Fashion Friday No. 60: Boho West

There is a completely fantastic vintage shop in my neighborhood called Artifaktori that has the most unreal curation of fringy suede vests, cowboy boots, leather mini skirts and other authentic Western accoutrement.  This Western-inspired bohemian look is a little homage to that shop's style and also to some of my favorite pieces in my closet.  Being a fashion chameleon, it's tough to say that one style in particular is my favorite, but if I had to choose I think I'd love to wear a variation of this look everyday.

Chiffon cardigan: Target

Beaded necklace: Forever 21

Nude seamless tank: Zara

Bracelet: Borrowed

Flares: Forever 21

Cowboy boots: Frye "Billy"

Crossbody Bag: Vintage Coach

Home Improvements

My roommate and I are currently in the throes of rearranging, reorganizing, and revamping our cozy Beacon Hill apartment and I am so excited about all of the changes we're making.  Not only have I had the rare opportunity to visit the organizer's mecca that is The Container Store multiple times in one month, but it's been great to see how even little edits to a room can make the whole space brighter.  As I stalk Apartment Therapy daily for more and more tips on how to maximize our limited shared spaces, I have also been considering a bit of redesign in my own bedroom.  My bed has since been moved underneath the window (it opened up the whole space!) and there are two other additions I am considering at the moment.

1. Adding the Audrey Hepburn Canvas from IKEA to the east wall

2. Recreating Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere's Guest Room Night Table

Dear readers: what do you think?  Are these welcome changes or are they better suited for a larger space?  Do you have any tips for making tiny apartments seem bigger?

Valentine's Day Delights

My feelings about Valentine's Day tend to range from downright disgust to downright romantic depending on my current relationship status, but this year I made the choice to just embrace all of the cutest parts of the holiday.  Tonight, I am having a classic "Gal-entine's Day" with one of my loveliest friends and we plan on ordering in, sipping wine, and enjoying a girly movie together.  Here are a few other little bits that are making me smile today!

 Delicious sugar cookies from Cafe Vanille

I hate the wintry Starbucks "red cups," but their

Valentine's Day edition is just divine.

Decorated shop windows on Charles Street (love the rose petals!)

Rocking the brooch my mom got me last year on a red top

My pink, gold, and red manicure



One Charming Garland: Superbowl Sunday

 

It's here!  Super Bowl Sunday is upon us and I can't wait to cheer on Boston's beloved New England Patriots.  Fingers crossed that Gronk is OK to play come game time!

 

Do you have big plans to party?  I will be heading to festivities at a friend's house and can't wait to bring Annie's Eats' Jalapeño Popper Dip along with me.  I'd also love to come bearing this sweet (read "tough," of course) football garland by Linette Gerlach.  Game on!

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Do you have a garland photo, project, or find you'd like to see featured on One Charming Garland?  Send away to papergarland@gmail.com!

Fashion Friday No. 59: Plaid and Stripes

I have a rule: I only do prep if it's going to look personalized.  Cookie cutter style is definitely not for me, but since I do love the clean lines and classic charm of so many preppy pieces, it's hard to cast them out of my closet entirely.  And anyway, who said that plaid and stripes clashed?  Making sure that one color appears in each item - in this case, navy - ties the disparate pieces into a cohesive look that's equal parts preppy and fun!

Also, check out my sweet fire escape!  Did I luck out or what?!

Cardigan & Headband: J. Crew

Buffalo Plaid Shirt & Tights: Forever 21

Skirt: H&M

Riding Boots: Hunter

Belt: Vintage

Bits and Baubles

So far it's been a mostly snowless winter here in Boston (fingers crossed that it stays that way!), and that makes it much easier for me to appreciate the little things that make the colder months special.  A few bits from this week's adventures...

A lovely vanilla-ginger latte from Thinking Cup

Rifle Paper Co.'s Botanical Calendar has me might excited for the month of February

Peaceful thawing pond in the Public Garden

Savory Buttermilk Chive Biscuits I baked Monday night

 I truly hope they never take the city's Christmas lights down!

Inspiration Board: Starbursts

1. Amazing retro-inspired print from Keep Calm Gallery

2. Buttery goodness by the amazing Donna Hay

3. Incredible firework drink stirrers, photo by Jennifer O'Donnell on Style Me Pretty

4. Sparkly walk down the aisle from Martha Stewart Weddings

5. Star-spangled manicure, photo by Annie Tomlin via Refinery29

Fashion Friday No. 58: I Love the 90's

While the 70's will always be my favorite fashion era, I can't neglect the fact that I was brought up in a decade infamous for major fashion don'ts: the 90's.  Remembered for its affinity for bright lips, denim on top of more denim, and animal print galore, 90's inspiration is often done best in moderation.  Though I don't know if one can really call them "moderate," these leopard print booties are one of my favorite things in my closet and I love the idea of pairing them with chic, casual basics like a denim shirt, black tights, and black bandage skirt for a modern look.

Denim Shirt: H&M

Skirt: Zara

Tights: Forever 21

Gold Star Necklace: Vintage

Bracelet: Purchased at Swish

Leopard Booties: Bamboo Sky

Perfectly Pink Stripes

My goodness.  I'm sort of dying over this perfectly pink striped suite from Martha Stewart Weddings.  My favorite stationery usually starts with a white base and transforms into something special with just a couple of simple additions.  A few strokes of pink paint and simple black type are all it takes to make this suite special.

Moody Monday No. 57: Cable Knit & Cranberry

Photos: Spin on a classic via Pinterest, cranberry meets chevron from Modernality 2, cable knit letterpress coasters from Red Bird Ink, cozy yarn from Birds 'n Yarn, gilded wool via Berroco, winter berries from Cozy Betty.