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| Tire Quilt Affair |
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| 5 Zip Clutch |
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| Affair Small Quilt and Studd |
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| Large Racy Clutch |
Monday, October 31, 2011
Rebecca Minkoff Takeover!
Would love, love, love to add these bags to my accessory collection! Check them out at the Rebecca Minkoff Online Store.
Determination
I'm not in the greatest mood today, due to sleep deprivation and the incompetence of other people... But this brought me quite a bit of joy this morning, and I hope it does the same for you! Thank you BING!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Spooky Hands
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Interesting Find
Love Mickey from Lauren Moshi
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| Lauren Moshi |
Kate Spade Class
I would like to doll up my electronics some more! Here's what I am thinking...
...and yes, I am a little bit of an Apple whore. Don't judge please.
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| Love the idea of thise case for my iPad, esp. since I don't have one, and take my iPad everywhere! |
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| I know I already have a case for my macbook but I like this one better! HELLO RED! |
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| Sucha blue girl! This would be great when I finally upgrade from a 3 to a 4! |
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Chanel Spring 2012 RTW
Out of 85 slides this is the only one that I was really into. Mostly because I love the vivid color and texture of the top paired with the slick, balck short shorts!
Elie Saab
For Spring 2012. Loving these looks... If only I were an heiress with event to attend and places to go!
Loving that canary yellow is such a huge color for spring! 
HUE!
So I was checking all the blogs I follow this morning, because I was extremely behind. Anyways, I was checking out somethingnavy, and although at times I feel that Ariel's style is much more "ornate" than my own, I occassionally come across an item that I LOVE! That happened today... I found a fun pair of Hue Nordic Jacquard Sweater Leggings - and just new that they had to be mine. I will totally be rollin to kierland in these, or cozying up by the fire in them... and I will definitely be wearign them to the Patriot Tower's 2012 Christmas Golf Outing. YAY!
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| Photo from Somethingnavy.com |
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Seduced by Boots
Have I told you that it wasn't until I worked for Steve Madden that I started falling in love with boots? Usually after I quit working for a company I quit buying their product, mostly because I no longer get the discount (do you blame me?). Anyways... back on point, they seduced me again with these fun lace-up boots. Granted, I saw them in Vegas a year ago - they are still available to purchase now.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Unif.
So in love with this -- w/ dark cognac brown cowboy inspried boots and of course a basic black tee...
YES YES YES!
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| Unif Lora jacket, $165 |
Entrepreneurship
So my boyfriend forwarded this email to me. It was sent by the owner of an engineering firm in North Carolina to his employees. The words he wrote were extremely factual and even inspiring as a young entrepreneur. This is something that I think most of American business men and women would agree with at this time! Thanks Michael Crowley.
To All My Valued Employees,
There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job.
What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country. Of course, as your employer, I am forbidden to tell you whom to vote for - it is against the law to discriminate based on political affiliation, race, creed, religion, etc.
Please vote for who you think will serve your interests the best. However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interest. First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a back story.
This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You saw my big home at last years Christmas party. I'm sure all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life. However, what you don't see is the back story.
I started this company 12 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living space was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company, which by the way, would eventually employ you.
My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends, while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business -- hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.
Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the Goodwill store extracting any clothing item that didn't look like it was birthed in the 70's.
My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business --- with a vision that eventually, some day, I too, will be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.
So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9 am, mentally check in at about noon, and then leave at 5 pm, I don't. There is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have the freedom. I eat, ****, and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to me like a 1 day old baby.
You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden -- the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... You never realize the back story and the sacrifices I've made. Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bail out all the people who didn't.
The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade of my life for. Yes, business ownership has its benefits but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds. Unfortunately, the cost of running this business, and employing you, is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why:
I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't pay enough. I have state taxes. Federal taxes. Property taxes. Sales and use taxes. Payroll taxes. Workers compensation taxes. Unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my "stimulus" check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch.
The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or, the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child waiting for her next welfare check?
Obviously, government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country. The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree which is why your job is in jeopardy. Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy. Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.
When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don't defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the mud of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine.
Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep. So where am I going with all this? It's quite simple. If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I fire you. I fire your co-workers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem any more. Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire.
You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.
While tax cuts to 95% of America sounds great on paper, don't forget the back story: If there is no job, there is no income to tax. A tax cut on zero dollars is zero. So, when you make decision to vote, ask yourself, who understands the economics of business ownership and who doesn't? Whose policies will endanger your job? Answer those questions and you should know who might be the one capable of saving your job. While the media wants to tell you "It's the economy Stupid" I'm telling you it isn't.
If you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the Constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me in the South Caribbean sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about.
Signed, Your boss,
Michael A. Crowley, PE
Crowley, Crisp & Associates, Inc.
Professional Engineers
1906 South Main Street, Suite 122
Wake Forest , NC 27587
There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job.
What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country. Of course, as your employer, I am forbidden to tell you whom to vote for - it is against the law to discriminate based on political affiliation, race, creed, religion, etc.
Please vote for who you think will serve your interests the best. However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interest. First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a back story.
This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You saw my big home at last years Christmas party. I'm sure all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life. However, what you don't see is the back story.
I started this company 12 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living space was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company, which by the way, would eventually employ you.
My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends, while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business -- hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.
Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the Goodwill store extracting any clothing item that didn't look like it was birthed in the 70's.
My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business --- with a vision that eventually, some day, I too, will be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.
So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9 am, mentally check in at about noon, and then leave at 5 pm, I don't. There is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have the freedom. I eat, ****, and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to me like a 1 day old baby.
You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden -- the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... You never realize the back story and the sacrifices I've made. Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bail out all the people who didn't.
The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade of my life for. Yes, business ownership has its benefits but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds. Unfortunately, the cost of running this business, and employing you, is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why:
I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't pay enough. I have state taxes. Federal taxes. Property taxes. Sales and use taxes. Payroll taxes. Workers compensation taxes. Unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my "stimulus" check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch.
The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or, the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child waiting for her next welfare check?
Obviously, government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country. The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree which is why your job is in jeopardy. Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy. Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.
When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don't defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the mud of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine.
Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep. So where am I going with all this? It's quite simple. If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I fire you. I fire your co-workers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem any more. Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire.
You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.
While tax cuts to 95% of America sounds great on paper, don't forget the back story: If there is no job, there is no income to tax. A tax cut on zero dollars is zero. So, when you make decision to vote, ask yourself, who understands the economics of business ownership and who doesn't? Whose policies will endanger your job? Answer those questions and you should know who might be the one capable of saving your job. While the media wants to tell you "It's the economy Stupid" I'm telling you it isn't.
If you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the Constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me in the South Caribbean sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about.
Signed, Your boss,
Michael A. Crowley, PE
Crowley, Crisp & Associates, Inc.
Professional Engineers
1906 South Main Street, Suite 122
Wake Forest , NC 27587
Monday, October 17, 2011
Hat Hungry
I desperately want a really great beanie, on that doesn't look like my great aunt knit it for me for Christmas.
Not mention, I've been needing a hair cut, I'm kind of wanting hers!
Loving this one one Hilary Duff by Eugenia Kim...
Not mention, I've been needing a hair cut, I'm kind of wanting hers!
Boot Infatuation
I love myself a good pair of biker boots. The pair that I have been in love with for a while are the Jeffery Campbell Brit boots. I love the studs along the base of the shoe and the 4 at the toe. It's what separates the great from the mediocre in my opinion!
Current Fall Obsession
Currently loving the Sanctuary Clothing Sherpa Vest. Would love to work this into my fall wardrobe, if only I weren't so broke!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Never.Loan.Out.Nation.LTD.
In today, and kind of obsessed... as usual. Wardrobe essential!
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| Sexy Dress, In a fiece print, necessary for going out. Nation LTD Philly Dress, $84 |
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| One of our absolute favorite sweatshirts! Nation LTD Pomona Sweatshirt, $92 |
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| Nothing is better than a classic LBD. This fits like a glove and is super sexy! Nation LTD Alexandria Dress, $84 |
Monday, October 10, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
100 degrees... still
Living in Arizona this time of year, truly does suck. There is no other way to put it. While other parts of the country are transitioning into fall, we are still in the end of summer. I dreaming of LnA boyfriend sweaters, bold leggings, my future dreamy Michael Kors faux-fur coat and my boot collection, but I am stuck with this dang heat. I am over the shorts and tank tops... It's time for a transition.
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| I'm ready for my Nation LTD Pomona Sweatshirt! |
Dear AZ,
Please cool down! I can't dress like a super star in this weather!
xoxo,
Natalie
Closet Ideas
So, i kind of have alot of clothing and shoes and have always dreamed of the perfect closets where everything would have a proper "home". Not to mention my Dad is one of the best, and most well-respected furniture/cabinet builder/designers in AZ. I found some beautiful celebrity closets that I would love to mimic. I know it will be quite a while before I have my dream closet ... but until then, I will allow my imagination to wander.
Photos are from In Style.
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| I love how clean and organized her shoe wall is. (I'm a shoe - addict more than anything else) Not to mention the color of the wood is GORGEOUS! |
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| My closet would be my playground... I like her cheetah print carpet. It adds a playful element, one that definitely wouldn't be appropriate in a living room. |
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| I am kind of Type A and like order and cleanliness.. I think that is why I am drawn to the hard wood floors and white cabinetry. |
Photos are from In Style.
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