Style Maniac

Get Your Style Maniac! How to subscribe when Google Reader goes away July 1st

2013-06-19T12:20:00.001-04:00

For reasons unfathomable to many of us, Google is eliminating its popular Google Reader on July 1st, 2013. If you subscribe to Style Maniac through Google Reader you have a few ways to continue receiving blog post updates.

The simplest: Subscribe to Style Maniac via email

After signing up, please check your Inbox for a verification message from “FeedBurner Email Subscriptions,” the service that delivers email subscriptions for Style Maniac. You will need to click a link in the message to activate your subscription. If you don't see a confirmation e-mail in a reasonable amount of time please check your bulk/spam folder. Should you encounter any problems email me directly for help.

Other options:
Subscribe to Style Maniac via RSS
Subscribe to Style Maniac via a feed reader service such as Bloglovin

NOTE: To transfer your entire blog reading list to Bloglovin' click here. For other blogroll transfer options check out this article from the Guardian UK.

Don't miss out on all the stylish fun -- subscribe today! And merci to each of you for your continued interest and support.

Image via Pinterest. Source: imgfave.

LINKS: How the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion inspired a handbag collection

2013-06-16T07:36:00.002-04:00

LINKS "Tournament Purse" from conradbookerCOLLECTION

LINKS "Par Clutch" from conradbookerCOLLECTION

LINKS "Fairway Tote" from conradbookerCOLLECTION

Conrad Booker's faux grass Union Jack purse. The 2013 U.S. Open coming to nearby Merion Golf Club. Why not, I suggested to Conrad, do a golf-inspired handbag? Of course, what he came up with is like nothing ever seen on the greens before: real golf ball appliques, peek-a-boo handles lined with tees, mini mirrors, zip pockets, contrast linings, a hot pink golf ball flower, "19" stencil punched into a shiny white side panel. Perfect for the course or the cocktail lounge, LINKS handbags reference golf tradition in a fun, modern way. As brand ambassador for conradbookerCOLLECTION, I've been taking these happy chic creations out and about from the "19th hole" to swanky city streets, and the reaction from golfers and non-golfers, men, women, teens and tweens has been unanimous: pure delight.

Available by direct order and at select shops. See conradbooker.tumblr.com for details. Photos of conradbookerCOLLECTION LINKS series by Doreen Creede.

A Perfect Fit with NINObrand

2013-06-03T14:37:00.002-04:00

From across a dark and crowded room I spied the "Lena" cape. Her clean lines and original design seduced me immediately and thus began my enchantment with NINObrand. Next I met the cape's designer, Bela Shehu, and her approach to creating original clothing in lush fabrics with ingenious flexibility that are as comfortable to wear as they are beautiful, and then selling them in a relaxing, pressure-free atmosphere made me a fan. Over time, Bela and I connected at fashion events, then co-founded Phashion Mob with Denise Fike, artist and mutual friend. I collected more pieces, and found that the garments fit with my lifestyle in so many ways ... and interesting things seemed to happen whenever we went out together.

So it is a perfect evolution of this story to join NINObrand as the handmade-in-USA line enters a new chapter with the opening of a private Atelier in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of Philadelphia. I am delighted to join Bela and her team as a private sales consultant and I invite you to join us as we celebrate the launch of NINObrand Atelier with a soiree on June 13. Come for the festivites, or contact me to set up a private appointment, and experience the magic of NINObrand for yourself.

For an invitation to the Launch
or to set up a private appointment
contact Doreen at 215-429-2000 thestylemaniac@gmail.com

Top photo courtesy NINObrand Pinterest.
Bottom photo of NINObrand Atelier by Doreen Creede.

HAPPY FINDS @ #HPMKT: Cirque 612

2013-05-13T10:46:00.000-04:00

At the end of April I headed to High Point Market craving colorful things. As the folks at the world's largest furniture industry trade show (now rebranded with social media-inspired logo #HPMKT) like to say, with 11.5 million square feet of show space, "if you can't find it in High Point it probably doesn't exist." Well I found bright all over, starting with Cirque 612. The creator of this line, interior designer Stephanie Ferguson, had a brilliant approach to attracting attention to her new brand. She wore a coat sewn of a Cirque 612 upholstery fabric, and dozens of us stalked her from a seminar to her space across town to find the source of that joyful print. Once there, we were greeted by pink elephants, floating parasols, Crayola-colors and the happiest booth in High Point.

Photos by Doreen Creede. For more info visit cirque612.com.

Showing Hearts

2013-05-10T10:16:00.001-04:00

One thing I definitely missed while on that unexpected blog break -- you, dear readers. Your responses to Wednesday's post (both in blog comments and emails) touched me deeply. Showing heart, recognizing the present--life--as a gift, realizing what really matters. It seems we do all believe that love can conquer all. Thank you for showing, and sharing, yours.

Photo via Meridith Bonvino

Dark Days

2013-05-08T12:20:00.001-04:00

Style Maniac began with the intention to be a sunny spot in an often dark world, and for that reason I rarely write about sad news. Over the past weeks, though, it has felt wrong to write about bright and happy fashion and beauty in the midst of the Boston bombings, Texas explosion and a fire two blocks from my home in Philadelphia that destroyed a friend's business, the apartments of over a dozen neighbors and most tragically took the life of firefighter Captain Mike Goodwin, age 53, who died battling the blaze.

As a neighborhood, as a nation, we grieve over these losses. We feel for those now without family and friends, even if we did not know them. We think about our own lives, our fragility, how in one moment everything we hold dear can disappear. We vow to live life differently, love more, fight less, make every moment count.

Days pass, the dishwasher breaks, bills must be paid, a business trip planned, another news story breaks, the conversation moves on, life goes on.

Life, if we are very very lucky, goes on.

So how do we keep that in mind every day, amidst the dust and bills and to do lists? How do we honor sacrifice and make our moments count?

The truth is we can't always. There's going to be drudgery and sadness and heartache in our lives no matter how much we wish it otherwise. The dark headlines will keep coming. The only thing we can do, I think, is try. Try to make the small gestures of adding beauty and meaning to every day life. Try to remember what matters most, even in the midst of a silly argument or mundane chore. Try to remember this:

The day of the fire, when we thought no life had been lost, my husband and I walked away from billowing black smoke that eclipsed the sun and traded scraps of information with neighbors. One relayed the story of a tenant in the apartment above the fabric store where the fire began, who had just enough time to grab his wallet before escaping.

"What would you grab?" I wondered aloud.

Without a breath of hesitation my husband replied:

"You."

Black Leather & Bright Linings

2013-04-11T07:32:00.001-04:00

Black leather peeled back to reveal a bright floral interior. Kind of like winter turning to spring. As Brand Ambassador for conradbookerCOLLECTION, I've been having fun taking the "Hardwear" series of handbags out to parties, meetings, strolls around town. Besides the surprise of a bright contrast lining in each bag, I adore the unexpected juxtaposition of hardware store elements with traditional leather, bold shapes and elegant finishing, dark and bright, bold and soft. And oh how I love the Tassel Clutch's namesake of a dramatic long silky ponytail tassel. For another shot of the clutch check the sidebar below or browse the Lookbook I created for the line. (p.s Recognize the model in those other photos, anyone?) For info on where to find and buy, click here or email me.

Tassel Clutch photo by Conrad Booker and Doreen Creede

From Winter to Spring

2013-04-04T13:57:00.003-04:00

Mother Nature has been toying with us these past weeks, teasing with clear bright spring days and then blasting back with gray wintry winds. It has me thinking of contrasts in all sorts of things. Pink chiffon ruffles peeking from winter wool coats. Black leather and bright linings. Spring cleaning of rooms and expectations. New twists on old things. What changes and what stays the same in fashion, decorating, makeup, work, play, technology, life. How about you? What's on your mind this season?

Photo by Eleonore Bridge

Screwed Together, Forever

2013-03-25T13:05:00.001-04:00

Thanks, all of you who responed to our Gift-Away and shared your feelings on what "Screwed Forever means to you when it comes to love." Screwed Forever's creator and designer, Zivile Pupinyte, and I loved all the entries but one in particular stood out, for both the sweet and witty words and for the fact that the reader entered to make his wife (and business partner and best friend) happy. Congratulations, Andrew, on your winning entry:

With only minimal coercion:), I'm throwing down my two cents on this topic (quite possibly because a certain wife of mine has taken a fancy to the Screwed Forever P ring - she really loves the double colors). Screwed forever is the space where two people know, love and care for each other enough that they can work, socialize and live together? And do so while making it fun. Being screwed forever beats the hell out of being screwed, forever. -- Andrew Sequeira

To Andrew and his wife Lee we wish you continued joy and laughter in your lives -- screwed together, forever. (I'll be in touch with details on how to apply the $110 prize to the Screwed Forever item of your choice.) And don't forget, each of you, dear readers, get the chic treat of a 25% discount on the Screwed Forever website, through 3/31/13. Use discount code TAKEMYHEART and select "Free Shipping" during checkout.

Merci, Zivile for this generous gift to Style Maniac subscribers. Newly Minted "Mr. & Mrs." glitter signs by Wendy Addison via BHLDN

Spring At Last

2013-03-22T10:46:00.001-04:00

Even if it's just a date on a calendar and a display at the grocery store, I'm ridiculously happy to greet spring and flowers this week. Was it just me or did this winter seem particularly long and gloomy? On to brighter, days erasing dark evenings, pink petals carpeting gray streets, green blades pushing up through brown earth. Spring at last, hallelujah!

Tulips at Whole Foods. Photo by Doreen Creede.

Glimmery Gold

2013-03-06T06:52:00.000-05:00

How glorious is this glimmering gold gift wrap, from the always amazing world of Confetti System? The image of their fringe wall transferred to 24" x 36" sheets would be just the thing to wrap a special gift. Or wallpaper my dream dressing room. Limited edition Gold Fringe gift wrap from Confetti System's Big Cartel site.

Speaking of glittery things ... have you entered our amazing jewelry Gift-Away from Screwed Forever? Click here to share your story about love and have a chance to win a ring or other bling.

AND THE LOVE GOES ON: A Screwed Forever Gift-Away

2013-02-27T06:55:00.000-05:00

What happens after Valentine roses fade and fall, cards get torn and tattered? What does love mean to you, every day, in any way? One reason I love the Screwed Forever jewelry line is that the unique by-the-slice pieces let you show what a relationship means to you in a very personal way. As part of our Sweet Treats & Chic Surprises series, one of these pieces could be yours. Our friend, Screwed Forever designer Zivile Pupinyte, has paired up with Style Maniac to announce her new online e-shop, and to offer a very lovely Gift-Away to one lucky reader (see below). Plus all readers enjoy the special offer of a 25% discount + free shipping through 3/31/2013 for anything on the Screwed Forever website. (Use discount code TAKEMYHEART and select "Free Shipping" during checkout.) Zivile will also feature your responses in the Screwed Forever Insirational Stories collection. So tell us: What does "Screwed Forever" mean to you when it comes to love?"

SCREWED FOREVER GIFT-AWAY
One lucky reader may either receive the gift of a Screwed Forever piece of her choice, up to $110, OR winner may apply $110 credit to any item on the Screwed Forever website.

TO ENTER:

Visit ScrewedForever.com and choose your favorite piece
Share your selection in the Comments section of this blog (below)
Plus tell us "What does Screwed Forever mean to you when it comes to love?"

EXTRA ENTRIES: Show your enthusiasm by adding extra comments for each of the following:

Sign up for Screwed Forever's mailing list
Like Screwed Forever on Facebook
Subscribe to Style Maniac
Like Style Maniac on Facebook
Tell a friend (or 10!) about Screwed Forever and Style Maniac.

ENTER BY Midnight EST on Sunday, March 10, 2013. WINNER will be chosen based on response to question and enthusiasm for Style Maniac and Screwed Forever, and will be announced the end of March. Have fun!

Images courtesy Screwed Forever.

Hearts, Hometowns & A Sweet Surprise

2013-02-25T15:54:00.002-05:00

She left her heart in San Antone. And Philadelphia. And with her loved ones, wherever they may be. Sweet surprise: we loved the responses to our Big City Bumpkin charm Gift-Away so much we chose not one winner ... but three! Congratulations to Val, Cassidy and Cara, you will each get the chic treat of a handmade piece from Vanessa. Your entries about, love, hometowns and Valentine's Day stole our hearts, and your enthusiasm for Style Maniac and Big City Bumpkin is truly appreciated. Below, excerpts from the winning responses. Thank you to all who participated and don't forget every Style Maniac readers enjoys the treat of 20% off any item, including custom, on Big City Bumpkin's Etsy store through February 28, 2013. Use code STYLEMANIAC20.

CASSIDY: Valentine's Day for me is a day to take a moment and remember/share all the love you have in your life! I am truly blessed to have so many people who I love and who love me. This year valentine's day was a bit harder as my boyfriend and I currently live in different towns, I still had a wonderful night getting sushi with my girl friends and going to a movie, and I think that is why these charms speak to me. No matter the distance you are still loved, you still belong, and a piece of you will always be where your heart is.

CARA: I love the Philly pendant! Although I'm not a Philly native, this city has welcomed me with open arms and I couldn't pick a better place to spend my 20's. They say home is where the heart is, and right now my heart belongs to the City of Brotherly Love.

VAL: It'd hafta be San Antone ... since the symbol of Texas reminded me of Hometowns. Now, my hometown doesn't remind me of late night baseball games (though as a child I witnessed some), or Friday night football (though I've been to many games)... My hometown of San Antonio, Texas, is more than any of that. It's more than a memory of tractors in the fields, or long lines of cowboys and cowgirls riding horses by the highway during the trail ride times... of driving home from school and going down the dip in the road, looking left always to a rolling plain with a small pond at the bottom... My home town has Fiesta, where we close off the oldest part of our town - La Villita - to have a huge party, where we set up a huge amusement park and bands play. My home town has a gorgeous riverwalk, along which you can dine at amazing spots, people watch, and feel more content than any other place I know... That riverwalk is, on either side of the river, filled with exotic plants growing in exuberance for life, for being alive! As my sister said when we'd returned from our lonely trek across Europe, as she spread her arms out wide toward that foliage, that life, those waterfalls, "This! This is what we've been looking for halfway around the world!" and in a way, she was right. Driving from LA to San Antonio, you go through so many miles of deserts, only to reach the green rolling hills of Texas's hill country and enter San Antonio. It always seemed a miracle to me - how Texas was settled not West to East, but East to West. Those rolling hills were gorgeous after so much dessert. My home town is beauty in wilderness. My home town is amazing comfort food. My hometown is friends and family who always welcome any of my friends like they've known them forever. It may also be Friday night football and baseball games, but it is so much more than even words. My hometown is pure love, pure beauty, and pure friendship. As the road signs say and the state name means - It is friendship.

Thank you, Vanessa, artist and owner of Big City Bumpkin, for offering this charming Gift-Away on Style Maniac. Winners, please email me about getting your gift to you. Photo via Greige Design on Pinterest.

CAST YOUR VOTES: Sexiest, Funniest Movie Couple

2013-02-24T06:56:00.000-05:00

Ladies and gentlemen, in keeping with our celebration of love and laughter, plus the tradition here at Style Maniac of Oscar awards with a twist, please cast your votes for Sexiest, Funniest Movie Couple (from any film, in any year). My pick: Emma Watson and Ryan Gosling in Crazy. Stupid. Love. Their sizzling chemistry and comic banter are a major reason why I've watched the movie oh about a zillion times. What sexy silly couple gets your vote?

Image from Crazy. Stupid. Love. promo. Watch the 85th Academy Awards tonight at 7e / 4 p.

Practical & Pretty

2013-02-20T12:00:00.002-05:00

A kitchen for dancing and dreaming, sipping champagne in a ballgown or tea in a tee. Fluffy chairs in the living room, table legs gilded gold to turn bargain into luxe. At first glance the home of Christine Dovey, blogger at Bijou & Boheme, looks like the confection of a single woman creating her fantasy pied-à-terre. A closer look reveals practical touches that anchor the prettiness, making this a home where a family of soon-to-be-six can live happily. Charcoal and clean lines temper pale pink and curvy. Hidden toy caches and faux python upholstery keep up the glam vibe yet let children play and spill without worry. Vignettes are carefully curated, with even book covers matching the pink / white / gold color scheme, yet have personality and humor so they don't feel studied or stuffy. To achieve this kind of completely harmonious palette, Christine did start anew, in a way, selling virtually all of the family's previous furniture to start with a clean slate. Then she and designer Meredith Heron brought to life a dream of a kitchen that feels more like a Paris boutique and a home that's one of the prettiest and most livable I've seen. J'adore.

Home of Christine Dovey / Bijou & Boheme. Design by Meredith Heron. Read more at StyleAtHome.com , with story by Jennifer Hughes. Photography by Donna Griffith. Styling by Tara Ballantyne. First spied on this is glamorous.

Dancing Wherever You Are

2013-02-18T06:58:00.000-05:00

They're dancing in Chicago. Down in New Orleans. Up in New York City. Philadelphia, PA. Baltimore and D.C. now. Can't forget the Motor City. Way down in L.A., every day, dancing in the street or the kitchen, and wearing their hometown near their hearts.

With thanks to some snippets from Martha & the Vandellas, a reminder that tomorrow is the last day for a chance to win the gift of a map charm, showing off your big city or small town. Custom orders, states, hearts and arrows too, all from Big City Bumpkin.
ENTER HERE.

In my house we're always dancing. How about you? Image via Cara Mazzarini's Pinterest. Frame by Doreen Creede. If anyone can decipher that teeny credit please let me know! Lyrics by William Stevenson and Marvin Gaye via elyrics.net

Color Blast

2013-02-17T14:21:00.005-05:00

Today I needed a jolt of color, a wash of happiness, rays of lemon spashed against azure, dabbles of watermelon swished by violet to brighten a cold February day. A dip into my blog reading list did the trick. Thank you Kerri Shipp, artist and blogger at Driftwood Interiors.

Atomic by Kerri Shipp.

Two Of A Kind

2013-02-14T09:33:00.002-05:00

"Anyone can be passionate

but it takes real lovers to be silly."

-- Rose Franken

Wishing you a day filled with sweet, treats, chic surprises and lots of silly stuff.

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you

and to the cute and funny guy

who always makes

me laugh.

p.s. Why not give yourself a treat and enter our charming Gift-Away?

Rose Franken was a screenwriter, playwright & writer. Quote from Women Know Everything by Karen Weekes. Button by Mackenzie Pikaart, from "Connections With Strangers."

(More to come on her amazing 15,000-button project.) Effects by Doreen Creede.

MAPS, HEARTS & ARROWS: A Charming GIFT-AWAY from Big City Bumpkin

2013-02-13T14:51:00.002-05:00

Over the years blog friends have started businesses, written books, launched lines. To celebrate this spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship, and as a thanks to you, we're kicking off a series of Gift-Aways from readers, for readers. What's a Gift-Away? It's my version of a Giveaway, one that rewards subscribers for their loyalty and enthusiasm.

Here's the first, from Vanessa at Big City Bumpkin. I've long enjoyed Vanessa's blog posts on food, baseball and life in Chicago. Last year she began creating photo and map jewelry pieces that are unique, well priced,beautifully packaged and utterly charming. I love them so much I've bought three! Below, Vanessa shares how this project came about and what it means to her. (Details on the Gift-Away follow.)

I started on the maps when I was going through a bit of homesickness, and a lot of boredom, and felt this overwhelming need to make something. I found a cool map of Chicago in our apartment building's laundry room, and thought it would be fun to make maps for the different Chicago neighborhoods, and it might also start to give me a sense of really belonging to this city, and being connected to it in the way I needed to be. Gradually I started making them for other major cities, as well as custom pieces for smaller towns. The Heart & Arrow collection came about because I wanted something bold and fun to feature for Valentine's Day without being too lovey-dovey.

My favorite thing ever is to get a request from someone for a very small town that not many people have heard of (because I grew up in exactly that kind of small town), and to know that somewhere someone is wearing that necklace with a lot of pride for the place they were raised in, a place that has a lot of meaning for them and a special spot in their heart. I like the idea of the map being something you look to when you are lost. If I'm wearing a necklace that has Nelson Co. Virginia on it, I feel like I'm never really too far away, and looking at it reminds me of who I am, even as I'm wandering and discovering the city streets of Chicago. -- Vanessa / Big City Bumpkin

SPECIAL OFFER & GIFT-AWAY
All readers can enjoy a 20% discount through the end of February on anything in Big City Bumpkin's Etsy shop, including custom orders. Use discount code: STYLEMANIAC20. One lucky reader will receive the gift of the piece of her choice, up to $25.

TO ENTER:

Visit Big City Bumpkin on Etsy
Choose your favorite piece from Hearts & Arrows, State Charms and Map Pendants, up to $25, including a custom Map Pendant of your hometown.
Share your selection in the comments section below
Plus tell us what any of the following mean to you: LOVE ...HOMETOWNS ... VALENTINE'S DAY. (Sweet, sappy, cynical, funny -- any thoughts welcome.)

REALLY want to win? Show your enthusiasm by adding EXTRA comments for each of the following:

Like Big City Bumpkin on Etsy
Like Big City Bumpkin on Facebook
Subscribe to Style Maniac
Like Style Maniac on Facebook
Tell a friend (or 10!) about Big City Bumpkin and Style Maniac.

ENTER through midnight EST on Tuesday, February 19, 2013. WINNER will be chosen based on response to question and enthusiasm for Style Maniac and Big City Bumpkin and will be announced the end of February. Have fun! All images courtesy Vanessa / Big City Bumpkin.

A Different Vision @ Warby Parker

2013-02-12T09:12:00.002-05:00

A yellow school bus retrofitted as optical showroom/library/lounge, road tripping cross country. An annual report with stats on bagel consumption in the home office. A Canine Collection of specs. Buy a pair, give a pair donation program. Retro-modern frames sold online with free 5-pair-at-a-time at-home try-on, free shipping and single vision anti-scratch anti-glare lenses for $95.

One of the above sentences is not true. If you've shopped for eyeglasses lately and, like my husband, received a quote of $450 to replace just the lenses on a pair of prescription glasses you'd believe $95, not Canine Collection, is the joke. Yet it's no joke at Warby Parker.

Warby Parker has a different vision for selling eyewear and running a company. It's one that combines an approach humorous enough to create the "Warby Barker" mirror site as an adorable April Fools lark, serious enough to make a charitable cause an integral part of their business model, and smart enough to make sure at the core of all this is a covetable product that melds classic craftsmanship with bold style and striking colorations (icy woodgrain, violet-tinged tortoise, glowing cherry). Warby Parker even does product launches differently. In this case, to introduce their new limited edition Hayworth capsule collection, they invited a handful of bloggers to post today, encouraging each of us to write about it in our own way as we give readers a first glimpse at the new line.

Coincidentally I'd been planning to check out the brand since just when my husband and I needed new specs Warby Parker popped up in a magazine article, at a fashion conference and on a blogging friend's job profile. So I headed to one of WP's 12 showrooms, nestled inside Art In The Age boutique. Walked in. Glanced at display. Pulled a pair. Tried on. Perfect. Done. Though I only need RX glasses for driving and the movies, the sexy secretary look I found was so striking and flattering I won't whisk this pair off the second the lights come up or the car door closes. And now, given the Hayworth Collection's inspiration from film noir ... femme fatales ... 40s and 50s Hollywood glam with a modern twist ... I'll have to go back, or go online, and find myself some chic sunglasses.

Einstein appears courtesy Warby Barker. Neville frame in Blue Marblewood from the limited edition Warby Parker Hayworth Collection.

Sweet Treats & Chic Surprises

2013-02-09T09:16:00.001-05:00

In celebration of Style Maniac's recent 4th blog birthday ... plus a little thing called Valentine's Day ... to brighten up a winter day ... and to thank you, dear readers, for your friendship and support ... welcome to ~~a month~~ two months (!) of sweet treats and chic surprises, with gifts and glitter, baubles and bags ... and best of all the goodies for subscribers will come from subscribers. We've got a talented bunch of followers here at Style Maniac and I can't wait to share their creations with all of you. Shake out the shiny tassels and slip on some sparkly shoes, we're having a party all month long.

Garland by Confetti System.

Style Maniac's (4th!) Blog Birthday

2013-01-31T06:52:00.000-05:00

Sandcastles in air, cocktail rings and yummy things.

Girls in red dresses with stacks of books, chic sunglasses.

Brand launches, blogstress gatherings, royal weddings, runway shows.

Laughter and loss, music and love. Zebra and leopard, gold, glitter and bling. Comments became conversations and visitors became friends,

as week after week we've shared favorite things.

This week marks four years of blogging for Style Maniac, a milestone that astounds me. I had no idea where it would all lead when I pressed that "Publish" button on January 29, 2009. Much like the image above it's been a journey that brightened my world and opened up to reveal so many sweet and unexpected treats. I hope it's been as filled with color and beauty and brightness and surprises for you, too.

In case you're wondering, the phrases above refer to blog posts. Explore the archives in the sidebar and the "Read More" at the footer if you'd like to find them. Photo discovered on The Paris Apartment

Inside THE CLOSET at Harper's Bazaar

2013-01-28T14:03:00.000-05:00

Talk about a magic carpet ride. Here's a place I never expected to be: Inside The Closet at Harper's Bazaar. And by The Closet, I mean the kind top fashion magazines keep, where designer goodies come, go and sometimes stay; the kind made famous by Sex and The City and The Devil Wears Prada. I thought The Closet was a made up movie moment urban legend, until I met Lisa Luna, associate editor at Harper's Bazaar, and she confirmed that yes, it does exist. And, oh, would I like to see it? Umm, are you kidding? And so I went last month to a skyscraper scattered with couture confections and tubs of lipsticks, stilettos propped up against skylines, the opening pages of the March issue laid at my feet. I'm sworn to secrecy on the selections until that issue's publication, but here's a tiny taste I can reveal -- bookshelves of shoes arranged in a color coordinated rainbow. Be still my heart. It's not often life gives you a movie moment better than the big screen. This was. Thank you, Lisa.

Photo of Doreen Creede by Lisa Luna, Harper's Bazaar. More to come this spring.

Magic Carpet Ride

2013-01-04T12:47:00.004-05:00

Resolutions, lists, goals -- we all make them as we face the new year. Sometimes those wishes come true and you breeze along the highway of life with ease, wind teasing your tresses in a perfect movie moment kind of way, the road ahead smooth and sure. Other times the best intentions get mired and messy, a traffic jam you can't escape, a bad hair day that won't end. And then there are the times life takes you on a magic carpet ride, to places wildly unexpected and yet somehow cut just right. I know which journey I'm hoping for in 2013. How about you?

The color and joy of Sandra Benhaim's work first drew me in and then her titles captivated me even more, coinciding with themes brewing for Style Maniac and thoughts for my own life. You'll be seeing more of her art all year. Magic Carpet Ride 3 courtesy Sandra Benhaim.

Happy Christmas

2012-12-24T18:03:00.001-05:00

Wishing all of you a holiday filled with love, laughter, family and friends. Off for the week ... Happy Christmas!

This photo, discovered a few years ago, remains one of my all-time favorite Christmas tree pics.
Via White Trash Beautiful.