Back at it!

The past ten months have been insane, hectic and wonderful all at the same time. After many years of trying to conceive, my husband and I finally got pregnant through IVF. It was a long process that spanned over a year and made me very sick. I decided to take the time off from blogging and from school, to focus all of my energy on my pregnancy. CJ was born on April 23rd - 3 weeks early. Today is her one month birthday. It has been the most amazing month of my life. The sleepless nights are killer, but her smiles make it all worth it. I am happy to get back into blogging, and hopeful that I can get back to school in September. So be prepared for more art, fashion and adorable baby items! 

Current Obsession : Chevron

Chevron is everywhere and just like everyone else, I am in complete love with it. Since we are in the process of moving, I will hold off on painting a chevron accent wall, but there are lots of other ways to add this pattern to your home and closet. Chevron is a little bit funk, a little bit traditional and it is because of this that it works so well regardless of your personal style. The pattern comes in virtually any color combination and it is a great way to tie pieces together of varying colors. Here are some of my favorite chevron finds.

Chevron Baby Blanket by ClassyColors

iPhone 4 Case from caseosaurus

Coral Fallon Chevron Rug - available here

Chevron Grosgrain Melia Skirt from Lafayette 148 New York

Chevron Stripe Tank Dress from Old Navy

(it is a maternity dress but no one needs to know)

Chevron Bag with Burlap by madebynanna

Amazing Living Room found here

Chevron Braid found here

Art lessons: Alaya Gadeh

Have you ever had a dream so beautiful that you wish you could permanently capture the images that played in your head?  German photographer, designer and artist Alaya Gadeh seems to have the rare ability to do just that. Alaya’s works are beautiful, imaginative and inspirational. She combines various art techniques  to create images that appear to be dream-like and full of fantasy. While viewing Gadeh's work, I feel almost as if I am seeing a part of myself that I buried deep down. Her work is subtle. She uses bold colors, but frequently mutes the tones with an overlay of texture or pattern. Gadeh incorporates elements from nature in her self portraits. She also creates colorful and intricate mandalas, which often aid in meditation and the process of finding one's true self. Here are some of my favorite works by Gadeh.

Couleur Royale de la Mandala, no. 1

Floral Dream



Happy 4th of July

In honor of the independence of the United States of America, here are some patriotic Etsy finds. 

American Flag Rockstar Tank from UrbanEclectics

High Waisted Denim American Flag Shorts from BeccasCorner

American Flag Scarf from ThreeBirdNest

American Flag Belt Buckle from bmused

Tie Dye Tee from HopeToDye

Silver Star Studs from MetalRocks

United States Dollar Coin Ring from TheRingTree

Friday Five

Friday is finally here! I have been M.I.A. for a while, but I am back and feeling quite inspired. I hope everyone enjoys a great weekend. In New York, it is going to be sweltering, so stay hydrated. Here are my five favorite things for this week. Enjoy!

1. Photoville NYC -  Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park along the waterfront, this unique photography exhibit is made up of freight containers "transformed into temporary exhibition spaces." There are many photography styles and techniques used throughout the exhibit and it all comes together into a large, ecclectic mix that can appeal to anyone who enjoys photography. Showcasing works from amateur photographers (the "underage" section featured works by artists all under 18), student photographers and professionals, Photoville had something that could speak to everyone. The scenerey was enjoyable, the selection of food trucks were great and the workshops offered were very interesting. I went to Photoville last weekend and was thoroughly impressed. f you have time this weekend, check it out before it closes. Oh, and if you like to spend time with your dog on the weekends, Photoville is very animal friendly. There is even a dog run for your pup.

For more information click here

2. iPhone Scuba Suit - I love that I know will have the ability to take my phone in to the water with me and get some great underwater shots. While I am not a big beach person, I think this will be fun for some goofy pool images. This case is 100% waterproof, so there is no need to worry about any damage.

Available here

3. Princess Vera Wang for Kohl' - On July 9, Vera Wang will be launching her new line Princess Vera Wang - a wallet-friendly junior's line of clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories for Kohl's. While I do not usually shop in the junior's section, the video has my inrest peaked and I can definitely see myself mixing in many of the pieces. The line is will combine Vera's "vision  of playful sophistication and incorporate many of the styling elements and design characteristics for which she is best known, including mixed media and artful whimsy."

4. OPI Spotted - Because shattered nails are so "last year", OPI has released its newest top coat effect polish - "Spotted." Apparently, the polish is only available in France. It replaces the Green Shatter from the Spiderman Collection. I love the look and have found it readily available on ebay, if you are willing to pay the hefty price.

Image found on lacquernails.tumblr.com

5. Summer Berry Pizza - Have you ever eaten something and felt that all is right in the world? Well, sorry if I sound dramatic, but that is how I felt when I ate this dessert pizza. It was amazing. Every bite was perfection. We cheated and used store bought pizza dough, but the result was heavenly. Everyone should run out and get the ingredients for this pizza! The recipe can be found here.

Receipe found on DonalSkeehan.com

Take A Cue from The Kids

Years ago, when I was a tiny size 0, I did a lot of my shopping in the kids' section of the Gap and Bloomingdale's. While I can no longer fit in the clothes, I still find myself in the kids' section looking for great accessories and cute stuff for my apartment. Luckily, I have small feet and I save a lot of money buying children's shoes and sneakers! Here are some great accessories and housewares taken from the children's section, but adorable enough for any age.

Hold Me Tight Pillow Available at Land Of Nod

My Lucky Four-Leaf Mirror Available at Land of Nod

Crafty Magnet Board from Pottery Barn Kids

Hand Painted Lanterns from Pottery Barn Kids

Canvas Overnight Bag from JCrew Kids

Wandering Star Rolling Suitcase from JCrew Kids

(this is the bag I use as a carry on)

Bead and Stars Bracelet from JCrew Kids

Boho Cinched Purse from 77 Kids for American Eagle

Beach Beaded Cuff Set from 77 Kids for American Eagle

Xhilaration Watch From Target

In Search of the Perfect Summer Flat

I very rarely wear heels or wedges. Flats are my go to shoe. I pride myself on owning some pretty cute flats, but this summer I was in search of a perfect pair - colorful, comfortable and affordable. Since I walk around a lot, comfort really was the most important aspect, but they have to look good. So here is a list of flats that can be worn to for work and on my time off. They all work well for days where I will be walking around the city, shopping at a mall or playing on the boardwalk.

Betsey Johnson Brritney Flat - Available here

Madewell Bungalow Stripe Sidewalk Skimmer - Available here

                                                   

Michael Kors Meg Espadrille - Available here 

DV by Dolce Vita Diamon Sandal- Available here

Bloch London Arabian Ballet Flat - Available here

Pierre Dumas Lorna 9 Sandal - Available here