StyleMint Obsessed

Let's face it, anything that Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen do- especially in the fashion realm- is gold in my eyes. They were my inspiration on Full House, and they inspire me daily now with their incredible personal style and fashion collection. To really throw a wrench in my monthly budget- they launched an extremely cool and affordable t-shirt line- StyleMint.

The premises is to offer Olsen designed t-shirts for every woman in a stylized, smart way. Who would want to simply browse, click and purchase a t-shirt online or in a store for that matter, when you can complete a fun style survey and then review t-shirts that best fit your style- styled just for YOU? If your style crosses over into several aesthetics, you can review other styled looks to see what will work best.

To make matters even more severe for that alleged budget of mine, StyleMint keeps it fresh with new styles each month. Don't you fret, they will even send you an e-mail each month showing you your Top Styles.

I love this idea of not only personalizing online shopping but also offering a t-shirt line that women can be proud to wear and inspired to wear in ways that amplify their personal style. Check out MY Top Styles-

Mulholland- in Olive or Ivory

Newbury

No... Is a Full Sentence

I'm Almost Not Crazy

Best,

Emily

FALL please

With the heat index reaching such monstrous heights as 112 degrees in Memphis this week, I can't help but fantasize about cooler weather. With said cooler weather comes, in my opinion, some pretty cool trends in fashion. Inspired by my struggle to dress work apropriate while somehow staying cool and avoiding heat exhaustion, here is my list of FALL 11' must-haves:

Oxfords
 The Steve Madden Trouser oxfords are the perfect mix of masculine and feminie.

Lace Up Boots
Steve Madden Trooper Boots are a very classic, vintage interpretation of this trend. Paired with tights, I see these as a go-to shoe for Fall and Winter.

Chambray/ Denim Shirt
Denim Workshirt by Urban Outfitters- is the perfect layering piece for all seasons. Since it is a man's shirt- I would wear it with a belt, tied up (circa 90s) or layered over more fitted pices.

Colored Denim
AG Stevie Cropped Skinny Jeans in Ivory from Anthropologie- a pair of colorful jeans for Fall/Winter are the perfect way to incorporate color into a more neutral/dark Season of clothing. I love these Ivory ("Winter White") Jeans because I see them as a year-round piece.

Cape
A cape is a perfect alternative to a traditional coat for Fall. Cape from Anthropologie in Fatigue Green

Classic Handbag- Shoulder & Satchel
Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier in Dirty Martini- I just need it.

What are you most excited to wear this Fall? 

Cheers!

Emily

To Do List

Lately, I have been trying to master my own sort of "LIFE" to do list. With a huge change recently, I am bombarded with the fact that my future is pretty much wide open... and it is up to me alone to make things happen the way I want them to. I know this should sound pretty great... but honestly- change is not usually my thing. I enjoy routine and order and companionship and safety. So, to say that I am scared of what is next would not be an understatement.

As an anal, worrier as myself tends to do, I have been working on this to do list. Now, I am not talking about things like- clean the house, donate old clothes, call your Grandma. I am talking about- decide on what your dreams are, determine and perfect your talents, move away from home (break away). The problem I am facing with all of this is that with said list comes a lot of unknowns. It makes me super envious of people who just seem to know what they were born to do/where to live/what to become as an adult.

I am sure there is a blog or book or guru out there that could point me in the right direction, but I feel like (for the first time possibly ever) that I will embrace this sense of alone-ness and just figure it out.

In the mean time- I must admit that I have an amazing life. My friends and family and job have been the most uplifting and encouraging components of a pretty difficult time. Speaking of friends- I have a new one. Their name is Bon Iver, and they sing the sweetest songs. Enjoy:

Cheers!


Emily

re.ar.range

When times get tough... or I get bored... I tend to find therapy in shopping/cleaning/working out... you get the picture. So, lately, I have found myself preoccupied with thoughts of a mini overhaul in my small abode. As the furniture currently sits in my living space, there is no real flow or design. When I moved in, I must admit, I was simply overwhelmed by the proportions of my current furniture and the room itself. That being said, I decided the best floorplan was to back the oversized, hand-me-down, slipcovered couch up against a wall; place the TV and table against the oposing wall and literally allow the other pieces of furniture to fall where they may.

current room set up
(the entry door is to the bottom left of the TV table. there is a large floor-to-ceiling window position between the large upholstered chair and side table)

Now that I have the inspiration and tiny cash flow to make a few changes, I am inspired to bring the arrangement closer together to create a more intimate AND attractive seating area. I also hope to acquire a desk that would allow me to set up a computer/work area.

re.ar.range

 By placing the chairs and a new, smaller, more tailored sofa in a squared off arrangement and away from the walls, I hope to gain the extra space to spread out the side tables and add an additional desk/console table for storage and style. In a perfect world, I would have the space to perfectly place the furniture and include a coffee table, but this will have to do for now!

Here are a few special pieces I have been eyeing at our local West Elm outlet...

2x2 Console Table

Parsons Desk

Parsons Low Bookshelf

Sutton Soffette (note: I like the lines and tall legs of this sofa- I will be searching for a full size version)

What do you think? How did you make your small space work for you while pleasing the eye?

Cheers!


Emily

Losing

When my own words fail me-

The Art of Losing
By Elizabeth Bishop

The art of losing isn't hard to master;
so many things seem filled with intent
to be lost that their loss is no disaster.

Lose something every day. Accept the fluster
of lost door keys, the hour badly spent.
The art of losing isn't hard to master.

Then practice losing farther, losing faster;
places, and names, and where it was you meant
to travel. None of these will bring disaster.

I lost my mother's watch. And look! my last, or
next-to-last, of three loved houses went.
The art of losing isn't hard to master.

I lost two cities, lovely ones. And, vaster,
some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent.
I miss them, but it wasn't a disaster.


--Even losing you (the joking voice, the gesture
I love) I shan't have lied. It's evident.
The art of losing's not too hard to master
though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster.

text via www.poets.org

this day in history

Today, Wednesday, May 4, 2011, my Mom gave birth to ME! Well, actually, I was born on May 4, 1987, but you get the idea?! So, to commemorate this momentous day, below are a few fun facts about my birthday.

 1. On May 4, 1929, Audrey Hepburn was born in Belgium. This probably means that I was destined to possess beauty, intelligence, style and poise... all of which I am sure will kick in this year!

2. On May 4, 1494, Christopher Colombus landed in Jamaica. BAM- America!

3. On May 4, 1946, 5 die in the famous Alcatraz Prison riot. I got to tour Alcatraz last Fall with my Dad. It was soo spooky and cool! If you are unfamiliar, it was the most secure, secluded and infamous prison in U.S. history. Two words- Al Kapone.

4. On May 4, 1953, the Pulitzer Prize was awarded to Earnest Hemingway for The Old Man and The Sea. This might explain my love of literature or (until now) unexplained ability to write masterpieces with ease.

5. On May 4, 1964, The Soap Opera "As the World Turns" premiered on television. The beginning of true trash TV- love!

6. On May 4, 1976, KISS performed their first concert. Cool Right!?

7. On May 4, 1979, Lance Bass was born in Laurel, Mississippi. I know he is officially not interested in marrying me, but, when *N SYNC was HOT, I was soo in love with Lance Bass. I just knew that he would respond to my handwritten letter admitting his love for me- especially since we shared the same birthday!

So, maybe May 4 is not the most memorable date in history, but I think this list would put it on the honorable mentions list at least.

As a little treat on my birthday, here is a little *N SYNC nugget- please enjoy!

*N SYNC- It's Gonna Be Me

Cheers!

Emily

summer vacation shopping

So, my two amazing girlfriends- Brennan and Jesse- and I decided to take a quick trip to New York City this summer. We have two friends that live there, and Brennan is a pro at locating amazing flight deals! So- we basically could not think of a reason NOT to go. That being said, now all I can think about is this trip... what we will do... where will shop... what we will see... and most importantly- what will I be wearing!

Maybe this is pure Spring Fever mixed with my bloated fashion ambitions (considering my financial status- nonexistent), but here is a list of Summer trends that I dream could be mine for our girls weekend in NYC! I think all of these pieces can be mixed and matched for several outfits and occasions, which is exactly what a girl needs on a weekend vacation!

Anthropologie Fountain of Youth Dress in Navy Stripes- paired with Tori Richard Wedged Flats and a Cardigan for the flight, of course! This dress is one of those shapes that is super flattering AND comfortable.

Anthropologie In the Wind Scarf in Blue- whenever I travel, I like to have easy layers that can be paired with several outfits and look fun!

Anthropologie Sky Rendered Posts in Turquoise- I die for posts... the bigger- the better. These would not come out of my ears all weekend- meaning I would not need to pack (and maybe misplace) other earrings.

Anthropologie Sunday Shopping Skirt in Light Wash Chambray- The high-waist with large sash belt makes me want to tuck in a fitted white tank and go! I would wear this while walking the streets of New York and taking in the sights.

Anthropologie Verdant Slip Dress- This is the perfect Summer dress! I would wear this for day time activities with Tory Burch wedged flats or Sam Edelman Gigi Flat Sandals during the day and then simply switch into the Urban Outfitters Cooperative Canvas Strapped Wedges- add a big necklace and be ready for dinner!

BCBGeneration Wrap Skirt Contrast Dress- I mean- we will be going out to dance. The back of this dress is my favorite!

Banana Republic Denim Shirt- This classic button down would look amazing with black shorts or a pair of cropped white jeans. I am pretty late on this trend... but all of the sudden I MUST have a chambray shirt.

GAP 1969 White Legging Jeans- I chose the cropped white legging jeans from Gap 1) because they will be regular length on my 5'3" frame and 2) because I need stretch! After buying designer jeans exclusively for far too long- I am so pleasantly surprised by the affordability of these- $69!

J-Crew Clip Elastic Belt in Natural with Navy Stripes- When in doubt- belt it! Since this belt is elastic- I could wear this at my natural waist with a dress or lower with a blouse or tunic.

J-Crew Tissue Ikat Top- Pair this with the chambray skirt or white jeans for a great daytime look. I cannot get enough of Ikat and light orange.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Jane on Chain Crossbody Bag- this is a dream that will not soon come true, but I love the idea of a bright punch of color in my accessories. This bag would be perfect for me- not too big to cause back pain in my future, not too small as to prevent me from taking way too many pictures with my camera, and stylish enough to be transferred with ease from daytime to night time outings.

Sam Edelman Gigi Flat Sandals in Croc Embossed Gold- will.wear.with.everything!

Tory Burch Bennett Sandal in Cognac-  a little extra height never hurt anyone. sigh.

Urban Outfitters Cooperative Canvas Wedge in Black. 70s inspired wedges and platforms are a huge trend for Spring and Summer... I don't think these are going out of style any time soon. Love-Need.

 So, from my dreams to my blog- I hope this inspired your inner shop girl/world traveler/fashionista. Please don't hesitate to let me know of any hot spots we need to check out while we are there.

Cheers!

Emily

Obsessed With

Adele- "Rolling in the Deep"

Extremely in love with this song- scarily easy to relate to! Good luck getting this one out of your head/ off your workout play list/ or (in my case) out of your CD player!

Cheers!

Emily

Movie Time

As some of you may understand and/or experience on a daily basis, selecting TV shows that appeal to men and women can be difficult. For this very reason, my boyfriend and I have become dedicated movie watchers. This week alone, we went and saw a movie at the theater (date night!) and rented two movie from RedBox. The movies we had the pleasure to view were Source Code, The King's Speech, and Country Strong. 

I definitely doubted The King's Speech before watching it. During the so-called 'award season' I had my heart set on Black Swan and True Grit. I am always very moved by new portrayals of old classics. Especially in the case of True Grit, which was somehow so extraordinarily similar to the original while vastly unique. This might have been due to the dichotomy of Actors Jeff Bridges and John Wayne. Despite my undieing love for Westerns, Shoot Em' Ups, and Psychological Thrillers, I must admit that The King's Speech was incredible. When Colin Firth (portraying King George VI) finally delivers the gripping and inspirational speech at the end, I caught myself pushing back a lump in my throat and thinking, "Emily get it together." That is, until I looked over at my boyfriend to see an extra build up of moisture forming in his eyes. This movie nailed it. It shared tons of historical facts, Royal British culture, amazing acting and- above all else- a heartfelt lesson about believing in your own voice and self-worth. Best Movie- Done. Best Actor- Done.

If you are looking for a new movie to see at the theater right now, Source Code is a great option- Jake Gyllenhall- need I say more?In a nutshell- Source Code is Inception with a Ground Hog Day set up. We definitely walked out debating the ending and what was really going on... let me know if you figured it out yet!

Lastly- the country musical- Country Strong starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw- may have been my favorite. More specifically, I see myself watching this over and over again. I have a severe weakness for duets, and this movie was all about amazing duets. As if Gwyneth isn't enough to amaze, entertain, and inspire a little envy in all of us- they threw in Leighton Meester (xoxo- Gossip Girl). If you haven't heard, she is an amazing singer! Maybe Country Strong is not the Award Winner or the most intellectually stimulating, but I honor this flick with Most Likely to Be Watched Again- if not for the love story and life lessons- then for the soundtrack and duets.

So, when you and your roommate, significant other, or spouse start huffing and puffing because of your questionable TV sitcom/ trashy reality show selection on a weeknight- rent a movie!

In honor of the Royal Wedding Week- Yes, you should also check out the William & Kate Movie. Although, it is exactly what you should expect- I still enjoyed it... No judgment!

Cheers!

Emily

well hello there...

As my first ever blog post- It's sort of difficult to know where to begin. One thing I know for sure is that I love reading and finding inspiration in other blogs- which inspired me to create my own. Since my full time job deals directly with online media (I manage an retail Website), I really aim to continue my online education and inspiration and have a little fun in my spare time! To concisely address my blog name- I select "Save & Continue Editing" about 400 times a day (at least)- and I think it is the perfect way to describe my approach to life right now. Anyone fresh out of college can attest- these first jobs/moves/changes are not always easy! So, the best thing to do is to save the experiences and the knowledge you gain from them and continue forward.

My current weekly agenda consists of work, which (believe it or not) I love, my beagle- Cooper, my boyfriend- Gerald, cooking for one (two if Gerald is lucky), runs on the Mississippi River, lots of MTV and Bravo, and all the household chores I and a 25 lb. pup can produce! On the weekends, I strive for productivity but can't help but indulge in quality time with Cooper, the pool, my friends and my amazing family.

Since my apartment is super tiny, I must admit that most of my design & decor delights are purely fantasy for the time being. I did spruce up my patio space this past weekend-

all that I need now are actual plants!

Cheers,

Emily