Girl Crush of the Week - Brooke Kamins Wise

This is honestly one of my favorite pictures ever. Brooke of StyleWise and her pup-child RileyWise love each other so much!

We are so excited to introduce you to this week's Girl Crush - Brooke Wise is a muy adorable Texas gal who chronicles her fabulous life on her blog StyleWise. I love Brooke's style, her fabulously fashionable posts, and her shiny, shiny hair - but above all, I love her sweet, bubbly personality. I feel like she's one of the only people I've met who writes incredibly detailed emails and asks questions the way I do, and I am fully enamored of it! I also love perusing the pics she posts of she and her friends' incredibly gorgeous weddings (which are often featured in glossies and on majah wedding sources like Style Me Pretty!). Finally, I 100% share her love for Giuliana Rancic - like Brooke, I totally admire G (especially for being such a kick-ass role model in the past year). Basically, everything Brooke likes, I also like. So this post is kind of my equivalent of in Stepbrothers, when John C. Reilly's like, "Do you want to go do karate in the garage? Did we just become best friends? Yup!"

I would be remiss to post on the fabulousness of Brooke without mentioning that she is the mommy of the most adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on God's green earth (his name is Riley and he's a treasure). As a fellow doggmommy, I of course leave WAY too many comments on all her Instagram photos of Riley, and I actually giggle like a child when I look at the pics Brooke posts of him. Then I scream to Ben "Clementine needs a Cavalier King Charles sister!!!" which he of course ignores. It's fine, I'll play the waiting game until the time is right, then I'll get a RileyWise of my own! Mwahaha.

Have fun getting to know the way-crushworthy Brooke, and be sure to follow her on StyleWise and on her social media handles, listed at the end of the post!

Style icons? 

Miroslava Duma for her sophisticated, glamorous and fearless style. Rachel Bilson for her effortless and accessible accessorizing and Olivia Palermo for her always chic mixing of hi and low end pieces.

Design philosophy? 

Have fun with fashion and incorporate your personality! Every woman should feel their best and confident in what they wear.

Favorite book of all time?

Well right now it’s the 50 Shades series along with every other woman in America! For my favorites of all time I would have to say Catcher In The Rye (had a little crush on the rebellious prepster Holden Caufield when I read it in high school) and To Kill A Mockingbird. Oh, and I can't forget my Judy Blume fave Just As Long As We're Together.

Best advice you ever received?

Marry a man who is sweet to his mama! I have to say I definitely took this advice! 

Favorite stores?

Oh LOTS of favorites! Shopbop for pretty much anything, Zara for fun trendy items, J. Crew for classics and accessories, Forever 21, Neiman’s/CUSP and ASOS as of late.

Brooke and all her BFFs

Dream place to live?

Laguna Beach or Paris!

The one product you're obsessed with right now?

 I am a beauty product junkie but it has to be Morrocan Oil that works wonders for dry, coarse hair.

Biggest indulgence?

Weekly Mani/Pedi’s…FOOD…traveling and my addiction to accessories!

Looking super chic in Paris, its like whatever.

Girl crush?

I am imaginary BFF’s with Giuliana Rancic! I admire her in so many ways and love her sense of style. Then there is the quirky and adorable Leandra Medine (Man Repeller) who has the most insane sense of style and wardrobe.

Favorite song?

Teach Me How To Dougie….I might have a reputation for doing the Dougie at weddings

StyleWise will teach you how to Dougie for sure.

Prized possession?

My baby (puppy) Riley, my engagement ring and our house.

The trés cute Wise pad and of course, Riley!

Current hangout? 

Hmm well lately it’s been our house and if I am being really honest it’s in the biscuit curled up with the pup and hubby.

Motto?

Live in the moment and enjoy every moment!

Best place on earth?

This is tough because I have a few. Hermitage Bay in Antigua where we honeymooned, Paris and Positano where we went for our 1 year anniversary.

Favorite drink?

Vodka Soda, Blood Orange Prosecco and on a sober day La Croix or San Pelligrino.

one last shot of Brooke, her huzzbenz, and the international phenomenon known as RileyWise!

Now that you're as obsessed with her as we are, follow our adorable friend Brooke's adventures on StyleWise and on the following social media channels: 

StyleWise on Facebook

StyleWise on Pinterest

StyleWise on Twitter

StyleWise on Instagram

StyleWise on Tumblr

Many thanks to Brooke for allowing us to feature her as our Girl Crush and for not being completely creeped out by how obsessed I am with RileyWise! :) xx

How We Style It - Layering Necklaces

My girl Stevie, just working the hell out of those necklaces. Get it, Gypsy!  

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When it comes to jewelry, y'all know by this point that we agree with Oscar Wilde - "nothing succeeds like excess." Lord knows we stack our bracelets from wrist to shoulder, but we also love draping our swan-like necks (just go with it) in yards of baubles.

Here's the thing though - necklaces can be slightly trickier to layer than their old friends bracelets (or even rings if you're like me and Rachel Zoe and plan to keep adding wedding bands until they hit your knuckle). I have always been a fan of layering lots of delicate necklaces, and honest to God didn't really think about wearing a couple of statement necklaces together until one Julia Bayard sent me a casual MySpace photo photo of herself wearing her famous Spike the Punch necklace paired with ANOTHER bold necklace which I believe was Kate Spade. Well. Consider my mind BLOWN, you guys.

Up until that point, I'd been strictly Stevie Nicks - lots of delicate necklaces layered together (and maybe a shawl, but that's neither here nor there). I am still experimenting with mixing more bold necklaces together (old habits die hard, honey boo-boos) but Julia? She's basically got her Masters' in Layering Statement Necklaces (with a minor in Looking Awesome in that Rachel Pally Maxidress, yeah I said it!). She is much more of a Blake Lively with her necklace layering, and I respect the hell out of her for it. 

You know who loves layers of necklaces? Julia. And also? Blake Lively. 
She's totally thinking, "I KNOW! I look AMAZING!" 

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Check out how we layered our necklaces in this week's installment of the popular telanovela that is HWSI! I took the opportunity to model my shiny new Claridge + King Great White Shirt No. 2 which I am clearly loving! Let us know in the comments how you like to layer necklaces, and which ones you layer together (this is mostly recon for me so that I don't look like a 4 year old when I layer my necklaces...you undastand). xoxo! 

Claridge + King Great White Shirt No. 2, Grandmother's vintage necklace (similar), 
Forever 21 Necklace (similar), Target Pearl Earrings 
Photo Credit: Ben McDonald

Also, I wanted to show you guys the miraculous adventure that was my baby up-do - check it! There is a whole lot of fishing line and elbow grease keeping that short hair pulled back and under control! :)

J. Crew Barrette (similar), Claridge + King Great White Shirt No. 2
Photo Credit: Ben McDonald

Warby Parker Preston Glasses, Burberry Trench, J.Crew Perfect Shirt, J.Crew Pencil Skirt, Misc Pearls, 
Forever 21 Ring (similar), Cushion-Cut Earrings, AV Max and Cake for Breakfast Bracelets 
Photo Credit: Nayomi Ho

Photo Credit: Nayomi Ho

Claridge + King Great White Shirt No. 2, Zoom Zoom Bunny Quartz Necklace, 
Zoom Zoom Bunny Geode Necklace (similar)
Photo Credit: Ben McDonald

Gap Jean Jacket (similar), Rachel Pally Maxi Dress (featured here), Calvin Klein Sandals (similar),
 J.Crew and Vintage Necklaces, AV Max and Cake for Breakfast Bracelets 
Photo Credit: Nayomi Ho

Stylish Stationery

After an unsuccessful Google search of "woman writing thank you notes" I decided to just share a picture of yours truly at the 
Northern California HQ of T&S (aka my coffee table). Expect more of these idiotic shots of myself now that I have my own DSLR. 
Photo Credit: Self Timer

I remember hearing once that Princess Diana was said to have written her thank you cards each evening before bed. My mother always made us write ours right away and while my younger self was annoyed at the hassle of having to do so, my older self very much appreciates the sentiment. To this day I always write handwritten thank you cards when interviewing and try my best to write them when I'm given gifts. So kind of like when you're trying to get in shape and you spend $600 at Lululemon, I feel that a set of pretty cards will turn that "try" into "always."

The need for some cute new cards to write all the necessary TYs is coupled with my need for correspondence cards given my responsibilities here at T&S. You might think all I do all day is harass you all with the daily post on Facebook. Well okay, that is a good portion of my day, but I also mail items and receive product frequently. And as my Lilly stationery pictured above is about to run out, its high time for some new stationery/correspondence cards.

Holy cow there are a ton of options out there! After doing some recon, it seems I am drawn to cards that fit into one of two camps- classic/traditional or fun. I've narrowed it down to the few I like best under each category, but I would LOVE your help in deciding! 

Fun

Kate Spade

Inslee by Design

Rifle Paper Co.

Classic/Traditional

Crane & Co

Tickled Plum

Minted

So which one do you all like best? Let me know in the comments section! Lord knows I am in no state to decide myself (see photo at top for evidence I've gone completely mad).

T&S Globetrotting - Charleston, SC

Rainbow Row 
Photo Credit: Allison McDonald

Over Memorial Day weekend, old Benny Boo and I skipped town and headed to Charleston, South Carolina. I received an amazing amount of recommendations (thanks everyone, you went above and beyond!), and wanted to share my favorite spots! All of the photos in this post are mine, and you're probably asking yourself, "why aren't there any pictures of Allison? She usually photobombs any photo being taken anywhere near her!" I appreciate your concern, but, sweet lord it was hot in Charleston, and my hair was a sweaty disaster for the entire 5 day duration of our trip. I am obsessed with my Ellen Barkin-wannabe cut, but man did I long for my old messy top-bun! So, yeah, anyway, awesome city, but I looked like I just crawled up out of the sewer, so there are 0 pictures of me. You're welcome. 

Also, just a note, since you're going to be all "I thought you were going on a diet, lady!" We walked so very much, and the weather was the equivalent of a city-wide bikram class. So there are going to be some unhealthy recommendations noted with my restaurant suggestions. :)

Killer shutters on a side porch 
Photo Credit: Allison McDonald

So intrigued by the faux-front doors that opened onto porches! 
Photo Credit: Allison McDonald

Food 

Closed for Business: This was Ben and I's favorite joint - we went there 3 times in 5 days. It's super low-key, with great decor (think Edison bulbs, antique books, and lots of antlers), amazing selection of beers on tap, and delicious bar food. We were obsessed with the Cobb salad (with fried chicken - don't look at me), and Ben loved the chicken Parmesan sub.

The Macintosh: We gussied ourselves up for this one (translation: I blew my sweaty bangs off my forehead) and it was totally worth the effort! fried squash blossom, scallops, caramel filled chocolate torte Fast & French: turkey salad w/mustard viniagrette; fruit salad (kiwi, honeydew, pineapple, raisins, almonds; thanks Megan for the recommendation! 

Boones: We went to Boones right after getting into town on Wednesday night - they had surprisingly delicious bar food and the most hilarious trivia competition ever (both the MC and the crowd were cracking us up - as an example, one of the teams was called "Three Hardbodies and a Ginger.") Boones lemon pepper chicken salad was beyond, and I'll definitely be trying to re-create it at home!

Social Wine Bar: Social is in a really fun area, and had a bananas wine list and awesome food. I'm going to be hunting down the wine that I had (La follette Pinot Noir north coast California '10), and their spinach artichoke dip Coq Au Vin pizza were divine. Can you tell by the food choices that it was the end of the trip and the wheels were coming off? Haha. Thanks for the recommendation, Bethany! 

The Gin Joint: The Gin Joint was my favorite spot in Charleston - the concept was similar to my favorite bar in the universe, Violet Hour in Chicago - it's all pre-prohibition era drinks, but definitely more chill and way less "I'm Chuck Bass" than Violet Hour. I had the Flowers and Ashes, and what was recommended by a fellow lush sitting at the bar as "the basil drink," which upon checking The Gin Joint's website, consisted of Boodles gin, lemon, basil, sugar. Boodles gin! Amazing. Thanks Adam Emery for the recommendation! 

I loved the gold street markers! 
Photo Credit: Allison McDonald

Shopping 

Birlant Antiques: Great selection of reasonably priced china and crystal. Thanks Megan for the recommendation! 

Jacques Antiques: I was obsessed with the jewelry at this store - in particular, a pair of neon pink, neon yellow, and clear crystal drop earrings that would be perfect for an anniversary gift if someone has one of those to shop for coming up on June 12? :) 

Black Market Minerals: Guys, let's just be real for a minute - it comes across in my posts from time to time that I am kiiiind of an old hippie lady, right?! Like sometimes, I veer into total Stevie Nicks territory. So it probably doesn't come as a complete surprise that I am WAY into gems, geodes, and all manner of things that would have been sold at the COSI gift shop. Um, also, one more thing? I love smashed pennies - when I visit a new city, the first things I do is consult this website for where in that city one may create a gorgeous smashed penny. Black Market Minerals has a smashed penny machine, one of those creepy fortune telling machines like in Big, and a ridiculous amount of way-cheap gems. There's jewelry, geode paperweights, geode wind chimes, and more. Basically my version of heaven.

Piccolo Spoleto: This art fair in the park is going on through June 10 - I picked up two very cool prints for $12 and $25 - perfect place for unique, budget-conscious souvenirs! More accurately, it's a good place to shop after your life partner gets out his abacus and puts the kibosh on all your King Street shopping fun. 

You know I love a good flag...it seemed like there was one on every house! 
Photo Credit: Allison McDonald

I'm still on "Over-the-Moon Watch" from having one of my snaps from last week's HWSI posted on Lucky Magazine's website yesterday as their "Cute Outfit of the Day!" Check out my moment in the sun here, and watch for me to start handing out sized-down, laminated screen prints of the mention as my business card... :) xoxo

Dear Diary, It Happened! I'm Lucky's Cute Outfit of the Day!

I am beyond flattered to be featured on Lucky Magazine's website as their "Cute Outfit of the Day" for May 28, 2012! Check it out here (I swear I didn't photoshop myself into this pic)! :) Merci beaucoup, Lucky!!!

Design Envy: Marina Apartment

The main event- the living room!

You know that feeling when you walk into someone's home and you say to yourself, "holy cow this place is so much cooler than mine!"? Well a few weeks ago I had that exact same feeling when I walked into my friends Sophie and Grant's new apartment. I had a serious case of design envy.


Sophie and Grant had just moved in together and already the design of their home was so well thought out. From the worn leather caramel sofa paired with the modern black and white chevron rug to the large gray console table and art filling their wide hallway, every design decision was not only carefully thought out, but really expressed who Sophie and Grant were as a couple. Please join me in a tour of both their home and their design process.

Grant Lee and Sophie Cikovsky in their uber-chic living room!

How did you two approach the design? Was there a vision? Did one of you take the lead?

It was a fairly organic process. Before Grant and I moved in together I’d lived with my best friend Sabrina for seven years. She has a great eye for design and I’m lucky to be holding on to a fair amount of her furniture while she’s at business school on the east coast. Because of this, I came to the apartment with a lot of furniture already, which helped shape the vision and cut down on our budget (also, having it reminds me of my BFF, which isn’t the worst…).

One of the pieces Sophie inherited from her BFF Sabrina.

Pinterest was super helpful when we were deciding what else to buy. I pinned what I already had (couch, dining room table, coffee table) so I could see it all together and then added other items I knew we needed (rugs, curtains, desk). Grant was definitely of the opinion that we didn’t need much, but once he saw it all priced out on the board it was a much easier sell :)

African and animal touches in the living room.

Since we’ve settled in to the place, we’ve figured out more of our joint style. Because Grant is South African, he likes anything that has an African flair. Our living room rug accomplishes this for him because it’s patterned; while for me it just seems like a trendy chevron rug. I also like (ok, love) animals and will gladly include anything animal-themed in the apartment.

Love this bar set up in their dining room. Also love how it plays off the design of the rug.

Were there any things that one of you said ABSOLUTELY NOT about? 

Grant nixed a lamp I found on OneKingsLane because he said it looked like a purse and was too girly. I also tried to sneak in some (admittedly very girly) plates which he vetoed.

What are your top 2 favorite things in the apartment? (Both answer)

Sophie: leather couch, living room rug

Grant: leather couch, bed

The amazing leather couch.

Any design tips?

Do research and understand how much things cost so you can find good deals. I knew, for example, when I saw our leather couch at a consignment store that it was a good deal because I know couches usually cost the same as a flight to Europe (sigh). Similarly, Ikea is hell on earth but can be great for items you know you’ll upgrade later in life. (The real tip there is that you should NEVER assemble Ikea furniture with your boyfriend/girlfriend. Fights will ensue and someone will say something they can’t take back.)

The well-balanced bedroom.

Also, don’t rush into any purchases. Obviously you can’t live for long without a bed or couch, but don’t buy anything just to check it off your shopping list; you’ll end up either paying too much or buying something on sale that you don’t love. I scoured Gilt home, OneKingsLane and Overstock.com for months for rugs and ended up getting three for under $500.

Finally, counter to the above advice, invest in nice bedding. Always.

Great couple with great style right?! Special thanks to them for opening up their home and special thanks to Christy Lottie for her photography skills!

Girl Crush of the Week - Taylor O'Shaughnessy

Our Girl Crush of the Week, Taylor O'Shaughnessy, is beyond adorable. You can just tell she never had that awkward stage in 7th grade, which would be totally annoying...if she weren't so darned sweet, hilarious, and well, crush-worthy :)

Taylor, who writes the blog It's the Little Things, is a Miami alum living in Chicago. Originally from Atlanta, Taylor's style is a perfect mix of southern prep and big-city gal-on-the-go. Girlfriend WORKS those monograms - and you know that's the way to our little Tartan & Sequins hearts!

It's the Little Things covers life, fashion, pop culture, and random little things. Personally, I live for Taylor's Coffee Talk posts, where she dishes about pop culture happenings on her radar. And I totally love that she noted that her last Coffee Talk post was cancelled due to lack of hustle. Haha. 

Not only is she gorgeous, funny, sweet, hilarious and creative - Taylor is also super smart! She made a super cool mid-twenties change up and recently returned to school to become a dental hygienist. I mean hello, look at those teeth - it seems like a natural choice to me! :) Anyhoo, I always find a ton of inspiration when people mix it up and go for the career they really want, a few years out of school, and wanted to note how rad I thought it was that Taylor was doing so! Snaps, Taylor, snaps! And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming...Tay O'Shay 101! Class is in session, babes. Enjoy getting to know Taylor and be sure to pop over to It's the Little Things to check out more of her awesome little self!

• Style icons? Rachel Bilson, for her always relaxed and adorable style.  Olivia Palermo, because I wish I looked half as amazing and fashionable as her when I walked out the door everyday. And Ashley Olsen, for her perfectly un-done look that I will never be able to replicate. I am from the age where the Olsens were everything to me, and I can still quote every line from their tv-movies and musicals. (I feel bad kicking out MK from this group, but homeless chic isn't really my thing.) 

• Design philosophy? Dress for yourself. And if you aren't comfortable, don't wear it. (heels aside - those will just plain never be comfortable).  Feeling awkward in something, no matter how gorgeous it is, will ruin the night real fast. 
• Favorite book of all time? If we're talking classics and I want to sound intelligent, The Catcher in The Rye. But I love mindless chick-lit beach reads more than anything, especially Emily Giffin, and celebrity autobiographies are a big plus as well. 

• Best advice you ever received?  Mind your manners. Say please and thank you. Be polite to everyone, especially the bus boy, and table manners tell a lot more about someone than the words coming out of their mouth. 

Speaking of table manners......

• Favorite stores? Nordstrom for anything and everything (and the best customer service ever), Shopbop for endless amazing dress options, J. Crew and Anthropologie for everyday, and Francesca's Collection for inexpensive necklaces.

• Dream place to live? I haven't been too many places abroad, but I would love to spend a year or two living anywhere outside of the country, and Italy and London would be at the top of the list. 

• The one product you're obsessed with right now? Benefit Yes, They're Real Mascara. My nonexistent stubby lashes actually look thick and long when I use it.  
• Biggest indulgence? Food and dresses. I would wear a dress everyday if I could, and usually do in the summer. These go hand in hand for me, because the best dresses are the ones that are gorgeous but that also allow you to devour a cheeseburger, french fries, and plenty of cocktails without anyone ever noticing.  

• Girl crush? Emma Stone and Rachel Bilson.  They're both so freaking adorable and seem like they are nice as pie. 

• Favorite song? I am known for knowing every word to songs no one our age ever listens to (Michael McDonald, Hall + Oates, Motown, Journey) but my favorite current song is Everybody Talks by Neon Trees and anything by Adele. 
• Prized possession? My mom's original ring guard that she gave me when my dad passed away.  I never take it off. 

• Current hangout? Newport Bar + Grill, a perfectly dumpy bar steps from my apartment. Cheap beers + live music make for the perfect Friday night.  
• Motto? If it's not alright, it's not the end. Oh, and Monogram EVERYTHING.... it's just better that way.  
• Best place on earth? The Cayman Islands. I count down the days every year until I get to spend Christmas with my toes in the sand. 

• Favorite drink? Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio.  

Isn't she the coolest?! Be sure to check Taylor out on her blog, It's The Little Things, for even more sassiness and monograms :)