Best Basics: T-Shirts

1.  Vince  2.  Alexander Wang

3.  J. Crew  4.  J. Crew Factory

5.  Banana Republic  6.  Old Navy

Because every closet should have at least a couple basic t-shirts...

These are our favorites.

Worth the Splurge

Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Lip Stain

I finally struck gold in my lengthy quest for the perfect lipstick/lip gloss/lip stain!  

Rich in color, long lasting, not sticky, not too glossy, not too matte...perfect!  

Trust me, you'll love it!

Wish I Was Wearing...

Pom Pom Shirt

Quartz Shard Studs

Culotte Shorts

Sandals

Lamps, Lamps, Lamps

1.  Ralph Lauren Home
2.  Studio Van Den Akker
3.  Furbish
4.  Serena & Lily
5.  Room
6.  Harbinger (Ralph Lauren)
7.  Ralph Lauren Home
8.  Jonathan Adler

D is for Dog Toys

Since D is also for Dorothy Mantooth, I thought I would share Dorothy's favorite toys.

Good Karma Rope Toys were invented by Jax and Bones.  

Not only are these toys adorable - almost too adorable to let my fur baby destroy - they also give back.  Jax and Bones donate a portion of each sale to www.therescuetrain.org.  So when you are looking at that $16 dollar price tag know two things: 

1. These toys last forever - Dorothy has had a few for years - that rarely happens.

2.  You are helping another animal with your purchase.

 

Appy Hour: Candy Crush

It's not often that I become hooked on an iPhone game...but I must admit that I am currently addicted to Candy Crush.  Completely, utterly addicted.

It's one of those games that seems so simple initially...almost boring for the first couple minutes.  Then, it gets challenging and fun and, without warning, you run run out of lives and are notified that you have to wait 20 minutes for your lives to refresh (or spend 99 cents to buy more, which I refuse to do).  The moment when you are notified that you have to wait 20 minutes, and you are irritated by this, is when you know you are hooked.

If you haven't already, you should try it!  But don't say I didn't warn you...it is definitely addicting!

Here's to me beating level 30!

Top 3: Fourth of July Musts

Hooray for a holiday week!  Hope you have fun plans for Thursday (...and Friday...and Saturday...and Sunday...)

Jack Rogers Sandals  |  J Crew Straw Hat  |  Pimento Cheese Recipe  |  Lanterns

Have a happy holiday week!

Paula's Perfect Porch

Charleston does porches better than anywhere I have ever lived. Can you imagine a better way to enjoy a warm southern summer night than laughing with friends, sipping a cocktail, watching the sky turn orange as the sun goes down...all while sitting on a sprawling shutter-lined porch?
I can't...

Pendant  |  Chair  |  Double Chaise  |  Zinc Table  

My perfect porch has plenty of comfortable seating for family and friends. It's filled with furniture that combines traditional lines with more contemporary materials and accent pieces. Here are a few of my favorites...now, if only I had that sprawling porch...

Oh, how great is this bench?!  Maybe I'll find room for this on my porch too...

C is for Clutch

With the extra long days of Summer, I tend to spend more evenings out with friends enjoying the long days.  I also find Summer has me feeling the need to be more "carefree" and not wanting to drag my big bag with all of my daily necessities out at night.

My solution to that problem...the perfect clutch.

1. Kelly Wearstler   2. Zara

3. Mulberry   4. Clare Vivier

5. Sophie Hulme

B is for Bows

While Paula may be more of the "bow aficionado" than I am (check out the end of this post), lately I have been drawn to the increasing number of bows perched perfectly at the nape of a womans neck.  

Pictures via Pinterest 

It is really amazing what a difference moving the bow up from ones behind - hello 80's wedding or prom dress - can really do for a girl!

Meanwhile, look at the gorgeous Vera Wang bow that Paula wore on her wedding day!

 Picture via Rebecca June

Perfectly Paula.

Classic Combination: Blue and White

Clutch  |  Throw Blanket  |  Espadrilles
Coasters  |  Bowl  |  Bikini
Ginger Jars  |  Pillow
Rug  |  Bag

Mud Studio

I have been obsessed with these handcrafted clay chandeliers for years.

Aren't they stunning?

Created by Mud Studio, each and every bead on the chandeliers are hand made and crafted by local individuals in South Africa.

They come in two color ways: Ivory or Anthracite...both are gorgeous.

The natural element that the clay beads provide work in any environment, but I think in a modern space they shine a little brighter.  The juxtaposition of a space with clean lines paired with the raw beauty of the clay work together in perfect harmony. 

Pictures via Pinterest

St. Eve Jewelry

one - two - three - four - five

Do you ever stumble across something that you did not realize was missing in your life?

That is how I felt when I found St. Eve Jewelry.

I am personally drawn to her gorgeous necklaces.  They are the perfect way to add that boho glam vibe that I have been looking for, not to mention an amazing layering piece at an affordable price.

I only have number four (at the moment) - the Short Horn Ivory Tribal Necklace - that I have been wearing with everything.

What piece is your favorite?

TOP 3: Beach Basics

Sunglasses  |  Hat
Bikini  |  Towel
Blanket  |  Tote

Hope there's some time at the beach in your plans this summer!

Build Your Bar

'Tis the season for long days, short work weeks, and entertaining!  Is your bar ready for guests?

One  |  Two  |  Three  |  Four  |  Five  |  Six  |  Seven  |  Eight  |  Nine

Appy Hour: Dropbox

It's 5:00 in Charleston...time for Appy Hour!

This week's recommendation:  Dropbox

Now, Dropbox might not be as fun and creative as the last recommendation, but it is absolutely the most convenient, time saving, easy to use program for organizing and quickly accessing files.  I use it for everything!  And it's FREE!

I have dropbox installed on my phone, my iPad, and my computer so no matter where I am I can always quickly access any file I need.  Example:  I will save a new recipe to Dropbox using my computer, review that recipe on my phone at the grocery store to make sure I don't forget a critical ingredient, and then open the recipe on my iPad in my kitchen to reference while I make it.

You can also share files using Dropbox by simply setting up a shared folder and inviting others to view, save, and edit the files you upload.  Uber easy!!

So, whether you are saving photos, spreadsheets, your resume, or a simple to do list, you'll love Dropbox!

With a Wick

I'm a sucker for good candles! I put them everywhere.  I love that moment when, even unlit, the scent catches you as you walk by.  A few of my current favorites...

Jo Malone Orange Blossom

                        Nest Wasabi Pear

Diptyque Jasmin

Trapp Bob's Flower Shoppe

  

I have a couple that are getting low...
do you have a favorite that I should try next?

Bare Floor No More

I know the Ikea Stockholm rug has been around forever, but it has for good reason. 

It is SO good.

I have been toying with the idea of adding a rug to my dining room (last seen here) and I cannot help but think this Ikea classic might be a good fit.

Either that or maybe a faux zebra hide.  Decisions, decisions.

Which direction do you guys think I should go?

Muscle On

In recent months, with the weather starting to warm up, I have become a HUGE fan of graphic tanks.  They can be so versatile and really go from day to night.  The tanks can add an edge under a blazer for work, toughen up a skirt for a night out, or be the perfect casual, cool outfit for running errands over the weekend.  Even better, I have been finding great quality ones at Forever 21.  For the price of $10 - $15, you really cannot go wrong with working this trend into your wardrobe.

Cheetah - Shark - Batman

Faith - Love - Wild One

Heart - Diamond - Doors