"Paris is always a good idea."

These Parisian prints from The Eye Poetry Print Shop make me daydream about another trip to the city of lights. In my senior year of high school, I explored Paris and the Loire Valley with my AP Art Studio class, a handful of French students, and my eccentric but amazing art teacher. I've been longing to go back, as I imagine experiencing Paris in my late 20's would be far different than my experience as a high school student. Until I pull out my passport again, these images will remind me of the beauty that the city really holds. 

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Spring Fling

I'm crushing on these colorful spring bags. I'd tote any of them around town! 3, 5 and 2 are my current favorites. Do you have a go-to spring bag, or do you plan to choose a new one with the coming season?

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Daydream

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It's VERY cold outside. It's snowing. I plan to lay in my bed and imagine the above.

Have a wonderful snowy weekend, friends!

Lovely

I just love photos of jewelry collections. What could be prettier than a collection of lovely bling?

Clockwise, from top left: via Glitter Guide, via Breakfast at Toast, via Glitter Guide, via Glitter Guide

Currently Loving... Jack Vettriano

I was flipping through a Jack Vettriano calendar that my friend received for Christmas, and found myself being drawn to these images in particular. I'm a huge fan of anything nautical, so I'm sure that's why I secretly wanted to tear the months with these images from her calendar and run away with them. Perhaps I should just purchase my own calendar... I'm sure that's what my friend would prefer. Until then, here are the images that I'm currently loving:

On a side note... who watches Glee? What did you all think of Will's proposal to Emma? The sailor outfit on the girl in the first image slightly reminded me of it. Artie floating around in the pool just killed me -- I love him.

Spring Color Crush

We all know that navy and green pair perfectly. It's no surprise. This color combo is officially my favorite for spring. My closet is full of navy blue items, but I'd like to add more kelly green pieces for a pop. Here are a few things I'm coveting:

Green top, Striped top, Navy top

Dress, Clutch, Bangle

Green flats, Striped flats

Golden Globes 2012: Black, White and Bling

What were you favorite looks from the Golden Globes 2012 red carpet? Sadly, I was a bit underwhelmed. There weren't too many looks that I went crazy for this year. I won't post a Worst Dressed list, as the gorgeous stars never look horrible -- it's just that their stylists don't always make great choices. I say that like I'm a fashion authority, but the truth is that I'd probably make a bad fashion decision if I was ever invited to attend a huge awards show. *Sigh*

There were two dresses that stood out to me -- not because they were bright or flashy, or glittering or overly sexy. I loved these looks because they were classic, chic and confident. Kate Winslet (in Jenny Packham) and Claire Danes (in J. Mendel) both looked phenomenal in black and white gowns that seemed to be made just for them.

When it comes to bling, the jewelry display was not disappointing at all. My favorite look was Charlize Theron's stunning Cartier headband. It was the perfect way to wear sparkle.

What were your favorite looks?

How to Watch an Awards Show

The Golden Globes are this weekend -- will you be watching? I'm sure I'm not the only one who is mostly interested in what the stars are wearing. I love watching the red carpet specials and checking out the lovely gowns + dapper gentlemen. Here's my idea of how any award's show should be viewed:

1.

Grab a big bowl of popcorn. Bonus points if you have candy on hand.

2.

You'll want to be festive, so a can (or 3) of champagne will serve as your beverage of choice.

3.

It's an awards show, so obviously you'll need to dress up. Comfy pants are always chic, along with

cozy slippers and a bit of bling.

4.

Be sure to promptly tune in to the red carpet specials -- you won't want to miss any stars as they arrive.

Feel free to comment on dresses out loud, or via Twitter.

5.

Try to stay awake until the end of the show. I haven't succeeded at doing this, but I always give it

a good try.

PS -- I'm loving these gowns from the 2012 Monique Lhuillier Pre-Fall Collection. I think they're totally red-carpet worthy.

Snow Day Necessities

Danielle and I might be the only people in Chicago that are excited for a nice dose of SNOW. Bring on the white fluffy stuff! I've been itching to see a gorgeous snow storm all season, and it looks like Mother Nature is bringing one our way today. I'm lucky enough to work from home, so I'll be trying to position my computer so that I can watch the snow while I work. Today's necessities include giant cups of warm coffee + a good book on my Kindle Fire + my navy wellies for walking through flurries to my workout class later this afternoon + a cozy sweater to lounge in when my friend stops by tonight for some takeout and catch-up. Sounds like a great snow day to me!

Darling Decor #33

It's been quite a while since I posted an image for Darling Decor. I came across this pretty room on Pinterest. It got me thinking... what would my apartment look like if it was just me living here? I know, I know, it's a weird thought -- I've lived with my guy for years now, and never had a place to decorate on my own (besides my dorm room, then room in the sorority house, and a school apartment). If I had a space all to myself, and could go nuts with the decor... where would I start? I'm really loving this coffee table and the wall treatment in the room below. Don't even get me started on the window treatments. While I am in no way saying I'd like my own space, sans husband, a girl can decorate in her dreams, right?

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I'm feeling...

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Along with some wonderful gifts, Santa also brought me the flu. I've been feeling under the weather since the day after Christmas. Today is the first day that I've started to feel a bit better, but I can't seem to shake this cough. My husband and pup have been taking good care of me, and I finally got some real meds yesterday. I'm hoping I can kick this sickness in the butt by the end of the weekend and get on with 2012!

On a happier note, I wanted to share something that I posted earlier in the week on my other blog... Cupcakes for two! I spotted this amazing recipe on How Sweet It Is earlier in 2011. Two cute little cupcakes - one for you and one for a friend, or two for you if you don't feel like sharing! I like baking cupcakes, but rarely do because I don't need a dozen of them sitting on the kitchen counter tempting me. Next time I have a sweet tooth, this recipe will be what I reach for!