Monday Style: Guest Post: Summer Whites

It is Monday and I am super-excited to start this new week with a guest post by Suzonne Stirling of Urban Comfort. A professional stylist who's work has been published in Better Homes and Gardens, Family Circle, Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, Parents, Nick Jr., as well as other publications, Suzonne is a true master of her craft. She has a perfect eye for timeless, elegant and graceful style, and I am simply honored she agreed to put together this beautiful post for my readers. Thank you, Suzonne!!!

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Hello readers of navyblueshoe! I was so flattered when invited to share a post here. So thank you to Olga for having me today!

I'm a huge fan of neutrals, and done right, I don't think they ever have to be boring. Take white, for instance. It's the perfect backdrop for summer, but it's hardly one-dimensional. Artfully layered, it takes on different personalities, from bright and fresh to subtle and moody. The key is to mix textures and tones, and I always like to throw in some elements from nature, natural foliage or wood, for balance. Fresh, simple, and just right for the season.

This is Glamorous (photography by Polly Wreford for "At Home with White" by Atlanta Bartlett)

Eye Poetry Photography

Pantofola D'Oro Lace Up Oxford via Bodie and Fou

A Rosy Note

Lee Wolfe Pottery

Dreamy Whites

New England Home

Louise Rastall Interior Stylist

Found Folios (Photographer Leigh Beisch)

Monday Style: Mad About Tangerine

SHABD Tangerine Day Gown

COMME DES GARCONS Embossed Leather Pouch

3.1 PHILLIP LIM Kiara Shoes

ALICE + OLIVIA Evie Side Scrunch Dress

GIVENCHY Antigona Tote

Club Monaco: Online Shopping Is Here At Last!

I am so thrilled Club Monaco has finally made the online shopping available. This is a dream come true! Plus they offer free ground shipping & returns through the end of April.

The Shawna Polka-Dot Silk Shirt is on the top of my list for this spring. The neutral color is elegant & timeless, yet playful with its subtle pattern.

Monday Style: Spring 2012 From Valentino

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Monday Style: Summer 2012 From Carven

Carven

Monday Style: Stripes

Happy Monday everyone! I am starting this new week with something I have been a huge fan of for as long as I remember: STRIPES. When worn thoughtfully, a nice stripe will flatter anyone. It will give confidence and bring a timeless touch to any ensemble. Just think of Coco Chanel who introduced the world of fashion to the famous horizontal striped shirt, traditionally worn by sailors and fishermen.

With the audacious direction in which our modern fashion is going I am especially thrilled to witness (and wear myself) mixed patterns; nowadays they are more acceptable than ever before! It has to be well edited and not overdone, but mixing stripe with plaid or florals, or even better - polka-dots, can look absolutely amazing. Just be mindful of scale.

Going back to plain old stripe, I simply love it and cannot get enough of it. This little selection I put together is just a small drop in the ocean of what the fashion industry offers today. Hope you enjoy it!

Tie Back Stripe Swing Top, LOFT
Chevron Comfort Set, Anthropologie
Stripe Sweater-Skirt, J.Crew
Multi Colored Wedge, Pierre Hardy
Striped Canvas/Printed Python Bag, Proenza Shouler
Petit Bateau Turtleneck, Ann Mashburn
Benji Shorts, A.L.C.

Monday Style: Love Is In The Air

Love Note Cards by Christian Lacroix
Love You Necklace by Jennifer Meyer
3/4 Love Dress by Lisa Perry
Tiny Valentine Heart Earrings by Meltem
Ole Caliente' Nail Polish from Essie Spring 2012 Collection
In the background: Love, Love, Love Valentine's Day banner by Shirley

Monday Style: Fresh From Fiorentini + Baker SS 2012

Happy Monday! Hope you all enjoyed your weekend. I did enjoy mine, even though it was rainy and gray outside. I am starting to look forward to spring, in need of sunshine and warm weather. The forecast from Fiorentini + Baker's Spring/Summer 2012 collection promises a lot of amazing styles. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Eternity 7040 boots: look like a million bucks
2. Carnaby - Casper: the Italian take on cowboy boots
3. Nico - Nancy: dress it up with sandals that are pure Gold
4. Alida Bag: amazing carry-all in soft buttery leather

Wednesday Decor: Fields Of Gold Furniture

I have been smitten by the painted gold cross of this funky Painted Bias Armchair, the beautiful lining of the Kitamura Cabinet & the amazing transformation of a vintage Eames armchair, Eames Golden A Shell

Monday Style: Yarn Jewels

Erin Considine

Monday Style: Brand New Wardrobe

It is Monday. The end of Daylight Saving Time makes days seem noticeably shorter. The chill is in the air, lots of it... It is time to brighten up the wardrobe with items that will keep you happy, warm and super-stylish. I am so happy to see the variety of styles this fall's fashion has to offer! These are my favorite selections for this week:
Lulu Blue/Gray Hat from Line Collection by Claudia Schulz
Harlequinade Necklace from Anthropologie
Swizzle Socks in Gold from Marc By Marc Jacobs
Leather Wedge Lace-Up Shoes by Burberry
Linea Cropped Cardi in Lilac from Anthropologie
Tile-Quilted Pencil Skirt by Charlie & Robin

Flower Power: Meet The Flower Girl

It is Saturday morning and I am filled with pure delight; I am invited behind the scenes of a big flower production! Rhea Calpeno, the owner of Photosynthesis, is making floral arrangements for a 200-guest wedding.

Two of her friends, Jo Corban & Leah Whitehouse, are along their friend's side, creating floral pins and bouquets.

As soon as I enter through the front door I am engulfed in a flower kingdom. The fragrance filling the air, buckets of flowers everywhere - each waiting patiently for its turn to become a part of something special, unforgettable. Flowers are crafted into beautiful arrangements as they take over every available horizontal surface: tables and shelves, fireplace mantel and chairs seats… Each composition is unique and yet very cohesive. A variety of vintage milk glass vases completes the centerpieces, adding a romantic touch.

Calpeno, an interior designer, moves back to Richmond earlier this year after a six-year stint in New York City following her graduation from VCU. Armed with great experience and a dream to open a floral business she returns to make this dream a reality. I use the opportunity to interview the flower girl about her passion.

NBS: How did you become a floral designer?

Calpeno: After working as an interior designer for over 10 years, it was time to shift into a different medium. Flowers have been calling to me for a long time. I mostly just needed to take a deep breath and take the plunge.

NBS: What is your favorite flower?

Calpeno: I don't really have a favorite, but right now I'm especially drawn to Scabiosa. It is so beautiful in all stages of life, from bud, to flower to seed pod. Jo said it best this weekend "it's hard to believe there is so much poetry in just one flower...."

NBS: Where does your inspiration come from for each project?
Calpeno: Beauty is everywhere, but nature has always been my number one source of inspiration. Color is also a constant source. Certain color combinations make me so happy I want to dance!

NBS: Where do you shop for interesting vases to complete your flower arrangements?

Calpeno: For classic designs I mostly get my vases at vintage and thrift stores. If I am doing a modern arrangement Crate & Barrel, West Elm and CB2 are great sources for affordable vases. Here are a few links to some inspirational sources that can be a bit pricier, but lovely:

Glamour Preservation, Global Table, Chive

NBS: What would you recommend to readers as far as making their own flower arrangements?
Calpeno: The most important thing is to relax and not overthink it. Flowers will always be beautiful! Every flower has its own shape and movement. It's best to work with that movement, not against it. A good rule of thumb is to select flowers that you are drawn to and that are varying in sizes. If you have three varieties in your arrangement, there will be more visual interest if you have small, medium and large flowers. If they are the same size, they tend to compete with each other.

NBS: Favorite pattern in your wardrobe: plaid, flowers or stripes?
Calpeno: Funny, I'm mostly a solids/textures girl, but the few patterns I have are floral. Go figure.

NBS: Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?

Calpeno: Happily working with flowers!

I leave with a big bouquet Calpeno generously offers me to take home. Flowers in-hand, I walk through the streets enjoying the beautiful autumn weather. Inspired by the flower girl I keep thinking about the power of flower.

Anthropologie Fall Fashion Show

This year's Anthropologie Fall Fashion Show was filled with interesting faces. I found myself being extremely comfortable amongst people that share similar interests in style, level of detail & shopping experience.
The food was on par with the fashion. Delicious, sophisticated & beautifully presented.
I wish events like this happened more often...

Photos by Dirty Richmond