Tag Archives: Michigan

Clothing ETC.

Summer Breeze

Finding that perfect summer outfit, the one that you wear all the time because it’s comfortable during hot summer days, is not always easy. It’s kind of funny that I’m thinking about my perfect summer outfit while it’s been pouring rain here in Michigan the last few days…

My perfect outfit is a good pair of shorts, a flowey top, nice pair of sandals/espadrilles/flats and my favorite sunglasses. It’s an outfit that looks good for day and a casual evening out, and most important – comfortable!

The outfit below is the perfect mix of old and new: the blouse is by Equipment (my ultimate brand for everything silk and/or blousy) purchased 3 years ago at Bloomingdale’s, the chambray shorts are from J Crew purchased this year, the sandals are Stuart Weitzman purchased 2 years ago and the Valentino bag was a gift I received just a few months ago. Since I constantly edit my wardrobe it is very easy for me to mix and match and to reuse items over the years. The satisfaction is higher knowing they were great buys. This is by far one of my favorite looks!

Enjoy the last days of Summer because as they say “Winter is coming!”

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Photos by Kate Bolt

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EAT

Happy Birthday P&C!

A year ago, I embarked on a new journey and started “Peonies and Caramel”. A blog where I share my inspiration and my passion for life. I have enjoyed every moment of my first year. Each post made me a better blogger.

My only wish is that this year will be just as good and even better.

Thank you for following, commenting, sharing and just visiting.

XOXO,

Shani

PS – it can’t be a birthday without a party… Take a look at the birthday luncheon I hosted at my house. 

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Photos by Kate Bolt

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Clothing ETC.

The Maxi Love

Finding the right dress is a tricky task. Finding the right maxi dress is even more difficult. You HAVE to find that perfect balance between your height and the length of the dress. I am a 5″9, and whenever I tried a maxi dress in the past it was either too short or too long. No matter the brand or the size, I just couldn’t find a flattering one. Then, I found Mara Hoffman, and fell in love.

The print, the cut, the fabric and the length are just perfect! It is by far one of my favorite pieces. It is comfortable and fun. It looks amazing with flip flops on the beach or with studded sandals in the evening. What more can you ask for?

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Photos by Kate Bolt

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Clothing ETC.

Casual Chic

During the Summer, I often feel like all I do is drive. Actually, when I think about it, my whole day is spent in my car. I drive to science camp and back home, to the pool and back, to the playground and back, running errands, grocery shopping and the list goes on.

So, during these lovely long summer days, I want to be as comfortable as I can while still keeping the chic factor. I know how tempting it is to just wear Lululemon athletic cloths  all day long, but I try to avoid it on days that I don’t work out.

Back in February when I was buried in snow, I bought a few pairs of J Crew shorts for summer. I needed something to cheer me up…I just knew I would wear them, all the time. I love them. I chose really bright, fun colors such as lime green and orange. They look perfect with a plain white T or a button down Denim shirt.

Here is my summer UNIFORM: a comfy T, shorts, espadrilles and a big bag to carry my entire house.

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Photos by Kate Bolt

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Clothing ETC.

Sample Sale

Back in April, just hours before we left for the airport, J and I went to a LANVIN sample sale. We were enjoying and taking our time that New York morning until it was explained to us that if we were not there when the doors flung open there was no point of going. At a sample sale everything is 80% off original price. The best advice we got before going in was NOT to buy something just because it’s 80% off.

On our way there, I thought that I was going to this glamorous sale at a Madison Ave. boutique. When we arrived at an office building with instructions to go to the fourth level, I began to realize my glamorous thoughts were far, far from reality.

The elevator’s door opened to a 20-something year old with a clip board demanding to know our names (“if you’re not on the list you CAN’T go in!”) Once she verified that we were on the list, she said (in a not-so-nice-voice) that we must leave our jackets outside. Only small wallets allowed.

Another door opened to a very boring, packed office space with people running around with clothes and shoes in their hands. J went to the men’s side and I went to the women’s side. The last thing he said was to come and get him if I saw something nice. What a typical guy , describing LANVIN as nice! So, here I was trying on gowns with tags that ranged from $1000 to the sky, realizing I had nowhere to wear these gowns. I took them sadly off and checked on J who was having too much fun picking sneakers: “do you think I should take all 4 pairs?”

We did a lot of editing while we stood in line to pay. The girl in front of us took so many pieces she maxed out her credit card. I hope for her sake she wears everything she bought every day (and oh: no returns, no refunds or exchanges).

So, here is my LANVIN outfit for 80% off: dress, shoes (100% silk) and belt (python leather) all for less than $700.

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Clothing ETC.

Something White, something Red, something Blue

4th of July is here. In between running around with the girls from one activity to another, the holiday just arrived.  I can’t believe how fast summer is going. It’s the time of year of going from one BBQ to another, from the beach to the pool.

I know the web is full of 4th of July idea boards, but still I had to create my own chic version for the long weekend. I just love Prada’s take on the stud trend. The shoes are subtle and cool, and the sunglasses are just pure fun! J Brand always offer the most beautiful minimalist garments that just look and feel fabulous. The jeans with the camisole, shoes, sunglasses and clutch just make the perfect outfit.  Effortless chic for the Holiday weekend! I found the recipes at MarthaStewart.com and I can hardly wait and try them out.

Eat, drink, be happy and safe!
XOXO,
Shani

ALL2

  1. Vintage americana kid’s room decor
  2. Ostrich leather clutch by Coach
  3. Kate Spade statement necklace
  4. J Brand white camisole
  5. J Brand skinny jean in color Heartbreaker
  6. Firecracker Ice Pops
  7. Joie silk romper
  8. Prada studded leather ankle strap sandals
  9. Prada Voice sunglasses
  10. Red, white and blueberry Trifle

 

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Clothing ETC.

My fall “must have” list

Every year in August I start to plan my fall wardrobe. The reason I start this post with that declaration is because I am not a random shopper.

I buy all the fashion magazines, I surf the web and I comprise a “must have” list of fall essentials. After I have my list, I start browsing the stores. I do a lot of shopping online, because of my geographic location (Michigan is NOT New York. That being said there are a few good boutiques, but that is a subject for a different post ).

At that point I usually make my husband REALLY nervous, because at any given moment I will have at least ten web pages open with clothes, shoes and accessories…

When I choose my must have’s I focus on clothes and accessories that will complement my existing wardrobe. If it’s a trend that I think will be a one-season-kind-of-trend (like: neon, camouflage, military)  than I buy one item and I try to keep it on the lower part of the budget.

so, here it is:

A military jacket by “Hartford”:

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An A-line rain coat by “Burberry Brit”:

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Vintage wash dark blue jeans by “J Brand” with a blush color silk blouse by “Equipment” and a “J Crew” necklace:

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Navy blue cashmere sweater by “J crew”, Animal print sweater by “Rebecca Taylor” and animal print slippers by “Prada”:

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