Posts Tagged ‘ Anthropologie ’

How to Wear Florals During the Winter

How to Wear Florals During the Winter

Everyone knows florals are a Spring staple but did you also know they look just as chic during the winter months?

Designers have begun to rethink how they work with the print we typically associate with warm weather. Instead of appearing on swingy summer dresses, we’re now seeing floral details on winter coats and heavy separates.

Floral prints bring a splash of color back into winter dressing which is usually a much need reprieve from the typical winter black/gray uniform.

Ok great, sounds good but HOW do you wear florals during the Winter?

To make sure your floral look is “in-season” be sure to layer up. Layering is the best way to keep warm through winter. Pair lighter fabrics with more “winter appropriate” ones to stay warm and in full bloom, without dressing out of season.

Mix it up! There are so many types of flowers and there are a gazillion different floral prints. Traditionally, winter florals feature bigger flowers and are set on darker backgrounds.  Bring the seasons together by mixing a larger floral print with a smaller one as well as mixing darker shades with lighter ones!  This will give your look depth and interest.

The best part about incorporating some floral prints into your winter repertoire is that they will also keep working straight into spring and summer.

How to Wear Florals During the Winter

How to Wear Florals During the Winter

How to Wear Florals During the Winter

How to Wear Florals During the Winter

How to Wear Florals During the Winter

How to Wear Florals During the Winter

How to Wear Florals During the Winter

How to Wear Florals During the Winter

What I’m Wearing: Anthropolgie Olivia Floral Teddy Coat | Vintage Dress | INC Boots | Ramy Brook Fortune Fringe Bag | Vintage Belt |

Click to SHOP these pieces to Winterize your Florals:

 

 

Set the Scene for Thanksgiving with a Thankful Jar

Thankful Jar

I love Thanksgiving because it gives us a chance to reflect on all that we are Thankful for.

In the middle of all the hustle to get dinner on the table, keep up with the ever increasing to-do list (especially during the holiday season) and of course just trying to not loose your sanity it is important to stop and take a moment to reflect on all that we are thankful for and I have a thoughtful and creative way to do just that at your Thanksgiving table with a Thankful Jar.

A Thankful Jar is a pretty simple concept. Before dinner each person writes down what they are thankful or grateful for and then places it in the jar. Once dinner is underway the jar is passed around the table and each person pulls out one slip from the Thankful Jar and reads it out loud.  Then everyone guesses who the slip belongs too.

Not only does it get the dinner conversation started, it makes for a fun and memorable way to share what we grateful for. Writing down what you are thankful for and then hearing it out loud is more powerful than just thinking about it and everyone can take part- even the kids table.

Thankful Jar

What You Will Need:

  • A Jar
  • Shipping tag
  • String
  • Cup of coffee
  • A fine tip marker
  • Slips of paper for guests to write on (I created a free printout to download for you)
  • Scissors
  • Pens/Pencils

Set the Scene:

The number of guests you have will determine how many jars you will need to make- I would estimate 8-10 people per jar.

Select a jar that is ornate, special and matches your table decor.  Mine is pretty rustic/boho so of course I headed to Anthropologie at Fashion Show where I found this gorgeous botanical jar.  It is made of hand blown glass, already contains some festive fall foliage (which helps add to the look) and is topped with a beautiful filigree lid.

Thankful Jar

Once you have your jar you will need to make a label for it.  I used a shipping tag which I aged with coffee, stenciled “Thankful” on and tied to the lid. The string that held the original tag for the jar was perfect for my design so I re-purposed it to hold the new tag but you can use any type of string or yarn you like.

To age your tag simply dip it in coffee.  Completely submerge the tag in the coffee then set it on a paper towel to dry.  Repeat this process 3-4 times until it is aged to your liking. Make sure it is completely dry before you try to write on it.  I would suggest doing this part a few days before the event.

Thankful Jar

Once your jar is completed, you will need slips of paper for your guests to write on. Rather than plain pieces of paper I like to elevate things a bit and give it a stationary like feel with printed slips that say “I am Thankful for…”  It feels more personal and prompts the guest to finish the sentence.

To save you some time I created a FREE downloadable print out for you.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FREE PRINTABLE

Cut the slips out and place them next to the jar with pencils or pens.

Thankful Jar

Before dinner ask your guests to fill out the slips, fold them and then place them in the jar.

When everyone is done writing down what they are thankful for, take the jar to where you are gathering.

Thankful Jar

Throughout your feast, pass the jar around the table and each person takes a turn reading a Thankful note out loud. Make it a game and try to guess who wrote each one or just sit back and soak in all the good Thankful vibes.

A Thankful Jar is a great conversation starter and perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday. Not to mention, scientific research has found that the practice of focusing on gratitude a few minutes each day tends to positively influence attitudes, increase happiness and joy, reduce stress, foster relationships, encourages compassion, and improves overall well-being including immunity. So being Thankful is actually good for you!

Thankful Jar

Thankful Jar

Don’t forget dessert! Did you know that California Pizza Kitchen at Fashion Show sells WHOLE Pumpkin Cheesecakes?!?  They are the perfect way to finish your feast- try serving them on these stunning chic canape plates from Anthropologie.

Botanical Jar, Canape Plate and Gold Flatware Available at Anthropologie Fashion Show | Order your Pumpkin Cheesecake at California Pizza Kitchen Fashion Show |

This post was created in partnership with Fashion Show.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Thanksgiving Thankful Jar DIY

The Modern Southern Belle: Ah Sookie Sookie

Ah Sookie, Sookie!  

The supernatural birth of  HBO’s “True Blood” has remade our idea of Southern Style. Sookie Stackhouse is the Modern Southern Bell (MSB).  

(above: HBO’s “True Blood” Sookie and Bill)

MSB‘s are sweet (bless their hearts) but also tough cookies! Often described as “Bulldozers disguised as powder- puffs”, they are women that are kicking-ass and taking names — while looking perfect-as-punch doing it!  

MSB’s make us all long to aquire that sweet southern drawl, grace, ease and quick wit.

While I can’t help you with the accent, I can help you with some key components to achieveing  the MSB style.

Here is my Recipe for the Modern Southern Bell 

  • Always offer Firefly “Sweet Tea Vodka”, to everyone who visits your home and smile!  Didn’t your momma teach you that smiling uses less muscles than frowning?  Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka was created on a small still in South Carolina and is distilled 4 times, infused with tea grown on a plantation 5 miles from the distillery and then blended with real Louisiana sugar cane.  Visit their website for some down-home drink recipes  http://www.fireflyvodka.com/

  • MSB’s peddle their way from Farmers Markets to Roadside Stands picking up fresh fruits, carrying them home in the baskets of their classic bikes to make pies and jams for their friends and neighbors.  You’ll turn heads on Electra Gypsy 3i cruiser bike.

(above: Electra Gypsy 3i cruiser bike in  forest green  http://www.electrabike.com/   )

  

 

  • Southern girls appreciate their natural assets! For Dewy fresh southern skin try Benefit’s“Bathina:Take a Picture it Lasts Longer” Glistening Body Balm  

  

  • MSBs have a distinct way with fond expressions:
     

1. Y’all come back!  Keep some “Pink Lemonade” cupcakes from Retro Bakery on hand to keep your guests coming back! (Lemon cake topped with pink lemonade buttercream and hot pink glitter sugar) mmm mmm good!                              

          

2. Well Bless your heart this expression can have two connotations- be careful–So if you choose to excuse yourself from speaking ill of someone else or address any particular male, who showers upon you flattering but unwanted compliments simply place your hand over this sweet Heart Charm Necklace from Topshop.com and say those 3 enchanting words.

3. How’s your momma? That’s right ladies, all Momma’s are right! My momma always said  “Never leave the house without clean undies!”  Try the Bluebell Frill set from Topshop.com

         

4. Love your hair! Except in the summer heat, lawd that humidity is sho’ nuf’ a pain in the patoot — try the Frizz line by Living Proof to help tame the southern mane!  Available at Sephora.

  •  MSBs know that having some sweet southern tunes on a “Roberts Revival Radio” from Anthropologie will help bring on the best mood from her elegant gentleman suitor.

 

  •  Honey, MSBs know how important summer dresses are!  Pair them with some darlin’ wedges and Ah do declahr, you’ll sure to have some mouths waterin’.
(above: Anthropologie “Sweet Shop” dress)
 
  • Darlin’ don’t forget your gloves, I mean some protective hand cream!  Try Sea Island Cotton anti-bacterial hand lotion from Bath and Body Works. Sea Island Cotton fragrance is a clean scent, inspired by pure white cotton flowing in fresh ocean air of Sea Island Georgia!
    Key fragrance notes: Cotton Blossom, Drenched Air, Fresh Linen, Soft Powder

  •   Grab your wide brimmed hat sugah, the larger the better! And even in the shade keep your sunglasses handy ‘cause you know that sun is gonna shift any minute.

 

(above: “Santa Barbara” sun hat by UGG Australia)

(above: “Myriam” by Paul Smith Spectacles)

 Now that you’ve read my Recipe, ya’ll need to go grab some Sweet Tea and practice your saunter. Remember you are not sweating, you are GLISTENING!
 
Dripping with Southern Charm,
 
Your MSB Christie
 
This weeks enter to win giveaway is from my Favorite Southern Spirit “Firefly: Sweet Tea Vodka”.  1 lucky winner will receive a HUGE surprise Firefly merchandise gift pack!  My gentlemen readers have been complaining there haven’t been giveaways for them…so here you go guys!  This one is Unisex!
 
To Enter:
1. Scroll back to top of this post and click on the comment icon on top right.
2. Leave a comment (between July 6 and July 11) telling me how you’re gonna put a little “Southern Flair” in your summer!
 
(The Lucky Winner of Last Weeks Giveaway is: Jennifer K.!  Congrats!  Keep reading and Entering!  More giveaways to come!)