New finds

Posted on January 24, 2012 by blitheandvine

Have any of you tried Kerastase no-lather shampoo, Chroma Sensitive? 

I have and LOVE it.  It is advertised as being gentler on your hair and helping to prevent color fading.  Kerastase recommends using it for the first three shampoos after you get your hair colored, and then alternating it in with your weekly regimen.  (Added bonus: no need to use conditioner).  I admit the creamy non-lathering thing is kind of hard to get used to, but my hair feels noticeably softer and looks shinier when I use it, not to mention it actually feels thicker and healthier.  And coming from someone w baby-fine hair, that’s saying something.

I also recently discovered Kerastase Volumactive volumizing spray, and once again, LOVE. 

It is totally weightless and it actually works.  So many volumizers I’ve tried just weigh down my hair and make it feel like I didn’t totally rinse out all of my conditioner.  Not this.  Kerastase says it provides fullness, protection, and shine.  And I say, it sure does.  Love this stuff.

Locally in Jackson you can purchase Kerastase products at William Wallace Salon in Fondren.  Or online at kerastase-usa.com.

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Jeans and a jacket

Posted on January 11, 2012 by blitheandvine

I’m a jeans girl.  Through and through.  Love love love them.  I feel comfortable in them, they’re versatile, all-American, and let’s face it – a great fitting pair of jeans can do wonders for your figure, not to mention your confidence.  Here are a few of my favorite “jeans and a jacket” looks:

Is it me or has Gwenyth gotten cooler over the past couple of years?  In this pic I love the grey biker jacket paired w the cropped sweatshirt, the chunkly silver jewlery, and of course the lagoon blue skinny jeans.  Her yoga-toned body doesn’t hurt her overall look, either.

I’ve always thought Sienna Miller was a knock-out, and she has mastered the not-too-much-thought, thrown-together look.  Fur jacket, abstract graphic tee, pseudo-acid-wash jeans.  And that long, gorgeous, not-too-fussed-over hair.  She pulls it off brilliantly.

I swear, every time I see an image of Emmanuelle Alt online, I wear jeans, a blazer, and heels the next day.  She oozes natural cool.  And I love that she loves jeans.

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Rose gold moment

Posted on December 9, 2011 by blitheandvine

Is it me, or is rose gold having a moment?!?!  Everywhere I look, there it is.  I cannot turn the pages of a magazine or walk into a jewelry store without noticing that rose gold is on the rise.  And I had no idea I did, but I love it!  Think about it…pink is a universally flattering color and looks good on just about everyone.  Plus adding a little rose to your gold is a nice subtle way to mix it up and add a some depth to your jewelry box.  Apparently everyone’s doing it.

A new line we just picked up at B&V, Miansai, did this super cool screw cuff in gold, silver, and you guessed it…rose gold!

Miansai also does these great leather wraps with rose gold hook closures.  (Love layering these two).

Luxury Italian jeweler Pomellato is showing their Nudo ring with a rose gold band.

Mix rose with yellow gold, silver, diamonds, pearls, stones, etc.  LOVE Heather Moore’s cool, cluttered look.

Even Gucci’s in on the act with this classic horsebit bracelet in everyone’s favorite hue.

If you haven’t yet noticed this trend, keep your eyes open and let me know what you think.  I bet you’ll be seeing through rose-colored glasses before you know it.

Yes, Ray-Ban, too.  :)

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Matchbook journalist

Posted on November 23, 2011 by blitheandvine

I’m not so great at the “journal” thing.  I have the purest of intentions, and some beautiful journals I’ve bought along the way as I decide, again and again, that I’m going to keep a regular journal.  But inevitably, one or two great entries and I’m done.  Not on purpose, I honestly just forget.  Life.  Man it gets in the way sometimes.  Then the other day I realized that I do indeed keep an unconventional journal.  Walking through my house I glanced at a beautiful bowl filled with matchbooks.  Pilfering through them was like reading the diary that I don’t keep…lunch at Sweetings on our first trip to London the year my husband and I got married, drinks in the courtyard at the low-key cool Chateau Marmont in LA, a messy dinner with my kids at Harbor Docks in Destin, Clancy’s in New Orleans – it’s been way too long since I’ve been to Clancy’s.  The list goes on.  Every time I pick up one of these little gems I write who I was with and the date on the inside flap so when I do have a minute to linger over my collection, tons of memories pour in.  Smiles all around.  So for all you frustrated “journalists” out there, I highly recommend my method.  Try it and let me know what you think.  :)

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Obsessed

Posted on November 3, 2011 by blitheandvine

Ok.  So I’m a little obsessed with MOTHER. We just got these jeans in the store and I.  Love.  Them.  Two industry vets from Citizen and Seven came together to create a denim line that would “add a new element to the way people wear jeans in fit, fabric and finish,” and Blithe and Vine says “Mission accomplished!”  Top two reasons we love them are the fit and the super soft denim.  Super soft.  You can tell a noticeable difference as you’re putting them on.  You must try for yourself.

“The Looker” skinnies fit like a glove.

And one of the most flattering, funky flares I’ve seen in a while comes to life in “The Curfew.”  Love.

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I Wearstler-ed it.

Posted on October 26, 2011 by blitheandvine

I was inspired.  So I did it.  Ready for some new displays in the store, I had ideas in my head…natural, organic, clean, fall, holidays.  Something that could evoke thoughts of the upcoming season and make for good visuals as well.  I got to work in my yard (not something I typically do).  My boys helped me gather branches of all sizes, I stripped and sanded them, and then spray painted them white.  They turned out beautifully!  And so, to the queen of DIY, unexpected personal touches, and bringing the outdoors in and making it fabulous – thank you Kelly Wearstler.  :)

The raw material.

The branches needed to be cleaned and sanded.

Two of my boys helped with the spray painting…way fun!

Took several days to completely dry.

These larger branches took some extra time but were worth it.

The final product, on display at Blithe and Vine!  Stop by to see how much they add to the mood of the store, and the different ways we’re using them with our gorgeous Fall merchandise.

Posted in Around Jackson, Design | Leave a comment

Get away without going anywhere.

Posted on August 17, 2011 by blitheandvine

At the end of a long day I love to cozy up in bed and do a little reading.  Very relaxing.  A great way to put the hectic day behind, escape for a brief moment, and wipe the slate clean for tomorrow.  What better way to accomplish those goals than to read about fabulous places frequented by fabulous people!?!?  Enter “American Fashion Travel: Designers on the Go.”  Created by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) under the direction of the non-stop Diane von Furstenberg, this book is just plain fun.  It’s organized like a scrapbook: designers have laid out their own pages with photos of their top travel destinations.  They also give packing and travel tips, as well as answer questions provided by CFDA.  What’s always in your suitcase?  Jet lag remedy?  Plane, train, boat, motorcycle, or car?  The list goes on.  (Sample questionnaires are also provided for you to fill out with friends)!  When I don’t have a ton of time to read (aka I can’t keep my eyes open at the end of a long day) I love to pull this baby out and peruse a few hot spots around the globe, via my bedroom.  Diane herself loves hiking anywhere and her fave beach is Harbour Island, Bahamas; Tory B. is enchanted with Machu Picchu; and Tina Lutz says The Rockhouse Hotel in Jamaica changed her life! It’s visually interesting, and reading about the travel experiences of the design set is somewhat intoxicating.  Not to mention inspiring…I’ve already begun a new list of places I’d like to visit based on these lively pages.  Check it out for yourself!  (Also a great gift).  :)

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Studio visit: Koch

Posted on August 8, 2011 by blitheandvine

On a recent trip to Dallas I visited the new offices and studio of one of our favorite labels, Koch.  Relocated in the happening Bishop Arts District, the Koch space is all light and inspiration.  A wall of windows lets the sunshine pour in, showcasing the gorgeous fabric and accessories samples and clothes hanging on the racks.  The office was hopping, everyone working to finalize the first Fall ’11 shipment.  And in the midst of all that activity, designer and owner Nicole Musselman took a few minutes to give me a sneak peak at what Koch has in store for Spring ’12.  Yes, Spring ’12!  Fall isn’t even upon us and all of your favorite designers are working non-stop on upcoming seasons.  And as we’ve grown to expect with Koch, we love what we’re seeing!

Koch designer and owner Nicole Musselman’s desk and inspiration board.

Nicole showing me fabric and accessory samples for Spring ’12.

Koch is looking to expand their accessories line, and after seeing these gorgeous sample stones, we can’t wait!

Posted in Design, Fashion, Jewelry, Travel | 1 Comment

Thank you P.F. Chang’s!

Posted on June 7, 2011 by blitheandvine

You know how sometimes after a wonderful meal…you’re satisfied…you really are.  But you just want a little something sweet?  Not the whole big two-pound brownie with a gallon of ice cream on top, just a taste of something.  Well P.F. Chang’s has answered the call.  My husband brought home take-out a few nights ago and surprised me with these two little beauties.  Mini Desserts.  Bite-size desserts (actually about three bites) in a variety of flavors.  We enjoyed the Tiramisu and the Mini Great Wall of Chocolate.  The perfect way to literally have your cake and eat it, too, without the guilt.  Yum!

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Jeans savings in June

Posted on June 1, 2011 by blitheandvine

Can you ever have enough pairs of jeans?  Me either.  Come to Blithe and Vine throughout June when all denim is buy one/get one 50% off.  Amazing savings and a great way to stock up on a wardrobe staple.

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