kensington bliss: September 2016

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Bell Sleeves are Back!

I have been seeing A LOT of bell sleeves lately on Instagram. I love how this 70's hippie-chick throw-back vibe is making a return to fashion this year. From a subtle bell shape to a full on crazy flare, there is a wide range at so many price points. I love how the feminine flirty shape adds a ton of personality to an ensemble, enough to keep the rest simple (think skinny jeans or cigarette pants).

Enjoy and happy fall y'all!

Victoria Beckham Flare Sleeve Top

Worthington Flared Sleeve Blouse

Target Eclair Bell Sleeve Blouse

Target Off Shoulder Crochet Hem Blouse

BCBG Waverley Sweater

Pleione Knit Bell Sleeve Top

Free People Easy Bell Sleeve Top

Elie Tahari Dayna Bell Sleeve Top

Topshop Pointelle Sweater (subtle bell sleeve)

CeCe Bell Sleeve Dress

ASOS Flare Sleeve Dress

Nanette Lapore Lace Dress

Diane von Furstenberg Sharlynn Dress

R&M Richards Lace Sleeve Dress

Sanctuary Desert Boheme Dress

Eliza J Lace Fit & Flare Dress

Betsy Johnson Bell Sleeve Dress

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Mad for Plaid!

One of my favorite things about fall is seeing PLAID everywhere! It just has that warm cozy vibe...I can picture lounging by the fire with a glass or wine and a plaid throw blanket. Or, heading out on a cool crisp autumn day with a T-shirt, jeans, boots and a cozy plaid scarf. So many ways we can enjoy this fun graphic pattern. In Cleveland, we are still enjoying warm summer temps, so I included a few summer-y items in my picks below. Enjoy, and happy fall!

Eva Franco Madras Plaid Halter Neck Midi Dress

Gap Soft Plaid Long Cami

Gap Long Sleeve Plaid Romper

RAILS Britt Short Sleeve Button Down

RAILS Hunter Plaid Button Down

Anthropologie Eva Franco Ribboned Plaid Dress

Ruken Sophie Plaid Blouse

Gap Soft Plaid Popover

Shopbop Standard Form Scarf

Mark & Graham Plaid Totes

Peter Nygard Plaid Button Front Denim Blouse

Lands End Plaid Down Vest

Mark & Graham Travel Ice Cooler

Anthropologie Woodsmoke Plaid Scarf

Peter Nygard Long Sleeve Henley Top

Barrington Gifts Savannah Zippered Tote

Gap + Pendleton Plaid Tote

G.H. Bass & Co. Women's Teresa Ankle Bootie

RAILS Hunter Button Down Shirt

Scotch & Soda/Maison Scotch Cool Check Coat

Talbots Buffalo Plaid Wrap

Gap Cozy Modal Plaid Scarf

BCBGeneration Plaid Wrap Coat

Kate Spade Mini Harmony Tote

Cremieux Gabby Plaid A-Line Midi Skirt

Tanya Taylor Blanket Plaid Pants
(love the concept, NOT the pricetag)

Sandra Two-Pocket Plaid Boyfriend Tunic

Penfield Rockford Plaid Yoke Down Jacket

J. Crew Faux-Fur Trapper Hat

Plush Plaid Beanie

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Kitchen Lantern Search (Continued)....

A while back, I gathered some kitchen lantern and pendant design ideas via the following post.... http://kensingtonbliss.blogspot.com/2016/03/large-brass-industrial-pendants-for.html

I have been wanting to hang some pendants over our kitchen peninsula for a long time. Beyond the design factor, I would love some additional ambient light over the sink area. I love a series of two or three large scale pendants, either lanterns or industrial. In my prior post (link above) I focused on the bold industrial pendants (which I still love, but fear the light would be directed straight down vs dispersed) and I highlighted lanterns with a very airy design. Yet, lately I am admiring ones with more substantial weight, and even some with a pop of color. Tentatively, for both the design and price, I am favoring the Ballard Designs Piedmont Lantern, in either black or navy...What do you think? I would love to hear your comments below!

Our kitchen, looking for some lanterns!

Ballard Designs Piedmont Lantern in Navy

Ballard Designs Piedmont Lantern

Another example of navy lanterns by Violandi & Warner Interiors via New England Magazine

Oomph Hobe Sound via Southern Living Magazine is so fun in BM Knockout Orange
(which we coincidentally used in our basement bookshelves)...love these, but damn the $3K price tag!