Coming Tomorrow: TOMS Ballet Flats

I was excited to see in my Email that TOMS is launching their new ballet flats collection tomorrow, February 1, 2012. You can preview the collection here!

Etsy Find: Lulu and Drew

I love finding great artists on Etsy and this is my latest fave: Lulu and Drew. These abstract paintings are so light, airy and pretty - I could see them in so many places in my house. Check out the Lulu and Drew Etsy store for more.

Sassy Skirts

Skirts are definitely something to add to your closet this spring.  Keep the mini skirts in storage because longer skirts are so much more in style! The long pleats are light and feminine AND the fitted ones are very sleek and sassy! We are also seeing some major pastels coming our way. Any of these can be paired with a simple white top and you are good to go! 

Dakota Pleated Skirt

Splendid Maxi Skirt

Torn by Ronny Kobo Long Skirt

Halston Heritage Long Pleated Skirt

Resort Style: Alice + Olivia

I'm loving everything in the Alice + Olivia Resort 2012 collection. Although I won't be wearing this for at least a few more months, I'm in need of at least this green Elysee Blazer and Olsen Tie Neck Romper to kick off my spring/summer wardrobe.

Trend to Try: Making a Mess

Messy hair is a fun way to change up your style, and makes it easy to go an extra day without washing it to keep it healthier.  Add some texture with a little product and a curling iron making sure to keep the ends out to maintain the "undone" look.  Here are a few messy inspirations! 

Sundance Style

My husband and I take an annual trip to Park City, Utah with some great friends during the Sundance Film Festival. Park City is such a great town, and when the festival is there, it is buzzing with activity. Films, parties, great dining and amazing skiing are always on our agenda. I'm too pregnant to travel, so I'm sitting out the trip this year, but if I had been able to go, my suitcase would have been filled with these pieces in perfect Sundance style.

1. Rachel Pally Sweater  2. Alice & Olivia Poncho  3. Burberry Giant Check Scarf

4. Sorel Joan of Arctic Boots  5. Bop Basics Fur Earmuffs  

6. Blank Denim Vegan Faux Leather Leggings

Favorite Boots

I am in love with these Air Whitley Tall Boots from Cole Haan. If you've never owned a pair of Cole Haan shoes or boots with Nike Air technology, they're an investment you should seriously consider. Cole Haan also has great restoration services where you can send them your worn out CH shoes and they'll clean them up and get them in great shape again for you. The Air Whitleys are a great start to your collection in any color and season after season they'll be a great staple in your closet!

Pretty Prints

I'm trying to get more prints into my wardrobe and any of these pretty blouses would make a great addition to my closet (which is currently a lot of solid colors and too much black!)

1. Tucker  2. Tory Burch  3. Piamita  4. Banana Republic  5. Equipment  6. J. Crew

All Packed Up

This is a fun cake idea for a farewell party! My sister-in-law got a promotion that is moving her to Boston and it is right around her birthday.  This suitcase cake is great because the "stickers" on the case represent things that are unique to that person.  You are free to be as creative as you like!

I started out with two 9 inch by 13 inch homemade chocolate cakes.  I had to make two because I wanted the height and only using one looked too small.  (If you need a great recipe I like Ina Garten's chocolate cake)

After letting the cakes cool, I made up the buttercream frosting and added the color I wanted the cake to be.  Then, I carefully stacked the two cakes together with a layer of frosting in between.  After applying the crumb coat of frosting, I let the cake sit in the refrigerator for a few minutes before adding the final coat of frosting.

I like Duff Goldman's fondant that you can buy at Michaels or on amazon.  I always buy the white so that I add whatever color I like.  You can just do that by adding food coloring.  Just mold the fondant as you would with clay and let it set so that it can harden.

It's a great way to wish someone good luck!

Success Story: Night Owl Yarn Designs

We're excited to introduce you to our next Success Story, Lisa Hawkins, owner of Night Owl Designs. We're inspired by Lisa because she has been able to start her own business through Etsy while working at the hardest job out there, being a mom to her adorable son, Will. We talked with Lisa recently about her design inspiration and advice for other ladies who are interested in starting their own business!

HSS: What motivated you to start Night Owl Designs? 

LH: My motivation for starting Night Owl Yarn Designs was the arrival of Will, my son, in February 2010.  My sister-in-law gave him a set of handmade baby hats, and they were such a special and unique gift!  Once I got in the swing of being a stay-at-home-mom, I decided to learn to crochet so that I could share handmade gifts with my friends who were expecting babies.  Once I began giving hats away, others prompted me to set up an etsy shop to sell them, and at the end of February 2011, Night Owl Yarn Designs was born.  

HSS: What were your expectations with starting your business and has the business exceeded your expectations?

LH: I truly started with a small basket of yarn and just a few hat designs, so my expectations were fairly low!  I remember posting my first few items in the etsy store and thinking, "there's no way anyone will find these or buy them!"  But then the next day, an email popped up in my inbox that one of the hats had sold!  As I began working with photographers and updating my listings with gorgeous newborn pictures, business increased, and it has continued to increase as I've added new hats, cocoons, and headbands.  I'm excited to say that the etsy store is often closed now so that I can catch up on orders!  

HSS: Where do you find the inspiration for your designs?

LH: Everywhere!  I started with the owl hat, because I am a Chi Omega, so owls have always been a collectible for me, and I've had fun expanding the collection of animal hats and sets.  I love the challenge of figuring out how to create something that I'm envisioning.  New designs are also often inspired by a fun new yarn I find or a fabulous vision for a newborn shoot that one of my photographer friends has.  

HSS: Can you give us any hints as to what we can expect to see in the future from Night Owl Designs?

LH: Two new items that you can expect to see when the etsy shop opens up again are newborn crowns and baby legwarmers!  I also hope to continue to expand the line of matching hats and newborn covers.  And of course I'll be continuing to add new hats and headbands, and hopefully some blankets as well!

HSS: How much fun are you having being able to run a successful business from home and spending time being a great mom? 

LH: It's the best job ever!!  I couldn't be happier that I get to stay home and enjoy every minute with my sweet little boy, and I wouldn't change that for anything.  Being able to add in something that inspires me and gives me a creative outlet {and some daily adult communication!} is such a blessing and so fun!  

HSS: Do you have any tips for other ladies looking to start their own business?

LH: Just go for it!  If you had asked me two years ago if I would be doing this today, I would have looked at you like you were crazy.  But I truly believe that if you put your mind to something, you can make it happen.   Also, never be afraid to ask other small business owners for advice, partnership, or help.  It may feel humbling when you're just getting started, but remember that everyone starts there!  I've found so many helpful people as I've been building Night Owl, and I've become great friends with many of them.  And finally...have fun!  

Pamella Roland Resort

Fellow Michigan native Pamella Roland is one of my absolute favorite designers. From season to season, her style is always so elegant and sophisticated and Resort 2012 does not disappoint. The mostly neutral palette is accented with pops of pretty greens and pinks and the pieces with beadwork are stunning. It was hard to pick my favorite, but I think I'd have to go with the short, gold beaded sheath - which would be fantastic for a cocktail party or event!

See the whole Resort (and Spring!) collection here

Keeping Time

Something I'm planning on working on in 2012 (call it a resolution if you will) is being on time or early when I have an appointment, meeting or any plans. I'm sure having a nice new watch would help my cause.

1. La Mer Collections  2. Michael Kors  3. Fossil

4. Michele (just new straps to update an existing style)  5. Timex for J.Crew

Comfort Food: Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Casserole

It has been cold this week (finally!) and I've been seriously craving an easy, comforting meal. This is a favorite from growing up that has been a regular on our menu lately. If you're looking for healthy comfort food, I'll warn you, this isn't it, but it is super easy and oh-so-good.

Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

1 bunch of broccoli

1 cup rice, uncooked (you can use brown or white rice here, depending on what you like)

10 ounces, Cheese Whiz

1 can Cream of Chicken soup

3 boneless, skinless, chicken breast halves, cut into small cubes

How to make it:

 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees

- Cut broccoli into small pieces, steam and set aside

- Cook rice according to package directions

- Saute chicken in a pan until lightly browned, season with salt and pepper

(it is also good when seasoned with lemon pepper for an extra zing)

- Combine rice, Cheese Whiz and soup

- Stir in chicken

- Stir in broccoli

- Pour into casserole dish

- Bake 45 minutes, or until bubbly

Product To Try: Oribe Texturizing Spray

Oribe Dry Texturzing Spray

This is a hair stylist's dream come true when it comes to styling!  This spray is used to create volume and body.  The great thing is that it not only absorbs oil and provides volume at the root, but it also adds texture to the mid-lengths of the hair which is what causes it to have body.  It will help your style last a lot longer.  It is used sort of like a dry shampoo, but won't leave a powder-like finish so it can be used on all hair colors.  If your hair has trouble holding a style this is definitely worth trying!

Houston Event: CultureMap Fashion On Sale

Houston readers, if you're looking for great style on sale, look no further than CultureMap's Fashion On Sale event this weekend. The weekend-long event will take place at West Ave at River Oaks and will feature lots of great brands and shops including:

Tootsies

Elaine Turner

Atrium Ready to Wear

Azur West Salon

Lot 8

pH Design Shop

One Green Street

The Blue Jeans Bar

And more are being added every day!

We're definitely going to be there and we are giving away two tickets to the event to our readers! All you need to do to enter is leave a comment on this post saying that you want to go, like our Facebook post about the event or retweet anything you see from @ninarand, @mariaprovenzano or @hss_feed about the event. We'll announce the winner on Wednesday at noon!

Early Spring Obsession

I'm dying to get this Tibi Colorblock Jumpsuit. Honestly, it is a little brighter than most items in my wardrobe but I'm due to add some color to my closet. I'm thinking I'd pair it with this Kendra Scott Ainsley Cuff and some simple nude shoes to moderate the brightness - what can I say, I'm used to wearing a lot of black so it is baby steps for spring!

Get the jumpsuit here and the cuff here.

Style Your Cell

We're loving these cell phone cases by Dabney Lee. You can select from more than 40 options for pattern or solid color designs, then choose a color for your name and get your cell phone styled. The cases are available for iPhone 3, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, Blackberry 8520, Blackberry 9700 and Blackberry 9900. Think this might make a great gift for someone, but you're not quite sure what color combo might be best suited for the recipient? You can also order a cell phone case gift certificate and let the lucky recipient choose for themselves!

Hair Basics!

Everyone has different needs when it comes to their hair.  Here is a list of some staples to have in your "get ready space."

Hair Dryer

My favorite and most important tool. A couple things to look for in a hair dryer are power and the attachments.  You cannot get a smooth blow dry without a concentrator nozzle. I do recommend investing in a good hair dryer because it makes the biggest difference in your finished product, and they can last a long time.  

Ibiza Boar Bristle Brushes

We did a post on how much we love these brushes a little while back.  They are so great for getting your hair smooth.  The trick is to make sure that you get your hair about 50-60% dry before you start using the round brush.  

Curling Iron

When it comes to choosing a curling iron a good basic size to start with is about 1 inch to 1 1/2 inch in diameter.  The bigger the diameter the bigger the curl.  It's also important to get the irons with the clamp and the covered tip.  

Flat Iron

I use a HAI eLite flat iron and it has been my favorite so far.  When looking for a flat iron you want to make sure you are able to control the temperature.  They can get up to 450 degrees, and if you don't have super curly hair you don't want to be putting something that hot on your hair.

Spornette Teaser Brush

I LOVE this little brush.  It's great for backcombing your hair for volume, smoothing the hair after the backcombing, and smoothing out updos and ponytails.  

Hair Bands

Please please please do not buy hair bands that have metal on them.  They will rip your hair and cause damage.  I also recommend getting hair bands that are close to the same color as your hair.  They come lighter and darker shades as well as thinner or thicker bands based on the hold that your hair requires.

Bobby Pins

Everyone HAS to have bobby pins in their drawer.  I don't think I go anywhere without bobby pins.  I find them in every purse I use, pant pockets, and the floor of my car.  There is a chance I may have too many, but they are always useful and one bobby pin can change your entire hair style.  For these I also recommend purchasing a color close to that of your hair.  It can look tacky seeing a light blonde with a black pin in her hair.  Of course that's your own artistic choice though! 

Master Bedroom Makeover

So, I'm still in the process of decorating our house and the first room on the "to finish" list is the master bedroom. We've got a good start with the Pondicherry headboard from Serena & Lily, Ivory Satin Stitch bedding (in Marine) from Restoration Hardware and Stacked Crystal Lamps from Pottery Barn. Now I'm looking to finish everything up with some artwork, specifically two of these paintings from Cocoa & Hearts, this Jonathan Adler Desk and plenty of fresh flowers in pretty vases like this one from Kate Spade.

Do you have a decorating to do list as this new year starts? What's on your list?

Find of the Day

We know some of our readers are getting snow (which we're seriously a little jealous of, from our warmer weather climates) and wanted to show you our favorite snow boots for winter. These Hunter boots are an all-time favorite and you can dress them up in different ways by purchasing a few different pair of welly socks. They make plain and brightly colored fleece socks and check out this awesome fur-lined pair for something different!