Retro Floral Prints

Florals? For spring? Ground breaking. (So said Miranda Priestly, Devil Wears Prada)  Yeah, I know it's not ground breaking, but I am totally craving a vintage-y floral print skirt. But, I'm on top of it because it's not even spring yet, right?  How can you not love a colorful flowery print? I understand it's a total cliche, but I've seen a bunch of fun floral skirts out there and I think pairing them with a simple button down or striped t-shirt would look totally fresh.  And, what's doubly exciting, is that  I think one of these almost antique looking floral prints will look just as great at the office (especially the pencil shapes) as they will when I'm  headed out to brunch on the weekend.

1- J.Crew Watercolor floral pastiche pencil skirt - $110,

2- LOFT Antique Floral Skirt - $69.50

3- ModCloth Blooming on the Horizon Skirt - $29.99

4- Gap Floral Skirt - $49.50

5- Vero Moda Winter Floral Tulip Skirt - $53.79

6- Madewell Flea Market Floral Skirt - $98

7- Talbots Tuileries floral skirt - $99

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)

Craigslist Wishlist

Of course, I've found a bunch more great deals that won't currently fit in my one bedroom apartment.  (click on the images for links)

Awesome set of bedside tables that look like they're in great condition (and i love the brass drawer pulls!)

Marked just $145 for the set and I bet they could be bargained down.

Ornate mirror - The gold isn't my taste but I think it would look awesome painted a moody glossy black.

I'm picturing something sort of like this one that Michael made on design star, to create an awesome statement in a room like this.

 These nesting tables are really awesome. 

  I absolutely hate the colored glass and $175 is above my normal craigslist limit  but getting glass cut would be relatively affordable and then you basically have the same thing as this $1,500 set from 1stdibs.

Happy hunting...

Bay Area Craigslist Finds

I'm sort of addicted to trolling craigslist for affordable furniture finds.  There is always somebody who just needs to get rid of something so you can always find great deals!  Since there's not enough room in my 1-bedroom apartment to store all these pieces and projects, I figured I can keep track of them here to share with friends etc.

Click on the photos for the listings.

Check out these chairs!  Somebody already did the work for us! They look freshly painted ad covered all for - only $200!  These would look great in front of a big bay window or facing a sofa in a small living room.

This desk looks like it is in great condition and I love the hardware.  Would work perfectly as a vanity in a bedroom.

Check out this AWESOME dining set for just $150!  I love the lines of the chairs.  All it would take is popping out the seats and covering them with some fun new fabric.

I might even think about painting the chairs and swiching out the table with something a bit modern to get a look like this.