The search is on: The White Purse

Nordstrom says this is an essential. Forever 21 has a variety on display. Angelina has a super hot Gucci version. The conclusion I draw from these points is simple: I WANT ONE.

I've been conducting random searches at Target, The Rack, Love Culture... to no avail. I'm generally not a picky purse hound, but this particular purse I have been dreaming about and I know what I want. Oversized, wide opening, some fun detail, nice, big straps... so, I've taken to the less-gratifying, non-instaneous world wide web. Here's what I found:

1. Ivory White BCBGeneration Oversized Weekender Tote Handbag this. i love. - $148:

2. Cheaper Version- $42 (this. is what i love almost as much. ):

Stay tuned as my search continues...

the summer unpack. by orange

Have you ever been told to go shopping in your own closet as a way to save money while satisfying the urge to shop? I say bull shit. Sure you can save some money, but I don't have a wardrobe big enough where I find re-discoveries and/or surprises of shirts and pants that I didn't know I had. Rather as I go through my closet I say, "wow I have nothing to wear...what a surprise as I thought this 15 min ago when I tried 'shopping in my closet.'" ...and I still want brand new, shiny shoes and a crisp new shirt.

The closest I have gotten to a successful end result while "shopping in my own closet" comes when unpacking summer or winter clothes. You may ask, unpacking?! With not having the closet of Alicia Silverstone in Clueless, come winter most of my summer tanks, shorts and sandals go into hibernation in the comfy tupperware bins in our guest bedroom.

With pieces of clothes sleeping the winter away, those articles tend to fade in my memory over the long cold season. Thus creating a smile on my face when pulling out the red patent leather flip flops or the dark denim true religion crop shorts. Not exactly the same as buying a new piece, however, almost there. I usually think - so happy I bought those!

Sunshine in Seattle has arrived. This summer's favorite un-pack item has to be my gold Lukas sandals by Steve Madden. What's your favorite summer sandal?

an inspiration: here's to happiness. by violet.

10 things that make me terribly happy.

1. swimming in the lake.

2. uncontrollable giggling.

3. early morning drives, a good soundtrack and a big cup of coffee.

4. trying my dad’s gourmet meals.

5. 30 rock.

6. that uninterrupted smile when you feel smitten.

7. a campfire, a cooler full of beer, a sunburn and a hoodie.

8. morning coffee with mom, watching breakfast at tiffany's.

9. clean sheets.

10. sitting on a deck during a warm summer night.

for more amazing lists and the story behind this inspiration, read this.

*** photo compliments of abless on flickr. ***

ring nail matchup. by orange

As mentioned in previous posts both orange and violet enjoy a good manicure; especially with a red, orange, coral or pink polish. Well not only can polish compliment an outfit; rings can be an excellent compliment to a fun polish. Check out my nail ring combo:















***Stephen Dweck ring - Nordstrom

Known as "The Romancer of the Stones," Stephen Dweck is strongly influenced by his love of art and nature. This passion inspired him to collect stones and minerals from around the world for his one-of-a-kind designs. Each is adorned with Adam, his signature beetle, symbolizing his affinity for nature.

***Crushed nail color by Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear.

BTW - one of the best do-it-yourself nail polishes. It has incredible wear and goes on smooth instead of sticky.

sunshine in the row. by orange

Recently, some new peeps were moved to the cube row home of orange and violet. One of the new members of the row commented that wearing bright colors seemed to be a requirement of the row. Well when you live in Seattle, some bright pop of color is definitely needed; it can add some sunshine to the usual murky grey haze of northwest weather.

Now bright colors are not limited to just tops and bottoms; I think brightness can be found in a simple barrette, a headband, a sandal or a bangle. Here are some of favorite brights:

from the top:

kate spade idiom bangle

kate spade westbury drawstring purse in piscine (yes I do love me some kate)

alexis bittar lucite star necklace

tory burch rava jelly logo flat in purple

marc by marc jacobs cosmos star headband

marc by marc jacobs zip around wallet in electric green

when i grow up, i wanna be a rockstar. by violet.

thanks to the ever adorable Emily of cupcakesandcashmere, my penchant for a sugary-sweet love story became that much more ridiculous. before you laugh, i dare you to check out this blog.

apparently, josh and naomi are put on this earth to inspire us all with their style, their romance, their creativity and their stories on rockstar diaries. they take road trips, they use a Polaroid camera, they’re total foodies, they use DC and NYC as their playground, she has unbelievable style, he is awesomely talented and together, they make THE cutest couple in the blog world.

rockstar diaries hosts a brilliant feature called “here’s to happiness” (to which i want to contribute!). they collect lists from their friends of the 10 things that make them terribly happy. it is so simple, sweet and a breath of fresh air. i am obsessed with their lists! please visit them and soon enough, you will be just as smitten as i am. promise.

sidenote: orange violet will be submitting our own “here’s to happiness lists” and would love for you to share yours!

** all pictures courtesy of naomi and josh & their brilliant friends. see more here.

fun name things. by orange

Ever like something just because of its name? Those genius people in Marketing really know how to get to the consumer sometimes. Now although marketers (I don't think!) came up with the name "schnoodle," to be honest the name was part of the reason why we ended up looking into the breed and thus, now have Payton - our little Schood. I mean, how can you resist a name like that - schnoodle! So fun to say...I digress.

Well some other things that have fun names are: glassybaby & Yummie Tummie.

Yummie Tummie was started by Heather Thomson while fighting the battle of the bulge after two children. The entrepreneurial mother began sewing the nifty torso tighteners in her NYC apartment. Before she knew it, she had a hit.

As the website states, "Unlike most shapewear that compress your bust and roll up, the Yummie Tummies’ cotton bust and hip panels appear to the outsider as a normal tank top; meanwhile the secret midsection panel is smoothing and shaping your middle, eliminating approximately five pounds off your appearance."

Sounds good to me! Who doesn't want a magical way to make a muffin top disappear?! Even better - Yummie Tummie comes in tanks, slips, halters, tee shirts and long sleeve shirts - in a wide variety of colors!

Next fun name item: GlassyBaby. If you like candles and/or bright colors - watch out because you are going to want to get a GlassyBaby in every color.

GlassyBaby was started in Seattle around 1996 when the founder was fighting a rare form of lung cancer, while raising three small children. For Christmas that year she gave her husband a glass blowing lesson. His first craft of the trade was a small, brightly colored tiny cup. As he made more, the founder, Lee, would put candles in them around the house. They provided a calm to her chaotic life. There GlassyBaby was born. Now the company has over 70 different colors of GlassyBabies.

On the GlassyBaby website it mentions the following:

The GlassyBaby adds "warmth to a cold day, a calm token of peace in the busy world."

"Their real use is lifting bad moods and loneliness. Their warm and colored light flickers like we do in everyday life. They serve as a metaphor to symbolize hope and are humble in spirit but not beauty."

Icing on the cake is the lovely names of each GlassyBaby (see below).

Yep, I want one, actually I want ten! Good thing they have a handy wishlist feature on their website too...

saturday morning

wet dog

tomcat