Summer wind meets chiffon

Urban Outfitter dress (on sale!), Target sandals, RayBan sunglasses

This holiday weekend wasn't overly packed with trips, traveling, or gatherings, but rather quiet mornings with candles and coffee, afternoons by the pool, and iced coffee outings. Since the weather definitely began to reach the into humid spectrum of temperatures, I decided to throw on a new chiffon maxi dress for a mid morning coffee run. There is something about walking around town while catching the slight breeze with a long skirt that I absolutely love. Since overly done hair and makeup sounds completely miserable to me in the hot months, this weekend's balmy days paired perfectly with a swipe of mascara, bronzer, and freshly washed hair (although it did turn in to a giant top knot piled on my head once the heat became unbearable). I can definitely see myself turning this dress into a summer morning staple, even if it's purely for it's spinning abilities.

Daily Buzz Style 9x9: Accessory organization

This week I'll be participating in a special edition of Daily Buzz Style 9x9 for May that highlights accessory organization. I've always had an eclectic way of organizing my jewelry, with little bowls of necklaces and rings (here is my DIY for them) tucked around my home, stands of sunglasses, and vintage boxes holding trinkets and gems. I like to arrange a selection of accessories that act as both home decor and outfit options. On top of my dresser are a collection of treasured pieces like a red leather watch box and silver tray of perfumes mixed with statement earrings. On my desk a tiny hand holds rings, while a separate dresser holds a vintage jewelry box filled with pieces from all ages of my life. This type of decorating allows me to display the cherished pieces, while holding on to older sentimental treasures in a stylish way.

Does anyone else have a creative way of storing accessories? I would love to hear of new ways to display jewelry...especially since it's a great excuse to collect more.

Also, I hope you noticed that I've changed the layout of Stay in the Lines. I felt like it was time to de-clutter and move my work forward in a more streamlined layout. If you are interested in advertising on my site, feel free to email me for rates or with any questions, I'd love to hear from you!

Illustrated tarts

This weekend I'm looking forward to a long three days of exploring new areas, relaxing, and cooking with friends. I've been dying to use my tart pan (sadly I've yet to break it out of storage), so I figured this holiday weekend would be the perfect excuse to test out one of the many recipes I've bookmarked. A fresh fruit dessert definitely puts me in the mood for summer, throw in dinner outdoors, sunny days, and a few refreshing drinks and the leisurely summer mindset is sure to kick in instantly. Since my tart skills are yet to be discovered, I thought I would share an illustrated version I designed a little while ago. I'll be using this for inspiration this weekend, but any tips or favorite recipes would be greatly appreciated.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys their summer kick off!

Secret weapon: Gift tags

I am a giftwrapping junkie and anytime an event calls for a small hostess gift or a potluck calls for a dish, I'll find a way to add a little tag that offers a sweet and simple note. I've collected ribbon, twine, and various shades of tissue paper over the years, but my go-to piece of wrapping decor is a simple hang tag. Looped around a colorful piece of string, these tags are a fun way to add a note to a gift, which I find can be more fun than a separate letter. My favorite are these metal hang tags, but I've fallen in love with Knot & Bow and their line of whimsical and basic hanging tags.

Color story: Rose

While I love my fair share of sparkling accessories and items from the pink family of colors, I've never been a over-the-top frilly sort of girl who only seeks out the stereotypical feminine items. Classic black pieces, patterns, and brights are my go-to looks, but every once in a while a good rose colored hue can add so much to a setting. I have to assume it's that little girl inside craving something pink, so I figured the best way to satisfy that need is to scatter various shades of the color throughout the house. Whether it is a pastel pair of sunglasses, a punchy pink fabric, or the softest hint of rose on a necklace, it's surprising how uplifting the feminine color can be. I don't think I'll ever be able to give up my black denim and LBD's, but a touch of rose now and then might become a common theme.

Cat eye glasses in a soft pink hue 

Bold striped fabric from Ikea 

A delicate rose colored necklace from H&M

A pop of pink for my desk

 I'll also be picking a winner tonight for my illustrated tote bag giveaway. It's a sweet and whimsical illustration that makes a perfect summer bag. Make sure to enter here!

Weekend wear

Clockwise from top left: Forever 21 hat, J.Crew shirt, Sandro watercolor pants, Asos Marley espadrilles, Lancome Juicy Tubes lipgloss in Pink Hibiscus, Nars Laguna Bronzer, Benefit Some Kind-A Gorgeous powder, One Sketch A Day and One Line A Day journals

On the weekends I tend to like simple outfits that require little thought, but still look fresh and interesting. A well worn shirt and comfortable pants are my favorite staples and the addition of this season's popular espadrille flats makes a weekend outfit look easy without being disheveled. Paired with simple makeup, like a touch of gloss, dusting of powder, and a few swipes of bronzer, I feel like my skin can breath and glow at the same time. On the weekends I'm usually catching up on work, but I do like to take a break, catch up on magazines and books, and of course enjoy the weather outside. Throw in an evening appetizer platter with a few cocktails and a busy week feels instantly remedied.

**Don't forget to enter my Illustrated Tote Bag giveaway. It features my own design and is the perfect accessory to any weekend outfit.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Retro florals

vintage dress, Topshop sunglasses (similar style on sale here), H&M purse, Dolce Vita for Target wedges

The other night I felt like getting out of the house to take a little break from a night that was becoming rather dull and unproductive. To pull me out of the lazy mood I threw on a dress that has become one of my favorite vintage finds. The lightweight material, vibrant fuschia, and rather retro floral print combine to create a perfectly uplifting outfit for an evening sipping cocktails and discussing Summer plans. Paired with tall canvas wedges and equally playful cat-eye glasses, the outfit provided a needed jolt of energy to finish off the night and gear up for the final half of the work week.

I like to think that throwing on something fun and colorful is a great way to break up the night and get a bit of inspiration in a different scene. What are a few ways you like to break the routine at night? Also, don't forget to enter my Summer tote bag giveaway! The winner will be chosen on Monday, so you still have time to tweet about it for an extra entry.

Where it all began & a Giveaway

Last week I mentioned that taking a moment to enjoy the little pleasures is a great way to put everything in perspective and relieve a little unnecessary stress. Part of that sentiment is what gave me the drive to focus on my blog and creative path this weekend. Looking back at how this site started, the name behind it, and the direction I want to go made me realize that I'd like to share more of the illustrations, art, and graphic design that make up the "lines" in Stay in the Lines. To get everything rolling I'm sharing a great giveaway featuring one of these designs, a whimsical tote bag that is the perfect Summer addition to a beach outfit, trips to the farmer's market, or a casual weekend look. Sometimes looking back is the greatest way to get inspiration for what's ahead, so I hope you enjoy the illustrations and direction to come!

To enter:

• Follow Stay in the Lines on Twitter, Facebook, or through Google
• Re-tweet this giveaway for an extra vote (let me know in the comments)
• Leave a comment below telling me how you would use this tote during the Summer

I'll pick a winner on Monday May 21st, so make sure to enter for your chance to win this fun Summer tote. International entries are welcome too!

Life lately

My favorite sign hanging in the bedroom

Whenever I spend a weekend traveling I always feel like the next few weeks are spent playing one big game of catch up. The Summer is quickly getting into full swing and as the days fill up and work drives on, I find myself savoring the calm moments that are shared over drinks, arranging a fresh vase of flowers, or sitting on the bed chatting with family and friends. I've finally gotten on the Instagram bandwagon, so snapping these lovely moments has definitely become an easy addiction to feed. Here are a few of the things that have piqued my interest and provided moments of calm over the past week.

A gold striped phone case to add a little glamour to each phone call 

Fresh red spray roses and purple hyacinth 

Perfected my margarita recipe (sharing that one with you soon)

This weekend I'll be catching up on projects, but will definitely savor a few extra moments snoozing under the covers and getting away from the computer. I hope all mother's out there have an amazing weekend celebrating their day!

A rustic brunch

Clockwise from upper left: Thomas Paul dessert plates, Jayson Home rustic table runner, Leif paint chip placemat, Jayson Home leather strap cutting board, Diane von Furstenburg goblets, Leif teaspoons (similar style here), BHLDN silhouette plate

With mother's day just around the corner, talk of brunch and morning toasts are sure to pop up. Unfortunately I won't be spending the holiday at home this year, but that won't stop me from planning a girl's morning inspired by blush tones and natural elements. I've created a tabletop that pulls hues from the blooming flowers outside, natural wood and burlap materials, along with delicately detailed serving ware like silhouetted plates. Mixing patterns and textures is the perfect way to make a casual morning get-together feel special, yet relaxed. Try mixing plates instead of opting for the complete set, use casual juice glasses alongside unique goblets, and serve everything family style on olive wood slabs.  The addition of few simple platters of fresh fruit, a cast iron pan for a frittata, and a pitcher of orange juice alongside some champagne makes a brunch that is the perfect way to celebrate your loved ones and welcome them with an inviting meal.

Chile molasses cookies

Sometimes I get the urge to bake, but not the urge to run to the store to pick up the missing ingredients I need. The other week, I knew I was in the mood to make something delicious, so I picked up an adorably retro bottle of molasses and headed home to make a spice cookie I found in an article from the LA Times. Unfortunately, half of the spices (like ginger and cloves) were not in my pantry. A quick adjustment lent to the addition of chile powder and an extra spoonful of cinnamon. The crisp round cookies were a spicy take on the traditional molasses cookie and managed to taste just as delicious as the ginger version printed in the paper.

Cookies ready to go into a new Jonathan Adler treat jar

I used this recipe adapted from the delicious molasses cookies sold at Milk in Los Angeles. Just switch the ground ginger and cloves for 1 1/2 teaspoons chile powder and add an extra 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. I also used a cookie dough scoop to get the perfect sized cookies and baked them on silpat sheets, my must-have tool for anything that tends to burn easily.

Layered colors

Kenar blouse, Gerard Darel jacket, J.Crew pants, Madewell necklace (similar style here), Urban Outfitter flats

It's always a little awkward finding outfits that transition well from the cool Spring mornings to rather warm Summer-like afternoons. Sweaters are too stuffy and short skirts don't provide enough warmth. You're left to suffer through the day in pants or tough it out in short sleeves until the sun decides to shine. The other morning I felt particularly ready for a colorful day, but was faced with this exact weather problem. A trusty pair of cropped wool pants paired with a loose tank and sheer sparkling jacket created the perfect warm weather look that was equally warming during the early morning chill. Add a simple bun and the look was complete.

Secret weapon

Asos glitter ballerinas

It's time for another secret weapon post and this one is for the wardrobe. Last time I talked about this little makeup saver, something that will definitely become a Summer staple, but I also wanted to share an item that I've come to love for evenings out and for the office. A simple pair of glitter flats provide the perfect embellishment for any outfit and can even compete with the tallest of heels. In fact, I took my pair home this weekend and transitioned them from my airport look of denim and a striped tee, to dinner with friends in rust colored jeans and a silk blouse. The key is to go for a standout shade, like gold, with a sleek low profile. A simple round toe and crushed glitter are my secret weapon for a wear anywhere shoe that works day and night, while adding sparkle to your step.