Baby it's cold outside...

I wish it would stay cold in Dallas for more than two days.  I love wearing coats and boots and wish I had an excuse to have several options.  In the event that you do, here are some options I wish I needed:

The Limited Trench Like Peacoat
It's not just a trench or a peacoat... it's both.  I like the belt and the length and will be stalking it in my local store when winter items begin getting marked down.

Gap Funnel Neck Coat
In real life, it's long sleeved.  (Who rolls up coat sleeves anyway?)  And it's soft and would look great with a bright scarf.

BR Double Faced Wool Coat
How fancy would this look with a cocktail dress?

Michael Kors Hooded Babydoll Jacket (via Overstock.com)
I like the hood and deep aubergine color of this jacket... and the $80 price

Michael Kors Faux Fur Trim Hood Coat (via Overstock.com)
I like this coat (especially for $39) and it would be great for weekends with jeans and tennis shoes.

Holy mother of options! Personalized phone covers

I'm kicking myself for having an Android phone and not an iPhone or Blackberry Bold right about now.  I just discovered (via a comment on Tipsy Society) the most fantastic site selling personalized phone covers and the Samsung Epic is not on the list of models.  I may die... I want a clover print cover with my monogram reallllly bad.

Check out the Girly Twirly Company for these covers and other gifts in similar patterns!

Fabulously Quirky - Matte Stephens prints

You may recall my rule that every room needs to have something silly to keep it from looking like you're trying too hard.  (Ok, so it's Jonathan Adler's rule too, but I had the same idea)  This week I was checking out the blog Fresh Out of Lemons and came across a post about Matte Stephens - a fantastic Etsy shop selling prints that will add the perfect piece of quirkiness in my house. 

I love the names as much as the retro/childish feel of the paintings!  I can't decide which I like best...

Alfred was obviously underdressed for his induction into the Adventurers Hall of Fame

Although this scene may look dire, Alfred meant Mabel and George no mortal harm. He had been courting her for months and thought marriage was at hand

Everyone thought Leonard was a boy genius but Rupert the imaginary bear actually built the do-nothing

Alfred Finds his Soul Mate

 I think I like the second one the best... but only if the frame feature the title of the picture.

Tis the season to be crafty...

I don't know what's gotten into me lately, but every time I see something cute I think "I could do that!"  Sometimes it turns out great (yarn and felt wreath) and sometimes it fails horribly (it's hard to adhere things to an acrylic tray).  Last night I made this little (15 foot) garland with leftover felt and ribbon and it was a good use of an hour.  I like how it dresses up the empty space of wall near the ceiling, especially for $4!

 But now I'm about to get really advance.  This is what I'm going to try and make tonight (but silver):

I have a mirror, skewers, spray paint and a glue gun.  Let's see how this turns out!

Here's an awesome tutorial over at My Little Happy Place that has instilled me with lots of confidence... perhaps too much.

I Heart LOFT.

Today I went to LOFT to check out the 40% off sale and was not disappointed.  I'm still smiling about my fantastic new trouser jeans that make me look taller and skinner AND are comfortable.  I'm seriously debating buying another pair to have as backup when these die (because I plan to wear the crap out of them).

Double Waistband Trouser Jean (not on sale online, but in store it rang up 40% off)

I also tried on the Curvy Trouser Jean but they didn't have the size I needed - also very cute and super forgiving.  (Go down a size if you order these - they run big).

And if you're in the market for a suit, you need to place an order now because the Herald pinstripe jackets and pants are 40% off and you can get both pieces for $130.  I love how the jacket is cropped (great for us shorties) and the pants have a very slimming wide leg that looks modern.  I stood in the store trying to think of a reason why I need a suit, but my best excuse was "maybe I'll decide I don't like my job this year" and so I left without out.

Happy shopping!!

P.S. I got an email from the LOFT team a while back and the store is no longer known an Ann Taylor LOFT.  Let's be correct. 

How'd you get that sweet new blog design?

Since I've had a few people ask, I wanted to dedicate a post to my new blog design created by Lindsey at Sweet Simplicity.  I am really happy with my new design and think it better represents me and what I write about.

If you want a new look for your blog, I recommend checking out Lindsey's work and getting on her waiting list for a custom design or pick from her ready made templates.  The process was really easy and affordable and I think I'll use this template for a long time. 

Check out some of her other work:

Reader Request: Modern Baby Boy Nursery

Ok so this wasn't actually a request, I offered and she accepted.  But a lovely blog reader is having a baby boy and designing a nursery, so I thought it would be fun to shop the internets and present some modern options that she may like.  Here's the criteria (Some hers, some mine if I ever have a baby boy):

• No overall theme, just cool modern things with a childish feel
• No crazy paint scheme that will be inappropriate once Junior reaches preschool
• No wallpaper borders!! 
• Practical fabrics that can withstand vomit
• Affordable furniture that can be used later on

Here are my inspiration rooms (from Ohdeedoh)

And here's what I would pick if I were making room for a little boy this year:

Paint - Pebble Gray by Glidden is very pale and soothing and will play a supporting role to whatever color scheme is introduced through art, bedding and curtains
Crib - The photo is a designer option, but I included it to show what adding some paint or shapes can do.  I think the Dwell 
Studio Silverlake Crib from Target could look almost identical with some wood trim pieces added to the solid sides.
Gerber Gray Crib Sheet - these are cheap and neutral.  No need to get fancy when it will just get dirty...
Crib Bumper and Quilt - I would spring for custom made pieces on elements that will be seen and not spat on (as much).  I love the color palettes Hush Baby Co. offers, but there are obviously thousands more options, like the Dwell Studio fabric collection or designs from Amy Butler.
Ikea Henny Curtains - Fun navy polka dots don't have to match the bedding, just be in the same color family
Elephant Hamper - Totally necessary ;-)
Ikea Poang Rocking Chair
Ikea Rand Rug
CB2 Dresser - Anything long and low could work as a changing table if you put a pad on top of it
Ikea Posters
Recycled Star and Moon Mobile
 

Vinyl Giraffe growth chart - I would put this on a white piece of 5' shelving and mount it on the wall unless you're sure you won't be moving
Cloud Shelf
Kyle the Raccoon
CB2 Big Dipper Lamp
Hippo
Custom Wall Art

Update: I just found these prints and LOVE them