sage & style

amsterdam

03.07.2011 · Posted in Musical Mondays

Have you head the song Amsterdam by Peter Bjorn and John?
L.O.V.E. it for today’s musical Monday pick.
Baby went to Amsterdam
She put a little money into traveling
Now it’s so slow, so slow
Baby went to Amsterdam
Four, five days for the big canal
Now it’s so slow, so slow
I went to Amsterdam years ago with one of my good college friends, Femke. We meandered for the day, walking the canals, casing the boutiques and drinks loads of hot chocolate and tea with free biscuits. When I heard this song today it really brought me back. Especially to the Dutch aesthetic, which as spring approaches, somehow feels so right.

1. Interstate escape dress / Modcloth. 2. Antony satchel / Mulberry. 3. Piquant spice jar / Anthropologie. 4. Silverlake sandals / Madewell. 5. Nina ring / This Charming Girl. 6. Vintage bike / Cambridge Bicycles. 7. Coco mariner pullover / Madewell.

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|| friday’s fellow || mr. porter

03.04.2011 · Posted in Friday's Fellow

As many of you know I’m a HUGE fan of Net-a-Porter. In fact, I’ve been lust shopping for years, first scouring the monthly sales when living in London and today, for most of my Sage & Style curations. That being said, I’ve been eager to see what they’d do with Mr. Porter, their awesome men’s off-shoot which launched to the public this month. Here are a few of my faves. Yes, these casual spring pieces are a bit pricier but that’s what Mr. Porter celebrates; fine, wearable and timeless pieces worth collecting.
On a side note, my favorite Friday’s Fellow is in town this week and yesterday we had an enlightening discussion on the merits of online shopping for men. In fact, besides Mr. Porter there’s also talk of a full-priced men’s site from Gilt Groupe and another called Clad Men (launching in July,) which is a collaboration between JC Penny’s and Esquire magazine. Oh, let the fun begin!

1. Selima Optique glasses. 2. Band of Outsiders hoodie. 3. Vicktor & Rolf Bermuda shorts. 4. Alexander McQueen asymmetrical cardigan. 5. Paul Smith i Phone case.

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pattern frenzy

03.03.2011 · Posted in Dreaming of...

Oh how I love the cheeriness of this print by fashion illustrator Nina Chakrabarti. Aren’t the colors gorgeous? Chakrabarti spent her youth in Calcutta, India, moving to the UK in her teens where she studied illustration at Central St. Martins, and years later, at The Royal College of Art. A fellow St. Martin’s grad myself, I couldn’t resist sharing.

|| Pattern print by Nina Chakrabarti / V & A Museum Shop. ||

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|| 5 o’clock roundup ||

03.02.2011 · Posted in 5 O'Clock Roundup

Image via What Katie Ate.

|| 1 || BCL and are I are fast becoming carrot crazed thanks to images like this from What Katie Ate.
|| 2 || A modern crotchet baby blanket? Genius, Ohdeedoh.
|| 3 || After oohing and ahhing over Alyson’s new goodies, I had to buy my own. Her unruly little thing is one lucky kid.
|| 4 || I’m itching to try Design Love Fest’s new blogshop school. A hip, photoshop class for bloggers. Brilliant!
|| 5 || I’ve been thinking taking guitar lessons again and Going Home to Roost’s quirky shot of this gal, her guitar and homemade beret, just might seal the deal.

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read across america, kids

03.02.2011 · Posted in Why Just One?

As an avid reader and mom-to-be, I simply could not ignore the plea of my good friend Kendall for help with her children’s book drive. In conjunction with Barnes & Noble and Read Across America Day (named in honor of Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss) the actual drive takes place today in Cincinnati at the Kenwood Barnes & Noble. However, for those like me that live elsewhere, you can also make an online purchase at Barnes & Noble through March 7th to donate towards the cause.
Simply fill your cart with loads of goodies–your order does not have to be limited to kids books–and check out. Be sure to click the “Bookfair Order” box in the payment section and use the code 10438646 so FirstBook can be credited for your order.
The result? A low-income family in need will receive a children’s book like these above, a selection of my current favorites!

|| Books from top-to-bottom, left-to-right: Art, Little 1, Making Stuff for Kids, Shape, A Sick Day for Amos McGee, ABCs, Katy and the Big Snow, I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato, Creature ABC. ||

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N.E.E.T. magazine / spring 2011

03.01.2011 · Posted in Key to My Heart

Earlier this year I was asked by N.E.E.T. creative founder Stephanie to contribute a curated page to N.E.E.T.’s spring 2011 issue. She initially approached me about my musical Mondays section but later we decided that there were so many lovely spring trends right now that we’d do a feminine wiles theme instead. Well, today their new issue launched and I couldn’t be more pleased with my spread!
What do you think?
If you aren’t familiar with N.E.E.T. definitely check it out. There latest issue is chock full of truly fantastic vintage and indie designs and a plethora of gorgeous fashion. And for a closer look at my spread click HERE and go to page 34 + 35. I had so much fun picking all these products, discovering new sellers and labels, and of course featuring some of my Sage & Style regulars. I hope you enjoy it too.

|| N.E.E.T. cover by Lucia Pang. ||

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lovers lane

02.28.2011 · Posted in Musical Mondays

Imagine my glee this morning when, in my attempt to find something unusual and inspiring for today’s Musical Mondays, I turned on my radio to Hunx and his Punx Lover’s Lane! Perfect for today’s pretty post as I’ve been trying to incorporate lingerie into a styleboard for ages.
And aren’t these frothy creations pretty?
Thankfully, I was also introduced to Hunx and his Punx. Lovers Lane is the first single off their debut album “Too Young To Be in Love” … set to be released in March, I can’t wait to hear the rest.

Top row, left to right: Felina uptown girl bra / Gigi’s Closet. Cyan and chantilly boy short / Anthropologie. Carine Gilson satin shorts / Net-a-Porter. Middle row, left to right: Mimi Holliday by Damaris lace undies / Net-a-Porter. Lace Lane corset / Anthropologie. Floral balcony bra / Topshop. Bottom row, left to right: Lady pant / Topshop. Cyan and chantilly bra / Anthropologie. Bow side mini / Topshop.

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|| friday’s fellow || hard graft

02.25.2011 · Posted in Friday's Fellow

What could be more fabulous then a functional, 3-in-1, multi-use bag? Especially one that’s as swish and sophisticated as this version from Austrian company Hard Graft? A good friend and Friday Fellow introduced me to Hard Graft a while back as I was on the lookout for a stylish i Pad case. I ended up with a version of the 2Grab and it’s been one of the best longevity/cost-per-use purchases I’ve made in a while.
Hence my excitement when said friend emailed me this gorgeous bag saying “Really neat, but do I need it?” Um, let’s see … three-use bag (overnighter, laptop + portfolio) beautiful shape, gorgeous colors … Um, YES JP, you do.

|| 3Fold multi-use bag / Hard Graft. ||

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the color purple

02.24.2011 · Posted in Cabin Fever

Today I’m inspiread by the color purple, which I was seeing in nearly every showroom at the Michigan Design Center. I’ve been out “shopping” for baby room fabrics and I found instead of polka dots and squirrels, my eye began drifting directly towards the vibrant, lush purples that dotted the floor. Maybe it’s the weather? Needless to say I think I’ve stumbled on a “regal” decor trend without even knowing … The question is, how do I incorporate it into my current, condo palette?

1. Lourdes shoe / Kate Spade. 2. Milly lace top / Stylebop. 3. Whirly-twirly clutch / Anthropologie. 4. New York dish towel / Too Dry For. 5. Spinning light 560 / Hive Modern. 6. Watch my garden grow / Modcloth. 7. Zac Posen ruffled dress / Net-a-porter.

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!!! flight 001 giveaway winner !!!

02.23.2011 · Posted in Ohh + Ahh

Congratulations to Rebecca Duffy, whose charming French adventure won her this fantastic F1 Flight bag. Rebecca’s need for this particular bag was especially endearing as she’s taking her young daughter to France this summer. She says, “There’s an artists retreat there that I want to bring myself and my young daughter too when the lavender is in bloom so we can sit in the fields, paint, draw, and take our walk on the high wire that runs through the property.” Ooh, so dreamy! I’d say that this bag will certainly take you from lunch in Paris to the fields at Mas Pinet Rebecca, so enjoy!
I have to say this Flight 001 giveaway has been a true success! Choosing a winner was ultra difficult, as everyone’s travels, adventures and stories were so utterly fantastic. I also wanted to send a huge thanks to Flight 001 for sponsoring this giveaway. Check out the rest of their FI exclusives here!

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