posh pools.

With the blazing hot days of summer upon us, there is nothing more I would rather do than lounge poolside with a good read, a cool glass of lemonade (splash of vodka optional) and some "Blurred Lines" blaring in the background.

My mouth literally waters at the thought of having one of these posh pools in my very own backyard. A rectangular shaped pool with limestone pavers surrounded by lush grass and well-manicured hedges is as classic as it gets. Throw groups of striped chaises into the mix and you have got one stylish poolside retreat.  These pools are practically begging me to take a plunge!

via

via

via

via

via

Stay tuned this week to see how I would create a luxe outdoor oasis!

luxe for less.

I've had my eye on pretty much every shoe from the Valentino Rockstud Collection for quite some time.  Classic shoe silhouettes with a stud providing juuust the right amount of edge is right up my alley.  However with price tags starting at $695 (and upwards to $1295), those puppies weren't finding a home in my closet anytime soon! Imagine my excitement when I scored these Chinese Laundry jelly flip flops for a much lower price at TJ Maxx!

I mean, are they pretty much identical or what? And I can say that they are quite comfortable, which doesn't always hold true for inexpensive shoes.

Go get yourself some!

wanderlust wednesday | mykonos.

9seed Tulum Cover Up, Shopbop, $115.00  |  Michael Kors Hunger Stop Watch, Michael Kors, $295.00  |  Marysia Mavi Cutout One Piece Swimsuit, Shopbop, $313.00  |  Evil Eye Goldtone Pendant Necklace, Max and Chloe, $32.00  |  Emilio Pucci Printed Silk Scarf, Luisa Via Roma, $374.00  |  Ancient Greek Kiveli Demi Wedge Sandal, Shopbop, $305.00

Two years ago my husband and I embarked on arguably the most memorable and fabulous trip of our lifetime...our honeymoon!  After a few days in Athens (and before Santorini, Istanbul AND Paris, sigh...) we traveled to Mykonos, a magical little island situated in the Aegean Sea.  Our days were spent basking in the warm sun by the pool or oceanfront while being waited on hand and foot by the incredible staff at Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort (seriously, they don't allow you to lift a pinky), and we filled our evenings getting lost in the maze of Mykonos Town.  Gyros, the freshest fish and calamari and one too many Mythos beers sustained us during our stay here, and not one complaint was made. 

Here's a peek at our luxurious accommodations:

all images via

Can you say uh-mazing?

With its flawlessly beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and world-class hotels, Mykonos embodies the essence of a romantic getaway.  

Somebody {cough, cough, sweet hubby of mine} take me back!

cinco de mayo.

uno: Tory Burch Rattan Pom Pom Tote, Neiman Marcus, $450.00  |  dos: Mara Hoffman Medicine Wheel Embroidered Poncho, Shopbop, $275.00  |  tres: Margarita Glass, Crate & Barrel, $4.95  |  cuatro: Summertime Donkey Print, Furbish Studio, $95.00  |  cinco: Sable Sandals, Joie, $115.00  |  seis: Mixed Cacti, Lowe's, $19.98

Break out your sombrero and cue the Mariachi, it's Cinco de Mayo!  I'll be celebrating this holiday donning a festive poncho while sipping my dad's famous margaritas poolside! Olé!

benji & the jets.

Yellow Edge Curtain Panels, Land of Nod, $39.00  |  Howard Elliot Bella Silver Leaf Mirror, Noya Decor, $482.00 |  Industrial Task Lamp, West Elm, $79.00  |  Midcentury 6-Drawer Dresser, West Elm, $849.00  |  Capel Rugs Spain Rug, Zinc Door, from $223.00  |  Air Show Lamp Shade, Land of Nod, $50.00  |  Be Brave Print, Etsy, $17.00  |  Ouef Sparrow Crib, 2Modern, $760.00  |  Zigzag Tufted Throw, Nordstrom, $58.00  |  Metal Propeller, Hidden Treasures Decor, $49.99  |  Baxton Studio Letterio White Cradle Chair, Amazon, $110.00  |  Dream A Little Dream Pillow, Etsy, $35.00  |  Links Round Pouf, Wayfair, $244.00

Here's a little mood board I designed for my bestie's baby boy, Benji. Vanessa was inspired by Elton John's hit, Bennie and the Jets and decided an airplane-themed room was perfect for her little guy! (I can't take credit for the title of this post...that was all Vanessa! Cute, huh?!) 

Vanessa already had Benji's room painted a dark aqua-ish color which reminded me of the sky on a clear summer day, so I paired that blue with a sunny yellow for the perfect complementary color. As far as the rest of the room goes, my approach to designing a nursery is simple.  Since furniture is almost always where you invest the most money, I chose pieces that have longevity.  A modern, clean dresser is my choice for a changing table, that way when your baby is no longer in diapers you aren't stuck with a useless piece of furniture.  Also this modern rocking chair is comfy and stylish and doesn't look like most gliders you typically see in a nursery.  I added youthful touches with artwork and accessories to keep the room from being too grown-up.  And in case you can't read it, the throw pillow says "dream a little dream of me." How sweet is that? 

I hope Benji grows to love this room as much as I do!

puddle jumpin'.

Valentino Lace Print Rain Boots, Nordstrom, $295.00  |  Hunter Carnaby Snake Wellies, Neiman Marcus, $195.00  |   Matthew Williamson x Havaianas Peacock Rain Boots, Matthew Williamson UK, $160.00  |  Hunter Carnaby Snake Wellies, Zappos, $195.00  | Burberry Parkfield Smoke Check Rain Boots, Overstock, $199.00  |  D&G Anfibio Green Rain Boots, Pret A Beaute, $190.00

Now that April is here, its infamous showers are inevitable.  Brave the storm and add some flair to your rainy day wardrobe with a pair of these printed wellies!  Not only will your feet stay nice and dry, but you will look so stylish jumpin' puddles! Those tan snakeskins are calling my name.

glammed up entryway.

When I spotted this post on one of my fave blogs it immediately caught my attention.  I noticed that entryway held a few similarities to the entry in my own home. Black console? Check. Gray and purple color scheme? Check.  Since I am always looking for ways to change things up around here, I figured I would take on Abbe's challenge to glam up my entryway!

These two different options I designed both have the same key elements: black console, graphic runner, plum nailhead x-bench stools flanking the console, abstract art that I will attempt to DIY and those A-MAZING agate wall sconces featured in Abbe's shop, Shop Ten 25 (if you feel like losing your mind over all of the gorgeousness she has for sale, go there now)!

So here is option #1:

and option #2:

Which one strikes your fancy?