Happy Birthday

So many of you probably noticed my little icon missing on the comments sections of your blogs this week. I was super duper busy at work and I am terribly sorry for my absence. I missed out on so much inspiration I know.

To make up for my lack of blogging this week, I am going to feature my all time favorites this Friday. These are the rooms, things and posts that I have found myself bookmarking and lusting after repeatedly (including that Kate Spade rose bowl above. I have wanted that forever!).

Here are my "Classic" Favorites...

This is a post I have gone back to over and over again for inspiration, Stefanie's office from Brooklyn Limestone.

Favorite Home Feature Ever.... Katie Lee Joel's home featured in Domino

One of my favorite living rooms ever. I love the ottomans in front of the hearth.

I have always loved and envied Nicole's library over at Making It Lovely. So jealous!

I have always loved this post from Kelly at Fabulous K about her DIY bulletin board. It's Fabulous just like Kelly herself!

Another post I go to again and again, this home featured on Young House Love. I love the simple clean lines...

These are my favorite all time kitchens...

Since today is all about my long time favorites, these are some of my favorite items I find myself staring at again and again...

Lucite Trays from Dabney Lee at Home

Ten Thousand Things Necklaces

iomoi Coasters

Tiffany Celebration Rings

And Last But Not Least...

In light of Chris' B-day, here is a story to entertain you...

It was mid-April and as always I had spilled the beans and told my husband what I planned to buy him for his birthday in a few weeks. An Under Armour Moisture Wicking Golf Shirt.

“Yeah I like those. They have like these little holes but there aren’t enough holes to make me look like….” He said as he looked at me. I have a horrible habit of finishing people sentences so I quickly followed.

“You are wearing a net shirt.”

“Yeah. I don’t want to look like I am in West Side Story.” Let me stop to tell you my husband is a man’s man. He won’t wear pink, shop, hold my purse while I try on clothes or go to couple’s showers willingly although I did catch him watching “A Cinderella Story” one time. He has a façade of cool that must remain up at all times.

“The guys in West Side Story did not wear net shirts and they weren’t gay,” I retorted ever defensive of one of my favorite musicals.

“Jessica! They danced around all the time!”

“They were dancing to express their feelings but those guys were tough!”

“Are you kidding me? They just snapped and walked towards each other!”

“They did not. They actually fought and they would have popped a cap in your ass,” I exclaimed. It’s good to note, I am prosecutor and therefore know all about caps and caps being used to pop someone’s ass.

“No they wouldn’t. They would have just danced around me!”

“They were not gay. They had girlfriends! That’s the whole point of the story. Tony and Maria.”

“Sham marriages,” Chris said simply. Fuming with anger that he would minimize the balcony singing love of Tony and Maria, I finally responded the best way I knew how.

“You know what…. Bite me.”

Despite your lack of appreciation for musicals, you are the best husband a girl could ask for. I wonder every day how I was lucky enough to be married to you. I adore everything about you.

Guest Bedroom/Home Office

Our house is about to come off of the market and while it is frustrating to some small extent, Chris and I really ready to tackle the house and make it our own. Everything we have so far was done keeping in mind that the house was going on the market. We are ready for some new projects.

On the top of the list is converting our boring guest bedroom into a home office that can still act as a guest bedroom. Now I absolutely do not want a guest bedroom with a desk stuck in the corner. I want this to be our office but I want a bed just in case we have guests. We don't have overnight guests very often at all but I do want a space in case is happens.

I am also having a hard time finding inspiration but here are some spaces that I love and some serve double duty as well.

Any other ideas girls?

Questions Answered

I got a few other questions, I wanted to answer...

Rhiannon at Hey Gorgeous asked fun questions and here are the answers...

Favorite Food

Sushi

What Can't I Live Without

On a shallow level, my hair straightener, blow dryer allergy meds and iphone.

Favorite Blogs

This is a tough one because there are so many I love and read daily. If I had to pick one then I would pick Brooklyn Limestone. When I first found Stefanie's blog, I read it from start to finish. Second runner up would be Making It Lovely. I admire how Nicole has such a defined sense of style that she uses through every room of her house and even her business and wardrobe. Also she has the cutest bookplates ever!

Three Words to Describe Myself

This is hard but I would say Casual, Happy and Organized

Kristin asked me a few questions about blogging...

What Advice Do You Give For Starting a Successful Blog?

I really don't feel like I have all of this figured out but here goes. I think as far as content goes, you have to let your personality shine through your blog. I am drawn to blogs where I feel like I know the person more and more with every post. Also, this goes hand in hand with writing about what you are interested in and not trying to write about what you think will increase your followers.

As far as the practical aspect, I would say guest blog as much as you can. I guest blogged at Brooklyn Limestone very early on and that really brought me a lot of readers. Second, comment comment comment. I know that most bloggers are just like me and if we see a face on our comments page repeatedly we will start reading and following that blog. It's the best way to get your name out there.

Finally, let your blog evolve. I started out thinking my blog would be about nothing but shopping. Quickly, I began to feature our renovation and now my blog is about everything under the sun basically.

What Was Your Inspiration for your Blog?

I started off intending to have a blog about shopping. I was always told that I had a knack for finding the cutest things to buy for others and a friend suggested that I should start a blog about that. As a began to read more and more blogs, I got the idea to start writing about renovating our house. It has evolved from there. I am really inspired by interior design, travel and cooking. I find inspiration everywhere from magazines to my travels.

How Long Did It Take You To Get Off the Ground?

I think it would depend on your definition of "the ground" but I would stay about 3 months. When I started off, my only readers were my mom and a few friends. After a few months of commenting on other blogs, I guest blogged at Brooklyn Limestone and my readership jumped up. I just grew from there. You really just have to stick with it. Keep plugging along and post every day or at least 4-5 times a week. If you don't post, people will forget about you. Remember to blog for you. Blogging is fun for me and it should be for every blogger.

Questions Answered #1

I got a great question from Laura at Paring Down.

In your opinion, what are the basics that should be part of every stylish woman's wardrobe?

What are the best "extras" you think a stylish woman should have?

I love this question! Here's my answer.

THE WORKDAY BASICS

I work in an office everyday and I am frequently in a courtroom so I have to keep things pretty conservative and simple. Here are the basics I love (and I love black in case you can't tell)...

1. Basic Black Trousers (hemmed to brush the floor when you wear your favorite heels)

2. A Great Work Dress like this Wrap Dress from BR

3. Great Black Pumps

4. A Fabulous Jacket

I love these basics because you can build from here to a great wardrobe.

THE CASUAL BASICS

1. Great Jeans. You should look good and feel good in them.

2. Basic Tees. You can do so much with a nice basic tee like this Luxe tee from BR. You can build or wear it alone with great jewelry.

3. Flats. Everyone must own flats. I love these from J.Crew.

4. A Fun Casual Jacket. I bought this one at J.Crew a year or two ago and I wear it constantly.

THE NIGHT OUT BASICS

I have never understood the women who force themselves to go shopping for a new dress before every wedding, graduation or nice dinner they have. If you keep these basics in your closet you will always be ready when something special pops up.

1. Great Black Dress. Something that you feel great in.

2. A Wrap. This is a must!

3. A Clutch. It's absolutely NOT OK to carry a casual purse when you have a fabulous dress on. Invest in a neutral clutch and you will be ready to go.

4. Great shoes to match that great dress.

THE SEASONAL BASICS

For the Winter you need...

1. A Black Turtleneck.

2. A Great Coat. Something like this looks great at work, a night out or with jeans.

For the Summer...

1. Casual Dresses. These are a perfect option and can be dressed down with flops flops or up with cute shoes and jewelry for the office.

THE EXTRAS

This is my favorite part. Let the lecture begin...

1. A Great Bag. Now I know a lot of people are adverse to spending money on a bag but I promise if you buy the right bag you will love it. The black bag above is the Kate Spade Stevie. I have bought this bag in two colors and I love it. It's roomy, easy to organize and I can carry it to work or to the movies. If you are nervous about spending that much money, buy something neutral like black. If you are a bit more adventurous, buy something with some color. Also, a lot of people ask me why I spend that much on bags and my answer is simple. Most women buy several bags a year all of which they feel ho hum about. I buy usually one bag a year and it's one I love and adore so I don't feel the urge to shop for bags but I love the one I spent money on.

2. A Good Wallet. Buy a wallet you love. If you only carry around your license and a debit card, buy a small little wallet meant to only hold cards. It will simply your purse and there's no rule you have to carry a big wallet. Who writes checks anymore anyway? If you need a big wallet, invest in a good one that you love. If you take care of it, you will keep it for a long time.

3. Sunglasses. I don't tend to spend a lot of money on sunglasses because I tend to break them, lose them, drop them in the ocean, etc. Buy ones you love and that look good on you regardless of their price (although I do love the big logos on the side of the expensive ones).

4. Diamond Studs. I love the ones above from Kate Spade. They don't have to be real as long as they are bright and sparkly!

5. Bracelets. A chunky one or a simple pearl one. It depends on your taste but have a great bracelet (and maybe some necklaces) in your jewelry box.

I loved doing this post! Thanks Laura!

On another note, Sara from Russet Street Reno asked this question...

2. With all the lovely outfits you post about, how many do you actually buy (if any)?

I wish I could buy all of the outfits I post about but my budget nor my husband will allow me to. I do own some of the pieces I post about and I do get inspiration from pieces I buy to use on my style boards. Once the student loans are paid off, I will buy a lot more! :)

How Many Kids?

I hope you guys are watching 9 by Design on Bravo. I love this show. If you don't know, it's about a couple (with 7 kids) who buy, renovate and then sell these amazing homes in NYC. Their lifestyle is chaos but their style is amazing.

This is the best pic I could get but in the first episode, they sell their current home and have to move into a 2 bedroom apartment for a few months while their new home is being completed. Since it's a temporary space they don't want to spend a lot (or any money) on the new space but they want it to be inviting nonetheless. They head to a flea market or antique market and pick up this "Tourists" sign and top it with candles. I was so amazed at how they were able to make this spot look amazing. Below are the pics from their new home.

Vignettes

I don't know about you girls but I always find myself staring at the details of someone's home. The collection of books on a table, A great chair and pillow, hardware, etc. These are some of my favorite vignettes...

Ask Me Anything (Within Reason)

Inspired by Stef over at Brooklyn Limestone, who did a great series where her readers could ask her anything (within reason) and she would answer, I am going to follow suit and offer the same. What do you want to know?

I think you all have scant pieces of information about me so here's the chance to clear the air.

Anyone, Anyone?

Recipe: Drunken Spaghetti

This is one of my favorite red sauces. It's adapted from Ina Garten's red sauce in her Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe that is available on her site. It's vegan (check the wine you use) and delicious....

1 Yellow Onion, chopped

2 Cloves of Garlic, minced

Olive Oil

1 Cup Chianti

28 oz. Can of Crushed Tomatoes

1 Tbl Fresh Oregano, chopped

1 Tsp Fresh Thyme, chopped

Salt

Pepper

Garlic Salt (optional)

Pinch of Sugar

Basil, chiffonade, for garnish

In a large saute pan, heat 1-2 Tbl Olive Oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook 3-5 minutes until onion is soft. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes more. Add the Chianti and bring to a simmer and cook until almost all liquid is dissolved. Add the tomatoes, reduce heat to low and bring to a bubble. Stir in the herbs and salt and pepper. Once the sauce has reached the desired taste. Add a pinch of sugar. Serve with your favorite long pasta and garnish with basil.

Friday Faves

I am going to start this Friday with this amazing kitchen from My Notting Hill. It's it perfect!

I want this Kate Spade top!

I hope everyone is watching 9 By Design on Bravo. These people have the best style ever!

I love this console from Ikea

I have been obsessed with moderately sized but amazing kitchens lately. I loved this one featured at Blueprint Bliss this week.

I love this shelf from Pottery Barn. I love how substantial and antique it looks.

Last but not least, I love this graphic from Live Creating Yourself. The best part is that Alaina is hosting a giveaway of one of these! Enter here!