July 31, 2012

I LOVE MY...

... Minnetonka Moccasins. 

I purchased my first pair of Minnetonkas about eight years ago. A pair of fringe boots with interchangeable accents that you could snap on {the "3-in-1 calf high boot"}. My second purchase was a pair of classic suede moccasins, followed by my 
favorite - a pair of Thunderbird boat sole moccasins.


My love for my first pair of Minnetonka boots has faded {fickle love}, and they now have a pretty permanent place in my closet - rarely making their way out. So... this fall my first order of business is to replace them with the Tramper boot {below}. Other future plans include: black fringe boots, and a second pair of Thunderbirds {in cognac}.




All those years ago when I bought those first boots, the Minnetonka website was pretty old-school and basic. As time has passed, I've found it somewhat odd that their website was never updated. When Minnetonka fringe boots became increasingly popular with celebrities and fashion bloggers... still the old website. When Minnetonka started showing up at Urban Outfitters, Free People, American Eagle, etc... still the old website. Needless to say I was very excited when I checked their website yesterday to plot my next purchase and... New Website!!!  I'm not sure when all of this happened, but... Yay, Minnetonka! The new site is amazing. You can now follow them on Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook, too!  I did all of the above immediately. 

Oh Minnetonka, I am your biggest fan.


July 30, 2012

OUTFITS FOR THE OLYMPICS OBSESSED

How was your weekend? I hope it was wonderful! Did you watch the Opening Ceremonies? What did you think? And can we talk about this bad logo... the "London 2012" font looks like it was created by ripping pieces of masking tape. 

I have always been a big fan of the Olympics. As a little girl, I thought the members of United States women's gymnastic team were everything. Over the years, I remember video taping (yes, VHS) the games when I was at school or work so I didn't miss anything. I was a pretty dedicated viewer. 

Well, not much has changed. The Mr. and I have had our tv on a steady stream of Olympics. We don't really discriminate. If it's on, we watch it {although, I do favor gymnastics, swimming, and track}. What about you?


Gorjana star studs // Madewell stripe tee // Seven red jeans // Madewell hole punch flats
MiH star print blouse // white cut-off jean shorts // Scout & Catalog clutch // Swedish Hasbeen clogs




July 26, 2012

CACTUSES OR CACTI

Actually both are correct! Cactus {plural: cacticactuses, or cactus}.

Lately I have been slightly obsessed with these green prickly plants.
My new found love began a few years ago as an appreciation for succulents {when I saw them in wedding bouquets}.
To say I don't have a green thumb is putting it mildly,
but I feel like I could keep a cactus alive.
If I could count on Bailey leaving them alone, I would have an area full of them in terra-cotta pots.
Just like the little spot Tessa has in her charming home.

 {one, two, three, four, five}



July 25, 2012

A RANDOM RAMBLING POST

Hi, friends. I'm sorry I have been absent since Monday. I need to be better about getting a few days ahead of myself with posts... have some stored up and ready to go. The last few days have been very busy. Monday evening the Mr. and I celebrated our anniversary with a fun dinner out, followed by a movie at home, and a cheap bottle of champagne from Trader Joe's. {In my humble opinion you can get away with cheap wine, but champagne is usually a different story; however, this champagne from Trader Joe's for $6.99 proved me wrong... Yummy!} 


Yesterday I spent the entire day at Skipping Rock Farm for the Capital Style "Fall Fashion" photo shoot, with the lovely ladies of Wardrobe TherapyThe location, the model, the outfits... all perfection. I can't wait to see the finished product when the issue comes out! It was wonderful day, and it was so nice to be back at one of my favorite places {a bit about my first visit here}. 




This morning Bailey had an appointment at the vet, and it was quite the traumatizing experience {he was so scared and it was so sad}. He's been sneezing really bad since last Thursday, which I realize sounds pretty minor, but the Mr. and I figured better safe than sorry. He also hasn't been to the vet in almost six years, so we figured he could use a check up! Poor Bailey... he is really bad in cars {REALLY bad} and when I tried to put him in his carrier this morning, his claws went into me and he hung on for dear life. If you guys are regular readers of my blog, you know Bailey is our baby. If you're not a pet person, this probably sounds silly, but it's the truth. He is just awesome. He is a giant cuddle muffin who sleeps in our bed and acts like a dog. We just adore him. 


So... the vet wanted to do some additional tests {blood work}, and we'll know more tomorrow. Until then, I'll be crossing my fingers, saying prayers, and cuddling with my big orange fur ball as much as he'll let me.




ps. Our big ole' maine coon weighs 14 lbs!!!



July 23, 2012

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, HUSBAND

I can't believe it's already been a year.

Did you all freeze wedding cake for your first anniversary? The Mr.'s Aunt Marti made our delicious wedding cake, and since there was nothing left to freeze, this weekend she made us this sweet little cake that looked like it might have been the top of our 3 tier wedding cake. It was filled with raspberry and it was oh-so-good. Thank you, Aunt Marti!

Since I've shared a lot of wedding photos over the year, I feel like you have to be sick of seeing them. Ok, Molly... we've seen enough. Right? Well, last night I took a picture of the pretty cake Aunt Marti made {before we demolished it}.  I thought I would share a photo of that today instead of another wedding picture. {And right now you're thinking..."but this is not a picture of the cake".} Well, we were so exhausted from a weekend spent camping + celebrating with friends and family... and when I looked at the photo this morning on my phone - it was bad. I mean "bad" as in I-must-have-been-asleep-when-took-this-blurry-photo-BAD. That kind of bad. 

So, this will be the last wedding photo I post. I promise {at least for a VERY long time}. 
And if you really want to see a blurry picture of the cake now, you can see it on my instagram {lovelyandrust}. 


I am so incredibly lucky and blessed.
Happy Anniversary, husband.
I love you with all of my heart.
xoxx




July 20, 2012

THIS TIME LAST YEAR

It's hard not to feel a little sentimental and reminisce today.  Last year around this time, on a rainy Friday like today, we were decorating our wedding reception spot and looking forward to our rehearsal.  Our rehearsal dinner was held in the Mr's parents' magical backyard. Under a tent strewn with white lights, were tables covered in kraft paper - topped with blue ball jars filled with daisies.  Carolina BBQ goodness... an homage to the Mr's few years spent living in NC, and our upcoming honeymoon in Charleston, SC. 

While we were at the church "rehearsing" for the wedding, my future mother-in-law's best gals were coming up with a solution for the rain soaked kraft paper on the tables {which they did}... and praying for the rain to stop {which it did}. 

What followed was one of the best evenings I can remember.  For once we had all of the Mr's friends and mine in one spot; in from Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Portland, NC, Miami, and all areas of Ohio.  It was a giddy combination to have our friends and family around us + to be excited about what was to follow the next day.  I think we were both a little high on happiness.

While our actual anniversary isn't until Monday {July 23rd} I feel that we should celebrate the anniversary of our wedding weekend all weekend. Right? Friends, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  Do something silly.

{L-R: James, Nicole, Cynthia, and Graham... with one of the Martin's gnomes. You guys are the best.}




July 19, 2012

PRINT ON IT


{Mustache = must dash... just in case you haven't had your coffee yet. Totes // Pamela Fugate Designs}



 {Oh, Little Rabbit // eco friendly wears made in Oregon}

Lately I have a new mini obsession with screen printed items... totes, tea towels, napkins, and so on. In the last six months I have purchased this tote from Fieldguided, these pillowcases from Kin Ship Press, and a few other little items here and there. I like supporting small shops, and artists... and I love the clean look of the organic cottons and linen. 

I imagine myself with that carrot printed tote, headed to the farmers market for fresh produce and flowers. And aren't these tattooed lady napkins just so fun?!





July 17, 2012

A ROUND OF APPLAUSE

I have always liked select pieces in the Urban Outfitters Apartment Section, but lately I want most of it. 
They are just getting it so right. 
Spot on. 
Below is my current wish list... 
and I know where each piece would go. 


 swing curtain rod // adjustable lamp // triangle area rug // magazine rack {I would use for mail!}




July 16, 2012

A LITTLE ON LIFE LATELY

A picture is worth a thousand words...
so I'm going to let today's photos do the talking,
because they're worth 18,000 words. 
Right?

A little on life lately, according to instagram.



July 13, 2012

SKIPPING ROCK FARM


This week I spent one wonderful night here, at Skipping Rock FarmMy evening passed sitting in one of those chairs, drinking wine, and having wonderful conversations with three artistic, lovely ladies {a milliner, a photographer, and a fashion designer}. Inspired... that's the word.

Skipping Rock Farm is the magical home of the Hamiltons. I had the pleasure of working with Amy Hamilton a while back when I styled a fashion show featuring her beautiful handmade hats. Amy is a talented millinery designer {Granville Millinery Company}, and her husband, Paul, is a professional painter {You can find his work at Hammond Harkins Galleries}. They both have amazing studios on the property... Amy's - a converted horse barn. I don't want to give too much away, or post any more of the photos I took, because their home is going to be featured on Design Sponge this Monday! Yay, Amy!

Friends, I hope you all have a fabulous weekend full of good things.

July 12, 2012

STYLE MUSE - JAMIE LYN

I'm so {said with emphasis} excited to share L R's next style muse - Jamie Lyn of Ax + Apple.  If you type "Ax + Apple" into the little search field in the right sidebar, you'll get an idea of just how big of a fan I truly am.  I talked about their latest line hereand recently added one of their new-ish cast bronze pieces to my collection.  Is it bad that I'm already planning my next purchase?

Ax + Apple is the bees knees.  And Jamie Lyn is just too cool for school.  She's like that girl in high school you felt cool for being friends with.  And if you're wondering if that means I feel cool... why yes, yes I do.

Thank you, Jamie, for being a Style Muse... AND for answering all of the questions inquiring minds want to know {see interview below}!  You must check out the website, follow Jamie Lyn on twitter + instagram {under "axandapple"}, and like the Ax + Apple facebook page!

L&R:  Who are your style muses or icons?
J:  There isn't any one person I pay attention to more than another.  I pay attention to everything.  I try to draw inspiration from the places I live, and the style attached to those places.  I read magazines, and I am pretty immersed in pop culture. Instagram and Tumblr are great sources for fashion news.  I follow bloggers like Natalie Suarez (@natalieoffduty) and Julie Sarinana (@sincerelyjules).  The rest is random, and wide spanning.  I think that helps to keep it fresh.  I take in as much information as I can, process it, and hope it comes out in a way that is genuinely "me".  


L&R:  How would you describe your personal style?
J:  Laid Back.  Comfortable.  Heavily accessorized!  I am big into juxtaposition... edgy and soft.  Thrifted and designer.  Neon and neutral.  Torn and tailored.  I think taking two extremes and butting them up against each other is the easiest trick to creating an stimulating look.  It's the basis for a lot of my designs.


L&R:  Where are your favorite places to shop?
J:  Any thrift or antique store, USA. There is something about the rush of finding a thrift store gem that is like a drug to me.  For new duds, I love Zara.


L&R:  Are there pieces in your wardrobe you find yourself wearing constantly?
J:  Jeans and cut-up tees are pretty much my day to day uniform.  That or a long cotton maxi dress.  


L&R:  Since I've known you (been a fan of your jewelry) since you were getting started, I would say you have stayed true to your roots, but always stayed fresh.  How would you say Ax + Apple has evolved since you started? and how do you constantly think of new designs?
J:  In the beginning, Ax+Apple was all one of a kinds.  It all started with repurposed findings and chain.  As the demand grew, I realized I was going to have to come up with designs that I could recreate.  So, I took a basic soldering workshop and started banging on some metal to see what would happen.  The earliest designs were all very basic.  Hammered wire and such.  Every season I tried to inject a new material or technique.  Beading, casting natural material, and most recently wax carving (that is then casted in bronze).  The wax has really brought things to a new level for me as a designer, because for the first time I am able to actually get ideas that are all my own out into the metal.  Before it was more about curating.  Now, it is truly about creating something that did not exist before.


L&R:  How would you describe an Ax + Apple girl?
J: Magical.  Adventurous.  True. 


L&R:  Have you always liked jewelry? How did you start designing it?
J:  I have always been a jewelry girl.  I remember when I was in high school, I wore a silver ring on every finger and at one point my mother told me I would be grounded if I got any more holes in my ears.  I pierced my belly button with a safety pin when I was 15.  I just wanted to wear as much jewelry as I could possibly attach to my body.   

I started designing jewelry at a pretty early age too.  I always had a tackle box full of beads and shells and thread.  I didn't start officially designing jewelry until years later, but it was always there in the background, no matter what job I had at the time.


L&R:  How do you like to spend your time when you're not working?
J:  That's a funny question, because I feel like I am always working even when I'm not working.  If I'm not in the studio I am out in the world trying to find inspiration or source new material.  That could mean scouring an antique store or a river bed or getting together with other artist pals and talking about what we should work on next.  Work is a concept that doesn't mean much to me.  I have been blessed to find my passion and make a living doing it.  Ax+Apple isn't just a job to me.  It is a lifestyle.  Work is life.  Life is art.  It is who I am.


L&R:  You've already done SO well... "made it" so to speak. What are some of your wishes and dreams for Ax + Apple or yourself?
J:  BLUSH!!!!  Well, I don't know if I feel that way but I am flattered you would phrase it that way.  I am moving operations to LA in the Fall, and I hope to start a whole new chapter of wonderful-ness out there.  It has been calling to me for some time.  I hope to take things to the next level there.  Tees and totes have been a rolling thought for a few seasons now, just waiting for the right time to incorporate it in.  I think ultimately I want Ax+Apple to be a lifestyle brand, offering everything from jewels and duds to a thoughtfully curated selection of housewares.  Eventually, I imagine brick and mortar as well.  So much work to do!!  




July 10, 2012

YAY OR NAY


I am not a tennis shoe girl.
I typically choose my Minnetonka moccasins over my Converse {unless it's raining}... 
but there is something about these wedge sneakers that I like. I thought they were sort of awful at first, but they're growing on me. The craze all started with the Isabel Marant version shown below. And in my humble opinion Kate Bosworth does no wrong, so if she's wearing them...


More affordable brands like Steve Madden, Ash, and Jeffrey Campbell have come up with their own versions, for us average folks. I figure if they're inexpensive enough, I could give this trend a try.  I'm thinking about this Steve Madden pair in black or taupe. What do you think? Do you love them or hate them? Yay or nay?


July 9, 2012

EMBROIDERED



I am inspired and slightly awed whenever I come across something truly different... an artist that has done something truly unique + new to me.

The artist behind these embroidered necklaces, Lorena Marañón, was born 1988 in Holguin, Cuba. 
In 1997 she emigrated to Miami, FL and went to the Miami International University of Art & Design.  
Lorena currently lives and works in Denver, CO.

You can check out the rest of her designs here.



July 6, 2012

STYLE MUSE - JESSICA KLEOPPEL


I am thrilled to share today's style muse, pretty lady - Jessica Kleoppel. Her blog - something concerning everything occurring - is one of my absolute favorites; I am very happy to have discovered it.  Jessica's blog is always thoughtful, inspired, and beautifully written. She truly reminds me to notice the little things, and seeing life through her eyes is a lovely thing. 

Jessica currently lives in Chicago, and her blog posts often make me miss that city I called home. I think if I still lived there we would be fast friends. {And I don't mean that in a weirdo stalker sort of way.}

Thank you, Jessica, for being a L&R style muse!

{Photos taken by Jessica's boyfriend - Sam. Wonderful job, Sam!}


L&R: Who are your style muses?
J: Katharine Hepburn and Diane Keaton always, and Sofia Coppola, Alexa Chung, Chloe Sevigny, Kirsten Dunst, Kate Bosworth, my boss, and people on the street.

L&R: How would you describe your personal style?
J: Bag lady meets teenage prep school boy? Bohemian Amish? (This will make sense to my friends, I'm sure.)

L&R: Are there pieces in your closet you find yourself wearing constantly?
J: White button downs of any sleeve variety, breton striped shirts, tapered trousers, midi dresses cinched with a belt, and a massive shawl to throw off all the structure—a walking contradiction.

L&R: Your favorite "find"?
J: Although not quite a find, my 98-year-old great-grandmother's slave bracelet is probably the piece that means most. She would travel from Missouri to Brownsville, Texas every winter, where she'd spend the season teaching painting classes and giving organ lessons to the other "Winter Texans" out of her motor home. The bracelet is Navajo, and I imagine was purchased during a detour west.

L&R: What was your last purchase?
J: I made a resolution to go the year without buying "new" clothes—shoes aside, though, since I always seem to wear through the soles. So, I just purchased a new pair of Bensimons to last me through summer bike rides and evening walks. They're the perfect amount of rugged and pretty, able to make the transition from hiking trail to casual dinner, which they did often on my recent trip to Portland.

L&R: What is the outfit you feel the best in? that feels the most "you"?
J: At the moment: white linen tank, high-waisted cotton trousers, loafers, and bright lipstick. I'm all about comfort anymore. I want to be able to run after a bus if I have to; to sit cross-legged in the park if I get to.

L&R: You are a graphic designer, but you also take wonderful photographs and write beautifully. What else do you enjoy doing?
J: What a wonderful thing to say, Molly. Thank you. To answer your question: if I could travel for a living, I probably would. Also: reading (another of my aforementioned resolutions is to read 50 books this year), tending to my plants, cycling, listening to music, cooking, dining, having drinks with friends. I love being surrounded by beautiful things, so I'm always collecting, always improving my place—I find great joy in this.

L&R: Tell us a little about yourself, and the path that led you to where you are now?
J: Well, I grew up on a farm in a small town in Missouri, moved to Chicago six years ago for school, and have been here since. I thought I would study biology, or French maybe, but ended up with an art degree. I suppose it was a natural progression, looking back on it—my mom's a talented florist and owns a shop in our little town, and my dad can build and/or fix anything. I suppose I was surrounded by more creativity than I realized. 

Now I have a great job as a designer at a local art museum, where I've worked for the past five years. And, I live with my boyfriend Sam in an apartment in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, close to the brewery where he works. (He took these photos a couple minutes from our apartment, at a secret spot on the river he found and surprised me with last month.)

L&R: What are your favorite spots in Chicago?
J: Oh! Let's see: Lula Cafe for brunch at the bar, The Fountainhead for great beer and food, The ReBuilding Exchange is a new favorite with amazing recycled building materials, Music Box theatre for weekend classic matinees, Half Acre Beer Company for a tasting and the cool people, and a cafe in our neighborhood called The Grind with a secret back patio and the sweetest barista with horn-rimmed glasses. In fact, I could spend all afternoon going between said cafe, the record store next door, and the used book store across the street. That's my kind of day.

With less of a neighborhood-y sort of experience in mind, any good vantage point (the River, Montrose Harbor, Lake Michigan, Millennium Park, the Brown Line) for Chicago architecture is—not to sound cliché—breathtaking, no matter how long you've lived here. And there's more incredible food here than you'll ever know what to do with. I'll round this out with a few things that really make me feelalive, which is why I imagine many people choose to live urban lives: walking around The Loop , an evening at the Civic Opera House, morning and evening bike rides on the Lakefront Path, and summer concerts in Millennium Park. Yes.

L&R: Three products you can't live without?
J: My beauty regimen is pretty low key, but lately I've been enjoying a few things in particular: NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Mexican Rose (as pictured), Olay Total Effects moisturizer with SPF, and Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo Powder (helpful when I arrive at the office sweaty each morning after an 8-mile bike ride—yikes).



Jessica has sealed my fate - I will own a pair of Bensimons soon. I mean, it's the cool french girl converse. Or so they say. And when you can't go to France -  buy their shoes. Or something like that.


Happy weekend, friends! It's supposed to be 101 / 103 here... Ugh. Drink water + use sunscreen!


Last, but certainly not least... a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my wonderfully cool father-in-law, Bill! We'll see you soon, and love you very much!

July 4, 2012

DESTINATION UNKNOWN 2


I hope you are all having a wonderful fourth of July.
I woke up before the Mr. {and managed to sneak downstairs without waking him, which never happens}. 
I had grand intentions of making blueberry pancakes, but realized we were out of eggs.
Darn it all.
So... our fourth began with delicious pancakes at Bob Evans 
{our visit there - inspired by our Saturday stop at the home of the late Bob Evans himself}.




July 2, 2012

DESTINATION UNKNOWN

How about those storms over the weekend? The Mr. made it home from work Friday right before the sky turned black and looked all "Wizard of Oz" outside. I feel so bad for all of the people without power, especially in this heat. Some of the folks in Columbus aren't scheduled to get power back until July 7th! And all of the stores with all of that wasted frozen food. Ugh. What about you? I feel oh-so guilty to say that we never went without power. We were are very lucky.

We had discussed taking a little road trip Saturday, and decided to stick with the plan despite the storms and heat. We didn't have any specific destination, just lots of possibilities swimming in our heads. Our only plan was to stop when one of us saw somewhere we wanted to go... antique shops or whatever else we landed upon. When we got to our first exit, we picked East or West, and off we went. Just us and one small straw tote packed with the essentials {like our toothbrushes} in case we stayed the night somewhere. 


We started with lunch in Circleville... and ended back in Columbus by 8pm. Straw bag and packed toothbrushes unnecessary because so many of the towns did not have power, which meant lack of places to eat or shops open. To make it sound like this dampened the day in any way would be wrong though {well, if you don't count feeling awful for the people in those towns}. 

It was a wonderful day spent exploring without any plans or any place we had to be. Like those carefree days of summer when we were young. Gosh, I miss those. 


In Rio Grande, we stopped so I could take pictures of storm damage... trees completely uprooted and blown over. It made me feel sad, and I actually felt bad taking the pictures {but I obviously did it anyway}; it was just too crazy not to!

THE END...

for today anyway. 
Friends, I took too many pictures to not split this up. 
A fun day spent learning to use my camera, indeed.