Time to Hit the Beach!!!

I am so excited for summer getaways for several reasons. For starters, nothing is more relaxing. Secondly, I live in Palm Springs year around and it is brutally hot. I am talking about 110 plus mid summer and beyond. We really don't even get a autumn season. With that said, we are lucky enough to live driving distance to the beach and other cooler destinations. Even if it is just for a day, it is nice to escape the heat to retreat to cooler temps with friends and family.

I have put together a little list of items that will be great to include for your trips whether it is for a day, weekend or for the full week.

Above is an adorable peasant dress from Mod Cloth. I like this one because of the color tones feel like the ocean or summer. It is easy to get on and off and wear your bathing suit under it. And if you don't actually make it into the water, it is flowy enough to keep the heat at bay. Also, I cannot get enough of the embroidery details on anything. This can be found www.modcloth.com "run florest run dress" for $72.99.

Here is another less expensive option from Forever 21. This is a nice alternative because it still has the details while not breaking the budget. Also, if you screw it up at the beach you won't feel like your life is over. I am beginning to really like tie dye and feel that it has a nice twist for summer. I also think that this dress will be nice to putz around town in running errands, lounging at home or dressing it up for a hot night out with fun jewelry and platform wedge sandals. This can be found at www.forever21.com and is called tie dye floral dress and costs $22.80.

These are a cute pair of sandals from Urban Outfitters. Again, this is nice because they are cute, flat and will go with most items in your closet. Also, it will not break the bank. I like to wear a cute pair of metallic sandals around town and when it comes to actually walking in the sand (to upkeep the sandals) I slip into a junky pair of flip flops and place the "fancier" sandals in my beach tote. This can be found at Urban Outfitters at http://www.urbanoutfitters.com Ecote Deux Tone Twist Sandal $28.00.

Here is a fabulous white floppy beach hat. This will keep the sun away and saving your precious face from horrible sun burn. Also, it will fit nicely in your beach tote or overnight bag. Since it is white, it will look great with any summer outfit you put together. This is provided by fellow Etsy seller and can be found at http://www.etsy.com/listing/49375688/white-eyelet-floppy-hat-by-mademoiselle and only costs $27.00

I love this shop on Etsy. They have interesting patterns on everyday items. They include totes, lunch bags and greeting cards to name a few. I thought that this bike image represents the summer getaways more than anything. I think that you can pile in your needed items to pull together a great afternoon at the sun and surf. You can find this on Etsy at The Craft Pantry: http://www.etsy.com/listing/48763619/tote-recycled-cotton-canvas-handmade

What is nice about this piece is that 1.) it is unique and inexpensive (only $20.00) and 2.) it is made from 100% recycled cotton. It measures out to 19" wide x 15.5" high which will hold all of your summer time goodies.

The image was purchased from yet another Etsy store at http://www.sabinesydney.etsy.com

Here is a perfect beach towel that can easily be paired with your beach day attire. It is large enough to lay on (30" x 60") and enjoy the rays. It can be found at www.swimoutlet.com and costs $17.95.

Other items that will ensure a nice day of relaxation include:

Bathing Suit: One piece or two it is nice to see a little piece peek out from underneath your summer dress. Again, you don't have to break the bank in getting a bathing suit. What I like about Target's selections is that you can mix and match or get several for a low reasonable price.

Large Black Sunglasses: I like this for everyday to tell you the truth. You can purchase an expensive pair but honestly I don't think that it is necessary. If you loose them or scratch them then you think that it is the end of the world. Also, I am not a huge fan of the glass with the large writing on them. Sometimes I feel that the designer is trying to brand their customers with their name. I get my glasses at Target or look for sales at department stores. That way I can throw them in my purse and change them out when the mood strikes.

Fun Accessories: This can include a cute scarf, stacks of bracelets or a beaded necklace. This will add some personality to your outfit while allowing you to have some fun. The accessory portion of your wardrobe allows your personality to shine.

Sun Block: You don't realize it (especially me being from Palm Springs) but the beach sun will burn your skin especially skin that does not see a lot of sun. I went to the beach last weekend and found that my upper thighs got burnt. Not fun. I prefer using water babies but really I think that you should use what you like.

Reading Material: This will allow you to truly escape from your everyday life. I tend to read more during the summer months. I read in the car, at the hotel and on the beach. This can include a favorite novel, a new novel or a fav magazine. I am beginning to read the True Blood novels and have found myself hooked. Again, this is a real personal matter and feel that you need to turn to your favorite reading material.

Friends and Family: Have fun with friend and family. Nothing is more fun than a summer getaway with people you enjoy being around.

Have a safe, happy and fulfilling summer and I'll continue to post items that will keep you outside the box in your home, wardrobe and in life.

It's a Dog's World

Here is my Hunter, the center of my world as I know it. He has some major 'tude and doesn't care who does or doesn't like it. He is a big portion of my creative mojo and couldn't imagine what I would have done if I choose his brother instead of him almost five years ago.

http://www.zimbio.com/Angelina+Jolie/articles/2559/Angelina+Jolie+red+boots+Mr+Mrs+Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Smith really brought the Hunter Boots to my attention. This scene with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in their Hunter Boots and white button down shirts represents pure sex appeal. No wonder these two hooked up! This shows a nontraditional way to wear your Hunter Boots which I enjoy because I like to add an element of surprise when I wear my Hunter Boots in Black.

http://www.jimmychoo.com/Hunter/Hunter-Tall/invt/094wellyrub

I got really excited when I saw these crocodile version of Hunter Boots from Jimmy Choo. Talk about unexpected. I am on the "hunt" to find funds ASAP for my winter wardrobe. Is that okay, it isn't even summer yet.

I own a pair of Hunter Boots in black and have found that they are not only practical but can be stylish too. Add them to a fun pair of tights, dress and pea coat and you are good to go for a winter day running around town (rain or shine). I also recently took Hunter to the dog beach in Del Mar and found that these boots are perfect to romp around in the cool beach air without your feet or pants to get cold.

Not to mention, I thought it was more than appropriate to have a pair of boots with my dog's name plastered on the front. Also, it came with a cool box that I store my art supplies in.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/42783486/black-lab-dog-felt-applique-on-pillow

This pillow is from our dog / animal series from our Etsy shop. This black lab was created with Hunter or Jack in mind. Perfect gift for the dog lovers out there and remember we are here to please. We accept custom orders to fit your pet love.

Here is Jack. Our muse, helper and friend. He is with us each day as we create and sew our pillows. He follows us when we take the photos down the street. He even lays at my feet when I enter the items on to Etsy and play on my blog. He couldn't be more sweet if he was made out of sugar. He even lets me dress him up (as you can see above) in our pillow studio. XOXO

Deacon Blues

There's something classic and clean about the color combination of blue and white (or ivory) in your home. It can be easily incorporated into your home whether it is traditional or contemporary. This tile above was seen on Country Floor's website and I think it is really classic and portrays exactly the idea of a clean and classic home. You can find this tile at www.countryfloors.com , from the Crossings Collection / Florenze and is 6x6.


The pillow above is from my collection from my Etsy shop. It can be found at http://etsy.com/listing/46603953/blue-and-white-pillow. This airy pattern is beautiful and soft. It embodies exactly what I think Blue & White should look like.

I think that when people put together a blue and white room they feel obligated to stick with blue and white only. This is a clean and classic look but you can also have some fun with it by adding an unexpected color here and there. By doing so, you should probably treat the blue and white as your neutrals and add a splash of color in your accessories, pillows or find a fabric pattern that has blue, white and your third color. For instance, a beautiful burnt orange is the perfect ingredient to a sophisticated and fun room. Other colors that can be fun are raspberry, apple green, or play with different type of blue (teal or turquoise). This can also be applied by having a fun bouquet of flowers while entertaining.

This idea is nicely incorporated in the triangular tile from Country Floors above arranged in a hexagon pattern. As you can see, the blue and cream are the primary colors where the green and orange / red are the unexpected pop of color. This is available through http://www.countryfloors.com/ and is also from the Crossings collection "Andalus Triangle".

These charming plates are found on www.wisteria.com and are called "Spanish Inspired Ceramic Tapas Dishware - Blue Plates W3520" $39.00 for a set of four. These plates would be nice addition to your dinner setting by adding a bright color napkin or playing with the floral arrangements. Also, these plates would be great hung on the wall either alone or with another color plate.

This spectacular vase is from fellow Etsy seller "Muddman". It can be found on http://www.etsy.com/listing/46128553/decorative-blue-crystaline-vase. It contains many shades of blue and darker blue crystals running along the entire vase. It would make a great addition to a bookshelf or any other occasional furniture piece.

Mama Mia!!!!!!!

As Mother's Day creeps in, I would like to set some time aside to show some appreciation to my favorite moms out there. Above is an adorable photo of my sister Tara with her daughter Scarlet. I really admire Tara's ability to be a wonderful mother to her two children (Micah and Scarlet) while keeping her funky style and unbelievable wit. I love you more than words can show. As a token of my appreciation to the stylish mothers, here are a few ideas for gifts for Mother's Day or any other day for that matter.

This Sweet Shoppe dress is from Anthropologie is a perfect addition to your wardrobe. It costs $158.00 (Style 18216101) and you get some bang for your buck. Anthropologie really has it down in terms of quality and you do not have to splurge on purchasing several separates. It is perfect for a night on the town. A funky necklace or bracelet with interesting wedges is all that would be needed to this outfit. If it is colder out, a light weight cardigan would complete this outfit perfectly.

For example, this bracelet above is the completion needed for the Sweet Shoppe Dress from Anthropologie. This bracelet also comes in a smokey black color. The Crystal Carlyle Bracelet is available through J Crew and costs $68.00 (item number 28001). If this breaks your budget, there are always similar bracelets through consignment stores that are unique.

If you prefer to not give a clothing related gift, Trina Turk has branched out to home goods with unique and modern gifts. This place setting is called Palm Springs Block Place Mat (also available is the napkin and table runner). The place mat costs $15.00 (item #072919PK) Size 14 x 20 and is also available in black.

I could not, not, include this line since I do reside in Palm Springs. Not to mention, I find this geometric print classic and a great addition to the entertainer out there.

Enjoy your Mother's Day and do take some time to show some appreciation to your favorite mothers out there.

She's Gone Country...

A good portion of my family is originally from Texas so the western cowgirl theme is always a fun way to uplift your life. You do not need to interpret it extremely literal but a little touch of western elements has never hurt anyone. One day, you can add some western flair and not only strut around in comfort you will also look stylish. Here are a few inspirations and ideas I have for you to add some "country" to your look or home and look cool while doing it.

I absolutely love this image found on the internet at http://s3.huimg.com/u/1184026_f260.jpg I find the photo fun, whimsical and just simply inspiring. This can transition easily both into your closet and in your home. I love adding a fun pair of interesting boots to a summer dress to scoot around town. My Texan grandmother had a ton and I still wear them to this day.

http://fashionrules.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/western-inspiration.jpg

Here is one of our pillows from our Ecarlate Boutique Etsy website. We found this print (found from Rainbow Fabrics on Etsy) to be fun, whimsical and flirty. Please note, that this can be duplicated. You can find this pillow and other items at http://www.etsy.com/listing/44307879/pillow-with-funky-fabric-patch-cowgirl

Another Rainbow Fabric print from Etsy and a buckaroo gal pillow made by yours truly. This has a different take (with the reds instead of blue). Again, this can be duplicated. You can find this pillow and other interesting items at http://www.etsy.com/listing/43743904/pillow-with-50s-pin-up-cowgirl-fabric

Here I Am!!!

I have been following blogs for awhile now but never had the courage to start my own until today. So, HERE I AM. This blog is intended to discuss topics of the home, fashion and life in general.

I have opened up an Etsy store a few months ago where I sell hand made pillows and other items. I have had a ton of fun creating the pillows and diving into the blogging process. You can visit my Etsy store at www.etsy.com/shop/ecarlateboutique.

Above is a pic of a pillow we created by using a Vintage burlap feed bag. The feed bag was purchased from a fellow Etsy seller Regina's Studio who was more than helpful and sells unique vintage and antique items. I like the element of surprise when it comes to home furnishing, accessories and of course the wardrobe. Enjoy, and don't forget to check out my Etsy store.