The City Sage

Loving: La Petite Magazine

Online magazines are popping up all over the place, and I couldn't be happier! The latest to steal my heart? La Petite Magazine, a sweet folio devoted to the magic and mystery of childhood. Not just for moms, its soft and gentle tone will lull all of us who are inspired by the dreams, the smiles, and the rapt wonder of the very young.


Nestled between the covers you'll find photo essays, craft DIY ideas, chic fashion for the small set, and one very stylish laundry pin! And if you're anything like me--as yet childless but excited to have your own brood one day--your womb will positively tremble at the sight of all those adoring (slightly sassy) little faces. Probably for the best that I can't pinch their cheeks through the screen.

Lovely work by Rachelle, Jennifer, Kirsten, and the rest of the La Petite team!

On the Hunt: Bookshelves

I have a problem. Oh sure, it's not a 'sky is falling, world is ending' problem. But it's a problem nonetheless. You see, I have no shelves in my house. And my collection of knickknacks and curios grows ever larger. It currently lives in a closet because I have no surfaces on which to display it. I simply cannot abide this state of affairs.

Yet I remain uncertain of how to remedy the situation, because let's face it. Bookshelves are kind of boring. It's a lot more exciting to shop for playful pillows, cozy linens, chic glassware, quirky art. There's not much fun about a grid of wood--especially when a quality piece can make a serious dent in your budget. Not to mention the space constraints they present!

Plus there are just so many questions. High or low? Black, brown or white? Modern or traditional? Do I go for cheap, immediate gratification or save up for something that'll really last but potentially not work when we move into a new home? Oh my goodness, you guys. HELP! How do you store and display your books and your collections?

Image Credits: 1, 3. House Beautiful 2, 4, 5. House to Home 6, 7. 8. Elle Decor Shopping Credits: 1. Ikea 2. Crate and Barrel 3. CB2 4. Home Decorators 5. Wisteria 6. West Elm

Last Day to Win $1000!

Have you entered my Polyvore Mini Editor contest yet? Today is the last day to style your dream look from my must-have Fall picks, so get going! It couldn't be easier--the Mini Editor lives right here on my blog and lets you mix and match to your heart's content. Tomorrow the blogger with the most reader-created sets will be selected to award $1000 to her favorite outfit!

Get your own Mini Editor from Polyvore

You can style as many sets as you like. Which Fall trends will you combine? Maybe pair a little leopard with a rugged leather bag? Perhaps some lipstick read shoes with a minimalist maxi dress? The more you create, the better your chances of winning. Plus playing with the Mini Editor is downright addictive. Style away, my fashionista friends!

Outfit to Room: J. Crew September 2010

If there was any smidge of doubt that J. Crew is on a catalog roll, the September offering blows it to smithereens. Think exquisite and unexpected color combos like rose and midnight, chartreuse and olive, plum and sienna. Touchable textures such as sumptuous velvet, featherlight silk, creamy satin. Backdrops that have me itching to revamp not only my wardrobe but my decor as well!

Wondering what gets me excited these days? Observe how the crisscross pattern of these strappy pink pumps is reflected in the flame stitch pattern on those throw pillows. Tiny details like that have the power to make my day. Positively orgasmic, you guys. Maybe I need to get out more...?

Neon pink belt. Almost-iridescent pencil skirt. J. Crew calls this color 'bronzed ochre'. I call it barfy yet I'm loving it in this image. Not sure I could wear an outfit this intense but I appreciate its allure. Shots of these over-the-top shades in framed artwork on the wall is much more my speed.

Another detail to send tingles down my spine: shining metallic platforms that echo the opulent glow of a gold sink basin. It's glamour kicked into overdrive, the thrilling excess of a 1970's nightclub with tufted upholstered walls and swirling disco ball flash. Paging Jerry Hall and Bianca Jagger!

Finally, fuchsia and vermillion have long since shed their clashing reputations. The spicey hot hues get dance a smoldering tango, with a splash of deep aqua into the mix to cool things off. And speaking of cooling off, I hope you find some time this long holiday weekend for a little R&R. See you Tuesday!

P.S. Looking for something to do? Enter the Minted Design Challenge and win $1000 for the top-rated design! Plus the judge's fave--I'm the judge!--wins $500. What are you waiting for?

P.P.S Still bored? Create unlimited outfits with my Polyvore Mini-Editor and win another $1000!

Fashion: J. Crew Interiors: 1, 3. Domino 2. Homes and Gardens 4. Nuevo Estilo 5. Olivier Desforges

Rue Magazine Sneak Peek #3: Ice Cream with ban.do!

How could we resist? With the Rue Magazine launch two weeks from today, we simply had to drop a line to our friends at Style Me Pretty and share our most colorful photos yet! For this shoot, the girls from all-the-rage label ban.do invited us to an ice cream social, where we learned the real meaning of the word 'party'. I was on gummy bear overload by 5 pm and the night was still young!

We had some special guests--Emily, Joy, Bri and Rebecca among others--not too mention incredible styling from Catherine of The Life Styled and the peerless hair and make-up team at Fiore Beauty. Plus there are still a few tricks up our sleeve for this story--you ain't seen nothing yet! Check out the rest of the preview over at Style Me Pretty.

P.S. Our photographer? The highly coveted Max Wanger!