that's lovely.

Hello friends,

2010-02-01T14:19:00.002-05:00

I've decided to temporarily stop posting on my blog. It's served as a wonderful gathering spot for various inspirations, but I'm losing it's sense of direction and one of my new year's resolutions was to spend less time on the computer. I don't know how long this break will be.

Did I tell you I've been writing for the Cheap Chica's blog? I write a DIY and street style round up post every week. Check it out here!

I'm gonna miss you all and I hope you have a lovely rest of the winter. Please email me if you have any questions at all.

Love,

Vanessa

p.s. If you really, really miss me, you can visit my tumblr blog here.

Cute

2010-01-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

via xvii

how pretty

2010-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

The red lips, scalloped blouse and grey jacket? Perfection.

via hoy fashion

bridal party

2010-01-26T09:00:00.001-05:00

Such a chic idea for a bride and her bridesmaids. Looove!

via tumblr

10 things

2010-01-25T11:39:00.003-05:00

10 things that make me happy:

1. Silly Valentine's Day stuff. Yes, I spent $1.16 on a pen that lights up when you write with it.

2. The clean, fresh smell and cool grey skies right before it's about to rain.

3. Cashiers that are friendly.

4. Coming home late at night and cuddling with my sleeping boyfriend, who is too knocked out to even realize I'm there.

5. Drinks after a long day at work.

6. Bacon.

7. The sense of pride you get when you finish sewing something, and being able to say, "I made this!"

8. The 30 rock episode with James Franco. It was on over 3 weeks ago and I'm still laughing about it.

9. Anything and everything sparkly.

10. Getting out of the city every once in a while.

5 people to share the love with:

1. You are my fave

2. elephantine

3. pois rogue

4. Just fad

5. Little Doodles

Rules: List ten things that makes you happy and do one of them today.
Then link to the person who tagged you and pass this little bit of love on to 10 others (I made up my own rules and only did five).
Play along, but only if you want.

p.s. Thanks to woolgathering & miscellany for listing me!

Monday

2010-01-25T10:49:00.002-05:00

by Pavlunka

2010-01-23T00:14:00.001-05:00

My life in a nutshell.

I love this kitchen.

2010-01-18T10:23:00.004-05:00

Dark, dreamy and elegant, from the new apartment complex 211 Elizabeth, via NYMag.

p.s. I'd post pictures but I know they're already all over the internet already so I'll just list them instead. Here are my favorite Golden Globe looks: Emily Blunt, Toni Collette, Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Carey Mulligan, Olivia Wilde. Which were your favorites?

mugs

2010-01-14T13:00:00.004-05:00

If our apartment didn't have 1,000,000,000 coffee mugs already, I would certainly add this beauty to my cabinet.

by Lisa Stickley

winter

2010-01-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'd like that sweater, please.

by |Heather W|

something pretty

2010-01-14T01:39:00.002-05:00

for your day. via flickr.

oh.my.goodness

2010-01-11T13:57:00.002-05:00

As if I wasn't already excited about the 100th episode of How I Met Your Mother airing tonight, I have even more good news. TIM GUNN IS GUEST STARRING! Yes, you heard me right, Tim Gunn! Rachel Bilson will also be on too.

You better watch it! Tonight, 8/7c.

photo found here.

Where was I?

2010-01-07T14:50:00.005-05:00

Have I been under a rock? How did I go so long without knowing that Free People has a fantastic selection of shoes? A bit expensive at times, but wow! Here are some of my favorites:

All shoes found here.

Nikki,

2010-01-07T11:25:00.002-05:00

YOU WOULD LOVE THIS.

I do too for that matter. Anyone know the designer?

Robot revolt

2010-01-07T10:52:00.001-05:00

Is it just me, or are robots everwhere these days? First there were Anthropologie's one-of-a-kind robots, made from found and recycled parts. Then I watched a rerun of my favorite sexy action star Arnold in Terminator 2 the other night. And now there is this photo from Wendy Goodman over at The Cut.

Instead of using a ladder to paint high-up spaces, this guy uses stilts! How cool is that? Plus, doesn't it kind of remind you of those huge, turtle-like things from Star Wars?

You know it does.

Star Wars photo found here.

A letter

2010-01-06T10:10:00.002-05:00

Dear blog,

I'm sorry I haven't been giving you much attention lately. I've been quite busy with work and sick too. I promise I'll be back soon for the new year, and your blogirthday!

In the meantime, enviously drool over this classic dress by emersonmade. Maybe this year we'll make one like this for ourselves.

Kisses and hugs,

Vanessa

happy new year

2009-12-31T14:53:00.000-05:00

Having fun is an order.

via tumblr.

barbie-fied

2009-12-23T08:55:00.004-05:00

Check out these awesome Barbie re-creations of Lady Gaga by artist veik11. Click on the stars below for the original link.

via fred flare blog

right now...

2009-12-22T15:36:00.003-05:00

I'm making cookies that look like this,

dreaming of eating a pie covered in hearts,

and finding inspiration for pillows based on this wall in Paris,

and this Jenny Packham dress.

flickr favorites

2009-12-19T03:46:00.004-05:00

First photo by Olivia Bee

Second photo by ultrathew

Have a good weekend everyone! I'm supposed to go to a Christmas party but I may just spend it snowed inside watching movies and eating pumpkin bagels (they're my new favorite thing). What are you doing?

Lofts

2009-12-18T17:01:00.002-05:00

The key to making a loft space work for you? Long, lovely curtains to separate your space.

Stunning. Found here.

atlanta

2009-12-17T23:38:00.004-05:00

Everytime I read liebemarlene vintage's blog, I feel a desperate urge to enter visit Atlanta. She makes it look so romantic.

And her boyfriend takes great photos. She fits right in with the buildings! (this photo is best viewed large-click here to see the original)

Bombki

2009-12-15T22:17:00.002-05:00

I hope I'm not the only one that thinks beautiful ornaments make great gifts. How can you resist these cuties?

Little New York Collection

Little Paris

All ornaments by Bombki

via Fifi Lapin

le t-shirt

2009-12-15T16:42:00.002-05:00

Oh, how I love this shirt. But with a $28 shipping fee (from Australia), it just might be diy time.

Shirt by Chop Chop

If...

2009-12-11T17:35:00.002-05:00

If I ever decide to get married, my dress will probably look a whole lot like this one:

Michelle Obama is the coolest. Her dress, by designer Naeem Khan, was hand embroidered in a lace pattern with silver sequins. So pretty.

photo via The Cut

holy crap

2009-12-11T17:21:00.003-05:00

These are the most beautiful gloves I've ever seen. However, at $325 a pair, desperately out of my reach.

Found via Coco+kelley

brrr!

2009-12-11T14:12:00.002-05:00

Philly is cold and windy today. Verrry windy. Must go out and apply for jobs anyways. Hope you all have a great weekend!

perfect holiday photo via ohsweetnuthin

12/09

2009-12-09T19:49:00.001-05:00

Things I love today:

1. grapefruit

2. easy to make rice mixes

3. jeopardy

4. lots of great giveaways to enter (a cup of jo, bright side project)

5. finally purchasing the vintage jewelry box I've been eyeing for weeks

6. my wonderful boyfriend, who upon seeing said jewelry box, said, "what a deal!"

7. pearl necklaces

I hope you all had a great day as well!

photo by danske

pretty pinecones

2009-12-07T17:05:00.001-05:00

Gold-finished pinecone ornaments by Jayson Home & Garden. (psst! enter 'luckybreaks 11' until Jan 5, 2010 to get 25% off your purchase)

pretty detail

2009-12-07T17:01:00.001-05:00

Philadelphia, PA

Photos found here.

tumbler faves

2009-12-02T18:00:00.003-05:00

I'm feeling kind of lazy today. Here are some of my tumber faves:

A delicious looking cupcake via eatsomebrains.

Pretty lanterns via rather nice.

Cloudy mirrors via tweexcore.

A young and sexy Kate Moss via frangry.

Colorful houses via togetlost.

I miss you guys, and I hope you've been well.

gloomy outside

2009-11-24T09:24:00.001-05:00

Have fun inside! This picture makes me laugh endlessly.

via observando

agreed.

2009-11-23T15:52:00.000-05:00

by Gemma Correll

cold weather dressing

2009-11-22T21:55:00.005-05:00

The weather is getting colder and I'm already sick of the boring sweater and jean combo. Yesstyle.com, which sells clothes from designers in Asia, has a large and affordable selection of pretty, non-jean items. Like the ones below:

A cute knit argyle skirt, $19.80

Puff sleeved blouse, $43.20

Bow front check blouse, $65.00

Such lovely pleating on this pleated waistcoat dress, $85.00

Plus, cute photography, right? Visit the site here.

today

2009-11-20T13:40:00.000-05:00

More yellow.

via chalkmountain's flickr

Sweet coat.

2009-11-19T11:30:00.003-05:00

Photo by irene_adler.

I like...

2009-11-13T15:10:00.001-05:00

This dress. Very Chanel-like, no?

J'adore vintage glam dress at Ruche, $54.99

holly + billy

2009-11-12T10:32:00.003-05:00

'm not a big blog wedding follower. It's just not my thing. However, I am bookmarking this wedding for future inspiration. Why? Three reasons:

1. The bride wore a patterned, calf-length dress. I love it when the traditional flowing white gown is discarded.

2. The typewriter fonts used for the placecards.

3. Is this an angel food cake? I myself looooove cake without frosting, loooove bundt shaped cakes, and love the light and elegant look of the ones pictured above.

All photos by Max Wagner

fa la la la la

2009-11-09T17:36:00.008-05:00

ormally I hate it when Christmas decorations are in stores the day after Halloween.This year, I can't explain why, but I'm so excited about the holiday season that instead of being disgusted and irritated, I'm thrilled. I just can't wait for Christmas season.

At the moment I'm occupied with finding the perfect Christmas card. Here are my favorite four.

Assorted holiday quote notes by afavorite, $11 for a set of five

Expanding Christmas tree card, designed by O-check, sold by nothingelegant, $7.99 for one

Cold Outside cards by ninaglaser, $18 for a set of 14

Fa la la la la cards by Linda & Harriett, $14 for a set of 6

Also, I want to decorate my house like this:

And decorate my tree with these:

(I do live with a boy after all)

Daily drop cap found here.

Eva Mendes, I love you

2009-11-07T16:57:00.004-05:00

ecause you are always pretty. And you get to wear dream dresses, like this one:

Found here. (I suggest you click this link so you can see the dress in full screen glory)

Daily Drop cap found here.

cold weather

2009-11-07T08:55:00.001-05:00

akes me dream of warmer days.

Beach-view sketch by Sofia Janeiro

Boat collage by madebyanna

Daily drop cap found here.

Next year's Halloween costume

2009-11-06T20:40:00.005-05:00

alf lady, half skelton.

Seriously, it would awesome. That, or the best costume I saw at the party I was at this year? HELLO KITTY! So cute.

Photo found here, drop cap found here.

It's time for...

2009-11-05T14:52:00.004-05:00

ecember magazines! Sometimes I swear I want to be a fashion designer just so I can, "make pretty dresses." December magazines always feature the most pretty dresses!

We start here, with British Vogue. What a fabulous cover. I love the whimsy of the script lettering.

All images via Fashion Gone Rogue.

cookies!

2009-11-04T09:02:00.002-05:00

saw these pretty stacked cookies as a small 2x3 inch photo on the side of Mer Mag's blog. A larger view provided me with even greater delight.

BOWS!

Bows make anything pretty.

Photos found here.

Drop cap found here.

the end of puppy wednesdays

2009-11-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

s some of you may have been able to tell, I haven't been posting as regularly lately. I've decided to end the 'puppy wednesday's' segment of this blog, however I leave you with a few good finds to replace your weekly cute puppy image.

SFgirlbybay has an awesome post about a polaroid puppy wall at Kiehl's.

Can't own a dog right now? This girl knows how you feel. Her blog has pictures of other people's puppies.

This flickr group only allows pictures of big dogs!

Photographer Sharon Montrose always has cute pictures up of her dogs and other animals.

This site doesn't have many photos of dogs at all, but I still think it's hilarious.

black and white

2009-11-03T12:19:00.003-05:00

Here are some recent photos I took, using black and white film. I think it makes most everything look just perfect.

Just so you know...

2009-11-03T11:14:00.002-05:00

y Christmas wish-list begins right here, right now.

Pretty shoes by Kate Spade.

Daily drop cap by Jessica Hische.

the bunny that got away

2009-10-30T02:37:00.001-04:00

Found here.

don't mess

2009-10-28T23:12:00.003-04:00

'Texas on my mind' necklace by wildcatters

Love this.

Oh, emersonmade

2009-10-26T07:51:00.001-04:00

ow I love your effortless preppy style.

View more goodies here.

pink office, pink home

2009-10-25T09:00:00.002-04:00

mall touches are just right.

First photo via maplesyruponly's flickr

Second photo via Lolita

Drop cap via dailydropcap.com

V

2009-10-24T17:06:00.002-04:00

is the lovliest letter of them all.

Find a new 'daily drop cap' to use for blog posts here.

p.s. Thank you to the designer, Jessica Hische, for creating such beauty for everyone to share. I love it!

They've done it again!

2009-10-24T15:04:00.002-04:00

Last Christmas, nearly every woman on my gift list received jewelry from Banana Republic. By the looks of it, this year will be no different.

Can you blame me?

View more earrings here.

2009-10-21T22:32:00.001-04:00

Agreed.

food flags

2009-10-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

Love these ads for the Sydney International Food Festival.

See more flags here.

found via pretty.pretty.paper

how i feel right now

2009-10-17T22:44:00.001-04:00

Vogue Germany via Fashion Gone Rogue

rich

2009-10-02T14:36:00.001-04:00

by Katya de Grunwald

October

2009-10-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Get excited.

photo via flickr

young men

2009-09-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Then and now.

First photo via flickr, second via The Sartorialist

vintage

2009-09-28T15:29:00.005-04:00

Wander Bird/Lula magazine via Fashion Gone Rogue, Antique trumpet, via Cool Hunting

Archive Jewelry

2009-09-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

I recently discovered jewelry wonderbrand Archive via The Bright Side Project.

4-strand hinge bracelet, $66

Lightning bolt fringe necklace, $70

Gold plated vintage watches, $165

Gorgeous! Visit Archive's site here.

The Bright Side Project is giving a free Archive necklace. Enter your answer by Oct 2nd right here.

Love.These.Shoes

2009-09-25T12:12:00.001-04:00

via Cupcakes & Cashmere

puppy wednesday

2009-09-23T21:39:00.000-04:00

Found here.

Monster Monday

2009-09-21T17:06:00.002-04:00

Watch this movie.

Buy this chair.

I miss bacon.

2009-09-20T16:14:00.002-04:00

Sometimes being a vegetarian sucks.

More photos and a guide to burgers here.

inspiration: pals

2009-09-20T15:51:00.001-04:00

by Lupen Grainne

by Alfred Stieglitz

Today's image

2009-09-18T16:50:00.001-04:00

The prettiest fall trench I've ever seen that I sadly will never own. From Church & State's Fall 2008 collection.

Puppy Wednesdays

2009-09-16T11:00:00.000-04:00

This puppy (my puppy!) doubles as a laundry basket.

Jealous

2009-09-14T11:13:00.003-04:00

The latest stamps issued by Royal Mail feature pictures of actual post boxes where you drop your mail off! Isn't it clever? And aren't the post boxes a perfect example of great design meant to last a lifetime? I'm so jealous we don't have 'post boxes' like this in the U.S.!

To see more, visit the Royal Mail shop.

via Tea for Joy

Rickey Henderson

2009-09-12T07:00:00.001-04:00

Andrew and I went to Cooperstown, NY to visit Ommegang brewery and the Baseball National Hall of Fame and Museum. I wasn't terribly interested in the latter, but while we were there there was one story that did manage to capture my attention. (I'm gonna keep this story short and sweet, how Andrew told it to me, so I apologize in advance for any factual errors).

Rickey Henderson was a major-league baseball player for 25 years. In 1991, when he defeated the then-current record (for stolen bases), he tore the second base out of the ground, lifted it above his head and shouted, "I'm the greatest!" Needless to say, it came off as cocky and led to a backlash. But he kept playing, got older and after a while people started to like him again, because more than anything, he wanted to play baseball. He loved playing baseball so much he would've done it for free. There's a waiting period from when you retire to when you can be inducted into the Hall of Fame and they supposedly had to wait to induct him because he just wouldn't retire. He just wanted to play.

That being said, what would you do? What do you love to do so much that you would do it for free?

p.s. If you'd like to read more about Rickey Henderson, here's the link to his wikipedia page.

today's images

2009-09-11T15:11:00.001-04:00

Classic red.

First image by 11nightmares.

Second image by madchen.

hello

2009-09-11T11:06:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone,

I apologize for the lack of posting this week. Andrew and I went on a mini-vacation to upstate New York... and it was just wonderful. I'll be back to regular posting soon. I hope you all have been well!

Love, Vanessa

p.s. Isn't it weird how 2 days away from the computer can make you feel like you have an endless amount of stuff to catch up on?

Cuddles are important.

2009-09-08T09:11:00.000-04:00

Just ask the cute puppies below.

Also, read this amazing story of a dog who saved a toddler by cuddling. Dogs are the best.

photo via hella.vela's flickr

Labor Day

2009-09-07T10:07:00.001-04:00

Goodbye summer.

Photo from sea shanties flickr

Thursday

2009-09-03T08:08:00.004-04:00

It's Thursday. I'm up earlier than usual and drooling over Bowhaus' photostream of amazing breakfasts. If I could have any delivered to me at this moment, this is what I'd choose.

First photo via Fashion Gone Rogue

Second via Flickr

puppy wednesdays

2009-09-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, so today's Puppy Wednesday images are more 'animal' than 'puppy.' Oh, and there's fashion too.

Images from the September issue of Harper's Bazaar, via Fashion Gone Rogue.

buyer's remorse?

2009-09-01T13:11:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I've been planning on going to Sephora to find me some blush. Since I think Nars makes fantastic cream eyeshadow, I figured their blush would be awesome too. Plus, people are always raving about how awesome the 'orgasm' color is. Anyways, I'm there, and I'm too shy to actually try any of the makup on my own face, and I pick out this color, 'deep throat.' I got home and tried it and found myself wishing it was more pink like the blush I use now. Could you guys please convince me that I didn't make a mistake?

Deep Throat Nars powder blush, $25

pink bathtub

2009-08-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

Andrew said we could get a bathtub like this:

Yay! Photo from Holly Aird's home, via Living etc.

found at decorology

Day off

2009-08-29T14:05:00.002-04:00

I'm heading to a music festival of sorts later today. I can't wait to be outside and just relax.

photo by Frl. Zucker

mmm... sale

2009-08-29T00:31:00.004-04:00

It's Friday night and I'm home, sick, watching DVD's of How I Met Your Mother and revisiting the items I've been drooling over all summer, most of which are on sale. Here are a few of my favorites:

This draped little number from Ever that looks super comfy (and cool).

A pretty little day dress from Built By Wendy.

And, a badass pair of boots that would match with both of the dresses above, sadly out of my budget.

What sales are you shopping at?

wedding dress

2009-08-27T12:54:00.005-04:00

I'm not one to post much about weddings, but I do love pretty dresses and great photography, so I couldn't resist sharing the gem below.

Dress by Monique Lhuillier, photography by Sweet Monday.

Found via MadebyGirl

oh hell yeah

2009-08-27T07:00:00.002-04:00

Anthropologie sells a few o-check stationary designs. Although their products are not labeled so on the site, you just sort of know by looking at them. A sampling below:

Kraft Paper Notepad

Agenda du Jour

Browse more here.

p.s. I'm so, so excited!

puppy wednesday's

2009-08-26T16:06:00.002-04:00

I think the thing I like most about today's puppy wednesday's photo is the rope leash. It's a refreshing look compared to all those brightly colored utility ones.

Photo by The Sartorialist

before it's too late.

2009-08-26T13:04:00.003-04:00

If these photos don't convince you to go swimming, I don't know what else will.

by Enrique Badulescu for Velvet magazine, via Fashion Copious

Oh. My. Gosh.

2009-08-24T07:42:00.003-04:00

Isn't this waffle just about the prettiest thing you've ever seen? It looks like a little snowflake that fell from heaven.

found via hello sandwich (isn't that such a fun name for a blog?), originally via Bowhaus' flickr photostream.

patterns

2009-08-22T17:06:00.004-04:00

I've got office supplies on the brain. Mainly, these incredibly lovely floral ones from Galison.

I know I shouldn't be spending anything, but their not terribly expensive ($8.50 for eight), and they're so pretty. I could always choose the diy route, with a post from Design*Sponge on how to make your own fabric covered folders. Which option do you prefer?

It's Friday!

2009-08-21T09:51:00.000-04:00

Wear something sparkly.

via Frl. Zucker

framed objects

2009-08-20T10:47:00.001-04:00

I love the look of these porcelain frames, each with a useful protruding item of some sort. I'd pick the one in the middle and use it as a shelf for flowers!

$100 each at the.

Puppy Wednesdays

2009-08-19T11:19:00.001-04:00

Last week I totally forgot to post my weekly puppy image, so here's an awesome one to make up for it.

Via isolano.'s flickr photostream.

Hello!

2009-08-18T11:32:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to say hello since I will not be posting today. See you tomorrow for puppy wednesdays! Love, Vanessa

p.s. I've been quietly posting on my tumblr account. Visit it here.

Already?

2009-08-17T00:55:00.001-04:00

I know we are at the peak of summer heat, but I can't help but be excited for fall. Halloween in particular. I want to sew an awesome costume for Andrew and I, but I'm kind of out of ideas. The best we've got so far is Chewbacca and Hans Solo, but that's just because when Andrew is yawning and he tries to talk at the same time I tease him and call him Chewie. He loves it. Got any awesome suggestions?

The illustration above is by Gemma Correll, for a special artist's edition coloring book, sold on etsy.

pretty vintage

2009-08-16T01:43:00.003-04:00

Have you guys ever heard of My Vintage Vogue? Jessica scans in old photos from magazines, advertisements, and who knows what else so that everyone can enjoy them. Here's a sample of my favorites.

Wouldn't the coat of ruffles be fun?

All photos via flickr.

today's images

2009-08-15T07:00:00.001-04:00

Harmony.

by Sandra Juto

via Flickr

Yokoo knits

2009-08-14T11:54:00.003-04:00

I cannot get over the elegance and style of the hand-knitted creations (the bags in particular) by Yokoo. I also believe that etsy sellers do a lot better when their products are photographed well. What do you think?

Visit her Etsy shop here, and her flickr photo page here.

Via Penguin & Fish.

I'd like a treat please.

2009-08-13T13:33:00.002-04:00

Awesome beyond words. Marc Jacobs also available, on sale at Hint.

via Vintage Jesus Fashion.

apples & fall

2009-08-13T10:55:00.000-04:00

It's a gloomy sky in Philly today. Here are some lovely images to get you in the mood for colder weather.

An old Vivenne Westwood ad, shot by Juergen Teller.

I apologize, I don't know who the photographer is, but it was found here.

An image from the Prada pre-fall lookbook, via Fashionologie.

More Prada pre-fall.

Ribbons and bows for Louis Vuitton pre-fall, via Style.com.

tea (towel) for me

2009-08-11T22:56:00.001-04:00

This is a tea towel, but wouldn't it look cool framed and hanging on a wall?

Buy online at Lovelylovely, found via Tea For Joy

L-L-LOVE

2009-08-11T09:29:00.002-04:00

One of my favorites, by Tim Walker, via Free People.

globes.

2009-08-09T07:00:00.001-04:00

My dream closet.

by Marcos Esperón, on flickr.

girl & boy

2009-08-07T19:00:00.000-04:00

Superb talent by 22-year-old sophie van der perre.