Orla Kiely Love

I love all things Orla! So, when Target started the Orla Kiely for Target line a few months back I was more than ecstatic. The delightful patterns are a bit retro and modern all in one. However, the stock was hard to find with some items never even making it to store shelves it seemed. Perhaps there are Target insiders supplying all those Ebay sellers??? Hmmm, whatever the case may be I faithfully scour the store looking for any new items. This weekend was no different. Of course I didn't find much, the little end cap where there used to be so many beauties was barren. Surprisingly, I did see some napkins which I quickly snatched up. Then, while making my way to the check stand I saw two misplaced mugs! Of course I put those into my cart with a quickness! I now have 4 so I can actually have coffee with friends instead of just Han and I. I did a little bit of poking around on the web to see if there would be any more Orla to come in the near future. I found a blurb about some of the items being restocked, but not everything. Mostly linens. So...if you still need your Orla fix keep your eyes open this week and next to satisfy your addiction - oh wait...it's my addiction, that's right.

pretty pretty

So, I mentioned that I was looking for a pair of the jeweled sandals at Target last week that I had seen on budgetbabe.com. Well, I finally had a chance to wear them, what with the weather flirting with summer time temps and all. I wore them one day with a flirty orange skirt and royal blue cardi (someone said I was wearing the Bronco's colors) hmph - that was not my intent but whatev! The next day I couldn't resist wearing them again, this time with some dark denim bermuda shorts and a flowy flowery top. The bronze straps and amber color jewels make them a "go with everything" shoe! They are extremely versatile and I know I will be getting tons of wear (and compliments) out of them. With a price tag of only $19.99 I'd say this find is a winner!

Style w/out sacrifice #2

I love Le Sportsac! I loved it back in high school and it's proved to have staying power. With the whimsical prints and adorable styles how can anyone resist? Their styles are easy to throw on for a day of shopping or perfect to use for travel. Have you seen the carry on size duffel that can be checked in as well. I don't know about you, but when I'm waiting at those luggage carousels watching black bag after black bag pass by I am always regretful that I didn't have an easily recognizable bag. But, the prices on these bags are not exactly cheap. I mean sometimes you can find them on sale... but usually the bag you want is gone!

Last week at Target, (it's MY Disneyland - the happiest place on earth) I noticed some cute Le Sportsac-ish bags! I couldn't resist taking a few snaps to share. Same cute styles: think messenger bags, small pouch type purses, even some carry on duffel bags, all with the adorable designs you would expect from Le Sportsac but ta-da...without the L.S. prices! Take a peek - cute, no?

Messenger Bag with matching make-up pouch - $17.99Graffiti print duffel $22.99Floral print duffel $22.99

Twee's first "Style without Sacrifice"

OMG! I am so excited to be writing twee's first "Style without Sacrifice" post. I was browsing through Target this afternoon enjoying my first day of spring break. It had been a perfect day - boys at the sitter, just had a massage, strolling through Target - not a care in the world. I was pleasantly surprised to see some super cute shoes up and down each aisle. I was there for a purpose though. I was looking for a pair of jeweled sandals I saw on budgetbabe.com which, YAY - I found them, (can't wait for sunny days).
I also tried on the knock-off of the Jimmy Choo snakeskin sandals also found on budgetbabe.com (can you tell it's one of my favorite sites) but sadly, I didn't care for them as much as I'd hoped. So, as I prepared to be on my way, much more to see you know, I come across a pair of super cute gladiator wedge sandals. I tried them on and they were very comfortable! I decided to wait, I had one pair in my hand, no cart and knew that my shopping would be cut short if had to carry not 1 but 2 pairs of shoes through the rest of the store, plus I know they'll be on sale one Sunday very soon. It's just a matter of time. These sandals are super hot, they go with everything this season - maxi dresses, florals, tribal trend, need I say more? Anyway, are you excited to see them? But wait let me finish...my husband suggested we go to Nordstrom (aaahhh, could this day be any better?) to look for a suit...of course I needed to help. As I am strolling through the shoe department I do a double take. What is this I see? The same exact shoe I saw at Target was sitting there! Calling to me, but the price had quadrupled! Well what do you expect? The shoe is by Sam Edelman and is no doubt beautiful! If I had never seen the Target version I might be seriously contemplating this purchase, but now I don't have to! So, while the Nordstrom "Sam Edelman" shoe is beyond twee, if you're like me and like to have LOTS of new shoes you can try the Mossimo "Pearlie" version and have tons more money to buy more and more cute shoes. You know my motto... "If the shoe fits, buy it!... in every color!" What do you think? Are you in love too?

Target $29.99Nordstrom $138

One word........Dior

Ok so I had to post about two of my ultimate favs when it comes to makeup. First off is Dior's Airflash. It says that it's a spray foundation but to be honest it doesn't even feel like that at all! You can use it sparingly but still having enough coverage, resulting in an "airbrushed" effect. Another plus is that it's so light on that it feels like you're not wearing any make-up. The only downside is that it'll cost you $60 but to me it's oh so worth it!

In addition to Dior's Airflash, I am also a fan of Dior's Diorshow Mascara. I love how it lengthens and thickens my lashes. To avoid getting raccoon eyes by the end of the day, I have to use the waterproof version. The price is pretty reasonable $ 24.

OK so those are two of my total must haves but before I end my posting here I'd like to add one last item to the list....why not right?

To get that cute curly effect with my lashes, I have to use my Shu Uemura eyelash curler. This is one of the best eye lashes out there and the best part is that it won't pinch the skin unlike other brands out there. It's selling at Sephora for $19.

Decorate with Silhouettes

Recently I've been fixated with learning how to make silhouettes of my son Justin. Traditionally portrait silhouettes were made by simply looking at the profile and basically cutting whatever you see. It does seem easy but for those who can or can't cut straight, the digital version maybe easier for some.

After scouring the internet on simple DIY's I came across this site that gave easy to follow instructions. If you want to capture a pet, friend, child or even plants you can check out this silhouette portrait tutorial that I found on More Ways to Waste Time. So even if you're not comfortable working with photoshop, this project can still be done.

Here's What You Need

• Digital camera.
• Computer with PhotoShop (or one you can borrow from a friend).
• Frame.
• Subject to photograph.
  

To find out how to make your portrait, just read more

• Using a digital camera, photograph your subject from the side. Shooting against a white wall or a white poster board will make it easier to digitally remove the background during the next step.
• Open the picture in Photoshop. Use the Magic Wand tool to select the background for removal. Once clicked, the background will be outlined and highlighted. Go to "edit" and click "cut." The background will disappear.
• Now go to "image" and click "adjustments." Select "desaturate" to remove all color.
• In "adjustments," select "brightness/contrast." Then lower the brightness and increase the contrast until your image becomes a silhouette.
• If the image isn't completely silhouetted, use the Paintbucket tool (with black as the color selection) to fill in as needed, placing the cursor dead center and clicking until your desired effect is achieved.
• Using the Image tool, select "image size" to set your desired dimensions.
• Save your silhouette as a JPEG file.
• Burn the file to a CD, take it to a copy shop, and print it on paper or card stock.
• Trim the edges and frame.
• Enjoy your new creation!

For those who want to try the easy route and pay money for this service you can also order them from Etsy. These personalized framed silhouettes are oh so twee!

ORANGE

I go through these phases of surrounding myself with my obsessions du jour, usually it's color related. Lately, I am obsessed with all things orange. Maybe it's because I read a poem recently by Jane Yolen or that it's a sure sign of warmer days ahead. Whatever it is - I want everything in this sunny color!
To be honest, it's never been a favorite of mine. The fear of looking like a jack-o-lantern has always been a problem. But, the orange that I am loving is not the one that says "Hello Halloween!" It's more of a tangerine, not quite coral not quite pumpkin. It seems I'm not alone in my attraction because I am seeing it everywhere.

Check these "cuties" get it?? "cuties"...


Old Navy cut out dress in VermillionGap summer cardigan "goldfish"

Jcrew cotton sateen skirt "fresh orange"



Unlisted by Kenneth Cole "Tall Tower" in tangerine

Merona clutch - Target


I especially love pairing any of these colors with other colors that would not be expected, say yellow, plum, blue, even green. Feeling nervous? Try one of these with a pair of jeans, orange is the perfect pop of color every outfit needs. Feel like rocking the orange dress above? Throw on a pair of gold sandals or ballet flats and you're "oh so sweet."
"Orange" you excited to try some for yourself?