Discovered Treasure

If I never see a piece of blue painter's tape ever again I would be completely fine....I'm just kidding, but really.

 For years and years every time I would start to approach my hometown of Columbus, NE there is a big white barn that greets you on the outskirts of town. Whenever I pass by it, something would always trigger my curiosity of what's inside. I am always looking for projects to "re-do" and make into something beautiful. So on my way home from Christmas break I was determined to go once and for all. When I first walked inside of this massive barn, I didn't see much. A lot of of knick-nacks, old dinnerware and 1950's paintings with broken frames. When I made my way up the stairs, there were mainly old sofa's that where torn and in poor condition. Now I'm all about turning something that is about to burst at the seams into a masterpiece, but some of these pieces were beyond repair. As I turned the corner a vintage chest caught my eye. It has a torn broken handle and was starting to rust on the hardware. Immediately I envisioned of what a little TLC could do to this vintage chest. So $40 later on a blustering Saturday afternoon and it was mine! 

So now I had my handy work cut-out of me. With a little help from my boyfriend....okay okay, A LOT,  of help from my boyfriend, we were able to turn this vintage chest into a potential coffee table for my apartment next year.

The order we went about repairing the chest could be considered as our first mistake...rookie mistake might I add. We decided to strip and prime the wood first when we ultimately should have painted the gold hardware first. So we striped and primed the wood, covered it with blue tape, and then sprayed the canvas panels with primer and then white paint. Great, so now we only have the hardware left to "hand paint" gold right? Right! Expect one minor problem that turned into a major problem....there was no paint (other then spray paint) that would stick to the hardware and still give it a streak-free smooth look. So after hours and hours of contemplating and experimenting we decided to just cover EVERY INCH of the chest with blue tape so we could spray paint the hardware with gold metallic to give it the best appearance. After many rolls of blue tape later, one sharp exacto knife, and a back ache that still won't go away...the chest was done!

New Painting: Drops of Fire

Home for the Holidays means time to get down to business and get a few paintings done! Now after every painting I complete I always tell myself "this is by far my favorite one!" But each time I say that I truly mean it! The more and more I splatter paint onto the canvas the more it leads to all the possibilities of a big white blank space. Often times when I am finished with a painting, it's not the design the wins me over, its the combination of the colors and how well they react on the canvas. In my opinion, you can have an awesome design, but if the colors aren't right then it completely distracts the eye from the painting. So color is KEY and that is why I love this painting so much. It has a wonderful balance of warm and cool hues that don't overpower eachother. I am often times hesitant when I begin to mix such opposite color families but if you nail just the right proportions it can leave a brilliant outcome!

Spotlight Feature: Lands' End Canvas

So lately I've realized that in the long run it really pays to spend a little more on quality pieces that you know will last you for years down the road...if only I would have realized this sooner right? Right! Now I'm not saying that if you find a top or skirt for $15 that doesn't mean it's not "good quality" but I am saying that if you do happen to come across a staple item that is on the higher end of your budget, don't stray away....these are often time the pieces that will last you for years down the road instead of one night out on the town and then you're done! 

Lands' End has been known for years for producing quality apparel! They recently came out with the line called "Canvas" that caters men and women that still want the quality, price to fit the budget, and stylish trends that your grandma wouldn't be able to wear. What I really love about this brand is the versatility it offers. I am in love with the gold sequin skirt below and how it would be perfect to wear to a work Christmas party. With so many classic styles with the right price tag, Canvas is definitely worth your time! Take a look at EVERYTHING HERE!

Dress-Up Your Jewelry!

If your jewelry is meant to dress you up, don't you think it deserves to be dressed up every once in awhile too? These fabulous jewelry boxes will not only pamper your pearls and gold but would be the perfect stylish addition to the top of your dresser! With a price that fits the budget, these items would make the perfect gift on anyone's Christmas list! 

1/2/3/4/5

The Ultimate Gift Guide- Guest Blogger Lauren Lemke

Counting down the days until Christmas? Me too! Time for family, Christmas music, and of course, picking out the best presents (because it really is better to give than to receive, right?). If you’re stuck on what to ask for, or to get your mom, sister, or best friend, we have you covered! Here are the best gifts to give (or put on your own list) this holiday season, no matter your budget. 

Best Gifts under $50

             

Hair Ties/ Battery Charger/ Link Bracelet/ Cosmetic Case/ Socks/ Wrap Watch

Best Gifts Under $100

Sweater/ Necklace/ Wallet/ Snood/ Cashmere Glittens/ Drop Earrings

Best Gifts Under $200

Cardigan/ Boots/ Pajama Set/ Bag/ Vest/ Shoes

Happy Shopping!

XO, Lauren

Vince Camuto's Holiday Wish List Sweepstakes!

Tis the Season!! What better way to kick off your holiday season with a $2,000 shopping spree for yourself AND $400 to give to a friend?! Yep, thats right! NOW Through December 7th on The Vince Camuto Facebook Page you can enter to have to chance to be one of five who will win $2,000 for themselves and $400 to give to a friend....no strings attached! One simple click and you are good to go! There will also be five runner-ups who will receive $500 to spend at Vincecamuto.com as well...not too shabby huh?! So go ahead and spread the holiday cheer! Click the link below to Enter.

Vince Camuto Holiday Wish List Sweepstakes

Fall Florals & Fur

Happy Thanksgiving Week! I don't know how you spend your turkey day but I most likely will be stuffing my face with endless amounts of turkey and pecan pie which will then result in a four hour food coma......bring it on. Anyways...fall florals and fur is probably my all time favorite fall combination, not to mention the endless layering possibilities that come along with it. Pair a chambray top underneath and throw on some booties (from Target for $29.99...now you love them even more right?) to complete the look!  

Fur Vest: Stella (local boutique)

Denim Shirt: Jcrew (found here)

Floral Jeans: Target (found here)

Booties: Target (found here)

Bag: Stella (local boutique)

Necklace: Mildred & Bernice (found here)

Watch: Michael Kors (found here) 

The Turtle Neck Comeback

Photo 1: Milly/ C Wonder/ Gap/ Jcrew

Photo 2: Jcrew/ Stella & Dot/ Madewell/ Jcrew

So to be honest, when I think of turtle-necks a few things that come to mind are: outdated, old-lady, and something you would wear to an ugly christmas sweater party with embroidered candy canes on the side. Lately however I have been proved wrong of all of these. Turtle necks now are one of the best staple sweaters that can be dressed up with a blazer and statement necklace or be dressed down with a puffer vest and scarf....you take your pick! While providing comfort and style here above are a few of my favorites that will suit a magnitude of your style needs! 

Florida Love

Family, the beach, good food, and great laughter....what more could I possibly ask for? This fall break I left the cool midwest temps for the warm Florida sun and sand in between my toes. My older sister Lauren lives in Fort Myers but we spent most of our time in Naples at the Ritz-Carlton Resort where we were treated to endless food and desserts, pina colada's, and couldn't leave without visiting the spa of course! Needless to say this break was beyond wonderful, much needed and I am already looking at flights on when to return. 

Sweater Weather

Cable Knit: found here

Chunky Floral: found here

Bold Stripe: found here

Asymmetrical Solid: found here

There really isn't a better feeling then being able to throw on a comfy, over-slouched sweater with riding boots to run your daily errands... right? Sweater weather is hands down my favorite time of the year. With countless options to choose from, you can dress it up or dress it down and still stay stylish and fabulous while doing so! Happy Friday!  

Duo of the Day!

Does Jcrew ever go wrong? I really don't think so. With timeless, staple pieces it can be very hard to walk into their store and come out empty handed! These two stunning items above have caught my eye! With leopard being a hot fall print, these Collection MacAlister calf hair wedge boots would definitely be worth the splurge paired perfectly with the brilliant purple Tillary Purse! Ohhh the endless options at Jcrew...now only if I had an endless budget as well!

Fabulous Friday Feature: Loren Hope Jewelry

Happy Friday Everyone! I came across these fabulous jewels when I was on Instagram the other day (shocker I know) and just had to share the love. Loren Hope mixes elements of modern vintage with bold color and hardware to create one of a kind pieces that you can't find anywhere. I also fell in love with the unique structure of the pieces (such as the earrings above) and her eye for mixing unusual colors to create a one of a kind design. You can't go wrong with bright, classy and timeless jewelry...so go ahead and treat yourself, it is Friday after all!

To see more of Loren Hope click here!

I Want Candy! Burberry Prorsum RTW Spring 2013

How can these colors NOT make you want candy?? Burberry's RTW collection that hit the runway today in London and is anything but boring and blah. Christopher Bailey definitely had a vision of playful, bold, and electrifying when he created the spring 2013 collection. The texture of foil wrappers were implemented into pleated dresses and skirts that catches the eye at first glance on the runway. He did a great job too of giving the color a break by mixing up the collection with calming neutrals and rose golds. I am definitely loving how much color has been hitting the runway lately and I don't expect it to go away for awhile! Check out the rest of the runway collection here

The Fall Five

Guest Blogger: Lauren Lemke, you can also find her blog posts here for JCR Girls!

With cooling temperatures and football Saturdays, it’s finally autumn. I love this season because of the endless outfit options: Layering is easy without having to be weighed down by bulky winter coats. Now that fall is upon us, here’s five pieces that should be new staples in your fall closet:

#1: A great cashmere sweater

            Cashmere is about as timeless as it gets. And although the hefty price tag often keeps it on the racks instead of in your shopping bag, trust me, it’s a piece worth investing in. Find a flattering cut in a basic color and I promise you will get your money’s worth and then some. These J.Crew and Madewell sweaters are cute, comfy, and can be so versatile through the fall and winter.

Madewell/ found here 

Jcrew/ found here

#2: Updated Blazers

            We all love a classic black blazer. It works with skinnies and a white shirt for a laid back look, or over a dress for a dinner and a movie outfit. But lately our favorite black blazer has gotten a facelift. In new colors and cuts, blazers can be much more than just an add on: they can make the whole outfit.

Zara/ found here 

Jcrew/ found here

#3: Loafers

Lately I am absolutely obsessed with switching out my beloved flats for a great pair of loafers. Before I found this pair, I always immediately thought of old men when I heard the word loafer. Wrong. Made in cute cuts and even cuter patterns, loafers are a great switch for flats and look great with those fall dresses, cardigans, and a scarf.

Madewell/ found here

Steve Madden/ found here

 #4: Fox Accessories

Yes it sounds crazy, but foxes are taking over the fashion world. My favorite sightings have been in belts and bracelets. This is a preppy addition to any outfit, and is that extra pop that can make or break any ensemble. This Tory Burch bracelet looks gorgeous layered with other bracelets or by itself. I know it may seem weird wearing a fox head on your wrist but trust me, you can pull it off.

Tory Burch/ found here

Tory Burch/ found here

#5 Leather

            And I’m not just talking about a moto jacket either. Leather is huge this season in every way, from skirts to dresses to accessories. If  you’re scared trying leather full out, try these pieces that mix leather with other fabrics. It’ll give your outfit a punch without making you feel like you belong on the Matrix.

Vince Camuto/ found here

Zara/ found here