Friday, August 29, 2014

Labor Day Weekend

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Um excuse me Labor Day, you got here way way way too quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was celebrating Memorial Day in Chicago, ready to embrace the warm weather and all that Summer had to offer. And now, Summer is coming to a close, coats will begin to head into rotation and I'll be heading into a new decade in life in just a couple of weeks. AHHHH!!

But before I freak out just yet, we've got one more weekend of Summer in the books to enjoy. I'll be celebrating locally in style at Moses and Marisa's Wedding at The Ritz in Battery Park. One final wedding of the season and I can't wait to catwalk on the dance floor with my favorite monsters. #MoMAgetsmarried watch out!

Have a great Labor Day Weekend! How are you ringing in the end of Summer?

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Two Year Blog-Anniversary


Can you believe it has been two years since Pewter & Puddles first graced the blogosphere? To all of my family, friends and fellow bloggers, thank you for your continued encouragement and readership. This blog challenges me each and every week, and I couldn't complete the posts without your love and support. Over 260 posts so far and another 2,600,000 more to go..

In typical blog fashion, who doesn't love a good roundup? Here is a look back at the top five posts about Music, Fashion, Home Decor, NYC and Lifestyle (based on page views) from the last year:

MUSIC:
When I first blogged about  Lola Wolf, I couldn't find anything about them on the internet other than it was the best thing to happen to Zoë Kravitz. Since her electronic pop single titled "Drive" hit the web, she's added many new jams to her repertoire and toured all over the country. You are missing out if you bypass this awesome tune.


FASHION:

Whether you make a small statement with your clutch or earrings or you go all out in a dazzling frock, you will sure to be a crowd pleaser in any of these fantastic embellished dresses for the upcoming ball drop this New Years Eve. 


HOME DECOR:
Gallery Wall
Every once and awhile, I have a brand reach out to me to do a sponsored post. Recently, Shutterfly opened its doors and wanted to collaborate on a home decor post. I've always wanted to create a Gallery Wall in my bachelorette pad and came up with the best ideas to consider for tackling the project.

NYC:
Sarah Jessica Parker, conceived and produced an awesome AOL On Originals' new docuseries titled city.ballet which gives you the ultimate look into the ranks of New York City Ballet and will make every little girl swoon with excitement. I miss Southland Ballet Academy.

LIFESTYLE:

I am a sucker for anything pertaining to astrology and your birth sign. I rounded up Susan Miller of Astrology Zone's 2014 predictions for each sign. We are coming to a close on 2014, was she pretty accurate or what? 

Monday, August 25, 2014

Taylor Swift


I'm sure it comes at no surprise that I am OBSESSED with the new Taylor Swift jam "Shake It Off". This girl can do no wrong in my book, heck I've blogged about her on Music Monday's here & here. Although at times I miss her old school country roots, I think that Swifty definitely gets better with age. It's less guitar crooning and more infused Max Martin pop goodness. This powerhouse 24 year-old has proved to the "haters" that she's not going anywhere. So I suggest, you can get on the T.S bandwagon and get ready to dance around your apartment to her new sick beat. I definitely am!


Oh and P.S. her video is just too cute not to share - enjoy!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Flat Out

Flat Out!


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The anticipation of wearing normal shoes is killing me. I can't wait to chuck these Nike sneakers next week and finally be able to slip into a pair of cute flats. It is so sad that Summer is almost over and my feet have yet to wear a pair of normal shoes. Hopefully, I can sneak in some quality flat time before I need to wear any socks with my shoes. These last few weeks of August into early September are quite interesting because we are all starting to transition our wardrobes and prepare for Fall. Right now is the best time to pick up those Summer Flats you had your eye on all season, but didn't like the hefty price tag, because they are probably on sale. If you are going to pick up any impulse purchases at the end of the season, always stick to transitional colors that can be brought forward into Fall.  It will justify the purchase that much more. Check out my favorite transitional flats - Jenni Kayne, I've got my sights on you! Which one do you want?

Monday, August 18, 2014

Wild Child


Ben Kweller was one of my favorite artists in high school. I simply adored the red headed singer song writer. His folk tunes (on the guitar and or piano) always had me craving more even after the last song played on my discman. In 2012, he stumbled across a band called Wild Child and was instantly hooked. He later produced their album, The Runaround in 2013 and the rest is history.  These Austin cuties (Kelsey Wilson and Alexander Beggins) are the ultimate folk combination to come out Texas since Mr. Kweller himself. They remind m a little bit of Mean Lady and Slow Club. Check out their adorable crooner hit Pillow Talk below. Are you smiling yet?

Pillow Talk - Wild Child

Friday, August 15, 2014

You Can Stand Under My Umbrella

Stand Under My Umbrella

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For those of you who know me, you know that I am obsessed with rain. Heck, even my blog logo and name is dedicated to the idea of rain. Rain can often be depressing. It can make a crappy day even crappier when caught in a torrential downpour. However, at the end of the day, rain can be very soothing, beautiful, and often times, romantic. I'm still waiting for that ultimate kiss with Prince Charming when the skies are grey and bit misty. Until then, I will ponder these beautiful prints from Society6.

I can't speak more highly of the awesome website that is Society6 - you can see some of my obsessions here and here. One of the reasons why this website is so fantastic, is that you can search all art and prints by keywords or phrases. And since I'm always in the mood to search for new art for my bachelorette pad, here are quite a few "rain" related prints that have caught my eye. How can you not look at any of these prints and be sad, they are all truly breathtaking. Which one is your favorite?

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Fall Shopping List 2014



We are about 32 days away from my birthday (but who is counting) and you know what that means, Fall is almost here. Don't get me wrong, we've had gorgeous weather this Summer and I am not quite ready for it to leave. However, in about a month, I'll be ready to ditch the dresses for coats, sweaters, and booties. Fall is my favorite and I'm not gonna lie, the absolute best time of year to be in NYC. What better way to get ready for the upcoming season, than to give my ultimate shopping list to help you prep your closet for colder climates. What are your ideal silhouettes for Fall?

1. COAT
Your closet can never be stocked with too many coats, after all, it is all about variety. This beautifully textured, wool, asymmetrical coat from Topshop will have you transitioning into Fall in style. The speckled black/white colorway makes it a great piece to pair over any black office attire staple in your wardrobe.

2. BOOTS
Every year for my birthday, I'm usually gifted a pair of Fall boots from my parents. It is always tricky narrowing down my favorite pair, because I usually want everything I see. This year, I've got my eye on this adorable buckled style from Zara. Although boots can tend to be on the expensive side, these are a nice inexpensive silhouette that won't break the bank. They can also be paired with a variety of silhouettes - mini skit, skinny jeans, or a dress. 

3. HAT
GLAM XL BRIM - HAT ATTACK
My friends over at Hat Attack always have the best hats, especially for Fall. This season I would love to pick up this wide rim fedora and strut down Columbus Ave in style. A Fall hat is always a great accessory to spruce up a Friday night outfit especially as the temperatures begin to drop.

4. PLAID
BUFFALO PLAID STRETCH-WOOL MINI SKIRT - SEA
Plaid is my favorite print for Fall. Although at times it can be a bit masculine, this flattering buffalo check wool a-line silhouette is very feminine. Grab your leather jacket and ankle boots for the ultimate menswear chic look.

5. HANDBAG
CROC LEATHER BUCKET BAG - ZARA
I am obsessed with this bucket bag from Zara. The luscious truffle colorway and crocodile fabrication make it look really rich for Fall. Trade out your commuter tote for this ultra stylish handbag this Fall. It is still big enough to house your metro-card, a change of flats, and your kindle :).

6. LEATHER
LEATHER TOUR VEST - MADEWELL
In the Fall, I pretty much live in my Madewell leather jacket. It is a great transitional silhouette from Summer, but it also can be worn year round. Although the price tag can be a little ridiculous, it was seriously worth the investment because there is not one day that I wear it, where I don't receive at least two compliments about it. I love their new vest style this Fall. May have to pick up this silhouette to infuse into my wardrobe rotation.

7. CHUNKY SWEATER
ZLYC CLASSIC BATWING PULLOVER - AMAZON
Who can go survive Fall without the quintessential chunky cable knit sweater? I know I need at least 4 in my closet to survive the chilly weather. Most chunky sweaters come in an array of beautiful rich colorways and fabrications and this one from ZLYC does not disappoint. I've got my eye set on this maroon beauty and for only $33 bucks it would make a pretty stylish Christmas gift.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Aaron Embry


This past weekend was my final bachelorette this Summer and it couldn't have been more fun. 10 girlfriends and I headed to Portland, Maine for a weekend in the wilderness filled with antics and giggles galore. As I sit here on the couch unwinding from the weekend, I can't help but want to play my favorite tune from Zach Braff's latest film, Wish I Was Here. Similar to Boyhood, the soundtrack is nothing short of amazing. Aaaron Emrbyr's, Raven Song, is on repeat and an even better way to unwind after a jam packed Saturday & Sunday. Take a listen below and sweet dreams on Monday night to ease you into the crazy work week.


Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Goodnight Macaroon

"It's feminine, sophisticated, and always wearable!" 
- Goodnight Macaroon
Goodnight Macaroon

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Ladies, get ready for your mind to be blown, I just discovered the best hidden gem on the interwebs and I wanted to share it with all of you. Goodnight Macaroon is the best kept secret on the web, and almost every item is under $100. Yes you heard me correctly, less than $100. Launched in 2011, this US company has become an overnight sensation and is recognized worldwide.  The team at Goodnight Macaroon has built quite the empire - designers create and post new designs on a weekly basis. They are aware that not everyone can afford the lavish clothes scene of celebrities; therefore, they create high quality celebrity inspired clothing for everyone at an affordable price. Check out some of my favorite pieces online and then head on over to the website and get your credit cards ready...

Monday, August 4, 2014

James Bay


Watch out Frozen, there's another "Let It Go" out there that is truly magical and breathtaking than the Disney power hit. Only 22 years of age, Bay's star is rising very quickly. Last year, Republic Records discovered a Youtube video of him performing in a British pub. Between Biebs and Bay getting their break on Youtube, I think the universe might be finally telling me something.

Bay admits that writing Let It Go was "super personal and quite hard to write. It outlines the point of a relationship where you think that you should perhaps put it all to bed. We tried it again, and we tried really hard. Maybe we can just be friends and let it go. It's really honest, and I got something off my chest."

Sometimes the most challenging songs to write end up being the most heartfelt and simply the best. The results are truly remarkable. Take a listen below and be blown away by his bluesy vocals.

Let It Go - James Bay

Friday, August 1, 2014

Creating A Gallery Wall

Gallery Wall

A project that I have always wanted to tackle in my bachelorette pad is a gallery wall. Since I'm most definitely staying at my apartment for at least another year, (before embarking on owning) this is a home decor assignment for myself that I would definitely like to tackle before 2014 comes to an end.

Now, where to begin? There are lots of things to consider when creating a gallery wall. What type of art/prints to choose? What size of frames to use and do they all have to be the same color? Where is the best place to put a gallery wall? I like to layout the ground work first and do as much research as possible before pressing the start button. It becomes way less daunting and stressful in the long run. 

I've put together the ultimate list of the Top-Six things to consider when creating a gallery wall.

1. Where is the best place to house a gallery wall?
Gallery Walls make for great statement pieces in your apartment or home. Usually the best place to put them is either in your entry way or above your couch in the living room/family room. Some people even consider along the wall of where their staircase is. I've got my sights for mine above my kitchen table. You always want to make sure the wall is big enough to house at least 5 to 6 pieces of art in order to make the best statement.

2. What size frames should I use?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. I say, the greater array of different sizes, the better. This gives the overall aesthetic more dimension and flavor. I like one large piece and then several 4x6 or 5x7 sized frames surrounding.

3. Where can I find affordable frames?
You should never break the bank on picture frames. I wouldn't spend more than $10. The art inside of the frames is really where you should be investing. If you do a little research, you will be pleasantly surprised that there are a lot of outlets that sell inexpensive frames. I've picked up quite a few frames on from 2Dogswoodworking or Ikea or even vintage flea markets if you are willing to dig.

4. Where can I find affordable art that are still awesome and fun?
The Internet is a wonderful source of information. There are so many independent designers out there that make unique pieces; you just have to find them. Society6 & Etsy are some of my favorite sources around. You can even get framed art off of these websites too.

5. What type of prints should I choose?
Find what speaks to you and you only. I usually pick prints based on my hobbies or things that I love. You don't even have to stick to just prints, sometimes famous quotes or sayings that are printed into art, make unique touches. I've got my eye on using Shutterfly for printing some of my own photographs, even my Instagram shots, and then have them put on glossy paper or even canvas prints

6. What is the ideal layout for hanging your pictures?
Again, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. What makes a Gallery Wall truly special is how it is hung on the wall. Nothing should ever be in a straight line or structured. In fact, the best Gallery Walls have the prints displayed randomly, and not aligned. Having different sized frames helps with constructing the overall layout. The best way to decide how you want to display your prints is first laying them all out on the floor and arranging. Because, once that nail hits the wall, it becomes more challenging to re-arrange.

Do you have any tips you consider for Gallery Walls?