Archive for the ‘series’ Category

{HAIR} THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT

Friday, November 15th, 2013

I love your hair

There have been many chats about hair cuts this week in our house.  Big W is unhappy with a cut he got on Monday.  It isn’t a bad cut, but it is much shorter than he is used to and he isn’t a fan.  At dinner last night I told him that every adult could understand his pain.  We have all been there.  You know the story.  You sit down in the chair, chat with your stylist and then something goes astray.  To your horror, you see it happening {the train running off the tracks and hair falling to the floor} and there is nothing you can do about it.  While breezing down memory lane with the help of a few photographs, I found much of my hair history falls into two categories.  A bad cut OR a bad idea.  Either way it has been quite a bumpy ride!

A few highlights:  From a young age I wanted long hair.  However my mom was in charge of styling decisions, so long hair was out and the pixie was in.  It actually was a darling haircut, but not what I wanted.  When I finally got a bit of power, I grew it long and a massive amount of bangs.  To my own defense, it was the 80’s and everyone was doing it.  Still, it was really bad idea.  In the early 90’s, I went through a mid-high school crisis.  My answer was to cut all my hair off.  I walked into the salon with hair down to the small of my back and walked out with a pixie.  It was a shocking change.  The bad idea came when I was trying to grow out my hair. {If you have ever done this, you know it is long and embarrassing process!}  So, I decided to perm it.  Bad idea.  Who does that???  However, the worst of the worst came in the summer of 2000 {a mere 12 months before my wedding day}!  I loved Rene Russo’s hair in The Thomas Crown Affair.  Actually, I was obsessed with it!  So I took a picture with me and asked for the exact cut.  A girl with curly hair, that frizzes at the sign of any moisture, has no business with this style.  This was a horrible cut.  Oh my gosh.  It was so, so bad.  Now, looking back, if I don’t laugh about it -I may cry.

Truthfully, I hope you are laughing.  I am.  How can you not?  It is quite an unglamorous hair past.  Please tell me you have pictures like these hidden somewhere.  Commiserate with me.  What is your worst hair story?!?

 

{JUNE LOVES} RANK AND STYLE

Tuesday, November 12th, 2013

Rank and Style roundup

 

You know that moment when your girlfriend walks into the party and she is wearing the most stunning earrings?  What is the first thing you ask her?  Where did you get those?  You know what they say- knowledge is power!  The hard part is we don’t all have time {or the energy} to be in the know.  Fret no more!  Rank & Style has you covered.  Seriously, it is kind of brilliant.

Rank & Style creates Top Ten lists using an algorithm {yes, I needed help spelling that} that researches and aggregates data from the department stores, boutiques, fashion blogs and style magazines you trust.  There is a new list each day and you can search all the past lists on their site.  They rank items in clothing, beauty, shoes, and accessories.  Looking for calf hair pumps?  They have a top ten list.  Need the best hair dryer?  There is a top ten list for that.  Awesome, right?

I really do love this site!  It is new {still in beta}, so check it out.  I really think they are on to something.

TOP TEN  1//statement earrings 2//full skirts 3// lip stains 4//black ankle boots 5//trendy watches

 

KIM CARON DESIGNS

Monday, November 11th, 2013

kim caron designs

Ever meet a girl and instantly know you could be friends?  I know you would feel this way if you met Kim Guillet.  She is the passionate, down to earth, creative force behind Kim Caron Designs.  Her unique, hand-made jewelry is gorgeous.  Her pieces range from statement rings to delicate necklaces and everything in between.  {I am personally in love with druzy quartz. It is just so darn dreamy.  Just look at that fabulous ring!}

I am trying something new.  Just for fun, I decided to ask Kim a few questions about her designs and her inspiration.  There is no better way to get to know someone!

When and why did you launch Kim Caron Designs?

I launched Kim Caron Designs last April.  My neighbor Karla talked me into having a trunk show at her house.  She has been such a supportive friend.

How did you get your start designing jewelry?

Over 20 years ago I was introduced to jewelry design- it was at Mercer Island High School. I had an awesome teacher, Laurie Hall, and I  took the class multiple times.  About 3 years ago I was admiring my friend Amy’s Jamie Joseph ring and realized I wanted to make something like that! I signed up for classes at BCC, Danica Design, and Pratt in Seattle to learn jewelry fabrication all over again.  I still take classes all the time. There is so much to learn- it’s  endless.

What inspires you when designing?

I find inspiration everywhere–from my friends, from the stones themselves, from looking outside at color combinations and of course from Pinterest!

Your studio is so charming.  What do you love about it?

I love my studio.  My husband Marin built it for me for our 15th anniversary.  I think he was also motivated to get his workbench back. I had taken it over in the garage.  For me time flies in the studio- I feel like I always have something new I want to try.

How do you name the pieces in your collection?

Every piece of jewelry is named after a little girl I know.  My nieces Gracie and Sadie gave me that idea.

It’s a Monday morning.  What jewelry are you wearing?

Right now I’m wearing the callie “hope” heart pendant necklace. 100% of proceeds from this necklace go to Ben Towne Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Research. I hope to sell tons of these!!! I know Ben’s mom from college and have been absolutely floored by her strength and determination.  I wanted to give 10% of all sales to a charity I believed strongly in. It was the perfect fit. Ben’s story is at bentownefoundation.org.  You will cry.

kim caron design round up

Clockwise [from top left]:

1//gracie nicole necklace 2//margo fallen leaf earrings 3//riley cuff 4//allie kate rustic sappphire ring 5//callie “hope” heart pendant 6//macie shimmering chain earrings

Kim is sharing the love with all of you!  Shop Kim Caron Designs and receive 20% off your entire order.  {Simply use the code KIM20 at checkout.}

{Kim’s photo and logo via her website.  Love the druzy ring too?  She does custom orders.}

STACKS AND STACKS

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013

stacks and stacks

Isn’t the first step to recovery admitting you have a problem?  I have a magazine problem. Their glossy covers call to me.  Some wait for me in my mailbox.  They are full of inspiration, gorgeous photography and inside scoop.  Quite simply, they are 100% pure delight.  I just can’t stop myself from subscribing and buying.  The problem is -my beloved issues become stacks and stacks of unread material.  Somehow I never find uninterrupted time to sit and devour them.  However, there is no reason for this and I am putting a stop to it!  Unplug. Disconnect.  Grab a blanket and snuggle up.  Find a cafe.  I am going to make the time for my guilty little pleasure.  And I am not going to feel guilty about it.

{And for those of you who have made the switch to digital magazines on your iPad or tablet, I commend you.  You are doing our planet good.  I, however, love to hold magazines in my hands, dog ear the pages and (yes) stack them on my side table. Sorry.}

STACKED WOOD

Tuesday, October 15th, 2013

stacked wood

Call it my latest visual obsession, but I can not get enough of stacked wood!  I was first taken by the idea of stacking wood rounds {or split wood} in a fireplace.  It is genius for a non-working fireplace or one you don’t use regularly.  I love that it adds a natural element to a room.  The mismatched shapes of the wood make it just plain awesome.  How about wood stacked next the fireplace-floor to ceiling?  Again, genius.  Storing wood, actually used to build a fire, and using it as part of the room’s decor.  The possibilities are seemingly endless.  Wood stacked under consoles.  Wood stacked under benches.  Wood stacked under open counters.  Yes, yes, and yes!

We have a wood burning fireplace in our bedroom.  Oh, I know…how romantic.  And yep, we have never used it.  The little wheels in my head are spinning.  If I can pull out the hideously ugly insert, you better believe that stacked wood rounds are taking its place.

{Images, clockwise, via 1// 2// 3// 4// 5// 6// 7// 8// 9//}

Please note: If you know the source of an image that is not credited-please contact me.  I will happily link back to the original source.

{MOM UNIFORM} MODERN COCKTAIL

Friday, October 11th, 2013

Modern Cocktailpunch it up with glam

Auctions, benefits, a night out with your honey.  They all call for cocktail attire.  This is my Modern Cocktail uniform.  I love separates because it allows greater versatility for me.  It isn’t often I am running to school pick-up in a LBD, but I could throw on a simple silk top with jeans and not look out of place.

The rules for this uniform are simple.  The classic black trouser, with a long hem, is the base for this look.  Pair it with a black silk top and sexy black pumps.  Yes, that’s right.  Black on black on black.  Punch it up with glam accessories such as an over the top clutch and bold, layered necklaces.  {You might already have all the pieces in your closet.}

Give it try on date night or for your next event.  Worried? Don’t!  You will love it.  Haters be warned because you are too {damn} classy!

{1// Chloe black trousers 2//Madewell silk top 3//Gianvito Rossi Satin-trimmed Pumps 4//Red Valentino Clutch}

PS.  The above items are “dream” selections for my closet.  I do own black trousers, a silk top, black pumps, and a glittery clutch.  Just not these gorgeous pieces.  It all still works!

DRESS UP THE WALLS

Thursday, October 10th, 2013

I recently decided to give my very small closet a major over hall.  I plan to share the before, inspiration, and afters very soon.  I am just working on the finishing touches.  The closet itself is quite basic and the storage system inside is less than aesthetically pleasing.  Since I am not making any major changes [structurally], I made some tough decisions to create a bit of space for art work.  It is actually quite exciting because this can be art just for me.  The more girly the better!  I am surrounded by boys and boy stuff all the time, so this down right AWESOME!

OK. Here’s the deal.  I can’t decide.  I should be able to hang two pieces [one larger piece and a smaller one], possibly three if they are all smaller in scale.

Here are a few of the frontrunners.  Many I found on Etsy and each shop had many wonderful pieces.  Which one{s} do you like best?

artwork for closetartwork for closet 2

I can’t wait to hear what you think!  I will post the finished product – when I have everything just so.

{Since I do not want price to sway your decisions, you can find the links to the original art pinned on my a closet to love board.}

{SHOP} MOOREA SEAL

Friday, October 4th, 2013

{SHOP} MOOREA SEAL | WHERE IS JUNE?

I love a great online store!  In the coziness of my PJ’s with a cup of coffee {decaf, of course},  I can browse for myself and others.  Believe it or not, gift giving season is right around the corner.  Every year I have grand plans of kick starting my holiday shopping early.  With sites like Moorea Seal, it might actually happen this year.  Based here in Seattle, The Moorea Seal shop is a curated selection of beautiful accessories and objects, highlighting handmade artists from the United States.   7% of all proceeds from the store benefit five non profit categories.

During the summer I swooned over everything gold in the shop.  Handmade jewelry and accessories all in my favorite hue.  This month I love a statement necklace, an awesome print, items that represent my beloved Northwest, and great bags to carry all of my stuff.  I certainly found items I would buy for myself, but spied many others that I could give as gifts.

And now the really great news.  Starting today, thru November 30th, simply use the discount code JUNELOVE at check out and you will receive 10% off your entire Moorea Seal order!  How much do we love that?  Please share the goodness and this post with any and all.

What would you put on your wishlist?

{Shop my favorites::  1//Tribal Queen Necklace 2//Perfect Twist Poster 3//Heart in Seattle Card 4//Tiny WA State Necklace 5//Forager Backpack 6//Punched Pouch}

Moorea is also hosting an evening event at the University Village Madewell on October 10th.  Check out her post about the night if you are interested.

 

{JUNE LOVES} WHAT IS IT? MELAMINE

Monday, September 30th, 2013

What is itYes, I know.  I am painfully aware that it is NOT picnic season.  I thought of waiting to post about this latest find, but I just couldn’t.  I just found the What is It? melamine paper bowls in the gift department at Nordstrom [of all places] for 50% off.  Too good to pass up!  I had been looking to replace my Target kiddie melamine bowls.  Don’t get me wrong, they served us well.  It was just time for something a little more grown up! These babies are dishwasher safe and too cute for words.  They are truly exact replicas of the classic paper bowls.  I will keep them in a low drawer, so the boys can easily get to them, year round.

You probably won’t be running out to purchase summer party goodies [unless you can find them on sale like I did], but it is worth a “pin”.  There is always next year!!

{1.//Hot Dog Trays 2.//White “Paper” Bowls 3.//Party Cups 4.//Gingham Checkered Picnic Plates}

 

LIVE TO 100

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

laugh longer live louder

I loved this article about 100 Ways to Live to 100.  It presented a study that shared advice from centenarians.  There are 100 ways listed that could, possibly, lengthen your life.

A few on the list, I am happy to say, were naturally given to me. I was born a woman and had a happy childhood.

Some are just not possible.  I wasn’t born in Japan and I am not going to win a gold medal, an Oscar, or the Nobel Prize.

Many I have done or I am already doing. For example, I live in a Blue state, I got married and I have a family, I run {but not too much}, I wash my hands, and I love retail therapy.

Here are a few things I think I can add:  practice yoga, don’t dread getting older, keep busy, get a mammogram.

Lastly,  I will be sure and remember to move to the Aloha State and not play professional football!

What do you find interesting from the list?

Where is June?

 

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