Ensemble Du Jour: 6-3-11

Yep, it's been a while since I've done an outfit post.  And I had to brave afternoon heat stroke and mosquitoes to get this.  How do you people do it???  Hat's off to you! 

It was Friday and hot so I'm in a simple outfit - red 3/4 sleeve cardigan and madras skirt from Target paired with my new Prada Minimal Baroque sunglasses and espadrilles.

I really love these red and white polka-dot wedge espadrilles from Payless. In my small size they are totally Minnie Mouse shoes.

My new glasses had arrived that day so I couldn't resist taking a picture of my Miu Miu glasses and Pradas together.

House Tour - The Details Make A Home

It's been a while since I've posted about my home. I'm definitely one of those people who love to visit people's houses and see what their personal style is like.  How would I decorate differently and what kind of art they have.

I actually think my home and decorating style is very me (although if I had several houses I'd like to try out different styles) but not superficially me.  Most people expect very feminine decor which is not our house at all.  It's vintage, eclectic, personal and unique.  The house being 112+ years old really makes it a fun place to live.  With odd room shapes, fun built ins and lots of character.

So I got a bit snap-happy on Instagram.  Here's a tour of the house through the details:

Still-life in the dining room.

The Kitchen stove is one of my favorite things.  It's a beast.

Our living room mantle and fireplace.

The Sunroom. Mossy floors and bamboo blinds.

Our Guest Bath is very classic.

The Front Entry with art from our neighbor.

My Library - the fulfillment of a lifetime dream.

The Library game table.

The Library mantle and fireplace with vintage botanicals and one of the best frame examples. Proper framing is so important.

Our Master Bedroom is cozy and simple.

My Desk is small and somewhat impractical but I love it.

The Master Bath.  A strong color inspired by the vintage Italian tourism ad and vintage fixtures and floor.

Guest room corner.

An antique French laundry basket on the back stairs.

The Guest Room's antique bamboo writing desk topped with a vintage planter and mirror.

A corner of the Office.  Some of our best art is in this room, including the rocker which is painted by our other talented neighbor.

Antique Greek panels topped by a Madeline von Foerster limited edition piece.

My favorite piece is this giant (almost 3' x 4') Carol Fitzsimmons watercolor.

The Landing holds mid-Century owl bookends, a hope chest and a pillow made from vintage French linen.

And the Stairs... holding a kitty!

Thanks for coming by!

Inspiration = Flattery? Chloe and ASOS

While not identical, the style similarities between the Chloe Patent Cap-toe Pumps with the plexi heel...

... and the ASOS Powertrip perspex pump are certainly there. 

Dusky pinkish-taupe color, clear heel, cap-toe.

They both have a chunky look off-set by the delicate colors and clear element.  I have a weakness for this blush.

The price difference is great ($555 vs $77, both on sale) but that aside, which do you prefer?

Smitten - Prada Minimal Baroque Sunglasses

I am not a sunglasses person typically, but I have to admit I was totally smitten by the Prada Minimal Baroque sunglasses collection. They are all just so gorgeous and Alphonse Mucha-esque, that they're like art for your face.

So I was thrilled beyond words to get a pair in white.  They're even better in person.  Whimsical and classic all at the same time.

You're going to be seeing these a lot this summer.  What is a better "summer white" than white sunglasses?

I now have a pair of "sisters" sunglasses - Miu Miu in black and Prada in white.

Top images by nitrolicous.com, remainder mine.

Instant Access - 5/31 - 6/5

Maybe it was the sunburn from Monday, but I was in the mood to wear red all week.

Summer means strawberries.  I don't wear these ShoeMissy Strawberry Patch shoes nearly enough.

But I did wear the heck out of my Knock-Out Karen matte red polish. It's so classy, I love it.

Is it sad that one of the highlights of the week was a peanut butter sandwich?  It's crazy but this stuff is awesome.

Sound Advice.

Snaps from the Shoe Cabinets - Miu Miu

And Stella McCartney Jupiter platforms (I need to wear these!)

I had to resist.  Sad Face.

Red polka dot espadrilles ARE Summer - These are American Eagle from Payless.

A pretty visitor on Saturday morning.

And, nerd that I am, I spent all day Sunday catching up on Doctor Who episodes.

While Clarence took a nap on one leg.

Hope you had a good week!

Not on Point - Ruthie Davis Spikette

While I love spikes and heels and glitter, this combo - Spikette by Ruthie Davis - just isn't doing it for me.

I think it's just one element too far.  What do you think?

Ruthie Davis Spikette - $1,395 (HOLY CRAP!)