Style Gawking {NYFW}

image by jamie beck

While I've never had the pleasure of attending New York Fashion Week, I"m always amazed/in awe/rather envious of the amazing pieces that adorn the women. But as much as I adore Balenciaga there won't be any my closet anytime soon. That's why I love the look above ~ all told it comes in at under $100. I'm particularly smitten by the tribal vibe of her {Forever 21!} top.

It's proof positive that amazing style doesn't require having to break the bank!

Happy {Be Loved} Weekend

Phew, Friday has finally arrived. It's been a rather whirly-twirly week! And now the big V-day is upon. Tell me luvies, are you a fan?


image via ban.do

The husband and I are actually not big Valentine's Day celebrators. I eat dark chocolate year-round thank you very much. I should probably wear lingerie more often though. Note to self.

But I will admit it's fun to get in the romantically inclined giving spirit. If you're still looking for that perfect lovey-dovey gift, head over to Mimi + Meg to check out some uber-stylish Valentine's Day shopping guides (including one by moi!).

I suspect much of my weekend will be spent enviously trailing th happenings of NYFW. Have you hopped over to see Jamie's adventures? You won't be disappointed.

However you end up spending your time ~ I hope it is marvelous luvies.

Till Monday,
*Mrs. E

Still Beholden

With BHLDN. I couldn't resist sharing a few more of my favorite moments from my visit to the BHLDN headquarters.

What's that you say, watch a stunning fashion show and then wander aimlessly through a house full of bridal couture, party dresses and handcrafted shoes, trying on at will? Don't mind if I do!

Meet my absolute favorite: The Zinnia Gown!




images by amanda of ruffled and me!

For those who are curious about more details, BHLDN wedding dresses will range from $600-$4,000. For example, my personal favorite above, the darling coral and grey Zinnia, will be $1,800. {I'm so tempted to wear the Zinnia to a friend's outdoor wedding this summer! What do you think, over the top?}. BHLDN shoes were commissioned from the talents of Bettye Muller and Chie Mihara, some made from vintage french fabric (there were only 32 pairs made of those so shop quickly!). Accessories come from the likes of cult faves Ban.do and Jennifer Behr. The aim of the collection is to provide brides with the handmade, nearly-one-of-kind, extra-special pieces that you can use to make the bid-day truly you.
Personally, the entire concept, from beginning to end, transported me into a fairytale party~land which I really didn't want to leave. What do you think luvies? Are you smitten too?

Precious Metals

Hello, I'm Erin and I'm addicted to statement jewelry, especially when they're chunky, unique, eye-catching pieces like the necklaces and gold rings by Esser Vesper and earrings by Fay Andrada.

It's my version of going al' natural!

I've Got a Crush {On BHLDN}

BHLDN is the brain child of Anthropologie alum Kristin Norris and her darling creative team. Here’s a little inside scoop on the name {because I didn’t get it at first either}: pronounced be~holden, BHLDN is actually based on the Dutch word blijven which means to keep. And their tagline is "Be You, Be Loved." Certainly do love that!

After being lucky enough to get a sneak peak at BHLDN’s first collection, I’d happily have and hold any of the spot-on bridal looks, party frocks, bridesmaid dresses, accessories or shoes. As the BHLDN team told us, the line seeks to capture the emotional qualities of life, for your big day and everyday, which I think is a rather fabulous brand ethos. {And one I can attest is truly heartfelt by the passionate BHLDN team}.

But really, they had me at the shoes.

There is entirely too much goodness to drool over but if I had to narrow my crushes down they’d have to include:

Gorgeous gowns,



Fanciful footwear,



Dazzling detail,



Fabulous flowers,



Sweet settings,



Blogging buddies,



Lovely lunches,



And on BHLDN’s utter charm and cheeky whit.



The BHLDN e-tail site goes live on Monday, February 14th {Valentine’s Day of course}. You'll not only get to purchase their gorgeous creations on the spot, you'll be able to get overnight delivery and enjoy free returns. Because if you want to get married next week and wear a fabulous dress you should be able to! Brilliant.

So for the lovely lady who find herself newly engaged next Monday, BHLDN will be your go-to spot for unique, accessible yet aspirational bridal style. Later this spring BHLDN will branch out into wedding décor and event accessories, making it a truly one-stop-shop for a bride who wants to think out of the staid wedding box.

For the perpetual wedding fan {i.e. already married women like myself} I will be visiting BHLDN routinely to oohhh and ahhhh and get design inspiration for my own wedding & event styling services.

And, obviously, to pick up a fabulous pair of shoes {or two}!

Thank you BHLDN for inviting us to peak under your skirts before your big launch. I'll be sharing a few more of my favorite moments with you tomorrow so do check back.

You can see even more behind-the-scenes details from blogging darlings Amanda, Jen, Joy, Emily, Vane and Joanna.

Be You, Be Loved!
*Mrs. E

One of Those Days

I woke up this morning thinking it was Friday. But, alas it's not.








I think I need a moment to gather myself. Back in just a bit luvies!

*Mrs. E

Wedding Wednesday {Cupcake Alternative}

While there are a myriad of wedding cake alternatives out there (I've seen pancakes, pies, cookies and custom candy buffets among others) cupcakes remain the dominant trend. And don't get me wrong, I do love a good cupcake. But they're tipping over into the over-exposed, the expected, the ordinary category.

That's why I came to a full stop when I saw these gold-leafed mini cakes from Sweetapolita.


imags via sweetapolita, spotted on mimi+meg

Still small and individual, just like a cupcake, but instead, in the form of a sweetly heart shaped cake covered in edible gold!

Now that adds a whole new glamorously-romantic factor to mini dessert idea. And I, for one, am completely in love.

Cookin' and Lookin' Good!

I rarely need an excuse to head into the kitchen because cooking is usually a place of refuge and relaxation for me. But if I had one or two {actually, I'll take all!} of these simply perfect Ice Milk Aprons, you'd have to drag me out of the kitchen kicking and screaming because I'd never want to take them off.


images via ice milk aprons

Function + spot on fasion = complete culinary delight!

Una Bella Cucina

This time of year nothing is more satisfying for me than a classic Italian meal.




images via  1, 2, photography by house of brinson, image 3, 4, photography by house of brinson, 5 kitchen design and photography by house of brinson

A warm bowl of steaming pasta sticks to my ribs and soothes my soul (I love carbs, remember?!).

It's especially spectacular when it looks as yummy as the dishes made by the crazy talented husband and wife duo behind the House of Brinson.

Double the fun if you get to make said Italian dinner in a rustic kitchen. Do exposed beams, stone counter tops and pendant lights actually make the food taste better. I'd like to think so. I hope to serve as chef's assistant in House of Brinson's gorgeous NYC loft kitchen. It's foodie heaven up in there!

Susan, I'm inviting myself over for dinner the next time I'm in New York. I hope you don't mind! In the meantime, I'll try to make my pumpkin gnocchi turn out as beautifully as yours!

Bon Apetito luvies,
*Mrs. E

Pumpkin Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds Idaho potatoes, about 3 large, scrubbed and boiled in skins until tender
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch allspice
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 to 2 cups flour
Salted water, for cooking gnocchi
1/2 pound unsalted butter
2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, minced
1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

Directions here.

Feelin' Peachy

Out and about at the park this weekend I spotted a little peachy-pink bud on cherry tree.

anthropologie pillows, chanel orange fizz nail lacquer, rachel rose tee

But as Monday morning dawned grey, dreary and cold, my dream of an early spring dimmed. For the time being, I'll turn to a  pops of peach to keep hope alive.

Monday Workwear {Craving Camel}

images via unknown {emily is that you?}, miss moss and net-a-porter

Because really, there's nothing classier, wouldn't you agree? Supple, luscious and oh so refined.

Thank you Stella, Alexandre, Chloe and Michael. Don't mind if I do.

Happy Monday luvies,
*Mrs. E

PS. Curious about my Monday workwear? I've started sharing my workwear looks on Twitter. You can take a peak here!

Happy {Sit Back & Contemplate} Weekend

Moments of clarity are just that - moments. They go by in a flash. So when you have one, try to hold on tight and make the most of it.

I've been inspired by some amazing women recently. And then I read the article about Nancy Jarecki, who survived a brain aneurysm, in this month's issue of Vogue. If you need a kick in the butt, go read it.


images via simply grove & thirfty solutions for an urban gal

A wise man once re-quoted

"On your death bed all you have is memories and regrets. Make your memories amazing and have NO regrets!” (thanks Uncle Beefy!)

That brought about some of my own moments of clarity. Like the realization that I could actually really finally launch my creative styling services business. So I did. I do hope you'll check it out!

This weekend I plan to hit the pause button, sit still (in a comfy chair!) and truly savor the good moments happening in my life right now.

I hope you find moments to cherish this weekend luvies.

Till Monday!
*Mrs. E

Supersize Me

I'm totally loving the look of the oversized accessories in both fashion and home decor these days.


asos portfolio clutch and room via mixer.se

A large piece creates a focal point and makes a stunning statement, either walking down the street or in your living room yet still doesn't seem totally in your face.

I'd love to turn this clutch into a work bag (practical no - but fabulous, yes!). And since I actually have high ceilings. that "desk lamp" would add the perfect quirk to the space!

Go big or go home people!

I've Got a Crush

On the reinvention of magazines. I may miss the feel of flipping through a glossy page now and again, but the hundreds of inspiring shots more than make up for it!

Here are the fave moments that I'm serisously crushing on from...

RUE



HIGH GLOSS



MATCHBOOK



THE COVETEUR



Happy e-flipping luvies!
*Mrs E.

Thank Heavens for Brad! Pitt and his trusty tripod are back on set as Angelina Jolie directs

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Tripod man: Brad Pitt was back on set again today in Hungary for the second day in a row as Angelina Jolie continues work on her directorial debut


Brad Pitt certainly doesn't mind mucking in from time to time.

The 46-year-old was back on set today for the second day in a row, helping out Angelina Jolie as she works on her directorial debut in Esztergom, Hungary.

Pitt was spotted bundled up warmly in a heavy jacket and scarf, flat cap pulled down over his face, lugging a large tripod around with him.

Multi-tasking Brad was acting as a jack of all trades as he was spotted later crouching down beside Jolie photographing her at work.

The 35-year-old actress looked like she has completely mastered the art of directing as she shared her vision with her cast and crew.

Dressed in a black coat and trousers with a huge pair of sunglasses on and her hair casually swept back off her face Jolie still looked every inch the leading lady movie star though.


Action central: Jolie was in the thick of it as she shared her creative vision with her cast and crew


Jolie's movie, an untitled love story set during the Bosnian war, tells the story of a romance between a Bosnian woman and Serbian man.

Jolie has cast a relative unknown in the lead female role, Bosnian born actress Zana Marjanovi.

The film is based on an original screenplay written by Jolie and it will focus on 'a Serbian man and a Bosnian woman who meet on the eve of the war and the effect the war has on their relationship.'


Multi-tasker: Pitt took a break from his tripod duties at one point to photograph his lady love hard at work


As well as writing and directing the movie, Jolie is also producing it, along with Graham King and Tim Headington, who she worked with on her most recent film, The Tourist.

Jolie has wisely chosen a subject she knows a lot about to concentrate her fledging directing skills on.

In her role as a United Nations Ambassador Jolie has carried out extensive humanitarian work, giving her insights into the kind of war-torn societies that she will be depicting on screen.


Lady in charge: Jolie also wrote the movie which is a love story about a Bosnian and Serb falling for each other on the eve of the Bosnian war


The whole Jolie-Pitt clan are currently in Hungary hanging out whilst mum works.
The family are currently renting a home in a prestigious neighbourhood just outside of the capital, Budapest.

They've been making themselves at home in the spacious mansion, with two of the couple's sons, Maddox and Pax pitching tents in the backyard for some overnight fun.

In addition, they've even adopted a cute little dog. An assistant was spotted shortly after the family moved in delivering an adorable pug.


Family times: The whole Jolie-Pitt clan have moved to Hungary to keep mum company whilst she works



source: dailymail

Earning her stripes! Jennifer Garner's cute little daughter Seraphina hits the race track

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Speed demon! Jennifer Garner takes Violet and Seraphina to the Farmer's Market in Los Angeles


She's known as one of the most hands-on mothers in Hollywood.

And it's clear that despite all the attention they get, Jennifer Garner's daughters are growing up to be very independent young ladies.

The actress took daughters Violet, five, and Seraphina, two, to a Hannukah festival at the Farmers Market in Los Angeles today.


And despite her tender years, Seraphina wasted no time hopping into a little racecar and zooming around the track.

Meanwhile Jennifer watched on in obvious delight with Violet at her side.

Wearing jeans and a fluffy purple top and with a pair of glasses on, the 38-year-old looked like any typical mother taking her children out for the day.


Good girl! Jennifer encourages Seraphina as she hits the race track


The Alias star's mother Pat Garner also joined the family for the day out.

Jennifer and her husband Ben Affleck are known for their dedication to their family, and were seen taking the girls to a library in Santa Monica last week.

Affleck, who starred in and directed new film The Town, has had a packed calendar recently.


Smiles all round: Jennifer stays close to Violet as Seraphina races


Along with promoting The Town, Ben has been hard at work filming a new, as yet untitled movie with Rachel McAdams, Rachel Weisz and Javier Bardem.

The new film is shooting in Oklahoma, making family time tricky for the actor.

But it's clear that whenever he gets a chance, he tries to spend time with his wife of five years and the children.


Me and my baby: Jennifer holds Seraphina close as she cuddles a kitten


source: dailymail