London 2012: Going for the Gold

Thanks in part to the girls of the USA Gymnastics team; the US is still topping the medal count. Medals are great, but let’s be honest…everyone covets the gold.  

Sadly, most of us are not among the elite. We will never get a chance to be adorned with a gold medal. Oh well, at least we can shop for all things gilded instead…

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Style Crush: Kate Middleton

Ahh, Kate Middleton. Last night she was seen in custom Christopher Kane, but back on March 15^th, Kate was spotted wearing this outfit when she met with the Team GB Hockey players.

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London 2012: Olympic Opening Ceremony

In about 45 minutes, the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics will begin on the west coast. From the still shots I’ve seen online, it looks like a very long, Cirque du Soleil show. There are rumored appearances from nearly every person (or character) England has produced in the last century. Personally, I prefer to DVR this part so I can fast forward through the less exciting parts…like when all the athletes walk in. I know the Olympics are all about the athletes, but c’mon, do I really need to see them all aiming their cameras at the cameras??  

For the next 17 days, I will pay homage to the Olympics and the host nation in my own way, so stay tuned…

First up, these amazing poster illustrated by Paul Rogers.  

Five-colour screen print posters for Kemistry Gallery, London

Charlie's Picks: 4th Birthday!!

Next week my adorable pup Charlie turns four years old! It’s hard to believe that it’s been that long since we brought him home. Here are some Charlie approved picks for this week.

Harry Barker’s Kennel Club Dog Bone: I bought one of these last year for Charlie and he loved it! It was small enough for him to carry everywhere and the fact that these are stuffed with hypo-allergenic, eco-friendly recycled fiber is a major plus!

Gold-Plated eiCrate by Peter Pracilio: This amazing dog crate can be yours for just $11,000. It’s available in other colors for a more affordable option. I’ve been coveting the white one for a long time now. Charlie loves sleeping in a crate where he feels safe, so why not have one that looks great in the bedroom??

Silly Buddy Bow Tie: I’m slightly obsessed with these handmade doggie bow ties. I came across this etsy shop a few months ago and fell in love. I can just picture dressing Charlie like a dog version of Chuck Bass every day.

Mungo & Maud Lead: Made from beautiful cotton canvas and leather!

Mungo & Maud Dog Bowl: I recently discovered that it’s hard to find cute ceramic dog bowls. Mungo and Maud have a good selection!

Mungo & Maud Igloo Dog Bed:  This is beyond perfect for this little guy. He loves burrowing under blankets and pillows, and can’t sleep unless his crate is covered! This igloo bed will make him feel safe and comfy all the time. It even comes with a drawstring bag so it’s easy to travel with!

Mungo & Maud Treats: 100% organic! After feeding him dry food from one of those big dog food brands (that shall remain nameless), Charlie got really sick. I researched and found that hundreds of dogs were becoming ill and even having to be put down after eating this food. Since then, Charlie only eats organic, corn and by-product free food.

Happy Birthday Charlie!

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Bunheads: Is Anyone Watching?

I fell in love with Gilmore Girls the second I started watching it. I saw so much of myself in Rory and identified closely with her relationship with Lorelei. When the promos for Bunheads started, I felt a mixture of excitement and hesitation. ASP (Amy Sherman-Palladino) has written/created some of my favorite TV, but let’s be honest…Bunheads is a silly name for a TV show. I didn’t even take it seriously until I heard that it was created by ASP.

After watching the last few weeks, one thing is clear: ASP has a knack for small town drama. She creates quirky characters and like Gilmore Girls, the show is full of fast talking, pop culture reference filled mini monologues.

So far, it’s almost like a copy of Gilmore Girls. I’ve counted 5 recycled actors in the first five episodes! You know what? That’s ok with me. This is the kind of TV that makes me happy. It’s the kind of TV that brings you a little joy every week and makes you sad when it’s over. It doesn’t need ridiculous medical mysteries, bombing/shootings, endless bed-hopping, or cheesy sweeps clichés (I’m calling you out Shonda Rhimes). I truly hope that ABC Family will give this show a chance, especially since Secret Life of the American Teenager (the WORST show ever created) is in season 5!

Anyway, as we all know, the black swan fueled ballerina trend has been over for a little while. Maybe Bunheads will bring it back! These are some of my favorite ballet-inspired accessories.

Alexandra de Curtis Box Clutch | Chloe Ecru Ballerina Flats | Lanvin Tulle & Pearl Necklace | Chan Luu Cashmere & Silk Scarf

Julia's Picks: Tattered Tapestry Journal by Grain Design

Months and months ago, I came across this charming journal at Anthropologie.  The second I saw it, I imagined taking it along on a great European vacation. I placed it in my online shopping cart, unable to stomach the steep price tag. Earlier this week, I discovered it was ON SALE, so I hastily placed my order without hesitation. It just arrived and it’s even better than it looks online!

Despite many attempts, I’ve never been patient enough to sit down and journal. I’m definitely more of a list maker than writer. I love the idea of filling the pages with inspiring snapshots, ticket stubs, restaurant receipts, etc. Someday I hope to fill shelves with travel journals like this, but until then, I’ll be daydreaming of roaming around Venice with this one!

Note: Since Anthropologie put this item on sale, it quickly sold out. I must have snatched up one of the last ones!

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Style Guide: Kids | Pinspired by...

It’s no secret that Pinterest is a source of endless inspiration. The pic on the left has been making the rounds, so I thought why not start a new series? I’m calling this “Pinspired by…” I know what you are thinking: with the countless Pinterest puns, that’s the one you settled on?? Yes, it is!

This week, I was Pinspired to turn this wonderfully styled shot into a coordinating outfit for a little fashionista!  

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Mom to Be: Adele

Is it just me, or does it seem like every celeb is expecting?? Between Twitter announcements, morning shows, or even those who won’t fess up (I’m looking at you Megan Fox), it can be difficult the keep up with the celeb baby bumps. Since I get most of my news from E!, I am almost always up to speed on  who’s preggers in Hollywood…or across the pond. Adele is among the latest to announce an impending visit from the stork. With her timeless style, it seems apropos to share some of my favorite “classic” baby essentials.

Sophie the Giraffe, Diaper Bag Clutch, and adorable Stuffed Rabbit available at French Toast this Fall!

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Summer Movie: Ted

Last weekend, I was among the droves of people who flocked to the theater to see Ted. This uncouth, vulgar, yet adorable teddy bear made me laugh for almost two hours! It was a fun movie…for ADULTS. I was shocked to see a very young boy with his mother come out of the theater behind us. Now, I watched my fair share of R-rated flicks as a child so I’m definitely not here to judge, but seriously? Anyone who has seen the previews can gather that it’s not just foul language that earned the R-rating.

Anyway, here are some more kid-friendly teddy bears. They might not hug you back, but at least they don’t swear…or do drugs.

All teddy bears available at www.frenchtoastonline.com this Fall.  

Photo: Universal Pictures

1000th Pin!!!

It’s official: I’m addicted to Pinterest. As of July 2^nd, I’ve pinned 1000 images. Here is lucky number 1000! Yes, I know its July, and I pinned a gingerbread house…it’s just so cute! I’ll be happy I saved this image when the holiday season finally arrives.

Style Guide: Kids | 4th of July

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Great Inspirations: You've Got Mail

You’ve Got Mail is one of my favorite movies of all time. I’ve seen it more times than I can count. It’s hard to believe that movie was made 14 years ago. Aside from the fact that no one uses AOL anymore, this film is still completely relevant. The Shop Around the Corner is the ultimate little children’s store and Kathleen Kelly is the perfect shop owner. She’s invested in her customers, her community, and her loyal employees. Even though she eventually goes out of business, her delightful business has always inspired me! I can think of no greater tribute to the late Nora Ephron, than to keep watching her films and to keep being inspired by them.

These are some of my favorite things inspired by one of my favorite characters, Kathleen Kelly.

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Julia's Picks: Snow White and the Huntsman

When I heard that Hollywood was releasing not one, but two Snow White movies this year, I was pessimistic. Do we really need two? My disdain only grew when I found out Kristin Stewart was cast in the title role. Lily Collins is adorable, but really? Bella Swan as some bad-ass Snow White… Since I saw Mirror Mirror, it only seemed fair to give the Huntsman a chance. These two versions could not have been more different.  While Mirror Mirror was bright and colorful, the Huntsman was dark and practically colorless. I’ll give KStew some credit; she did a good job…even though I kept waiting to see Edward running around in the trees in the Dark Forest.  

Anyway, I have to imagine if Queen Ravenna was out shopping, these are some of the things she might pick up…

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