black is the new black

it's true... check out some of my favorite looks from the fall '09 runways.

{alexander wang}

{nina ricci}

{doo.ri} 

p.s. if you like this look, check out this diy beaded tights tutorial from park & cube}

{just cavalli}

{temperley london}

{abaete}

xoxo,

lesley

my latest obsession... jewelry by marquis & camus

i am completely head over heels for these gorgeous, victorian-inspired pieces by marquis & camus.  i just love how they combine different materials... layers and layers of draped chain, vintage lace collars, european grosgrain ribbon, silk covered buttons, chandelier crystals... i am totally drooling over here!  these particular pieces are currently on sale for 30% - 50% off, but of course they are still way out of my price range.  but a girl can dream, right?

xoxo,

lesley

fashion finds: cafe au lait

my second guest post is up over at papernstitch... this week's style theme is cafe au lait!  check it out here.

xoxo,

lesley

more japanese masking tape...

coming soon from happy tape.  the color combinations and patterns are so beautiful, i may not be able to resist this time!

xoxo,

lesley

wedding times!

i'm so excited to share my latest project with you... i recently started guest posting for a brand new wedding planning blog called wedding times.  i've been married for a year and a half now, and i had so much fun planning my wedding... i also love sharing tips with brides (and grooms) to be!  my articles cover everything from eco-friendly wedding fashion to cheap honeymoon destinations to alternative gift registries.  click here to read my posts, and be sure to check back every week for my latest!

xoxo,

lesley

fashion finds at papernstitch

i am so excited to share my first guest post over at the papernstitch blog!  a couple weeks ago, i responded to brittni's call for guest bloggers, and to my surprise she said she would like to have me on as a weekly contributor!  

every monday at papernstitch i will be showcasing some amazing clothing and accessories in a feature called fashion finds.  each week's finds will have a different theme.  this week i was inspired by all the gorgeous colors and patterns i've been seeing in nature lately.  the theme is rose garden, in honor of the beauty of spring!

after you check out my fashion finds, definitely spend some time browsing the rest of the papernstitch blog.  brittni has been adding a ton of fabulous new features and guest contributors, and every one of them has been brilliant.  thank you brittni for the opportunity... i'm so excited to be part of the papernstitch team!

xoxo,

lesley 

creativity emporium

my test print gift tags were featured this morning on brett's fabulous blog brettorium: creativity emporium.  check back there later for a special discount just for brett's readers!

xoxo,

lesley

colour lovers

if you've never heard of colour lovers, you absolutely must go check it out now.  it's a fantastic website where users can upload swatches, palettes, and patterns and share news and updates about the latest trends in color.  i am totally obessed.  

i really respond to color, so when i'm feeling uninspired or just kind of blah, all the gorgeous palettes and patterns really give me a boost.  it is also really great for finding inspiration for color schemes to use in my patterns and artwork.  since i'm often so inspired by the site, i decided it would be a fun idea to incorporate it into my blog and show you how you can incorporate gorgeous, energizing color schemes into your every day life!

the palette below is called sun milk, and as soon as i saw it i was in love!  the colors are just perfect for a sweet spring outfit.  here are my picks!

skinny cropped jeans - the perfect spring/summer wardrobe staple. from gap, $59.50.

the aqua linen scarf adds a polished look and a pop of color.  from forever 21, $5.50.

i am totally drooling over these fab vintage sunglasses in a peaches and cream color scheme.  from american apparel, $45.

the stone encrusted gold ring was a fantastic find, priced at $3.80 from forever 21.  sadly it is no longer available!  here are some good alternatives for $20.

the ruffled silk blouse is totally gorgeous in that perfect shade of coral, and it is way on sale!  get it while you can!  from anthropologie, $49.95.

grey is the new neutral... this leather shoulder bag is super chic and will go with everything.  from asos, about $40 (prices are in british pounds).

cut-out laced flats in a sweet poppy color complete the look. from urban outfitters, $38

hope you enjoyed the new feature... you'll be seeing more color from me soon!

xoxo,

lesley

cherry blossom festival!

i lived 20 mintutes outside of dc the entire time i was in college, but for some reason i missed the cherry blossom festival every year.  i always went too late, and what few blossoms were left were either hanging on by a thread or trampled into the ground by tourists. 

 so... robin and i are making a point to go see them this weekend.  the blossoms are supposed to be in peak  bloom, and they have a whole big parade and a japanese street festival... it sounds like lots of fun.  

i just hope the weather cooperates... they are calling for thunderstorms today (hail?) and strong winds tomorrow (58 mph gusts?)... so that should be interesting.  i'm just hoping all the cherry blossoms won't be blown off the trees by the time we get there!

xoxo,

lesley