tie a bow

There is just something so sweet about blouses with bows tied on them. I know some out there may think it's 'too sweet' for them to wear, but you can easily jazz up the rest of the outfit so it still takes on an edgy feel. It's the perfect type of top to wear to the office, then spruce up a bit for a night out following the work day. Some of my current favorites below.

from Anthropologie

from Forever 21

from Scoop NYC

from Big Drop

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trunks, trunks, and more trunks

When I say trunks, I'm not exactly referring to the kind you may have taken to sleep away camp circa 1992. I am more referring to the kind that have been refurbished and can make great additions to a home. Lately I'm just loving the idea of a trunk as a coffee table or even a smaller one as an end table of some sort. I think it can really add character to a room. I am currently on the hunt for the perfect trunk (that somehow has a modern, contemporary flare) for our new apartment, similar to the one you saw here.

Pottery Barn

Restoration Hardware

Hayneedle.com

Hayneedle.com

Becker Furniture World

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one-of-a-kind jewels

I don't know about you, but when it comes to jewelry I love wearing stacks of bracelets and layers of necklaces. Well, the incredible Samantha Jamie jewelry line allows you to do just that. I'm always looking for another bracelet, another necklace, something else to add to my collection of jewels, and if my bank account allowed it, I would order pretty much this entire site. They are the perfect pieces to add to your look. They are fun, unique, and beautiful. The designer herself gave me a little more insight into her jewelry line and her work.

From Prosecco to Plaid: When did you start designing jewelry?


Samantha Jamie: I have grown up around jewelry, always collecting pieces that I find diverse and eye catching. The inspiration behind the idea about being unique, led me to create my own jewelry line, about two years ago. 

P to P: What is your inspiration behind your designs? And specifically what was the inspiration behind the Spring 2012 collection?


SJ: My inspiration is to create unique, distinctive and chic jewelry, so that the person wearing it feels a special connection to that one-of-a-kind piece they have selected for themselves.

For the Spring 2012 Collection, I envisioned being able to wear multiple pieces at the same time. I love to layer my necklaces and stack my bracelets. Each piece on its own is fun and colorful, however when worn together it creates an unparalleled look. I have used precious and semi-precious stones to create a bold and sophisticated statement.

P to P: Besides jewelry making/designing, what are your passions?

SJ: I am extremely passionate about photography, graphic design, music and traveling. A lot of my inspiration comes from exploring and being adventurous.

P to P: In a few words, how would you describe your jewelry line?

SJ: One-of-a-kind.

Samantha Jamie's website: Samantha Jamie

Follow Samantha Jamie: Facebook, Twitter

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giddy up!

With the Rodeo kicking off in Houston this weekend (and with my move to Houston being less than 2 months away...ah!), I've found some 'western' inspired items that are adorable and don't make you look like you're an actual cowgirl riding a bull (not that there is anything wrong with said situation). There is a way to add a little 'yee-haw' into your look that actually makes it look really cute; it's just a matter of finding the right pieces.

fringe vest from Big Drop NYC

chambray shirt from Urban Outfitters

fringe sleeve dress from Forever 21

plaid shirt from shopbop.com

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the living room

Decorating a room could be one of my favorite things to do. I haven't had the chance to do so in a while because I've been living in the same place. However, with my upcoming move I will get to decorate multiple rooms (with my boyfriend's input, of course).  We've gotten a few pieces of furniture, but still looking for most of it.  Yesterday I was online for hours trying to find the perfect pieces for our living room. Here is a glimpse into what I found.

from West Elm

from hayneedle.com

from Crate & Barrel

from Williams-Sonoma

from Pottery Barn

from hayneedle.com

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RED

This weekend I wore bright red lips to the wedding I went to.  It's not something I'd do everyday or even every time I go out, but every now and then I love adding a little extra excitement. I think red lips can be dramatic and work very well with the right kind of outfit and right kind of makeup.  I love red lips with a dark ensemble (think dark navy or black) with somewhat simple eye makeup (think smokey, but not too severe).  I highly recommend purchasing some red lipstick and add that unexpected twist to your look.

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet

Aqua Crayon Lip Colour Stick - Rouge

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pretty nails

I was at Neiman Marcus in Houston this weekend getting my makeup done for a wedding with some friends, and we came across what are now my new favorite nail polish colors. Who knew that Laura Mercier had a nail polish line? I didn't, but I'm excited to announce they do. Currently, they have 5 limited edition nail lacquers in the most amazing Spring colors.  I purchased Sizzle (the perfect orange) and Luscious (a fantastic pink). Check out all the colors here.

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weekend review

The weekend is here and I couldn't be more ready for it. It won't be the most relaxing of weekends (between furniture shopping and a wedding), but it will certainly be a fun one. Some essentials that will be needed for the weekend ahead.

light nail polish color (from Deborah Lippmann)

smokey eyes (from Chanel)

comfortable (and cute) ballet flats (from Tory Burch)

mimosas at brunch

the best hair product out there (from Moroccanoil)

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write a letter

I know it's very old fashioned, but I am a huge fan of snail mail. Don't get me wrong - I email incessantly all day long (I couldn't live without it), but there is nothing like a hand written note. I think it's unexpected, thoughtful, and more personal to receive a letter or card in the mail versus over the internet. My favorite stationery these days is from a line called Peter Pauper. Some personal favorites below.

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back to the basics: dinner

Cooking can sometimes seem more like a chore than fun, especially on those nights you just want to curl up on the couch, watch all the shows you recorded the week prior, and do nothing the rest of the night.  However, sometimes the most delicious dishes are the easiest to make. Last night I made an impromptu pasta dinner for my boyfriend, and it took barely any time at all (and he absolutely loved it).

(sautéing the onions)

Ingredients

• 4 thin slices of chicken breast (no skin or bone)
• 1 box of whole wheat penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 jar of marinara sauce
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Good Seasons Italian seasoning
• Bread crumbs
• Olive oil
• Non stick cooking spray
• Frozen broccoli, chopped
• Fresh parmesan cheese

(mixing it all together)

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• In a baking pan (covered in non stick cooking spray), place all 4 (cleaned) chicken breasts
• Cover with some bread crumbs, paprika, salt, pepper, and Good Seasons Italian seasoning (however much or little you like)
• Place in oven for 30 minutes (or until cooked through)
• While chicken is cooking, chop the onion and sauté it in a pan with olive oil.  Sauté until onions are lightly browned. 
• Cook the pasta
• Heat broccoli in the microwave
• Heat marinara sauce over the stove top or in the microwave
• When chicken is done, cut it up into small pieces
• Toss chicken into bowl with pasta, broccoli, onions, and marinara sauce
• Mix all together
• Grate fresh parmesan cheese on top
• ENJOY

(the finished product)

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show me some lace

I'm having a lace moment.  From dresses to tops to skirts, lace is a sweet way to add something extra to an outfit. And if your style is not 'girly girly,' as lace can sometimes be, you can always add a tougher 'edge' to that lace ensemble of yours.

from Alice + Olivia

from Forever 21

from Joie

from Nordstrom

from Urban Outfitters

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hidden jewels

When I'm in the market for new jewelry, I have my 'go-to' stores and websites that I immediately think of. However, I came across American Eagle for this very task (of jewelry shopping), and I can't get enough. I was looking for more casual pieces to add a little 'funk' to a basic 'Saturday afternoon' ensemble.  Well, lo and behold, this store has such cute items at incredible prices! It may not be the first place you would think to shop for some fun jewelry, but I believe you will be pleasantly surprised.

lock & key necklace

beaded bracelet set

artisan ring

honeycomb earrings

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