Thursday, September 30, 2010

His & Hers Nest - New Favorites

I recently added a couple new items to our nest that I just adore and couldn't resist sharing.  The first is a French dress form that now resides in a previously empty corner of our bedroom.  I love a chic black dress form used as decor ~ such a fun way to display your style.  At the moment, my girl's only adorned in a long strand of pearls {a girl can never have enough pearls}.  Maybe I'll let her borrow my leopard coat, once I find the perfect one. 


{ French dress forms can be found at most store supply retailers }

On one wall of the {His'} bathroom, there was an unsightly phone jack.  I considered just hiding it behind a cluster of wall art.  Then I thought, what fun it would be to add an old fashioned phone to the wall.  It's helped turned the {His'} loo into a mini man cave of sorts.  I now think every man should have a phone in their bathroom. 


{ Crosley wall phone purchased on Amazon.com }

Tomorrow is the 1st of October, which means Halloween is just around the corner.  Our nest is already in the spirit with a sweet, little jack-O'-lantern that puts off the perfect glow at night. 


Wednesday, September 29, 2010

His & Hers Picks - Extra Organized

I am a slightly obsessive perfectionist.  This is particularly true when it comes to caring for and organizing my things.  So, needless to say, I've been picking apart our closets ever since we moved into our new place.  My daydreams are full of ideas on how to better organize and pretty-up the pieces in our closets ~ all so easily attainable too.  Just a trip to any organizational store to ransack their goods and we're in business. 

{ Real Simple hangers at Bed Bath & Beyond } 
{ accessory hangers at The Container Store }
{ storage bins at The Container Store }
{ 3-drawer cabinet at The Container Store }

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

His - Warmth In Layers

There are two things I'm totally loving about menswear this fall...  

First, layers.  It's all about piling on loads and loads of layers, and the more the better.  Don't be afraid to mix patterns and textures into your layers to create even more interest in your look.  

Second, boots.  Roll up those blue jeans and show off your boots this fall.  A sturdy, rich brown pair are a must.  You may even have a pair pushed to the back of your closet ~ Doc Martens, Vasque, Sebago.  Don't be afraid to dust them off and breath new life into them. 




{ His }
Cap: Borsalino, Italian Caps 
Sweater: Original Penguin 
Button Down: Original Penguin 
Jeans: Diesel
Boots: Vasque

{ Check out Michael Bastian's and J. Crew's Fall 2010 collections for more layering and boot inspiration ~ posted here and here }

Monday, September 27, 2010

Hers - Leopard Obsessed

A couple weeks ago, I created a look around a leopard poncho-style sweater {as seen here}.  I not only can't get enough of leopard print this fall, but I also can't get enough of this sweater.  It is perfectly cozy and comfy due to it's large shape and soft fabric.  I love throwing it over a layering tank and pairing it with skinny jeans or skinny black pants.  To me, it is fall perfection.


These pumps were a very sweet gift from my parents, a congratulations and addition of sort to my blog.  They are too adorable to not want to wear everyday and have quickly become my favorite set of heels.



{ Hers }
Necklace & Ring: The Glamourai
Sweater: H&M
Skinny Jeans: boutique in Ireland
Pumps: gift from my parents
Clutch: F21

Friday, September 24, 2010

Happy Birthday to The {His}

Today I hope you'll join me in wishing the {His} a very Happy Birthday!!

On this day last year, the {His} and I were honeymooning in Ireland and ironically discovered that the {His} shares his birthday with a celebratory day in Ireland ~ Arthur's Day ~ the celebration of Arthur Guinness and the opening of his infamous brewery. However, last year's Arthur's Day was extra special.  It was the 250th anniversary of Guinness' brewery.  Needless to say, it was a grand party in Ireland and couldn't have been more perfect of a celebration for the {His'} birthday.

Although we can't recreate last year's birthday celebration, I am wishing the {His} a day, and year ahead, that is just as grand.


{ picture taken along a scenic route in Southern Ireland }

Thursday, September 23, 2010

His & Hers Picks - Cloaked In Coats

We're starting to near that time of year when there's no option but to throw on a coat or blazer before leaving home.  Which means, the {His} and I are currently obsessing over those perfect overcoats that will pair nicely with just about everything in our closets.  

I'm on the hunt for the perfect, preferably vintage, faux fur leopard coat.  This print has increasingly become a staple in my wardrobe {reference here and here}, so what better way to add to my collection than with a plush, warm coat to cloak myself in this winter.  

{ Her Pick }
Vintage Faux Fur Leopard Coat

The {His} is on the hunt for a perfectly fitted, Donegal tweed sportcoat.  He plans to pair it with an array of button downs or layer it with sweaters when the weather turns even chillier {reference here}.  There's nothing more timeless than tweed. 

{ His Pick }
Fitted Tweed Blazer

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

His & Hers Inspiration - Iris & Carl Apfel

At 80 plus years old, Iris and Carl Apfel step out every day in their signature, eclectic style and inspire people all over the world, including me!!  My wish for the {His} and I is that we are as fashionable, in love, and inspiring as the Apfel's in our 80's.

Over the years, the Apfel's have had a huge influence on the fashion and design world.  Iris, in particular, is well-known for her irreverent style that's always topped with loads of massive and interesting accessories.  It is widely thought that Iris has single-handedly revolutionized the costume jewelry business.  The Metropolitan Museum of Art even featured an exhibition about the fashionable style of Iris Apfel in 2005.

This past Monday, The Martha Stewart Show hosted Iris to talk about her approach to style and discuss several looks in her massive vintage clothing collection.  Be sure to check out the show recap and video {here}.  Another fantastic video on Iris can be watched {here}.





Tuesday, September 21, 2010

His - Wedding Rings

The {His} was never one to wear rings prior to our wedding, so wearing one on his ring finger took some getting used to.  In fact, it's still something he's warming to.  It's mainly weight and thickness that bother him, so since our wedding he's been eyeing ultra thin, comfort-fit bands.  As a first wedding anniversary surprise, I purchased a 2mm titanium ring {pictured below} which has quickly become the only ring he wears.  It's super light, easy to wear, and could go effortlessly formal or sporty.

{ His }
2mm Titanium Wedding Band

Monday, September 20, 2010

His & Hers Looks - First Anniversary

This past weekend, the {His} and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary.  We commemorated this very special occasion by getting all gussied up for a lovely dinner and evening on the town.  The {His} dressed down his wedding tux, which I've been impressed to see how much wear he's been able to get from it.  A great investment indeed. 

{ His }
Tux: Hugo Boss, Boss Black {also seen here}
Button Down: Fossil
Tie: Urban Outfitters

{ Hers }
Headband: Kathleen McAuliffe {also seen here}
Sequined Cape: ModCloth
Dress: Vera Wang {also seen here}
Bag: F21

Friday, September 17, 2010

His & Hers - Wedded Bliss

This Sunday, September 19th, the {His} and I celebrate our one year wedding anniversary.  It's been an amazing year and our wedding has been a day that I've often looked back on throughout the past year.  There are so many magical moments surrounding that day that I hold very dear and close to my heart.  Memories that will always be cherished.

My exceedingly favorite moment would have to be when the {His} and I saw each other for the first time on our wedding day.  I was revealed to him after waiting anxiously behind the massive wooden doors of a secluded gallery in the Cincinnati Art Museum.  When the doors swung open and our eyes met, I think we married each other at that very moment.

Below are only a select few of my favorite pictures from our wedding.  There really are too many favorites to share.  Our fabulous wedding photographer was April from Bluebird Photography {check out her website here}.  You can also see a slideshow she created of our wedding day {here}.






{ His }
Tux: Hugo Boss, Boss Black
{purchased, not rented}

{ Hers }
Dress: Monique Lhuillier




{ I am also sending birthday wishes to heaven today. It would have marked the 29th birthday of my forever friend, Julie, who is always in my heart. She was with me in spirit on my wedding day. A blue rosette, made from her graduation dress, was pinned to the petticoat of my wedding dress and symbolized my "something blue." }

Monday, September 13, 2010

Hers - Leopard On Duty

I warned you that I'd be pulling loads of inspiration from Mr. Dries Van Noten this season.  Well, this past week the weather finally cooled just enough in Chicago to act on my inspiration.  I pulled out my early fall favorites {leopard and army green} to create this Dries-esque look.  What are your fashion inspirations for fall?




{ Hers }
Earrings: F21 redux {as seen here}
Leopard Sweater (worn as wrap): H&M
Random silk sash worn as neck bow
Button Down: Gap
Ring: The Glamourai
Belt: Urban Outfitters
Skirt: Banana Republic
Shoes: Chinese Laundry

Thursday, September 9, 2010

His & Hers Inspiration - Michael Bastian

The {His'} inspiration for fall is all about making the three-piece suit warm and casual.  Broken up or worn all together, the best way to dress down the three-piece is to select durable fabrics, such as wool, tweed or corduroy.  Pair it with heavy duty boots {another fall trend} to really ground the look.  You'll be every bit the urban, mountain man. 





{ all images from Style.com ~ Michael Bastian Fall 2010 Menswear }

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

His & Hers Inspiration - Dries Van Noten

While in Boston, I had a chance to get a kick-start on fall shopping.  My favorite inspiration this season?  Dries Van Noten.  I'm loving his mix of two trends in one look ~ animal prints and military inspired.  You better believe I'll be pulling loads of inspiration from this collection as the weather turns cool.





{ all images from Style.com ~ Dries Van Noten Fall 2010 Ready-To-Wear }

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

His & Hers Getaway - Misc Captures

Here are several more captures from Boston and The Cape that did not make a post: