One Fine Day

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Art to Ensemble

"Blue Reach" by Helen Frankenthaler, 1974, acrylic on canvas

Texture Pleat Tunic

Against A Sky of Blue Necklace

Oversized Stud Earrings

Snakeskin Lulu Foldover

Duo Eyeshadow in Brumes

Miss Fancy Pants Nail Polish

Lips in Secret Admirer

I had to kick off this new series with a nod to my favorite artist, Helen Frankenthaler.

Happy Thursday, friends!

Toodles,

ANF

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

I've long been a fan of Mackenzie Horan's blog, Design Darling, and I was absolutely delighted when she launched her online boutique earlier this year. As if this gal isn't busy enough, she's also a writer for one of my favorite online magazines, Matchbook. I was thrilled to the gills when she agreed to share her Need Read Greed selection with us.

Need: Is it wrong to need something from my own boutique? These cosmetic cases have been a life-saver for weekend trips this fall. The big bag keeps shampoo, conditioner, and a toothbrush separate from the makeup I store in the smaller bag. And a little leopard print never hurt anybody!
Read: I'm working my way through Jane Austen's novels as part of my 101 in 1001 list. While I love my local library, I'm dying to invest in the pretty clothbound versions! Wouldn't they make fun souvenirs of my list? I'm talking myself into it already ;)
Greed: Is it so much to ask that my hair look like this when I get out of bed in the morning? I am doing constant battle with my unruly mane and this picture of Kate Beckinsale stopped me in my tracks. The perfect waves! No frizz! Kate, what's your secret?!

Thanks for sharing, Mackenzie! You're absolutely adorable.

Interested in sharing your Need Read Greed?

Email me.

Have a swell Wednesday!

Toodles,

ANF

Image Credit: Pattern via Ashley Goldberg

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Oppan Gingham Style

Pop culture with a Type-A twist...

Oppan Gingham Style: Shirt // Belt // Earrings // Bracelet // Jeans // Necklace // iPhone Case // Sweater // Bag // Shoes // Lipstick

When Flyboy's away, I've been known to engage in silly and meaningless activities. My dreams get extra goofy and my thoughts are preposterous. I guess I could blame it on my spirit of choice, gin, but I believe boredom is really the culprit.

For instance, this past week I caught up on episodes of Ellen -- it's one of my favorite things to do in FB's absence. The new season premiered while my father-in-law was in town, so I was a little behind. I find it an absolute crime to miss one of her laughter-induced shows, and I cringe at the thought of missing an appearance by Sophia Grace and Rosie. Anywho, during Ellen's premiere week, she had X-Factor judge, Britney Spears, on the show. What a treat! My girl, Brit, expressed her interest in Gangnam Style -- namely the dance moves associated with the Korean pop hit. Of course, Ellen surprised B. Spears and welcomed the pop star, Psy, to the stage to teach the dance moves first hand. I lost it! It was just SO GOOD! In case you missed it, you can watch the clip here.

Now, I've heard this earworm a gazillion times and I've seen the YouTube video and endless parodies, but I never had the urge to bust a Gangnam-style move. While watching this episode, I found myself pausing the DVR and rewinding the clip. I stood in the living room with Tripp and Beesly at my feet, and I learned how to dance Gangnam Style with Psy, Ellen, and Britney. It was absolutely ridiculous, and I'm so glad I had the impulse to get up and join them. I honestly can't remember the last time I laughed so hard at myself. I think that's what I love most about watching The Ellen Show. It's a great reminder to be silly and live in the moment. I've always been the kind of girl who worries about what others think; it's hard for me to really loosen up and just be myself. As I get older, I'm trying to let go of those fears and be the person that I feel I am inside. Then again, it's not that hard to get an invigorating rush out of dancing silly in your living room when you live on the top of a hill. The neighbors can't see you and the dogs won't judge. Do I sense a new hashtag? Perhaps, punaperks?!

As if this scenario couldn't get any better, I went to bed that night and took a dose of NyQuil's new sleep-aid. Don't judge, my sleep patterns had been rather reckless! After dozing off and achieving a peaceful night's rest, I awoke to a funny Ellen/Gangnam-related dream. Are you ready for it? I contacted the Ellen show with an idea for her daily monologue. I guess you could say it had a Type-A twist... Instead of Gangnam, I thought she could talk about Gingham style. The audience would be dressed in the classic check print and start dancing Gangnam Style in unison. Apparently, she loved my idea! I knew she would, because Ellen loves a good button-down just as much as this gal.

In my defense, during Psy's original appearance on Ellen, the Korean pop star and YouTube sensation emphasized the intent behind Gangnam Style: Dress classy and dance cheesy. Perhaps his words of wisdom and my random urge to dance explain this dippy delusion.

I hope your Tuesday is swingin' in gingham!

Toodles,

ANF

Monday, October 8, 2012

Life's Little Details

"The details are not the details. They make the design." -- Charles Eames

Happy Monday! I hope there was a splash of whimsy and wonder in your weekend. Did you do anything exciting? Go on and tell me you experienced sweater weather in all its glory. Engage in any fall festivities? Life around Lil' Puna has been rather quiet in Flyboy's absence. The pups and I are counting down the hours until he returns this weekend. All the closets have been reorganized, every nook and cranny of the house is clean, and the Bravo channel remains on at all times. There's just something so comforting about Andy Cohen and his Clubhouse clique. If you've invested as much time as I have in these TV shows, they become like family. Did you see part two of the RHONJ reunion? Wow! I was left speechless. And while I don't think I could have digested another hour of the reunion this week, I'm pretty excited for next Sunday. Bring on the fresh work week and let's press fast forward. Of course, I have a lot of reasons I'm excited to speed things up, namely FB's return. Until then, I'll relish some of my favorite moments from the past few weeks -- they're the details that make this life a whole lot sweeter.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Lurve-Loave-Luff

Let's get right to it, shall we?

Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc.

Just a few things spotted and hearted this week...

Chatelles personalized slippers in emerald green. Get out of town!
TCOB -- one of my favorite things to do! Of course, this precious notepad by Molly Jacques would totally sweeten the deal. And while we're at it, I think I'll take a few of her stamps and prints too!
I was beyond ecstatic to see the launch of Sara Kate's shop this week. My favorite piece from her scouted selections has to be this colorful trio of letter boxes.
Ever since Laura shared her Need Read Greed, I can't stop swooning over Gorjana's Alphabet Stackable Rings. I just might have to pull the trigger and get one soon!
Glittery hearts. Need I say more?
Lately, I've been living in my chambray. This one is perfect.
Have you seen Kate Spade's latest collection. This mug is just so Type-A(shley). It would add a splash of whimsy to any morning cup o' joe.
I think it's time that I revisit Matchbook's list of 50 Wardrobe Classics.
Glow All Out with this Melie Blanco sunny satchel. The hue is happy and the price is right!
Believe me when I say that you NEED to try this recipe: Andes Mint Chocolate Chunk Cookies. They were soft and chewy, and I can't stop thinking about them!
A sweet neon pendant from Yellow Owl Workshop. The packaging is almost as adorable as the necklace.
Pining for paper? Got a hankering for notecards? You should probably check out Carde Blanche. The silver chevron is my personal favorite.
A simple homage to Vincent van Gogh by Ellsworth Kelly.
I get easily excited about beauty products. I tend to think each one I try is going to be a miracle worker. After a few weeks of using Bare Minerals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum, I'm a believer. It makes my skin super soft and brightens my complexion.
After reading about the Hovey sisters in October's Matchbook magazine, I'm convinced we could be the best of friends. They bring so much style to old-world glamour. In fact, I have the same exact Tippi Sweater and City Mini that Porter is wearing. Coincidence? I think not.