Summer Sandals Under $50

It's here! Time to break out those summer sandals (if you haven't already done so). I love a cute pair of flat sandals, but hate spending a ton of money on them. It just seems like the type of shoe that shouldn't cost SO much...don't ya think? I have found some adorable & affordable options to add to your summer collection...which are your favorite? 

click photo to purchase

Get the look: Nicole Richie

Hello everyone...it feels good to be back! How was your Memorial Day Weekend? I made the (long) trip home to see my family, and had an amazing time. We were blessed with some beautiful weather, and I spent the weekend eating, boating, shopping, relaxing with family & friends, and more eating...what more could a girl ask for? I was a little bummed my husband couldn't join me (he had to attend a meeting in CA on Friday) BUT I returned home to a clean car, spotless house, and folded laundry...he was obviously extremely bored lucky me!

Today, I am featuring one of my favorite fashion icons - Nicole Richie. I love her effortless, bohemian style, and I am always drawn to what she is wearing. This look is a bit more 'classic,' but I am loving the mix of colors and textures - well, hello minty top! 

 get the look

sunglasses - top - belt - pumps - jeans - handbag

Hope you are having a fabulous week! 

Be Back Tomorrow

Hope everyone had a fabulous, safe Memorial Day weekend! 

Go for the Bold

There's nothing more boring than a house full of 'builder beige' walls (yawn). There are just SO many options when it comes to color, and some of my favorite rooms feature bold or brightly painted walls. Many people are afraid of color, but it really can change the look of a room - in an amazing way. Wallpaper is another great option, but I chose to feature paint because it's easy to change and relatively inexpensive. Here are a few spaces that make my heart pitter patter...

Would you paint any of the walls in your home a bold color? 

all images via houzz and decorpad

DIY O'verlays Dresser

Although I have had this project completed for quite some time, I have yet to dedicate a 'full' post to the process. I am here today to talk about my DIY O'verlays Dresser - one of my favorite pieces!

Our move from Chicago to Orange County included selling a fully-furnished condo! The buyer wanted to purchase the condo with everything in it (excluding linens and a few pieces of art) - furniture, accessories, TVs, and even dishes - wowza! This was exciting, because it meant completely starting over in a new place...but also a little sad, because we were leaving some of our favorites behind. 

We decided renting for a year would be the best option (since neither of us were familiar with the area), so I wanted to make practical, but stylish purchases. Our master bedroom is extremely long, and I was on the hunt to find a dresser to fill a 12' space, as a smaller piece would be lost in the room. I was having a difficult time finding a piece that size for under $5,000...and that just wasn't going to cut it. I came up with the idea of placing two identical dressers side-by-side, and opted for two IKEA Malm 6-drawer dressers in white. My husband was not extremely thrilled with this purchase (he loathes IKEA), but I told him not to worry, as I had something in mind. I had been seeing images of O'verlays floating around the blogosphere, and decided that's what I would use to transform these plain, not-so-elegant drawers. 

I forgot to take any 'during' photos (duh), but the process was super simple, and here's what I did:

1. Remove each drawer from the dresser and stand up (so the face of the drawer is parallel to the floor - aka a flat, horizontal surface). 

2. Wipe the face of the drawer, and the O'verlay panel with a damp cloth (this helps bond the two together if you are using Gorilla Glue). 

3. Place small dots (glue expands) of Gorilla Glue on the panel. You can decide how many you would like to use for each panel, but be sure to get the corners, as well as the middle of the panel to ensure a strong hold. 

4. Place the panel on the drawer (you can measure this, but I just eyeballed it) where you want the design to go. 

5. Let dry for 2+ hours. 

6. Place drawers back in dresser, and voila! You have a beautifully transformed piece of furniture! 

Sorry for the terrible photos - our bed is across from the dresser, making it difficult to get a good shot...also, please excuse the mess! 

 Before:

After: 

Have a great Wednesday! 

Arm Candy

I love accessorizing my wardrobe with jewelry. There is no limit to what you can create, and jewelry can transform any old outfit into an eye-catching look. My must-have accessory remains the bracelet. I feel naked without mine; most nights, I even sleep with them on. My favorite way to don the bracelet: stacked. Nothing has me swooning more than an arm-full of beautifully stacked bangles, beads, or cuffs...I don't discriminate.

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Here are a few 'stacked' looks I am currently crushing on...a few of these could be fun DIY projects, I'll keep you posted! Which set do you love? Do you decorate your arms with stacked bracelets? I'd love to see! 

neon pink & chains - ivory leather wrap - red & gold bangles - white, turquoise & coral bangles - ivory & gold bangles - gold & turquoise bracelet - blue stone cuff - wood beads & tassel bracelets - black leather wrap bracelets - pastel & pearl bangles - indian bangles - colorful geo cuff

My Weekend in Photos

crystal cove cottages

shirley temple - beachcomber with hubs - @ staples center

my first frozen yogurt ever (embarrassing) - crystal cove beach

hubs ready for the beach - gel nails (love) - breakfast crepe - lakers tix

foamy latte - beach bumpin' - my friday 'happy hour'

lakers game - dessert cart they bring around to the suites (best carrot cake ever!) 

ending the weekend with a beautiful day at church 

The Weekend & 'The Bump'

It's almost the weekend! Tomorrow night, we are heading to LA for the Laker's game. I haven't been to a game since we moved to California, and it should be exciting, considering it's the playoffs! Sporting events and fashion can be tricky...and there's a very fine line between what is 'acceptable,' and 'What the french toast is she wearing?!' We all know what I'm talking about...

I love me some Kim K...but the uni-sleeve fur jacket...really? 

Here's a more subdued look that I'll be going for tomorrow...let's call it 'effortlessly put together.' 

caftan tee - leather jacket - jeans - wedges  - handbag - cuff - necklace - lip gloss - nail polish

The caftan tee is perfection for my ever-growing bump (see below), and I'm loving the hair! Do you think this falls under the 'appropriate' category? What do you usually wear to sporting events? 

'The Bump'

Have a fabulous weekend!