Karen Walker for Anthropologie

all images from Refinery 29 (click for more looks)

Happy extra day of the year! I am very thankful that on this extra day I am not yet employed and can spend a whole extra day reading and wishing for a Law and Order marathon. One drawback of unemployment is the distinct lack of extra pennies floating around, especially when Karen Walker is debuting a low-priced line at Anthropologie next month. 

Anthropologie always draws me in at the mall with their window displays, and I always look forward to getting the catalog in the mail. Of course, they've done it again. I have a serious lack of dresses in my closet, which will not do for hot Texas summers, and Karen Walker's classic shapes and fun prints just might be the thing. 

Oscars 2012

all images from people

Last night marks the first time that I have watched the Oscars in their entirety, and although I'm a little ashamed to admit that, I did take away some points. Velvet blazers are amazing, especially when you are 82 years old. I obviously need to see Hugo and The Artist. Emma Stone is my vote for Hollywood's Homecoming Queen. And, it we should all have parties in life where we can wear formal attire so I can dress like one of the ladies above. 

P.S. Since I know every blog will have an Oscar's post today, I have an extra something for this afternoon. Come on back, ya'll! 

On My Wishlist

image from At Home in Arkansas

image from Liz Caan Interiors

image from Country Living

image from Turner Davis Interiors

image from Elements of Style 

Quickly climbing its way to the top of my must have items for the new house is Schumacher's Chenonceau fabric. I tend to gravitate towards graphic patterns, and the graphic design with a traditional twist is calling my dining room's name. It also looks great in traditional, country, or more modern designs like the images above. If you're interested, I've found a shop on Etsy that sells pillows here, and I know Plum Cushion and Marley Material have had it in the past.

On My Bedside Table

I thought I would start a series of sorts on the blog where I post about books that I have recently read. I'm always hunting for my next read, and I realized a lot of my recommendations have come from blog posts or comments in relation to blog posts. For all you readers out there, this one is for you.


A few weeks ago, I read Coco Chanel: An Intimate Life by Lisa Chaney. Much of the details of Chanel's life are hard to pin down as she was prone to exaggeration and falsification at times. However, the truth would have been much more exciting. Chanel overcame quite a lot to establish herself as an independently wealthy woman, and her rise to fame is quite interesting. The book not only describes Chanel's life but also offers glimpses into the myriad of personalities she associated with in pre-war Paris. 


With little to no knowledge of Chanel before I read the book, I found Chanel's life and experiences intriguing. Chaney does at times become a little apologetic about Chanel's actions and often infers quite a bit into her motivations. Due to the lack of information available to her, this does help sketch a better picture. How accurate the picture could be hard to say. Overall, I would say Coco Chanel: An Intimate Read is worth picking up, especially if you are unfamiliar with Chanel herself. You might be surprised about what you learn.

Mountain Wear

Aerin Lauder in Vogue

Comfy: Sweater J.Crew | Jeans Rich and Skinny | Boots LL Bean | Scarf Forever 21

Chic: Shirt J.Crew | Leggings TopShop | Vest Halston Heritage | Boots J.Crew | 

Earrings Kendra Scott | Bracelet Hive and Honey

I am lucky enough to be spending a long weekend in my happy place - Colorado. I love mountains, snow, cold air, fireplaces, and skiing (especially the apres part). The one thing I don't love about cold weather is the bulky, unattractive winter clothes. However, as any Colorado visitor can attest, a lot of the ski resorts bring it style wise. I'm going to channel Aerin Lauder and aim for classics with a twist at home and something a little flashier for dinner. Let's just hope I can walk in wedges in the snow!

The Chic Length

image from InStyle

image from Sequins and Stripes 

image from fashionista 

I happen to be convinced that some of the best days involve haircuts and blowouts. Sure the process takes forever, but then you walk out with bouncy, full-bodied, perfectly straight hair that can't be duplicated at home. Seriously, I watched eagle-eyed every time, and I still have yet to master drying my hair with a round brush. 

Today just so happens to be one of those days, and if I had the guts for it, I would chop my hair a la Gwynnie, LSD, and Olivia Palermo style - right at the collarbone. Debutante chic, I say. 

Breakfast Nook

image from Lonny

image from Canadian House and Home

image from Southern Living

image from Southern Living

I'm on the hunt for breakfast nook inspiration, and the problem is, the more I find, the more I realize I need five breakfast nooks instead of one. At this point, I've narrowed it down to a couple of looks. Do we go with the upholstered settee look? My one concern is that this could involve way too many hours on ebay/etsy/craigslist and/or become expensive quickly. So there's always the built in look and the built in/bench plus loud upholstered chairs.

However, I did find this guy today, and he keeps whispering that he wants to come home with me and live in my breakfast nook. Looks like we're back to square one.

Cocktail Attire

shirt from emerson made | pants from J.Crew | shoes from Zara | pants from Tibi | shirt from J.Crew

It's the weekend my friends! Time to switch it up from work to play. Those cheetah pants are calling my name, even though it means I'll probably have to upgrade my drinking hole from the local pub down the street. Obviously these pants are meant for something a little fancier. French 75 - here I come! 

Kitchen Lighting

image from Southern Living

image from George Ramos Woodworking

image from me oh my blog

image from the decorista

image from pinterest

One of the first priorities we've had in the house is to change the kitchen up a bit. Naive ones that we are, we thought we would have this done within the first month we lived here. That deadline is all of ten days away, and there is currently no contractor on site. Lesson learned. In addition to changing up the countertops and backsplash and painting over some pink paint, we have a generic light fixture in the middle of the kitchen. 

This light fixture has, for some reason, been singled out by moi as the main offender. Now I'm on a search for something historically appropriate for the house yet modern and effective. I'm thinking we will end up with a flush mount due to space constraints and ceiling height, but a pendant could still be in the mix. Plus, I thought I would throw an aspirational chandelier in the mix, because really, who doesn't need one of those in their kitchen?

Go Bold

all items from Jonathan Adler and Jill Rosenwald

From one design commitment phobe to another, if you're scared of adding bold graphic items to your place, go small.  I'm a neutral base, color on top kind of girl myself, and these vases and lamps add color and pattern to your room in a small dose.  Plus, I'm always on board with anything that gives off a slight '60s vibe.

Skirting the Issue

images from Domino Magazine | Lonny | Grant K. Gibson | Palmer Weiss | House Beautiful | Lonny

Skirted tables often get a bad rap for being a little too traditional (or granny, or stuffy...take your pick). But over the last few years, they've launches a major comeback, shed some of their fringe, thrown off their glass tops, and become a little bit more granny chic. Put a square one next to a bed, throw an ethnic or geometric print over an unsightly table, or just go ahead and embrace the chintz. 

Western Wedding

pictures from Vogue by Norma Jean Roy 

You might have seen this gorgeous wedding before, but it's so stunning, that I had to post it here as well.  David Lauren (son of Ralph Lauren) and Lauren Bush were married this past September in Colorado, and the chic Western vibe and editorial worthy photographs are perfect for gushing over on Valentine's Day.  That dress is blowing my mind, and I love how the photographs look relaxed yet picture-perfect.  If only all our wedding portraits looked this good.


Happiest of Valentine's Day - whether you're spending it with your significant other, group of friends, or best dog.  May your day be filled with laughter, smiles, stolen glances, and red wine.  

Preppy World Traveler

HGTV is one of my guilty pleasures.  I secretly enjoy rolling my eyes at people in search of a new home who don't understand the power of paint and those decorating shows where it looks like the owners are living inside the color wheel.  However, the exception to the rule is Secrets from a Stylist.  In addition to the fact that Emily is instantly love-able due to her constant smile, hint of quirk, and amazing chic hippy wardrobe, she also has a unique (and useful) take on decorating.  She has her clients take a "design quiz" of sorts in which they identify objects from a group, and based on their choices, she gives them a catch phrase to define their style.


Naturally, being a decor obsessed new homeowner, I decided I needed a catch phrase of my own. I don't have an abundance of random objects lying around, but going through my tear sheets collected over the years, I decided to call my style "preppy world traveler." A little prep, a little boho, gathered mementos...


Finding inspiration for this preppy world traveler has been a little more difficult...until I stumbled upon Jenny Wolf Interiors.  Her interiors have that perfect combination of uptown put-togetherness with a more laid-back collected look.  Her portfolio was a big source of inspiration, because not only do her rooms look well thought out, but they are also looks attainable and personal.

all images from Jenny Wolf Interiors

Based on the Jenny Wolf vibe, here is a rough, rough sketch of where we're headed...

Pottery Barn Basic Sofa | West Elm Turned Pedestal Side Table | 

CB2 Peekaboo Clear Coffee Table| West Elm Jute Bucle Rug | Smithsonian Collection Rug | 

Caitlin Wilson Textile Navy Deco Pillow | John Robshaw Primrose Indigo Pillow

We're currently in the hunter/gatherer stage (obviously some art, a couple extra chairs, accessories, etc. are sorely missing), but hopefully, I'll be able to pull this together and show some pics!

Valentine's Gifts

The Power of One | In the Garden of Beasts | Tender is the Night | Unbroken | 

The Hunger Games | Steve Jobs | Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

The Night Circus | Bossypants | Life is Meals | Then Again |

Sense and Sensibility |Rules of Civility | Love in a Cold Climate

In Barcelona, they have a tradition of celebrating St. George's Day, which is pretty similar to our Valentine's Day. On that day, significant others exchange roses and books. A rose for love and a book forever.  So, if you're stuck in a Valentine's Day rut, why not mix it up with a book? 

Would You?

image from Cupcakes and Cashmere

image from Matchbook Magazine

Paint one nail different from the rest? This look keeps popping up on blogs and online magazines, and I have to say, I'm a fan.  I like when it's a subtle hint of difference or a little sparkle.  What do you think? Would you?

Heidi Merrick

all images from Heidi Merrick 

Heidi Merrick's clothes are always on my radar, but in my opinion, she's outdone herself with her Spring 2012 collection.  I love all the bright colors paired with classic cuts and the ability to add a little pizazz to your wardrobe with a bright shirt or blazer.  Plus, if something has the color orange, I am all over it.  This collection has "mimosa brunch in March" written all over it. 

image from Country Living

Well hello! It has been awhile. I took a little blogging hiatus for awhile, but in the past few months I've had the itch to return.  My husband and I recently bought our first house, a little bungalow, and between navigating home decor and clothing for the decidedly warmer climate we're living in, I realized I needed a space to get my thoughts together. 

Thus, I am back with a new look and all new posts thanks to a hard drive crash.  I'm hoping to make Sit.Relax.Gossip. a place with a little interior design, some clothes thrown in, a showcase for great products, more original pictures, and a dash of good books.  Who knows where the blogging rabbit hole will take me, but I hope you're up for the ride!