Tuesday, February 28, 2012

How to Paint a Brick Fireplace

Our house was built in the 1960's and we fell in love with the character of the older architect. That, coupled with the location and the yard is why we bought it, however, it is constantly a work in progress.  The fireplace, like so many from that time, had been painted over rather than staying the same brick color for all these years.  Ours was painted white, which did give it an updated look, yet you can imagine how hard it was to keep the darn thing cleaned every time you lit a fire.  So again, I enlisted the help of my trusted friend and interior designer, Scarlett, and she suggested a nice, dark grayish color called Black Fox from Sherwin Williams to do the trick.  Here's my before picture....


And here's the after...



So do you like the darker color?

Monday, February 27, 2012

Oscar Fashions for Less

Who watched the Oscars last night?  I for one did and as usual, I enjoyed seeing what everyone was wearing more than the actual show itself.   I think the outfits were fantastic, lots of white and pastels, and overall I was really impressed with how all the celebrities looked.   Here's a few of my favorites along with some ideas on how to get a similar look for less!



 I am totally crushing on this dress Emma Stone is wearing from Giambattista Villi.  The bow detail and the color totally make this look flawless.



Angelina Jolie look stunning in a simple black dress from Versace.  Her leg was literally her accessory.  Fabulous!


At first I didn't recognize Kristen Wiig, in J. Mendel, on the red carpet but I thought whomever she was, she was beautiful. Then I realized it was Ms. Wiig and I was totally blown away!  I have never seen her look so good.

Penelope Cruz in Armani.  She was my husband's favorite this evening.  I can't say I loved the matchy, matchy purse and dress combo, but the color of the dress was gush worthy. 



So here's a few looks for less inspired by these beautiful ladies.  

Oscar Looks for Less


Kaliko maxi dress
£55 - johnlewis.com

Dorothy Perkins pink cocktail dress
$69 - dorothyperkins.com

Dorothy Perkins babydoll dress
$69 - dorothyperkins.com

Long dress
$52 - tobi.com

Enzo Angiolini platform high heels
$80 - nordstrom.com

Oasis straw clutch
$50 - oasis-stores.com

Drop earrings
$85 - macys.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors stud earrings
$65 - nordstrom.com

Silver ring
$65 - jcpenney.com

Sorrelli dangle earrings
$65 - endless.com

Cuff bangle
£55 - josephm.com

Cocktail ring
$50 - fantasyjewelrybox.com


What was your favorite look?

Check out Fashionadictas by Marcela blog today.  She listed Wine Taste Girl as one of her favorite blogs!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Happy Friday!

I, for one, am so glad it is Friday and I'm looking forward to a fun weekend.  Here's a little outfit inspiration so you can look like a celebrity this weekend.  Enjoy!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Welcome to Nashville, Blissdom!

Today starts the annual Blissdom conference here in Nashville.  Hundreds of bloggers will descend upon Nashville for three days to learn more about blogging and most importantly, have fun meeting others who have a passion for blogging or use it as a full time job.  I was invited by a friend, Neely of A Complete Waste of Makeup, to go out to eat last night with several fabulous bloggers in town for the conference.
  Neely and Me at Mafiaoza's

I got to meet up with Amber from Brunch with Amber, Kiley from Hello Kiley, Crystal from Life According To Crystal and Ashley from Ashley's Carnival Ride along with Neely and we had the best time!  It's so fun to meet new girls and I hope many of you all will form friendships through the conference as well.   I want to take this chance to welcome you all to this fabulous city and give you some ideas on some of my favorite places to shop, eat and just hang out.  If you have time check these places out.  You will not be disappointed!
  
The Gulch (near downtown Nashville)
This is the area of town for good food! 

To eat....
The places to see and be seen!
I have seen several celebrities in these two places so don't be surprised if you see one or two yourself.  
  Rusans, Sambuca, Urban Flats, Cantina Laredo are also fabulous!  

To shop....

Green Hills- The mecca of Nashville shopping!

Hill Center- Fabulous outdoor shopping promenade!

Anthropologie
Hemline
Lululemon
The Cosmetics Market
Francesca's
Monkee's
Posh
West Elm
Vineyard Vines
The California Pizza Kitchen
Pei Wei
and more!


Bandywood Fashion Park and Graces Plaza-  Also in Green Hills in between Hill Center and Green Hills Mall


The Dotted Line-  super cute stationary and gifts.
2141 Bandywood Drive
Nashville


The Plaid Rabbit- The cutest children clothing around!  They also sell these amazing chew beads I gave away a few months ago on my other blog.
 
2164 Bandywood Drive
Nashville



They have tons of designer jeans, Michael Stars, Three Dot, Nanette Lepore and many others! 


There are too many to list, but here's a few of my favorites.
Nordstrom
The Container Store
 Tory Burch
Tiffany's
Louis Vuitton
Juicy Couture
Lacoste
Sephora
Michael Kors
David Yurman

West End Avenue Area- near Vanderbilt University
UAL (United Apparel Liquidators) is a favorite among the Vandy crowd, with tons of designer deals for a fraction of the cost.  This was from a previous post a few months ago...  I found jeans that were previously $200 marked down to 50 cents!!!  That's right, it's not a typo.... 50 cents for a pair of designer jeans!  Boxes of them......

Now I will say it's only skinny jeans and really flared jeans so they're not for everyone, but I think you will also find a ton of other things you may like.  I bought a pair of Sanctuary cargo pants for $12.99, previously $140 and two Sanctuary layering tees for $3.99 a piece.  UAL is an awesome place to find names such as Alice and Olivia, Vera Wang, Jimmy Choo and other high end designers for deeply discounted prices.  Just be ready to dig......
UAL
2918 W End Ave
Nashville


 Boutique Bella is my go to place for designer jeans and cute dresses. You'll find a number of designers such as Seven, Citizens, Joe's, Hudson, Paige and plenty of adorable dresses and accessories.
 
 Check out these scarfs....a brand called FashionABLE helps provide sustainable business for women in Africa.... they're charitable and cute!!!

 Boutique Bella
2817 West End Ave.
Nashville




12th Ave. South
Mafiazo's is one of my favorite casual restaurants. They have some of the best pizza around and it's a super fun, cool place to go drink beer and hang out with a young 20's 30's something crowd mixed in with families with young kids.  Pretty much everyone likes pizza and if you go here, you will not be disappointed. 

 Moda Boutique.  This super cute, trendy boutique has some of the names we all love...Three Dot, Genetic, Miss Me and lots more.  Check out some of the great deals I found in there.....

These shoes at Nordstrom are $225, you can buy them at Moda for $92!!!!
Great sweater dress for $92

Love this bag for only $85

Visit Moda Boutique to find these and other great deals!

  2511 12th Avenue South
Nashville 

Las Paletas.  When I was pregnant, I had to have these incredible Popsicles that two sisters from Mexico make.  They have been featured on the Food Network, Southern Living and tons of other major media outlets...their fresh fruit Popsicles are just that good.  Flavors like basil and hibiscus may sound strange, but those are two of my favorites.  They also, of course, have the regular flavors like strawberry or raspberry.  Go try one for yourself, you won't be disappointed!
2907 12th Avenue S # B  
Open Tue-Sat 12pm-7pm

Imogene and Willie.  This super hip boutique is located right here in Nashville and they are known for their tailor made jeans. Go in and pick out your style, then they fit them specifically for your body.  They have been featured in numerous magazines and the store is really cool since they actually work out of an old gas station on 12th Ave. South.  The jeans start at $225 but I found a few things in there that are less than $100!   

These really cute tees are usually $55 but they are half off right now.  I got mine for only $27! 




These wool caps for men and women have their logo on them and have leather adjustable straps.
                           

Go buy these for yourself at Imogene and Willie!
2601 12th Ave. South
 Rumours Wine Bar.  The food is great and they have one of the best selections of wines in town.  The staff is very knowledgeable, and they will suggest different wines to pair with your food. 
2304 12th Ave. South
Nashville
 Other places you don't want to miss!

The Tavern- go for dinner and stay for the great bar scene. (Mid Town)


Sunset Grill and Cabana right across the street from each other.  Great food and bar scenes- Near Vanderbilt)


Lower Broadway- Great for Honky Tonkin and late night crowds.  Visit The Stage, Big Bang and Roberts for a good crowd and great live music.



 I hope this post will help you all find some great places to go while you're visiting Nashville.  Let me know if you plan on checking any of these out!


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