Hello, it's me...

No, it's not Adele.  It's us!  And to hopefully re-start our blogging, we are going to kick off April with a styling event at Jennifer's house.  One day only!  Heather Steele and W by Worth's Spring and Summer lines are going to move into my living room on Monday, April 11th.  Shoot me an email if you are interested in coming over during the day (8:30-4:00) or night (open house from 6-9 pm at night with wine and nibbles) and I'll send you my address. 

The theme?  We all wear white pants all summer long.  You know it!  Let's try to update them with a new top or scarf!  Bring your favorite pair along for the ride. 

Some of my favorite things:

Images from wbyworth.com.

Grab your jeans and come check it out!  Hope to see you there! ~ JH

January's Obsession - Big Knits

Image from etsy.com (Ohhio)

You know when you’re out and about living your life, and all of a sudden, you spot a fabulous look that just stops you in your tracks?  It could be an outfit or the wearer that inspires you or that perfect cream chunky sweater you’ve been searching for the past 3 years?  Said sweater was spotted on a harried mom at the car dealership one afternoon.  Her style was perfection though it wasn’t intentional.  I could tell by the ease of her look that It was her day-in-day-out wardrobe.    Jeans tucked into worn boots, chunky cream turtleneck sweater, baseball cap, stacked bracelets that looked like a little Sisco and Berluti sprinkled in there. THIS is the sweater I want!  I could pull off this look!  As I was trying to commit the whole look to memory without gawking, the thought of actually asking where she got it did cross my mind.  But I didn’t.  Should have, but didn’t.  

Instead, as I do when I’m on the hunt for something - I took it to the internet.  What DID we do before we could click click?! 

What I did learn is that “big knit” is a big trend.  I could outfit myself and my home in this comfy chunkiness.  Somebody hold me back.  Starting with, where else, Etsy. 

There are so many amazing handknit options on Etsy.  First up, this giant super chunky knit blanket from Knit Couture Co. Looks so soft and yummy!  I just want to curl up with it on the couch with a book.  

Image from knitcoutureco.com.

Handmade in the Ukraine of 100% Australian merino wool and available in dozens of colors. Why Australian merino? "The secret to Australian merino's softness is its exceptionally fine fibers.  This makes merino wool feel soft and luxuriously gentle next to your skin.  Merino fibers can absorb large quantities of moisture vapor them move it away to evaporate into the air.  It's also odor resistant.  The merino wool blanket is extremely breathable, regulates body tempurature and heart rate too so that this actually improves sleep."  Who knew?

If you’re feeling crafty and want to make it yourself, there’s Loopy Mango’s Nantucket Throw.

Image from loopymango.com.

If knitting isn’t your thing, then there are plenty of options for you.  This giant knit blanket is handmade to order from merino wool in 70 different colors by Ohhio in the Ukraine.

Image from etsy.com.

How about this fabulous Italian-made hand-knitted wool throw or hat  from Bloisem? Choose from over 70+ colors and 10 sizes.  GASP!

Images from etsy.com.

Love the colored pom pom of the Pokomoke hat from Peony Knits.  In a Rainbow of color combinations.

Images from etsy.com.

RK Hats and Knits has a super selection of hats with fur pom poms like this one.  All handmade in the USA and available in a multitude of colored yarns and pom poms. Totally cute and unique, right?!

Images from etsy.com.

You can get your chunky knit on with a pouf, too.  

Image from wayfair.com.

I never did find that sweater (new rule...always ask).  But I do have some great ideas for where to put some chunky in my life and some design inspiration for decorating my home with big knits.  Check it out! ~ LB

Images from designtoinspire.com.

Image from glitterinc.com.

Ode to the Perfect Black Pant

Happy New Year everyone!

Yes, I think I've finally found the holy grail!  In fact, maybe I've found 2!  With the help of personal shopper Claudine Eaton Lewis at Saks this fall, I have found some favorite pants that I just had to share with you!

It was a normal day of shopping with Claudine - she pulled several things that I HAD to try on.  As I was following her to the dressing room, we walked through the small (but well-curated) Rag & Bone section of clothing.    She stopped, turned to me and asked if I had any Rag & Bone pants.  "No", I said.  She shook her head in disgust, grabbed two pairs, and off we went.

Honestly, I thought the last thing I needed were more black pants.  I have a ton.  Jeans, both long and short, tailored dress pants, waxed jeans, black leather pants even.  

But then I tried them on.  Holy cow were they good.  

Item #1 - The Simone Skinny Pant.  A legging-alternative with trouser seaming.  Higher rise than most pants (great for those of us with a higher rise!).  Zip in the back for a completely smooth front.  Stretch cotton material. Wear with heels, flats, tucked seamlessly into boots. Not a pant for tucking your top in; definitely for sweaters, blouses and tops that are meant to be worn untucked.  I swear, I have worn them at least 20 times. Maybe 30.  They are "flawlessly tailored, second-skin pants".   They also come in navy!

Image from saksfifthavenue.com.

Item #2:  The Sullivan Stretch Cotton Pant.  Has pockets and a front zip.  Definitely a trouser, into which you can tuck tops and shirts.   They really looked cropped on the model, but she's probably 6' tall and wearing a size 0.  For us normal people, they are perfect.

Image from saksfifthavenue.com.

Neither are cheap, but using sales like 'Friends and Family', you just might get lucky!  The cost-per-wear is low in my house.  And yes, I'm wearing the Sullivan pant as I type this right now. ~ JH