I am always  energized, motivated, captivated and inspired by the insanely creative types who can marry two different worlds of thought and create a fresh new view from a traditional source.

I was blown away when I discovered  the music of  Two Cellos.  They are amazing classical celloists who found an innovative way to express their talents.   I can’t get enough of this rocking, creative, inspiring performance.

Guns N Roses never sounded so proper and cellos never sounded so wicked cool.

Now, get out of your box this weekend.

Do Something – differently.   Push Yourself.

Most of all,  have fun.

Cheers & Rock on,

boots

xxoo

Decor came from mixed greens I picked up at a big box home store and  whatever was in the 12 boxes of Christmas we’ve acquired over the  years.   ( I have a theory that for every year of marriage,  you acquire a tupperware storage box of Christmas stuff).  In the name of efficiency,  I swapped my Radkos and Olde World Glass ornaments for less fragile ornaments that donned my mantle last year. I saved a full day of decorating because I didn’t have to unwrap all that bubble wrap surrounding my treasured ornaments.   Maybe next year, they’ll reappear.   In the meantime,  I tossed some old burlap over the pedestal table.  Put the tree in a clay pot.   I must say, I think our little tree still turned out quite charming.

Beneath our tree,  I have pictures of favorite Christmas memories – our first Christmas, fun celebrations, and the picture of my sweet Finley dog who arrived as a Christmas present in 199.7.

In the mix is one of my favorite Christmas treasures a red clay Nativity we bought on our honeymoon in Sedona.

The dining room is rather simple.  Mercury glass from our first Christmas in the McCottage, burlap,  mixed china, and cardboard snowflakes make for a more casual setting.

It’s a little less fuss than the rock salt table top I did last year. Another time saver.

I carried the burlap touches into the Master Bedroom by swagging burlap bows and greenery to our drapes.

Back in our great room,  I grabbed a silver tray from the dining room and topped it with glass balls and crystal candlesticks.   I love the light this reflects during the day.

The Mantle is a collection of Christmas pasts.  First a glimpse at the details.   You’ll see a few familiar sparkles and twigs from last year.  The silver vases were used years ago  for a Valentine’s party and I found them at the bottom of my craft closet along with a mini tremeau mirror.  The fabulous “M” was a gift from my green-thumbed big brother.  Over the years I’ve used various fresh greens and fuit entwined with ribbon on the form to decorate our front porch railing.  This year I brought it indoors and I adore the result.  The glittery Nativity was a gift from my mom and I think it makes a perfect center to our decor.

Be it ever so humble this year,  there is still no place like our little home.  And it’s definitely been a welcome respite after a long work day.  A cup of cocoa, a cozy blanket, the lights on the tree,  surrounded by memories and  old favorite finds used in a a new way, does a heart good.

From our McCottage to yours…

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

xxoo,

boots

A perfect way to kick off my favorite month.     Tiffany has launched their exquisite Holiday Campaign.  Once again, they prove there is nothing quite like a Tiffany Blue Christmas.

Bonjour December!

If you don’t believe me, think back to your childhood.  How many times did you tie a towel or sheet around your shoulders, and “fly” through the house?   (I paired my towel with my Wonder Woman underoos for maximum super power advantage).  Years later, our underoos may be long gone and we find ourselves folding sheets and towels,  but that doesn’t mean we don’t like to channel our inner super heros once in awhile, right?

Finally,  the fashion powers-that-be decided  it was high time we women who appear to be “regular folk” put a little bit of that  super flair on display with the piece de resistance of any super hero….the cape.

Capes are all the rage this season -showing up anywhere from ballgames to ballrooms.

They add a polished look to casual friday in the office.

This great J.Crew cape would also look great during the workweek with a classic white blouse and black pencil skirt.

Bring a little cape chic to the tailgate in this Razorback red cape.  Woo Pig.

Another fabulous work look.  This cape from Banana Republic in trench canvas makes is a great fall to spring look.

Not only are capes gorgeous with pants and jeans,  I love the regal look of this Stella McCartney charcoal cape over this simple dress.

Basic black dress + basic camel cape  = anything but basic.  How Fabulous is this Calvin Klein cape?

If you happen to have a super bank account as one of your super powers,  this Rick Owens Leather Trimmed Cashmere cape could definitely stop traffic with a single look.

Wow! Bam!  Zing!  This YSL cape packs a powerful punch of color.

And my favorite, this gorgeous evening cape. Every Wonder Woman deserves a fabulous night out with her Super Man.

I’ve heard it said, “give the girl the right shoes and she can change the world”.  I bet the same is true when it comes to capes.

I’ll be wearing my new cape for the first time today.  I can already feel it – it’s going to be a SUPER day.

Hope you have a SUPER weekend full of WONDER and an adventurous cape(r) or two.

xxoo,

boots

(images via Net-a-porter, Pinterest, Neiman Marcus)

Since the day I accepted the position,  I started an office inspiration board – collecting pictures and ideas of what my new think tank would look like.  Most show ideas that can take typical office furniture and kick it up a bit.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Love the creamy calm of this space.  What a great idea to skirt a run-of-the-mill, office issued desk. Topping with glass helps to reflects light and add polish.

Putting a counter top on the file cabinets is another custom touch.

This pop of pink in the office chair is energy inducing.    What about that gorgeous print of Grace Kelly?   What a great reminder to exude grace under pressure.

Although, it’s not an office staple,  how about that shopping bag under the desk — all that hard work, earns one a trip to Jimmy Choo, right?

A completely happy space here.   The small dose of wallpaper gives a hint of sophistication.   Big CHEERS for the wine glass on the desk for pens and pencils

Another linen skirted desk.  I love these!    Isn’t this a perfect spot for collaboration.   Those French side chairs prove you don’t have to do time in an ugly office chair.

The collection and symmetry of the prints adds a sophisticated yet cozy feel.

Don’t you think?

Speaking of chairs,  this fan chair makes quite a Queen Bee statement.   I’d suggest  only the most humble of leaders could get away with this, but love the bohemian feel.

That mirror is spectacular and a great way to make sure you look great before that big client walks in the room.

Table / Parson’s desks are my favorite for their clean lines that can be dressed up or down.  Check out the  multiple ways to corral clutter here.

The lucite tray, porcelain basket, document box keep necessities stylishly at hand.  Note that old credenza was probably a standard cherry or golden oak piece at one time.

Look how that fresh coat of white paint takes it from icky and stale to feminine and modern.

Check out the matching pair of lamps behind the desk.  Those are not those typical spindly candlestick lamps.  The oversize mirror is a great way to reflect light in a dark, no window space.

The gold accents in the mirror frame, guest chair, and lamp gives the space a midas touch without being too glitzy or gaudy.

Saved my favorite office for last.   As I opened this blogpost, I said I need to be surrounded  by pretty…and what is prettier than pink?

I adore the pink hues lining the bookshelves and repeated in accents such as the lamp, rug, and vase.

The tan and blue tones down the over the top girliness.

I have always been a big fan of the french memo boards as well.  what a great way to keep up with pics, important notes, motivational quotes, and business cards.

Aren’t these fabulous spaces?

Did you catch some ideas that can add a little more flair to your cubicle,  desk, or home office?

I’m convinced a little bit of pretty in the office has the best Return On Investment of all.

Happy Fall Back  Weekend, Y’all!

Boots

xxoo

My first “big girl” bike was a lavender banana seat wonder.   She had a basket on the front with daisies.   Her name was “The Debutante”

I was four, maybe five years old when she arrived.  It was winter.   She needed training wheels.   Mom and Dad let me keep her in my bedroom.

In hindsight,  I realize their decision to do that was  probably more self serving – sparing them from pushing me for hours in the cold weather.

I thought they were they coolest parents EVER.

My  mean big brother would push me  up and down the center hall of our house on that bike.

It was in those moments,  I didn’t think he was so mean.

When The Debutante finally got her training wheels,  we ventured outside.  My world got bigger.

It took awhile, but I finally got my balance.

The training wheels came off and I rode…and rode….and rode….

Up and down the street.      To the playground.    To my best friend’s house.

I was an adventurer.  An explorer.    I was invincible.

Then, one day, the bike wheel hit a rut.   I went flying over the handlebars.

I skinned my knees, my elbows,  my chin.    I chipped my tooth.    It was ugly.

I laid on the ground.  I cried.   a lot.

My friends saw me lying there.   I was embarrassed.  I was far from home.   I cried harder.

And then I stood up,  brushed myself off.

I took a big, deep breath.

Then, I got back up on that bike.  And kept riding.

(images via Pinterest)

Here are my pre-fall pics

Animal Prints are a great transitional statement

jimmy chop folly suede and snakeskin wedge $795 | net-a-porter

sam edelman alvin $150 | piperlime

louboutin cork wedge leopard pump $695 | neiman marcus

two tone sandal pump $129 | zara

Never go wrong Neutrals

tan and gold pump | zara

natural clog sandal | sara

rachel zoe eva $395 | piperlime

matt bersnon mesa bootie $229

belle sigerson morrison suede peep toe wedge $350 | net-a-porter

bcbg maxazaria darien1 $225 | piperlime

The goes with everything not-so-basic black

sam edelman wesley $150 | piperlime

jimmy choo suede cage sandals $995 | net-a-porter

miu miu suede pump $595 | net-a-porter

A little pop of fall color

manolo blahnik scallop suede mary jane $795| neiman marcus

And if you should be so lucky to score the “it” shoe of these season.

All that shimmers….

Awww,  it feels good to be back sharing my favorites.  Can I just tell you that there are about 30 more pair of shoes that are perfect for this season.

Whether we call it post summer,  pre-fall, or  autumn,  it’s safe to say shoe shopping season is my favorite season of all.

Happy Weekend, Y’all

boots

xxoo

(images via pinterest)

The latest online craze to sweep all the stylish girls I know is Pinterest. I’ve mentioned it a few times in previous blog posts.   Pinterest is a virtual pinboard that allows you to make collections of things you love found on the blogs, online catalogues or magazines.  It’s the modern day version of ripping pages from a magazine.  I thought I’d take time each week and share with you some of my favorite finds on Pinterest. Hence the name:  Wednesday Pins-day.

Some of my favorite finds in GREEN

a happy green welcome with these botanical prints.

This wallpaper makes for a dreamy guest room

what a statement this chandelier would add to a dining room or bedroom

I adore this styling of the concrete garden bust with succulents.  This is my kind of gardening

Check out this DIY!  Reupholster a chair using upholstery webbing.  The end result is industrial chic, don’t you think?

Speaking of chic,   vintage Oscar de la Renta.  swoon!

Wardrobe styling idea for Fall.  I love this cape and those hunter green pants.

Spanish retailer ZARA has finally made online purchasing available here in the U.S this week.   I’m loving this polka-dot blouse

With a pair of skinny jeans, T and a black blazer, these pumps will add a fun kick!

If kick is what you like,  this jalapeño popper dip is scrumptious.   I found it Monday morning while pinning and made it for lunch.   It’s that easy.

All this pinning is making me tired

Thank goodness I have a board especially dedicated to inspirational quotes.

If you would like to see more of my pins, please follow me! Can’t wait to see you there.

Happy Pinning, Y’all!

xxoo,

boots

Although I won’t be wearing boots for another 5 weeks,  it hasn’t stopped me from taking a spin on the internets to plan my fall/ winter couture.   I was rather astounded when I came upon some quite …..let’s say unique boots.

Remember how sweet momma taught us, “If you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all.”    The following boots have left me …well, for momma’s sake,  speechless.    If nothing else,  these boots will definitely give you a good laugh.   I’ll do my best to say something nice…

First up,  The Edythe Boot in Alabaster.   It’s white.  It’s a boot.  After Labor Day.

The only time I can imagine wearing this boot is with my All White Ski Chalet outfit when I am in my super sleuth spy cave in Antarctica planning world domination.

Hmmmmm.   Very Int-er-esting.

This might be the perfect boot for those dead set on wearing boots right now.

Because, it is still technically summer and this is the South, rest assured we’ll be back to mid 90 temperatures by mid month.

This will give your toes a little air conditioning.

When the winter time comes,  The Onisutku -Tiger may be the perfect boot for running a race…in the snow.

Is that a sport?  Snow marathons?

If so, you’re in luck.  And they are patriotic… to boot.  ha!   Get it – to boot.

Everyone LOVES a mash-up when it comes to music.  What about movie mash-ups?

What would happen if  Saving Private Ryan and Pretty Woman were re-made together. That would be interesting for wardrobe.

Luckily we have these over the knee hiking boots.

Oh and they are a bargain at $1520.   It’s a good thing Edward has money.

Speaking of movies,  Didn’t you adore star wars?  Wasn’t Chewbacca the best?

Well,  guess what, you can look like him from your knee down.

Thanks, Prada.

More Space favorites. “Mork calling Orson, come in Orson.   Mork calling Orson.   Hey, Orson,  I want to thank you for these boots you sent Mindy.

We don’t have things like this on Earth.  Well, we didn’t until our little 70′s tv show inspired Marc Jacobs.”

Oh, and back to the mash-up madness  ( This seems to be adistrubring trend I’ve discovered).

If you ever need the perfect shoe to sail your Yellow submarine down Penny Lane.  Your are in luck.

I once saw a news story about this poor soul who has a virus that causes his body to grow bark like growths which make him look like a tree.

( I will spare you a picture for the weak-stomached.   Google “tree man” if you dare).

That is exactly what I thought about when I first saw these shoes.   I know momma said to say something nice.  Here goes.

At least these are only shoes that can easily be removed and not a bark skin virus.

As I said,  this mash-up trend is rampant.   I’ve saved the most offensive ones for last. I wish they were urban shoe myths. But they are real, my friends.

Oh look, it’s a Mary Jane and Fall’s hottest snakeskin trend as one.   (Say something nice.  Say Something nice…  ok here goes)

It’s Prada.

And lastly,  good ol Prada.   This season they really cover all the bases – Whether you want to look like Chewbaca,  a snake wearing a boot,

or maybe –  just maybe you want to look like  a white person wearing an ankle wrap shoe.

Oh and one more thing the least expensive boots pictured above are $198.  The Most Expensive $2500 – all are available via Neiman Marcus or Yoox.com just in case you want to verify this uniqueness exists.

Well, I know fall is in the air, but hunker down and wait until October 15 to bring out your favorite boots …or at least until the Autumanal Equinox.     And for heaven’s sake,  don’t you dare wear an ugly boot and don’t let your friends wear ugly boots.   There’s just no excuse.  You can’t even blame that on the moon.

Wishing you lots of love and Laughter this week,

Boots

xxoo

Today, there are two words that can breed fear in me like nothing else.   Yes,  I’m talking  ”swimsuit” and “wrinkles”.   As women,  there is a certain courage we muster to fight the fluorescent lights and  the not-so-there fabric dueling with the having-more -to-cover body.  The battlefield is a cramped room with what I’m convinced is a circus mirror.  (and I’m not talking about the one at an angle that makes you look taller.  Those are down at  Banana Republic).  It never fails my dressing space is usually placed next to a pair of 16 year BFF’s whose young perfectly taunt bodies are thinking (out loud), ” Oh.My. Gah!   Ma stomach is  like sooo bloated because I like ate that fry…..two days ago.”    Worse than the Battle at Waterloo is  the battle to find water wear.     In my quest,  I’ve  finally found an unlikely ally, I will share with you.      Wrinkles.     Yes,  wrinkles.

Well,   technically,  it’s called “ruching”.  Ruching is a repeated pleat or ruffle used to embellish attire.  The word literally means “beehive”.   When you think about it, the gathering of fabric (ruching) looks very much like the lines of a honey home.  Fabric en masse is  THE perfect weapon to transform any  pooh bear shape into a sexy Queen Bee.      Here are just a few of my faves…

I love this coral hue from Carmen Marc Valvo.  Delicious!   ( I have this suit in RED)

carmen marc valco via neiman marcus

Speaking of red,  va va voom!   This is not your mother’s swimdress.

norma kamali via neiman marcus

Bring a little vintage glamour to the beach with this gorgeous suit from Anthropologie

drawn to heart maillot via anthropologie

This  asymmetrical suit would be perfect for a little nighttime poolside glam or  in daytime pair w a huge straw hat  to prevent asymmetrical tan lines

st john via neiman marcus

I adore the sunny day hues and cross directional ruching of this suit.  gorgeous.

gottex via neiman marcus

For those blessed bodies  who look less like pooh,  can still bare your middle, and adore wrinkles…  (I hate you.  just kidding…  kinda)

clube bosse via net a porter

Who knows,  a few more hours on that bike that doesn’t move  + a few more cupcakes avoided and I may just be wearing the above suit…

like this

club bossa via net-a-porter

See, ruching works for swim cover-ups, too.

Who knew wrinkles + swimwear could be so chic.    It’s  like the medici effect of fashion.   Now, what are you waiting for?   Get out of your hive, don a little ruching, and flaunt your queen bee self this weekend.

Cheers, y’all!

~  Enjoy a few Voice of the Beehive  tunes from my High School poolside days ~