The Shopping Sherpa: Ornaments!

{ Antique Ornaments by Kate Bingaman Burt }

It’s that time of year again, folks. We’re hanging our Christmas decorations and gathering gifts for loved ones. Bloggers around the glitzed-up globe are presenting their annual gift guides, and we are no exception. This year we’ve rounded up some unique suggestions for common holiday presents! First up: the ever-present holiday ornament! Take a looksee…

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A Pretty Pair: Easter Colors

{ Untitled by Fetie }  { Untitled by inserirefloppino }

Westervin Wear: Maxi-mazing!

My maxi dress arrived! All the way from the UK, via Joy. Sure, it makes a pretty bold statement, but I think it’s still pretty versatile. I wanna wear it everyday! Above, I’ve paired it with my suede high-heeled boots (from Farm & Fleet, no lie), my mustard yellow pashmina (scored at the Salvation Army), and a vintage gold bracelet (I think it was my grandmother’s).

Going for something a little more classy here, with simple accessories: black & gold heels from Pay Less (at least 4 years old and still rockin’) and these gorgeous geometric earrings from To The Metal (thank you, Marina! they’ve gotten so many compliments).

Putting on my crazy-cheap white leaf earrings from Forever 21. The yoke of the dress is washed out in the other pics, but here you can see how the geometric pattern continues to the neckline. Can you tell how much I lurv it?

Another dressed up variation here, with a secondhand maroon jacket and matching vintage slingbacks (from the Salvation Army and Goodwill, respectively).

For something a little more casual, I threw on my old Target sandals (wish I had these instead), my favorite faux leather jacket (on sale from Zara), and the giant seashell ring I got in Bloomington (from Cactus Flower). So what do you think? Still too crazy? Or bold and beautiful?

Millinery 101: Not Your Mama’s Straw Hat

Time for another hat making update! Next Tuesday is our final class period–the critique. I will have 6 finished hats to show (2 felt, 2 straw, 2 cocktail hats), and I couldn’t be happier with all of them. You’ve already seen my two felt hats–the cloche and the fedora. Now, say hello to my straw hat numero uno! I chose a black, finely woven straw and an eye-catching, geometric jacquard for the trim. I actually formed this hat rather quickly–I just grabbed the closest hat blocks (a flat top for the crown and a short, gently sloped brim) and steamed the straw material on the blocks in the few minutes I had before class was over. Turned out to be one of my favorites. It’s sleek and somewhat androgynous, perfect for everyday!

A Pretty Pair: Blurred Visions

{ Poet’s Dream from oldichvondich }  { painting by Jennifer Coates }

A Pretty Pair: Sock People

{ Untitled by Gastón Suaya }  { Agot Dance Group by Phyllis Galembo }

Daily Pretties: Pink Sky at Night

{ last beach day on earth by Marilyn Rondon }  { Untitled by Kimberly Denson }

Daily Pretties: To Produce

{ Untitled by Michael Barry }  { Untitled (although, I’ve personally titled this one BlazAM) by Grace Steinel Jones (hey! i know her!) }

I know what you’re thinking. Where on god’s green earth have we been? Do we think we can disappear with no warning for a month and then pop up again like a greedy gofer wanting back in the spotlight? This isn’t a game of wack-a-mole! This is life. And you’re right. Well, all I can say is, this blogger needed a long staycation. But now we’re back. Stay on your toes.

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Daily Pretties: IQ Test

{ Hospitality by Oh Carlyn }  { Untitled by Salva López }

The Shopping Sherpa: Just Because

{ Clockwise from top left: Woman in a fur cape Print from Hello Earth;  Pie Chart Pin Set from Studio Fludd;  Strange Geometry II Earrings from Chainette;  Sea Green Arrow Necklace from Verla Ivans }