Think Pink

Being a Southerner, I have always loved pink even when it wasn't popular or in fashion.  But now that it is "in" it's everywhere.....even in unexpected ways.

Like this pink turtleneck with taffeta cuffs.  Wear this in winter with black pants.

(Pink Turtleneck)

Or these Gucci loafers in hot pink.

(Gucci Loafers)

Or these rockstud flats.  Love these!

(Valentino Flats)

Or this North Face Rain Jacket.

(Rain Jacket)

I love this pink shirt dress.  Wear this with booties into fall.

(Ann Taylor Dress)

Or this Kate Spade trench in pale pink.

(Kate Spade Coat)

Or this Nude Pink dress that could easily go into the fall.

(Hobbs Dress)

Happy Thursday!

Rhinestone Cowboy

Glenn Campbell passed away yesterday after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He was a legend in his own time and my father was a big fan.  There is a great documentary out there about him that is worth viewing, it will make you laugh and cry.  CBS Sunday Morning did a segment on him in 2012. View it here.  You'll be glad you did.

It seems that rhinestones are everywhere and still in fashion (did they ever go out of style?).  You can find them on shoes......

(Net-a-Porter)

(Net-a-Porter)

And I love this article in the UK Daily Mail about Princess Diana's rhinestone jewelry. Yes, much of it was fake.  Read the story here. Seems she was a big fan of UK's Butler & Wilson, a great source for costume jewelry.

RIP Rhinestone Cowboy!

Tuesday Treasure Hunt

August is a great time of year to find bargains galore for house, home and your closet.  Look what I found.....

These Pine Cone Hill Embroidered Sheets are on sale right now at Horchow and who doesn't need to update their linen closet.  And I love the colors!

(Pine Cone Hill Sheets)

Want a fun set of flatware for summer dining for $35 for the entire set?  Not kidding.....

(Bamboo Flatware, 20-piece set)

Love these velvet slides that you add "pop" to any fall outfit.

(Velvet Slides)

Go with everything in your closet bamboo clutch.

(Clutch)

More mules for fall.  Aren't these stunning?  I am loving the velvet look that is so "in" for the new season.

(Mules)

I love these silk pants. I have an older pair in green that I wear mostly with black. I am loving the navy ones too! I'd dress these up or down and will look great with a pair of mules or slides.

(Silk Pants)

(Wear with everything cuff)

I have always loved this bar cart that now comes in black.

(Bar Cart)

(Striped Beach Towel)

I can think of a lot of other uses for this adorable towel.  I'd use it as a throw.  

Happy Tuesday!

Magnificent Mirador

Virginia is home to many splendid estates, steeped in history, and Mirador, just outside of Charlottesville, is one of my favorites.

(Francis Benjamin Johnston photo, 1926)

The home was built in 1842 and underwent a renovation in the 1920's by noted architect William Adams Delano.   Mirador is located in Greenway, Virginia, just west of Charlottesville in an area full of large estates.  The estate includes several outbuildings and a Colonial Revival stable built in 1910.  Also on the property is the Sam Black Tavern, a log building dated to 1769 which was moved to the property from neighboring Seven Oaks Farm (currently owned by musician Dave Matthews).  

(Sam Black's Tavern)

 Mirador was the childhood home of Nancy Langhorne Astor who was born in Danville, Virginia (near the Virginia, North Carolina border).  Her father made his fortune in the tobacco and railroad business and purchased Mirador. He had lost his fortune during the Civil War but was able to build it a second time.  She lived here from 1892 to 1897 (she later became Lady Astor when she married Waldorf Astor).  She moved to England where she was the first woman to sit as a Member of Parliament. 

Her sister, Irene, also lived here. She became the wife of artist Charles Dana Gibson and was a model for the Gibson Girl. 

(Gibson Girl Muses)

The famous decorator, Nancy Lancaster bought the property and lived here until the 1950's.  Lancaster was the niece of Lady Astor and Irene Gibson.  Her mother was Elizabeth Perkins, eldest daughter of Chiswell and Nancy Langhorne. Nancy grew up in Richmond, Virginia and New York. Her fondest childhood memories were while visiting her family at Mirador. She married three times, and it was during her second marriage to Ronald Tree that she bought Mirador from her aunt Phyllis. She bought the house in 1922 and sold it in 1950 when she was living in England. Nancy lived in England for most of her adult life and she owned the interior decorating firm Colefax Fowler which is still in existence today and remains one of my favorite fabric sources.

Mile Redd for Ballard Designs

 It's great to see another collaboration and this time uber decorator Miles Redd teams up with Ballard Design to offer his vivid use of color and Hollywood glamour to the masses.  His 28-piece collaboration is reasonably priced and offers bursts of color using lacquer, chrome, leather and wood.

You can shop the collection here.

And you might also enjoy his book:

Splendid Splurges

There are some things in life that are worth "paying for" and looking back, I want to say that "yes" it was worth it, to splurge on some of these splendid things.

1) Manolo Blahniks
These were famous long before Sex and the City came along.  Sometimes you just have to make the plunge. Nothing looks better on a woman's feet and this brand is timeless.  Totally worth it.

(Plaid Mules)

2) Hermes Scarves
Hermes scarves are expensive but I must say that I use mine all the time, over and over again, and a knock-off just won't do.  If you can buy one with all of the colors you wear, you'll get your money's worth and you can always resell these if you tire of them.

3) A Good Handbag
If you think about how often you use a handbag, buying a good quality basic bag is worth the expense.  I don't buy these often and buy brands I know I'll love even five or ten years later. Totally worth it.  Nothing makes a good outfit bad like a cheap handbag.

4) A Good Moisturizer
Your skin is worth the expense of finding the right moisturizer for you.  Sometimes the one you like is expensive and if you find one that works for you, you may be able to justify the expense.  

5) Original Art You Love
Over time I have learned to appreciate art and admit that early on, I did not have this appreciation.  We have found a few artists that we love and have a number of paintings by one artist in particular.  I enjoy having this art around me now in multiple rooms in my house and cabin.  Totally worth the expense. Totally.

6) An Expensive Dress for a Memorable Evening
We lament about not dressing up to go out anymore and the "events" that come my way in my world are few and far between now that I am out of the city. But every now and then isn't it great to put together a fabulous outfit for a special evening?  And take photos!

Other Splurges I Have Never Regretted........
* Tickets to the Eagles Concert (may Glenn Frey RIP)
* The last minute trip to the UK to attend a country wedding of a close friend
* The very expensive "Jackie O" style Barney's suit that I bought in the early 90's and still wear
* Anything Armani

Have a great Thursday!

Animal Kingdom

The animals are everywhere again for fall as they were in spring/summer.  Love it!

(J Crew Elephant Blouse)

(Elephant Print Dress - J Crew)

(Giraffe Shoes)

(Giraffe Shirt)

(Tiger Shirt)

 (Tiger T-Shirt)

 (Tiger Loafers)

(Elephant Bandana)

(Animal Pouch)

But I think that Gucci pushed the envelope a bit too far.......