The Outnet

Umm, this necklace is ridiculously amazing. And I must have it. Where is it from you ask? The Outnet, Net-a-Porter's awesome new designer outlet. I've been busy perusing its pages ever since the launch late last week and can't help but love it. Unfortunately, even at a deep discount, most of the merchandise is beyond my price range. But this statement necklace (by Mawi), at $129, is the right balance of "potentially affordable" and "oh wow!" Observe how much impact it has on the dress below...

Meanwhile, I'm also enjoying some of the fun summer pieces from Tibi. I've been on a bit of a Tibi kick lately it seems, ever since I picked up two of their dresses, each with tags still attached, at a certain consignment store for less than the cost of a single sale item at H&M. Anyway, the green dress and pink patterned thongs would be the perfect combo for a sunny Sunday brunch, don't you think?

Have any of you checked out The Outnet yet? If so, any favorite pieces? Or do you have another favorite spot for discounted fashion? Please share!

New Laundry Room

This was quite the productive weekend around my house. The new-old chandelier was hung, a ceiling fan was installed in Kevin's music room/office, and our teeny-tiny laundry room was FINALLY spruced up. After one to many times of looking at our depressing laundry and tool space, I decided to take action. The first step was a fresh coat of turquoise paint. I love how bright and cheerful it looks, and how the white appliances and shelves pop against the vivid walls. Below is a better shot of the setup of the room (please forgive the many shadows as well as the odd angles - it's a tiny space with a single overhead light which creates many photographic challenges)...

If you are wondering what the striped and chained item is on the wall, it's our solution for a folding table. Kevin simply took a pre-cut white melamine shelf (this one is from Lowe's and measures 16" x 36"), attached hinges and eye hooks, and used these plastic-coated metals chains to attach. The yellow chains are so glossy and playful, and such a great accent color to the blue walls. The stripes come from a piece of wrapping paper that is adhered to the back of the board with adhesive craft spray. Here it is descended from the wall...

Now I can unload the dryer and place my freshly folded towels and sheets on this convenient work surface! As for the other side of the space, we have a set of wire shelves holding linens, cleaning products and tools. I've been looking for a place to hang my circus paint-by-numbers ever since we moved in. They have been with me since I moved to Philly 15 years ago, so I am glad they finally have a home in our new house.

Oh, this little fella holds coins and bobby pins that I find in our pockets or at the bottom of the washing machine...

It feels so great to have a truly organized space that is fun to look at. And with these improvements, hopefully doing laundry won't be so much of a chore!

So, what did you do this weekend?

(P.S. The white antlers are from Urban Outfitters, the wall color is Valspar 5006-10A "Bayside," and the metal stool seat color is American Accents "Sour Apple" by Rustoleum)

Finally... a greyhound!

Dear Stockers of the Junky Clearance Shelves at HomeGoods:

Thank you for hiding this treasure amongst the broken candlesticks, tapestry-covered photo albums, and crystal faerie paperweights. I have been wanting a greyhound FOREVER! He is so tall and handsome, and will look perfect sitting (somewhere) in my house. As soon as it stops raining outside, I'm going to paint him glossy white so he can start his new life all fresh and bright. What a great addition he will be to our home. So thanks, HomeGoods... oh, and please let me know if you get another one so I can have a matching pair!

xo
Elizabeth

Beach House Living, Part 2...

Love this beach house designed by Richard Keith Langham... especially the yellow striped bathroom and the recurring seahorse motif...

Via House Beautiful

feathers...

While in NYC last week, I made a quick stop in Forever 21. The store in Soho carries the Twelve by Twelve line, which is slightly more fashion-forward (and high-priced too.) I was SO tempted to try on this dress, but my aching feet didn't feel like waiting for a dressing room. Now I'm kind of regretting it...

Let me first say that the purple bustier half of the dress is not my thing at all. But the black feathered skirt is fantastic! And for $59, it would add a TON of high fashion to my closet for not a lot of cash. I would cover the bustier with something neutral and maybe a little more casual, like a simple gray cardigan. Or maybe a cropped leather jacket...

I've been loving this image via The Sartorialist for a while now. A feather skirt for with leather and leggings is just too cool. I'm not sure if I could get away with it during the day in Philly, but for drinks and dinner it would be perfection!

Dressed to the Nines

Check out this gorgeous hotel called The Nines in Portland, Oregon. One of my loyal readers, Meredith, sent these pictures to me and said they looked like a place I would love. And do I love it! Who wouldn't? Turquoise velvet...creamy draped curtains...white marble vanities... pure gorgeousness, don't you think!?

My fella and I have been talking about how fun it would be to take a trip to Portland to visit the many local breweries, wineries and distilleries (Kevin is quite the talented beer brewer). Now I really hope it happens just so we can stay at this lovely hotel!

Images via Starwood Hotels

Topshop Fun

Last Thursday I made a trip up to NYC to help a friend with a design project, picking out tabletop decor and linens for an upcoming event. The visit was also an opportunity to do a bit of shopping in the city, which I haven't had a chance to do since before the new year. I love wandering around my favorite boutiques (Kirna Zabete, Intermix, Fragments, etc) and then eating lunch at the bar at Balthazar. But of course, my first and most important stop on this particular day was the brand-new Topshop in Soho, located at the corner of Broadway and Broome Streets.

Without a doubt, Topshop is one of my favorite stores ever! On previous trips to the UK, I spent many hours perusing the racks at the insane flagship location in London's Oxford Circus and I always came away with some fabulous addition for my closet. This occasion was no different. While many items were tempting, including the entire Kate Moss collection (feather-appliqued leather jackets! slinky sequined dresses!), shoes were the order of the day. Hence these...

Yes, what you are seeing are purple suede and patent leather cha-cha heels with ruffled t-straps. They are just too good! I like my shoes the crazier the better, and these definitely fit the bill. I had scoped out the website in advance and was planning to go for these, but when I discovered that they had many shoes in the store that were not featured on the website my agenda changed. This pair is from Topshop's premium "Boutique" collection, which is their most fashion-forward line, though even their more standard options are pretty amazing. Do check it out when you have a chance, and if you are in New York, the store is a must-visit. I was lucky to be able to get in without waiting in line, though others have not been so lucky (sorry, Sober in the City!)...hopefully things will calm down soon so everyone can have a good time shopping there!

Happy Weekend!

Sorry I wasn't around much at the end of the week. I promise I have interesting things to share when Monday rolls around though, including pictures from my trip to Topshop in NYC! Until then, hope you all have a happy bunny day...

Image via Esoule on Etsy

Beach House Living

What a playful and chic beach house designed by Amy Lau...

Amy Lau Design via Apartment Therapy

We're Having A Party!

Ok, we're not having a party just yet, but I can't help looking forward to summertime barbecues on our back patio... um, once I finish the substantial list of improvement plans I have in mind. But anyway... When the time comes, I think I will send out real, honest-to-goodness paper invitations, like these adorable ones from Kate Spade:

By the way, all these styles are in her sale section for 50% off!

Famous Interiors

I don't know much about this book, but based on the cover alone I must have it! I mean, how awesome will this zebra and glitzy gold puppy look sitting on my coffee table? Fab!

And upon further investigation, Famous Interiors: The Originals by Holland Vandertol and Cornelia van Geld certainly sounds like an amazing addition to any collection of design tomes. The book features the homes of 14 diverse individuals (such as actor Dennis Hopper and interior designer Jamie Drake) and showcases their unique personal styles. In addition to Barneys, it's available at Amazon for 30% off....

Great Bedrooms

I'm loving all of these great bedrooms found on sarahleeab's Flickr photostream. This lady has quite the collection of interior images! The ones I selected don't have a whole lot in common, other than that they are very appealing to me. Oh, and that they all get me thinking about ways to improve my own bedroom!

Grey Stripes!

I have a real thing for bold stripes. Usually I think of black and white, but the combination of grey and white is even more chic I do believe. After seeing this house on Apartment Therapy this morning, it got me thinking about implementing a similar paint treatment in my house. The walls in our hallways are already a pale gray, so adding white stripes would be an easy project and would add subtle visual interest. If I have time, I may start my new project on Monday!

Light and Bright

Such a happy home! I can't resist the splashes of pink and all the floral touches, especially the living room rug...

Via Living Etc

Rebecca Moses Tableware

Fashion designer Rebecca Moses is introducing a line of tableware for Macy's. It's all very playful and fun, and will be perfect to mix with things I already own. The tablescape above (created by the folks at House Beautiful) screams Easter luncheon. And I am totally crazy about the napkins... how cute are they?!

Images via House Beautiful

The Ever Stylish Mrs. O

I continue to be utterly dazzled by our First Lady, Michelle Obama. She is just so beautiful and stylish and interesting! Check her out in these fab outfits as she visits London with her husband for the G20 Summit! The fresh and sparkly number above is from J.Crew, while the totally glam chartreuse dress is Jason Wu ( with a studded belt by Azzedine Alaia!!)

Via Mrs. O

**Update** Also, via Mrs. O... Wow, today she is wearing Junya Watanabe! Can this lady get any more fabulous!

Sprucing Up

Now that spring is almost sprung, I'm thinking about what I can do to spruce up the outside of the house. We live in Center City (downtown) Philly, so there is no yard and the planting possibilities are limited, but I'm convinced there are still ways to add color and flair. Yesterday I finally cleaned out the window boxes and filled them with happy purple pansies. Oh how I love seeing their cheerful faces when I come and go!

I'm also planning some larger projects; first and foremost is painting the front door. It needs to be glossy and bright, but the question is: what color? Right now I'm thinking a lighter shade of peacock blue. Also, I'd like to change out the light. The one we currently have came with the house and is a bit boring, don't you think? I guess my next assignment is to find a cool one that is not too expensive. I'll keep you posted on the results, and if you guys have any suggestions please let me know!

p.s. Yep, that's my pink bike! I ride it all over town. The basket is frequently stuffed with groceries, table lamps, even a foot stool once. Bicycles in the city are the best!