Waaaay back in 2007 I got a GORGEOUS tattoo on my back based off of a poster from the EPIC artist, James Jean and have been mulling over what to add to it ever since. 

I've bought a dozen of his prints, own a handfull of his books and collect as many of his bits and bobs as I can.

I've been thinking about using some of his flower sketches to fill in the areas around the outside of my tattoo. Perhaps they could wrap around my shoulders and flow down one of my arms. I've collected a few images from JJ's site that I think are excellent inspiration:

Then this morning I came across this photo:

It must be a James Jean! My passion for more JJ tattoos has been reignited. Now all I have to do is find an amazing artist in San Francisco to do it! Oh, and save a ton of money. Crazier things have happened.

Truer words were never spoken. Especially in the midst of moving into a new place (FINALLY!!!) in San Francisco. The keys will be ours today. Stay tuned! Same bat time. Same bat channel.

Oh, Martha. I'm such a sucker for your wares. I think I'll have to pick up one of these from Martha Stewart for Macy's sometime soon. I bake pretty often and I've always been pleased with my simple glass cake stand and dome (that everyone seems to have!) but these are just too smooth. I mean really. Just LOOK at these...

Sadly, I'll never be able to afford any of them.

BLACK CAP-SLEEVE PENCIL DRESSSILVER KOI SKULL PENDANT 

SHINY SILVER TWIN SKULL BANGLE

SHINY SILVER TWIN SKULL RINGAnd the ever drool-inducing crowning glory of this outfit...

FLESH LACE KNUCKLE BOX CLUTCH

Le sigh.

But I'm back and of course it's a STUNNING pair of Alexander McQueen pumps that have roused me from my blogging dormancy. These shoes speak to my greedy little soul and I had to share them with you.

Behold!

 

Aren't they just divine?
You can get your own (obviously, frustratingly expensive) pair on SSENSE.com

Sigh....

"Tom Ford lipstick gets high marks. Doesn't bleed much for a lustre formula, wears well, highly pigmented, nice rich reds+luxury case.♡"

So I decided to see how much that little luxury would run me. I soon found myself at the Neiman Marcus website drooling over a multitude of things I'll never be able to afford. Like I did in a previous post, I put EVERYTHING I wanted in my shopping cart and I didn't buy them. Ahhhh the things we do to amuse ourselves.

It is interesting to note, however, that this entire ensemble was inspired by a Dita tweet, a shade of Tom Ford lipstick and my love for all things Moroccan.

Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color

Tom Ford Bois Marocain

Aidan Mattox Strapless Jacquard Gown

Michael Kors Paris Sandal, Parchment Croc

Miu Miu Two-Strand Stone Necklace

Can you tell I'm excited? The weather is warming up, crocuses are magically appearing in the yard, the birds are chirping and the sun in shining. I was SO ready for winter to be over and now it is! In the Washington D.C. area spring means one thing... cherry blossoms! So, in celebration of the new season I think I'll need some new decorations for the house to reflect their cheerful, budding brilliance. I've searched a bit to find some great DIY cherry blossom projects and thought I post them all here in one place. I'll let you guys know which one I decide on, but in the meantime, check these out:

Curbly's How to Make a Branch of Paper Cherry Blossoms

Craft Projects: Cherry Blossom Branch

The Flirty Guide's Origami Cherry/Sakura Blossoms

Martha Stewart's Paper Cherry Blossom Display


I think the first two are my favorite. Perhaps I'll try a combination of the two.
Happy Spring!