Tweed

Refinery29's tweed finds here.

Adore this textured trend for fall: bit.ly/LCxTrend102412
— Lauren Conrad (@LaurenConrad) October 24, 2012

Her style guide on tweed here.

It is funny how fashion styles are always cycling back. The latest to do so is - you guessed it - tweed. This isn't a fabric I have paid much attention to in the past, I suppose it has previously just seemed somewhat outdated. Not anymore, my friends! I did some searching around and found more than a few great tweed looks. Just typing in "tweed" on Pinterest came up with a pelthora of adorable looks: 

Blazer: TopShop

Earings: ModCloth

Go bold with a statement piece or add tweed to your wardrobe in a more subtle way with a pair of classic post earrings. 

Still skeptical? I did some homework for you :] All chic and affordable. 

See this skirt. I am in love.

This coat.

Definitely this blazer. 

This dress.

This pair of oxfords. Yes, shoes too!

Will these tweed purchases be your first? What are your thoughts? 

Stay splendid! 

mirror makeover

This summer I came across a great frame in a consignment shop. I loved the style of it, but it looked like it endured a rough life - chipped paint, loose corners - it needed some TLC. Immediately my mind began racing with the things I could do to update it. 

I decided I was going to turn the frame into a mirror and give it a fresh coat of paint to match my bedroom. For $20 the mirror was mine and I couldn't have been more excited for the project I had ahead! 

the original
[not my most quality photo, sorry!]

First, I took the frame to a local hardware store and had a mirror put into it - approximately $30. Next, I purchased a can of spay paint from a craft store - approximately $7. I opted for a Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Spray Paint in Smoke Gray with a Gloss finish. Heads up: gloss tends to chip a little easier so if you choose this too, be careful! 

Step 1: 

Put 2 - 3 layers of newspaper over the mirror, and securely seal with painters tape. Make sure to cover everything, you don't want to get paint on your new mirror! 

Step 2: 

Spray an even coat of paint across the frame. Let dry, and apply another coat. Continue as needed. [Mine took three coats]

Step 3: 

Let frame sit over night in a dry area. 

Step 4:

Remove newspaper and paint.

Voila, you have a great new piece for your bedroom, living room, bathroom, wherever. About a $60 project, but the finding and crafting is half the fun! 

What pieces have you given a makeover? 

Happy Styling! 

tone-tastic

I'm so excited! I just took a peak at the Pantone Fall 2012 Fashion Color Report, and I am loving each and every one of the colors. Even the names of the colors sound warm and inviting to wear - "French Roast," "Honey Gold," and "Tangerine Tango" are a few of my faves. 

What's even more exciting is that I happen to already have a few of these colors tucked away in my closet - gray and blue are a few of my favorite stand-bys, but when you throw a new name at them such as "Titanium" and "Olympian Blue," it might just make wearing these basics a little bit better than before! 

Here are some of my favorites:

Sometimes bright colors can be intimidating. So, what is a good way to subtly bring these brights into your wardrobe when everyone else is wearing darker tones for fall? 

Some of my cherished choices: 

A great statement necklace dresses up any outfit, you can find this one at Francesca's. 

I love scarves, and this one comes in all kinds of bright colors. Classic piece + warm and cozy. This one is at Francesca's as well. 

A classic flat. You can't go wrong here. Time for a trip to your local Target! 

 Don't forget about those nails! Why not coat them with "Knock-a-Mango" by Sally Hansen?

How will you wear this fall's fashion colors? 

Stay Splendid! 

splendid styles from stylist magazine

Off-duty looks we loved this weekend - including this Aubin & Wills pea coat: stylist.co.uk/fashion/sidewa…
— Stylist Magazine (@StylistMagazine) October 8, 2012

This tweet by Stylist Magazine caught my eye today. A collection of "off-duty looks" of celebrities - to see the full link visit my twitter feed.

I have so many favorites it is hard to narrow them down. Gwyneth Paltrow's girly + chic look. Katie Holmes pairs a leather skirt with a casual cardigan. Pixie Lott rocks embellished pieces. Anna Kendrick pairs an adorable blazer with a little black dress. Which looks are your favorite?

Stay Splendid :]

an expressive era of art

Gustav Klimt - a wonderful Austrian artist who's work I actually got to see in person at the Klimt Museum in Vienna, Austria. Before visiting I had never heard of Klimt, but at the museum his "Golden Phase" work immediately caught my eye. Detailed, colorful, and expressive are a few words to describe this era of art in Klimt's life. 

This phase lasted from 1899 - 1910, using gold leaf in a mosaic form. You may recognize one of his most famous called "The Kiss" seen below with a few more of my favorites. 

If you ever get the chance to 1. Go to Vienna - GO. It is by far one of the most architecturally beautiful cities I have ever seen. 2. While there - visit the Klimt Museum. His work is even better in person. My only regret is not purchasing a poster size print of one of his pieces. 

Enjoy! 

 

"The Kiss"

1908

Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I

1907

"The Tree of Life"

1905

"Farm Garden with Sunflowers" 

1906

I hope you've enjoyed his work as much as I. Stay Splendid!