Lust List: May 2014

This month is all about those must-have pieces that will take you from Spring to Summer, day to night, work to vacation. Those stylish, yet versatile workhorse pieces that play double duty the items I am currently lusting after this month look just as fabulous on their own or mixed together. You’ll find feminine dresses, pretty tops, chic tunics, and statement-making accessories and shoes. What are you lusting after this month?

Lust List: March 2014

I was planning to do an Oscars Red Carpet Recap today, but my flight to Atlanta where I am speaking at the Design Bloggers Conference this morning got very delayed and I didn't get in until the Oscars were nearly over last night and I only had time to order a bite to eat and practice my presentation a few more times. 
Alas, it is a new day and I am so happy that March is here! That means spring is just around the corner and hopefully, we can finally put winter to bed. This month, I am thinking ahead to the spring season with pretty new sandals, classic Slim Aarons photographs, fabulous layering pieces like pretty blouses and chic jackets, and a few statement pieces of jewelry. As usual, I've kept the palette pretty neutral, adding color through accessories. The look is clean and timeless with a touch of glamour!

Lust List: January 2014

Now that the holidays are behind us, it's time to bring our "Lust Lists" back! This month, it's all about having a fresh start. Maybe you want to take some fashion risks this year or perhaps you want to pare back on the trends and really focus on the classics. Either way, this month's list has items you're bound to love! It's also a funny month for travel. While some people are embracing the peak of winter, others are flocking to warmer, sunnier locales. In January, a new scarf might come in handy just as much as a pair of new sandals! This month, I am all about chic, timeless staples mixed with a few statement pieces. Think black, camel, and white with colorful accessories!

Lust List: October 2013

I just got back from spending nearly a week in California, first in Orange County where I spoke at Design Camp and then Los Angeles, where I spent lots of fun, quality time with a dear friend and design mentor. We even had some great celebrity sightings on Sunday-- Anne Hathaway, Brian Atwood, and Hailey Steinfeld at brunch and then Ellen Degeneres and Portia Rossi, Tommy Hilfiger at dinner! Naturally, after being in L.A., I am totally feeling a slightly more laid-back, edgier twist on classic pieces-- think camo, leather, stilettos, moto jackets, and some fabulous bags-- all of which are more attainable than the thing I am lusting after the most-- moving to L.A. which feels like my home away from home. Hopefully someday!

Lust List: August 2013

This month, I’m craving a few of my usual style staples—pretty blouses, versatile handbags, a statement piece of jewelry or two, and of course, a few fabulous pairs of shoes. However, while it may all feel familiar, I am totally zeroing in on special details this month—the Scalamandre-esque lining of a safari jacket, a bejeweled chambray button-down, an unexpected pop of color on a Celine-inspired black purse from J.Crew, and even a beautifully monogrammed baseball cap. I’ve never worn a baseball cap, but the pretty monogram on this one has me looking for excuses to wear one. While I am eagerly anticipating fall and the opportunity to rock some of these stylish booties and some chic jackets, I know that sadly, cooler weather is still months away for us here in Houston. At least I have my trip to London next month to look forward to!  What are you lusting after this month?

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Currently Obsessed: July 2013

Every month, I share the items on my wish list in my “Lust List”. As fun as those posts are to do, I’ve been wanting to do something a little more personal to share the things I currently can’t get enough of and hopefully, read about your obsessions as well. While I love that La Dolce Vita has grown to have a very editorial look and feel, I want to get back to the roots of this blog and connect with you all a bit more. Each month, I will share the things I am currently obsessed with and I hope that you’ll share some of your current obsessions in the comments section!

TV Show(s): I'm late to the party on both of these shows, but better late than never, right? I can't get enough of Arrested Development and Nashville. Arrested Development is acerbic and hilarious in the best way possible while Nashville is another great, juicy drama on ABC. Both are so fun to watch!

Song: "Sweater Weather" by The Neighbourhood- This has been my go-to song all summer. I love, love, love it and the video is beautifully done, too. I love the vintage Mercedes and scenes of my beloved LA.

Instagrammer: @KatieArmour—It’s so fun to keep up with Katie as she captures her New York adventures through her distinctly “Neo-Traditionalist” and “Matchbook” eye. 

Pinterest User: Sue from The Zhush—She and I have similar taste and I am drawn to just about everything she pins!

Blog: Since being out on my own again, I finally have more time to catch up on my favorite blogs and discover new ones. While catching up on Things That Sparkle the other day, I was introduced to It's the Little Things and I cannot get enough of her hilarious, weekly "Coffee Talk" posts with recaps of that week's reality shows. It reminds me of Scented Glossy Magazines. Do you guys remember her?

Fashion Muse: Miranda Kerr, as evidenced by my last Modern Style Muse post.

{The Chic Guest Room at Mark’s House via my Instagram Feed}

Inspiring Designer: My blogger bestie and dear friend, Mark Sikes. Mark was sweet enough to invite me to stay at his gorgeous home in Los Angeles last month and while I was there I got to see him in his element and in action in his office. To say I was inspired would be an understatement. He has such an amazing understanding of his own style and such a keen eye. Not to mention, we have a ton of fun together!

{via Instagram}

Bag: I never expected to be spending so much time in my car now that I am focusing on interior design full time. Because I am always on the go and need to carry all of the tools of the trade with me, I am loving my monogrammed Gigi New York Teddy Tote. I kind of want one in black, too.

via Instagram

Color: Indigo—my obsession continues!

Inspiring Quote: From Rachel Zoe Vice President, Mandana Dayani regarding the biggest career mistake women can make: "Entitlement. I find it abhorrent when anyone declares an expectation of something they haven't earned. If you want something, earn it. It just feels so much better when you achieve it." – A powerful reminder indeed. Pride comes before the fall. Stay humble, people.

Drink du Jour: Iced Unsweetened Tazo Zen Green Tea

  {Revenge Wears Prada, this month’s House Beautiful, and a trio of Cinco Powell Tassels were part of last week’s mail call. | via Instagram}

Book: I recently started reading Revenge Wears Prada. So far, I am enjoying it, but I can't stop picturing Anne Hathaway with her new blonde 'do which is so not Andy Sachs.

Guilty Pleasure: The Real Housewives-- This month, it happens to be Orange County and New Jersey.

Triumph: Booking a really big, exciting interior design project! I can't wait to share some sneak peeks with you guys.

Bane of Existence: This awful heat. I can't wait for my favorite season to begin-- fall!

Blessing: I feel so blessed to get to do what I love for a living. My path inevitably lead me to interior design and on some level, I always knew that it would. I am so thankful for the amazing clients I've worked with and am currently working with. There aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done between my blog and design work, but I wake up each day super excited to do it all again. I am loving every minute.

Go-To Outfit: Cropped Black Skinny Trousers and J. Crew Popover Shirts with my Cork Jack Rogers Sandals and some of my signature jewelry-- rings and bracelets from A Bientot.

  {via Instagram}

Favorite Accessory: My Loren Hope Farrah Tassel Necklace-- I am beyond obsessed with it. I wanted to get a second one in a different color, but it is no longer on the website. I am so sad about this!

{Piccadilly Square in London}

 
Trips being Planned: Hopefully, we'll be taking a trip to London soon in celebration of our 8th wedding anniversary. We haven't been since 2009 and I am dying to go back!

So, what are you currently obsessed with?

Lust List: July 2013

This month is all about accessories and wishful thinking.  Summer has really kicked into high gear here in Houston and it is H-O-T. Sure, it is to be expected, but it seems like every summer is hotter than the last. Summer really seems to lose a lot of its charm once you’re a working adult! I keep daydreaming about cooler destinations and fall clothes. September can’t get here soon enough! In the meantime, I am loving chambray shirts in new washes, sleek shoes, chic bags, and statement-making jewelry. Shocking right? Are you anxiously awaiting fall or are you relishing every minute of summer?

  

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Do any of these items make your “lust list”?

Lust List: June 2013

This month, and if I am totally honest, every other month as well, I find myself drawn to classic, timeless staples and silhouettes mixed with bold colors, unexpected patterns, and a touch of glamour. No surprise there, right?! From the perfect little black dresses that can take you from morning to night to chic staples like eyelet, metallic sandals, and neutral bags, the stylish pieces on my June Lust List will take you through the summer and beyond.

{1. J.Crew Collection Pinwheel Eyelet Top |  2. Kenneth Jay Lane Coral and Rhinestone Drop Earrings |  3. J.Crew Remi Ribbon Sandals | 4. Cleobella Leo Clutch | 5. Shoshanna “Joyce” Maxi Dress | 6. Joie Behati Eyelet Dress |  7. J.Crew Gold Foil Minaudiere | 8. J.Crew Gabby Suede Sandals | 9. Michael Kors Collection “Miranda” Leather Tote | 10. J.Crew Embroidered Gauze Top | 11. J.Crew Punk Floral Twist Bandeau Tank | 12. Gap Perforated Wedge Sandal | 13. Tory Burch Halland Tote | 14. Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings in Abalone | 15. Anthropologie Sparkle Braided Sandals | 16. Three J NYC “Eloise” Pajama Set}

Which of these items are on your must-have list?

Currently Obsessed: Emerson Fry

{Does it get any chicer than this? I love Emerson Fry’s new A-Line Mod Top.}

I remember back when Emerson Fry was EmersonMade, a line of tabletop accessories and handmade flower pins reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw which eventually went on to launch a clothing line in 2010. Fast forward about three years and Emerson Fry has proven to be an ultra-chic contemporary line. Last season, Emerson produced several gorgeous coats that I lusted after and this season, she has really nailed it. There are so many pieces in her current collection that I absolutely adore. The pieces are all very versatile and timeless—the kind of clothes you’ll wear forever. Each piece, like the Emerson Fry girl is chic, effortless, and cool. I want to be the Emerson Fry girl—this collection is just that good!

{The Big Geo print on this A-Line Mod Top is gorgeous! It’s deco glam meets mod sixties in the best way possible.}

{I featured this classic white Safari Dress in this month’s Lust List. Can you blame me for featuring it again? So good!}

{I’m obsessed with the Bib Shirt Dress, shown here in Railroad. The cut is flattering and timeless and this is one of Emerson Fry’s most versatile pieces. It can be worn as a dress, shirt, or tunic. Love, love, love it!}

{The Bib Shirt Dress in Black}

{The Bib Shirt Dress Worn as a Shirt}

{The Bib Shirt Dress in Ivory}

{I love the Emerson Pockets Blouse in this sunny yellow.}

{The T-Snap Dress in Navy and Green is another super versatile piece.}

{The Keyhole Dress in the Rain Print is such a great summer piece.}

{Emerson Fry’s Leopard Print is so good! I love the color and scale of her pattern, shown here in the Pull Tab Skirt.}

{There’s a wait list for the Mod Coat Dress in Big Geo and I can’t say that I’m surprised. It’s such a fabulous print on a universally flattering cut.}

{The Mod Coat Dress in Big Geo shown as a Dress}