Pink Maple Design

Holiday Shopping - Ulta

2009-11-15T21:29:00.004-05:00

The annual influx of holiday catalogs flooding my mailbox started about a week or so ago. While online shopping is a great way to avoid the holiday season mall crowds, sometimes it can be difficult to quickly browse through a website to find the perfect gift. For that, I still love old-fashioned, printed catalogs. You can quickly flip through them, looking for what catches your eye - circle your favorites, add notes, rip out pages, etc. So, I thought it would be a fun idea to start a new blog feature: gift guides based on my favorite catalog finds. My goal is to choose my favorites from every catalog that graces my mailboxes - we'll see if I can do it!

First up: Ulta Beauty. This catalog is for all the "girly girls" on your holiday shopping list! Here are my favorites:

Woodwick Candle in Cashmere - you can never go wrong with a candle, but to keep things from getting too dull (i.e. the ever ubiquitous Yankee Candle jar), Woodwick candles crackle when they burn, creating - in the Words of the Ulta catalog - "the soothing sound of a crackling fire." Working from a bigger budget? Pair the candle with a cashmere scarf!

For the makeup lover - Benefit Cosmetics Celebutante Set. This is the perfect gift for the sister or friend who is always trying new makeup. With pocket-sized portions of Benetint and High Beam, two of the brand's most well-known products, and Dallas - in my opinion one of the best bronzer's out there (I use it all summer to give my face a sunny glow), this set is sure to please.

For your friend who always has perfect nails - Burt's Bees Polka Dot Perfect Mani Pedi Set. This set has all sorts of cremes for hands and feet and a cute bumble bee print nail file. With many people "going natural" and trying to avoid chemicals in their makeup and skincare, Burt's Bees is a great brand to choose if you're not so sure of the recipient's preferences.

Finally, a classic that needs no explaining - Chanel No. 5. In fact, it's such a classic that it's not available on Ulta's website! So you'll have to head to your local Ulta store. I, however, might suggest going to the Chanel store instead and having it gift wrapped? That would make such a special and classic gift all the more special don't you think?

Blogger Get Together

2009-11-11T19:11:00.003-05:00

A few of us Boston-area bloggers had a mini-get together last night. It started out as a larger gathering, but ended up being just three of us. I still had a lot of fun meeting Seersucker Scrapper and and KLC of Tales of a Northern Belle! We enjoyed dinner and drinks (if you're ever at the Macaroni Grill - you must try the Cosmopolitan Cello, it was so good!) and fun conversation.

Today, I had the day off in honor of Veterans Day. What a nice treat it was to have a free day in the middle of the week!

Always ask!

2009-11-09T19:58:00.004-05:00

I have been looking for a new, everyday handbag for quite some time. (In fact, I promised myself I would treat myself to one in celebration of starting my new job - and that was back in July!) Finally, on Saturday I came across exactly what I was looking for at Nordstrom in the sale section. It's a beautiful soft leather, has straps long enough to go over my shoulder even with a coat on, and features both gold and silver hardware. The one negative: it was purple. A very pretty purple, but still purple nonetheless. Not exactly your go-with-everything, wear everyday color.

Now usually my assumption with sales is that generally all they have available is out and it usually tends to be more unusual colors. In my experience, basic black and tan handbags seem to be the first to sell out at full price. I was shopping with my mother, however, and she said: "Why don't you ask if it's in black?" I replied, "I'm sure it's only the purple on sale, why bother?" My mother insisted (you know how mothers are!) and as a salesperson was walking by right then, I decided to ask. She stepped over to the computer and when she came back said they could ship it in black to me at no extra cost and at the same sale price!

Lesson learned: Always ask!

(I couldn't find the bag on the Nordstrom website, the above pic is from Zappos where it's still full-price: it's the B Makowsky Ibiza Satchel.)

A Fall Wedding Project

2009-11-05T21:30:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share some photos of my latest custom jewelry project, earrings and necklaces for 4 bridesmaids for a wedding this month. The maid-of-honor connected with me through my Etsy site to make a ring for her over the summer (you may remember me posting a pic of the ring back in Jult) and after the bride saw the ring she decided to surprise the bridesmaids with necklace and earring sets. The bridesmaids are wearing black dresses and each is accessorized with a different color (fuschia, peridot, and hyacinth) with the maid-of-honor in all 3 colors - quite a fun idea for a fall wedding I think, don't you?

Inspired Monograms

2009-11-04T21:08:00.003-05:00

I recently came across Lonny Magazine, the new online magazine started by Michelle Adams, a former Domino editor. It is no substitute for the shiny and crisp, real printed pages of Domino, but it seems to have the same style sense. As I was browsing through it, towels with gorgeous monograms caught my eye. One advantage of an online magazine is that I was able to click right on the towel photo and go straight to the Leontine Linens website. I love these monograms - they are traditional, yet unusual-looking at the same time.

Although they are certainly not cheap, with 50 + monogram styles to choose from (Click here to see) a set of linen napkins or guest towels would make a great wedding or anniversary gift.

Fall Staples

2009-11-01T18:37:00.005-05:00

With fall markdowns in full swing in the stores, I recently decided it was time to get a few new pairs of one my favorite cool weather staples: corduroys. Not surprisingly, my favorite - J Crew - did not let me down!

First, the stretch bootcut cord in deep aubergine (a rich, deep purple). These fit like classic bootcut jeans and the slightly higher rise works really well on my long torso.

Next up, something a bit different: the toothpick ankle cord. Now I wasn't so sure about these at first, but I gave them a try because I thought the ankle-length would work great under tall boots. I do warn you, these are definitely very stretchy and slim-fitting. I actually did not care for the fit in my regular size as they felt too much like leggings, but one size up fit perfectly and have more of the feel of regular pants. I ending up taking them home in warm maple - a great neutral.

I also tried on the stretch twill minnie pant. J Crew says "If you buy one pant this season, make it minnie." I say, don't bother and just pull out a pair of summer capris in black and your all set! Seriously, these felt like pulling on a pair of summer pants. Maybe if I lived in a warmer climate I would feel differently.

Trick or Treat?

2009-10-25T21:48:00.002-04:00

Pink Maple Puppy is ready for Halloween, are you?

Although my days of dressing up for Halloween are pretty must passed (only if a party invite requires a costume do I dress up), but it's always fun around this time of year to look at old photos of my costumes when I was growing up. With the exception of my plastic Fred Flinstone costume back when I was a mere 4 years old, my mother and I always used to make my costume. My very favorite one was the year I dressed up as a Christmas present: my mother and I took a big box, cut off the bottom and made holes for my arms and head. We wrapped the box in Christmas wrapping paper, I wore a headband of bows and curling ribbon, and we added a big card on the box that said "Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!" as my birthday falls on Christmas!

Do you have a favorite Halloween costume memory?

Bargain Shopping: Accessories

2009-10-22T20:45:00.005-04:00

I've been meaning to share some of my recent bargain finds for some time. First, some fun earrings I bought in New York City in September for a mere $3 a pair. With Austrian crystals in pink and green they are the perfect studs to add a little bit of sparkle to a conservative work outfit.

I bought these sparklers at Jewelry Plaza (1204 Broadway between 29th and 30th Streets). It's one of those wholesale/retail stores of the type you see all over Broadway and 6th Avenue in the vicinity of the garment district. They also have fun rings and bracelets. Last January I got these bracelets there for a mere $3.50 and they have held up quite well (no tarnishing at all).

Also near the Jewelry Plaza is a HUGE jewelry and accessories store (Accessories Palace, 1250 Broadway). This store is a headband lover's dream. They have probably over 100 styles and colors from simple, thin bands to satin bows - they have it all. Some of the exact styles I spotted here I saw the next day at Bendel's for probably triple the price. In September, I bought a wide headband here made of a black fabric with thin silver threads running through it and a large flower for about $12. Last January I got these two:

Closer to the homefront, I recently picked up these starfish earrings at a local fleamarket for just $7. Although not exactly season-appropriate, I'm saving these for my January trip to Florida.

A look back: my January posts on New York City - Part 1, Part 2.

My Newest Must-Watch

2009-10-20T20:57:00.002-04:00

This past month I discovered House Hunters International on HGTV and I have to say I can't get enough! If you're not familiar with it, the show's a spin-off of the HGTV series House Hunters, which follows buyer as they search for a house, condo, or vacation home. Each episode features three properties that the buyer is considering and then at the end they reveal which one the buyer(s) chose. I find the international version fascinating because you really get a sense of how people live in other countries (what things we Americans would consider a necessity are not elsewhere and vice versa). From the American couple looking for a vacation home in Panama to the Italian couple looking for a flat in Rome just steps from St. Peter's I am officially hooked!

Massachusetts Blogger Get-Together

2009-10-18T15:49:00.004-04:00

A few of us Massachusetts preppy-loving bloggers are getting together on Tuesday evening, November 10th in the suburbs. We've been reading each others' blogs for so long we decided it was high-time we met for some food, fun, and conversation! So far attending are: Preppy Sue, BlackLabsandLilly, TickledPinkTalk, MissNorthernBelle, and SeersuckerScrapper.

If you're interested in joining us, please email me for details (pinkmapledesign@gmail.com) by November 8th as I'll need a headcount by then to make reservations. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

First Fair of the Fall!

2009-10-15T22:33:00.003-04:00

A very busy week at work and Pink Maple Design's first craft fair of the fall this Saturday has resulted in little time for blogging (despite the many, many post ideas scrawled on my Lilly Pulitzer memo/mousepad!!). Last weekend my mother and I set up a mock-up of our fair display to insure that everything will fit on our table this Saturday. My mother has been crocheting up a storm and I've been busy coordinating jewelry and headbands to match her beautiful hats, scarves, and clutches.

An assortment of all things pink and green on a mini dressmaker's model/jewelry display I found on clearance at TJ Maxx (that store truly is a wonder!):

Headbands inspired our favorite preppy fashionista, Blair Waldorf! I made some more headbands tonight that I will have to take photos of.

Richly-colored hats in a unique soy/wool yarn:

The weather turned quite chilly here in Massachusetts this week, so hopefully people will want to scoop up some warm and cozy hats!

If you're in the area, stop by this Saturday from 9am-3pm in Gloucester, Mass. at the Fuller School (4 Schoolhouse Road, just off Rt 128). I'd love to see you!

Handbags!

2009-10-12T19:41:00.008-04:00

Technically speaking I don't really need a new handbag. I do, however, really want a new handbag for the fall and winter. Here are my favorites!

Kate Spade Westbury Drawstring Opus - Kate Spade has too many gorgeous bags this season to count!

Kate Spade Beauville Esther - I can't resist a bow!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Groovee Satchel - I love the versatility of having both long and short straps.

Cole Haan Saddle Denney Bag:

Longchamp Small Planete Tote - whenever looking at bags I always fall back on a Longchamp, they are really "go-everywhere" bags.

A local shop I stopped into at lunchtime on Friday had a gorgeous Botkier bag at 60% off! I almost bought it, but decided to look around a bit first.

Fall Crafting Time - Part 2!

2009-10-11T19:32:00.004-04:00

Here is my completed Martha Stewart Halloween wreath hanging on the wall in my office:

The wreath was fairly straightforward to put together. A warning though: beware of the mess that the glitter will make! I managed to stay pretty neat while actually glittering the leaves . . . BUT the kit includes floral tape to wrap the leaves around the wreath form,and my fingers got all sticky from the tape - picking up the glitter from the leaves and resulting in a big old mess!

Skirts!

2009-10-05T20:24:00.004-04:00

My closet clean-out over the weekend helped me figure out exactly what I need to fill in the gaps in my fall/winter wardrobe. One item I definitely need is a new winter skirt to wear to work. I have a couple of suiting skirts, but three older corduroy skirts went off to the consignment store. So, time for something new to wear with black tights and a warm black turtleneck or bright cashmere sweater:

J Crew Vintage Cord Pencil skirt - This is a classic cut perfect for the office, but the corduroy makes it comfortable to keep on for a casual evening out. And corduroy has the added bonus of not wrinkling like a knit or lightweight wool skirt.

Lilly Pulitzer Agnes Skirt - I love the colors, although I'm not sure if the print is too bold for work.

Theory Joanie-Lecture Tweed skirt - I like that this is a wool/cotton blend so it will be wearable into early spring.

Classiques Entier Bouclé Plaid skirt - I love the little decorative flounce to this skirt!

Rebecca Taylor 'Make Me Skinny' skirt - The ruffle at the hem gives it such a fun flare.
Later this week: my other favorites that are on my list to buy to round out my wardrobe: winter sweaters, a wool coat, and a new handbag!

Rainy Day

2009-10-03T12:04:00.002-04:00

I took these two photos on a beautiful and perfect fall day two weekends ago:

Today is anything but beautiful - instead, it's rainy and dreary! And to make matters worse, I'm having a flare-up of an eye condition that I have that makes one eye red, puffy, and painful - so fun!

Therefore, today's a good day to check a few items off my to-do list. First up, finishing my fall closet cleanout. Last weekend I began taking out fall and winter items, trying them on, deciding what to keep, what to give to charity, and what to bring to my local consignment shop. I also did the fall switch of my shoes: putting flip flops and peeptoes in the far reaches of my closet and bringing ballet flats, pumps, and boots to the front. Complicating my cleanout and fall organization plan is the fact that (happily) I'm going to Florida on vacation in January. That means I'll need 9 days of summer clothes at the ready in the middle of this winter. My closet is quite small, so I normally don't just move my summer clothes to the back as you would be able to with a typical walk-in closet. Usually, summer and spring items are relegated to inevitable unorganized plastic storage bins. So, I reviewed my flip flops and sandals and set aside a few pairs I thought I'd want to bring to Florida and put those in one small, clearly labeled bin that shouldn't be hard to find when the time comes to do my packing! I haven't quite come up with a similar strategy for the clothes yet . . . I'm going to try to leave a small number of polos, shorts, and capris at the very back of my closet.

Also on my list: organizing Pink Maple items for our first fall fair in two weeks; making the Martha Stewart wreath I posted about earlier this week; paying bills - yuck!; ironing work clothes for next week - double yuck!; and finally, catching up with the shows on my DVR.

Have a happy Saturday and weekend!

Fall Crafting Time

2009-09-28T19:46:00.003-04:00

This wreath kit by Martha Stewart Crafts was only $5 at AC Moore! All the leaf shapes are pre-cut, you just glitter them and wrap them around the wreath form. An easy (and budget-minded) way to decorate for October! I'm actually making this wreath for my office.

p.s. Shopping Tip: stock up on crafty goodness at marthastewartcrafts.com - spend $60 and get a free Martha Stewart Living magazine subscription!

Twitter

2009-09-28T07:23:00.004-04:00

When I'm not posting, find me on Twitter now! I'm still getting the hang of all things Twitter, but please come join the fun :)

p.s. I've also added a Twitter widget here (look in the right column), so you can follow my "tweets" without leaving my blog!

Finally!

2009-09-22T21:03:00.005-04:00

The Eden Blazer at J Crew is now $30 off, so two weekends ago, I decided it was time to make it mine! Back in August I posted about how this velvet blazer was one of my favorite fall items. I love a blazer that can be dressed up for work with black pants or a skirt AND dressed down for the weekend with jeans and boots.

p.s. I decided to try Twitter again! I had signed up last spring and probably tweeted 3 times at most - but I'm going to give it a go again.

NYC Recap and Hotels - what makes a great one?

2009-09-20T08:00:00.002-04:00

I promise I haven't forgotten about my blog! Daily life has been busy. I'll be back to posting regularly soon.

In the meantime, a quick recap of my Labor Day weekend trip to New York City:

Mamma Mia was fantastic! Such a fun show.

I went to TOPSHOP for the first time. Can you say "mega trendy"!!?? Definitely a great store for party clothes - there were sequined dresses and jackets galore, huge earrings, necklaces so big they would make your neck hurt - I did manage to find one item for myself: a cute (and small) pair of owl earrings in bronzy gold with a small green rhinestone.

My hotel was just a couple of blocks from the Empire State Building, so I got to see it dazzling in patriotic red, white, and blue at night.

And speaking of hotels, I stayed at the Hotel Roger Williams - a charming boutique hotel on Madison Avenue at 31st Street. I first discovered the Roger Williams after staying at their sister hotel: Hotel Oceana in Santa Monica, California. For me, what makes the difference in a hotel is great service: when my mother and I checked in we were pleasantly surprised that they remembered that we liked the corner room we had on a prior stay and had booked us in another corner room. They also have a delicious brunch! I must confess though, I enjoy a bit of variety on my weekends in NYC so I tend to alternate between the Hotel Roger Williams and the Omni Berkshire Place on Madison Ave at 52nd Street. The Omni is a more traditional Manhattan hotel - more refined and classic. Again though, what draws me each time is the impeccable service. (I've tried others: the Hilton (too corporate convention-y), the W in Times Square (too crazy a neighborhood), and the Parker Meridien (lousy service) - but after finding two hotels that never disappoint I haven't tried any others in a few years).

Do you have a favorite hotel in Manhattan?? What makes you give a hotel a "thumbs up"?

We interrupt this blog break . . .

2009-09-13T08:50:00.002-04:00

for a Very Important Shopping Message: Costco is currently selling Tall Shearling Boots that are really similar to Ugg's at . . . $34.99! Made from Australian sheepskin they are perfectly soft and comfy and come in black, gray, chocolate, and chestnut. I have a chestnut pair already that kept up quite well through the last New England winter and bought a black pair this year. So, find a Costco member and run to your nearest store: they won't last long as the store I was in was already running low on black in popular shoe sizes. Happy shopping :)

Design Wednesday is back!

2009-09-02T22:00:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been quite a while, but I finally have an appropriate post for "Design Wednesday" here at Pink Maple! I have been eying Fifi Flower's gorgeous paintings and prints for quite some time. They would add a touch of fun and flair to any room.

This is one of my favorites, Pink Trees Along the Seine:

And wouldn't this desktop view of Paris make a great gift for a student heading back to school? Dream Studio in Paris:

This collection of 8 notecards would be so pretty tacked on a bulletin board or framed in small frames. Perfect portable art for a dorm room. Chaise Collection:

With this post, I'm taking a brief hiatus to recharge my creative blogging batteries! I think a fresh start and a mini blog makeover for fall is order. I'll be back in a week and a half or so with lots of new posts (including a full recap of my upcoming Manhattan shopping adventures). Have a fun and fabulous Labor Day weekend, take advantage of the last days of summer!

Jewelry Shopping - Fall Trends

2009-08-31T21:33:00.005-04:00

For Labor Day weekend I am going to New York City with my mother for a fun weekend of shopping and relaxing. One of the things I most look forward to about New York are the fabulous bead and jewelry supply shops. With store after store of floor-to-ceiling beads, charms, chains, ribbons, and anything you could possibly want to make jewelry with it can get overwhelming! So, this week I'm making a shopping list - here are a few things I'll be on the lookout for.

Sterling Charms:

Dyed Coin Pearls in wintery colors:

Faceted Amethyst beads:

Summer Evening

2009-08-26T20:34:00.003-04:00

Last Friday night I hosted a small dinner for a couple of my oldest and closest friends. We enjoyed appetizers and cosmopolitans by candlelight and Christmas lights outside. I had found martini glasses at TJ Maxx on clearance just a few days before and I had been looking for an occasion to use my Lilly Pulitzer napkins all summer! One of my friends brought cheeseballs made with cream cheese, peppers, pineapple, and nuts. It was a very unlikely combination, but oddly tasty. I made a very simple artichoke and parmesan spread that everyone agreed was delicious. It was very light and perfect for a hot summer evening.

Artichoke and Parmesan Spread (from Real Simple):
- 2 14-ounce cans of artichoke hearts
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Drain 2 14-ounce cans of artichoke hearts. Cut the artichokes in large pieces. Combine with the remaining ingredients. I actually cut the recipe in half and it was still a good size (it just about filled a quart-size tupperware) and was a bit on the generous side with the olive oil. Serve with crackers, pita chips, or mini-pitas.

Now, of course, we ate this light artichoke spread with the cheeseballs, calzones, veggies fresh from my parents' garden, cake, chocolate-covered almonds, and watermelon. Needless to say we were stuffed by the end of the evening!

Design Your Own Ballet Flats

2009-08-24T20:20:00.005-04:00

I am loving the new Eliza B Allez Flats - you can choose from about 100(!) different fabrics and colors of patent leather, choose the color leather trim you want, and choose your sole color. The sole is apparently the same sole as on Eliza B's ultra-comfortable flip flops with an added bit of heel. You can even send them your own fabric. Their website mentions sending them a swatch of your wedding gown, what a nice memento that would be! Custom shoes for $110 - that's not too shabby!

p.s. It seems that some of my daily reads have disappeared over the past few months. (Where did you go Landlocked Mermaid??) I miss all you lovely bloggers who have gone private! It seems that the blog world is not as friendly a place as it used to be, I've been wondering if I should jump on the bandwagon and start comment moderation. I haven't gotten too many "spam" comments, but they are annoying!

Will you follow this trend?

2009-08-20T20:11:00.005-04:00

Over the past year or so I've gotten very into headbands. Although I used to wear them fairly frequently as I sported the classic chin-length bob for most of my pre-teen and teen years, years had gone by without me wearing one even once! For a couple of years I had a Meg Ryan circa You've Got Mail shag which was rather trendy at the time, but definitely not a style conducive to headband-wearing! Now though, in every store I go I am always checking out the headbands and even made some myself for my Etsy store.

Recently, I've been seeing lots of feather headbands. I love this new one from J Crew:

I think it's a little less bold than this one on Jessica Alba:

What do you think? Will you try this new style?