Le Soleil + Happy Weekend

I was more than thrilled to find these beautiful images waiting in my inbox the other day! Le Soleil is the latest design of Vicente Garcia Jimenez and is available via Fascarini. I love the color of the Aquamarine and can just picture it in an entry way or hanging above our Danish Modern dining table. Click here to find a retailer near you! Have a wonderful weekend!!

Site of the Week: At Home with Kim Valleé

I came across At Home with Kim Valleé via Modern Girl Style (who also has a delicious site so be sure to check it out!) and just kept scrolling and scrolling. Prior to At Home, Kim worked with HGTV and FoodNetwork Canada as a contributing author and hosted her own French blog Flair et Style. She obviously has a knack for all things home, food and entertaining. All of Kim's images are out of the world, not to mention her simple but clever entertaining and home decor tips; like her Holiday Decor Ideas (love the wreath via West Elm!) and Food Styling Tips. Be sure to check out Kim's site for very easy tips and inspiration for everyday.

{Images vie At Home with Kim Valleé}

Life Design

Life Design is the process of consciously creating what you desire in every area of your life. Now this is something I knew of in pieces...plan for college, plan for your first job, plan where you want to live, etc. But I had never thought about putting it all together to create a well-thought-out life.

I came across this concept over at Intarsia Concept. Life coach, Karen Armstrong is contributing to a 10-part series Life Design for Creative Entrepreneurs. Armstrong gives tips on how to proactively create life rather than reacting to it. It seems so simple, right? With so many ideas going through my head, I have made it a mission to start filtering the really important ones (thank you blog for being my sounding board) and keep those close to me, develop them and create something with it. Potential New Year's Resolution or what? Okay, well maybe it will take me longer than a year to actually create, but the goal is to start designing!

{image via Joshua Blakenship}

Art of the Trench

Have you seen Burberry's new social networking site? Being a big fan of their plaid-stricken designs I immediately clicked through to see what Art of the Trench is all about. Burberry is attempting to revive the brand to appeal to younger consumers and the working woman of today. The microsite features everyday people wearing classic Burberry trenches - belted, unbelted, dark, classic, wet cloudy, etc.

It got me thinking about the trench coats I own, what I love about them (or hate about them) and how I wear them. What is your favorite trench and how do you wear it? I need ideas!!

{images via The Satorialist via Art of the Trench}

Sale of the Week: Tagliare Console Table

I hope all of you had a great weekend. Mine was very nice, of course I did not get nearly enough crossed of my "to do" list but a good start at least. Today's Sale of the Week via Antropologie ($299.95) is a beautiful piece that I have had my eye on for a few weeks now. I think it would work well in an entry way or hallway. For all those handy/crafty welders out there, this would be a great DIY project and make great use of salvaged doors and metal.

M2W: The Impulse Shopping Millennials

Looking back over some of my blog posts I realized I have failed miserably to incorporate any marketing articles, product reviews or super cool ads. I can admittedly say that I use my blog as an "escape" from my day-to-day. However, I originally started this blog to bring you some of the coolest marketing initiatives out there, especially the ones that directly relate to use women. Why women? Because WE make up over 80% of the purchase decisions for our household. Having worked at a Marketing-to-Women (M2W) agency I am naturally drawn to all brands, companies or products that speak to use. As I come across note-worthy M2W initiatives I will share my thoughts and opinions in this NEW M2W Column. I hope these posts provide you with information and entertainment along the way!

According to a recent article, Why Millennials Are Impulse Shoppers, Millennials (Gen Y 20-30) are the next big-ticket consumer group. With a buying potential of $54 million, Millennials are expected to surpass the Baby Boomers in CPG spending over the next 3 years. So obviously marketers are taking time to get to know us. Do you consider yourself and impulse shopper? I do, especially on pay-days! Why is that? Here are some interesting stats from the article. Click here to read the full story.

• Millennials like better-for-you/healthier options and will usually trade-up when shopping (Agreed, I would rather pay a premium price knowing it's good for me or that it was produced locally)


• We use less coupons and shop with out a budget -- making our decision process very short (I try and try to shop on a budget, I swear!)


• We live in the "get it done" moment -- "Does this work for what I need now? If so, I will move on to the next." (Totally me when I grocery shop, usually I'm so focused on dinner that night I forget to pick up lunch for the following day)


• Millennials are drawn to stores with user-friendly layouts with variety and there is also an emotional connection to where they shop (Thank you Target!)

So all you Millennials how do you and your shopping habits stack up to the above? Do you fit right in or go against the grain? If the later, any tips on how to make slower (maybe better) purchase decisions?

Also, what do you think of this column? Would you want more?

{image via flickr via firstindy}

The 6 Shoes Every Women Must Own (My Picks)

1. Black Pump (I live in these Nine West pumps during the week. The low kitten heel really comes in handy on crazy days at the office)


2. Comfortable Flats (These Driving Mocs from J.Crew have been on my wish list for quite some time now)

3. Evening Shoe (okay a girl can dream, right? Sergio Rossi):

4. Sleek Comfort Sneaker (Converse are classic weekend wear with a good pair of jeans and a cardigan -- so easy)


5. Tall Boot (Ever since my trip to Chicago I keep dreaming about over-the-knee boots with leggings and a over-sized sweater! But again, I only dream about these Modern Vintage "Betty" Boots)

6. All Weather Boot (I've decided that I need a pair of Hunter's -- so much more practical than Uggs!)

I recently heard that Oprah did a show all about shoes and accessories (so sad I missed it!). On it Oprah listed the top 6 shoes she thinks every woman must own. As soon as I heard about it I was online Google-ing it. Thankfully The Lipstick Diaries had the full list. I feel that they are all very practical for everyday. It definitely made me think twice about what's on my shoe rack and how much use I get out of my suede orange pumps! I thought it would be fun to create my own top 6. Following these specific styles, what would you pick (and are they currently in your closet)?!