Tory Burch's Colorful Home

I don't own any Tory Burch pieces.  I'm a fan of her line but its just way out of my price range. However, I  think she has done an amazing job designing and decorating her stores. 

The one here in SF is fully decked out in my favorite colors (orange and green):

 Or, there is the more beachy SoCal version:

Since I love these so much, it was no suprise that her home has an equal amount of style.

Check out these pictures from this month's InStyle, found via the The Tory Blog.

How cool are the glossy red walls in her dining room?

This living room is pretty traditional but somehow manages to still be totally inviting.

I love the total commitment to the blue pattern in this breakfast nook.

(I also think that orange shirt dress is basicallyperfect)

While I'm at it, what impresses me most about Tory Burch is that she started her business from her kitchen table.

Bright Pants!

My absolute favorite trend from the Fall 2011 runways was bright colored pants, especially in red and orange hues.   A style that was once reserved for only the preppiest of preppy-- I think these images prove that they are totally wearable by anyone! 

All images from style.com

I got an amazing deal at Gap last month on some bright red cropped corduroys and I can't stop wearing them. They honestly make me happy every time I put them on!  Obviously they will be great for spring but I also think they work well with layers to spice up a classic sweater or coat like they showed on the runways.

It looks like all the Gap corduroys are gone but I found a couple of fun colors at Zara, TopShop and American Apparel.  Pictures along with some other inpsiratioal photos are below.

From Left to Right: EmersonMade Kimchi Pant- $168,  Style blog SincerelyJules, Zara pants - $39.90, TopShop Trousers - $65, American Apparel pants - $78, street style image (unkown), Neon pants at Harpers Bazaar

Video is the New Catalog

I love how brands have recently chosen to use videos to promote new seasons.   Although I totally enjoy looking through new catalogs and lookbooks, there is something super engaging about seeing clothes moving through a dreamy world, especially paired with an awesome soundtrack.

 Here is one I loved from Kate Spade

How cute is the little poem/story:

this is the story of a charming girl
she laughs out loud, sings off key and believes in taking chances
she is quick and curious and playful and strong
she lets her imagination run away with her
she has never been one to stick to convention
she is fond of daydreams that take her places
she can order a cocktail in six different languages
she feels that understated is overrated

 .......

Also love the preppy-ness of Lands End Canvas

Even thought this J.Crew video is from last year, it's still inspiring. (Especially the amazing orange lipstick)

Green Chips

In the past couple of months I have discovered an awesome snack that is too good not to share.  It started with Brussels Sprout chips.  My parents had some at an SF restaurant, Marlowe, and liked them so much that my dad came home the next day and figured out how to make them.  

They look something like this:

They are DELICIOUS and extremely easy to make.  Not only that, but you can make basically the same thing with other dark green leafy veggies like spinach, kale and chard.  

There are a bunch of recipes out there. But, it is stupid simple:

1-  Peal off the leaves of the brussels sprouts, getting rid of the core (obviously you don't need this step for spinach or kale)

2- Sprinkle with a bit of oil, sea salt and pepper (+any other spices)

3- Spread out on a cookie sheet and bake at 400 for 10ish minutes (until they're a bit brown on the edges and look crunchy)

I love to sprinkle them with crushed red pepper for a little spice and I've also added garlic powder or a little bit of lemon.

Seriously, try them!

Martha has a recipe for the kale version here.

Bored of White Dishes

When I bought my first set of dishes (the ones I still have now), I chose a super-simple all white set.   The thought was: they would "go with everything,"  food looks good on white and I wouldn't get sick of them.  But, it turns out,  I'm kind of sick of them.  I want something more fun!  And, as it turns out, in comparison to a lot of the places where I spend my money,  dishes aren't that expensive.

I've been shopping around for some fun tableware options.  I haven't chosen yet but here are some of the ones I think might make me just a bit happier at dinner every day.

Where to find them: 1. Polka-dot glasses, 2.Thomas Paul nautical plates, 3. Simple colored bowls, 4. Chevron B&W cup, 5. Jonathan Adler almost subtle pinwheel striped set, 6. Colorful polka dot dishware set, 7. John Derian appetizer plate set