Where the Heart Is

I've heard all of the sayings--home is where your mom is, home is where your husband is, etc., etc., but I believe the oldest saying rings true- home is where your heart is.  In that sense, I have many different homes, but just one actual house.  My husband and I decided a few weeks ago to purchase a new house and sell our current one.  We sold our current house in one day, to the first person that looked at it, without it even being on the market or having a for sale sign in the yard.  What can I say, I learned from the best real estate agent (my dad).  We are excited about the new house but are starting to get sentimental about leaving and having a limited number of days left in the current house.  This house is special to us, as it is the first house we lived in together and the only home that Monaco has ever known.  I took pictures of every room so I could capture everything as it is now before we start packing, and now I'm deciding what to donate, sell, or keep to take to the new house.  Looking around, I realized that my favorite things in this house are not the newest or most expensive things, but the ones that have the most meaning.  I love pieces that are old and have a story behind it, or that once belonged to a loved one.

My husband's grandmother was an amazing artist, among many other talents.  She gave us this painting a few years ago.  Several other family members have similar versions of this painting or another painting by her of some sort.

This frame holds pictures of our nieces and nephew.  It was a gift from them, and I love that it captured each of their different personalities and cuteness.  Our new house is just down the street from them, and we hope they will be frequent visitors.

I got the bookshelf below second-hand at a neat store in BG called Steamboat Salvage.  I kinda just put some picture frames and wedding gifts in here but in the new house I will spruce it up a bit.

These curtains don't have a story at all, they are totally from Pier1, but I just love them and will definitely find a place for them in the new house.  There's greens, blues, yellows, and reds in here so it should be easy to match a room with.  

The three prints below are impressive for two reasons- one, they were sent to my husband's grandmother from India during World War II, and two, look how straight my husband hung them.  Pretty amazing.
Yeah, for some reason I have an elephant theme going in this house, as you can see with this little guy hanging out in the kitchen.  Oh, and there's a lovely dog crate that hasn't been used in at least 3 years.

This mirror hanging in the foyer also belonged to my husband's grandmother. 

This piece belonged to my beloved grandmother.  It was in her foyer with a mirror hung on the wall above it, but I use it as a nightstand in my guest room.  One of the legs is barely hanging on, but I'll keep it forever because it reminds me of her.

 What are some 'things' in your house that you could never part with?

Fashion Icon: Kate Hudson

One of my favorite people to watch on the red carpet is the beautiful Kate Hudson.  She is always so glowy and happy.  She's been on the scene for awhile now but I love how her look has evolved over the years, but still stays true to her California girl roots.  Kate always looks perfectly styled (by Rachel Zoe), but never overdone.  She can pull off anything, from sexy bombshell to demure to pretty and cute.  She does what a true fashion icon does- leaves us wanting more and wondering what she will do next.

Marchesa, Alexander McQueen, Antonio Berardi, Pucci

My favorite Kate Hudson role is Penny Lane in Almost Famous.  In fact, I love this line from the movie so much that I have it as one of my fave quotes on my Facebook page.

Speaking of Almost Famous, just as Russell Hammond says he is "a golden god," Kate is a golden goddess in these red carpet looks.

T:  Stella McCartney, Atelier Versace
B: Versace, Dior, Atelier Versace

While she is fabulous in white and in gold, she is also truly radiant in red.

Prabal Gurung, Valentino, Stella McCartney

Ok, let's face it, the woman looks gorge in every color.

Reem Acra, Ann Taylor, Diane Von Furstenberg

Her style isn't limited to just gowns, though.  She can also rock a suit better than most men I know.

Alexander McQueen, Michael Kors, Gucci

As much as I love her red carpet looks, I also like to see how she switches it up for her everyday looks and appearances.  How cool does she look in these street looks?  She looks strong, confident and laid back at the same time.

L: Michael Kors, R: Barbara Bui

all images from Google

In Living Color

My friends know that I usually steer clear of bold colors and I'll admit that only about 25% of my clothes are in hues other than white, black, gray, navy and beige, but since there's not much left of summer I'm trying to wear all of the bright colorful stuff that I do have while I still can.  Also, FYI, this is a great time to take advantage of end of season sales.

TL: Francesca's 'Santiago Knit Dress' (Francesca's)
BL: Joie 'Devitri Silk Shirt' (Nordstrom)
C: me in a Voll top (Bluetique)
TR: BB Dakota 'Helaine Pleated Top' (shopruche.com)
BR: Banana Republic 'Camden-Fit Floral Ankle Pant' (Banana Republic)

L: Nanette Lepore 'Bogatell Dress' (nanettelepore.com)
TR: Rachel Zoe 'Jonah Colorblock Dress' (shopbop.com)
BR: Gap 'Printed Split Neck Tunic Dress' (Gap)

L: Alice + Trixie 'Scout Print Silk Shirt Dress' (Nordstrom)
C: Zara 'Printed Pencil Skirt' (Zara)
R: I. Madeline 'Jewel Print Dress' (piperlime.com)

I love the Kate Spade motto that says to 'live colorfully.'  Sometimes it's easier said than done, but I'm trying to remember to do something every day that helps me live by this mantra.  No, I'm not going to try to bring back neon warm-up suits, but instead try do little things like take a different route on my evening walk, try a new restaurant, or make an extra effort to connect to a friend.  What do you do to add color to your world?

A Midsummer Night's Dream

I awoke this morning to the smell of cinnamon rolls and mimosas.  I got out of bed, walked into the living room and saw 3 orange boxes tied with brown ribbons.  "Hermes!" I shrieked with excitement.  Smiling, I pulled out a scarf, belt and Birkin bag out of the boxes.  My husband entered the room and asked me if I liked my presents.  Then he reminded me to go get ready, as we were leaving for Capri in less than an hour.

L: Olivia Palermo carrying an Hermes Birkin bag (image from Google)
TR: Hermes Cordages Vintage Silk Twill Scarf (hermes.com)
BR: Nicky Hilton wearing an Hermes belt (image from Google)

I watched my closet rack rotate, then pushed stop on the remote control as my favorite DVF wrap dress came into view.  I put it on and stared into my jewelry case.  I decided on a vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, Cartier watch, and Tiffany earrings.  I closed the case, looked in the mirror and then opened the case again.  I had almost forgotten my Harry Winston engagement ring!  Finally, I slipped on a pair of Ferragamo bow flats and called for my butler to come get my luggage.  

L: Diane von Furstenberg 'New Julian Two' Wrap Dress (Bloomingdales)
R: Salvatore Ferragamo 'Varina' Patent Ballet Flat (Neiman Marcus)

 

TL: Tiffany 'Solitaire Diamond Earrings' (Tiffany & Co.)
TR: Cartier Tank Watch (image from Google)
BL: Van Cleef & Arpels 'Alhambra Long Necklace' (vancleefarpels.com)
BR: Harry Winston diamond ring (image from Google)

Being the genius dog that he is, Monaco ran right inside his Louis Vuitton carrier.  I didn't have time to change purses, so I had to take the Hermes Kelly bag that I had already been carrying.  

TL: Miranda Kerr carrying Louis Vuitton luggage and dog carrier
BL: Nicky Hilton carrying an Hermes Kelly bag
R: some poor guy carrying LV luggage for Joan Collins
images from Google 

My husband drove us in his Porsche to the airport, looking like a modern day Dylan McKay.  Since it was a convertible, I tied my new scarf around my head and put on my Chanel oversized sunnies.  We boarded our private jet and popped open a bottle of Dom.  I soon drifted off into a deep sleep and when I woke up...Crap! I'm in Kentucky again! Oh well, a girl can dream, right? 

L: Jackie O wearing an Hermes Scarf
TR: Chanel 'CH5232Q 5013F' Sunglasses (shadestation.co.uk)
BR: Jackie O in Chanel sunglasses
images from Pinterest and Google

I love fantasizing about iconic fashion pieces that I long to be a part of my collection.  Surely I'm not the only one who does this...what are the items on your lust list?

Stripe Club

 I've bought several striped dresses this summer, not on purpose but just because I always tend to gravitate towards stripes.  They're 'safer' and more versatile than most other prints, but are still cute and flattering. 

me in a Banana Republic dress, Tory Burch shoes; me in an Outback Red dress (The Limited) and Coach shoes

Even though it's only July, I'm already thinking towards fall (my fave time of year).   I could see myself wearing most of these dresses now with sandals and then with black tights and boots in the fall. 

TL: Nanette Lepore 'Waterfront Stripe Dress' (Bloomingdales)
TR: 10 Croby Derek Lam 'Short Sleeve Striped Dress' (shopbop.com)
BL: Aqua 'Stripe Ponte Dress' (Bloomingdales)
BC: Kate Spade 'Striped Vivien Dress' (Kate Spade)
BR: Aqua 'Stripe Knit Eyelet Sleeveless Dress' (Bloomingdales)

L: J.Crew 'Stripe Silk Tunic Dress' (J.Crew)
C: BCBG Max Azria 'Short Sleeve Stripe Dress' (bcbg.com)
R: Banana Republic 'Striped Ponte Knit V-Neck Dress' (Banana Republic)

Here's a few of my favorite striped looks from the Spring/Summer runway. 

Fan Bingbing in Oscar de la Renta, Zoe Saldana in Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel Iman in J. Mendel
images from Google

Summer Staple: The Shirt Dress

I'm all about keeping it simple, so I love the shirt dress.  It's easy and comfortable, but still polished, especially when belted.  Most shirt dresses are classic styles that can be worn for many years.  Confession- I've had the one in the pic below for at least 4 or 5 years and still wear it.  I just switch up the belt and shoes to create multiple outfits.  The looks below can simply be described as effortlessly chic- my favorite word combination (besides Louis and Vuitton).

Nicky Hilton, Emma Roberts, me in an H&M dress and MICHAEL Michael Kors shoes
celeb images from Google

L: DKNYC 'Mesh Yoke Sleeveless Shirtdress' (Nordstrom)
C: MICHAEL Michael Kors Maxi Shirt Dress' (Bloomingdales)
R: Hive & Honey 'Military Shirt Dress' (piperlime.com)

L: RD Style 'Stripe Shirt Dress' (piperlime.com)
C: DKNYC 'Button Shirt Dress' (Bloomingdales)
R: Tory Burch 'Brigitte Cotton Shirtdress' (Nordstrom)

Mum's the Word

Is it just me or is everyone else thinking there's def a baby boom of some sort going on right now?  No, I'm not pregnant, but I have so many friends and family members that are expecting.  I'm so happy for all of them, and while I can't offer any credible baby raising advice, I can offer some tips on how to continue to look fabulous while preggers.

Pretty floral prints always look sweet and cute.  I like the look of the long cardigan over the dress here. 

More of Me 'Maeve Bib Dress' (moreofmematernity.com)
TR: NOM 'Floral Rosie Tunic' (bellydancematernity.com)
BR: Fragile Maternity 'Tie Waist Dress' (bellydancematernity.com)

Here's some of my fave red carpet maternity looks.  The empire waist dress is always a safe, flattering choice when dressing a bump, but it's also okay to flaunt your pregnant body in something tighter, as long as the proportions are right.  If you're showing a lot of leg, you should go for a higher neckline. 

Georgina Chapman, Natalie Portman, Selma  Blair
All images from Google

Kate Hudson, Kourtney Kardashian, Camila Alves

               All images from Google

Okay, I know most of my friends won't be hitting the red carpet anytime soon, so here's some everyday looks I like. 

Kate Hudson, Camila Alves, Kristin Cavallari

                All images from Google

L: ASOS 'Blouse with Ruffle Sleeve and Belt' (asos.com)
TR: HATCH  'Sunset Tunic' (shopbop.com)
BR: Free People 'Mesh Tunic' (shopbop.com)

My most stylish 'mommy' friend told me that maternity shopping can be a nightmare, so it's worth a splurge to buy non-maternity pieces and take them to a tailor to be altered to your shape.   She also recommended pairing soft, flowy tops with skinny jeans for comfortable, chic looks. 

T: Kate Middleton in Topshop, Olian 'Caroline Dress' (bellydancematernity,com),  ASOS 'Knotted Dress with Anchor' (asos.com)
B: Maternal America 'Scoop Neck Dress' (Nordstrom), Japanese Weekend 'Boatneck Top' (Nordstrom), Maternal America 'Embellished Top' (bellydancematernity.com)

L: ASOS 'Vest with Double Scallop' top and 'Maternity Pleated Leggings' (asos.com)
R: Zara Maternity jeans and tee (zara.com)


My last tip- just please don't try to copy any of Kim Kardashian's or Jessica Simpson's maternity outfits!