Wednesday, December 31, 2014

All Hail The Queen of 2015


When reflecting on the year 2014, all that I can say is that it was pretty freakin' fabulous. Sure there were some pretty big lows, like being in a medical boot for the entire Summer/wedding season. But it was counteracted by, new friends, celebrations of love, travel, and the best birthday weekend ever. 

Check out my year in review via Instagram

Well 2015, you've got some stiff competition. But, I say, Bring it!

Here are my five 2015 resolutions/goals this year. What are your resolutions?

1. Run the loop in Central Park with no pain
2. Book a 10 year reunion trip to London with Mel
3. Continue to craft my Photoshop skills
4. Create that much overdue Gallery Wall in my apartment
5. See Taylor Swift in concert

Monday, December 29, 2014

Best Music of 2014



Here on Pewter & Puddles I like to provide my readers every Monday with the latest and greatest bands that have caught my interest. 2014 was a phenomenal year of music filled with amazing albums and repeat worthy singles.

It is always so hard to pick a favorite album/song (although Ms. Swift is clearly amongst my top rotations). Therefore, I decided to compile all of my favorite songs from the year into one giant mixtape courtesy of Spotify. You're welcome!

Listen below and enjoy.

Best Music of 2014

Monday, December 22, 2014

Billie Marten


It's been all about those Brit's lately and this week it's no different. Billie Marten has a great name. Frankly, anyone that's got the last name baring resemblance to the legendary Dr. and his boots has my vote. Did I mention that she is also 14, and has a mouth full of braces? At 14, I also had a mouth full of braces but was hanging out at South Coast Plaza with my girlfriends, performing in the school musical, and finishing my algebra homework before bedtime. A typical teenager. Ms. Marten is nowhere near being your typical teenager. 

With a voice similar to Lissie, and a unique twist to one of my favorite songs of all time, you will be quite amazed at this teenager's acoustic awesomeness. Billie Marten is being way more productive than we ever were in our youth. Take a listen below and see for yourself. 

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

A Marsala Moment

A Marsala Moment

Bowtie // Pillow // Hat // Chair // Sneaker // Watch // Scarf // Swimsuit // Teacup // Clutch // Necklace // Earrings // Sunglasses

Get ready 2015, Pantone just announced its color of the year, and it is Marsala. It's a unifying element, a tasteful hue, and a hearty yet stylish tone. According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of pantone color institute, he describes the color as "a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth. it is a natural fit for the kitchen and dining room – making it ideal for tabletop, small appliances and linens throughout the home."

Marsala represents a darker shade of red. When looking at color psychology, the traits that represent the color are as follows:
  • Assertive
  • Confident
  • Energizing
  • Powerful
  • Passionate
  • Courageous
  • Determined
I'm loving all these positive attributes and I can't wait to take the fashion industry by storm in this trailblazing color. Which silhouette will you be rocking in 2015?

Monday, December 15, 2014

Emily Burns


I always love finding artists who are fellow Virgo's. It's also an added bonus if happen to be from one of my favorite cities/countries. Meet, 20 year old singer-songwriter Emily Burns, hailing from Rugby, England, but now based in London. According to her Facebook page, she claims her influences as Corrinne Bailey Rae, The Jackson Five, and Newton Faulkner.
Which is not too shabby of a list to be inspired by if you ask me. 

Her latest single "Counting Seconds" is a ballad of sad desire. But don't be fooled, it's got a gentle beat, soft keys, and layered harmonies - that make it one of the prettiest things you will listen to all week. Happy Monday and enjoy below!

Counting Seconds - Emily Burns

Friday, December 12, 2014

The Best New Years Eve Decor


One of my main resolutions of 2014 was to master the craft of photoshop. Although we are at the end of the year, and I have yet to say that I've "mastered" the tool, I will give kudos to my friend Zach for teaching me a crash course in the last few weeks. Cheers to my first post featuring my creation with photoshop and cheers to ringing in 2015 in the next few weeks. 

I am still finalizing my NYE plans, but most likely will be hosting a little soiree at my apartment with my best friends. What better way to get the creative decor juices flowing then to come up with the ultimate mood board to help inspire me with some fun items to decorate around the apartment. 

1. Drape this whimsy polka dot pennant from the ceiling as you ring in another year

2. I love oversized balloons, especially one's that embody 

3. Create your own "ball drop" in the comforts of your own home with this 8" disco ball

4. Balloons shouldn't miss out on a creative flair, especially with these ultimate New Years adjectives

5. Dress up your drink of choice with these festive drinking straws

6. Your Instagram photos will get a little more pizazz with these fantastic props

7. Re-purposed mason jars to be utilized as drinks or beautiful flower vases in the best gold hue 

8. Not only are they recyclable, shatterproof, and dishwasher safe - these champagne flutes do the real thing justice as less than $3.50 each

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Designer Spotlight: Edie Parker

In October, I launched a new series called Designer Spotlight - featuring my favorite dazzling shoe designer Sophia Webster. This month, I bring you another installment. Featured this year as a CFDA finalist, this designer shines bright with a collection of acrylic clutches and handbags. Launched in 2010, designer Brett Heyman was inspired by the original handbags favored by showgirls and socialites of the 1950's and 1960's and magically the brand Edie Parker was born.

After years of coveting handbags from vintage and second-hand shops, Brett suddenly found a void and she decided to take matters into her own hands and design a new generation of fashion taste makers. Each clutch is handcrafted in America - a wearable sculpture of delight with a retro soul. She utilizes sleek lines, creamy surfaces and gem-flake textures to create these timeless pieces.

Take a peak at my favorite below and then head on over to her website to stalk the rest. Enjoy!


Edie Parker

Top Row: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 
Middle Row: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 
Bottom Row: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 

Monday, December 8, 2014

Purity Ring


It's been two years since Canadian alt-pop duo Purity Ring, graced the musical scene with their presence.  They're most notably known for their entracing songs built around skeletal melodies and resonating beats. They recently shared their new song "Push Pull" and it's a great first taste to their forthcoming sophomore album. 

A hauntingly beautiful single with hints of abstract romanticism. It is all about the production intricacies that twist, turn and crash in the background. Take a listen and enjoy!

Friday, December 5, 2014

My 300th Post!


It is crazy to image that this past Summer I celebrated my 2nd anniversary with writing this blog. Where did the time go? It seems that yesterday I was partnering with Garrett on a logo, and then all of a sudden - I have reached 300 posts!!!!

Yes, you heard me correctly, 300. What a monumental day and one that I am truly proud of. In celebration of this massive milestone, this post is a virtual toast to all who follow this blog. Thank you for your continued readership, support and feedback. Cheers to three hundred more posts to come.  



This post was inspired by one of my favorite blogs, Cupcakes & Cashmere. It was written over a year and a half ago, and its words still ring true the older I get.


It was very hard to select a fashion post that was my favorite. To be honest, they are all my favorite. However, I loved showcasing my favorite flower this past Spring and all the amazing silhouettes and trinkets it came in.


My very first post, and still one of my absolute favorites when it comes to music. Jeremy Jordan goes head to head against 18 year old Christian Bale - verdict? See for yourself.


My apartment post always makes me smile. Kuddo's to Mr. Garrett Wade Brignoli for capturing my shabby chic aesthetic in these images.



Not gonna lie, being 30 is pretty awesome. A great post to reflect on the past three decades and the future decades to come.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

His & Her Gift Guide

Hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving and got a jump start on some Holiday shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you still need a gift for your special someone, family member or best friend - then check out my His and Her Gift Guide for some additional ideas. Happy Holidays and happy shopping!


Gifts for Him


Monday, December 1, 2014

Milo Greene


Back in the Summer of 2013, I wrote about a little dream-pop indie band by the name of Milo Greene. If you are unfamiliar, they're a Los Angeles quintet who focuses on creating cinematic music filled with good vibes. Their latest single "On the Fence" fits perfectly into this description. Their upcoming sophomore album Control is due out January 27th with a bit of a movement away from their first album. Gone are the days of bittersweet, folk vibes and replaced with vibrant synths, percussions and a pop feel.

The technicolor tune below is bound to give you some major yearnings for Summer days. This carefree beat can be played all Winter long to get everyone that much more excited for warm days ahead. Enjoy!

On the Fence - Milo Greene