Chandeliers

I know outdoor chandeliers are no new concept, but ever since I’ve started dreaming and scheming for a girlfriends outdoor vineyard wedding this summer, I’ve become slightly obsessed with the idea. The drama! The flair! The light!

I simply love the idea for events, but I also love the idea for dressing up a backyard too. As we’ve been on the house hunt, I will soon have my very own back yard for the first time e-v-e-r. I’m thinking it might need a chandelier. Let’s see if I can convince the Mr. on that one though!

This Ikea chandelier could do the trick. It is also ideal for outside because well, it’s 40 bucks and really won’t last more than one summer, let alone one impromptu rain storm. Here’s what I’m going for (I’ll take the house too…)

What do you think? Am I crazy? In my opinion, chandeliers are always a good idea. Champagne too.

Happy Thursday!

Carpe Diem,

Mandy

Image 1/2/3/4/5

Fashion: Understated Chic

My favorite trend as of late is the understated chic style, requiring two main elements: distressed jeans & heels. To be even more specific, I am especially drawn to strappy heels, light washed distressed jeans (rolled at the ankle) & a neutral, simple blouse. In my opinion, these style bloggers knocked it outta the park!

I have these jeans (much cuter in person, promise!), now I just need some strappy heels. Let the hunt begin!

Follow me on Pinterest here for more Fall fashion goodness!

Pretty easy to accomplish, yes? How would you rock this look?

Carpe Diem,

Mandy

PS. Click on the image to follow the link.

Fallin’ for Fall

I thought summer was busy, until September went by in the blink of an eye. Happy October everyone! We are quickly approaching my favorite season, despite the Indian Summer we’re having here in PDX. But, because of this wonderful weather we’re experiencing, I am still crossing items off my Summer To Do List!

Enjoy some fall inspiration today! I’m looking forward to cozy nights in, crisp sunny mornings and eating anything & everything with pumpkin in it. What about you?

Carpe Diem,

Mandy

Images: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

Hello Gorgeous

I can not get enough of these photos of Blake Lively for Marie Claire by Txema Yeste. Everything, literally everything, is styled to perfection.

I’m going to need that floor length sequin Jenny Packham dress….right now. And that white beaded Marios Schwab number too.

Carpe Diem,

Mandy

Images 1, 2, 3, 4.

Sun Drenched

With the warmer months approaching quickly (where did you go, June?), I am ready to embrace the long, sun drenched days of summer. I want to dive in & swim in these gorgeous photographs, all whilst thinking about imperfection as beauty & happiness as a state of mind, rather than possession to be prized.

Carpe Diem,

Mandy

Images 1, 2, 3, 4.

House of Lolo: Annual Dress Event

It should come as no surprise that I am slightly obsessed with House of Lolo (see here, here and here), so when I found out about their first annual dress event I knew I had to swing by. Champagne, treats, give-aways, a Pink Tartan trunk show + fabulous women? Sold! They will also be featuring some of their favorite brands such as Contrarian, Ani Lee, Parker, Black Halo, and then some.

Pink Tartan is a luxury sportswear brand that focuses on clothes you can actually live in & that transition from day to night.  Comfortable material combined with chic style. Here are a few snapshots of the fabulous Pink Tartan dresses you’ll see tonight and did I mention, the dresses are only available for a limited time? My personal fav is that rad orange dress in a knit material (chic & comfy!).

In case you’re wondering, that dress is perforated leather. Yowza, sexy mama!

This little white dress is perfect for a Bride to wear to a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner.

I’m already loving what I am seeing and can’t wait for more uber stylish goodies tonight.

The event is at House of Lolo, 1031 NW Couch Street right across from Powell’s Bookstore in the Pearl District of Portland, OR from 5pm-9pm tonight (June 22nd). Do I need to mention again that there will be champagne?

You can read more about it on their Facebook event page & make sure to “like” them if you haven’t already. Don’t forget Twitter too!

Happy Friday!

Carpe Diem,

Mandy

*Images from House of Lolo.

Orange-licious

Ever since I was little & found out my older sister’s favorite color was orange, I immediately declared it mine too. It hasn’t really changed since then. I love how vibrant & positive this color is.

I dream of having an insanely bright room in my home someday.

By now, it’s obvious I love everything that House of Lolo carries. This dress is perfect for work-play transition, date night, a wedding, sunday brunch…yup, it’s perfect.

Camille Styles always knocks it out of the park when it comes to entertaining. I especially love the oranges in this moroccan theme table-scape. Such a simple, colorful & playful accent. Check out the Moroccan themed bridal shower I planned for my sister for more inspiration!

Can I just teleport myself into this tropical photograph, bikini and tan included?

Color-blocking at it’s extreme & finest.

Love the orange lips, orange brows, big curly brunette hair & faint pink tipped nails.

A blood orange margarita is probably my favorite cocktail. Oba is one of our favorite restaurants in Portland and has the best blood orange margaritas. It’s so good, we had our rehearsal dinner there (and it was delicious).

If anyone knows where to purchase this ridiculously awesome statement necklace, hook a sista up!

Can’t have a Monday color post without a positive quote to jump start this week! This quote is fairly self explanatory and I hope everyone adds a bit of adventure to their step today.

Carpe Diem,

Mandy

Green Perfection

After spotting these lamps in the sale aisle at Target, I’ve become obsessed with this emerald green color. Green has never been a dominate color in my life & I am rarely attracted to it, until now. I tried & tried to make these work in our new place, but they just didn’t seem at home. I may be slightly regretting it today….just look at ‘em!

I don’t think I can live another day without this emerald green sequin coat.

These green chairs are eclectic, yet chic in this space.

A drop-dead gorgeous dress in a head-turning color; bada bing, bada boom!  I look forward to House of Lolo’s Street Style series hitting my inbox every Monday morning; I am usually drooling by the first photo.

A NYC hidden gem. Talk about an oasis in the city. Perfection.

I’ll take the beach, the surf board, the vintage VW van, that dress & definitely the sexy moment, please.

How often do you sit ideal because you’re too afraid to step outside your comfort zone? But how exhilarating is it when you do? Totally worth it, right? This is a hard one to overcome because routine is easy, consistent and satisfying. Life though can be so much more if you let it.

Have a beautiful day!

Carpe Diem,

Mandy

Splurge Vs. Steal

Phillip Lim 3.1

Shoe Mint Spring 2012

I’m on the hunt for an every-day pair of flats for this spring and summer. I’ve spotted both of these lately and adore the chic & timeless style that will go with virtually any outfit.

Phillip Lim 3.1 $395

Shoe Mint $79.99

Do I even need to tell you which one I’ll be purchasing?

Have a fantastic Friday & happy weekend!!

Carpe Diem,

Mandy

Everyday Emily

I’m guest blogging over on Everyday Emily today! Have you seen Emily’s adorable blog? She curates the most fabulous photos from fashion to travel to adorable dogs that just make you smile. A definite every day read for me (and should be for you too)!

Emily just made the jump across the pond from London via Portugal to good ol’ Portland. Frustrated with the local shopping scene she graciously asked me, the Portland native, to share my top 5 shopping locations. The more I thought about it, the more I realized Portland is not the best shopping city. I shop a lot when I travel for this very reason. But, we have great beer so I’ll take that any day!

Head on over to Everyday Emily to check out my top 5 shopping hot spots. That fabulous feather skirt & those leopard print pumps above are from 2 of the shops on my list. Just a little sneak peek for y’all.

Besides Emily’s ridiculously amazing blog, you can also find her on Pinterest, Twitter  & Instagram.

Thanks again Emily! xoxo

Carpe Diem,

Mandy

Photo by Niki Rhodes Photography.