Lovin' the Lilac

I'm all about lilac right now. I just got the OPI color 'Done Out in Deco' and its just the perfect shade for the season (and a great shade for my light skin). It was a little distracting today, though because, as I sit and read, I'm all into the story and then I catch a glimpse of my new pretty nails...and I go a dreamy happiness and sigh, "aaah...lilac..."
Now, not by any means am I shallow or entirely materialistic, but isn't it wonderful when a simple thing like a new shade of nailpolish can brighten your day? I foresee that the next few months I will be sporting various shades of pastel on these nails. Between this lilac and OPI's "Hey, Get in Lime" (the closest shade of light green I could get to match Chanel's "Jade" without paying the $60+ on eBay...) I'm off to a good start.

OPI's 'Done Out in Deco'

In lieu of my recent fascination of the color, I present another inspiration collage, starring...you guessed it: lilac.

1. Charlotte Ronson Tank Dress with Studded Belt $275

2. Ann Taylor LOFT Long Purple Chip Pendant Necklace $25

3. Wessex V Neck Rhinestone Tee $104

4. ASOS Luella Heart Detail Arm Sunglasses $128

5. Cheap Monday Lavender Zip Low Skinny Jeans $77

6. ASOS Coloured Skinny Waist Belt $10

7. ASOS Thread Wrapped Bangle With Metal And Stone Detail $14

8. Tibi Ruffle Shorts $238

Musicals, Memories and Allegria Froyo

Musicals have played an important part in my life. In my early years, I was involved in a musical theater company from about the age of 7 until about 13. I look back fondly on those years as being incredibly fun, rewarding and imaginative. There's nothing like being with some of your best friends while acting, singing, dancing and having the time of your life. Although I shied away from the spotlight, I loved the magic of the theater...rehearsals, costumes, hair and makeup, backstage antics, watching from the wings and waiting for your cue... those were the things I lived for as a child.
So it should come as no surprise that I jump at the chance to go see any kind of production, from high school to Broadway. (Don't even get me started on Broadway...I was in New York for a few days and only saw Hairspray. It was awesome, but I would have loved to see them all. If I lived in NYC, I'd have to work around the clock just to feed my musical theater addiction. But, I digress.)

This particular post is about Jersey Boys (not a typical musical in my definition, but there was singing involved, so we'll just go with it). I took my sister for an early birthday present and we loved it. I had not known anything about Franki Valli and the Four Seasons, so it was educational. In my ignorance, I was fully expecting it to be a nostalgic glimpse at the past, the good-old-days of the 50s and their melodic tunes. Something you would bring the kids to. Not the case. I would say this could be rated PG-13 considering the language...another shocker. I've never seen so much swearing onstage. Combine that with a fake murder scene, prostitution, jail time, gambling, and the jersey boy mafia family mentality, I see that group in a whole new light. (Mind you, I had never really been a fan, but had a vague impression of them.) They aren't just a group of high-pitched, sequin wearing guys.
I did like their sequin blazers during my favorite song, "Dawn." I tried to find a picture, but all I could get was this screenshot from a video on youtube. Blurry, but you can definitely see sparkles on those guys.

The blazers reminded me a lot of this blazer from Express, think sequins instead of studs:

Before being serenaded by the Four Seasons, my sister and I indulged in a little treat. A local frozen yogurt and cupcake shop, Allegria, just opened near us and has quickly become a favorite. We got some chocolate froyo, hers with Snickers and mine with Reeses. Unfortunately, time was of the essence so we only had 5 minutes to sit and enjoy, then we had to pack it up and hit the road, treats in tow. It was only until I was halfway through my delicacy that I thought of snapping a picture. Not the full masterpiece, but you get the idea.

Chocolate with Reeses

And here are some of Allegria's yummy cupcakes we enjoyed on a different day (I highly reccomend the Red Velvet):

Red Velvet (L) and Confetti (R)

For those of you in the area, Allegria is located in the Promenade at Coconut Creek. You can check out their super cute website at http://www.allegriafroyo.com/ and join their facebook page here.

Allegria Frozen Yogurt and Cupcakes

Happiness in every cup!

4437 Lyons Road

Coconut Creek, FL

Bold Stripes

As soon as I saw the striped blazer in the Givenchy Spring 2010 RTW show, I knew I was in love. The bold stripe on the tailored jacket is everything I love about high contrast, eyecatching patterns. And black and white will never go out of style. Here are a few other bold stripes to wear this season.

1. Markus Lupfer Alice Striped Jersey Jacket $860

2. Givenchy Spring 2010 RTW

3. Bettye Muller Come One, Come All Booties $188

4. Tory Burch Magnus Jacket $325

5. Eva Franco Aniseed Skirt $128

6. Alexander Wang Men's Silk Shorts with Apron Skirt Overlay $495

7. Sam Edelman Grevy's Wedges $158

8. Alexander Wang Stripe Cropped Knit Tee $395

Living in Wonderland

I just saw Alice in Wonderland in 3D...not everything I was hoping it would be, but I loved Johnny Depp's and Helena Bonham Carter's characters. So, in honor of them, here are some inspiration collages I put together.

The Mad Hatter

1. Material Girl Headband $3.80

2. Elizabeth and James Blazer $395

3. Silence & Noise Paperbag Trouser $58

4. Love Quotes Hand Knotted Tassel Scarf $88

5. Essie "Funky Limelight" $7

6. Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow "Graffiti" $18

7. Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow "Honey" $18

8. Gemma Brites Silk Tank $130

9. Jeffrey Campbell Syd Perforated Suede Booties $190

10. Elizabeth and James Slick Suiting Elizbeth IV $395

11. YARNZ Hand Painted Neoleopard Scarf $165

12. Burst Of Chiffon Necklace $168

13. 15. Box Of Wonders Necklace $218

14. Dimpled Armor Ring $4.80

15. Urban Renewal Silky Bow Tie Necklace $24

16. Nine West “Bonfire” $89

Queen of Hearts

1. Heart Hair Clips $2.80

2. Milly Ruffle Jacket $416

3. Urban Decay Eyeshadow "Kiddie Pool" $17

4. OPI "You’re Such a Kabuki Queen" $8

5. Urban Renewal Ruffle Shoulder Bodycon Dress $58

6. Nettie Floral Dress $88

7. Eminence Mound Ring $5.80

8. House of Harlow Five Strand Headpiece $100

9. Flower Burst Ring $3.80

10. Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Cuff Lace Up Booties $1495

11. Moschino Cheap & Chic Sandwich $395

12. Mesh Floral Hair Clips $2.50

13. Silence & Noise Strong Shoulder Dress $58

14. Red Queen Alice in Wonderland Rings by Swarovski $105

15. Sweet Heart Sunglasses $10

16. Silence & Noise Solid Ruffle Front Dress $68

17. Layered Bead Statement Necklace $38

Spring has sprung..because I say so

I celebrated the start of spring this year with pastel sprinkle-covered chocolate-covered pretzels, (a basic food group in my mind). Although March 20th was the official start of spring, in my mind spring had sprung weeks ago. In south Florida, we get around a total of (non-consecutive) 14 cold days for our winter and thats it... I'm wearing boots and sweaters on Friday, and Saturday it's beach time. (This year has been one of our coldest winters, though so it's still pretty cool out.) I threw some chocolate covered cashews and almonds into the mix and had a yummy spring time spread.

Another blog is born...

As a creative person, I'm always finding inspiration in the unlikeliest of places (and, in the likeiest of places...). As a graphic designer, I'll find great design ideas while browsing magazines, visiting awesome websites, and basically seeing any kind of printed/well-designed material. But this blog is not about that. It's about all the other inspiration that comes to me: food, fashion, movies, etc. It's what influences my day-to-day (non-designing) life. Special things. The small things. Things that make me excited and happy. Sprinklings, if you will. Little bits of inspirations and observations that have been sprinkled on my life.