Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Grandma Approved

Grandma Approved


My grandmother was always so fashionable. I always admired her taste of jewelry and blouses (even her frozen Hallmark cookies). After she passed, her wonderland of vintage finds was passed down to me and I am forever grateful. Her shoes on the other hand, typically boxy and so not cute, was the last thing on my list to claim.

Times are a ch-ch-changing as what's old is now new again. Your favorite designers featured grandma heels all over their runway shoes in 2015 and now you can finally covet them. While this trend may not be the easiest to adopt, it's time to make old-school pumps fashionable again. They are referred to as "Low Block Heels" and they are about to become your new favorite shoe. These comfortable and easy to walk in styles are my go to shoe for the Spring. Out of my top 12 picks, which one is your favorite pair?

1. Danika Too Jewel Mid Heel Pump, Kate Spade $174.99 (On Sale)

2. Lauren Scalloped-Edge Block-Heel leather Pumps, Chloe $455

3. Glitter Mary Jane Pumps, Mui Mui $895

4. V&A Sixties Faye Blocked Heeled Mary Jane Court Shoes, Clarks $90

5. Melinda Patent Feather Pump, Kate Spade $328

6. Low Heel Pumps with Leopard Head Studded Rhinestones, AllhqFashion $39.99 (On Sale)

7. Mascot Pumps, Charlotte Olympia$403.35 (On Sale)

8. Lola Pump, Trotters $95.95

9. Patience Block Heel Pump, Nina Originals $88.00 (On Sale)

10. Macchi Stud Low Heel Pumps, Jerome C. Rouseeau $357 (On Sale)

11. Tamara Mary Jane Chunky Heels, Chase and Chloe $30.99 (On Sale)

12. Say You Do Too Pointed Heels, ASOS $36.00 (On Sale)

Monday, January 25, 2016

Grease Live!


We all know that musicals are my jam. I mean it was evident day one on P&P with this post. This coming Sunday, January 31st, I am super psyched for Fox's take on the live tv musical with Grease Live! For one thing, it stars my absolute favorite Broadway star Aaron Tveit as Danny Zuko. In addition, there are a handful of other famous actors and actresses who can sing a tune or two (i.e. Carly Rae Jepsen). With such a star studded cast, I wouldn't miss this for the world.

Last Friday, Fox dropped the ultimate promo for the musical with a rendition of "Grease is the Word" performed by Jessie J and the rest of the cast. Take a listen below and if you haven't already set your DVR do so right after you finish watching. You can thank me later.

Monday, January 18, 2016

Bad Wave


Similar to the aesthetic of the Postal Service, Tucker Tota and producer Patrick Hart of Bad Wave, are rarely making music in the same room. Instead of the good old pony express, this band is a tad more 21st century. These L.A. based gents make their contagious synth-pop over the Internet. Their upbeat, dance grooves had everyone abuse when they dropped their single "Runaway" on New Year's Day. 

Grab the disco ball and your dancing shoes cause this bouncy new song is taking 2016 by storm. See for yourself below.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Dare to Decorate: Furbish Studio


Dare to Decorate is back with a brand new installment for January. Introducing Furbish Studio, the best kept secret on the internet especially when it comes to home decor. Carefully curated by style-maven Jamie Meares, this powerful shop is a mecca for trend-setters and holds a constant changing collection of original artwork, designer pillows, barware, vintage textiles, etc. There is not one piece that you wouldn't want in your apartment or home. 

I mean for one thing look at their motto:
.
SOME SAY YOU CAN’T BUY GOOD TASTE.
WE’RE HERE TO CHANGE THAT.
.
Take a peek at some of the pieces that I am currently coveting for my apartment. Which one is your favorite?

1. Dancer Emoji Framed Art, $32

2. Large Cheetah Bag Tassel, $48

3. Bad Bitches Needlepoint Pillow, $68

4. Lidded Pineapple Jar, $38

5. Shivali Hmong Pillow Pair, $225 (on sale)

6. Furry Stool, $250

7. White Leopard Lamp, $385

8. Bone Inlay Tray - Black, $195

9. Cocktails Sign, $26

Monday, January 11, 2016

Pinegrove


Ever since the ball dropped, I've been anxiously awaiting something fresh and exciting in music. It might be a little too earlier to announce the breakout and of the year, but I can think of a certain group that is definitely in the running in my book. For now, I'm claiming top spot for Pinegrove, a five piece, American rock band, from Montclair, NJ. 

Now before you throw any shade towards the garden state, this quintet is worth listening to. Their latest single "Old Friends" off of their impending LP Cardinal, captivates a nice blend of indie rock, pop and country. If you were to blend Ben Kweller, Built to Spill, and Limbeck all in one, it would be Pinegrove. Don't know about you, but I really dig that threesome. See for yourself below.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Serenity Now



For the first time, the color gods decided to gift us with not one, but two colors of the year for 2016 - introducing Rose Quartz and Serenity. Pantone states that these colors "demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace. Whether in soft or hard surface material, the pairing of Rose Quartz and Serenity brings calm and relaxation."

I can't think of a better way to head into 2016 than with a dab of wellness, a pinch of order and just the right amount of relaxation. I've got big plans for the year ahead and I will be sure I'm sporting at least one of these colors and/or both to create the ultimate balance of warm and cool shades in my Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall wardrobe.

1. Geo Floral Linen Pillow - Leif ($135)

2.  Leatherette Travel Case - Gift Boutique ($65)

3. Platform Leather Smoking Slippers - Soludos ($99)

4. Sunglasses - J.Crew X Illestva ($177)

5. Blueberry Iphone Case - Marta Olga Klara ($35)

6. Lolita Sunglasses - Wildfox ($189)

7. Rhythm and Blue Earrings - Vanessa Mooney ($195)

9. Lanie Tie-Dye Stacked Heeled Sandal - J.Crew ($268)

9. Embark Pouch - Flight 001 ($18)

10. Milla Flats - Loeffler Randall ($325)

Monday, January 4, 2016

Gabrielle Aplin


The best example of a bonafide home-made star is Gabrielle Alpin. Like most artists in the 21st century, she got her start on YouTube (similar to this kid). About 5 years ago, she began uploading videos of herself playing acoustic covers of pop songs and gradually built quite a following. Since then, she's launched her own label, the major labels came knocking and she has since produced two awesome EP's. 

Just before the end of the year, she dropped a breathtaking new ballad that is bound to keep anyone cozy for the long winter we have ahead of us. With her beautiful folk sound and whispery vocals, I've got this jam on repeat as I ease my way back into work after a long glorious holiday break. Enjoy!