Steamline Luggage

January 15, 2015

There are few material things these days that impress me enough to gasp aloud. I mean, I am kind of in the “meh” stage of the fashion world right now. But then there are these sort of things. Oh these had my heart pitter pattering at first glance due to the 1950’s edge and bold splashes of color. My sisters and I used to pretend we were going to college in Connecticut on a train, and there were always vintage suitcases involved. (I think it had something to do with White Christmas…) So of course I want to scoop these right up and put them in my pocket. Just wait till you see the rest of the Steamline luggage colors. You might faint.

I will continue to share things throughout the year that tickle my fancy because it keeps the blog spark goin’ for me;)

Maybe I’ll save all my ice cream money for the next year…or maybe 5 and pick up this set. But for now, I at least get to share a coupon code for those of you wise ones already saving for a good piece of lifelong luggage! IHOD10 will get you 10% off your purchase.

Happy mid week!
x, Anna

#ConsciousClosets: January Additions

January 9, 2015

Alas! A long overdue update to the #ConsciousCloset series! If you missed the first post, I started working on building a more intentional wardrobe of good quality, versatile, and timeless pieces! I also am trying to be more conscious of how things are made and where I purchase them from. Granted, it is so difficult to pass up those too good to be true deals, but there are some fantastic ethically made companies who are trying to bring good quality clothing at an affordable rate. These pieces are what I have bought, kept, or been gifted in December and January….

Row 1: Sweater dress, silk tank, panel leggings
Row 2: Leopard flats (similar), leather jacket (similar), pleated skirt (similar)
Row 3: Checked coat, sleeveless sweater, tissue tank
Row 4: Tunic sweater, leather leggings, baseball tunic
Row 5: V-neck sweater, booties (similar), leather trim sweater
Row 6: Smock dress, emerald dress, velvet pants

A few ways I have worn these pieces….

Each of these have been worn to death already and interchange really easily with other pieces. Hopefully this can help you with building your own closets according to your style and preference! If you are working on a simple and effective wardrobe, I would love for you to join in the hashtag #consciousclosets! Also, there are several ways you can donate your clothing to the homeless or local thrift stores that benefit good causes. I donate mine to NSpire Outreach and Whispering Hope here in Atlanta:)

Lastly, if you need some packing light for winter ideas, I just published an article on Conde Nast Traveler about the 10 pieces I packed for a week’s worth of outfits!

I feel like I lost ten pounds just writing this post. Cheers!
Anna

P.S. How to make this clothing rack here.

January I Spy: Pocket Sized Gifts

January 7, 2015

I genuinely love simple and thoughtful gifts more than anything else. My husband snuck a pair of crystal earrings in my stocking this year, because he knows how often I lose mine. Those were my favorite gift! And of course the little manger scene little Gabriel made me with glitter all over it and a cut out picture of him on the side. Can’t beat that!

I also received some happy mail that that made me squeal, and had to share some of these pocket sized gifts with all of you! I think I will make this more of a regular series. Just sharing things I really love and have spotted lately.

Ban.do + Julep Maven goodies were a dream to open. I am a sucker for Ban.do packaging and am now forever committed to this insane bare face cleansing oil. Also love how compact this neutral eye shadow set is! My sister Tricia gave me the portable charger, and I think my life has changed for the better. (Goodbye dead iphone when I am stuck in the middle of Atlanta traffic.) 😉

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January Jade

January 5, 2015

Emerald and Jade obviously have my current attention, and maybe its because they are winter’s version of going bold? Whatever the reason, bold is needed in dreary January! I love being introduced to new lines, and as such always love passing along a good one to you too! This dress is from Leona NY, and I wore it four times over the holidays! It worked for every occasion which was so nice, as I am working on making more use out the pieces in my closet.

I have lots of ideas bursting for the blog this year, although nothing life changing or earth shattering, just more defined and a better salute to what I love in this life. I think each year that becomes more clear:)

Cheers to a fresh start!

Anna

Dress: Leona NY c/o // Jacket: Banana Republic (Similar) // Faux Fur Stole: HM // Heels: Sam Edelman (even cuter version here) // Necklace: Kendra Scott c./o

2015.

January 5, 2015

(Pic we snapped on New Year for this Conde Nast Traveler post. Dress by Donna Morgan)

2015. That is large number to type out and frankly has my 1999 heart wigging out.
I’ll come to terms eventually….maybe in June or July.

2014 was such a whirlwind that I crashed hard towards the end. It left me in need of a clear calendar and time to rest.
I was doubting everything, which meant it was time to reflect and renew. I don’t think we always have to have all the resolutions and clarity come January 1st, and sometimes those goals take a while to formulate. I am patiently waiting for those big clear ideas to arrive, but maybe they flew the coop and will never come back? Oh well. For now, these bigger, non-concrete goals that will take daily attention are taking root…

1) No Expectations – Not out of fear of disappointments, but a freedom to live each day as it comes with an acceptance of the good and the messy and everything in between. Small stepsI’m taking for living a peace filled home:)

2) Break free of those negative limitations we can easily put on ourselves, and allow God to break through and surprise me with what He can do when I let go of the controls.

Gabe and I always make goals for us and for our family as well. I also set business or blog goals, but to be honest, I am waiting for the fog to clear on the direction of this blog and The Brand Market. Will keep you posted on that;)

What about you friends? I’d love to hear your goals, resolutions, or WORD of the year!

Thanks for being a part of 2014, and I am looking forward to a fresh new year with you all!
Anna

Christmas is here!

December 30, 2014

I think it’s safe to say my children start counting down till Christmas all year long. Me brothers and sisters all travel home each year to my parent’s home in St. Louis so we can spend a few wonderful chaotic days all under one roof for the best day of the year. The best moments are kept in good memory with no need for camera captures, but here are is just a glimpse of the days that carry me through the new year and till the time we all can meet again…

Christmas Eve carols with a bossy 3 year old choir director.^^

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Christmas and New Year Table Setting Ideas

December 22, 2014

I admit I am completely lazy with table setting during the year, but Christmas brings out the best in everything! It is a time to bring out the showstoppers and extra details, because it is a celebration! Of the best days of the year surrounded by your nearest and dearest. Here are a few ideas to get your wheels turning for your own celebrations coming up…

1) Party poppers create an instant dinner party when you have a surprise waiting for each guest at their setting. These are popular this year so you can find them at HomeGoods, Costco, etc. This particular one is from Anthropologie. I used a french napkin fold for the center of the bowl with a geometric napkin ring.

2) You can mix and match plates and bowls depending on the color scheme you are going for, but charcoal grey, white, and gold are easily interchangeable. You can place napkins directly under the bowl with ornament centers to round out your place setting;)

3) A little festive bow fold napkin takes a few minutes to create, (try this tutorial), and is especially fun when you have patterns to mix. Make sure you test out the width of your bowls so it rests well on top.

4) I picked up some red berry branches at Whole Foods to use in a vase. Tuck them inside a napkin ring to add your instant holiday color. This was a simple roll up napkin fold inside of a geometric napkin ring.

5) Oranges are in season so take advantage! Use a thumb tack to stick a wire edged ribbon on top for a bow. The vibrant color always adds life to the table.

I included links for everything pictured below. Any other fun ideas? Do share!

I can hardly wait for Christmas and New Years with all of my brothers and sisters. We wait all year for this! Wishing you all safe travels if you are heading to see family or friends!

x, Anna

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