Monday, November 24, 2008

Polka Dot's Guide to Style

I'm in desperate need of a makeover!!! My daily routine consists of work clothes, pajamas, and... well, that's actually about it. I'm always at a loss when it comes to casual outfits for brunch or a movie date with the Mr., and I'd rather not start out married life in slippers and a housecoat! Although my everyday wardrobe isn't perfectly chic, I don't think it's bad enough to get me on TV any time soon, which means I'm going to have to do the footwork myself.

I've been in love with Katherine Heigl's style ever since I saw this outfit...


Source

I love the casual yet put together look of all her outfits. She dresses perfectly for her tall hourglass figure, which I also happen to have.



So now the question is, how do I overhaul my wardrobe to look like this? Or, how can I convince Tim Gunn to come rescue me and my closet?

Friday, November 21, 2008

Yes, I'm a Nerd, but...

Is this not the most adorable vintage schoolhouse? I would love to be married on these front steps with the crisp autumn air and changing trees!


Huffaker Schoolhouse from Flickr

The best part is that it is in a county park and the rental fee is nominal. Oh how I wish that I could plan an autumn wedding! I just don't think polka dots and white organza would fit very well...

Monday, November 17, 2008

Cause for Thought

I absolutely love Art Deco inspired jewelry, so I fell head over heels for a diamond and sapphire band that I found on AntiqueEngagementRings.com.



I was reluctant to order from them without more research, especially because just as I started to look around some more I found this Beverly K band on Prime Jeweler.



So... is it just me or are these the exact same ring? There's a significant difference in price, but I also wonder about the quality. The curiosity is killing me! I might just have to contact Beverly K directly to get to the bottom of this.

Friday, November 14, 2008

A Room of My Own

I'm on the hunt for anything that will make going back to school easier and more enjoyable, including stylish accessories! I have been drooling over russell + hazel ever since I stumbled across their chic office supplies. I love the three ring binders made of 100% post-consumer materials (they also have matching mini binders and gift sets).



And for all of you brides out there, they have a whole wedding section, including a planner designed by Anne Chertoff of From "I Will" To "I Do" and Brides.com.



Now, for a little decoration... I've had my heart set on one of these beauties ever since I saw one on Coco + Kelley.


Silk screened reproductions of the WWII posters can be found on sfgirlbybay's etsy shop. I mean, how can you resist such a motivational statement in vintage, silk screened form?



And how could I forget the attractive desk I've been searching for... The Nexera L shaped desk, also known as my next Christmas present.

A New Life...

If I could pick up my life, take everyone I love and plunk us down somewhere new, it would be here.

This is 30 Heriot Row, a flat in Edinburgh, Scotland's New Town. A few years ago I spent a summer in the UK and felll in love--the culture, the light, the Georgian architecture, the restaurants--needless to say, if I could copy and paste my life here I would be a happy woman.

This room cries out for a dinner party with good wine and maybe some homemade thai food. I love that the kitchen is open and perfect for entertaining even though it's an historical building.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Organizational Ramblings

With the thought of going back to school, I've been dreaming about redecorating our guest room/ office/ Pilates room into someplace where I can actually study. I want to have a space that doesn't have a lot of distractions but is still stylish and motivating. I've been looking for an attractive L shaped desk (they're much harder to find than you would think) because I like to spread out all of my materials when I study.
Image from Real Simple


While searching for desks I came across this perfect example of wall organization. I like to call it nerd porno...
Image from Pottery Barn

This is part of Pottery Barn's Smart Furniture line. The picture frame next to the cork board is digital and holds up to 1,300 photos; the bottom part of the dry erase board is an iPod charger with speakers; the charging system with the drawers holds up to six electronic devices (although if your iPod is being charged by the iPod player, why anyone would need six other ways to charge things is beyond me). On top of all the neat electronic gadgets there is also a dry erase board, french memo board and a paper/magazine organizer. I'm pretty sure my whole life would fit on that wall... but could I really be that organized? Probably not.

In the interest of functionality (and my tiny budget) I'm going to forgo the Smart Furniture in favor of good old fashioned bookcases and cork boards. Throw in some pictures of friends, anatomy charts, and my own iPod with speakers and I have the perfect study space for me.