Take a look at some amazing flooring [...]]]> I wonder what my husband would say if I told him I wanted to rip up all of our amazing hardwoods, scrap them and start over with a chevron pattern? I am pretty sure he would not say anything, there would be homicide … just a guess.

Take a look at some amazing flooring examples of the chevron pattern done right.

Enjoy!
PS

Design is in Sheridan French’s blood. Inspired [...]]]> It seems that I (and every other lifestyle blogger in the universe) have a major girl crush on Sheridan French. I mean how can you not? She is so cute, has the best hair and runs an incredible label and blog! She is even adorable pregnant.

Design is in Sheridan French’s blood. Inspired by her great grandmother, Sheridan, age 12, created her first ball gown and has never looked back. Sheridan has pursued her passion for design while studying in Europe for a Masters degree, both modeling on the runway and designing her own collections. Sheridan then cemented her fashion credentials in Prada’s London Press Office. Can someone say, DREAM JOB!?

Now back in her home town of Fort Worth, Texas raising a family of her own, Sheridan’s lifelong dream of owning her own label was realized with the launch of Sheridan French, a chic line of womenswear that is a fusion of exceptional prints and classic, flawless design. Sheridan’s garments reflect her eye for gorgeous textiles and a fresh, artistic approach to fashion design in the twenty-first century. By combining unique, hand-woven prints with timeless lines, the Sheridan French brand encompasses a truly vibrant collection of wearable pieces that are undeniably fun, effortlessly chic and made with your lifestyle in mind.

Like I said before, not only does the have this great label, but she also runs an amazingly successful blog called The Southern Eclectic. My favorite part of her website is the “How I Wore It” section. Below are my true faves.

Hey Sheridan, wanna be friends?

Enjoy!
PS

If you are like me, you are always looking for fun and new ways to create stationery and other documents that will put a unique spin on your project. I cannot [...]]]> I was over at one of my favorite blogs today, Snippet & Ink,  and I found a post on these fabulous 50 fonts.

If you are like me, you are always looking for fun and new ways to create stationery and other documents that will put a unique spin on your project. I cannot tell you how many pieces of stationery I have designed in my head.

I can honestly say out of the 50 here I cannot pick a favorite, I love them all! Which ones are your favorites?

Enjoy!
PS

PS: If you have not been over to Snippet & Ink, I suggest you run not walk over, it is a very well done blog!

1. Aguas Frescas by Chank, $29
2. Ambassador Script by CanadaType, $70
3. Aphrodite Pro by Typesenses, $15
4. Attic by YouWorkForThem, $30
5. Aunt Mildred by MVB Fonts, $39
6. Baronessa by Juraj Chrastina, $39
7. Belinda by Mikas Melvas, $35
8. Belluccia by Correspondence Ink, $39
9. Bodoni At Home by Giuseppe Salerno, FREE
10. Bookeyed Suzanne by Tart Workshop, $30
11. Breathe by Lián Types, $20
12. Brioche by Jessica Hische, $79
13. Buttermilk by Jessica Hische, $49
14. Carolyna Pro Black by Emily Lime, $89
15. Cerise by Magpie Paper Works, $69
16. Channel by Mans Greback, FREE
17. Cheap Pine by Hannes von Döhren, $25
18. Chopin Script by Diogene, FREE
19. Cowboyslang by Hannes von Döhren, $30
20. Dear Sarah by Betatype, $119
21. Emily Lime by Emily Lime, $29
22. Fidelia Script by Melle Diete, $50
23. Gelateria by Flat-it, $20
24. Guadalupe by Latinotype, $29
25. Harmony by YouWorkForThem, $20
26. HoneyBee by Laura Worthington, $27
27. Jacob Riley by Magpie Paper Works, $32
28. Jane Austen by Pia Frauss, FREE
29. Jeeves by Red Rooster, $79
30. Lavandería by Lost Type Co-op, FREE
31. LiebeErika by LiebeFonts, $30
32. Mary Read by Melle Diete, $45
33. Matilde by Type Depot, FREE
34. Mishka by Fenotype, $30
35. Muncie by Lost Type Co-op, FREE
36. Nelly Script by Tart Workshop, $39
37. Packard Old Style by Red Rooster, $60
38. Parfumerie Script by Typesenses, $30
39. Respective by Mans Greback, FREE
40. Saissant by Magpie Paper Works, $54
41. Saltpetre by Magpie Paper Works, $32
42. Samantha Script by Laura Worthington, $29
43. Sudestada by Sudtipos, $59
44. Sympathique Pro by Canada Type, $30
45. Trithart by Emma Trithart, $25
46. Vermandois by Magpie Paper Works, $76
47. Verner by Fenotype, $35
48. Victoria by Eric Carlson, $25
49. Weingut by FaceType, $12
50. Wisdom Script by Lost Type Co-op, FREE

Even if you don’t know her by name, it’s hard not to recognize the [...]]]> I was dying when I saw the amazing images of Olivia Palermo in Paris on Lifestyle Mirror. Street-style starlet Olivia Palermo and her model boyfriend retreat to Paris’s Le Meurice for respite from the paparazzi—and indulgences both sartorial and sweet.

Even if you don’t know her by name, it’s hard not to recognize the petite Olivia Palermo’s enviable, ladylike style, which is documented on countless blogs.

“It’s so important to take trends that you see on the runway and blend them with your own personal style,” says New York–based Palermo from her perch in Paris’s Le Meurice hotel, where she decamped after taking in the fall 2012 shows alongside longtime model boyfriend Johannes Huebl.

She’ll soon return to New York and share her show notes, favorite haunts, and most recent finds with the editorial team of her fashion and lifestyle website, of which she serves as executive editor.

Enjoy!
PS

Photographs by Sofia Sanchez and Mauro Mongiello. Directed by Robert Rabensteiner.
Pulled from Lifestyle Mirror.

Originally formulated in Germany by Dr. med. Christine Schrammek in 1967 it was initially used [...]]]> BB cream, also known as Blemish Balm, Blemish Base or Beblesh Balm, is a cosmetic item sold mainly in East and Southeast Asia, although larger beauty brands are increasingly transferring BB creams to European and US markets as well.

Originally formulated in Germany by Dr. med. Christine Schrammek in 1967 it was initially used by dermatologists to help laser surgery patients protect, soothe and refine highly sensitive skin while providing light coverage for post-laser scars, acne and other blemishes.

Although BB cream was not specifically created for the Asian market, it provided a solution to a common skin problem for many Asians: impure skin. The cream eventually found its way into a broad mainstream market when Korean actresses recommended it publicly.

BB creams come in a variety of different formulations and qualities mainly perceived as being anti-inflammatory, regenerative and having a soothing effect. Some are said to have skin whitening or brightening properties. Others are said to be anti-acne or anti-wrinkle, some are intended to even out skin tone, and yet others to lighten blemish scars.

BB creams are sometimes used like a primer under foundation, and if tinted may supposedly replace foundation and some newer ones are advertised as having functions of primer, foundation, moisturizer, sun block, pore minimization and skin refining together, making them an economic skin care solution.

So what is all the hype about, I did some research to find the best BB creams and this is what I have come up with!

The following are a few reviews I found on True Beauty.

1. Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream: “I was extremely skeptical to try BB creams — they seemed too good to be true, and I didn’t believe anything could top my tinted moisturizer. (I’m dedicated to Jane Iredale Dream Tint SPF15 Tinted Moisturizer, $36, which gives me the perfect amount of sheer coverage, contains sunscreen, and is pretty much the only makeup that doesn’t make me break out.) But I did find a favorite, and it’s the only one of the bunch that’s available at the drugstore — for about $25 less than the rest. It hasn’t replaced my tinted moisturizer, but it’s the perfect option if I want a little more coverage, and — miraculously — doesn’t make me break out even if I wear it for 18 hours straight.” — Dawn Davis, NYC Beauty Editor
2. Too Faced Beauty Balm Multi Benefit Skin Care Make Up: “This gives me a nice dewy glow and works well both alone and under makeup. On the weekends (or when I’m on vacation) I wear it alone for just a bit of coverage and sun protection, but for everyday I apply makeup on top of it. My mother–in-law recently commented that my skin had a beautiful glow — after a 5-hour plane ride no less! — and all I was wearing was this beauty balm.” — Sarah Carillo, Senior Editor
3. Dr. Jart + Premium Beauty Balm: “I apply a pump or two of this shimmery liquid to my face and it evens out my skin tone, gives me a youthful glow, and protects me from the sun. I cannot say enough good things about it — I love it!” — Audrey Fine, Special Projects Editor
4. Estee Lauder Daywear Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Cream: “I was excited to try this one because of the high SPF content. I’m fair and burn in mere minutes. The consistency is a little thick, but I found that if I mix it with my regular moisturizer, it glides on perfectly. It keeps me feeling protected and helps perfect my complexion. Total win-win.” — Meghan Rabbitt, Executive Editor
5. Boscia BB Cream: “This one is sheer but gives great coverage, and the color is warmer and more fleshy than some of the others. I’ve stopped using tinted moisturizer and now I exclusively wear BB cream.” — Paola Gonzalez Marra, Graphic Designer
6. Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Beauty Balm: “If you’re going to have your picture taken, this is the one to try. It contains ingredients to diffuse light and hide wrinkles and pores. While most of the others have a dewy finish, this one is more matte — I can skip powder entirely.” — Dawn Davis, NYC Beauty Editor
7. Clinique Age Defense BB Cream: “The sunscreen in some BB creams can make them look yellow or chalky depending on your skin tone. This one blends really beautifully on just about everyone — even though it’s only available in three shades — because it’s more translucent than most. If you’re looking for less coverage, this one is perfect. I’ll use it instead of a primer under my regular foundation if I want more coverage.” — Sharon Yi, Assistant Editor
8. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream: “Smashbox is best known for its primers, so we weren’t surprised when they came out with a BB cream — it seemed like a natural progression. Their version is fragrance-free (unlike most of the others), so it’s ideal if you’re allergic or sensitive to fragrances. It feels fantastic going on and looks great even at the end of a long, hot day.” — Alexis Finc, Associate Editor of Total Beauty’s sister site, BeautyRiot.com

Refinery29 just did a huge write up about BB Creams. Which one am I going to try, you ask? The Smashbox or Clinique. I will let you know how it goes.

Enjoy!
PS

When a Victoria’s Secret runway model confesses her beauty secret, women will undoubtedly listen. Coconut oil is the new buzz in the beauty world, and now it’s been revealed that supermodel Miranda Kerr swears [...]]]> I always turn to Daily Glow to get interesting beauty tips. Today they talk about the miracle coconut oil.

When a Victoria’s Secret runway model confesses her beauty secret, women will undoubtedly listen. Coconut oil is the new buzz in the beauty world, and now it’s been revealed that supermodel Miranda Kerr swears by it. She says that her shiny hair, perfect skin, and svelte body are the results of healthy living and daily use of this good oil.

Miranda Kerr, who famously bounced back to her pre-baby body just weeks after giving birth to her first child with actor Orlando Bloom, confesses in Daily Mail that her beauty secret is coconut oil. The supermodel says she dilutes the oil either in green tea or drizzles it over salads to keep her glowing. “I’ve been drinking it since I was 14 and it’s the one thing I can’t live without,” she tells Daily Mail. The Australian born model is a fan of natural supplements and gives the healthy oil plenty of positive attention. And Miranda might be on to something. Coconut oil is an excellent natural beauty product with great benefits.

For everyday beauty, coconut oil can be used as an all-over moisturizer, hair conditioner, and as a gentle eye make-up remover. It works on stretch marks, under-eye bags, and can also be used internally. According to Food Scout, coconut oil has also been said to lower cholesterol and aid digestion, as well as help with weight loss. It’s no wonder Miranda was back on the runway so fast.

So, if you’re ready to fight those fine lines and wrinkles and boost your well-being, follow Miranda’s footsteps. Coconut oil is readily available in health and vitamin stores, or you can shop for it online.

NY-based Heritage Auctions is opening [...]]]> Refinery29 caught my eye yesterday on something big. Now, it’s a bit of a long shot, but there’s a chance that one of us could bring home one of the historic, coveted Hermès Birkin Bags for little more than a hundred pennies – you heard me $1 US Dollar.

NY-based Heritage Auctions is opening the brand-new Heritage Vintage – a weekly online weekly auction of  vintage designer goods where the starting price of every single lot starts at only $1. The really exciting part is that each of these auctions will include either a Birkin or Kelly bag among the many offerings, making it your best chance to score one at a reasonable price without resorting to crime. Keep an eye on their website because the auctions and bidding are reported to start March 13th.

Images from CelebrityBagStyles.com

So what is it about the Birkin Bags? Obsessive, right?

My best friend and I just made a pack that on our 40th birthdays we will skip together to the Hermès store and spend the allowance we have saved and stashed away to purchase our dream bag. We have 3 years to save.

The Hermès Birkin bag is one of the most coveted bags of all time. Handmade in leather and named after actress and singer Jane Birkin, the bag is a symbol of wealth due to its high price and elusiveness to the public. The bags are handmade in France by expert artisans. The company’s signature saddle stitching, developed in the 1800s, is another distinctive feature.

Each bag is hand-sewn, buffed, painted, and polished, taking several days to finish. An average bag is created in 48 hours. Leathers are obtained from different tanners in France, resulting in varying smells and textures. Because of the individual craftsmanship, other details of the bags may not all match. The company justifies the cost of the Birkin bag, compared to other bags, based on the meticulous craftsmanship and scarcity.

Prices for the Birkins range from $9,000 to $150,000. Costs typically escalate according to the type of materials. The bags are distributed to Hermès boutiques on unpredictable schedules and in limited quantities, creating scarcity and, intended or unintended, exclusivity.

So what about the celebrities? They all seem to have them…in every color. How is that possible.? Do they spend all of their money on these amazing handbags? Maybe, just maybe one of the Kardashians can send me a leftover, or one that is torn or unused. Between the three older sisters I bet they could spare just one.

I  have been spending sleepless nights on Ebay searching for the perfect Zebra hide rug.  Check out the photos below. They are amazing!

Happy weekend everyone!

xo, PS

Trust me, I was turned onto this magic serum about 6 months [...]]]> You have a multitude of skincare concerns, so you need a vast array of products to treat them, right? Not so fast. With a do-it-all treatment like the SkinMedica® TNS Essential Serum®, you can undergo a skin transformation with just one product.

Trust me, I was turned onto this magic serum about 6 months ago and it has really transformed my skin.

TNS Essential Serum has won multiple awards, and for good reason: This first-of-its-kind serum combines powerful antioxidants, anti-aging peptides and an exclusive blend of growth factors to deliver real results. This targeted treatment fights the signs of aging and rejuvenates the skin.

The unique dual-chamber design releases a combination of ingredients that work synergistically to improve the overall appearance of the skin. TNS Recovery Complex® contains a patented blend of growth factors that work to reduce the appearance of fine lines, age spots, discoloration, roughness, photo damage and improve skin texture. APS Corrective Complex blends antioxidants and peptides to fight free radical damage and help support the foundation of the skin.

A potent blend of antioxidant vitamin E, green tea leaf extract and blackberry extract prevents free radical damage for healthier skin now and in the future. Hyaluronic filling spheres visibly plump the skin, while alpha-arbutin brightens for a more radiant complexion.

TNS Essential Serum can deliver results in just 30 days, with continued skin improvement over time, as demonstrated in clinical studies. Here’s to a future of more beautiful skin!

Enjoy!
PS