oooops!  i missed Winter!  let’s assume i’d do a post that was either filled with color to brighten a dreary day – or a traditional nautical color scheme which always makes me feel like shopping after the holidays.

but now it’s officially Spring and i got the Nordstrom catalog in the mail today and this amazing “blurred print” dress inspired me to create a new color story.  it also inspired a series of paintings i have planned in my head.  can’t wait to get out my paints and brushes (one of these days…).

meanwhile – as usual – you will find my color story to be colortastic!  i’m loving these splashes and they all look amazing together – and would look good alone with almost anything in your closet (orange wedges with jeans and a t-shirt?  yes, please.  garnet girl rings every day of your life?  naturally.  chartreuse coat making every outfit pop?  uh-huh!).

here’s the scoop on where to find my faves.  i try to keep things in a reasonable price range (i had found some reallly amazing shoes but they were in the “should i buy a new ipad or these shoes category?”) – but some things are just too perfect.  and i’m really into the new kate spade website and monthly color stories too.  so just had to choose one of her bags.  (note that there are some ludicrously adorable dresses on the site too).

enjoy!

Where to find:

ECI blurred print dress @ nordies $148
Robindira green garnet Juicy Drop earrings $88
Kate Spade Shady Side Small Karen bag $275
One Garnet Girl Spring Daffodil Sideswept rings $298
Not Too Coy wedges @ Zappos $71.20
Tell the Chartreuse Coat @ Modcloth $57.99

(peeking around the corner)

uhm….hi!  it’s me again!  it’s been forever and a day since i wrote….

but i’ve been enjoying my newest mini and my almost 3 year old and coming up with all sorts of brilliant ideas -  just not computing as much.

(so there)

but they’re both napping….and 2011 is my year to start a new retail business!  yiipppppeee!

so i thought it would be kinda fun to chronicle my progress.

what am i doing?  i’m planning to open a charming and modern little stationery and gift boutique.  i’ve always loved stationery (can spend literally hours in a card shop) and i have a flair for gifts.  i think it will be a great combo – and though i still adore fashion – i’m in a phase where jeans and a sweater are all i really want to wear.  so onto something new.

my hope is to open around November…so there is a lot to do until then.

my first 2-do is determine the NAME of my new business.  i actually already thought of one – but not ready to share yet.  still need to get myself registered.  still need to decide if i want to be a sole proprietress or an LLC, yo.

please share your thoughts with me on my new journey!  though i adore retail and have done it before – the stationery/gift model is new to me.  i love suggestions!

xoxo

remember back in the day when i would do a monthly color story?  well those days are officially over!!  i decided to do something seasonally instead.

the inspiration for the Fall 2010 color story comes directly from these amazing shoes from Anthropologie (curse you Anthro – for dissing the gals who wear size 5!!).  i then built the outfit around the navy, teal and mustard yellow – because i love it!  it’s classic, vibrant and fun – all at the same time.  i love navy as a base -and the yellow brings  a nice pop to cooler, fall days.  the teal is just dreamy.  it’s a nice mix of warm, neutral and cool tones all together now.

the dress is a washed silk – i bet it feels like heaven on the body.  i’d pair it with some patterned navy tights (fishnetty – but not) – if only i could find them!!

of course i had to conjure up an outfit for my stylish 2 year old boy too – i think any boy would look rather adorable in a plaid shirt with a polka dot bow tie, don’t you?

here’s the places where i found the goods:

shoes:  Anthropologie $98
dress:  J. Crew $148
bag:  Boden $148
shades:  Modcloth $11.99
necklace:  Modcloth $19.99

kids bow-tie:  Etsy $15
kids shirt: J. Crew $44.50
kids jeans:  Gap $25
kids shoes:  gumshoe $32.76

Hello lovely proprietresses and style fans!

i have been MIA lately – but for a darn good reason…it’s a BOY!  My 2nd son, Charlie, was born on May 21st (5 days late – little bugger!) and is a pretty dreamy little dude.  My time is haphazard – but the biggest reason i have not posted in some time is my brain has been overtaken by all that is Baby.  i’m awaiting the inspiration and gusto to get back into my groove – and suspect that time is coming soon.

in the meantime – i’d love to know what types of posts you’d like to see!  and if you have any hot tips on new designers – send em my way!!  finally – check out the new store featuring items from indie designers you may have read about here on the Proprietress!

big kisses until we meet again….

~kate

color is my best friend.   but every girl loves black.  i especially love to mix brights (MEGA brights) and black together.   with the weather getting warmer, i couldn’t resist a pair of super fabulous shorts from fave designer, Trina Turk.  the rest was easy – a great black top (i like something with a little slouchiness with shorts this short), some substantial patent sandals (although this would be equally cute with flip flops or converse), a bright bag (any color will do – but i am currently obsessed with yellow bags), some shades and my new favorite style of earrings – bright wood filigree!

(and i tossed in the Jantzen retro-inspired swimsuit because once this baby finally emerges – i don’t think it will be a bikini summer for this mama – and i LOVE this look!)

here are the details of the items shown:
Trina Turk shorts $158
Velvet t-shirt:  $79
Me Too shoes:  $39.95
Pink filigree earrings:  $15
Steve Madden shades:  $40
Boden handbag:  $178
Jantzen swimsuit:  $98