05/10/2019

Girly Gypsy Style – Think Couture Hippy

She’s earthy but would rather be pampered in a boutique hotel than zip up for the night in a tent. She’s a free-spirit with an edge. One part bohemian, one part glam, Girly Gypsy style has the color and hippy flare of a caravan without all the incense. 

The Nayland Throw Blanket is a perfect example of Girly Gypsy, both feminine and organic.

Our Favorite Girly Gypsy Picks
  1. Pehr Design Bin 2. Corey Lynn Calter Eco-Friendly Bag 3. Anthropologie Pillow 4. Sachina and Babi Drop Earrings 5. Hedgehouse Throw Bed 6. Shiraleah Baskets 7. Ulla Johnson Sandal 8. Mia + Finn Scarf 9. John Robshaw Bath Towels 10. Scotch Soda Skirt
Resources:

Nayland Throw Blanket: Anthropologie

04/13/2019

Get Over a Style Slump with the Trusted Palm Leaf

Any botanical loaded with biblical implication has our attention. The simple palm, with its color and scale, creates a lush tropical look that recalls British Colonialists installing their love for twee in an island setting. Designers always turn to the frond when they want to secure a no-fail design inspired by relaxed days. You can easily work palms into the every day for tropical style without the heat.

A palm paperweight by John Derian offers a subtle nod to this timeless botanical trend.

 

Shop the best in palm style to elevate capture a look:
  1. Terrain Faux Leaf 2. Society 6 Comforter 3. John Derian Tray 4. Tuckernuck Earrings 5. Palm Cove Pillow 6. Crate & Barrel Art

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04/09/2019

Florists Take Note – Handmade Paper Flowers Never Expire

Flowers have some competition. The paper variety made by Suzi McLaughlin has such artistry, gardens may start to overpopulate due to the handmade demand. They add impact without the depressing onset of wilting and come with the softness and color of the real version with a modern edge.

Give flowers some time off with a paper floral garland adorning a simple banister.

 

In McLaughlin’s new book, The Paper Florist (Kyle Books; March 2019), the floral cut-outs ornament everything from party decor to hair accessories, truly identifying a one-of-a-kind style.

 

If you’re impatient for spring’s arrival and rather skip the crocus teaser for the cherry blossom shebang, cut right to it with a mobile you can make.

Embellish cherry blossoms in your decor without cutting a tree.

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04/02/2019

Instagram Influences the Way We Dress–To Attract Followers Go for Color

The anything black style rule has experienced a shift with colors so explosive, you’d think designers took their inspiration from a Skittles box. You can thank social media for this, as color translates to more dynamic feeds. Your swipe will speed through film noir influenced pictures but once you hit that bright and fresh image–most likely accessorized with macarons, jelly beans and quite possibly a dyed pooch–there’s a pause. Pupils widen. You frantically search the tags to source the products. The phenomenon has also given places like the Museum of Ice Cream and remote poppy fields notoriety, attracting visitors with charged phones in hopes of capturing that possible profile picture.

Styling for social media has taken on colorful proportions, even the accessories you choose will link the overall image.

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03/12/2019

Dressing in Layers — Styling for the In Between Seasons

Every month has a theme. For March it’s a time of transition. Consider its adage, “In like a lion, out like the lamb.” Though, from the past March’s I’ve experienced, the lion essentially mauled the lamb and took over. In the spirit of unpredictable weather, layers allow you to dress for flighty elements while still looking pulled together.

Dubbed “Jane Eyre Dressing”, the layered look captures the needs of the cool and damp climate of the British Moors, which effectively keeps you warm with an attention to classic detailing. Furry dogs as accessories recommended.

 

Clothing that can be worn with other clothes add warmth while having that immigration to the New World appeal. While it may not be because travelers had to dress in their belongings to save room in their steamer trucks–yesteryear’s version of pricey baggage fees–it creates an elegant and tailored image. Look for pieces made of durable fabric, neutral colors and can be slipped on and off without looking like something prurient.

Shop Transitional Clothing
  1. Bogs Boots 2. Rebecca Taylor Dress 3. Vermont Country Store Leg Warmers 4. TopShop Dress 5. Brixton Hat 6. Sundance Hand Warmers 7. Aigle Jacket 8. Annie Selke Scarf

 

02/08/2019

Say Sexy with Subtlety

If readers were provided a background check on stories written by influencers perhaps they would be more informed of the agenda. College transcripts and voting records are a good start. Until then, on this piece identifying what is sexy, the writer is a woman who does not get gooey when a tatted pop star takes off his shirt during a lackluster performance to garner squeals.

Getting out of bed all mussy is sexy, and we can assume it wasn’t after a night catching up on beauty sleep. Photo credit and Parfum by Lab on Fire.

 

What is sexy? Intelligence, charisma, self-reliance. Someone with style who does not need to gratuitously reveal to get attention. This applies to men and women. Specific to women, sexy is classic styles, independence, humor and selectiveness. You won’t see her in a dress made out of spandex to allure. Catherine Deneuve and Princess Charlotte of Monaco come to mind, women who happen to be French but we will continue that in another story.

For Valentine’s Day there is no need to go the tawdry route with complex lingerie that comes with a manual. Seduce with charm and confidence, thus securing the right kind of attention, which is significantly sexier.

Here’s a list for the confident sexy woman in your life:
  1. Bluebella black bra 2. Hank Panky hipsters 3. Bluebella lilac bra 4. Eileen West nightgown 5. Crystalline bikini 6. Mary Green lingerie
Resources:

Messy Sexy Just Rolled Out of Bed Perfum: A Lab on Fire

 

 

01/15/2019

The Ultimate Mrs. Maisel Style Guide

They ate casseroles. Do people still bake these? Dishes prepared with the help of Betty Crocker and pulled from the oven in cocktail attire, protected by a cute apron. A young married woman could fit into her wedding dress despite childbirth thanks to the right under garments and exercises still used in retirement rec centers. For Midge Maisel, she upheld her role chirpily until her weak husband propelled their technicolor life into a film noir. Midge’s style, with its color and classicism, takes us back to the elegance of a mannered period.

When setting the table showed your skills as a homemaker.

Daily routines were an occasion to dress for, not harried errands performed in workout wear. Quality pieces decorated the home. Accessorizing carried into all facets of living. Midge Maisel is a gifted style influencer and her look still holds.

Midge’s Shopping List:
  1. Long Line Satin Underbust Corset 2. Colefax Seraphina Wallpaper 3. Macarons 4. Foam Hair Curlers 5. Vince Camuto Pants 6. Gucci Roses Silk Neck Bow 7. Handcrafted Pram 8. Black and White Cookies 9. Capezio Leotard 10. Celine Cat Eye Sunglasses 11. The Rug Company Pink Traditional 12. Eugenia Kim Annabelle Hat 13. Peignoir Set 14. Cuvée Rosé Champagne 15. Jennifer Rouellette Leopard Garbo Hat 16. Besame Portrait Pink Lipstick 17. Gooseberry Pink Pyrex 18. Portolano Mid-length Gloves 19. Slip Silk Pillowcase 20. Smythson Notebook 21. Theory Shift Dress 22. J. Crew Coat 23. Waring Bar Blender 24. Mod Cloth Dress
Resources:

Macarons is the staple hostess helper for their taste and appearance.

 

Macarons: Pastreez

Carousel Collection Green Tea Gift Set: Newby Teas

Pink pedestal plate: Rosanna Inc.

 

11/06/2018

Move Over xBox – STEAM Activities Bring Back the Timeless Appeal of Innovative Play

What can engage a child for hours, lights up in a prism of colors and does not involve a controller? KiWi Co’s Tinker Crate, which could be a home’s salvation from video games. In a straightforward box with easy to identify parts, this is not a 300+ piece puzzle where one missing item can turn the entire production into pandemonium, thereby creating frustration (parents included). Children read easy-to-follow directions and assemble projects tested by kids for kids.

A project that a kid can connect with without specialized glue, nimble pieces or an outlet.

In fact, while adult participation is always welcomed, your child may boot you off production because they are having so much fun. They’re also picking up useful STEAM skills without realizing it, so it’s not necessary to harp on the educational benefits because they prefer to be inspired on their own. Overall the project boosts confidence while successfully earning their innovative thinker’s cap.

Want your kid to impress you? Watch and learn!

Tinker Crate

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Exclusive to ducks goose readers: Try a month of KiwiCo for free–just pay $4.95 in shipping in the US and $9.95 outside of the US. Just click on ducks goose/KiwiCo offer.

11/02/2018

18 Pumpkin Products You Need to Try Before Fall Ends

If you want to make a girl squeal, and this is a family-friendly site, give her a pumpkin pie latte with a spice scented candle. Come fall, women obsessively search for pumpkin flavors to amp her senses. (Note to reader: Buy in bulk due to pesky limited-edition availability.) Move over fall foliage and chunky sweaters worn with to-the-knee boots, pumpkin flavors are the true autumn attraction.

Pumpkins are to the fall what peonies are to the spring–capturing the best of the season.

[Read more…]

10/13/2018

Melania Trump and Her Message to Stop Bullying, Adults Included

In a rare interview with the press Melania Trump said how she is one of the most bullied people in the world. The sentiment resonates as bullying has a tendency to be considered a schoolyard issue. In fact, you can see bullying happen everywhere from mother’s who helm school auctions to the White House. The media, for which I am a member of, sets a weak example to the world which they have such intimate access to.

Melania Trump on a cover I created for Hamptons Country Magazine, photographed by Chuck Baker. She was one of my favorite models to work with from her quiet demeanor, professionalism and hard work. A graceful spirit that lights up an environment.

Melania is a mother and wife who happens to be married to a controversial president. Our country leads the world because it is founded on free expression. However does that mean we can be nasty and unmannered? Is it fair to make personal attacks on everything from Melania’s style to her son? Melania is a thoughtful, intelligent and humble woman. I had a few encounters with her in my days in New York as an editor and panelist at the Miss Universe pageant. She was extremely complimentary of her cover and engaged with plenty of warm smiles that weren’t with an agenda. In her position she could put on an air of exclusivity but she did not. She was poised, funny and mannered. Many of the reporters who write about the Trump family could benefit from some lessons from her. Keep to the facts and do not make it personal. Perhaps an issue may not go your way but that is not a reason to be mean-spirited. If we know bullying is damaging to children, have the sense not to continue it in the grownup years.

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