Such Pretty Things

A Cure for the Winter Blues

It's only the middle of January and I am already finding myself longing for Spring. I miss the bright sunlight, the longer days, and the warm temperatures. I miss leaves on the trees, flowers blooming in the garden and COLOR!  Yup, I am most definitely in major color withdrawal. So, to fight off the winter blues, I like to surround myself with as much color as possible. Enter: Kate Spade. I've been a fan for years, but this season she's totally got my number.  One look at her new candy-colored collection and you just can't help but feel happy!  With a name like "Gumdrop", this necklace is pretty enough to eat!

Look at those beautiful colors! And the earrings!

They just make me smile.

Yes, I know, Kate is on the spendy side...but then again, so is therapy.  :-)

XOXO

Jessica

***As always, I am not paid for my opinions or recommendations - I just love to share my favorite finds!

Pretty Resources: Tutu du Monde

Mini-mini-me and I were desperately searching for pretty ballet costumes for Halloween, when I came across some of the most beautiful tutus and dance costumes I had ever seen... 

Tutu du Monde is the brainchild of Andrea Rembeck, a designer mom who couldn't find beautifully made tutus for her young daughter. Designed in Australia and handmade in India, Tutu du Monde's tutus and costumes are any little (or big) girl's fantasy...

Imagine silks, tulle, sequins, and dusty pastels...

This is the stuff that dreams are truly made of...

Fortunately for us, they ship to the U.S.!

And, while the prices reflect the incredible craftsmanship, luxe materials, and attention to detail, these are true heirlooms that could be passed down to generation upon generation.

I just wish they made them in my size...

:-)

Jessica

* first photo by Moi, the rest from the Tutu du Monde website.

My Summer Bag Essentials

I am soooo craving color lately. And luckily, this season's trends are replete with pretty colors everywhere I turn - from cool, minty greens to vibrant, hot pinks. I decided it was time for a new, colorful summer bag and when I spotted this one by Lilly Pulitzer, I knew it was the perfect one. I just love the bright chevron stripes and the hot pink lining. It's roomy enough for a trip to the beach, but stylish enough to carry everyday. Inside, you will find all my summer bag essentials.

I, of course, carry the basics like my keys and wallet. I couldn't resist this shiny hot pink pink patent one by Ted Baker. Totally brings out the six year-old in me!

I also carry other necessities like my iPhone. I like to switch out my cases, but this one I scored at Five Below for only $5. I also carry a small change purse (Cath Kidston) to hold my earphones and chargers, a re-usable fold-a-way bag for spontaneous purchases (Paperchase), and a mini notebook (Liberty of London for Target) and pens (Dollar Spot at Target) in case inspiration strikes. :-)

I always have lots of hair elastics on hand for me and the girls.  I keep them all tidy and organized by putting them on a binder ring (a great idea I picked up from Pinterest).

I also stock my summer bag with all my basic beauty essentials...my make-up bag (Cath Kidston), sunscreen (loving this one by Neutrogena), tissues, a mirror compact (Cath Kidston), lip gloss (MOR), a mini hairbrush (Bamboo), and hand lotion (Pacifica).

Hand sanitizer (I am a major germ-a-phobe), band-aids (for blisters and boo-boos), and some little candies or gum are must-haves as well.

Not pictured: the zillions of crumpled receipts, discarded gum wrappers, and loose change that inevitably find their way to bottom of my bag. :-) What are your summer essentials?

Be back soon with my favorite summer make-up picks!

XOXO

Jessica

Target Tuesday: No-Sew Ruffled Tulle Aprons

OK, so I am a day later than promised with these, but I think you will forgive me when you see how cute and easy these no-sew aprons are to make!  I was actually going to skip aprons for the cake decorating party this year.  I just couldn't find any as nice as the ones I found for the last party and and I really didn't have the time to sew any myself.  But.....I was walking though the girls' department at Target over the weekend and I found these adorable ruffled tulle skirts on CLEARANCE!

I instantly had an idea - why not turn them into aprons? The great thing about elastic and tulle is that they do not unravel easily - making them perfect for a no-sew project.  So I grabbed a bunch and got to work. I began by carefully cutting each skirt down the side seems.  The result: two apron panels per skirt! Then I used my iron and some Heat n Bond (available at craft and sewing shops) to attach a 4-foot length of pink ruffled ribbon to the elastic waistband of each apron.

As a finishing touch, I added some clip-on fabric flowers (H&M) that the girls can later wear in their hair.

So, for less than $5 a piece (and without any sewing!!!), I have a pile of pretty aprons! And they were so easy and quick to make - I was actually able to finish 12 aprons in just a few hours!

:-)

Jessica

Pretty London: VV Rouleaux

Sooooo, I apologize for the little blogging break, but I just got back from a week in London. The girls had a few extra days off surrounding the holiday weekend, so we figured we would get out of town for a bit. I am still fighting some serious jet-lag, but I wanted to show you some highlights from our trip. I've previously written about VV Rouleaux, but I never miss an opportunity to visit this gloriously beautiful haberdashery. The brainchild of Annabel Lewis, a former florist, VV Rouleaux is a ribbon and millinery lovers dream come true. The storefront window entices the eye like a candy shop.

Once inside, roll upon roll of pretty ribbon greets you...

There are antique crates filled with delicate millinery blossoms...

And even more crates...

Stunning hat-making supplies and feathers...

The shop comprises two levels...

The lower level is filled with tons of fancy trims, birds, butterflies, even more millinery flowers, etc...

Definitely a can't miss shop if you find yourself in London!

Back soon...

XOXO

Jessica

 

 

Candy Colored Necklaces

I nearly fainted when I saw these candy colored necklaces at Urban Outfitters!

The "sweet" colors are pure pastel perfection.

They look so pretty when worn together...or separately.

You can find them here and here.

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Finds: Too Faced Cosmetics

Are you familiar with Too Faced Cosmetics?  If not, I think you will be very, very happy to discover them.  Not only is their make-up of excellent quality, but their pastel packaging would make Marie Antoinette swoon!  I absolutely fell in love with their Confection and Boudoir Collections. This pretty chocolate box themed set is filled with a huge selection of super wearable neutral cosmetics.

Wouldn't it just be perfect for Valentine's Day!

I usually find my Too Faced products locally at Sephora and Ulta, but they also have a fabulous website as well.

XOXO

Jessica

I am Probably Way Too Old for This...

O.K., I am probably waaaaay too old for glittery eye shadow, but I love it anyway. I discovered the NYX Cosmetics brand at Urban Outfitters some time back and I have been hooked ever since!

Their prices are absolutely incredible and their products are so much fun!  This fabulous eye shadow kit filled with five glittered shadows was only $5.50 and just perfect for the holidays!

Now, I probably won't be wearing them to shop at Target anytime soon, but I am thinking that date night with the husband is a very real possibility...

:-)

Jessica

A Necklace Fit for a Princess

When I spied this gorgeous necklace at Forever 21, I practically jumped over three other customers just to get to it! :-)  The palest aqua and clear crystal rhinestones come together to form a necklace truly fit for a princess!

Soooo pretty for the holidays! And it was a bargain, too...only $14.99!

XO

Jessica

More Glittery Polishes

I just adore Deborah Lippmann's nail polishes!  Yes, they are a bit on the pricier-side, but I think they are worth every single penny.  Here are two of my newest favorites for the holidays...

I mean, how can you not love something with a name like Mermaid's Dream (greenish-blue with blue and gold glitter)...

...or Candy Shop (pink base with multi-colored glitter)???

:-)

Jessica