Vintage Subway Signs: DIY?

I am thinking that it would not be difficult to make my own faux vintage subway sign. Some of the ones for sale out there cost as much as $500. Granted, mine wouldn't be the real deal, but it would be fun to put some personalized stops on there: places with meaning to me and/or my husband. I just need to find the right size cardstock or canvas, paint it black and stencil on the letters in white. What do you think?

Check out this great chair that was featured in the Los Angeles Times - fun!

Shoes at Old Navy

My friend Sharon called yesterday to let me know about some cute leopard ballet flats she saw at Old Navy. She knows I've been looking for some, and I never did shell out the $100 for the French Sole pair I was thinking about. Honestly, this is one of those cases where I'm not sure how much you spend truly reflects on the quality. And the way most of us like to buy shoes, if you can get cute and trendy for less than $50, you can afford to get as many as you want instead of the couple of investment pairs you'd spend $100 or more on. That's my theory, anyway! Here are three that I love:

I think I'll pick up this neutral pom-pom flat. Would go with everything and I like that little detail.

Here's the leopard: really cute! One of my favorites because you can wear with both browns and black.

This boot is $39.50! LOVE the styling! I'm thinking if you have teenaged girls, especially, Old Navy is the way to go!

Kelly Wearstler on Gilt

I love this diamond-pattern throw by Kelly Wearstler on Gilt right now.

This ombre one is gorgeous, too:

This sale ends tonight at 9, so hurry!

Get Into the Gap!

GAP is 40% off your in-store purchase today, and 45% if you have a GapCard. I think I will go get this:

I've been wanting to go with the classic nautical tee all summer, but the 3/4 sleeve length is just too hot for summer here! I'm glad to see this Fall-friendly version. It comes in several other colors, too.

I swear I had this exact skirt in 7th grade!

Stirrups?! I think not!

This I love: and camel is THE color this season!

I love these driving moccasins - great color! And I have to say, I've had several pairs of shoes from the GAP and Old Navy and they have all been really good quality.

Heidi Klum for New Balance

I was sort of excited to check out Heidi's new line of active wear after watching "Project Runway" last night. This is the kind of stuff I can live in and I had high hopes, especially knowing that Andy's three pieces would be included in the line. I have to say I'm a little disappointed though. See what you think:

This cardigan is cute and chic, but at $148, I know I can find something similar for a lot less.

These sweats are awful! Talk about styling issues (which Heidi was slaying people for last night) - these would have a chance with a ballet flat or sandal, but I don't like them at all with the running shoes. The saggy crotch is not a flattering look, either.

Heidi cracked on Gretchen for including an '80s-style cropped top in her collection. Hello?

This is one of Andy's winning pieces. Again, not with the track shoes! And Andy's were cropped and much cuter than these.

This is one piece from the show that did turn out well. I really like it. As for the others: "Auf wiedersehen!"

If you're a fan of the Ghost Chair....

The "Sky Chair" by Kinetic is on sale for $399 a pair on HauteLook right now! Great way to add a touch of modern to even the most traditional home!

Happy Fall, Y'all!

I started adding a few touches of Fall around the house this weekend. I'll do the front porch next week. I'm waiting to buy my pumpkins from the church down the street, because the money goes for a good cause AND they get some really exotic pumpkins and ghourds.

Hermes Blanket

Why oh why does the Hermes blanket have to be SO crazy expensive? I guess it's in keeping with all things Hermes. It is a very serious lust-worthy item for me.

Of course SJP would be wrapped up so casually in one!

They are retailing for $1,125.00 on the Hermes website. Or you could "cheat" and get a baby blanket for a mere $700. Ebay had one the other day (it's gone now) in purple and black, but it was still more than $500 with a couple of days of bidding left to go.


Do you think they will send one to a desperate blogger for advertising their wares? Yeah, right.

Transitional Outfits from J.Crew

You know by now that I always like to shop the J. Crew Final Sale a couple of times a year. Right now it's an extra 20% off plus free shipping if you spend $150 (you will!).


I've put together two casual outfits from sale items that would work for this transitional weather. I hope you'll be inspired!


Outfit One: Carpool on a chilly October afternoon

Outfit Two: Drink with friends while the kids are at practice

The Skirt

This is one of my Talbot's finds from last week - the leopard skirt. LOVE! I plan to wear it with a simple black turtleneck or a white or cream silk blouse (which I need to find). It runs big so you might want to order a size down.

If you open a credit card you will save 15%. And they have this strange promotion going on where if you try on a pair of pants, they give you $10 off. Even if you don't buy them, you get a coupon for your next visit. Pretty simple!

Best Idea Ever!

My favorite Sunday mornings involve coffee and the new House Beautiful. I could decorate two or three houses from ceiling to floor after that combo of caffeine and eye candy. I'm only a third of the way through the October issue and I've already dog-eared several pages for future reference. One of them is THIS:

Headboards that are actually wall decals! They are by a company called Blik Wall Graphics and they come in a variety of colors. Brilliant! Twin size is $40 and King is $70. I just love that you can make such a big impact for so little money. Fun!

Dream Closets

I really need to overhaul my closet right now. It seems like I just did, but it's probably been months and months. In the meantime, here is some closet inspiration!

I saved the best for last. How incredible is this? Happy Weekend!