Packing for the Desert

February 16, 2013 By pearleandpiercehome in Fashion, Lifestyle, Places, What I'm Buying... Tags: Desert Vacations, J. Crew, lemlem, Ray bans, Scrabble, Virginia Johnson Shawls 3 Comments

We are heading to the Desert for the long weekend and I can’t wait.

The Desert restores me and I always come back to Los Angeles relaxed, refreshed and calm (unless traffic is a bitch coming back).

Here are a few of the things I’m packing.

This Ikea bag is perfect for throwing towels, goggles, sunscreen, snacks, you name it.

It’s a big one and holds everything our family needs poolside.

Buy it here: www.ikea.com

The Tom Ford’s have come and gone, but the Ray Ban Aviator has been my go to shades for over 20 years now.

I have my college sorority sister Helaine to thank for introducing me to this style.

They’ll be traveling with me.

Buy them here: www.ray-ban.com

I just got this Lemlem cover up from J. Crew and it will be perfect for throwing on when we head to the pool.

Buy it here: J Crew

I plan on lounging all day poolside with a big stack of fashion and trashy gossip magazines.

To redeem myself a tad, I am also packing the latest book our book group is reading, “The Tenth of December” by George Saunders.

By it here: Amazon

The desert gets cold at night so I am bringing my favorite shawl from Viriginia Johnson to keep warm when the sun goes down.

Buy it here: www.virginiajohnson.com

I love Scrabble and I am hoping to get my husband to play a game or two with me.

Buy it here: www.hasbro.com

The most important things I am bringing with me are my family.

They make life fun.

Not to be forgotten, Mr. P is along for the ride, he’s a fan of the Desert too.

It just wouldn’t be the same without him.

Have a great weekend everyone!

xoxo Carrie

I’d rather call it Pistachio

February 1, 2013 By pearleandpiercehome in Fashion, Interiors, Obsessing Over Tags: interior design, J. Crew, Mint Green, Pistachio Color in Home Decor, Pistachio Cookie Recipe 3 Comments

I am obsessing over pistachio.

Photo: Julie Schaeffer Nasenbeny

It’s really mint green I am digging right now, but that color sends me too far back in time. It pains me to say that my Prom Dress was a polyester mint green number with a sheer matching cape. It was also the color of my circa 1987 Laura Ashley Towels (with a lovely peach accent stripe) that I bought for my first apartment in Chicago.

But I am finding new life and inspiration in this color that I’ m calling Pistachio.

I think it has to do with the new J Crew catalog.

I did some real damage shopping last night and the stand out color of my purchases was pistachio.

Here are some of my purchases.

(I am praying my husband doesn’t read this)

The pop of green in the flower pattern is what I like about this shirt.

Carnation Silk Top

Buy It Here: J Crew

The color of the shoe got my attention, but the lilac bow sealed the deal.

My new favorite spring shoe.

Contessa Snakeskin Bow Pumps

Buy them here: J Crew

I am hoping this brocade number will work for an evening fundraiser I have coming up.

I always feel more comfortable in pants than a dress so when I find a dressy look that will work for a formal occasion I snap it up.

Gilded Brocade Pant and Top

Buy them here: J Crew

Pistachio has also been inspiring color for me in the interior design department.

I just won’t go back to the 1980′s peach and mint green rage, but combining the color with some jewel tones or quiet neutrals can make a room a winner.

Photo: Pinterest

Designer Lizzie Dinkle did right by pistachio in this lovely Brentwood dining room

Photo: www.elizabethdinkeldesign.com

Rasberry + Pistachio= a delicious living room

Photo: Pinterest

The color reflection off of the collection of mirrors in this dining area is simply gorgeous.

Photo: Pinterest

I love the pops of green on this neutral mantle.

Photo: www.laylagrayce.com

Certain to never go out of style is the Pistachio nut.

Here’s a great cookie recipe

Brown Butter Pistachio Cookies

Photo: www.lawyerloveslunch.com

And who could argue against the beauty of the product packaging and the deliciousness of the Laduree Pistachio Macaroon?

Photo: www.wherecanifindtheperfect.com

Pistachio Perfection.

xoxo Carrie

Go Ahead and Cuff Me

September 19, 2012 By pearleandpiercehome in Fashion, Obsessing Over, What I'm Buying... Tags: Chanel Pink Cuff, Cuff Bracelets, Hermes Cuff, Rhinestone Cuff Leave a comment

I love a cuff bracelet.

I have quite a collection going.

Here are some new beauties I’d like to acquire.

Crown Jewel

Lanvin Tutti Frutti Cuff

Available at: www.barneys.com

Oh Mamma!

Jennifer Fisher

Brass Mama Cuff

Available at: www.barneys.com

Gaga Gaga for Balenciaga

The Balenciaga Guillochet Cuff

Available at: www.elle.com

Ooh La La Chanel

Pretty in Pink

Available at: www.elle.com

I love Hermes “H” Cuff

I think I need this color

Available at: usa.hermes.com

I’m not Horsing Around

Gucci Horse Bit Bracelet

Available at: www.gucci.com

Bright and Shiny

JCrew High Shine Cuff

Available at: www.jcrew.com

What do you collect?

xoxo Carrie

Back to School

August 16, 2012 By pearleandpiercehome in Fashion, What I'm Buying... Tags: Back to School Shopping, Cuff Bracelets, Fall Clothes, J. Crew, Kelly Wearstler, Lunch Bags Leave a comment

I know it is a million degrees out there.

I should be buying more sunscreen instead of shopping for Fall Clothes.

But I can’t help doing a little ‘Back to School” shopping for Caroline, and I’ll confess, me too.

I do have to look somewhat presentable at drop off don’t I?

I know, I know it’s drop off….but that first week I always try to look decent.

Then slowly, but surely I slip into the ponytail, sweat pants and flip-flop attire for the remainder of the year.

Here are some of the items I have on Caroline’s Back to School List

1. Girls Fuschia McAlister Boots

I am going to add a turquoise shoe string to these.

Perfect for all types of outfits

Crew Cuts

2. The Caroline Cardigan

I am a sucker for stripes and this red and pink number will be a neutral in my kindergartener’s closet.

The sweater’s name certainly makes it all the cuter!

Crew Cuts

3. Georgia Smock Top

My Smock Time is limited with Caroline so I want to get this in while I still can!

Busy Bee

4. Liberty of London Dress

Crew Cuts

5. Mini Boden Sock Pack

www.bodenusa.com

6. Plaid Skirt

You all know my affection for plaid and why I couldn’t pass this up.

Land’s End

7. Zig Zag Lunch Box

Land’s End

Here are some the items on my Back to School List

1. Yellow Tassel Loafers

So comfortable and the price point makes these shoes a steal!

The Gap

2. Boyfriend Pull Over Shirt

Loose, comfortable, and printed with owls.

I adore this top.

The Gap

3. Cargo Pants

I love a cargo pant, the olive green goes with everything.

The pant will transition from Indian Summer to Fall no problem.

J. Crew

4. Celine Color Block Bag

While any of these beauties would do.

My favorite is the grey and brown number.

5. Scoopneck Top In Silk Scarf Foulard

J. Crew

6. Perforated Cuff

I think I need a cuff bracelet intervention.

I love them and am acquiring quite a collection.

The addicition will continue with this cuff.

Kelly Wearstler

7. Kennedy Jacket

This Jacket is going to be a staple in my wardrobe.

One of my favorite color combinations is black and blue, so this was destined for my closet.

Kelly Wearstler

Now I am off to go buy more sun screen and enjoy what is left of summer!

Enjoy and Happy Shopping

xoxo Carrie

Top Photo: www.tysto.com

The Fabulous Fig

August 6, 2012 By pearleandpiercehome in Fashion, Interiors, Lifestyle, Obsessing Over Tags: Fig Fabric, Figs, Marion Fig Trees, Summer Entertaining 6 Comments

Photo: www.botanicalfeast.com

It’s that time of year.

Fig Season!

Stuffed with blue Cheese, wrapped in prosciutto, roasted and served on top of arugula with a crunchy bread.

Photo: www.designsponge.com

Plopped onto a tart, bread or made into jam.

How about the Fig Newton?

Figs are fabulous.

My friend Kate Paul (of Foodink and Basil Limeade Fame) even has a Fig Fest (which I will report on later) to celebrate the magical fruit.

Here are some photos from years past.

The love affair with the fig doesn’t have to stop in the kitchen.

You can live with a tree year round.

No fruit, but the glorious big leaves are just as good.

This Marion Fig is one of my favorites for the home.

I think that everyone should have a tree and plants of some sort in their home.

Photo: Elle Decor

If you have a black thumb you can always use Peter Dunham’s fabulous fig fabric

Photos: Peter Dunham Interior Design

Here’s another way to get a little Fig into your life.

The Fig Diptyque smells divine!

All your undies in the dirty clothes hamper?

Just grab a fig leaf.

xoxo Carrie

Mad for Plaid

July 23, 2012 By pearleandpiercehome in Fashion, Interiors, Obsessing Over Tags: Plaid Decor, Plaid Fashion, Plaid on Plaid 2 Comments

I’m Mad for Plaid.

I’ll blame it on my Scottish Heritage (que bagpipes).

I’m a descendent of the McIntosh and McGregor Clans, so how could I not like plaid?

McIntosh Plaid

MacGregor Plaid

I love a little plaid in any room.

Photo: Domino Magazine (RIP)

In my opinion one can never have too many plaid blankets and throws.

Photo: House Beautiful

Photo: Domino Magazine (RIP)

I love this Michael Smith room.

The plaid pillows in conjunction with the saffron and red patterned pillow make the sofa sing.

Love this retro chic plaid room.

Photo: www.osborneandlittle.com

I have been wanting to use this plaid on one of my design projects.

Photo: www.lucyandcompanyblog.blogspot.com

How cute is it on this bench?

Plaid Knoll Chairs

Photo:www.instructables.com

How cool is this plaid foot stool? It is actually made from an old vintage skirt.

Photo: www.architectdesign.blogspot.com

I bought this Prada bag last summer.

It’s the perfect “Mom” bag, hard to ruin, can handle crushed Goldfish Crackers, and anything else I put in it’s path.

But above all else it is cute.

If I were in the market for another plaid bag, I’d jump all over this Celine gem.

Photo: www.thistimetomorrow-krystal.blogspot.com

I love this plaid on plaid outfit.

The cut of the pant, jewelry selection and shoes make it current and hip.

Photo: www.marylandpinkandgreen.com

Classic Prep Plaid Ensemble

J Crew’s Plaid Fashion Statement

Photo: www.beastpieces.com

Letter Press AND Plaid, seriously chic.

Hand over the keys.

xoxo Carrie

Jack Rogers Better Than Ever

March 21, 2012 By pearleandpiercehome in Chit Chat, Fashion, Lifestyle, What I'm Buying... Tags: anthropologie, jack rogers, jackie o., kenny scarf, preppy shoes, sandals, shoes 2 Comments

Once a prep always a prep. No matter how hard I have tried to shake it, my preppy tendencies start coming back and I want to monogram something or get a pair of Jack Rogers Sandals. I’ve been wearing these sandals since the beginning of time, so imagine my happiness when I discovered a new take on them at Anthropologie. The sandals are jellies, so I can wear my Jack’s to the pool and beach!

Brilliant.

I then hit the Jack Rogers website for a little more shopping and discovered that LA Artist, Kenny Scharf had done a limited edition Navajo style sandal and a tote bag for the brand.

The color combinations are amazing and the tote bags are fun too.

My favorite tote is the one with the doughnut on the front…now that’s the kind of carb I want to indulge in. It won’t make me fat, just fashionable.

I love this monogrammed version, especially the orange.

The Santa Fe Style is a great alternative to the Navajo.

Style icon Jackie O made these sandals a go to staple of the Palm Beach/Resort set. The Navajo style has been kicking around since the early 60′s, just a little longer than me. Today, the Jack Rogers company is still going strong and the shoes are still hand made in Florida. I love the history and tradition of the shoe and I plan on keeping that tradition going by buying a pair for my daughter.

Once a prep always a prep.

Above Photo: decoratingwithsheets.com

All Other Photos: Jack Rogers

My Two Cents about Scents

March 9, 2012 By pearleandpiercehome in Chit Chat, Fashion, Lifestyle, Point of View Tags: chanel, charlie, estee lauder, hermes, herve leger, palmoma picasso, perfume, style 5 Comments

I walked by the perfume counter today and got a whiff of my former favorite perfume, Herve Leger for Women. It was the scent I wore when I met my husband. I promptly bought a bottle.

The smell brought back so many memories and feelings and it got me to thinking about what scents I love and remember. It’s such a personal thing this scent business. They evoke moods and memories, one whiff and the visions and feelings come flooding back.

I remember my Mom’s Youth Dew perfume in the blue bottle. I would try it it out and get caught because I was a little heavy on the spray. I would breath it in when she kissed me good night before going out with my Dad, it made it easier to fall asleep.

I saved my allowance in 5th grade so I could buy a bottle of Loves Baby Soft. I peddled my bike to Osco Drug Store with my best friend Gail to make the purchase. We then treated ourselves to lunch at McDonald’s with the left over money. That was living large in Central Illinois.

Junior High was all about Charlie.

To look like this model was what I strived for. That and a pair of Calvin Klein Jeans.

When the Prep in me came out, I was devoted to Lauren, by Ralph Lauren. A flipped up Polo collar, monogrammed Papagallo sweater and coordinating Bermuda Bag (monogrammed of course) and I was good to go.

In college I was in love with Calvin Klein’s Obsession. Brat Pack and Sorority Days.

The late 80′s and early 90′s brought on Coco by Chanel and Paloma Picasso. My style icon was Tina Chow. I was sporting a Linda Evangelista haircut, red Chanel lip stick, shoulder pads, and a uniform of black turtlenecks and leather jackets.