The Run for the Roses

Wishing we were sporting gigantic hats and sipping mint juleps this weekend ...

Image via Ralph Lauren Home

The Turquoise Takeover

Tiffany blue ...

Teal ...

Aquamarine ...

Robin's Egg Blue ...

Despite it's slew of monikers, turquoise is infiltrating runways, magazines, and interiors everywhere. The vibrant blue and green mixture is said to reflect youthful energy, creativity, and relaxation (yes, please). You should know by now that Erin has her way, and Shannon has her way, but there is also the wrong way. Let us show you all of the ways the turquoise trend can't be matched.

À la Shannon:

I have been eyeing a pair of orange carnelian and blue chalcedony gemstone earrings from Sandra of friedasophie for about a month, and when I say "eyeing," I mean trying to find an excuse to buy them when I already have a pair in a different color. The Califorina jeweler hails from a family of fashion designers — A.K.A it's in her blood. These gems are inspiration for interiors too. A mix of orange and turquoise lends that ever-soothing coastal feel. Below is my version of a turquoise DO.

And there are those of us that take a trend too far. Rule of thumb: keep bright colors to a min for extra pop. This look is a turquoise DO NOT (it's also a red carpet do not, but that is another post for another day).

Image via CocoPerez

Say more like this girl ...

Image via chocolatetherapie

À la Erin:

Now that summer is approaching (finally). I have bid adieu to my Cullen-esqe skin tone and embraced the bright colors of the season. I am a firm believer in color. Who wouldn't want to wear something guaranteed to flatter, make any outfit or room pop, and add something unique. That's what I thought. Don't be afraid to use bright colors as a main focal point (unless it's velour - see above), just remember to keep all other aspects of the room or outfit muted. Let me introduce you to a new power couple: T&G, otherwise know as turquoise and grey and my version of a turquoise DO.

Day Dresses by Rebecca Taylor

Pumps by Cole Haan

Like my translucent skin of winter days, it's a also time to say farewell to turquoise and brown. It's used, abused, and clearly a turquoise DO NOT. 

Image via House of Turquoise

The Glam Pick:

I was flipping through Vogue (the bible) a month ago when I stumbled upon a book review. I can honestly say I never realized Vogue wrote about such things. Upon further investigation, I discovered Bridie Clark's The Overnight Socialite, also described as a modern day version of Pygmailion. Like most females, I enjoy my fair share of chick lit. However, I have come to learn that many books in said genre don't live up to their adorable covers. Therefore, I created a list of guidelines that must be met before I make a commitment.

I warn you now, these are not prolific.

 - Must incorporate fashion/parties/and all things fabulous

 - Must possess a good love story and a happy ending

 - Must take place in Manhattan or somewhere equally glamorous

Much to my liking, The Overnight Socialite possessed all of these. In fact, I was so enthralled by Clark's novel that I found myself racing back to it — in a Pinche Memo haze — after a night out in Mexico. I can't say I made much headway with the pages that night, but nonethless I was addicted.

- Erin

The Prep Pick:

I picked Pretty in Plaid for its P&G cover while impulse shopping on amazon (don't even act like you don't do this). I was slightly disappointed when I discovered I had ordered an old library book on accident. However, I embraced the clear plastic covering and checkout stub in the front and dove right into Jen Lancaster's sassy world. With every foot-noted page, I identified with Lancaster's antics from her trip across the pond and the frat parties to the real world. She may be in a cardigan and pearls, but the woman can hold her own. Page by page she proves that scrappy and snarky do look good on a girl. Here's the kicker — I get to see my new heroine at the Chick Lit Luncheon presented by Dr. Robert and Lara Tofel and benefitting Community Partners of Dallas TOMORROW. 


I'll be there with pearls on. 


- Shannon 

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. by .мαяіиα.™ on Polyvore.com

The Paper Chase

Wallpaper has had quite a run in design life. There was the horrifying brown color palettes of the 70s and the oversized florals of the 80s, and let's not even mention the 90s because nothing of that era was really appealing. However, it seems this once passe design trick has made its comeback. Everywhere we look courageous designers are using wallpaper to make bright statements (a move that rivals Reese's post-divorce strut down the runway in that yellow dress. Hot). Case in point: Kate Spade caused a stir with her Scalamandre Zebra paper in the bathroom. Since one bold move, deserves another below are our favorite wallpaper sightings.

À la Erin:

I can't lie, I've never been a fan of wallpaper ... until recently. The gorgeous geometric prints are insane. David Hicks would be proud. I am dying to put them in my home (then I remember I'm a renter without free reign of my decor, damn). Until I am graced with home ownership, I will just have to dream. I stumbled across this print a few weeks ago and fell head over heels. It's black, it's white, it's geometric, need I say more?

I would like to have this kitchen too while we're at it, thanks.

Images via Jeneration Interiors

A few other gems just for fun ...

Images via Sara Gilbane

Images via Anna Spiro

À la Shannon:

Finally! The perfect excuse to cover my walls with stripes. Classic, classic, classic. Even if wallpaper becomes taboo in the design world once again, there is no arguing that stripes will forever add a sophistiacated punch. Now, if I could just have to figure out which wall to line. I am currently mulling over the idea of kelly green stripes in a hallway or behind my head board or in my entryway, or bathroom ... ew! What about the kitchen?

I think I might have started drooling when I saw this p&g room.

Images via a back issue of Domino Magazine (RIP)

A yellow moment. There is just something about this color in a bathroom that makes me so happy.

Image via House Beautiful

When in doubt ask Caitlin Creer.

From Our Bar ...

Image via Food Network

... in Mexico. We are back in the States and thought it might be nice to share the recipe for the cocktail that fueled our fun times — the "Pinche Memo." No, there will not be a translation. If you really want to know, you'll have to search for an online translator. Granted, this champagne-infused cocktail has a much classier name via Emeril and Food Network, we love sipping this concoction so much we took it across the border. Plus, we may or may not have added some Squirt for good measure. Viva Mexico.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup vodka
1/4 cup Champagne
1/2 cup cranberry juice
Crushed ice
2 strips orange zest, each about 1/4-inch wide and 2 inches long

Directions:

Combine the vodka, Champagne and juice in a large-stemmed red wine glass. Add crushed ice and stir until the mixture is well chilled. Twist the orange strips over the glass, drop them in, and serve.

We're on Holiday

It's off to sizzling Puerta Vallarta for us! Cue the Slim Aarons photo reel now ...

"Poolside Gossip" by Slim Aarons

"Mustique" by Slim Aarons

"Sea Drive, 1967, Kevin McClory and his wife Bobo Segrist in the "Amphicar" at Nassau" by Slim Aarons

"Sundowners" by Slim Aarons

Images via Artnet.com

Window Watching

Sure signs of Spring: flowers in bloom, love in the air and ... new window displays. It's that time of year when shop owners trot out the latest styles. Below are the ones that caught our eye.

À la Shannon:

A photographer I am not, but this never thawrts my creative eye. I pass Brooks Brothers every day with a smile because orange and blue is my latest color crush. I just had to snap a photo of this artful display. The orange and white stripes are a crisp contrast to wardrobe-staple blue seersucker. This whole display makes me want to pour a glass of iced tea. If you look closely, yo can see that BB had the same idea — there is a pictcher and glasses in one shot. I have to comend BB on blowing up the fruit botanticals. What a fresh take on a traditional idea! A cue from the inventors of the pink shirt: It is officially the season of pastels. Are you ready?





À la Erin:

While most break out the bright colors at the first signal of summer, I am always inspired by the classics (with an artistic edge, of course). Barneys will forever be the muse for which all retailers set their standards for window displays. Simply put, they are an institution. A mecca for astute fashionistas and style connoisseurs.

Barneys began as a discount clothing store in 1923 — oh the irony. It now holds a place near and dear to the hearts of fashion lovers not only for having gorgeous products, but for their innovative windows. While strolling through Northpark, I will always walk the extra mile just to take a peek at what the crew at Barneys has dreamed up that week. This week's vignette airs a tad more on the conservative side for Barneys, but it taps right into my current ( lets face it, neverending) obsession with black and white.

Below are a few more of Barneys' jaw-dropping windows:

Holiday 2009 - "Girl Talk" - Cleopatra made out of beer bottle tops

Holiday 2003 - "Sex and the City" - Carrie as the Princess and the Shoe

As Sarah Jessica Parker once told Vanity Fair, "If you're a nice person and you work hard, you get to go shopping at Barneys. It's the decadent reward."

Piece of Minds

Every once in a blue moon Erin and I stumbled onto a most-loved piece that we both agree on, and basically can't live without. Don't get us started on acessories or color choices, but this little one-shouldered frock suits us both and it's less than $40.

I found one online at lulu's



Erin found hers at Accents in West Village.



Either way we are both suprememly happy with are purchases. We'll just call each other before we walk out the door (like we needed an excuse).

In Our Dreams

Our idea of the perfect place to catch up on our beauty sleep ... Guess what? Our options look nothing alike.

À la Erin:

This blog post has been a bit of a whip for me. I'm in the process of overhauling my bedroom and have been scouring the Internet in desperate search of inspiration with zero luck. After dragging my feet a bit (sorry Shan) it finally occurred to me that what I am envisioning may not have been done before, which could be a bad or good thing — but I'm hoping for the latter. After all, great style comes from taking a little risk, right?

Follow below to see my unorthodox inspiration sources and quintessential elements for my new boudoir ...

The New Color Palette:

images via Kishani Perera

The Wall Color:

Khloe Kardashian is my least favorite of the trio, however I am lusting after her new office space designed by Jeff Andrews. Her lavender gray walls are to die for.

images via Jeff Andrews

The Necessities:

Brilliant Chandelier

Crisp White Linens — with some sort of Zebra throw and fuchsia throw pillows, of course

Gorgeous Vanity - Always a Must

À la Shannon:

I only sleep about five hours a night (hyperactivity has its pitfalls). Thus, my bedroom is my haven for reading, writing, and unwinding. Navy blue makes me of a library — a perfect place for lounging.

Dream Room 2 by shannc on Polyvore.com

I'll always have a love for anything nautical. Or anything that looks like a Ralph Lauren home ad — so fresh.

Images via farrcol

Images via Coastal Living

And then there is that side of me that is ultra-feminine. Coral, pink, it all makes me smile.

Images via Massucco Warner Miller

So nice, I posted twice. It's so gorgeous it deserves a bigger picture. This is Barclay Fryery in House Beautiful circa 2002.

The Hamptons or Marrakesh?

We're not actually going to either, but that is no reason we can’t channel patrons of these locales while we're on holiday in sunny Puerto Vallarta next week.

Until then, we are busying ourselves with the prep work:

We’ll make time for pedicures (Shannon the same shade of delicious pink she always chooses and Erin the color-of-the-moment — Here Today Aragon Tomorrow) …

No doubt we will fake the best tans possible …

It’s true, uncomfortable waxes are in our future …

We’re not insane — we will be eating carbs …

...But the real fun begins with packing. We agree on the sun, sand, and cocktails. It’s what we’ll be wearing that has us in arms. Jack Rogers v. gladiators, fedoras v. floppy hats, and the romper v. the sundress — These are our looks.

À la Shannon:

I can sum it up in one word: effortless. I hope my freckles are showing, not my labels. Give me a good book — I've already secured South of Broad by Pat Conroy — and a good cocktail and I am as happy as a clam.

Day

More Old Navy...

Night

More Kate Spade...

À la Erin:

My vacay philosophy is to let my outfits dictate my direction. Romper? Check. Fedora? Cocktails? Check check. Where I go the antics will follow.

Day

More Fred Flare...

Night

More Tibi...