Dream Closet Do's

I was flipping through this lovely House Beautiful feature today showcasing designers' dream closets. A pattern emerged. A repeatable, surefire way to design your own dream closet. Let me share the simple steps you'll need to achieve closet nirvana...

First: you must have the chandelier. No Louis, Chanel & Lanvin shrine is complete without a glistening, glimmering crystal chandelier. Note: have housekeeper polish this regularly with Windex to keep those Swarovski crystals shining brightly.

Next: white shelves. You need them. Lots of them. The better to display your hundreds of pretty shoes. Pair after pretty pair. Jewel toned, neutral, high, low... quantity and variety are the name of the game here. Be sure they are artfully arranged on those stunning white shelves.

Next... fresh flowers in full bloom. I know... I know... it's costly to keep replacing those beautiful bouquets, but you simply must have fresh flowers. Better yet, have the housekeeper bring them each week when she arrives. Kill two birds with one stone.

Next: a center island. You'll need a nice open surface for counting your dolla' dolla' bills. But beyond that it's always a good idea to have a cararra marble top large enough where you could toss those Hermes and Dior bags after a difficult day out at the Plaza before resting your weary pedicured feet. Which brings me to...

A chair. A gilded, gorgeous, silk upholstered chair. Ideally something regal and utterly gorgeous. Louis XV if possible. And if you can get your well groomed pooch to rest there quietly awaiting your affection - even better. I do hope you have the sense to name such a loyal canine with a fitting name. Snowball, Lola and Coco come to mind.

It's as easy as that, folks.

{the incredible closet above is that of designer Annie Brahler. See the rest of her Victorian home in Illinois in this article. The house is REALLY remarkable and filled with what one might only assume are truly one-of-a-kind antiques and collectibles. Stunning. But this closet is just to die for!}

Falling

Let me preface this by acknowledging that it's 90 degrees here in Dallas and summer has not yet officially begun. There. We've addressed the obvious. These glaring facts didn't prevent Saks from sending me an email featuring Gucci's pre-fall lineup of frocks, bags and boots.

I don't know about you, but I'd be tempted to wear any of these in June, July, August and beyond. Let's just omit the "pre-fall" mention and consider these pretty fabulous. Gucci, why am I always falling for you?

The Future is Here: Leap Motion

Remember Minority Report. Yeah. We're there. Finally. Check this out.

Allowing Yourself to Succeed

Sometimes the only one in the way of your success is you. Quickie article on getting out of your own way and achieving what you want in life.

{image credit}

Things I'm Afraid to Tell You

Talk about an attention getting title. It's not mine, of course. The idea came from Meg who got the idea from Jess who then inspired EZ to turn it into a movement. The point of course is that while we all love showing our pretty shoe collections and favorable profile photos of ourselves and what swanky party we attended and how this publication featured this or that... there are aspects of ourselves, our lives and our experience that we don't reveal to the world at large.

In the age of being "Pinterest-worthy" and having a pretty headshot on hand for editors who come calling... we start obscuring the "real" us. The one who really does need coffee to get going in the morning. The one who has an overflowing inbox full of "would be interesting if I had more time to sift through the truckloads of fluff" messages. The one who has bad days. The me that wonders exactly how I manage to juggle her online life and her "real" life. Or do I?

And so... here are things I'm afraid to tell you, dear readers, friends and strangers:

• I don't drink.
  Now.... why on earth would I list this as something I'm afraid to tell you? Because people make odd judgements about this very simple lifestyle choice. I've never actually enjoyed alcohol. I don't like how it tastes. I don't like feeling loopy. And I really didn't like how I felt after I drank. You see, I have hypothyroidism and take medication daily for it. Alcohol (like sugar) throws my blood sugar for a loop and makes me feel terrible. This totally explains why my body's response to drinks was never like that of my friends. It was not a good time. I would feel like sleeping and crying. That's not a good time! So I haven't had so much as a sip of bubbly for about 8 years (since I was diagnosed and put on a teeny tiny daily pill).

  In many ways I guess the diagnosis was a good reason (a medical reason) to stop feeling any need to pretend I had any interest whatsoever in drinking cocktails, drinks... anything. A single sip and I need to go take a nap. What a bore! It just never really was enjoyable for me. Not only do I not drink, I don't eat sugary foods or highly refined foods. But it's the alcohol that seems to make other people raise their eyebrows. Skipping the dessert plate makes me look like I'm watching my figure (I'm not). Skipping the wine makes me look like I'm depriving myself (I'm not).

   

  Having said that... according to my doctor I also should avoid caffeine but you don't see me avoiding Starbucks, do you?  Some things in life are always worth the risk.

   

• I LOVE having two daughters.
  Why is this a big deal to confess? Because the twenty year old me didn't even like children, much less want them. For many years I didn't even consider having children. They looked like a lot of work (they are) and seemed as though they'd get in the way of a fabulous, jet-setting life (they do). They seemed like they'd ruin the hard work I'd put in at the gym over all those years (they didn't). They looked as though they'd be a buzz kill (amazingly: they are not).

  Much to my surprise these two pretty little children have given me more joy than I ever thought possible. I love them in ways I've never loved anything. Not shoes, not places, not money, not men. I am a better person, a more whole human being and live a far richer life because I allowed my path to be fully interrupted by these two remarkable people. Paris can wait. Dressing like a princess and having an impromptu dance party cannot. Knowing this: why not have a princess dance party IN Paris? That's the new reality of my more complete life. Tiaras and princess costumes on the move.

  This surprises me more than you'll ever know. I was not a "kids" person. I was (and am) a capitalist and I am always in pursuit of personal professional success. TRUE success. I want it all: the fame, the fortune, the knowledge that I built a business, a legacy, a brand. And now these two small curious faces get to bear witness to the madness that is the self made woman. It is busy. It is challenging. It is marvelous. It is possible.

• I need a full-time assistant
  Forget a nanny. What I truly need is a full-time assistant to help me run my businesses. I have too many projects, plans and ideas in the works to complete them as quickly as I'd like. A less "big picture" version of myself, someone who loooooves research and boring gritty details (yawn!), would drastically improve my world. I plan to obtain this person, this lifesaving saint of a person, in the next year. World domination is not a solo mission.

  I only hope Nancy Normal likes working with Fantastic Franki. (Warning to future applicants: I suspect I am A LOT more like Bethenny Frankel than I realize. Please be prepared to enter my crazy world when you apply for this challenging and loosely defined role. Coordinator of Chaos sounds like an apropos job title. Bring an open mind to work every day and buckle up for the twisting, turning ride. I never stop thinking of new ideas. New ideas you'll need to help me see to fruition.)
  
  Why would I be afraid to tell you this? Truthfully? I'm afraid to tell myself this. I'm superwoman, right? I've been willing (and eager) to outsource certain tasks for some time. But lately I'm willing and eager to allow some one to come in and help in a bigger broader way. That's right.. this control freak is loosening up just a touch and coming to terms with her own areas of need.

   

• I would never, ever want to live with me
  (See first the bullet point above where I use the term "control freak") I enjoy living in a state of perfection usually reserved for model homes. To me, a happy home demonstrates order and neatness. Think: Monica from friends. It would NOT be fun to cohabitate with me at all. And if you've read for a while you know this about me. But it gets worse: I myself have pockets of messiness (again, not unlike Monica). Drawers that need help. Magazines I SWEAR I'll read. Handbags that if carried for too many days in a row become filled with random receipts (why do I need a receipt for coffee, again?), protein bars and random objects.
  
  The truth is I'm afraid of clutter. Afraid it will consume me and be my undoing. It is order and deep organization of my physical world that keeps my mental life free to create the chaos known as creativity. Without structure "out here" I would have mental chaos. So everything around me must be perfect to the eyes before I begin to write a single post, create a proposal, or begin any design project. I, Franki Durbin, am a perfectionist.

  I loathe clutter and yet impossibly we all create clutter ... somewhere. But my dear sweet patient husband is not allowed to himself have messes aside from the safe confines of his home office where he is allowed to be completely disorderly with wild abandon. (I hope he has a good time in there when he uses it. I like to think he has a confetti machine, silly string cans and a paper shredder that he can use to pollute the space to his satisfaction). The point is... God bless this man. And thank heaven I have other amazing attributes as a wife (I do... right?) because I think I'd be insufferable to live with. Enough said.

• My digital life is a mess
  That's right. iPhoto... my design archives... I need serious help. I need this assistant (see above bullet) to create galleries, photo books, eliminate duplicates, clear out junk and fix my many typos. Please... sit at my laptop and clean it all up  - for good. I simply lack the screen time necessary to create digital order out of my digital chaos. Clean up my inBox. Eliminate the thousands of unimportant photos, emails, files. Did I mention spellcheck? Streamline my personal electronic world and I'll kiss you. For some reason my client files are neat as a pin... but my personal files? I don't allow myself time to fix those. I must keep moving to keep the engine rolling along. But I desperately want a simplified digital experience and I deserve it... but I lack the time to do so. So someone... send help. That is all.

• Oh, and lastly: I'm Christian
  That's right. I'm a Believer. 
  

So.... dear reader: what are you afraid to tell the world?

Image via Pinterest.

Also participating:

Cassie: Coco + Kelley / Christine: Court & Hudson / Caitlin: Sacramento Street / Roxy: My Cup of Te / Crystal: Blog / Meg:MIMI+MEG / Ashlina: The Decorista / Katie: Modern Eve / Erin: Apartment 34 / Erica: Design Blahg / Victoria: Vmac & Cheese / Christine: Miles to Style / Franki: Life in a Venti Cup  / Sue: The Zhush / Erika: Radiant Republic / Gabrielle: Savvy Home / Monika: The Doctor's Closet / Naomi: Design Manifest /Tobe: Because It's Awesome / Becca: {extra}ordinary wonders / Lynzy: Sparkling Footsteps / Hitha: Hitha On The Go / Sarah: Note To Self / Liz: So Much To Smile About / Sarah: Blogstar / Alissa: The Goods Design / Jessie: Style & Pepper / Erika: Small Shop Studio  / AV: Long Distance Loving / Maggie: Maggie Rose Blog / Nicole: The City Girl In Me / Priscilla: The Best Laid Plans / Jen: Concrete Jungle DC / Janelle: Food Fashion Fitness / Natalie: East Coast Chic

Here are the bloggers that participated in Ez's Wave No.1 of Things I'm Afraid To Tell You:

Design for Mankind | Little Brown Pen | Beautiful Hello | Curating Style | Sweet Fine Day | The Jealous Curator | Happy Days | Sage & Berries | Really Handmade | Peck Life | Satsuma Press | Rena Tom | For the Easily Distracted | The Hemborg Wife | Vitamini Handmade | Courtney Khail Stationery and Design | Meg in Progress | Dando Photography Blog | Widdershins22 | Alison Citron | Pink Moon Daily | Just Pretty Things | From China Village | Tea with Me | The Darling Ewe | Not Your Average Ordinary | The Electric Typewriter | Elleby Design | Parsimonia {Secondhand With Style} | Life as an Artistpreneur | Hello Cupcake | Dellie | The A & B Stories | Pretty Little Things | Feistyelle | Nib & Zed | Well and Cheaply | I Ripple. I Dance. | Whitfield Awesome Blog | Foxtrot Press| Dry As Toast | The List of Now | Apple Blue | For the Love of | Four Flights of Fancy | Miss Modish | Snapshots & Secrets | Dirty Laundry | Bubby & Bean | Penelope's Press | Little Nostalgia | Vale Design | Pikaland | Fleurishing | Print Pretty | Vespa Tales | Hazel & Agnes | Amanda's Musings | Mo' Funk Designs | Ordinary Mommy | Camp 1899 | In Honor of Design | Liberty's Yarn | Love, Life & Pictures | Stacey Winters | Owl in the Rain | Living Life Creatively | Emma Elizabeth Clease | I Live in Vacouver Now | British Cream Tea

Now Boarding: The Choo Choo Train

Love rocking your Jimmy Choos? Upload your self snaps to the Jimmy Choo 24:7 Stylemakers site. Stand tall amidst other fashionable beauties from around the globe. Taipei, Rihyad, Singapore, Paris, Boston, London... eeeverybody's doing it.

Pretty faces from various places, all unified by their love of their adoration of the brand. Fire up your own account and show those other bombshells how it's done.

You have until June 6th to enter to win a Choo 24:7 wardrobe, so start sharing.

Tu Madre

The clock is ticking, people. Send your sweet mommy something as wonderfully and magically made as she is. These artisinal macarons from Chef Alexandre Trouan will do the trick. Packed in a pretty box and boasting as many flavors as mom has talents... Score yours  @ Joyus.

Orange Crush

I fell in love with a shoe last week. A lovely Prada tangerine espadrille with a sensible wedge heel. Yes, I said sensible.After all, anything less that 4" is essentially a flat in my book. A small crush turns quickly into an obsession. So much so that I've now conceptualized the ideal outfit to go with these pretty little shoes. An outfit that says "oh, this old thing?" as much as it says "yes, I'm working it" takes planning but has to feel effortless. Get the look:

1. Prada Wedges, 2. Crystal beaded bracelet, 3. Victoria Beckham Butterfly Sunglasses 4. James Perse Knitted Tank, 5. Karl white denim,6. Milly Snake Embossed Leather Clutch

And those shoes? Exclusively sold at Saks. By the time I found them there was only one pair left in my size in-store and they were completely sold out online. Obviously I'm not the only one with an orange crush this spring.

I Dream of Italy on Mondays

Last week my daughters & I tagged along on one of my husband's work trips. We hit the San Antonio Riverwalk and enjoyed the many unique offerings that Austin provides. But nothing beat the feeling of rolling back into Dallas thinking "home sweet home" as we viewed the glimmering skyline. Dallas is bustling, busy and everything a city should be. Chanel, Neimans, gallery openings and top shelf galas any night of the week. Although we live in the cushy burbs, it's our proximity to all this action that I enjoy.

Fast forward to today and I'd pay heavy cash to be in an isolated resort such as the L'Albereta. Where, you ask? Via Vittorio Emanuele n°23, Erbusco-Franciacorta, Brescia, Italy (translation: a swanky lakeside property in Lombardy, just outside of Milan). Lush, verdant and dripping with old world Italian charm. This incredibly luxurious resort would be enough to finally get me to cast my iPhone to the side and take up the lost art of relaxation.

"This is the sort of place where guests know the name of the chef before they know which airport they are flying into."

The truth is, there's getting away and there is going away. By venturing this far off your typically trodden path you can't help but reevaluate your life, your goals and your progress in achieving your plans. Some of us may be content to stay home and work for the man, but wanderlusters like myself actually need to go away with regularity to stay on track. That's right... some of us are hardwired to veer off the physical path frequently in order to stay the course mentally. It fixes us.

New sights, new smells, new surroundings, new people... it heightens our senses and snaps us out of our day to day hypnosis. Consider it a slap in the face for the "sameness" that comes from our comfortable modern existence.

I'm normally a "beach or bust" kind of traveler. I like to stand on the edge of the continent and peer into the distance. The ocean and the infiniteness of the vista appeals to the dreamer in me.

But that doesn't mean I can't linger in the Italian countryside from time to time. I also like that this place nearly screams "your iPhone won't work here" in the photos. Imagine that. Fully disconnecting for a few days to actually find your own voice rather than listening to the mass chatter of the internet. I think it would do us all a bit of good.

By the way... just who is the chef at this luxurious hideaway? Gualtiero Marchesi, dubbed the "father of Italian high cuisine." That title means even more when you consider that Italy isn't a country that focuses on (or manufactures) celebrity chefs. In this case, Gualtiero is the first Italian chef to win three Michelin stars.

To counterbalance the intake the of decadent meals, opt for the rigorous treatments of the Spa Espace Vitalité Henri Chenot. You won't be coddled or pampered... but you will emerge looking and feeling like a brand new you. And that, to me, is the goal of ever travel experience.

Happy travels!

Kate Spade + Pinterest = Vespa

See the colorful details here.

To Maternity and Beyond

Much love to Isabella Oliver for featuring me in their World Style Panel. Several months ago they phoned to ask my for my bumptastic style tips and how I maneuvered the dubious world of maternity style. Honestly (and I mean this in all seriousness), it was the discovery of Isabella Oliver during my first pregnancy that made my second one so easy.

"if you find something that really works buy a few in different colours"

This brand allowed me to dress in the same manner during pregnancy as I did before. Even better? I'm shocked at how many of the pieces still work! The ruching really makes these lifetime pieces rather than short-lived styles. It's also a big bonus that they now offer a 365 Collection. Same amazing jersey, terrific styling and pretty colors for the rest of your life.

"I love the layering camis because you can extend the rest of your wardrobe so easily."

I can't say enough lovely things about the brand, the team behind the brand and the level of quality you can expect with these pieces. Whether you're rocking a bump or not, I assure you this brand is luxury you deserve every day of the year. Go. Explore. Enjoy.

Sunday Cheer(s)

Loving this little vignette today. A bossy brass faux bamboo bar cart, a bottle of bubbly, oodles of crystal stemware (some with gold accents, no less!) and that stunning lamp. It's a sight to behold and begs for a little exploration or imitation, don't you think? Cheers to all of you on our last day of this marvelous weekend! May you celebrate each moment of this gorgeous Sunday.

Source: paloma81.blogspot.com via Mariah on Pinterest

De La Mer

Sure sign summer is on the way... fashion and home decor is flooded with accents bearing hallmarks ocean life. Coral, seashells, starfish and even the now ubiquitous octopus. Summer is on the way. This year's offerings come in a variety of shades, but this post features specifically the navy items I encountered.

Fanciful wedges, a featherweight scarf, a summery ring, beach-worthy art and of course, a fun plate for seasonal dining. As a special gift to you, Gracious Style (purveyor of that pretty plate in the center and so much more) is offering Venti Cup readers 10% just for using code VENTILIFE10.

Brace for summer, everyone. Spring is flying by quicker than I care to admit!

1. YSL Riviera Starfish Wedges 2. Roberto Cavalli Printed Chiffon Scarf 3. Blue Mare Dinner Plates via Gracious Style 4. John Kuss Seashells With Blue Background 5. YSL Starfish Ring

Offer fine print: Not valid on sale or clearance items. Offer valid through 11:59 pm EST, April 30, 2012. Not valid on previous orders, orders with trade discounts, or when combined with any other promotional offers.

My SpaWeek Rose Ceremony

I've been indulging in and enjoying SpaWeek for several years now. This year's experience at the Rosewood Crescent Hotel in Dallas topped them all. First, it begins with the ultra high luxury location. The Crescent is located just off of McKinney Avenue... a street we Dallas's best can't get enough of these days. Stylish eateries, chic boutiques and trendy hotspots dot this uptown area. If it's happening, it's probably happening on or near McKinney. In fact, much of the success of Uptown can be attributed to the Crescent complex. A 10 acre office-hotel-retail project that (by some estimates) cost as much as $400MM. The hotel itself is the centerpiece of this gorgeous crescent shaped development.

But enough of Dallas history... let's get to the pampering, shall we?!

The spa itself is actually subterranean. That's right. Deep underground. The tony rooftop pool might afford some stunning views, but the spa itself is hidden beneath the hotel. After descending the marble, mirror & brass staircase you discover a zen-like atmosphere of what is known as the Spa at the Crescent.

One glance at the counter and your surroundings and you know you're in for top notch pampering. I was outfitted with an ultra-plush robe, slippers and shown to my private locker. As I awaited my first treatment with Michelle I had my pick of the latest magazines titles, chilled water and fine teas.

Treatment one was an organic hydrating scrub followed by a Turkish bath. I've done many treatments over the years.. none quite like this one. The scrub was mild and gentle, just enough to prep the skin. What followed, however, was the most amazing bath. The private chamber (the exact one in the image above) was like a sanctuary. A curved-ceilinged room complete with a raised bubbling, steamy tub and total and complete privacy that allowed the mind to wander.

Michelle made sure I had cool water and fresh fruit on hand, but for the most part I was left alone to enjoy the jetted tub and nearby chaise for full and total relaxation. As busy mommy of a newborn and a 4 year old I can assure you - this chamber of silence was just what the good doctor ordered! It was sensational. The body unwound, the mind emptied of all clutter and my skinfelt ridiculously smooth after the hour had ended.

Afterwards, I was introduced to Linda... a woman I will forever call the Skin Whisperer. A few moments with my face and she quickly and correctly assesed two things: I consume almond cheese (I'm allergic to the "real" stuff) and I had morning sickness during my pregnancy. Her facial was nothing short of amazing, but it was her deep knowledge of skin and the effects of lifestyle and diet upon the complexion that amazed me. I cannot wait to return to her table so she can continue treating my skin. Her touch was gentle, her knowledge extraordinary and my face was glowing and flawless for days after my appointment. True facial bliss.

If you are ever in Dallas you absolutely must check into the Crescent Hotel for the ultimate overnight experience and book your spa appointments in advance. I saw many happy couples while I was there and groups of girlfriends engaged in deep convos between treatments. These were clearly Crescent regulars and I knew immediately that I would become a regular too.

Please note that both of these treatments are available for only $50 thanks to the miracle of SpaWeek. There's also a paraffin wax pedicure to be had for the same fabulously low price. True luxury at a fraction of the normal cost. Spaweek 2012 runs from April 16-22, so don't delay. Go. Escape. Enjoy. I certainly did.

Passionate Pursuit of Excellence

If you listen closely to leaders, entrepreneurs, moguls and admirable people a common theme will ultimately emerge. Excellence. They demand it from themselves, they expect it from their team and they strive to create it with whatever grand idea, innovation or product they are developing. A simple word but a lifelong challenge: the pursuit of excellence.

Immediately names like Steve Jobs (known for his relentless pursuit of perfection) and Richard Branson (who refuses to take no for an answer) come to mind. People for whom "it's not possible" or "it's good enough" readies them for the challenge.

Also look at Alli Webb the founder of DryBar. Do one thing and do it exceptionally well. That's her (and therefore her brand's) goal. Be the best. Accept nothing less. Offer exceptional quality and service. Raise your standards and be far better than anyone else would ever dream should be expected of you.

These thoughts all came to mind as I attended a Nespresso event at one of Dallas's hottest eateries, PrivateSocial. Once in, I had the opportunity to sit with Padma Lakshmi of Top Chef fame. She shared with me why she partnered with the brand and what makes a famous model/author/host/mother/businesswoman choose to add coffee spokesperson to her long list of titles. Her answer was fairly straightforward: excellence.

Listening to her speak about coffee was eye opening. The vocabulary she used and the passion she had for the topic was something I'd only seen among oenophiles. She spoke of varietals and picking the berries (yes, berries... for in face what we call a coffee bean is actually one half of the seed within the delicate berry) at the precise right moment from the right location and roasting them to the unique roasting level that is best for them. Using terms like "science" and "respect" she shared stories on how far and wide Nespresso (a European phenomenon) goes to source the ultimate product. Perfection is the goal.

You'd think it would end there... but as the event went on we had the opportunity to talk to many people from the product team. It was pretty clear that although ceramic glasses and shiny proprietary equipment surrounded us, we we were hardly talking about coffee any longer. They were preaching a different gospel. How to conceive the best idea, execute it flawlessly and deliver it to the right people at the right time. Do one thing and do it exceptionally well. Better than your fans, your competitors, your supporters or anyone else expects from you.

Isn't this the formula for success for every business and - frankly - every life? Be the very best at what you do. Pursue excellence with every fiber of your being. The result in this case was incredible coffee in a very unique delivery system with some of the prettiest packaging and equipment I've seen. But how does this apply to your life? Are you striving to be the very best at what you do in life? In excellence your goal? 

If not, take this moment to shift your focus. Decide to be unreasonably great at your craft, your business, your job, your life.

How did I get this from fabulous food and incredible coffee? Because it was clear that excellence was the goal of the PR team, the brand leaders, Padma, Master Chef Tiffany Derry and all of those involved. Passion for excellence is impossible to hide and always shines through.

Pursue excellence and don't settle for anything less in your life. Ever.

I'd like to graciously thank the Nespresso team for the invitation and the incredible products they shared with us. Thank you for a reminder to be truly great at even the finer details of my craft. True greatness is all in the details after all.

Imagination

“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” ~ Albert Einstein

{found here}

Fresh Start

Source: fabhousewife.com via Debi on Pinterest

 

Source: wrenhandmade.typepad.com via ChrisC. on Pinterest

 

Source: bit.ly via Selina on Pinterest

 

Source: shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com via Bayley on Pinterest

 

Source: fabulouskblog.com via Ireni on Pinterest

 

Gorgeous Easter eggs from creative minds far and wide. Some dipped & dyed, others are far moe ornate require a kind of patience I can only admire from afar. Others are quite simple and surprisingly lovely. May your Sunday be magical and inspired.

{editorial note: for fun, be sure to search Angry Birds Easter Eggs on Pinterest}

Friday, I'm in Love

Source: sterlingstyle.net via Jimmy on Pinterest

Doesn't this just make you want to hop on your own private jet and fly away this weekend? Yes. Yes it does. Happy Friday, everyone! May pretty new shoes and bright polish on fresh pedicures be a part of your Easter weekend!

Spring Things You Need

Living well when the weather is sunny and breeezy isn't a challenge. But to add a hint more skip to your step, add these pretty and life enhancing things to your life. A little reading, a little beauty and a lot of fashion. It's just what Mother Nature ordered.

1. Oscar de la Renta 24-karat gold-plated wood-effect clip earrings  2. Leigh & Luca Peacock Pink Scarf  3. Jimmy Choo Tropical Print Espadrilles  4. Tom Ford "Catherine" Sunglasses  5. Givenchy Ultra-Shiny Plumping Lip Gloss  6. Deborah Needleman's Best-Selling Book The Perfectly Imperfect Home: How To Decorate And Live Well

Love You to Pieces

A few weeks ago several magical events happened seemingly at once. We brought home a beautiful baby girl... and I won a very luxurious prize from one of my favorite boutiques. Pieces, famed Atlanta home decor shop of Lee Kleinhelter, awarded me this amazing cashmere "Love" pillow.

The timing was so apropos, as it seems I won the prize just as we had our little once. But might I also add that I was smitten when I discovered it was Italian cashmere? **Swoon!** It immediately won a special spot in my bedroom (and my life) for its versatility and comfort. Just one touch and I was hooked. It is the ultimate lumbar pillow, let me assure you.

The only challenge? I now discovered it comes in a variety of colors. Most notably? PINK!!! How can I not own the pink one? If you are (somehow) not familiar with Pieces, know that Lee has an amazing eye for style and an uncanny ability to offer what's missing in the marketplace.

There are no mass produced items are found in her boutique. Items are sources from far and wide. Some quirky. Some once of a kind. All undeniably intriguing. Adding a few well chosen items from Pieces to your home will certainly add that "certain something" to a space. That "something" is a tinge of the undeniable cool that Lee offers all of us... one piece at a time.

Thank you so much, Lee, for the little bit of love. It arrived at a vry special moment for us!