Welcome to the personal garden of the Whim Interior Designs owners, Daviell Maldonado and Eric Guenther, in San Juan Capistrano, California. My mom and I attended both of their home tours this year and didn't want to leave this enchanting and beautiful place. This is the first of my posts this week regarding this amazing home, since there is so much beauty to cover from this property.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
A Gorgeous, Whimsical and Inspiring Garden Table Scape From Whim Interior Designs
Welcome to the personal garden of the Whim Interior Designs owners, Daviell Maldonado and Eric Guenther, in San Juan Capistrano, California. My mom and I attended both of their home tours this year and didn't want to leave this enchanting and beautiful place. This is the first of my posts this week regarding this amazing home, since there is so much beauty to cover from this property.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Our Differences Unite Us~ Links A' La Mode Top 20 Weekly Fashion Bloggers
Our Differences Unite Us
Edited by Fashion Pulse Daily
Coming off of Ashe Mischief's Independent Fashion Blogger's Post (Good Cop/Bad Cop: Participating in Links a la Mode), you all brought your A-game in posting the links a la mode -- which made it extra hard to edit! This week, the theme that I saw emerging throughout the posts is one of celebrating our unique diversity; each site has a different take and approach to fashion, art, beauty, media, lifestyle, music - you name it! From the dry shampoo trials at Dramatis Personae to Le Petite Cecile's observations regarding the bleached eyebrow trend, you all brought a new perspective to each topic at hand, a sign that indicates how wonderful and creative the blogosphere truly is. Get even more excited for Halloween with cmykaboom and Idiosyncratic Style costume suggestions that are sure to make you smile, along with DenimDebutante's discovery of the "zipholder". All in all, one things' for certain: we've got an amazing community of bloggers!
As expected, there was a fabulous round-up of links in the forum as well, all worthy of your eyeballs!
Links à la Mode : October 29th
- Clutch 22 -A Blogger's Fairytale - The Making of Seattle Indie Designer Jesica Milton's "Jordie" Dress
- cmykaboom -Halloween Hauteness: Top Ten Halloween Costume Ideas
- Dramatis Personae - The Dry Shampoo Trials (Part 1)
- DenimDebutante - The Zipholder
- Fashion Pulse Daily -Favorite New Eco-Find: the Cool Indie Designer Eco Duds at Green is Black
- ferOHHHsh - To Ugg or not to Ugg?
- girl friday -A Guide to Styling & Buying Scarves.
- Idiosyncratic Style - Stylish Last Minute Halloween Ideas
- Independent Fashion Bloggers - Good Cop/Bad Cop: Participating in Links a la Mode
- Le Petite Cecile - To Bleach or not to Bleach, That's the Question.
- Lillys Garden - Dirndlpunk ROCKS
- Mama Fashionista -- So What if I'm a (Perfume) Slut?
- Prom Mafia -Warning:This Image has been Photoshopped: Should a Disclaimer be Used on Photoshopped Models?
- Oranges & Apples -Flats or High Heels? Investigating Shoes that are Both Comfortable and Stylish
- Queen Gilda: Thesis Collection: Sketching, Fabric Choices, and Final Edits
- Retro Chick -Style Snapshot - 10 Questions with Eyeliah of Style Symmetry
- The COVETED -Learning More About Vintage from The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping
- The Demoiselles -- Pay Homage to the Classic Graphic T-Shirt
- Think Thru Fashion - Behind the Scenes at a MAC Halloween Photo Shoot
- Vue Society - RTW + Alterations vs. Custom Made
- Workchic - Shoe Smitten Shows Workchic Readers the Best Tall Boots for Those with Hard to Fit Calves
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Living In The Colors of the Sea~ Come Visit My Parents Seaside Home That Was Featured In Romantic Homes Magazine
My Mom's "chair problem" as we like to call it. This one really might just be my favorite. It has a french hand painted scene this is truly special.
Books, books and more books. I am fortunate that my Mom has started collecting decorating and fashion design books in the last few years. She enjoys going to Whim in San Juan Capistrano to sit in luxury and browse through the latest books. I get to read through them when she is done. My Mom says having lots of books around is very Parisian and continuing our knowledge of design is a good thing.
They created symmetry with the two silk sofas being anchored by the fireplace.
Books, personal pictures and candles make a house feel like a home. And, look... I see Claudia's book right here, The Paris Apartment! I believe that was one of my Mom's first decorating books. We looked through that book over and over while setting up my bachelorette pad 10 years ago. Oh... la la. I had satin sheets, a gorgeous vanity, huge Parisian inspired fabric headboard and a chandelier over my bed. I think that may have closed the deal with Mr. Fabulous! Tee hee... The wedding picture is of me on our special day nine years ago with Mr. Fabulous. (B.T.W. Mr Fabulous is blog shy, so no pictures of him allowed)
So, there you have it kids. A little gander at my parent's pad.
Who would have thought a credit manager could pull this off, right? Decorating is her escape from all those fun phone calls all week. I think she does pretty darn good for a novice. But, of course, I am partial to her and my Dad!
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Have yourself a fabulous day!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A Move To More Modest Wedding Gowns? Vera Wang Hopes It Is.
As we're sure you've seen by now, Ivanka Trump wore a Vera Wang dress with short lace sleeves for her wedding to Jared Kushner. The groom wore Brioni. Today, Cathy Horyn writes about a conversation with Vera Wang regarding her work with Ivanka to design the dress.
According to Wang, Ivanka liked the gown Grace Kelly wore to marry Prince Rainer of Monaco (which was made by the MGM costume designer) and asked for something that looked as regal and was covered in lace. Wang welcomed the opportunity to design a dress that wasn't "naked and very Hollywood" and used three layers of different kinds of lace, each pieced together by hand, to make the dress.
Horyn believes this might mark the beginning of a trend for more demurely dressed brides.
"Nothing would make me happier," said Wang. "I've been doing strapless dresses for 15 years. It's tiring."
Well, I personally followed the strapless trend when I got married nine years ago. But, I think a trend of alternative necklines would be refreshing.
What do you think? Do you think brides should follow the "regal" look of Grace Kelly and cover up a bit? Or, is a strapless just as classic?
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Real Deal Behind the Popular Bon Bon Rose Blog Girls
One of my must see daily blogs is the gals over at Bon Bon Rose Girls. Kristen and Megan (Kristen is the gorgeous bride and her best bud and blog partner Megan at her side) are BFF's and cover daily fashion inspiration, recipes, interior design, life and have loads of fun giveaways. I've seen them grow from their beginnings to now over 600 loyal followers. Yippee girls! These gals get it, deliver it and are one powerhouse of a blogging team. They were even kind enough to do a little feature on Fabulous Finds & Co because they are cool chicks with big hearts. In the process, somehow I got an interview out of them. I can be sly like that. Check it out... because I was wondering how you go from 0 to 600 in a matter of months and thought it was worth a share.
How did you gals get together?
K: We met in high school and have been BFFs ever since. I didn't think it was possible for us to get any closer, but becoming partners has been a wonderful addition to our friendship!
M: We've been bestie's forever (seriously I think I still had braces!) and have always wanted to collaborate. This seemed like the perfect opportunity and has been so fun for us to do together even though were 1,000 miles apart!
What is your background?
K: I was that girl who had a few, ahem, majors in college and finally settled on psychology. I then planned on attending law school, but marriage and the bambino derailed those plans. I think it was a blessing in disguise, as I am now able to do something I truly love which is writing about fashion
and whatever else comes into my brain. Someday I'll make millions at it. Ah ha ha
M: I've worked in marketing and PR and always had a love for writing and doing things creatively. I'm also someone who has a thousand To Do lists at all time and love to be busy. BonBonRose had been a great way to combine it all!
Did you both have previous blogs and combined?
K: We were a package deal from the get go!
M: Nope this was 100% collaboration from day 1!
How did you get your eye for style?
K: Fashion is something I've always loved. I don't know whether I have a true eye for style, but I love what I love and I adore sharing it with our readers.
M: Well Kristin is the one with the natural eye, mine has come from ridiculous amounts of HGTV and design mags!
What's your joy from your blogging?
K: I've truly enjoyed becoming a part of such an amazing community. Blogging has given me not only a creative outlet, but it's led to true friendships as well.
M: I love getting to share my experiences with others as well as learning about design from bloggy friends and sites.
What's your challenges from blogging?
K: For me, it's been fitting in blogging around my little dude's schedule. He's number one after all!
M: My biggest challenge has been devoting the time. It has grown so fast and I want to make sure our readers get the very best of me every time.
Thank goodness I have Kristin! I don't know how solo bloggers do it! Oh and the html coding nightmares but those stories require a stiff drink in hand!
What three words describe your blog or you two?
K: Fun, flirty and fabulous. I hope. Hee hee. We try to keep it light hearted and current. Our blog is meant to be an escape from the realities of life.
M: Upbeat: I've had friends tell me that one of the reasons that they enjoy reading us is that we make an effort to keep things positive and fresh.
Open: We love trying new things, whether its a new pair of shoes or paint color. We hope to bring new perspectives to our readers and keep em on their toes!
Sisterhood: Kristin and I function like family and there is no one I count on or rely on more as a friend.
What's your goal for your blog?
K: I would love to see our baby blog just keep gettin' better as she grows up!
A: To keep growing an continually raise the bar for our own projects and posts.
What would we be surprised to learn about either or both of you?
K: Most people are surprised when they learn about my country music obsession. I have seen George Strait a countless amount of times and my cowboy boots hold a coveted spot in my closet.
M: I think for me people would be surprised at how dry my sense of humor in person is. Its hard to translate sarcasm when you're writing for a broad audience but in person its very, very deliciously dark.
What would you like to add?
K: I would like to thank everyone who finds our blog worth stopping by. It continues to amaze me that people find my gibberish interesting. Ah ha
A: A huge apology for my lack of comma use. My husband asks me on a daily basis, often after reading my posts, why I have a personal vengeance towards the comma.
What inspires you both?
K: My bambino, my hubs, my friends, what I find in the endless number of magazines I subscribe to...I'm inspired by it all!
A: Everything, especially color, food and wine!
Any marketing advice?
K: I try to comment back whenever possible. I want everyone that took the time to read and comment on our posts how much we appreciate it!
A: Marketing advice, connect with other bloggers, a personal talent of Kristin's. Also post great content daily!
--
Now, go on over to their place. I am sure you will find it fabulous!! Cowboy boots or not! http://bonbonrose9.blogspot.com/ Let me know what you think! Or, if you are already a fan of this dynamic duo. For me, blogging has given me the unique opportunity to come in contact with so many fabulous talented people like Kristen and Megan. Merci!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Chic On The Street With A Dash Of Vintage
The Chanel ballet shoes I am coveting right now. These gals are wearing vintage jewelry that I wish I could see.
A D.I.Y retro 80's jean jacket with the feathers added for dramatic effect.
Black skinny jeans that are all the rage, ladylike white blouse with a vintage jacket and KILLER platform heels.
These three young gals are professional stylists. The gal on the left is wearing Chanel eyeglasses, vintage dress and converse shoes. The gal on the right is wearing a vintage jacket with pink denim and great military style boots.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Stella McCartney Launches A Children's Limited Line at GapKids
Moms will find some of the 70-piece collection look familiar, as McCartney designed a few mini-me versions of her fall 2009 ready to wear line—most notably a gray sweater dress with a leopard design and matching skinny gray jeans with ankle zippers.
Stella shares "I believe that kids clothing should be more accessibly priced, which is particularly important at the moment given the current climate," the designer said. "It's really exciting for us to do a boys and girls collection for the first time."
McCartney also created footwear for the lucky little ones—shiny rain boots and high top sneakers—none of which were made with leather, keeping in line with the designer's vegetarian principals.
"For years now I've wanted to create a collection for kids, it's something I've often been asked about," McCartney revealed. "I believe that this one off collaboration will be a great way for customers to be able to participate in the Stella McCartney brand" said Stella.
The collection is set to launch November 2, 2009 and will be available in Gap stores in the UK, France, Ireland Canada and Japan - as well as online and in stores across the US. Sizes available will be newborn to 12.
Stella was insistent about having quality fabrics for the line. She saw a gap between the low price less classy clothes versus the high end conservative expensive clothing now avialable for children. This could be something really special for our little one's and a break on the pocket book. It's high fashion in quality fabrics at reasonable prices. Cheers to Ms. McCartney and GapKids.
Thrifty Chic~ Weekend Read Via Links A' La Mode
Thrifty Chic
Edited by Retro Chick
There’s a thrifty feel abound in this weeks Links á la Mode. Maybe we’re all saving money for Christmas, or perhaps we’re all those recessionistas I hear so much about. Oranges and Apples spends a week living out of a capsule wardrobe to prove it can be done, Further Ado tells us why “Investment Dressing” is just another way that Fashion Magazines try and part us from our cash, Style Symmetry shows us 3 ways to work the same plaid blazer and Fashion is my Crush saves money by making her own studded vest (that’s a waistcoat if you’re British…)
As the end of October creeps closer and the nights draw in this weeks Links á la Mode also, inevitably, includes some Halloween inspiration from The New Wave and Style Amor along with the usual amazing mix of give-aways, interviews and reviews that we’ve come to expect.
Of course, if you need more tips and tricks remember to check out all the submissions for this week in the Links á la Mode thread.
Links à la Mode : October 22nd
- A Typical Atypical – Make me a… 1940’s wartime woman
- Awakened Aesthetic – Men need sexy shoes too! Awakened Aesthetic searches for the best men’s dress shoes…and all of them are vegan.
- Bobbins and Bombshells – Sharin Foo of The Raveonettes. A modern Hitchcock Blonde with a guitar.
- Fashion in my eyes – Revlon fantasy eyelashes review and giveaway
- Fashion is My Crush – DIY Embellished Vest: make your own hardware strewn vest with some beads, studs & chains.
- Fasshonaburu – Alyssa & Vyque go to the local Shecky’s Girl’s Night Out
- ferOHHHsh – Blatant Designer Knockoffs- Not just in the back of vans anymore.
- Further Ado – Investment dressing – is it a real investment, or another women’s magazine catch-phrase used to encourage us to buy, buy, buy?
- Idiosyncratic Style – Q & A with amazing photographer Dana Brushette
- kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS – Emily Howse A look at an up-and-coming fashion graduate with a taste for ethical production, architectural inspired pieces, and plenty of ruffles.
- Little Miss Makeup – Brown is the new gray! Learn how to do a smoky eye for daytime.
- Oranges and Apples – The Capsule Wardrobe Challenge: Roundup and Reflections
- Prom Mafia – 80s Done Right: How to Rock the 80s Fashion Trend
- Retro Chick – Win an organic cotton jumper, worth £70 from Urban Buzz
- slsvgg Fashion – Lily Allen’s jewellery line has finally been released in Selfridges
- Style Amor – Need Costume inspiration with a bad ass fashionable twist?
- Style Symmetry – Three Ways to Wear a Plaid Blazer This Season!
- Styletastic – A roundup of SS2010 runway shoes – what will we all be wanting to wear on our feet next summer? (Or not as the case may be)
- The Coveted – Behind the Scenes at Christian Francis Roth
- The New Wave – DIY Halloween inspiration from the S/S 2010 runway shows
- The Working Wardrobe – Something to Remember: Your Work Attire Not Only Represents You, It Represents Your Workplace. Think Before You Dress.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Karl Lagerfeld is Packing It Up for South America For Chanel's Next Ad Campaign
Lagerfeld told Women's Wear Daily he has never visited the continent before. "I'm not a tourist. I only go to places if I have a professional reason." Never wasting a moment, the industrious designer will also be working on a book about architecture in Argentina.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Bunny Warren presents the Yes, Yes, Yes! Club~ Vintage Cabaret is All The Rage In London
October 2, 2009 by Lena from Queens of Vintage
Vintage cabaret is all the rage in London at the moment with new shows popping up in theatres around the capital. Burlesque star Bunny Warren is adding to the trend by launching the Yes, Yes, Yes! Club, a supper club and cabaret show, at the Cafe de Paris.
Opening this month, the show will be starring top entertainers from around the world, hand-picked by the persnickety Bunny Warren who has searched outside the mainstream cabaret circuit for fresh, new talent to debut exciting new performances at her show.
Featuring Charleston, Baroque dance, disco, showgirls, mime, comedy and burlesque, expect talented performers and beautiful costumes.
Starring acts include burlesque star Gentry de Paris (pictured), who barely rested after her dazzling show ‘The Gentry de Paris revue avec Dita Von Teese’ and Rachel la Goulue, an elegant fan-dancer with a surprising finale, who has shocked audiences around the world, including Princes William and Harry.
The Bunnys Hunnys, Bunny Warren’s own dance troupe will also grace the stage in gorgeous feminine, finery, while Bunny Warren herself will give you her dazzling, unique performance, ‘The Queen’- a crystal encrusted burlesque tribute to our Queen’s coronation.
Yes, Yes, Yes! Club
Doors open 6.30pm
Show starts 8 til 10, After party until 3am.
Dinner can be booked in advance.
Tickets are £25 if booked in advance
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Taylor Swift Has Won Me Over And You Might Just Agree
Ok, I've finally been won over by Talyor Swift. I am a rebel by heart. If everyone loves somebody, I am sceptical. Especially if it's "tweens" that are loving the artist. But, I had a change of heart. First I saw her on Oprah in an interview this week and tour of her home. She seems to be authentically sweet and down to earth. Then, I watched this thought provoking new music video about being 15 years old and in love. And, I was amazingly surprised by the message of the song and video. Good for her!!! Finally, finally... a good role model for our youth!!! I grew up in my teenage years with Madonna, Pat Benatar and Blonde as my role models. It is refreshing to see the new options this generation has.
She is also setting trends. Her hair is fab and the latest trend. I am loving her ivory sophisticated soft dress in the music video. Then, in the video, they nail it at the end with the classic black trench and red lips. Well done to the stylist. Cheers to all involved!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Ethics and Morality in Fashion City~ Weekend Read Links A' La Mode Via Independent Fashion Bloggers
Ethics and Morality in Fashion City
Edited by Ashe Mischief
This week’s Links á la Mode covers the gambit in regards to the ethical and moral questions surrounding fashion right now…. we have Confessions of a Fashion Editor’s take on fashion blogging & paid posts, and Oranges and Apples reports on a German magazine’s ban of professional models. threadbared talks about Lara Stone, French Vogue, and the controversial use of blackface in recent issue, while Hong Kong Fashion Geek revisits the argument about fashion, price discrimination, and designer knock-offs as Alexander McQueen sues Steve Madden.
Links à la Mode : October 15th
- Confessions of a Fashion Editor – Morality, the law, and fashion blogging
- Denimaniac: – Best Denim Shops Q&A with LA’s Mister Freedom
- dramatis personae – Costumes from Holidays Past…
- ferOHHHsh: – Champagne from a shoe?? J’Taime Le Rituel!
- From Betsy With Love – Bringing some Lynchian Style to the Web!
- Grit and Glamour – Manscaping 101: Guys should groom, not preen. A little chest hair never hurt (but a shaved chest does).
- Hong Kong Fashion Geek – What’s the harm in Steve Madden doing an Alexander McQueen knockoff? Is it really sue-worthy?
- idiosyncratic style: – Idiosyncratic Style: Dare to put your legs center stage this season.
- Independent Fashion Bloggers – Poll : How do you feel about Sponsored Posts?
- Large Black Diary: – Austie has a beautiful collection of hair accessories
- Oranges and Apples: – German magazines bans professional models – an in-depth disussion
- Prom Mafia – Betsey Johnson does DC.
- Rags to Reverie: – Five tips for shopping at an American Apparel Flea Market
- Retro Chick – Lusious Lingerie: Vintage Style from Fred & Ginger
- sweetarchivia: – Review of Man Shops Globe event held at the San Francisco Anthropologie store
- The Art of Accessories: – The Art of Accessories shows you how to accessorize your winter wardrobe with tights.
- THE COVETED – SPUN Around: Integrating organic basics in your wardrobe.
- The Curvy Fashionista – The Business of Plus Size Fashion: Blogger turned boutique owner Marie Denee discusses the growth of plus size fashion.
- The Working Wardrobe – Virtual Dress Code: How Professionalism is Working its Way into the Avatar Wardrobe
- the3st: – The First EVER Philadelphia Fashion Week is this week. Interview with the directors of the week:
- threadbared: – We react to the recent Lara Stone editorial in French Vogue in “Blackface, and the Violence of Revulsion.”
- mode.ulation: – Mode-ulation is back from hiatus..we bring you a quick glance through Paris fashion week with the cutest trend – the updated toga.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Place YOUR VOTE with AT&T and Yahoo ~~ How is President Obama doing?
Click on this link to vote how well President Obama is measuring up with you. Afterwards you can view the results of the poll so far.
http://js.polls.yahoo.com/quiz/quiziframe.php?poll_id=46067
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
My Parent's Peaceful Garden
Since I shared their boudoir on my previous post, I thought I should share their garden as well. My parents have always been favorable to all white roses and flowers in their garden. My Dad has always enjoyed taking care of his yards and they eat on their patio all the time. They use their table outside as an extension of their home and most family dinners will be had there. They do have several pieces of furniture outside that most people would put inside, but it adds a unique charm to the space. They also have thought of lighting by utilizing rustic chandeliers and candle holders. It is a peaceful place. I guess for most people their parents home just feels like "home" to them? I also feel I can just breathe a little easier when visiting. Well, probably because I can relax and enjoy the beauty and don't have any chores over there!!!