!

hello autumn!

I've had to restrain myself from throwing on tights these last few chilly mornings. I have to remind myself that by 11 am I'll be regretting it when it hits 80 degrees. However, now that it's the official first day of fall the tights shall be brought out from the back of the drawer and become an outfit staple. With such a variety to choose from I gathered some of my favorites to share.

Plaid / Cable Knit in Grey / Classic Tights in Navy / Shimmer in Black

First up, American Eagle has an enormous selection that are inexpensive enough you that you don't have to feel guilty buying a different pair for each day of the week.

Grooved Channels Tights in Grey / Blush Grove Tights / Loops and Lines Tights

These beauties are from Anthropologie and very reasonably priced at $18 each. A pair of these could spice up the basics I've been trying to stock up on.

Other great resources for tights are Gap and Target. They are super cheap so you can stock up on the basic opaque and colored ones, also you won't feel guilty when you snag the darn things.

iphone case

Reason #1 why I want an iphone.

I am pretty happy with my lovely lg Dare. So far, I have very few complaints. However, why is it that people think that only those with an iphone would enjoy a beautiful wood case.


The case I'm in love with is from Miniot

new HannaKinsey jewelry!!

My oldest sister just opened her own etsy shop with her great handmade jewelry. She uses vintage/repurposed pieces and gives them a modern flare. I am very into the combination of unconventional pieces in my jewelry and her necklaces and earrings fit the bill. Made with a mixture of antique and vintage charms, beads, buttons or fittings, her pieces are often one of a kind. Hop on over to her shop, HannaKinsey, and see more lovelies.

1. Turquoise Earrings, $6.50/pair 2. Morning Glory and Mint Bead Necklace, $35.00 3. Orange and Teal Dangly Earrings, $6.00 4. Beach Glass Necklace, $30.00

a new season of necklaces

I am all about the new necklace trends out this season. I really like the mixed materials and layered style that is cropping up. Here are just a few of my favorites that can liven up any outfit!

left to right: Sun Rise Nectar Necklace from Anthropologie, assemblé from dejarnette new orleans, Pretty in Pink from Dejarnette, Windflower Necklace from Anthropologie.

sandal season

One of my favorite things about summer is the summer sandals that become a stable of my wardrobe. Here are just a few pairs that I am currently eyeing.

L-R: Urban Outfitters, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie

L-R: Banana Republic, Urban Outfitters, Urban Outfitters