Bargain Bin: Irene's Wedding Oufit
Friday was the culmination of weddings on our list this Summer. Bring on more weddings, I say. With each of them equally fun and special in their own right, Friday's deserves a few extra points because Evan was given the honor of officiating. Baffling and humorous if you know my husband, or Rev Ev as nicknamed by The Bride.
Picking out a wedding outfit is only part of the fun of the whole wedding attending process. Initially, I wanted a dress with a summer-y print and to stray far away from black. Low and behold, an LBD is what I bought. I convinced myself it was the right choice for a young, hip wedding and tried to make it look edgy slash chic. I thought the dress was a'ight and was completely surprised by the sweet comments this $27 dress received.
I "accidentally" beheaded myself. I was toying with the crop button and Poof, off with her head she goes. I recently switched over to a Mac and apparently I'm still learning the ropes. I'm sure I was dancing at this point, which totally reminded me of the moment my friend came up to me to tell me her date asked her if I was on extacy. At which point I should've responded with, "No way! I dance way different when I'm on XTC." Joking aside, this isn't the first time someone confuses my high energy with engaging in mind altering drugs. It's a compliment where I come from.
Here's a "better" picture. Me with The Rev. His tranquilizers were just sinking in. Don't let this picture discourage you from hiring him.
Here's a breakdown of my outfit:
Dress - Forever 21 - $27.80
Earrings - Topshop - $25
Shoes - Asos - $70
Belt - My belt is from a thrift store in Seattle but I found a similar one at Urban Outfitters for $38.
Clutch - I found my much cheaper version on Ebay for about $10. This McQueen one will set you back, a lot.
Ring - My turquoise ring was a gift from The BCF. This one here is from Couture Candy.
Nail Polish - We scoped out the wedding location before the wedding and was completely inspired by these amazing sparkly pendants hanging from the ceiling, so I bought this Sephora by OPI nail polish to coordinate, but I ran out of time and only got to paint my thumb. Boo.
This outfit is also very New Years. If you like to plan ahead, go on and take it. You're welcome.
Cheers,
Irene Lovett
Girl's Nursery
Another nursery?!? I can't help it, they're so cute. And yesterday when I saw these prints via The NEO-traditionalist, I knew I had to take a dab at incorporating them into the space I'm not quite ready to reproduce in real life.
You see, when I am ready, I can come back to this little bloggy and feel completely inspired by what I've created, or totally hate it. Either way, I'll think, Damn Irene, you were way smart keeping all these files stored up like this. And then I'll be like, I know. Remember when I used to throw everything out and never wrote anything down because I was certain my memory would never fail on me. How dumb was I? Don't answer.
How classy, these prints are in French! Although I should probably be more concerned with teaching our kid(s) Español.
The real kicker was this crib.
I'll be honest, I was stuck on what to blog about and you can thank this crib here that you have something to feast your eyes on today.
Being from IKEA, I kinda fear that my baby could fall through, but doesn't this color put the un in fun.
The baby will need a dresser/changing table combo. This one from Wal-Mart would save me some money.
Once the crib and changing table were found, the next step was the area rug. And in came one from West Elm.
Yes, it's cowhide and yes it's okay for a nursery.
This picture says so.
These walls need some paint color. A pale pink is what the doctor designer ordered. It's Valspar's Paris Pink and plays in nicely with the French Alphabet prints.
A glider to sit on while this baby gets fed and a turquoise pouf to rest a tired mama's feet. Both from Serena and Lily.
A few more accessories and the end result will look sorta like this:
Leather hanging mirrors, also from Serena and Lily. The pink glass base lamp is from IKEA. The tree stump side table is from West Elm. Robert Allen fabric in houndstooth will be used to make a roman shade. Ta-da.
- Irene Lovett
On a Walk
Back from the doctor and all is good on the Western Front. Just a little carpel tunnel. Bet you didn't think I spent so much time on the web researching fun items and pretty pictures to share with you all, or maybe you did and this comes to no surprise. It's worth it and so was getting poked by the nurse. Did not expect to have blood drawn otherwise I may have had more than a pot of coffee for breakfast. Arrived at my appointment in lighting speed time. I also managed to make it home safely through the nauseating, loopy (maybe that was just me) roads of Pacific Palisades to bring you a set inspired by the picture I teased you with before I left. Took it while walking the doggies and snapped the fastest picture I could because the owner had just gotten home and didn't want to get caught looking like a crazy. I assume these windows are to her bedroom and if she would've seen me, I would've been MORTIFIED.
The red bush perched under the window is what first caught my attention. I stopped and stared while the doggies took care of business, wondering why I never took notice before. The big, open windows with black shutters make for a great color scheme and wondered if I'd be able to come up with something incorporating the color of the tree and grass as well.
I created a layout meant for the outdoors because it's still Summer and wanna be in Summer mode at least until it's over.
If you're interested, items used are as follows:
Daybed - Laneventure, Wicker Chairs - Pieces, Wicker Ottomans - Pieces, Area Rug - Madeline Weinrib, Zebra Bench - Oly, Accent Pillows - Madeline Weinrib, Planter - Well Appointed House, Tree Stump Side Table - West Elm
- Irene Lovett
stILe Finds: Summer Outfit
I've seen this picture a few times before, but today I decided to take it from The City Sage.
For a while I was really worried Los Angeles would not receive a Summer this year, which would be entirely cruel and evil of Mother Nature. I don't care if we're gifted with 75 degree weather throughout most of the year, no sweater weather kinda nights are what I live for. But alas, my prayers have been answered and we've been experiencing some warmer days and nights. Unfortunately, Summer is practically over but that's alright by me because I have a feeling it'll still feel like Summer come December. This room made me all happy-cheery and wanna create a Summer outfit based around these colors. Fly enough for a wedding even.
Dress - Missoni, Shoes - Givenchy, Purse - Topshop, Sunglasses - Love-Worn
Good Day,
Irene Lovett
My So-Called Life
And on the seventh day, God created Jordan Catalano.
Jordan Catalano was the love of my 7th grade life and felt like he broke up with me after My So-Called Life was canceled. I was devastated even if we only dated for 19 episodes. I wasn't ready to heal my broken heart and immersed myself in reruns aired by MTV. I finally got over the break-up once the real life Jordan Catalano (Jared Leto) went goth on me.
Fictional boyfriend aside, I related to this show more than any show I've ever been a fan of. Although I never quite understood what the hell was up with Rayanne's outfits. I often felt as uncool and self-aware as Angela, suffered from an unrequited heart, felt like I had an uncomfortable father-daughter relationship, and hung out with the gays. I too remember thinking my peers had cooler parents because mine were still married and very much normal. Luckily, those days of trying to find myself are long over but my love for this show has never dwindled.
In keeping with the 90s theme, I share with you the best show that not enough people seemed to care about.
Watch the opening credits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLpy06JCpws
Long Live My So-Called Life,
Irene Lovett
Party Like It's 1999, Literally
We're gonna party like it's 1999, and the entire decade that brought us grunge, doc martens, 90210 and Crystal Pepsi (bet you forgot about that one). While several people still think it's cool and original to celebrate the 80s, we're thinking we're "The Bomb" by celebrating the 90s. Oh Snap. The Sistah's been talking about throwing a 90s party (probably since the 90s) and it's finally coming to fruition. We're so "hella" excited we even mailed out invites.
My brother-in-law posing as Jules from the iconic film, Pulp Fiction.
To get us more pumped for the party, which is on Saturday, I'm dedicating the rest of this week's posts to all things 90s. And I'm starting off with one of my favorite movies - Clueless. You'd be pretty surprised at the amount of movies I haven't seen, and for every movie I haven't seen I've seen Clueless at least twice. I won't bore you with the amount of quotes I could recite (I'm sure you know a decent amount too), so instead I'll share a little collage of the three I once considered my Best Friends - Cher, Tai and Dee.
Can't wait to share pictures. I'm sure this party will be "off the heasy."
-Irene Lovett
Bargain Bin: Take Four
My choices for this weeks bargain bin consist of items for the home. Enjoy!
- Every home needs a fabulous mirror and this one from Burke Decor has an amazing shape. The black color will pop against any boring ole wall. Purchase it here for $72.50.
- I love quirky items, doormat from here is just that. Guests will know you have great humor and it's only $25.00.
- These pendants from West Elm are on sale for $79.99 each. I would buy the set of three for $219.99 and create a layered look over a dining room table.
- Also love a good area rug with a great pattern. Available for $110.00 through The Well Appointed House.
- These sleek and chic Galvanized Planters are a steal for only $5.95 for the small and $24.95 for the large. Just right for a cute little patio or porch.
- Throw pillow with pink accent is calling for the woman who doesn't want to come off too girlie. On sale for $35 at Dwell Studio.
"See" you all back here tomorrow.
-Irene Lovett
stILe finds: Boy's Nursery
Nope, still not pregnant.
I spied on The Sistah's facebook comments after she posted about my mention in the SFGate and read her pregnant friend's comment that asked if I'd design her nursery. She may have been kinda joking, but I'm dead serious and created an inspiration board with no clue as to what she even has in mind for her little man. Here's what I came up with.
In case you're wondering what those two dots are on the top left corner, they're paint swatches. The darker hue would be an accent wall and the three remaining walls would be painted in the lighter color. The crib is from The New Traditionalists. The black and white striped rug is from IKEA, as is the white side chair, which I thought should have a throw pillow made from fabric from here. The giraffe lamp is Jonathan Adler. Bamboo Shades can be found at Home Depot and Lowe's, I'm sure. Espresso changing table adds contrast amongst the white crib and side chair. Two custom wall prints from here and here bring in personal touches, and the seagull one I've had my eye on since April.
High Five to all the Mom-to-Be's,
Irene Lovett
Bargain Bin: Take Three
I share with you some stylish yet extremely affordable items that I hope you like enough to add to your wardrobe. And if you do, let me know so I can borrow them. : )
Dresses are the solution when an easy outfit is desired. Try this Striped Maxi Dress from Forever 21 - $15.80
Protect your eyes from the hot Summer sun with these Old Navy sunglasses - $7.97
Jot down your Summer memories with this journal from Anthropologie - $12
Don't be shy with color this Summer. Try painting your nails a fun one. Mint Candy Apple from Essie is on my list - $8
Multi-Chain Necklace from Forever 21 is only $8.80 but its statement is priceless.
Perfect for a beach trip, stash your Summer essentials in this Canvas Carryall from Urban Outfitters - $29.99
Asos Suede Cork Pumps are a steal at only $25.
I hope the Sun will make an appearance on this gloomy Tuesday,
Irene Lovett
Lusty Lusterson
*We interrupt this regularly scheduled program*
My apologies if you were anticipating Bargain Bin. Yesterday was busy, busy and this morning I will be meeting with The Sistah to shop for dad's fiesta, so I'll share with you a shoe I've been lusting over since Friday night. The shoe is so enticing, I stopped what I was doing (sleeping) and quickly created a budget-crippling concoction early Saturday morning. Woe is me.
A cotton Acne dress is summer appropriate even if it's black. To pull off an edgy look, I paired it with my current obsession - Alexander Wang Devon Suede Booties. A mulberry shoulder bag to store my belongings. A watch to mix in a classic element, and a ring to balance out the edge.
I'll admit, I was first drawn to the sparkly version, but even in a pretend life I like to be practical.
Sweet Tuesday,
Irene Lovett