The Floral Leopard:

      I never thought I'd the kind of girl to wear a leopard print and a floral print at the same time. However, after trying out this ensemble, I have completely changed my mind. The key to mixing two strong prints is to keep one of them very subtle and minimal, like my skinny leopard print belt that I've got on. The belt adds just a little bit more interest to an otherwise classic black, white, and red outfit. Do you think you'll be pairing these two prints together? 

(Escada pumps previously worn here)

(My most trusted accessory, a gold watch. I purchased this Michael Kors
version several years ago at a Nordstrom pre-season sale!)

Hat- Tarnish, Dress-Diane Von Furstenberg (A thrifty find at Crossroads Trading Co!),
 Belt- Target (Perviously worn here), Watch- Michael Kors, Shoes- Escada

Yours,
Nico

PS: If you are wanting to check out more of my outfits and styling, feel free to hit this link to my Facebook photo album! And while you're there, I would love if you could "like" my SatinAndSalt page!

Small Morsels: Garden Edition!

      My backyard garden has quickly become one of my favorite rooms in the house during the summer months. I love digging around in the dirt (even though my manicure doesn't appreciate the extra grit), and the patio is an ideal location for craft projects. If you are lucky enough to have some outdoor space at your home, I encourage you to take advantage of the prime summer real estate! Here are a few glimpses into why I love my outdoor space so very much:

Yours,

Nico

An Unbirthday Cake!

      It's not my birthday or anything, but I have been in the mood to make a few wishes. Some people wish upon stars, I prefer cakes! 

      I hope everyone is having a very lovely weekend!

Yours,

Nico

DIY: Centerpiece fit for a tea party!

      Tea is a staple in my home. Not only do I enjoy a glass of home made iced tea, but I also love to use tea leaves while baking (for example, this cake recipe). Since I am an avid collector of fragrant teas, I have also hoarded quite a collection of metal tea canisters. Rather than let them get discarded, I have upcycled them into charming flower vases like the one photographed above. By using cut stems from my Father's garden I was able to complete this project for the mer cost of 1 dollar for floral foam from the dollar store! Here is a basic outline for how you can create your own simple centerpiece perfect for your next tea party:

And that's all it takes for a lovely floral display!

      I love the concept of taking simple items and making them into special home decor. Filling your house with fantastic floral arrangements doesn't have to be expensive. Other everyday items such as empty pasta sauce jars or perfume bottles would also make a great stage for flowers. And why not try buying some seeds (A pack of seeds can cost less than three dollars) and growing your own flowers too!

Yours,

Nico

Style Feature: Thru Rose Colored Glasses

      

      One of my favorite places to seek fashion inspiration is in the styles of all the people who surround me. Occasionally I like to feature these fashion mavens on my blog like in this post, or this one but today I am showcasing Jonas' awesome Summer style! Jonas' outfits often feature the color pink (check out those stellar shoes!) because it is his favorite color. When I asked him why he likes pink so much he just told me "Because pink is the most beautiful color I have ever seen, I go crazy when I see the color pink." I am guessing that this is why he likes to wear it! I hate wearing the color pink, Its too feminine for me... or at least I felt that way before meeting Jonas. But Jonas let me know that it doesn't matter if a color is considered "girly" or "manly," but that I should like things because I like them and not let outside opinions affect my decisions.  Did you know that the color pink represents compassion, hope, and unconditional love? Pink also provides calming effects and studies have shown that being exposed to pink can reduce anxieties and stress. So I think I'll be taking some fashion advice from Jonas, and wearing a lot more of the colors I love and adore, maybe even pink!

      You may have noticed something on Jonas' forehead, that's a Bindi and another one of Jonas' favorite things to have on!

Yours,

Nico

PS: Lately I'm discovering that kid's style is much more fun and exciting that my own wardrobe. Children experiment with clothing, they are daring... they inspire me to take more fashion risks! Do you ever feel this way about the kids in your life, whether it be your own little ones, a brother, or maybe a niece?