Check It Out!

The lovely Jenna from the blog Seven Style Notes interviewed me for a Blogger Spotlight post. I'd love for you all to do read it and check out her super cute blog.

http://sevenstylenotes.blogspot.com/2010/08/blog-spotlight-ins-and-outs-of.html

xo
Taylor

Banana Muffins

When thinking of home, my mom's delicious banana bread always comes to mind. Whether plain or sweetened with chocolate chips her baking never fails to make my stomach happy. I decided to try a new recipe and make banana muffins instead of bread. The recipe can be found here, however I must warn you- they taste healthy {i.e. bland}. I sprinkled some brown sugar on top for flavor but I would suggest to add a bit to the mix or a shot of sugar or Splenda. I guess I should not have expected a light recipe to be quite the taste I remember from my childhood.

Frugal & Fabulous

I cannot explain my elation when I discovered that Target so cleverly copied a few of Steve Madden's looks for fall. The Daynty clog and Texxedo oxfords were on my wish list of purchases for the upcoming season. I now plan on saving more than 50% by buying at Target, although I still have a few more pairs I would like from Steve Madden.

1. Steve Madden Daynty $89.95

2. Target Thaddea $19.99

3. Steve Madden Tuxxedo $79.95

4. Target Taree $19.99

What do you think, splurge or save?

Prime Pairing

I love Christina Hendricks and her ability to personify vintage glamour in a modern world. I am pleased to see her partner with a company that is equally as classic as she is. These pictures are gorgeous and I can't wait to see more of this campaign when it hits magazines. I own a khaki trench from London Fog and it is such a staple for damp and/or cool weather. It just makes my day when companies chose the perfect face for advertising, I also love Emma Watson for Burberry.

 Are there any ad campaigns that you just cannot get enough of?

Before & After: Dining Room Chairs

I recently told you about our Craigslist find and showed you Part 1 of my dining room DIY. While the table was such a steal it definitely need two more chairs for the head of the table. I dug out these chairs from my grandmother's garage and spruced them up a bit to add just the right eclectic touch. I love how they are so different than the standard chairs that came with the table. The fabric used to cover the cushions was also from my grandmother, just bits of the plethora of things she has lying around. So all in all, this project cost me around $3 dollars for spray paint, success!

Before:

I dissembled the cushion and spray painted the chairs black.

These cushions already had foam so all I had to do was keep my stripes straight and pull the fabric taut over the edges and secure with a staple gun.

After that, I screwed the cushions back on to the chairs.

Finished Product!!

What do you think?

Store of the Moment

I am pleasantly surprised by the accessories that Charlotte Russe has to offer right now. While I usually find the store somewhat gaudy and cheap I have to say they have some quality jewelry right now. These are a few of their pieces that are now on my wish list. As always, you can find good looking things for a bargain if you are willing to do the sifting. I think a little digging is worth it in the end when you find cute and inexpensive pieces like these.

Antique canoe ring: $4

Crystal flower stud earrings: $4

Antique Rhinestone Bangle Set: $10.50

Chunky Layered Metal Necklace: $12.50

  

Frugal & Fabulous

Save hundreds and go for these Forever 21 booties instead of their expensive Prada look-alike. While I believe the Prada shoes has a more cohesive and dainty design they are quite pricey. Do you think these Prada's are worth the price or would you go for the bargain?

Prada: $795

            Forever 21: $24.80           

The Romantics for J.Crew

Although I feel like I always post about J.Crew I just can't help but display these pictures. The cast of the upcoming film The Romantics have linked up with J.Crew for a dazzling display of preppy/glitzy perfection. I love all of the boyfriend pieces and the use of sequins and beads. J.Crew never fails me. Check out the trailer for the movie here.

photo credit: J.Crew

Put It All On The Table

We bought this table set off of Craigslist, final bargaining price-- $125. As you can see, the 'before' was not the prettiest thing and it also smelled of currie. {Please excuse the photo quality- it was taken on a phone} After sanding off the sheen, and the smell, and giving them a fresh coat of paint I think the table and chairs look as good as new. I especially like the color scheme we went with, there is just something so classic but also eclectic about the black and white.

BEFORE

AFTER

Jewelry Jumble

As girls, we all know jewelry is one the hardest things to keep untangled is our jewelry. We can multi-task our conversations, driving, hair, and make-up yet my jewelry box always seems to be unorganized. While I love accessories as much as the next girl I always find myself thinking that I would accessorize more if my collection was easier to access. 


Rushed mornings leave me no time to detangle my necklaces or find a missing earring. I am currently brainstorming to find a solution for this dilemma, if you beat me to it don't be afraid to let me know. Although I love Emily's idea for necklaces as seen here, I unfortunately don't have the space for it in my new house. For now, I guess my most used jewelry will just look like this.

Hit Your Target

I have had such a love for Target ever since their first profound designer collaboration. Whether I am looking for clothes or home decor I never leave the store empty handed. Lately I have been drooling over their slipper chairs. Having an eclectic taste myself the patterns of these chairs add the funk needed to spice up any room. I also included two of my favorite throw pillows, by Dwell Studio, and a fabulous side table. It just keeps getting better, get ready for another John Derian for Target collection! You can expect about 100 items all under $25 ranging from stationery, intricate mugs, and fabric covered storage bins. Check your local target for the line, available September 5th.

Slipper Chairs
$299


Dwell Studio Pillows
$25


Glass Accent Table
$89

A Seychelles Obsession

I will admit, I have a slight obsession with Seychelles shoes. Whether flats, heels, or boots I am never disappointed in their products. I love their consistent us of chunky heels because they make high heels instantly more comfortable and their old-school meets modern edgy take on footwear makes Seychelles one of my favorites.

M


Meteor Shower Ankle Boot
$150 

Rita Lace-Up Pump$90 

Seychelles Scallop Ankle Boot$90

Jive Turkey
$90 

Jig Heel
$90




Bismuth Ankle Boot 
$120

Decisions, Decisions

I am debating whether or not I should switch my blog to Wordpress, I feel like Wordpress allows you to have more artistic freedom. If anyone has any insight or opinions please let me know!!

Super Easy Peanut Butter & Chocolate Pie

Yesterday I got the urge to make a pie, and I have a love for cold foods {especially cereal} so I thought why not make a cold peanut butter pie! The recipe I used was strictly peanut butter filling but I added my own chocolate topping, you can find the ingredients and directions for both below. Enjoy! Xo

p.s. mine turned out very rich so cut small slices

Ingredients:

8 ounces cream cheese


1 cup powdered sugar


1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

16 ounces Cool Whip


1 pre-made pie crust

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and cool whip until well blended. Pour into the pre-made pie crust. Drizzle a little chocolate syrup on the top. Refrigerate. 

Chocolate Topping:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 tablespoons butter

2 teaspoons brown sugar

Combine chocolate chips and butter in a small bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and mix well, then distribute evenly over peanut butter filling.

Playful Patterns

I love the juxtaposition of the different patterns in these pieces. The top and the scarf with the faded boyfriend jeans have such a cool feeling. For chilly weather add the leopard cardigan to add coziness to the look. XO

Stealth Style Cardigan
$50 - modcloth.com
More cardigans »

Nom de Plume YaYa Margo Blouse
$58 - urbanoutfitters.com
More Nom De Plume Yaya blouses »

Gap Boyfriend zip-pocket jeans (faded light wash)
$70 - gap.com
More GAP jeans »

Whimsical Porcelain Stackable Rings
$20 - urbanoutfitters.com
More rings »

Vintage silk scarf - J.Crew
$58 - jcrew.com
More J Crew scarves »