Fashion Friday

I left for Vegas this morning and I'm sure three days of fun will be following. I'll fill you in next week but for now, here's a little peak at what I would be wearing if I had all the money in the world, or at least was independently wealthy. 

I call these three looks; 1. the romantic, 2. the free spirit, and 3. the rocker.

What do you think?

Look one: silk dress, Mulberry bag, Tiffany and Co. earrings and bracelet 1 and 2. Look two: Reed Krakoff silk multi-color dress, Jimmy Choo clutch, Kate Spade emerald earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane blue ring, Bottega Veneta strappy sandals. Outfit three: Ram bangle, Kate Spade heels, Alexis Bittar emerald drop earrings, Gucci one shoulder dress, Bottega Veneta clutch.

A Picture A Day

And the craziness continues. I'm still counting down the days until I will be a full-time illustrator, I only have three official workdays left since I'm heading to Vegas tomorrow and I cannot wait. But due to this as I'm sure I've mentioned before I have a "to-do," or rather a,  "must finish" by the end of the day next Friday list that is quite long. And so I have been slacking, I know, but I do have a project update for you today!

On Monday I showed you a sketch of a woman lounging on a Chaise. I didn't really share any of the details with you I just sort of said it was a custom project and left it at that. Well I can share with you today. The illustration was designed for Shh Don't Tell My Husband! It is another wonderful collaboration that will hold her earring designs (similar to the ones shown here) and will be used as a Mother's Day card.

Copyright Michelle B. All rights reserved.

What do you think!?

Currently Reading: Dreams of Joy

BarnesandNoble.com

I have read and loved every book by Lisa See and Dreams of Joy is no exception. Dreams of Joy picks up where Shanghai Girls leaves off. If you haven't read Shanghai girls go pick it up read it and don't read any further because this synopsis is a mini spoiler too! 

At the end of Shanghai Girls Pearl and May get in an argument, their lives, and relationship are broken and they alienate Joy (May's daughter whom Pearl has been raising as her own for the last nineteen years.) Joy blames herself for her father's death, for the argument between her mom and her aunt. She is also upset with them not telling her the truth and is dealing with the fact that her real father is still in Red China. Joy feeling a wide range of emotions runs away in the middle of the night to China. She gives up her American passport and welcomes Red China in an idealistic and naive way. She looks for and finds her father and builds a relationship with him and many other people whom she meets along the way. She believes that she has made the right choice and will be able to forget American and atone for her sins and mistakes by living in China.

When Pearl realizes that Joy is missing and has gone to China she goes after her. Understanding the state of the Communist Country and realizing the danger and sacrifices they with both need to make she searches for Joy and is determined to bring her home.

This book was another incredible story by Lisa See and the perfect ending to the story that began in Shanghai Girls.

Pinterest Pics

With Vegas and my trip the end of this week on my mind (and needed more then ever), here is a little inspiration to get me in the partying mood!

Paris Hotel, Cosmopolitan, Palazzo lobby, Rocker heels, Barbie themed hotel suite, Vegas party inspiration, Topshop Las Vegas!

Who's been to Vegas? Any suggestions for must see/do places and things?

A Picture A Day

Happy Monday Sweets! How was everyone's weekend?

I spent Saturday night in NYC visiting family and enjoying a great dinner, and other then that I've been working on numerous projects. They all seem like they have the exact same deadline and I need to get them done or at least close to done before I leave for Vegas in t-minus four days!!! In addition to my freelance work I'm also wrapping up my time at my nine to five (last day is next Friday!) and so it's been a little hectic. I'm trying to get to much accomplished and as a result my blog posts have slipped a bit. I promise though, starting April 2, I'll be back to normal posting!

With all that in mind here is a little peak at a custom project I'm working on.

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

Fashion Friday

I'm going away the end of next week to Vegas, the trip first mentioned here. I've never been there, I have no idea what it will be like, what the fashion will be like, or what we are doing most days/nights. I also am not a partier, I feel really uncomfortable in fitted clothing, and I'm a terrible packer. This all is leading me toward a suitcase (or two) that will be stuffed to the brim with multiple outfits, accessories, and shoes for every possible scenario... OR I can let my type "A" cannot be unprepared personality take over, and create outfits I like based on pieces I have and just enjoy it... I'm going to go with option 2...

I will most likely allow myself a few extra pieces, like a few shirts or accessories (just in case and for variety sake,) but I'm hoping that even with those additions I'll be able to use the "weekender" bag and not my over-the-weight-limit size of me bag... And so this is what I came up with.

Day outfits: 1 tee shirt, cardigan, leopard flats,  yellow pants , and necklaces . Day Outfit 2 blue tee, orange mini, necklace, Michele watch, gold flip-flops. Outfit Day 3 navy geometric pattern dress, drop earrings, La Mer watch, Gold and blue cuff, gold bangle. Outfit Day 4 jeans, stripped tee, navy blazer, Michele watch, leopard flats.

Night Outfits: 1 red dress, drop earrings, Gold and blue cuff, gold bangle, nude heels. Night Outfit 2 drop earrings, navy top, pink cigarette pants,Gold and blue cuff, gold bangle, nude heels, and cocktail ring. Night Outfit 3 Mint wrap top, skinny jeans, drop earrings, necklace, navy blazer, Michael Kors heels. Night Outfit 4 necklace, LBD, Michael Kors heels.

I know if I got rid of the orange skirt, the yellow pants, and the gold flip flops from my day clothing I'd save even more room, but I just can't limit myself to the jeans and leopard flats combination all four days... maybe next trip (although probably not)..I have to have fun with my clothing even though I'm away right!?

How do you pack? Are you good at it? Are you a carry-on bag no matter the trip kind of person or are you like me and pack a huge bag for two days!?

Pinterest Pics

Balloons, Purple dress, Flowers and watercolor, Red soles, Painting patterns, Red and Orange

A Picture A Day

It's my first wedding Anniversary today! I can't even believe that a year ago today I married my best friend and the most wonderful husband. It has been a perfect year and I'm looking forward to many many more together.

Knowing that our anniversary was coming up, I needed to come up with a perfect gift. I thought, and brain stormed, and stressed, and thought some more, for months about what to get my hubby. I wanted it to be something special, something he'd love, and I wanted to find a creative way to give him the traditional gift of paper. And I basically over-thought it to the point that I had no idea what to do. And then I talked to some friends who helped me come up with a plan.

Below is a map of our world. The places we have already been. All the places we want to travel. And little special memories from a few destinations. It's my playful take on us and the world.

What do you think?

Full image of "Our World"

close-up to show the details of our memories and destinations

close-up of the illustration of the two of us - this is an update to the illustration first shown here

close-up of the text at the top "For the places we have been and the places we will go together"

 All images copyright Michelle B. All rights reserved.

Fashion Friday

O my goodness Sweets, it has been one crazy week. You know those weeks where you almost feel like you are running around in a circle and getting nothing accomplished!? Well that's the week I've been having. Between my full-time job, my freelance projects, getting ready for my first anniversary, Dr.'s appointments, girl's nights, and all sorts of other events and tasks... the week just disappeared.

Which brings me to my Fashion Friday post. Weeks like this there is just no time to think about fashion. So I go with my tried and true favorite pieces. The tee-shirt, blazer, scarf, ballet flats, bracelets and my watch. Or a cute dress, black tights, black boots (or flats and no tights depending on the season) a cute bun, and a long necklace... I always feel put-together and comfortable in these pairings and when I only have three seconds to get ready in the morning they are my go to looks.

Gingham dress, fedora with cardigan and dress, chevron dress with red flats, blazer and magenta pants, bun and turquoise dress, Parisian chic look

What are your "go-to" pieces. You know, the ones you grab quickly when you are in a hurry but still want to look great? The pieces that are timeless and seasonless and you love day in and day out and sometimes people might think they are the only clothes you own... And on weeks like this you are so grateful and happy to go with your old favorites.

A Picture A Day

I've been working on a special project and here is a little peak. For now, it's all I can tell you, but I hope you enjoy.

Happy Wednesday Sweets!
xo

Pinterest Pics: Barbecue at the Beach

sunny attire, yellow sandals, yellow umbrellas, golden rowboats, polka dot pants, pineapple flower

I love Pinterest. I love how imagery can make you feel something or inspire you and you might not even understand why. These are images I've collected and I didn't really know what it was about them that made me love them until I saw them as a group. They make me feel like it is a warm sunny day and I'm ready to go to a barbecue by the beach on some tropical island with all of my favorite people.

A Picture A Day

So another update on this image:

I keep giving you little sneaks peaks, like here and here, but I can finally share more information about the project and show you the final!

Below is the final illustration. It was created for the super sweet Mary and her wonderful blog, "A Spot of Tea." Mary is a "Brit" who is currently living in America. Her blog follows her life and style, fashion, travel, and other adventures and explorations. Check out Mary's blog, follow her, and enjoy her new header.

Have a wonderful Monday!
xo

Fashion Friday

Today I want to know what are your top trends for spring? Are you obsessing over any look in particular?

Below are my three top spring fashion trends, pastels, nautical, and brights...

Ann Taylor Blouse, ASOS Mint Lace Top, ASOS nude and yellow midi, ASOS Nude patten flats, ASOS yellow clutch, Multi-color sandals.

Kate Spade Sonja Dress,  Jewel Mint Smooth Sailing Necklace, Anthropologie Scalloped String Tank, Piperlime Ladylike Dot Dress, Kate Spade sandal.

Seychelles Sandals, Statement Necklace, Chanel Nail Color in Distraction, Kate Spade iphone case, coral clutch, two-toned dress, Ann Taylor Must Have looks for Spring.

A Picture A Day

It's Friday Sweets and here are some of my favorite trends for Spring. More on that later today, but for now, enjoy the illustrations. 

What do you think and what will you be wearing this spring?

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

A Picture A Day

I have a project update for you, one of the "super secret" ones that I still really can't give you any details about... but it's a step forward.

Do you remember this image? First shown here.

Well, this is what it looks like now:

Copyright Michelle B.

I can't wait to tell you more details and show you the final!

Have a great Thursday!
xo