Valley of the Dolls

For your daily dose of pretty enjoy Vogue Italia's editorial "A Precious Glam." The juxtaposition of 50's glamour and blank, mannequin-like stares evokes Valley of the Dolls for me. The shoot is impeccably styled and each photo could easily evoke a short story. The shoot is so iconic and glamorous I find it wildly inspiring.

Weekly Expense Report - Daily Maintenance

This week's expenses have been all about maintenance. My daily beauty routine is very important to me since my job puts so much emphasis on appearance. I usually go for flashy products that gets me lots of compliments so I need to focus more on maintenance.

I turned twenty-six last month so I decided that I need to start taking better care of my skin. My best friend introduced me to BB cream, a Korean wonder-product to conceal, moisturize, and repair skin. Many Asian brands carry a BB cream but BRTC is supposed to be the best. After trying her kit over a long weekend I fell in love and started a BRTC BB cream skin care regime ($79) of my own.


My one non-beauty purchase this week wasn't my doing. My boyfriend happened to be at Banana Republic when they were having a power lunch sale and all clearance was an additional 40% off. He saw these and picked them up for me since he knows I'm trying to break out of my fashion rut. I will be rocking these skinny cargo pants ($40) with flirty diaphanous tops in pastel colors.


Urban Decay's Primer Potion ($19) was the whole purpose behind my Sephora order this week. My local Sephora was still carrying the wand-type applicators (such a waste of product!) so I had to order the new squeeze tube. I use eyeshadow primer every day since my skin is oily and it keeps my shadow from creasing and gives stronger color pay off.


Of course I had to spend $50 to get free shipping so I picked up this Kat Von D Truth palette ($17) for half price! I love her cosmetic line and rockabilly packaging. I have two lipsticks of hers and I've been dying to try her palettes!


I rounded out my green-infused Truth palette with Kat Von D Autograph liquid liner in Proud Peacock ($10). I have been stuck without a liquid liner for a while so I'm excited about creating the perfect cat eye again!


I've been dying to try Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF25 ($7.50) since Christine of Temptalia loves it so much! The packaging looks like something from an old-fashioned apothecary, which I love.

Living La Vida Dita!

In Style Magazine featured the burlesque-star Dita Von Teese's Los Angeles home. The star embraces full-on retro glamour in her living spaces. Teese and I share two design philosophies: decorate in colors that you look good in (people will see you in this room, after all, so might as well look good in it!) and don't hesitate to store your lingerie in places outside your bedroom (In my apartment every room besides the kitchen has clothes or accessories in it!).

The living room -


Flocked wall paper and taxidermied animals make a bold statement against teal blue walls -- one of the colors Dita favors wearing. I love the serenity that the unified color scheme brings to the room so that the warmer art deco furniture stands out.

The Dining Room-

The living room's theme is carried over into the dining room where a splash of red is added.

The Library -

I adore the fuschia couch and ottoman combo with the striped window shade in the background. Every home needs a library, so classic! Notice the antique lamp and chandelier, plus the leopard rug!

The Kitchen -

My dream kitchen is pink. One of these days I'll stop renting and paint all my cabinets to match all the pink appliances I already own. Check out those lady head vases, my grandma has one that I hope to inherit. I can remember playing with the vases real pearl earring when I was a kid!

The Bedroom -


I adore the Hollywood glamour with the silver fabrics and mirrored furniture. I'm doing the same thing in my bedroom only I added some navy to the white + silver color pallete. I adore that wallpaper!

The closets -




Dita has two closets made from two bedrooms, my dream is to one day have a whole bedroom to turn into a closet! Like Dita I love having everything setting out, waiting for me to put on! Check out her array of hats, shoes, and frocks. I love all the chinoisere details in both rooms. See that vanity with the round mirror? Everyone's grandma has one of those, so easy to find in antique stores and flea markets so you can have some Dita style for yourself!

The Garden -

Dita unifies everything in her garden by painting it lime green. I think its a brilliant way to tie a hodge-podge of finds together, make a statement, and yet not distract from the beauty of a lush green backyard. Love love love!

Weekly Expense Report : The Color Edition

This week's shopping has definitely been about color and form as a vast departure from April's rainy weather. I'm really into combining unexpected colors at the moment and my Spring trend-of-choice is neon lime.

This top from The Limited ($50) is such a vibrant blue it caught my eye, but I never wear a silhouette like this. I bought it because it pushes me out of my comfort zone. The result is unexpectedly sexy with the shoulder slits and slinky fabric. Pencil skirts meet killer blue top.


Good luck finding this 1950's skirt ($45) from The Limited, it is sold out online and I snatched the last one at my local store. This neon citron skirt is so floaty and fun, I bought it to wear with the blue top above but I'm going to be pairing this with a lot of things. The color of my Shoedazzle pumps from last week are a perfect match too! There is nothing more retro-riffic than matching.


It was time to order new checks so these cuties from Checks In The Mail ($17) come with a cool trellis pattern AND shoes. Louboutins no less. Leave the boring checks to boring people ladies!


Ah, my new living room rug from Overstock.com ($127). I decided to inject color into our black + white living space with this rug, it looks awesome with our 1960's houndstooth sofa! I chose a large-scale print so the room wouldn't look too busy.


LUSH's Karma Koomba solid shampoo ($10) is the only thing that can get my oily hair squeaky clean. The scent is intoxicating and uplifting.


This retro shirred swimsuit from Lane Bryant ($100) is super flattering with a built-in bra, tummy-controlling spandex and side rouching. I've been drooling over similar swimsuits from pinupgirl.com but I was concerned about the support. Lane Bryant swimsuits start at a 14 and run small, so anyone a size 10 or above could rock one of these suits if they have the bustline to support it. I ordered mine in red but it comes in six different colors.


While I was purchasing my swimsuit at Lane Bryant I picked up this highlighter-colored cardigan ($43). This is the perfect oversize, slouchy fit to wear open over a tee and skinny jeans on my days off. The color also matches the pleated skirt above and my new Shoedazzle shoes from last week! I'm going to be wearing this with royal blue to make the colors pop!

Christian Dior Spring 2011 Ads

Now that spring has sprung I'm already feeling the oppressive heat of an Ohio summer on it's heels. I refuse to run around dumpy, sweaty, and wearing Old Navy flip flops this summer. These Dior ads are just what the doctor ordered: divine inspiration to keep cool while still looking chic and fabulous. This runway collection was described as Bettie Page vacationing in the South Pacific. As the temperatures rise I will be relying on color, platform sandals, fabulous hair and a little bronzer to get me through the season.

Weekly Expense Report

The new "Weekly Expense Report" feature will chronicle all the retrofabulous purchases I've made that week. This blog has a heavy emphasis on shopping since shopping supports a lifestyle. This feature is intended to show that I practice what I preach. My fab find of the week, this Tarina Tarantino necklace that retails $150 popped up on Ideeli for only $32. There was not any hesitation involved. This will be my first piece of Tarina Tarantino!
I went ahead and placed my Shoedazzle order for the month. I couldn't decide between just one so I picked up both Coraline and Prance. I used my credit for Coraline and found a coupon code for 20% off Prance, and since Prance is from the casual line I got double reward points so I'm well on my way to free shoes. Order was under $70 all in. I love Shoedazzle!
A trip to Ikea to pick up some furniture for the new apartment resulted in bringing home the massive Trollsta sidebar ($349) and the more diminutive side table($25 on sale, check your local store). I'm in love with both pieces but I regret not buying another side table or two--the little guy is so handy!



Ever since I saw Doe Deere's photo shoot I've been looking for that polish. China Glaze has a great dupe called Four Leaf Clover ($4). Sally's Beauty Supply is having buy 2 get 1 free on all polish this month. Run--don't walk--to pick up this color!

Retro & Whimsical Decorating

My new apartment has me itching for some new furniture and some odds and ends. Here are some of my favorite pieces from Anthropologie.


5' Doily Rug ($298) - An unexpected shot of lace on the floor can really ground your space. Pretty but not distracting, and the dove gray color will match everything!


Cherie Dressing Table ($698) - Like something curated from a secret garden this vanity will deliver a much-needed dose of glamor into your bedroom or dressing area.


Calligraphy Bed ($2498) - This fanciful and dramatic Hollywood-esque bed would look lovely contrasted with bright walls.


Hushed Hours Bed ($2498) - A vintage clock face creates an aureole of a headboard that is both a little antique and a little art deco at the same time.


Coat of Arms Mirror ($198) - Affordable Venetian mirrors are so hard to find, this one is a great value for the price! Anchor this over a dresser or vanity and do your best Maleficent impression.


One-Lump-Or-Two Lamp ($198) - Everyday can be a tea party with this Alice-inspired lamp. Pair it with your own shade for a look that is uniquely yours.

Clinton Kelly's Must Haves Part 1: The basics

These basics in a well-defined color palette means that your wardrobe is infinitely mixable and matchable. Look for timeless cuts with tiny details so you can embrace your anachronistic style yet still possess basics with mileage.


1. Dark Wash Jeans: Get yourself a pair like from The Limited ($70), they lengthen the legs and make them look thinner. Choose a pair with a medium rise and skinny silhouette so you can tuck them into your boots in winter or flip the cuff a few times for '50's style capris!


2. A pencil skirt: So basic, so essential, but who actually owns one? This pencil skirt from White House | Black Market ($78) is perfectly stretchy and hugs all your curves so you can embrace your inner mid-century secretary. Wear this on the weekend with your ballet flats, a tee and pearls for Audrey Hepburn chic.


3. A Day Dress: You want this dress to be something you can dress up for work with accessories or throw on with your sandals for a quick weekend look. How cute is this one from The Limited ($90) with the little shoulder detail and baby blue color?


4. A Jacket/Blazer: Look for good seaming to create an hourglass figure. This one from Mod Cloth ($59) is a little goth, a little prep, and a little Victorian all at the same time. Love the shawl collar and shoulder details, wear this with the pencil skirt for work or pair it with the skinny jeans worn open for a casual shopping trip.


5. The Cardigan: Choose a basic color with not-so-basic details and a good weave suitable for your climate. The Limited's Bow Pocket cardigan ($50) comes in white and cream for cool- and warm-toned skin respectively. Imagine this with those skinny jeans and ballet flats!


6. A Colored Cocktail Dress: A lady should remember that it is better to be overdressed than underdressed so it is important to keep cocktail wear on hand for gallery-openings, anniversary dinners, evening weddings and more! The Madison Dress from Candy Violet ($165) comes in silver and gold brocade. The elbow sleeves and full skirt make a great 1950's statement!


7. Cotton blouse: Beyond basic, choose a pretty color and pretty details. A woman's blouse is all about making you feel pretty and should never be mistaken for a men's shirt on a woman's body. This one from Banana Republic ($50) promises quality construction and details that are just...well...pretty.


8. The LBD: This is the dress to end all dresses so spare no expense because you will wear it every week. This one from Kate Spade ($355) is perfect with the full skirt, sleeveless style, and waist-defining bow. So many ways to wear it but if you've fallen in love with the pink tights you can pick this up from WeLoveColors.com.


9. Walking Shorts: Summer happens so shorts are a necessary evil, the key here is to make them as lady-like and polished as possible. Choose a short that hits you right above the knee in a crisp, clean white that is easy to dress up or down. This pair from White House | Black Market ($60) will look great with a summer top and heels or a feminine tee and ballet flats.