Lusties and Musties

Hud the Destroyer recently put an end to my beloved Marc Jacobs Sunglasses that I scored at a consignment store. There will be no repairs, no little tiny screwdrivers to solve the problem- Hud made sure of that. I've mourned them for about 2 weeks, but I've decided to move on.

Besides, I'm all about the new cat eye that's all over and have been dying for a pair since Tom Ford did his thick-rimmed version a few years back. Alas, Tom has moved on to new styles and film direction, but I've found a new object of desire in these incredible, just cat-eye-y enough Belladonne Shades by Chloe.

LUSTY
Chloe Belladonne Cat Eye Sunglasses $295

Sadly, I vowed a few years back that I would not be spending over $100 on a pair of sunnies because I basically throw the case in the trash (metaphorically, of course) the same day I get them and I can barely see through them in just a matter of months, that is, if I haven't already lost them or one of the boys hasn't already sent them to an early grave.

Luckily for me, there are lots of fun and relatively cheap alternatives. I'm really digging this pair below by Michael Kors with an almost identical frame shape.

MUSTY!

MICHAEL Michael Kors Montrose Retro Cat Eye $85

However, this pair by Mango for just $30 reasonable little dollars is the ultimate MUSTY pair. Sold!

MUSTY!!
Mango Tort Cat Eye Sunglasses $30.77

AND, since we are on the topic of lusties and musties, I might as well throw in a few more for fun. I am pretty much obsessed with all things Rebecca Taylor, and this little tulip print cami is no exception. I want it- bad. As we all know by now, $185 for a cami just isn't happening for me these days, but I think I've found some pretty decent alternatives that might just fit the bill.

LUSTY
Rebecca Taylor Mini Tulip Camisole $185

Now for the absolute musties! I am freaking out over the print on this Billabong Cami and it has some smocking in the back that probably makes for a really flattering fit. I foresee it being worn by me- often. And, I love the little lace detailing on the delicate Urban Outfitters Hemstitch Cami by Kimchi. I can only imagine how great it will look with someone whose clavicle isn't about to break through their flesh.

MUSTY!
Billabong Naples Ruffle Cami $29.50

MUSTY!
Kimchi Blue Hemstitch cami $48

And ladies, I've saved the best for last. I've been walking into Nordies every chance I get and handling this bag inappropriately for some time now. I'm pretty sure we don't need to discuss why I will never own it.

the LUSTIEST
Chloe Large Marcie Horseshoe Hobo $1595

But- lookie here at this little gem! OK- so it's some kind of polyester synthetic and that freaks me out a little, but it looks pretty darn hot to me and I must say I love the color, and aren't we supposed to be all vegan and PETA these days anyways like Stella McCartney and Natalie Portman and stuff? I think maybe so. Plus, I could probably just hose it down when it needed a little pick me up.

MUSTY!!
Asos Pale Side Zip Slouch Bag $54.70

What do you think ladies- which is the mustiest??
ps- feel free to send me some of your lusties and I am happy to hunt for musties!

All Clogged Up

There is nothing like the resurgence of a clothing trend to really make you feel old. I do have to say though, as was the case with the chambray, I can look back on my clog-wearing days fondly, and was pleasantly surprised to see that the fashion world has once again reclaimed them from middle-aged hippie ladies and chefs- just be sure not to pair them with tie-dye or houndstooth Hammer pants to avoid being mistaken for either of these.

Because, for some reason, my boys refuse to stop growing every 6 months or so, I will likely be spending my Fall clothing budget on miniature coats and velcro tennis shoes, so the outlook on a new pair of platform clogs is not looking good for my feet. Plus, the fact that the two pairs I have my eye on are both See by Chloe further dampens my hopes of owning them. So, should mom have some scraps left over after preschool duds are purchased, I want to be prepared with some sufficient musties to satisfy my clog lusties.

First, we have the slingback, platform variety- I would  also like to add wedge heel to my list of demands, but was unable to procure any wedge-musties- help me out if you spot them, ladies:

LUSTY: See by Chloe Slingback Clog, $270
MUSTY 1 (from left): Banana Republic Ginara Slingback Clog, $140
MUSTY 2: NYLA Calvina Clog, $109

Then, we've got the ankle strap, buckle clog- these ones give me the uber-grabbies:

LUSTY: See by Chloe Buckled Clog Wedge, $270
MUSTY (from left) 1 : Free People Doub Studded Clog, $138
MUSTY 2:  Free People Sonoma Clog, $100

I can already hear myself clip-clopping around.

Musty Madness!

Musty Spotting! I'm at it again. I don't know what it is about me and Target shoes these days- oh wait, yes I do, I'm broke and desperate for new footwear- but anyways, I was super excited to discover a semi-sufficient Mossimo knock-off of these awesome Dolce Vita beaded sandals that I featured in my Coachella post last week. Behold:

Mossimo Palila Beaded Flat Sandal, $19.99

Let's compare, shall we?

Dolce Vita Nyle Sandal, $58.95

So, clearly not as awesome, and the style is a little different, but would get the job done nicely I think.  Agreed? 

On to my next Musty matter of business. Taking their cue from our friends at Target, the busy little group of elves who are clearly behind the massive quantity of clothing and unfortunately high hemlines of the trendy bargain headquarters known as Forever 21, have to decided to get in on some of all this collaboration goodness. Their first collaboration was with Petro Zillia (who, let's face it, is a little 2002), but they have since upped the ante with the announcement of their Rory Beca collaboration, which hits F21 stores this weekend! 

Here's a sneak peek of what to expect: 

Elf length dress on the left is a pass, but the one on the right just might be a go! (provided that it covers my bits)

yes please. 

Maybe I'll finally pull the trigger on a romper this spring.

All looks found on F21.com. Check out more here!

Musty Monday.

A few years back, when I was in need of a major, post-baby, fashion pick-me-up, I splurged on an amazing silk camisole by Tucker(similar to this) and two years later, it's still one of my summer wardrobe staples for both work and play. I've been pining after one of their printed blousy versions ever since, but the dangerously-close-to-$300 price tag has kept me apart from the likes of this gorgeous leopard print version:

So, you can understand why I did a quiet little happy dance in my cube this morning when I spotted this incredible musty replica from H&M.



Not sure of the price, but I have a very good feeling that it's less than $300. Ladies, it's just a matter of time.

Friday FIND.

So, I know that I've said I have been trying to cut back on the shopping, but it's date night tonight ladies, and I get really excited about date night. Gotta look good for the hubs, right? PLUS, Tia made me go shopping with her on my lunch break today and it is a torture slightly akin to having one's finger nails pulled off for me to watch and not buy anything. DOUBLE PLUS, I spotted a serious MUSTY at Forevs and absolutely could not pass up. I have been eyeing this LUSTY for some time now at Madewell:

LUSTY Madewell Crystals and Chain fringe Necklace, $88

Which is why my wallet-grab reflex went into affect when I spotted this knock-off (which I nabbed in faux gold) at F21. It's not quite as awesome, but it's certainly not ninety percent less awesome and it did cost ninety percent less. Which is awesome.

MUSTY Forever 21 Chunky Beaded Necklace, $6.80

And, oh yeah, I might have also bought this. (way cuter in person)

Have a great weekend!

All That Slithers is Gold

 Max's snake obsession seems to be on the wane. Lately, he's been channeling his interest into stingrays, potty talk (especially his use of the newly discovered word "butt-hole") and germs (don't ask- he's just really into them). It appears, however, that I've picked up right where he left off, because I can't seem to get enough of the snake skin lately... as long as it is of the gold-metallic variety. I mean, don't you just die a hundred deaths for these boots?

Kara Ross 14-karat Gold-Plated Knot necklace (Musty Versions here & here)
Pour La Victoire Blakke Metallic Snakeskin Booties
Rachel Roy Snakeskin Kimono Dress  (Lusty version here)
Max & Chloe Odette Serpent Knot Earrings (Musty Version here)

My Imaginary Frenemy

Via Elements of Style

She may be dumber than a box of rocks and even more vapid than a large majority of the real Housewives, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't completely obsessed with Olivia Palermo and her insanely perfect wardrobe. I came across this photo the other day and this look in particular has me debating giving up solid foods altogether in the hopes that I may one day squeeze my substantial thighs into a pair of leather leggings. For those of you whose parents were also rich enough to bribe God, and you can pull these pants off, I've put together my musty version of this look for what I am sure, is like, a bazillion dollars less. Check it out.

American Apparel Matte Black Lame Leggings, $46

Old Navy Cable Knit Cape, $19.97

Fluxus Black V-neck Boyfriend Tee, $37

Nina Yaneli  Suede Cheetah Booties, $110

Butter London nail Polish in Macbeth, $14

Happy Friday Everyone!

Nice for the Price.

Cynthia Vincent Titus Sandal, $295

I just had to share a Musty spotting with you all. Remember these covet-worthy Roadwalkers by Cynthia Vincent? They may not be an incredible shade of dusty taupe like their predecessors, but I spotted these Replicas by A. Marinelli (that's actually what they're called) at a local boutique for less than $100 bucks! I think I must own them.

A. Marinelli Replica Sandal, $99.95
Agreed?

Monday Musty

J.Crew Reese Sandal, $138

So I've been hovering over the "Add to bag" button for these little pretties for several weeks now, but the hundy-plus price tag has kept me from pulling the trigger- you know, especially now that my average shoe price is about $19 bucks.

Good thing I held out, because I was doing a little browsing at my old friend DSW and came across these sufficiently similar cheapies:

Madden Girl Maliboo Sandals, $39.95

See you in 5-7 days my affordable little friends!

Falling for it.

There was a nip in the air today that felt distinctly autumn and it already has me compiling an extensive Fall wish list ("wish" being the operative word here). If I had to narrow it down, it would most probably consist of jackets, sweater and shoes.

Because I spend 90% of my non-working hours in some sort of lounge-wear- I'm definitely overdue for an upgrade in that department (considering I am wearing flamingo pink sweats with paint stains on the butt at this very minute). I'm thinking some casual sneakers will be in order to wear with aforementioned lounge garb, like the preppy-cool, French Bensimon sneakers that have made their way to the States of late and come in a slew of fun colors.

I am also absolutely obsessed with finding the perfect knit blazer that I plan on wearing with absolutely everything, and I think I may have found one from Madewell that fits the bill. For a musty version, I thought this Spiegel number, despite looking a little Talbots, could be kind of cool if accessorized correctly. I'm diggin' the look from Madewell below paired with shorts and tights and am imagining some over-the knee boots in camel to finish it off (they're not just for hookers anymore).

Finally, taking the cue from my favorite hungry stylist, Miss Zoe, who I watched spend probably enough money to pay off my mortgage on Chanel tweedies, I'm looking to add a more affordable version of the Jackie-O staple which I hope to be pairing with some perfectly embellished leather flats.

Ann Taylor Loft Long Sleeved Cowl-necked tunic, $49.50
Bensimon Sneakers, $55
Madewell Sweater Blazer, $168
Free People Over the Knee Boots, $170
Free People Coco Tweed Jacket, $198
Mango Studded Ballet Flats, $84

Now, time to find a night job :)

Musties for Heather!

Miss Heather did not miss a beat and I was on a musty mission first thing this morning. She's been looking for the perfect crossbody bag in a nice, soft chestnuty brown leather and has been wringing her hands over the Sasha Turnlock bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Marc makes a mean bag and I was fortunate enough to get some pretty hefty discounts from my days in e-tailing on the two cherised MJ relics that I own- but Heather, you don't have to tell me you're not ready to shell out the green- or at least not quite so much of it, cause I feel you. So, here they are, my girl-about-to-move-to-LA-who-needs-to-save-her-cash alternatives.

Lucky Brand Stash Leather Cross-body Bag, $139

ok- so maybe the leather doesn't look quite as sumptuous as the lusty Sasha, but the color is spot on and it has a really similar polished-boho vibe about it. Yes?

Nine West Sousxie Hobo, $149

I love that this one has the option of both shoulder strap and removable cross-body strap- which, in addition to the soft color, makes it super duper versatile. It might not have all of the fun hardware, but I love the braiding on the longer strap and the leather actually looks pretty lux. If this bag could talk, I think it would say, "Heather, I can't wait to cruise the Grove and eat Sprinkles and Pinkberry with you." Am I right?

HMOM- Lindsay Brier of Anyon Design

The Gorgeous Brier Family

Once again, my Haute Mama of the Month is long overdue, but I assure you ladies, this one was worth the wait. I have had the pleasure of knowing this month's HMOM since I was 15, and even back then she was much cooler than me. Despite being infamous in her high school years for an impeccable Axl Rose impersonation, the lovely Lindsay Brier is, and always has been, the epitome of classic style and grace. These days, she's channeling that style into her successful business as owner of Anyon Interior Design.

When the Brier's welcomed the handsome little Hawken into their lives this past spring, I knew I would be in for a real treat when the nursery was unveiled- and I was not disappointed. The room exemplifies Lindsey's knack for clean, elegant interiors into which she often incorporates a healthy dose of ecclectic flea market treasures, while simultaneously managing to make Hudson's nursery here at casa haute mama look like the tacky monster came and blasted it with a rainbow spraygun (ok- so I have a little bit of design envy- I'm dealing with it).

Anyways- check it out:

 Lindsey's "first born", Cashew, breaking in the space.

Hallway with contrasting stripes. Genius.

Photos taken from their honeymoon in South Africa. Yeah, I know, I told you she's cool.

HMD asked Mrs Brier some questions.

HMD: What was your inspiration for the room?

AD:  I had it in my mind the I wanted the nursery to have an aqua blue and raspberry color palette which I remember telling you about ages ago. When we found out we were expecting a boy i tweaked the raspberry  to more of a deep orange (my husband's favorite color) then I added in some gray, honey khaki and white which are found throughout our home. 

I wanted it to be fresh but also a calming space. I tried to achieve this by having some modern pieces but warming it up with some vintage finds. I also wanted it to be fun but not overly "babyish". Actually none of the furnishings in the room besides the crib are from children or baby furniture collections. I think rooms should be able to easily grow with children.

HMD: Your favorite aspect of the room (if you have one), the one thing that turned out the best?

AD: I love the striped walls, they are super fun without being overbearing and they guide your eye around the room. Also love the roman shades, the small graphic color print compliments the larger scale of the more neutral striped walls.

HMD: What design trends did you incorporate into the room?

AD: I always mix things up - just like getting dressed, if you have one nice piece you can pair it with some less expensive items and it elevates the whole room. I also always have something old in a room, it gives a space soul.  You and I are big fans of flea markets. It's in my blood, my mother had an antique store when I was born and is still passionate about collecting.  The things you dig up at a market are usually both old and relatively inexpensive so they do double duty. The items that catch your eye at a cluttered market become character pieces in a room. For Hawken's room I found a circa 1950 tin wastebasket decorated in collegiate pennants  and orange vintage toys that were perfect accessories for the room. 

Also for my clients with kids, I am a huge fan of using washable outdoor fabrics. The glider in Hawken's room is upholstered in a Perennials outdoor fabric. You'd never know it, it's soft and looks like a velvet mohair!

HMD:  It's not just your rooms that are looking good- you're always looking pretty hot yourself- what is one of your personal style must-haves:

AD: Shirt Dresses 

My work style varies greatly day by day. Some days I am working from home, other days I am shopping at the San Francisco Design Center and the next meeting at a dirty construction site. For this reason I love the versitiality of shirt dresses, I have several by Diane Von Furstenburg. I don't have the right curves for her wrap dresses and I feel more tailored in these.  They can be dressed up or down, require minimal thought in the morning, are fun to accessorize and even work for breastfeeding.

LUSTY: Rebecca Taylor Femme Military shirt dress

TOTAL MUSTY: Yellow is Gold by Sunshine and shadow silk shirt dress

HMD: And for your little man- what couldn't you have lived without? 

AD:   

Ninna Nanna Bassinet

I splurged on the Ninna Nanna Bassinet and am so happy I did. It's clean and modern and easy to move. It looks great in any room of the house when Hawken is napping. I can see filling it with toys when he is too big for it and hopefully we'll use it again someday for baby #2:)

 The City Mini

Our HM mutual friend Sara got one and I had to follow suit. It's super streamlined which is perfect for the city and the car. My husband laughed at me at the baby store trying to breakdown some of the other larger, more expensive strollers. the City Mini folds down with the pull of one strap and invariably I have something else in the other hand..usually baby, coffee, and iphone. 

HMD: Looking for some inspiration? Check out more of Lindsay's impeccable handiwork here.