And Another Week Begins....

Hope everyone had an amazing weekend! I celebrated my birthday in Charlotte and it was a blast, filled with P.F. Chang's, Maxie B's pumpkin chocolate chip cupcakes, and love all around! I have the best friends and boyfriend a girl could ask for!

I didn't get a chance to shop much due to time, but my mother went down with some friends and got me some amazing scoop! Louis Vuitton is searching for a Shoe Manager at their location at Southpark Mall...she chatted up the store manager and scored a card for me! I sent in my resume today and I'm keeping my fingers tightly crossed that they will consider me for the position!! Who knows, this may be the perfect fashion job I've been searching for!

One stop I did get the chance to make was at the Tory Burch store with my friend and Tory employee, Kathleen. They have some super cute things in there! I love the way Tory decorates her store to make you feel like you are shopping in her very own closet. The exotic prints and colorful furniture make me want to shop for days. I'm considering some Reva flats...I'd never tried them on until my Saturday visit, and they are suprisingly comfortable! Too bad they are sold out of the color I want :(

Speaking of shoes, I thought I would mention a collaboration that is in stores this Spring since I have found myself writing about shoes at least once a week! John Derian, the designer made famous by his decopage designs on paperweights, trays, etc, has teamed up with shoe company Repetto to bring you some oh-so-sassy kicks. One pair in particular are ballet flats inspired by his home decor. They are available at Bergdorf Goodman for $295 and there is no doubt you will be receiving compliments left and right if you buy a pair!



Gorgeous!!



It's Mah Burfday!

Yay! My birthday is finally here! Can't believe I'm 23 years old today! Headed to Charlotte to celebrate with my favorite people! I'll be sure to find some awesome items to blog about on Monday! Happy Weekend, Everyone!!

It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!!

I have been watching Bobby Flay's new show on NBC called "America's Next Great Restaurant" and it makes my mouth water every time!! Contestants are pitching their creative restaurant ideas in hopes of winning the grand prize of opening three of their very own eateries in LA, Minneapolis, & NYC. One of my favorite ideas is called "MeltWorks"....a gourmet grilled cheese shop with endless grilled & gooey possibilities. What a wonderful idea!

It made me think of a restaurant that's already in New York based on a childhood favorite of mine--PB & Jelly sandwiches! It's called "Peanut Butter & Co." and they've created dozens of sandwiches, desserts, & drinks based around their eight homemade flavors of peanut butter! Such flavors include Cinnamon Raisin Swirl, Mighty Maple, & White Chocolate Wonderful. I have not had the chance to visit the shop, but how delicious does a "Fluffernutter" sound?! Yes, a peanut butter and Nutella sandwich...I want one now!! YUMMY! I asked for their cookbook several years ago and it is filled with milkshakes, muffins, and more that will satisfy any PB craving! Such a fun concept. You can purchase individual jars of PB at grocery stores like Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, & EarthFare. Check out Peanut Butter & Co.'s website @ ILovePeanutButter.com. to find recipes, shop online, or browse the menu!


A cute painting of their main shop in NYC



Golf Fashion 101

Since I will be headed to Augusta in the next couple of weeks to intern at the 2011 Master's Golf Tournament, I thought it would be proper to point out a few of golf's elite that are iconic for their signature style. If you aren't a golf fan, you probably don't know how much attention they get for their daily outfits during a tournament. So I've decided to write "Golf Fashion 101" to point out those who have made big statements in the golf world....

Tiger Woods

Let's begin with the most obvious fashion statement...Tiger is famous for wearing his "Sunday Red' shirts. No matter what, he wears red on top on the last day of a tournament.

Rickie Fowler

At just 22, Rickie has made noise in the world of golf due to the loud fashions he sports on the course. He is sponsored by Puma & usually picks one color for an entire outfit. The above outfit is my favorite...he was wearing pink shoes, too!

Ricky Barnes

Ricky Barnes has been known to don the classic "Painter" hat during tournament play. To be honest, that's how I recognize him on tv! So the style must be sticking....



Camilo Villegas

Camilo is known for his metro style. He always looks very sleek and wears crazy shoes made of alligator and other exotic materials. He's also received attention for this crazy pose above....



Payne Stewart 

The late Payne Stewart is considered by some as the man who started the signature golf style. While everyone else was dressed in polos & slacks, Payne was also decked in golf attire of the 1920's. Knickers and an old-school newsboy cap are iconic of Payne Stewart.



Greg Norman

Greg Norman was nicknamed "The Shark" because of the fact that he liked to swim with Great White sharks in his native land of Australia prior to becoming a pro golfer. His hair style, size, and aggressive golf game also had a little to do with it. He later trademarked his signature multicolored outline of a shark and marketed clothing along with other golf merchandise.

Jack Nicklaus

Jack Nicklaus is by far one of the greatest golf players of all time. His nickname was coined by his first agent, Mark McCormack. When a reporter asked McCormack to describe Nicklaus, he called him "The Golden Bear" because he was "large, blond, & stong". Nicklaus later started his company Golden Bear, Inc, and from that came the iconic logo.





Design Love List

I'm in the blogging mood today and I have so much I want to write about, so I'm going to give you a taste of one of my obsessions of the week. I have been spending a lot of my days looking at interior decorating websites, magazines, and ideabooks. I'm listing my favorite websites, magazines, and rooms that I've poured over this week...who knows, maybe they'll inspire you, too!

Favorite Websites/Magazines

Houzz.com- I've told you about this one before, but I have to mention it again because it is so neat! I've created my own "ideabook" on the site (you can sign up and make one, too!) from photos I've found through other users with my same style. One of my favorite rooms in my ideabook is by designer Judith Balis and is pictured below. Click on the link, then the pics, and ch-ch-check it out! Caroline's Ideabook

via Blog.HGTV.com

House Beautiful- I just cannot get enough of this magazine/website!! I had never really looked at this magazine until the March 2011 issue that featured all things pink! I mentioned the issue in a previous post because that's where I discovered that Lilly Pulitzer is launching a furniture line through HFI Brands. The magazine is amazing, colorful, and inspiring, so browse the website or grab the new April issue. You won't want to put it down!

Coastal Living- A member of the Southern Living family, Coastal Living is located in Birmingham, AL and showcases beautiful ideas & finds from the South and beyond. This month's issue features an article called "Beachcombing Basics". It tells you where to find sea glass, fishing floats, and shells and how they end up where they do. When I was in the Bahamas, I discovered fishing floats. These antiques were used to keep fishermen's nets from sinking. They are very hard to find now...the Captain we chartered told us they are such special treasures, he received one as a wedding present from his brother! Too cool! Read more on their website.

Favorite Blogs

MadeByGirl- This lovely blog features inspiring homes, artwork by the author herself, and links to more amazing blogs. Below is a picture via The Fabulous Design File where the author actually painted this rug---jealous! Look up their blogs & enjoy more ideas!

Sophie Pyle Style- I don't personally know Sophie, but she is a fellow High Pointer who went to school with several of my friends. Her blog has all things preppy, Lilly, and furniture/Furniture Market related. I'm glad I found her site because I can find out more about what's going on the furniture industry and, of course, because it's preppy!

House of Turquoise- LOVE this site. The author features all things blue on this website, but has a ton of other blogs devoted to pink, green, browns, etc. If you have a color scheme that suits your style and want to find certains pieces or ideas to add to your home, browse her site and fall in love! Great rainy day filler!

Have fun exploring! Let me know what you think by posting a comment below!!

I Heart Shoes (Apparently)

Is it just me or do I tend to write about shoes all the time? Oh, well!! It's fun! And since I have wide feet and never ever fit into these gorgeous shoes, I want to share them so that you can buy them!

Anyways, I just now received a Christmas present that I have been waiting and waiting on....my L.L.Bean duck boots!! Wa-hoo! Too bad all of the snow is gone and temps are now in the 70's....They will just be brand new for next season. Check 'em out....shearling-lined and all!

On a more girly note, I am ob-sessed with these J.Crew ballet flats. I love anything that is sparkly (what girl doesn't?) and these are too fun. They are priced at $158 and available now.

Still looking for a j-o-b (it's becoming a curse word in my vocabulary because I hate the sound of it so much), so if anyone has an amazing offer, holler at cha gurl!!

Top 3 Obsessions for the Week

Hope everyone had a fun-filled weekend...I know I did! Wanted to share some b-eautiful finds that I'm loving right now. Like I said, I'm obsessed with Spring and all things related, so enjoy them & go out & splurge on my behalf (since I am still broke....)!!

1. The Lilly Pulitzer "Murfee" Scarf

I am soooo in love with these printed scarves! I have always been a huge fan of Lilly, and the addition of these scarves to her accessories line was a brilliant idea. Although they are priced a little steep (they are $118!), if you can afford one, go for it! Just the thing you need for Spring!!



Love, love, love!





Hard to pick a favorite....



2. Tory Burch "Eddie" Ballet Flats

Ever since one of my BFF's, Kathleen, started working at Tory Burch in Charlotte, she has been decked head-to-toe in Tory Burch. I saw her over the weekend and she was donning these super cute flats. She said they are the most comfortable shoes she's ever had and they come in a varitey of different colors. I am always in need of some flats, and I think these would be just right for almost any outfit! They are $178 and ripe for the pickin'!

For a limited time, ToryBurch.com is offering free standard shipping on "Eddie" flats!!

3. Target's GO International Designer Collective

Target is welcoming back several top designers to create looks for less this Spring. Among the 17 featured designers are Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, Thakoon, & Zac Posen. I always love to check out the designer section at Target, so I know I won't be dissappointed! They arrived yesterday, so get to Target before they're gone!



Tucker for Target $39.99

  

Tara Jarmon for Target $39.99



Tracy Feith for Target $39.99


Happy Monday & Happy Shopping!! Don't forget to make plans for St. Patty's Day on Thursday!!

Ooh La Oscars!

Finally, my Oscars coverage! The trends of the 2011 Academy Awards included red-hot reds, icy whites, and lace, lace, lace! I decided to pick the trend that showcased the majority of my favorite looks of the night...we'll call it them the "Ice Queens" of the Oscars. The following are the chicest, most sophisticated looks, in my opinion of course!



One of the best of the night...a much improved look from the Valentino flower dress! Michelle Williams rocked in this off-the-runway look that she altered to be a body-hugging, pearl masterpiece by the ever-awesome Chanel.

 


Many did not like this look. I, on the other hand, loved it....BUT I don't know if Mandy Moore was the right person for this beautiful dress by Monique Lhuillier. However, I love the beading and faux-nude look.

 


Hailee Steinfeld is becoming a fashion icon for her generation. From Prada at the SAGS to my absolute favorite design team, Marchesa, at the Oscars, Hailee knows how to do it up right! Great length, great color, great hair, great detail....what more could a 14-year old ask for??

 


I am a fan of this dress, regardless of what Joan Rivers says! I actually really love this dress! I love the severe shoulder and the hint of green at the top and back. This dress fits Cate Blanchett well and I just love it! Kind of reminds me of a look McQueen might design?? Go Givenchy, Go!

 


Mila is keeping with the pastel trend of Spring. This Elie Saab Haute Couture dress was ethereal and whimsical. Critics said it would be a great wedding dress, but I think it works perfectly on the Red Carpet. Her hair and makeup completed the look...she looks beautiful.





Had to throw in Jennifer Lawrence because she was smokin' on the Carpet. This Calvin Klein dress makes her a showstopper. The simple silhouette Calvin is known for made this look effortless and gorgeous.

And the Worst....

I am just going to go ahead and name Nicole Kidman as the Worst Dressed Celebrity of the Awards season. If I can recall, I only liked one of her dresses/looks all year. Her taste has taken a turn for the worst this year, and we can only hope she improves....before we expect a bad look everytime. Step it up, Nicole.
 

 I found my looks at DailyMail and Harpers Bazaar.

I'm Back!!

Greetings! I am back to the daily grind after an amazingly WONDERFUL trip to The Abacos in The Bahamas! Oh, how I wish I was still there....The weather was warm, the sun was bright, and the company was the best :) I'm going to write a post about my favorite places with pictures, but I think I need to address a big topic that happened while I was away...the OSCARS!! I only got to watch a few tidbits of the show, so I have to do my research today about my favorite looks....be ready for an Oscar recap later today or tomorrow! Hold tight because I am still "vacation lagged"....