the lbd of my dreams.

i'm pretty sure it tops every list of fashion essentials ever compiled, but i've never been able to find the perfect little black dress... a dress that fits like a glove and makes me feel confident, sexy, and ready to take on the world.

well folks, after years of searching, i've finally found it. behold... the caruso dress by temperley london:

i've been lusting over this dress for months... maybe even years... but i never thought i'd be able to afford it. then one day it showed up on gilt... for 70% off!

mind you, it was still about four times what i'd normally pay for a dress. but this is an investment piece i'll wear for years to come. plus, it's the lbd i've been searching for all my life... how can you put a price on that?

minoux jewelry.

love it all.

link

wordless wednesday.

photo by andrea galvani

color theory . . . day-glo yellow.

a touch of neon never hurt anyone.

1. pinterest 2. american apparel

3. the pandorian 4. these tings take time

5. angeline tournier 6. pinterest

words of wisdom from roald dahl.

roald dahl was one of my favorite authors as a kids, and continues to be a favorite to this day. he always had such a wonderful imagination, a distinct and creative voice, and an uncanny ability to convey the magic of children.

his short stories for adults are really something special... they are one part whimsical, one part grotesque, and always wickedly funny. those of you who haven't yet discovered them simply must give them a read. i highly recommend kiss kiss... "parson's pleasure" is especially delicious.

hope you have a magical monday!

{image via madi illustration}

friday fave finds.

1. personalized silhouette papercut by the path less traveled, $15

2. amazing leather and lace jacket by erin fetherston, waaay on sale (and still out of my budget) for $373.75 at the outnet

3. photograph of the ever-stylish jane birkin via joopy:notes

4. thé noir violette (black tea with violet essence) from technique indiscrete, €15

5. love-ly lettering via en mammas dag

6. shut up and kiss me! via we heart it

7. beautiful, understated packaging... found on pinterest

rent the runway.

if you're like me, you absolutely love designer fashion but can't exactly afford to splurge on this season's hottest looks. rent the runway has the perfect solution... a website packed with tons of amazing designer dresses, handbags, and accessories that you can rent for a fraction of retail price!

if you've got a special event coming up and want to knock 'em dead with a gorgeous, stylish look, you've come to the right place. rent the runway will send your choice of dress in two sizes, so a perfect fit is almost guaranteed. when you're done, just toss the dress into the pre-paid shipping envelope and you're done! how easy is that?

dress rentals start at just $50, so now you have no excuse not to look fabulous! click here to sign up.

here are some looks i've put together to help you look amazing for your next party, holiday, or date night...

dress by temperley london. retail: $1,550 rental: $200

earrings by badgley mischka jewelry. retail: $65 rental: $25

ring by erickson beamon. retail: $408 rental: $45

dress by badgley mischka. retail: $510 rental: $75

earrings by miguel ases. retail: $400 rental: $50

clutch by lauren merkin. retail: $195 rental: $25

dress by carlos miele. retail: $1,100 rental: $150

necklace by gemma redux. retail: $680 rental: $50

clutch by judith leiber. retail: $995 rental: $100

dress by brian reyes. retail: $1,250 rental: $150

cuff by kara ross. retail: $395 rental: $40

clutch by kara ross. retail: $975 rental: $45

emmaline bride.

i'm not planning a wedding (hubby and i have been married for almost 4 years!)... but if i was, my first inspiration stop would definitely be emmaline bride. it's billed as "the wedding guide for the handmade bride," and they have tons of gorgeous, unique ideas to make all the details of your big day just as special as they should be.

wordless wednesday.

via the girl in the black beret.

stina persson.

stunning watercolor paintings by swedish illustrator stina persson.

etsy love.

happy monday! just wanted to share some new favorites i found through the etsy entrepreneurs team...

{zebra tote by grace design}

{springtime in paris photo by sonja caldwell}

{you and me print by mursblanc}

{fringe tunic by wear the canvas}

{pillows by cewbespoke}

friday fave finds.

1. assorted french macarons from sparkles kitchen

2. photo via design minds

3. photo by francoise rachez

4. colorful wedges by michael antonio, via dsw

5. coral lace bralette and pineapple boyshorts from topshop

6. lavender lace bralette and lime green boyshorts from topshop

7. aqua lace bralette and coral striped boyshorts from topshop

8. raspberry photo from images by cassandra

in search of . . . the perfect summer tote.

why is it always so hard to find the perfect summer bag?

it needs to be big enough to hold all the essentials (beach towel, a good book, bottle of water...), but i'm looking for more than just a shapeless sack. it has to have lots of extra pockets for sunscreen, snacks, shades and all the other little things. and of course a cute design that bridges the gap between the beach and the street is a must.

here are my picks for this summer... which one is your fave?

1. bright stripes scream summer, roomy cargo pockets on the front hold all your stuff, and the price can't be beat! from target, $16.99

2. i love that this bag converts from a standard tote to a fold-over shoulder bag. it's like getting two bags in one! by ray design, $115

3. super unique marbled fabric and rugged waxed canvas combine to give this bag a chic factor that's off the charts. by bees'netta, $155

4. this bag has a classic, effortlessly cool look... i love the colorful bungee cord handle! by j. crew, $62.50

5. i adore the beetle graphics and dark leather trim on this tote... sadly it's not in my price range, but i'm keeping my fingers crossed for a sale! from anthropologie, $148

6. an adorable bike graphic and sunny yellow hue make this french-inspired messenger a winner. by ikabags, $69.74

7. the metallic fabric is cute on or off the beach, and the zip top is super practical (no more sand in the bottom of your bag!). by lesportsac, $88

8. i love the rugged-meets-chic look of leather and canvas, and this one has pockets galore! by nine west, on sale for $54.99

just the little things.

this adorable tumblr reminds you to appreciate the little things every day.