Chickie Style

cheap summer treats!

2006-04-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

For chickies looking for fabulous finds but who don't want to spend $500 every time you go shopping - keep an eye for these pieces and come home happy and richer!

Banana Republic Rhinestone Enamel Flower Ring - $32

Onion Flower Wall Art - $30 each

Anthropology Isadora blouson v-neck - $58

Michelle Roy Wood Bead Bracelet with Clover Charm - $88

Gap Macrame D-Ring Belt - $32.50

Madeline Sadee Shoes - $55

I tried to keep things under $100 for this blog - but I just couldn't help myself with a laptop case...how a chickie travels is very important and you must have a fabulous laptop bag to show off.

Acme makes chic bags that fit up to 17" which is important to me because I just got a new laptop with a monster screen and I will definitely be needing a new case!

ACME MADE - Designer Slim - $149 - $179

ACME MADE - The Slim - $79.99 - $109.00

happy birthday mom!!!!

2006-04-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my Mom's birthday! She is a great mom and gave me my chickie style! If you see her this weekend wish her a happy birthday!!

Hugs and kisses MA!!!

muholland drive to venice...LA in a weekend....

2006-04-15T23:29:00.000-07:00

I have never been to Cailfornia before and I was lucky enough to come out to LA on business this past week. As an avid gossip mag reader (I know....photogs are bad...celebs are stalked...I can't help my obsessions....) I had specific hotspots I needed to prove existed outside of my weekly subscription to US Weekly. Thank goodness I have a friend who lives in Santa Monica and took me on a whirlwind LA tour all in one day.

We actually started the night before my whirlwind day at a kick ass bar/restaurant in Venice Beach called Beech Wood - for anyone who thinks Venice is shady - this restaurant will make you feel like you are in a swanky Georgetown bar on the waterfront. It was trendy and fresh and filled with real looking people who didn't have more plastic surgery than real body parts...

www.beechwoodrestaurant.com

Their menu had yummy things like flank steak, sweet potato fries, and cedar grilled fish. Perfect for a late night dinner/cocktails with friends.

We woke up the next morning and drove to pick up our friend in Santa Monica and drove to Robertson to check out the shops and oogle celebs at the Ivy. We drove through Beverly Hills to get to the shops and I saw the Beverly Hills Hotel (where Dylan lived on the show 90210!) and a couple of other ritzy hot spots.

When we got to Robertson, I wasn't feeling any celebrity vibe coming from the Ivy so we parked ourselves across the street at the Newsroom and had healthy salads and sandwiches while we watched the scenery. While eating I saw Benji Madden from Good Charlotte walk by wearing and Orioles hat - representing Waldorf, MD I'm sure. Good times.

Next I stopped in the legendary Kitson - where surprisingly enough it looked like an Urban Outfitters - just with way more expensive items...the Kooba purses were enough to make me drool on myself.

Kooba Scarlett Bag - $500

Kooba Mia Bag - $595

Kooba Haydon Bag - $295

All fabulous....I tried all of them on about 10 times until my husband dragged me out of the store...

But not before I saw all these great pieces...

Gerard Yosca Blue Rope Gold Link Necklace - $165

Sam Edelman - Women's Grass Suede Sandal - $85

Kurtz - Eagle Pin Hat - $38

There was a line to get into Kitson...like it was some kind of club - there was a velvet rope and they had a "bouncer". It was very surreal...I couldn't buy anything it was too weird.

We went into some other fun stores but I needed something with a little more depth and my friend took me to just the place..American Rag in La Brea...so fabulous.

This place was filled with new and vintage clothing as well as amazing jewelry and purses. Most of the place was Marc Jacobs, Katayone Adeli, and tons of labels for men. Loved this place and picked up an amazing necklace....

Zoe Chicco - Mixed Horn, Mother of Pearl and Disco Ball Necklace

After quick shopping stops we went to go watch the band that my friend manages, Melee, play a Springfest at USC. They just signed onto Warner Bros. records so keep an eye for them - they were awesome. The singer reminds me of a more boisterous Jeff Buckley - which is a compliment in my book.

After the show - we were starving.,...again...so we went to Nobu Matsuhisa. We ate a ton of sushi and then finished up with lycee sorbet - delish....We were eating right next to Justine Bateman...celebrity sightings were up to 2.

After eating it was time to get down to business. I needed to see LA and I needed to see it fast. We started off driving through Beverly Hills where we swung by the Mercedes Dealership and saw Will & Grace's Eric McCormack shopping for cars. Then we drove down Sunset so I could see all the famous nightclubs, and hotels. Chateau Marmont, The Viper Room, The Rainbow Room, The Roxy...as well as a million other places I hear about all the time.

Then we drove through Hollywood and saw Mann's Theatre and the Kodak Theater as well as the Scientology Celebrity Center....very scary. I kept waiting to see Tom Cruise drag Katie Holmes out of there.

From Hollywood we drove up Muholland Drive because I was obsessed with the Hollywood Hills and needed to see more...We pulled over and saw the Valley which was amazing to think there was a whole other world on the other side of the hills....

From there we drove back down and hit the water - it was strange to be on the very edge of the West Coast...when I'm used to being on the very edge of the Easy Coast.

So that was my day in a nutshell - I know I'm leaving out a lot and I didn't even take pictures because it all happened so fast - but I know I'll be coming back and be able to dig even deeper into my LA fascination!

things i love....

2006-01-17T19:48:00.000-08:00

I found gorgeous spring things at Anthropologie - I'm not ready to wear any of the stuff yet - but still love it...

The Ivory Dress - $188
This looks perfectly Parisian....I would love to snag this for summer vacation in Antibes....

Al Fresco Espadrilles - $188
Still on my Parisian kick - fun for shopping, lunching and showing off a new pedicure.

Michael Kors is still at the top of my list....

Michael Kors Woodstock Suede Pump - $129
How uncomfortable these look, but with summer's cuffed shorts or beige dress slacks...I could wear these if I was sitting most of the day.

Naughty Erasers....

Paper Source - $4 each

Just to keep on your desk for giggles...and to let people know you're serious about your work and not afraid to use profanity to show it.

Romantic Candles
Whether to create a mood or to decorate a powder room - these create the perfect feeling at a perfect price of $6.95

PatinaStores.com - New Arrivals

And lastly, something for my baby Chuck...

www.pawticulars.com
A delightful boutique in Southeast Washington DC by Capitol Hill...filled with the best dog treats including cannolis and cupcakes.

good things...

2005-10-25T18:34:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to make a post of beautiful things...there's not rhyme or reason...they're just fabulous, fun, yummy things...

Vera Wang 18kt-gold rings with citrine, amethyst, garnet or peridot ($220 each)...perfect to accessorize right hand fingers.

18kt-gold chains with diamond-and-gold pendants ($325 & $490) - Denise James

CHEAP & CHIC ALERT - Tigereye drop earrings ($8) from Avon - while you're online shopping, find out how you can contribute to breast cancer research.

Nautica Bedding - Aarondale Comforter ($234), Sheets ($70), Pillowcases ($60), Poster Bed with Canopy ($2415)
This reminds me of a boy's room - but that's I think what I like about it...it's warm and comfy.

fall into luxury....

2005-10-20T14:34:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather is getting chillier - I have begun to hibernate...in cashmere, velvet, leather & cordouroy. Here are some of my favorites:

Anthropologie Passenger Jacket - $239.00

Anthropologie Cordouroy Petal Jacket - $188.00

Anthropologie Amelia Jacket - $88.00

Anthropologie Beulah Jacket - $118.00

Anthropologie Monarch Boots - $498.00

Anthropologie Fair Lady Jacket - $88.00

J.Crew Textured Wellies - $78.00
Perfect for walking the dog or getting the mail in the rain!

J.Crew Marnie plaid ruched-velvet heels - $188.00
Sexy Heels in Plaid! Perfect for fall!

mad about purses!

2005-10-01T23:33:00.000-07:00

Not sure why but I have been obsessed with finding a new purse lately. Well obviously I know why - it's not like it's an odd obsession for a chickie like myself - but I mean I have really been crazy about it! I have been pouring over magazines and flying through department stores looking for the perfect purse - but I can't figure out what will make my madness stop! Help!!

Below are some of the finalists:

Marc Jacobs Quilted Purse - $198.00

Kooba Sienna Bag - $595.00 (Backordered)

Michael Kors

Kooba Frankie Duffel

Cynthia Rowley Satin Cargo Bag

reunited....and it feels so good!

2005-10-01T21:17:00.000-07:00

Hello all - after lots of traveling to such exciting places as the South of France, Orlando and of course Montana - I have finally recommitted myself to blogging. I am fully throwing myself back into my blogs. I love it!

Down to business....

My husband and I have this one random room in our house - it used to be a junk room and now I am finally trying to make it into something useful. My mother hopes it will be a baby's room soon - but I have other plans.

We have been looking at this daybed from West Elm for some time and now it is on sale - so we better snatch it up. Only $269.99 down from $379.00 check out the whole West Elm site here.

This site is full of amazing furniture at great prices - it's the next step up from IKEA - perfect for people decorating their houses/apartments for the first time.
Check out this nesting table also from West Elm - a gorgeous chocolate color with metal finishes. I love nesting tables because of all the different configurations you can do - and I love this one especially because it's on sale for $229.00!

In looking for furniture I ran across Urban Outfitters - which I usually wouldn't associate with furniture but they have some really funky stuff. Sometimes I wish I could have different rooms with different things all over the house. I think my husband and my dog would rebel - but it would be awesome to have a Moroccan inspired room and I would definitely center it around this table.

Urban as expected has totally eclectic pieces that if used sparingly could give even the most preppy apartment a wordly feel. And at great prices - take a look at their site here.

These were some of my favorite pieces:

We're ordering furniture at work and one of the sites we work with is Knoll. They have mostly office furniture but they suprisingly have a cool, modern line of studio furniture. Check it out here.

This couch I'm in love with - but with a messy dog - neither white nor leather really work. But one day - when I have my all white room with clear acrylic furniture - this couch will take center stage.

In wrapping up my furnishings dedicated blog - I wanted to showcase a simple way to create office space in an open room.

With a blank wall and a few tools you can build a organized and space saving work space that looks great and is super functional.

Anywhoo - thanks for being patient with my blog - I promise to post more frequently!

Sunday Bloggy Sunday!

2005-07-31T19:13:00.000-07:00

Having just completed my first dinner club event - I thought I would share some fun serving dishes. We had a mexican theme and that means lots of hands grabbing guac, salsa, chips and margaritas! I could have used one of these dishes...

Scabetti is based out of Staffordshire, England but you can contact them via email to either ship to the U.S. or find a retailer stateside.

They also make the most random container I have ever seen - a condom holder! I don't really think this is that cute - but so strange I had to mention it.

It is a bedside condom holder made of hypo-allergenic natural earthenware lubricated with non-spermicidal glaze. Didn't think that they made glazes of that nature...but clearly they do.

Mighty Flirt is a homebase for emerging designers of accessories and clothing. They have really fun designers that sometimes can be a little too out there for me - but I still managed to find a few things that I would buy. But to be honest - what wouldn't I buy??

This bag I loved...it reminded me of Fall and made me wish for September! It's called the Chloe hobo designed by Bells&Whistles, created by a 26 year-old furniture designer turned fashion maven - love her!

Another fun design company is Blissen. Each item on Blissen is limited edition: made by hand or produced in small quantities from reused or recycled materials. They're dedicated to reusing all leftover pieces of their designs to create new ones - so most of their stuff is handmade looking - but cutesy.

Since their items are in limited edition - they sell out quickly - so get to it!

long time...no post!

2005-07-20T23:44:00.000-07:00

I've been super busy lately so I haven't gotten a chance to post anything but tonight I must BLOG!

For any of you who are trying to fancy up your backyard or doorstep check out these gorgeous sleek planters that are on sale right now!

Sprout Home has both inexpensive and pricey items - but all are beautiful and a little different than the usual.

Like these dipping bowls - they're perfect for parties because they're cheap and fun so people will think you're fabulous!

These I think are a riot - I love band-aids anyways and the fact that I could wear a band-aid that looks like bacon is just the best thing in my book.

And they come with a free toy!! Good times!

One of my girlfriends was asking me for advice on thank you cards and I found these adorable mini-cards at www.flirtygirlypink.com. They a little on the expensive side - but what better people to spend money on than the people who shower you with love and gifts!

And lastly, when you feel like you want to splurge on yourself, these gold hammered designs are fabulous and so delicate you can pile them on.

Check out www.tiffinidooris.com/ for beautiful jewelry that would be perfect for those with a sugar daddy!

wild & wireless in west virginia

2005-07-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

Being stuck in West Virginia on a business trip would suck except for the invention of wireless internet and my amazing fortune that the airport provides it for free!

So while I'm waiting - I figured I could catch up on my blogging! I found a couple of groovy items that are cheap and chic that could make a fun gift or a quick addition to all your current crap!

I thought these were such adorable containers for plants - that I might actually remember to water them! And at $8.95 - if I forget - I can keep ordering them! Elsewares.com sells these great planters that look like they're real egg shells but they are actually ceramic eggs on a terra cotta tray and can survive even the clumsiest green thumbs (or clumsy normal thumbs). Click here to buy your new plant babies!

For all of us that feel having a colored Ipod isn't enough - www.schtickers.com/ sells stickers to make them even more fabulous and in a ton of colors so you can always match!

For only $5.99 you can buy all of them and change your Ipod's "outfit" like underwear. Only bad news - they haven't created them for Ipod Mini's yet - but with the press they have been receiving I see our Ipod Mini's having new clothes in the very near future. This site also make LapSchticks for laptops - what a way to spoil your work computer.

more fun websites!

2005-07-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

I promise I will start posting more decorating fun tips soon - the shopping sites are so much easier!

Linda, my friend who turned me onto blogging, sent me some great websites for some afternoon shopping - you know the kind you do when you should be working....

www.renatom.com: For all of us who are constantly searching for that perfect necklace - and need to buy 50 along the way in case they are the perfect one - check out Rena Tom's collections. Fabulously priced and gorgeous designs that would never be found at your local Nordies - she has multiple seasons of designs online available for purchase and she is a must for summer baubles. Get to shopping!

www.mishageller.com: Fabulous fun handbags, clutches and even dog accessories! They are even Vegan worthy - for my one Vegan friend Shani - I know you are always on the look out! They have a huge clearance section right now - so start shopping!

www.elumdesigns.com/: Great fancy letterpress stationary - perfect for corresponding with your lunching ladies or your dinner club! They also make tabletents and wedding invitations that are more fun than the standard "wedding" motif. Have fun!

recent trip to new york

2005-07-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

I have a girlfriend that lives in NY that I love to go visit - but I rarely get to see her. Last time I went up was about 2 weeks ago and we only got to spend one day shopping, but I found some really great stores. We mainly stayed in the SoHo area so if you happen to be swinging through - check out these stores!

www.michelevarian.com - this store had amazing silk pillows and duvets. The store was filled with candles and teapots and other warm cozies. All of their fabrics are high end and fabulous - cashmere, silk, velvets, and fur. Great accent pieces to add some luxury to any room.

www.ariannydejesus.com - I was searching all day for a funky necklace to wear to dinner the night we were in NY - I ran into this street vendor that had gorgeous pieces and they were at great prices ($50-$100). I never got to meet this artist Arianny because she had run out to grab lunch but her incredibly sweet boyfriend sold me on the necklace by talking about how talented his girlfriend was. He was so happy to be selling necklaces out of a car in SoHo with his girlfriend - it made me think her stuff must be good....before we left he said she also sells her pieces at www.girlshop.com so check her out!

hello fellow fashionistas

2005-07-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to post stylish ideas and finds and hear your ideas too!