Target

Target's amazing Trapunto dress is back! This is at least the third year they've had it. I already own it in four colors but this dove grey is tempting me.

Trapunto - in grey, purple, black, and brown this spring.

Liberty!

Jennifer and I did make the trek to Target this weekend in the pouring rain to check out the opening of the Liberty of London collection. Although we were not in the line at the door at store's opening (!) there was still a fair amount left when we arrived in the afternoon, as well as more being put out. There was plenty I would have bought if we had needed it (dishes, storage, bedding), but I think I came away with a fair haul.

Double-strap dress - Mauverina print

I am wearing this dress today. The dresses are all polyester, but are silky and slinky and seem well made. I really like the flattering semi-dropped-waist on this one, although neither Jennifer or I are entirely convinced by the vertical ruffle. I am in love with the art-deco-esque print, though. It reminds me of Charles Rennie Mackintonsh.

 

Pleated Dress - Jumper Print

I love the exuberant print on this delightfully spring-y dress. I'm not sure how the pleats will hold up, but the trapeze shape lends itself well to layering and belting even if the full pleating washes out.

Silk Tie - Meadow Pink

I got my tie! I wore it on Monday and got a few compliments! The silk is nice for the price and I can't get over the cuteness of the print.

Lamp Shade

Finally, I picked up two of these lamp shades to go with these two wooden mid-century lamp bases we have. I'm still a little on the fence about these shades, if only because they're very bold and doubling them up may be too much. I'll put them together this weekend and see.

Card catalogue

Love these card catalogue-inspired drawer pulls from Anthro. Now on sale for $2.95! I have no idea what I'll do with them, but I bought six!

Outfit Post: The Greatest Belt on Earth

I wore this for a sunny Sunday (with a sweater eventually). I will just let the belt speak for itself:

Amazing, right??? I got it at Anthro for just $10. It's apparently one of the Tall Tales belts, but is no longer on their website. There were quite a few left in the Natick store, though.

Dress, leggings: Target

Peep-toe flats: Gap

Belt: Anthro

Weekend projects

I've been spending more time working with my sewing machine of late. I still have so much to learn, so my projects thus far still have many *charming* imperfections.

A few weeks ago, I made this pillow from a large napkin from Anthro. The back is a bright turquoise and I love the orange pom-poms around the edge!

Last weekend, I made this gathered skirt for Jennifer. I wanted to follow this tutorial but my lame-o fabric shop didn't have the nice wide elastic, so I made it with a hidden elastic waistband. But, with the amount of gathers I wanted, the waistband is much bumpier that I had hoped.

How cute is the green toile print? There are tiny bits of pink, as well (flowers in lower right corner), so I put in interior pockets in pink striped fabric.

I also made a circle skirt for myself following Lady Melbourne's tutorial; I'll get some pictures of it up soon as well! I have a good few more projects in my mind, so hopefully I can keep up the momentum.

Treasure chest

  I love this Anubis jewelry case as seen at Mrs. Lilien. Only $21! If I had a need for a jewelry box, I'd be all over it.

Books on the go

So cute! Via book lovers never go to bed alone.

Ahoy!

I'm loving the rope accessories at Anthro right now and am plotting how I can make one myself with some cotton rope and hardware from Home Depot or the like. Doable?

 

Dockline belt

Curls and Coils Necklace

 

I love the styling here - this dress is fabulous. I saw it in store this weekend and will be sale-stalking it.

Kings and queens

I love everything about this wedding as seen on You Are My Fave and Martha Stewart.

 

The bride's ruffly dress! The groom's plaid pants! The gorgeous tableau background!

The tent! The menus! The crowns!

The silhouettes on the top of the cake are my favorite things ever. Wouldn't it be so cute to do mini ones for cupcakes for a party?

Capture the castle

I am completely in love with the idea of renting out a gorgeous castle in Scotland or Ireland and spending a week gallivanting about the country with my family and friends. Perhaps for a special event, or (someday) a wedding? Sometimes they're done up a little too kitschy/Ren faire for me, though. But, I absolutely swooned when I saw Balbegno Castle over on Poppytalk. It's small and intimate and the decor is gorgeously contemporary, thanks to owners/restorers/decorators Charlie and Caroline Gladstone. They also own UK store Pedlars from which much of the decor comes. Love!

Loads of Union flags, a gorgeous purple bedspread, and a buck pillow.

It's all self-catering and you can order in foodstuffs from the Gladstone's other venture, Hawarden Estate Farm Shop.  I am dying for that huge copper stockpot.

I love the nods to the castle heritage in the great hall mixed with that awesome disco-esque lamp. And what a supply of wellies!

It looks so cozy - think of curling up with a book next to that window.

Beautiful! Balbegno is located in the east of Scotland between Dundee and Aberdeen and is available for self-catered weekly rentals.

Movies

 

Alternate movie poster designed by ck/ck.

Jennifer and I went to see A Single Man last night at the adorable West Newton Cinema. Not unexpectedly, the art direction, sets, and costumes were absolutely fab. It was sad and romantic and had a bit of an unsatisfying ending, but what can you do? Amazing cast, although I think Nicholas Hoult might be a robot.

We will definitely be heading back to the West Newton Cinema in the future, probably soon to see The Last Station, about the end of Tolstoy's life (starring Captain Von Trapp!). Awesomely, they also offer for sale copies of some of the films they have shown, and I scored a copy of the awesome documentary The Rape of Europa for $19.95, cheaper than I've seen it anywhere else. Also in movie news: I'm so excited to see Alice in Wonderland in IMAX 3-D this weekend or next week!

Want, please

 

These Seychelles shoes are just the right amount of cheeky schoolgirl for me. Seychelles always has the cutest shoes but I have yet to buy a pair. I should rectify that...