Friday, March 29, 2013

Spring Cleaning


For those that know me, you know that I have an obsession with rings and earrings and most recently bracelets/arm candy. For the longest time, I've kept all my accessories in silver mesh bins on top of my white dresser. Every time I reach for a piece of jewelry from these drawers I cringe at the sight of these bins. It's been a good 7 year run, but it is finally time for a spring cleaning and a purging of these bad boys. I'm on the hunt for a new way to organize all my accessories. Take a look below at some of the new ways I plan on organizing my accessories. How do you organize your earrings or rings?


Ring Holders
Eiffel Tower Ring Holder
Giraffe Ring Holder

Bracelet/Earring Holders
Teacups

Necklace Stand
Tree Jewelry Holder

Precious Keepsakes
C Wonder Decorative Boxes
Topsy-Turvey Jewerly Boxes

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Step into Spring



This weeks weather is supposed to remain in the 50's until at least Sunday - THANK GOD. I am so ready to lock away my winter coat, gloves, scarf, and hat for at least 6 months. I never thought I'd say this, but I am ready for Spring and much warmer climates. Spring in NYC is my second favorite season - the weather is sunny but at times cool, but still perfect to remain layering. Plus, who doesn't love when the city plants the tulips all along Park Avenue.

There are 6 key Spring wardrobe essentials that I'll be rocking this season for my Spring uniform. Check them out below.

1.  The Trench
A trench coat is a must-have Spring staple. Check out this classic style from Banana Republic. Spring weather can be a bit brisk in the morning, but having this jacket is a great stylish transition and layering piece to keep yourself warm during your morning commute.

2. A Stripe Tee
As I mentioned in an earlier post, it is all about stripes this season. What better way to transition/voage into Spring but with this nautical tee from Jcrew. A stripe tee is graphic, chic, timeless and can be worn with just about anything. Pair it with pearls for a preppy look or a leather jacket for an edgier vibe. It is a great piece to help shift your wardrobe as winter chill fades.

3. Florals
Flowers are in full bloom in Spring and so embrace it with this floral skirt from Topshop or this dress from Madewell. Floral fantasies were all over the Spring runway from all of the top designers. After all, everything is coming up Roses (and daffodils, and orchids, and daisies) in 2013.

4. Sunnies
Daylight Savings Time is an added bonus for Spring because it stays much lighter out up until 8:00pm. Make sure a cute pair of sunglasses/sunnies are purchased to not only keep those eyes blocked from the uvrays, but to add an extra pop to your Springtime wardrobe. I've got my eye set on these Oliver Peoples.

5. Neutral Sandals
I live in my Salt Water Sandals in the Spring/Summer months. They are the most comfortable sandals I own. I love the retro vibe they bring to any outfit. What's great about the neutral shade is it can be worn with anything - bright colors, whites, tans or blacks. I highly recommend purchasing a pair of these for a Spring wardrobe staple - they're only $40!!

6. Colored Denim
Colored denim is my Spring must-have bottom. It is a fun way to be fashion forward and add a dash of color to your wardrobe leading up to summer. My favorite colored denim is the toothpick style from Jcrew. Go grab a pair they are on major sale!!

What is your Spring uniform?

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This post has been submitted as an entry to IFB Project #88: What is Your Spring Uniform

Monday, March 25, 2013

Citizens!



I love it when Virginia comes to town because she always brings endless giggles and also shares fab UK bands with me. Meet Citizens! - a British indie rock band from London. The group is comprised of 5 adorable Brits and one of them happens to be old schoolmates of Virginia's - Lawrence Diamond who plays keyboards. How cool is that?

There debut album, Here we Are was released back in 2012 on the hippest indie label Kitsune in both the UK and in Europe. They are about to take the US by storm - they recently played Music Hall of Williamsburg and SXSW earlier in March and are on their way to Mexico at the end of the month.

NME has described their style as "sharply glamorous with a dash of Bowie and a glance of Franz."
The band states that "pop is not a dirty word, it's a holy one!" Check out their danceable electronic pop tune "Reptile" below and see for yourself.

Reptile - Citizens!

Friday, March 22, 2013

A Gallary of Sorts


Row 1: Clock // Umbrella Print // Letter "E"
Row 2: Piglet Print // Bunhead Print // Colorful Life Print 
Row 3: Darling Print // California Print // Daisy Print

The best way to add a plethora of character and personality to any wall in an apartment or home is with a gallery wall. You don't just have to pick art or prints to showcase; you can add blank frames, clocks, or any sort of quirky decor that would pair well with the prints. Also, nothing needs to match, so all colors are welcome and can play nice in the sand box. Thinking about adding a gallery wall above my console table by my door right when you walk in. These are some of the prints/wall decor that I have been eyeing. What prints would you choose for a gallery wall?

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

A Blog Affair


I'm having an affair - an affair with the Internet and my personal passions. This small idea had been brewing for years.  Friends always said I would be great at it, but I just kept pushing it aside. What was I so afraid of? When it comes to telling a story I spare no details - it would be perfect outlet. This past August, I finally decided to put pen to paper, come up with a name and a logo (with the help of some friends) and create Pewter and Puddles.

Last month I celebrated my 6 month anniversary - where did the time go? It is funny to look back on my first couple of posts and see how far I have come: The Battle of Jack Kelly and It's All About the Dots Week after week it is a new challenge to conquer - what am I going to write about in regards to Music, Fashion, Home Decor, NYC and more? Sometimes the Tuesday or Thursday deadline approaches and I don't have the slightest idea of what to write about, but I somehow power thru with inspirations from my friends, that weeks nightly activity or what I'm currently obsessing over. I love hearing feedback from family and friends about how much they enjoy reading it every week. This always bring a smile to my face.

The future looks bright for Pewter and Puddles. There are so many things I would like to accomplish at the year end mark. For instance, I would love to do some collaborations with brands and/or stores. I would also love to have some guest bloggers make an appearance. If you are out there, let's chat. The possibilities are endless.

Want more?
Take a look on FacebookTwitterPinterest, Instagram


This post has been submitted as an entry to IFB Project #87: Why Did You Start Your Blog

Monday, March 18, 2013

Justin Timberlake


We've all waited a long drawn out seven years for the third studio album from Mr. Timberlake and it is finally here. In the past seven years, Justin was busy making movies, hosting SNL, designing clothing, and revamping Myspace.  He had abandoned me after FutureSex/LoveSounds leaving me with a drastic void of really good pop music in my itunes rotation. Don't get me wrong Biebs and TSwfit were filling the void; however, they are children and lack the sexiness of Timberlake. However, the void is gone because this Tuesday his album drops, and it is time to move over Bieber, the original Justin is back and better than ever.

On his new album "The 20/20 Experience" he partners up with Timbaland again. The songs are carefully orchestrated and pay homage to Motown, R&B, soul, hip hop and jazz. Even though a majority of songs clock in at over the 7 minute mark I still am craving more.

Have a listen to my two favorite songs off the album below. What do you think?

Pusher Love Girl
Tunnel Vision

Friday, March 15, 2013

Bachelorette Pad


Last weekend, my favorite guy friend Garrett Wade Brignoli, came over for an apartment photo shoot. With his keen eye for detail and his architecture/design background - he was the perfect candidate to capture my apartment aesthetic.  It has been over three months in the making, but I am finally ready to share with all of you my adorable bachelorette pad on the Upper West Side. Whether it is after a long day of work or a night out on the town, every time  I turn the key and walk through the door, an instant smile comes over my face. I could not be more thrilled to have found such an amazing space to live in.

Being a Virgo/ultimate perfectionist that I am, there are a couple of pieces of furniture/wall decor that aren't quite finished yet. I'm still on the hunt for additional entryway art to sit above the console table as well as reclaimed wood shelves to hang above my fabulous side chair. So please feel free to pass any recommendations my way.

Last month I hosted an apartment-warming party and was able to comfortably fit over 25 peeps in my space (I was shocked it could hold that many people). I can't wait to continue to host small gatherings or a spring fling. Stay tuned for the next soiree, but before that is determined, enjoy the snapshots below. Are you in love as much as I am?



Check out my Instagram for other apartment photos!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Hot to Trot

Outfit 1: Top // Shorts
Outfit 2: Top // Shorts
Outfit 3: Top // Shorts
Outfit 4: Top // Shorts
Outfit 5: Hat // Hairbands


Thank God for daylight savings time - it makes running outside that much better. In Fall/Winter, I brought you cool running outfits to wear in the colder months when running outside. Based on the awesome weather we had this past weekend and on Monday night, Spring is definitely in the air.  With warmer climates, comes all new running clothing to check out. Take a look at some of my favorite Spring running gear from Nike, Adidas, and Adidas by Stella McCartney. Grab that sunblock and I'll see you out in Central Park.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Birdy


She was born Jasmine van den Bogaerde, but pens the stage name Birdy. This adorable british native musician is only 16 years old, but has quite the vocal chops. At just 8 years of age, she started singing and writing songs on her mother's piano. At 12 years old (similar to the Biebs) she posted a video of herself on YouTube singing one of her own songs and received over 10 million hits. Atlantic Records took a notice and the rest is history.

Her debut self titled album in which she has her own unique spins on songs from artists such as Phoenix, The National, Postal Service, and more is definitely worth checking out. The versions of these cover songs is an introduction to her charming style and will give her sometime to graduation High School.

Take a listen to her versions of Bon Iver's "Skinny Love" and Fleet Foxes' "White Winter Hymnal." What do you think?

Skinny Love - Birdy
White Winter Hymnal - Birdy

Friday, March 8, 2013

The Paper Queen


Meet Ashley Brooke Designs - a unique and custom paper company based out of Orlando, Florida. Ashley Brooke creates paper products that are whimsical, cute, feminine, and playful. She also designs adorable mugs. They are all so cute - I want them all, especially the one featured above.

When Ashley isn't creating custom designs - she is blogging and or developing quirky DIY Videos. Her daily posts range from custom illustrations for her clients or introducing the world to her quirky style paired with her stylized illustrations.

Take a look for yourself. I'm thinking of getting a custom set of cards or a couple of funky mugs. I even think that these mugs would make the perfect wedding gift. If you could pick anything out from her shop, which one would you pick?

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

The Skyline's the Limit


While recently perusing Fab, I stumbled across this adorable company titled "Loose Petals" which produces whimsical skyline prints from cities all over the United States and International destinations that I wanted to share with all of you. Prints are available in all different sizes including: 8x10, 11x14, and greeting cards. Most prints are all under $30 - which is an amazing deal. These original illustrations make perfect accents to any home or office space.

The designer Karen Young, is based out of Chicago and draws inspiration for her drawings from her own travels around the world, retro posters, textiles, and vintage European ephemera. According to Young, her vision is "to create timeless art that serves as reminders of special places that are artfully unique yet illustrated tightly." LA/San Fran, London, and New York are just some of the city skylines I admire from Young's repertoire. Take a peek at her website and see if your favorite U.S or International city has been sketched. Take a look at my favorites below from her collection. Which one is your favorite?

Monday, March 4, 2013

Whitehorse


Meet Whitehorse, a Canadian husband and wife duo, making sweet folk rock. Ever since Garrett introduced me to White Horse, I can't stop listening to them. McClelland and Doucet's chemistry is undeniable and their vocal chops ain't so bad either. Check out the link below where they cover Bruce Springsteen's "I'm On Fire".

Whitehorse - I'm On Fire

Friday, March 1, 2013

A Manifesto


Oh hey March 1st, where did you come from? I can't believe we are 3 months into 2013 and it seems like yesterday we were just ringing in the new year. Time does fly when you are keeping busy and learning to smile again.

I was recently inspired by a recent post from a blog I frequent often called Cupcakes and Cashmere. In this post, Emily jotted down "words to live by" and it got me thinking about my very own manifesto. I started writing down quotes that inspire me, keep me smiling, and resonate with me currently. The interesting thing that Emily points out is that no matter where you are in your life these words can ring true and are open to change interpretation the older you get. This is also true with mine.

If you had to create a manifesto - what words/phrases would you include in yours?