Style Bent

How to Combine Multiple Rooms in One

2012-01-04T11:19:00.000-08:00

Living room + Home office + Lounge

Most space saving designs include some secret ingredient for multitasking. The key to making this small space functional is a desk equipped with wheels.

You can see in the room plan above that bookcases or open shelving on the opposing wall will alleviate the chore of moving everything out of the room every time you need to switch tasks.

Simple accessories, in the right scale, bring in color and personality.

Living in a small space does not mean you have to live small. Thoughtful rearranging can allow you to do it all.

See this and other space saving room plans at Shelterness.

Light me up with love notes: Paper note chandeliers

2011-12-29T14:20:00.000-08:00

All the romantics in the place, please join me for a collective "gasp!"

Remember all the reasons you fell in love? Do you remember checking your phone every 15 minutes; when a week apart felt like being marooned on a deserted island?

Do you remember the summer you spent abroad wondering if he had forgotten you? Do you remember writing and deleting lines in your email over and over again because the words did not seem adequate to capture what you were feeling?

Do you remember wondering when he would ask? When you would finally being able to tell him "yes"? The vowels you wrote when the the chance finally did come?

I could think of a million moments to fill these love notes with!

That is probably why these chandeliers come with a few blank sheets and plenty of clips.

This year, I fell in love. Twice. First, with the man of my dreams. Also, with this community of bloggers.

My readers have helped me to unearth a whole new joy. Your motivation and insight has made Style Bent into the place I love to retreat to at the end my days. Thank you all.

* HAPPY NEW YEARS *

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Math is Art

2011-11-27T07:59:00.000-08:00

There are two things I must get out of the way in order for this post to make any sense.

1. Mat Bomer aka Neal Caffrey in White Collar

Ex-ish con man who helps the feds solve crimes as part of a work-release program. An art aficionado and indulger in all things rare. Case in point: his apartment.

2. Mathematical Fractal

I will keep the nerd factor to a minimum. A fractal is a rough or fragmented geometric shape that can be split into parts, each of which is (at least approximately) a reduced-size copy of the whole. If you want a bigger dose, and it is worth learning about, do your nerdy art loving heart a favor and check out the Wikipedia page. Fractals are an amazing phenomenon found in most of nature.

Blitz summary of events that brought Neal, and me, to learn about fractals:

Adler's hired assassin shipping Nazi dishes. A music box stolen by the Nazi's. Neal's true love gets blown up. A fractal in the music box Neal and Alex think points to something that went missing in the '40's.

As another favor for your nerdy art loving heart, watch the show, faun over the world traveled decor, and pretend Mat Bomer does not count as a piece of the art work.

3. The point of this post: Math is art.

The ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks knew about the golden ratio, regarded as an aesthetically pleasing ratio, and incorporated it into the design of monuments including the Great Pyramid, the Parthenon, the Colosseum.

A picture can speak a thousand words. What better way to make math make sense?

These mathematical sketches would make great posters. Perhaps on aged paper to create a vintage look.

One of the most famous, almost-a-fractal, works of art is The Great Wave Off Kanagawa.

It depictsan enormous wave threatening boats near the Japanese prefecture of Kanagawa. What makes it an almost-a-fractal is that the artwork was was published in 1832, before theory of fractals was invented.

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Apartment photos are all from USA Network.

Sometimes it's worth taking the chance....

2011-11-25T09:27:00.001-08:00

Photo credit here.

When they say "Wow"

2011-11-15T11:08:00.001-08:00

The best part about watching people walk into my space is hearing them say "Wow." When I look for inspiration, two things that draw my eye are rooms with an unexpected accent or rooms that show off a someones personality.

The peacock in this photo is a good example.

The statement is bold. The colors and the height demand your eye. I peeped this pretty little bird on Save-on-crafts.com.

One click led to another. Those clicks led to others that revealed some of my favorite decorating pieces.

I have never owned a side table. They feel too predictable. This easel is my kind of eye opener.

My discount find:

Writing this blog has brought me into contact with amazingly talented lifestyle writers. It has also shown me that great design is not out of reach.

Why can't you put a bird cage on a plant hook?

Who said you can't get the same things you see in the pictures?

French pillows in this room:

The stacked cases in this one:

A bell jar to display a group of objects

Whether it's just some quirky bauble you found on the fly or a vintage score, make your room an exclamation point.

Photo credits:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

All decorating items from Save-on-Crafts.com.

Ixnay the clutter

2011-11-13T13:53:00.001-08:00

Helloooo answer to small space clutter:

I am sharing a DIY idea from MarthaStewart.com: how to transform a traditional piece of bedroom furniture into a multitasking mini office, complete with bulletin board and filing cabinet.

To make the bulletin board:
Cut a piece of 1/2-inch-thick cork (available at office-supply stores) to fit the underside of the lid; affix it with craft glue.

To make the sliding supply organizer:
Cut two strips of molding to fit inside the long sides of the chest; use small nails to attach a strip along each side, several inches below the lip, to support a tray (as pictured). To make the tray: Cut a piece of craft paper the length and width you'd like the tray to be (make sure it will be wide enough to rest on the strips of molding), and mark the depth needed on the template.

Bring the paper to a home-supply store that sells wooden drawer organizers, and arrange enough organizers on top of the paper to cover the surface. At home, paint the organizers to match the chest, and let dry. Use wood glue to attach to one another.

To create a filing system:
Insert adjustable hanging file-folder frames inside the chest.

Also, check out this super easy office-in-an-ottoman tutorial from Save my Space.

Happy Sunday!

A background in taste: Contemporary Vintage

2011-11-10T12:39:00.000-08:00

Why it works:

1. signature modern touches: clean surfaces and organized displays

2. contemporary glam: disco ball light

3. a tad bit of spunk: contrast-colored revolver to the right

4. guilty pleasures in moderation: animal hide and rich red drapes

Design is personal. This room reminded me how important it is to let your personality take center stage.

Photo credits: 1

A background in taste: Modern Vintage

2011-11-08T13:01:00.000-08:00

So many young decorators are trying to reinvent the wheel, and the results are sometimes very dubious.

They're striving to do things that have never been done before.

Quite often it is done without authority, without knowledge, and without a background in taste.

They need to be educated about the past, and they need a richer vocabulary.

Albert Hadley, The Story of America's Preeminent Interior Designer

SisterBatik

2011-10-27T04:17:00.000-07:00

Over the winter break I plan to design and produce a line of pillows and the theme will be global eclectic. It would be fair to say I had no idea how creative the process can be.

Let me introduce you to SisterBatik.

The shop professes a love for global textiles and their current obsession is Dutch wax print batik. A beautiful fabric with exuberant colours and prints. They mix and match fabric to create a brilliant color story.

Each item is individually crafted and they only make a few of each, because they like to offer new prints

This designer has certainly inspired me. You can find them on Etsy at SisterBatik.

Ethnic textiles

2011-10-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

I wrote a post on Afros and Glitter a while back discussing which fashion rules were made to be broken. Rigid matching of colors, patterns, or texture is unflattering whether on your body or in your home.

Case in point:

These African textiles refuse to let me go. I did a bit of ~~shopping~~ research this weekend and recreated the fashion shot in a palette of decor fabric swatches.

The best part about doing my ~~shopping~~ research on Fabrics.com was realizing all these fabrics were $7.50 or less.

Trohv

2011-09-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

I made a second visit to Trohv this weekend just to see what they had in stock. Boy was I impressed, yet again. The first time I visited the store I took two hours ohhhing and ahhhing before AJ reminded me we did have a life and plans outside of the place.

We made a second visit this weekend. I managed to snap some photos this time to share on the blog.

My favorite item in the store, these large bulb pendant can fit in modern or traditional rooms.

These industrial rolling shelves would look great with some international decor items displayed.

The rug is made of leather strips. If you are like me and love the twangy smell of leather this would rock your world.

Would it be too much to expect a love note in the morning instead of a breakfast order?

All images are my own.

Trohv is located at

232 Carroll Street NW
Washington, DC 20012
202-829-2941

Color Blocking at Home

2011-09-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

Color blocking is the coolest of cool fall trends. It's a grown up way of reliving your childhood tendency to wear all of your favorite colors at once. Well, now that trend is all chic and grown up and it has moved indoors.

You may notice the design are not pattern heavy. The walls, accessories, and floors are minimal as well. The trick to color blocking is to allow those beautiful, bold hues to speak for themselves.

All images from Design Shuffle

Are you color blocking? Comment with links to you blog posts for everyone to see.

My black chalkboard wall

2011-09-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

It would not be entirely inaccurate to say I am the sort of girl who likes to cut the bull and see a thing through. Case in point: I decided Sunday evening to paint my accent wall black and had half of it done within the hour.

Let me tell you, I L.O.V.E. the color black (or absence of color? whatever). The only barrier to painting was to decide whether I wanted all black walls or black stripes. This photo from Design for Mankind almost made me come undone.

But I had already done vertical stripes in a previous apartment. Soooooo... Viola! Today is Tuesday and I am the proud stunter of a floor to ceiling chalkboard wall.

My advice to people who may also want to try this out:

1) It is just like any other painting job. No harder and same prep tools.

2) Be sure you choose a wall where you won't want to move decorations around. Empty nail holes really stand out.

3) Add a second layer. Small spot will show through sort of like scratches if the paint is too thin.

4) Do not spend more than $10 for the paint. The hardware store near my house charges twice that. I asked them to price match Home Depot and got it knocked down.

That's all for tonight. Stay tuned for styling updates!

City Girl Chic

2011-09-14T03:49:00.000-07:00

Hats off to the Joss and Main chic city-style collection, curated by The Decorista.

Ahhhh. What a lovely virtual vacation. Gotta get back to the book though! Those of you who are not in law school should wander over to Joss and Main today to peep the rest of the collection.

I finallly hung out a virtual shingle

2011-09-12T04:57:00.001-07:00

I recently set up a flavors.me account to stream all my blogs, video, and pictures to one place. The site updater is not the fastest so this blog will be more current. It will allow you to view all my work in one place, though.

http://flavors.me/laterrac

The next step will be to purchase my url. Please send any tips for navigating GoDaddy.com. My last purchase their wound up costing me a ton and I was tied into this weird, never ending contract with additional fees.

Whatever turns your gray skies sequined.

2011-09-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

It's been a rainy week in DC. Since I was forced to entertain myself indoors, I decided to photograph my current pillow arrangement on the bed. I have had white bedding for nine years. This little sequin pillow is just enough to satisfy my sense of drama.

Hope you all are enjoyed the time indoors this week.

3D wall tiles.

2011-09-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

If your walls could talk...

Imagine a city where graffiti wasn't illegal

2011-09-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

My mode at the moment:

"Imagine a city where graffiti wasn't illegal, a city where everybody drew whatever they liked. Where every street was awash with a million colours and little phrases. Where standing at a bus stop was never boring. A city that felt like a party where everyone was invited, not just the estate agents and barons of big business. Imagine a city like that and stop leaning against the wall - it's wet. "

Banksy

Some days I just want to put on a tutu and biker boots, spike my hair and tell the world to chill the heck out. This quote takes me to that place every time I read it. I hope you will all come along for the ride. Happy Thursday.

2011-08-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

From UrbanOutfitters

The Roommate Desk

2011-08-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

Unlike most people, I love, Love, LOVE organizing. And that warm tingly good feeling of knowing where all my stuff is makes the whole shebang worth it. When a friend and I decided to start looking for apartments together I automatically started brainstorming all the ways we could make our separate lives fit into an iddy bitty patch of rented real estate. Meet: the roommate desk.

(the fact that there is a disco ball in this room makes me ridiculously giddy)

Ahhh, the possibilities...

Feeling Some Kind of Something

2011-06-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Part dazzle, part comfortable, a little bit of trouble. I can't put my finger on it. I am feeling some kind of something.

Feeling Some Kind of Something by stylebent featuring platform booties

Elie Saab sequin jacket
$2,750 - boutique1.com

Miss Selfridge high waisted shorts
£28 - missselfridge.com

Alexander McQueen platform booties
$1,028 - bluefly.com

Diane von Furstenberg gold metallic clutch
£241 - matchesfashion.com

Ugo Cacciatori chunky ring
£295 - farfetch.com

Wall Decor - Panels & Placques | Z Gallerie
$15 - zgallerie.com

TuTu Desk

2011-06-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

Words escape me. I will just let your eyes provide the narrative.

from Black and Spiro

Cozying the home with steel?

2011-05-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

I found this awesome Etsy artist on a random peruse for inspiration. Cool metal cabinets put to a creative new use.

This GORGEOUS, rolling 60" media console cabinet was repurposed from a set of vintage steel lockers. This industrial media console cabinet is an incredible example of creative repurposing & a great conversation piece!

This vintage, military green, steel locker brings a industrial chic look to your fab urban domicile.

Brushed steel is an AMAZING finish when you want a piece that will pick up the surrounding decor colors.

Originally, this gorgeous rolling file storage was entirely ORANGE, inside & out. This great cart probably spent every day in a retro, chic 1960's office.

I am labeling this shop the most linkable link of the day. Pop on in and see all the other amazing stuff on this site.

wesbeen

Decorate with Rorschack

2011-04-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

from and so it begins

Wallpaper from Repeats So Sweet

Magazine spread by Chuck Hetitnger Studios

1984 Andy Warhol Rorchach Painting

another Warhol piece, on a rug that would likely never touch my floor from Design Crisis

from Apartment Therapy

Let your nerdy self have some fun with these.

Eye Spy Round-Up in Home Design

2011-01-18T05:45:00.000-08:00

1. Revco Bella Side Table @ http://www.hautelook.com

2. Chandelier by Liv Chic home design @ http://livchic.com

3. Nate Berkus Metallic Sequin Pillow @ hsn.com

4. Blogger JAX does design home tour @ http://jaxdoesdesign.blogspot.com

I think a lot of people have lost respect for the individual...

2011-01-17T17:02:00.000-08:00

I think a lot of people have lost respect for the individual,

you know, the individual, the person who

doesn't conform.

Erykah Badu

Lights. Camera. Drama.

2010-12-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Hour Alter Ego

2010-12-16T06:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Hour Somewhere: Denver vs DC by stylebent featuring hoop earrings jewelry

Style Bent's First Giveaway

2010-11-25T08:42:00.000-08:00

It happened by accident. I asked a friend to grab me some make-up remover while they were at the store because 1) I was DEEP into some Tort Law outlining; and 2) Makeup has become my saving grace with all the late study nights.

Problem is 1) The brand I asked for was out and 2) Said friend was shopping at a wholesale store. I now have 3 bottles of Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover. And, is the BOMB.

What I like:

1. It doesn't strip every drop of moisture from my face but still cleans all the make-up away

2. No burning sensation

3. No bad smells

4. Awesome price.

5. Does the job quickly so I'm not scrubbing or washing up a whole other mess.

------------------------------------------------

Details:

1. The giveaway begins tomorrow.
2. Enter by following the blog. PLUS Because I am new to blogging and looking to grow, shoot me an email with CONSTRUCTIVE tips on how to improve the blog. Think simple, only a couple steps a newbie can handle. This will get ya a double entry. PLUS shout out the giveaway on your blog and I'll make it a tripple.
3. Your job is done.
4. The winner will be announced the next Wednesday.

Thanks in advance!

-----------------------------------------------

As much as I love free stuff, it pays to be an educated consumer. Here are some sites you can check out to get the low down on Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover.

Amazon

ViewPoints

Epinions

-----------------------------------------------

Behind the Seams: Zappos Couture

2010-11-24T07:51:00.000-08:00

This online outlet has been bounced around the blogosphere since it's debut this fall. But just in case any unfortunate soul has been missed, here a glimpse into Zappos Couture.

Kate Spade New York Crystal Confection Ring

-----------------------------------------------------

Their Retail Story:

"... Couture.Zappos.com was created for the ultra-stylish, for the designer followers, the in-the-knows, the Vogue readers, the runway watchers – but really anyone looking for the latest and greatest items from the best international fashion houses. Zappos Couture offers the same convenience and world-class customer service you've come to expect from Zappos.com: lightning-fast processing, free shipping, complimentary return shipping, and a 365-day return policy.

Conceived as a full-service online boutique, at Couture.Zappos.com you'll not only find incredible clothes at great prices, you'll also find professional style picks from top buyers and other fashion experts, reports on emerging trends, and interactive content designed to help you make difficult style decisions and just have fun shopping too ..."

-----------------------------------------------------

And the praises are being shouted form the rooftops:

@ twenty2

@the capital fashionista

Kat Bremhors of Second City Style showed up to the party on time; announcing to all:

" Zappos now has even outdone itself and come out with a sister site aptly named, Zappos Couture. All the benefits of your favorite site now with all your favoritedesigners! This couture site has bags, shoes, accessories, and clothes for men and women. You can narrow your search down easily to make finding that perfect fringed leather bag easier than ever..."

Fashion Hype: Google Launches Boutiques.com- IMAGES REPAIRED

2010-11-22T02:27:00.000-08:00

Google, master of marrying technology and consumer trends, is at it again. Here is what they have to say about their latest venture, Boutiques.com:

"... Boutiques.com is a personalized shopping experience, brought to you by Google, that lets you find and discover fashion goods through a collection of boutiques curated by taste-makers -- celebrities, stylists, designers, and fashion bloggers. Boutiques uses visual technology to help fashionistas discover and shop their look and creates the opportunity for designers to showcase their collections and latest inspirations online.

Boutiques.com is built on technology developed by our team of fashion experts who work with engineers to “teach” our computer systems to understand various patterns, pairings, and genre definitions. When signed into your account, Boutiques.com learns about your style and preferences and in turn, provides you better results and recommendations over time. Ultimately, Boutiques.com will provide shoppers with a much richer and interactive shopping experience and help drive traffic to retailers' websites... "

First, you can set up an account by telling the search engine what styles, patterns, cuts, and colors you love or hate. With a few clicks, the info is sent into web land where it's analyzed to build your very own boutique.

My style profile: Street

I had to allot an extra heaping of cool points to Google for adding a blogger boutique search. It allows you to find bloggers whose styles philosophy matches your own. And so, I can now follow my kindred fashion spirits.

Readers, meet sussiebubble and StreetPeeper ;-)

To get a taste of the shopping search engine for yourself (and follow me!) just visit: boutiques.com

Fashion Hype: Alber Elbaz on Lanvin for H&M- IMAGES REPAIRED

2010-11-22T01:07:00.000-08:00

" .

" .. The Lanvin for H&M collectiwhich goes on sale tomorrow, is no more, no less than Elbaz's "greatest hits", from £1.99 for a printed cotton carrier-bag, and £29.99 for a signature, flower and sequin-embellished T-shirt, to £199.99 for a black satin evening coat.

There are 48 pieces in the womenswear collection, including jewel-bright cocktail dresses, classic LBDs, tulle party frocks,and zebra print trench coats, together with leopard print and diamante-encrusted shoes and clutches, flower corsages and jewellery. Menswear, in collaboration with Lanvin's Lucas Ossendriver, is Alber Elbaz-style, right down to "his" floppy bow-ties and black, Buddy-Holly glasses, £14.99. No wonder the guests who shopped the 'pop-up store' following the catwalk extravaganza in New York a few days ago, were leaving the Pierre with half a dozen, ribbon-tied carrier bags apiece ... "

For Full Article visit:

Fashion Forewords: i lie to everyone about everything

2010-11-22T00:50:00.000-08:00

i lie to everyone about everything, especially me.
i say i'm not tired when i am, i say i'm hungry when i'm not.
i tell people what they want to hear,
and never say what i'm actually feeling.
i let the lies pile up like bricks on a wall,
until i can't see out and no one else can see in.
i make a plan to escape.
i become someone else.
i put on a disguise,
and i climb over the wall,
and no one recognizes me.
i feel powerful.
i get people to do what i want them to do,
but i go too far, i get lost,

and i don't recognize myself.
so i take off my disguise,
i give away the power,
i give up the control,
i retrace my steps, go back to the wall,
and i take it down, brick by brick.
i bury them to mark the place,
strip away all the lies until there are none left.
i remember the girl i left behind,
i claim the confidence i was missing.
i envision the woman i want to be,
tell everyone the truth about everything, especially you.

confessions of a go go girl

Christmas Blue

2010-11-21T20:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas Azure by stylebent featuring a beret hat

Fashion Fades

2010-11-21T18:01:00.000-08:00

Fashion fades, only style remains the same

I Hate Love.

2010-11-20T18:12:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been in love? Horrible isn't it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up. You build up all these defenses, you build up a whole suit of armor, so that nothing can hurt you, then one stupid person, no different from any other stupid person, wanders into your stupid life...You give them a piece of you.

Versace pencil dress

They didn't ask for it. They did something dumb one day, like kiss you or smile at you, and then your life isn't your own anymore. Love takes hostages. It gets inside you. It eats you out and leaves you crying in the darkness, so simple a phrase like 'maybe we should be just friends' turns into a glass splinter working its way into your heart. It hurts. Not just in the imagination. Not just in the mind. It's a soul-hurt, a real gets-inside-you-and-rips-you-apart pain. I hate love

Conceited

2010-11-19T23:09:00.000-08:00

People shouldn't let me hear what they say behind my back. It makes me far too conceited.

Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed

2010-11-18T17:34:00.000-08:00

Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed. Maybe they just need to run free til they find someone just as wild to run with them

Decorating with blank canvases- Repaired!

2010-09-05T06:46:00.000-07:00

Whoops! Lost my images somehow when originally posting this. Here it is again for anyone who wasn't able to view the inspiration photos.

A few months back, I stumbled onto a fantastic art store sale. Eight blank wall canvases of all sizes found their way into the back a closet shortly after. Finally I chose to put them on the wall blank in hopes it would bring out my creativity muse. But the truth is, I sort of love them just the way they are.

(My bedroom wall mock-up)

Surprisingly, I find myself staring into them all the time. The blank space gives my eye a rest and has been a relief in my necessarily crowded bedroom. So I searched for some ~~validation~~ inspiration and found these:

(Design Darling)

(TheFind Blog)

2010-08-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

When "daybed" comes up, many people probably picture this:

(Furniture on the Web)

...or this:

(Ebedstore) (And I have had this exact bed)

Yes, daybeds probably remind many of the '80s-style white metal ones in little girls' rooms or of nights resting on dated floral pillows at Grandma's house. But daybeds deserve more credit. Not only do they make tiny bedrooms seem bigger, but several come with trundles to make room for guests. I've slept on daybeds most of my life, and though I now have a queen-size mattress (because as I get older I sleep wilder), I can't praise the daybed enough. They're much more fun than simple twin beds--and more comfortable than futons--and they can free up corner space to hide your junk mail...wait, nevermind. There are gorgeously modern styles available, some of which could pass for loveseats. If you're trying to furnish tight dimensions, try one!

(Apartment Therapy)

(Mission Mattress and More)

(Eco-Furniture)

(HGTV)

(Marston daybed)

(Sleepland Beds UK)

(Home Decorators)

I'm late... I'm late, I'm late, I'm LATE- Fall Capes

2010-08-23T03:41:00.000-07:00

Big apologies, this post was supposed to be up several days ago. I've just completed my first week of law school. In an orientation seminar, one professor warned "law school will beat every creative bone out of your body so find a place where you can put that energy that is outside of here", and I am taking her to heart. You readers are my happy place. Thank you for being patient and giving me a creative refuge.

Without further ago, let's discuss fall capes.

(Polyvore)

Although not new, retailers all over the place are reinterpreting these warm and cozy winter garments for 2010.

I'm especially excited to see the variety of colors coming down the runways. Last years run centered on muted tones and I didn't notice as many tailored fits.

(by Jill Sanders via InStyle)

(by Zac Posen via InStyle)

(by Emilio Pucci via InStyle)

(Gossip Girl)

Becomegorgeous.com has provided a great summary of how and when to don the piece. Their tips include:

In order to look your best you must make sure that you

Choose the right cut as well as the right colors that will match your skin tone and that will allow you create interesting outfits.
If you are thinking about purchasing a cape coat you should make sure that you are comfortable with adding volume in the upper part of body.
Because you will be creating a lot of volume in the upper part of the body you will need to balance out the lower part by wearing tight fitting pants, narrow skirts, leggins or skinny jeans.
For a casual look pairing the coat a cute top, skinny jeans and knee high boots can be a good choice

My question: will the 2010 cape in all it's bright and modern finishes be a fashion fling or steady thing?

Leopard: Reloaded

2010-08-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

The fashion oligarchy has ruled that leopard print is cool again for fall. As much as I love the traditional pattern, it can easily tread into tacky, sleazy territory. But these leopard-inspired pieces manage to be fresh, interesting, and--above all--tasteful:

I love the slouch and sheen of this top, but I'd ditch the mini for black skinnies (Breanna Lee)

I'm salivating over this one (Sonia Rykiel)

Possibly the prettiest leopard print ever (Kate Spade)

Just looks so comfortable (Fred Flare)

Sexy and a little dangerous (Searle NYC)

Who knew leopard could be this simple? (Guess)

Just a touch of the flecked feline (Max and Chloe)

This is really, for lack of a better word, awesome (KC Malhan)

A girl can dream in spots, right? (Prada)

A world without electric bills

2010-08-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

This year's blizzards and thunderstorms have me admiring the original flashlight, the good ole candle and lantern. While the power was out, it was kind of fun to pretend I was an insubordinate lass exploring the forbidden west wing of an 18th-century castle with a single flame. I think these pretty anachronisms would inject modernity into any space:

Garden Decor Galore

Restoration Hardware

Ok, these aren't candle-lit, but they're gorgeous...Pottery Barn

The birdcage look is kind of cool...World Market

World Market

Pottery Barn

Fit in but stand out

2010-08-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

Fit in but stand out by stylebent featuring Alice + Olivia dresses

Alice + Olivia Belted silk wrap dress
$370 - net-a-porter.com
More Alice + Olivia dresses »

Christian Louboutin Poseidon 120 pumps
$1,195 - net-a-porter.com
More Christian Louboutin pumps »

Gold Kiku .1 Wristlet Obi Clutch
$250 - yesstyle.com
More Liucia Japan clutches »

Bijoux Heart 24-karat gold-plated pearl earrings
$385 - net-a-porter.com
More Bijoux Heart earrings »

Diamond Bracelets
tacori.com
More bracelets »

Necklaces | Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Brass Mesh Chain Necklace | New...
$2,200 - newyorkestatejewelry.com
More necklaces »

Urban Decay Stardust Eyeshadow Diamond Dog
$20 - sephora.com

CHANEL ROUGE COCO Lipstick | Cosmetics | Holt Renfrew
$38 - holtrenfrew.com

Oeil Pour Oeil Mascara - Black
$65 - barneys.com

Parisienne Yves Saint Laurent Eau de Parfum Spray
$85 - nordstrom.com

New York, New York, Chrysler Building at Night Poster Print by Henri...
$74 - postercheckout.com

Low Back Maxi Dress = Addicted

2010-08-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

One afternoon, while shopping for strappy black sandals, this dress grabbed my attention.

After telling myself there was no way I'd actually detour so grossly from the day's mission, the dress and I made it to the fitting room; just to see how it would fit if I were willing to take it home.

First thoughts: oooohh, what pretty colors.

Second thought: Wowza, look at that back!

Third thought: Wonder if I'll be cold in this Wednesday night?

Remember Kate Hudsons gown in How to Loose a Guy in 10 Days?

This style of dress dazzles me. Here's some inspiration:

Roberto Cavelli Belted print maxi dress

EMILIO PUCCI Asymmetric jersey dress

FENDI Halterneck satin-crepe gown

RM BY ROLAND MOURET Open-back jersey maxi dress

MALENE BIRGER Low-back jersey maxi dress

LA PERLA Ranja embellished satin maxi dress

All images from Net-A-Porter

The Whole Shebang

2010-08-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

This jacket caught my eye.

This outfit kept it there.

That is what I call the whole shebang.

All images Shopbop.

Little Luxuries: Sheepskin Rugs

2010-08-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

(Decor Pad)

No longer just for sinking your toes in; sheepskin rugs are a welcome comfort just about anyplace.

(Decor Pad)

(Casa Sugar)

(Design Within Reach)

(KITKA Design-- love, LOVE this bathroom))

(the lil bee)

Just one of those little luxuries.

Karen Millen

2010-08-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Wowza! How did I go this long without knowing about this fabulous designer?

---------- <3 ----------

How Do I Look?

2010-08-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

First, I am not a big tv person. One of my favorite quips is that tv is very educational; every time someone turns one on I go into the other room and read a book. Lately, I've been creeping in the night and watching How Do I Look? like a kid scheming to inspect Christmas presents. Please don't judge me.

How fabulous is Mai's Zappos closet?

Underscoring my assertion that humility and service are some of the most stylish characteristics a person can embody, Mai and crew participate in community service. They also spotlight The Jenesse Center, a domestic violence prevention and intervention organization, on the show's blog.

This, people, is food. Ok, so you may have gathered that much on your own. Whats catching me is that the fabulous Mai loves and indulges in a habit most of Hollywood abhors: eating.

After stumbling onto this post from her blog, my adoration has been cemented. Mai put this ENTIRE outfit together for $60.

Moral of the blog: Look great, give back, project confidence not money, and be real.

I've changed my mind. Go ahead and judge me if ya want. My name is Style Bent and I watch reality tv; now in the daylight!

Piano Musings

2010-08-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

Something about learning the keys has got me all jazzed up. It's been gnawing at me for enough weeks now that I am forced to put a new keyboard on my wishlist.

Music does things for the psyche. It's a dialect without borders, and friend without conditions.

Every soulful jingle and blues based movie dances on my whimsy and I can not shake the desire to train on the piano.

But, will I have the patience to be great? Will the reality of daily study zap the pizazz from my interests? How do you know when to dive and when to find content in watching from the sidelines?

If today was Marc day

2010-08-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

Marc by stylebent featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs

Out on a Limb: Decorating with Branches

2010-07-31T18:43:00.000-07:00

With an eye toward fall's fashion debut, these branch inspired pieces are right on time.

(Polyvore)

(Polyvore)

(Polyvore)

(Polyvore)

(Polyvore)

(Polyvore)

(Polyvore)

(Polyvore)

(Polyvore)

(Casa Sugar)

(THE INGLENOOK DECORs Musings)

(Decoration Tricks)

(D’Amore Interiors)

It's the Weekend

2010-07-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

Let's go!

Little Luxuries

2010-07-27T14:13:00.000-07:00

Ever find yourself searching for that perfect little something? It makes your heart tick a bit quicker, you swoon in public retail outlets, and your wanting takes on a preoccupation so intense it may as well be a need? Sometimes the small things make a world of difference. The right little bitty thing at the right time can be enough to turn grey skies blue.

Beginning today, I will be testing a weekly series titled Little Luxuries. For this week, lets have a look at serving trays.

(Z Gallery)

(Pier 1)

(West Elm)

(Nordstrom)

(Target)

(Crate and Barrel)

(Williams-Sonoma)

(Home Accents Today)

(CB2)

Is there a tray on your wish list of little luxuries?

Law School Comfy

2010-07-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

With back to school time a couple weeks away, school-clothes shopping for grown-ups is in effect. Imagining early mornings, fleeting days, and late hours at the library make me crave soft, warm, beautiful, and comfy clothes. The type of stuff that will make me feel good even on the most exhausting of days.

Here today, gone when the mood changes: Chalk drawings

2010-06-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

I like all of these for different reasons. Mostly, I like that each is unique to the artist/inhabitant. Funny how the most simple things can make a big plash. So go ahead, write on the walls. And when your mood changes, write something else.

I caught you, traitorous hair!

2010-06-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

My hair has a just add water setting. Sort of like those bath toys that are the size of a dime until they get wet and swell to the size of someones head. Only it's far less entertaining on a young professional.

Well, now that all attempts to restrain the beast have failed, hats are my latest fashion find.

This baby is a stress relieving, get me out the door on time, hide the chaos life saver.

Now the hunt is on for some diversity:

Do you wear a hat for function or for fashion? What is your favorite summer hat?

Two Things

2010-06-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

Another way to wear the statement necklace

2010-05-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

I realize this is a wedding photo. Work with me here. I must have a dozen long, multi tiered necklaces and have never thought to throw them on like this.Something dramatic with a simple white tee, jeans, and warrior heels would rock this look.

Attempts to replicate to follow!!

Are you willing to give it a try?

Shorts and Heels

2010-05-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

There is definitely a way to do this right or to do it very wrong. In general, I try to always keep something covered. So if the legs are out and the heels are on then a modest top is a must.

________________________________________________

What do you think? Can this combo be done right or better left alone?

The Liberty Sideboard: Love or hate it?

2010-05-20T12:14:00.000-07:00

What I love:

1. white is so beautiful

2. those tassels are fun and a bit swanky

3. talk about curves

I've been getting mixed reaction from others. So what do you love or hate about this piece?

Boyfriend Blazer + Spring Dress= Addicted

2010-04-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

Anyone else loving this combo?

Diagnosis: Spring Fever

2010-04-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

"It's spring fever,and when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!"-- Huck Finn in Tom Sawyer, Detective.

Via Mood Board

My name is SB and I'm an addict...

2010-04-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

Over the lasts couple weeks something has become abundantly clear: I have an addiction to lighting. In my 9 by 11 box of rented real estate there are 2 table lamps, a pendant light, and a floor lamp. But STILL I contemplate purchasing more.

Obsessed.

Oh, but not to worry. While on Shine by S.H.O I found plenty of other objects to project my addiction onto:

Ahhhh, pacified...for now.

What home decor item are you addicted to?

This little light

2010-04-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

These made a grey DC afternoon feel cozy.

Sale at Amenity

2010-04-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

For today, you can get an additional 50% off of home goods that are already marked down.

I spy with my little eye:

cream and gold hemp stretched pillow,

flat wall prints,

organic bedding sets,

Playful nursery sets,

Stretched prints,

AND, free shipping over $100. Happy shopping!

When all else fails

2010-04-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

Because sometimes the day starts off badly and it won't get any better until it's over. There are a few things a girl can depend on.

For the hand full I hours I've got to endure a bad day, these five things are necessary objects.

When it's all gone wrong, what are five things you depend on to see the day through?

Style Bent

How to Combine Multiple Rooms in One

Light me up with love notes: Paper note chandeliers

Math is Art

Sometimes it's worth taking the chance....

When they say "Wow"

Ixnay the clutter

A background in taste: Contemporary Vintage

A background in taste: Modern Vintage

SisterBatik

Ethnic textiles

Trohv

Color Blocking at Home

My black chalkboard wall

City Girl Chic

I finallly hung out a virtual shingle

Whatever turns your gray skies sequined.

3D wall tiles.

Imagine a city where graffiti wasn't illegal

The Roommate Desk

Feeling Some Kind of Something

TuTu Desk

Cozying the home with steel?

Decorate with Rorschack

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Eye Spy Round-Up in Home Design

I think a lot of people have lost respect for the individual...

Lights. Camera. Drama.

Happy Hour Alter Ego

Style Bent's First Giveaway

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Kate Spade New York Crystal Confection Ring

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Fashion Hype: Alber Elbaz on Lanvin for H&M- IMAGES REPAIRED

Fashion Forewords: i lie to everyone about everything

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Fashion Fades

I Hate Love.

Conceited

Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed

Decorating with blank canvases- Repaired!

I'm late... I'm late, I'm late, I'm LATE- Fall Capes

Leopard: Reloaded

A world without electric bills

Fit in but stand out

Low Back Maxi Dress = Addicted

MALENE BIRGER Low-back jersey maxi dress

The Whole Shebang

Little Luxuries: Sheepskin Rugs

Karen Millen

How Do I Look?

Piano Musings

If today was Marc day

Out on a Limb: Decorating with Branches

It's the Weekend

Little Luxuries

Law School Comfy

Here today, gone when the mood changes: Chalk drawings

I caught you, traitorous hair!

Two Things

Another way to wear the statement necklace

Shorts and Heels

The Liberty Sideboard: Love or hate it?

Boyfriend Blazer + Spring Dress= Addicted

Diagnosis: Spring Fever

My name is SB and I'm an addict...

This little light

Sale at Amenity

When all else fails