Where have I been?

Thank you for all of your emails of concern & I apologize for the lack of blogging lately, but I am pleased to tell you my health is great!  I took on some extra projects & have been so busy!  As well as finding time to enjoy the lake with my family & friends... 

...& I will admit- I had my nose in this book every free 30 seconds that I had...

I am delighted to get back on track with my routine of early morning coffee & blogging...

These 2 got me through this long Monday morning...

+

=Girl Crush... omg, please download Adele & Ellie Goulding so you can appreciate what I mean by 'Girl Crush'... fantastic new twist on alternative music!!

So today, I thought I would give you a peek inside what I have been up to the past couple weeks.  I can promise you that it is nothing to exciting due to the fact that I have been working a lot, but none-the-less, I had an epiphany!  I need a new desk...

& I have been loving DIY projects lately & I think my next DIY is going to be a perfectly tailored work station for myself...

I am obsessed with this but it is slightly obnoxiously out of my price range!  But I am on the hunt for the perfectly chic desk...

Something simple that I could easily design up- yet BIG...

...with plenty of space for my inspiration wall behind it...

I also have been on the hunt for a beautiful antique chair to go with it...

& Since that is nearly impossible to find without spending my life savings, I have settled for a classic tufted wing back chair...

... But again, since I am loving DIY projects, I am loving having a chair that is exactly how I  want it, so I would love to reupholster it & make it uniquely mine...

Behind that desk, I have been wearing a lot of neutrals this summer...

Simple & sophisticated...

& on the weekends, a lot of basic colors too... 

So I apologize for my lack of posting, but I think I am back on track now!  Have a happy Monday!!

Frugal Fashionista...

I have to admit, I always get a little excited when I hear the rumors of celebrities producing their own fashion line for different department stores. With all the buzz over the Kardashian sisters lately, I was so looking forward to seeing what their 'Kardashian Kollection' could do for Sears!  The hype over their '72-hour presale' had every frugal fashionista dying in anticipation...

... but for this???

...OR THIS???

...please don't tell me I am the only one confused by their line?!

I'd love to simply end there & say "I guess I don't know what I was expecting?"... But I do know what I was expecting!!  The Kardashian sisters are constantly styled with up to date fashion trends- equally blending masculine & feminine features! I was expecting bold prints with delicate features, sassy accessories, cheeky adorments... anything other than this collection the sisters put together!  I think a little less of this...

...& a little less than this...

...& Much MUCH more or this...

Kourtney's style is so refined & chic- she always keeps it classy... 

The good thing about the collection is that there are 3 sisters, which gives me hope that they get 3 tries to get it right? Regardless, I hope Kourtney gets a bit more of a say in the next C Kollection...

Back to a different frugal fashionista collection that I am simply adoring...

Lauren Conrad & her new line, Paper Crown at Kohls!!

What I love about LC's line Paper Crown is how she makes her pieces so easy to be paired with designer items!

She truly designed her new collection with frugal fashionistas in mind!  The items are affordable, simple, & most important- just really pretty!!

Staple items that every women should add to their closet! Solid color blazer & leather leggings- affordable every day items with the ability to pair with that great designer blouse that you splurged on!

The epitome of masculine & feminine features... LC got her Paper Crown Fall 2011Collection- spot on!  Neutrals mixed with ebony, leather mixed with chiffon... perfection!

This is my favorite look from her collection!

What do you guys think of the Kardashian Kollection?  Which style is more your style- Kardashian or Conrad?  Are there other celebrity fashion designers that you are looking forward to?

"I Don't Do Minimal..."

"Taste you can learn, but style is like charisma, you know it when you see it." A quote more famously stated by the quirky, Iris Apfel....

One of my most favorite cheeky idol- interior decorator, jewelry designer & fashion icon, has allow ArchitecturalDigest into a peek of her home...

Although the article was published back in  June, I often drift back to it in desire of inspiration...

A sense of style that is most definitely not for all...

... but uniquely & intricately hers...

I find her style very bohemian chic & I cannot get enough of her decorating!

What do you all think? Cluttered Chaos or Exuberant Perfection?

Guest Post: Susi from Design Shuffle...

Today, I am so excited to share with you, some beautiful outdoor Shabby Chic trends, put together by our friends over at Design Shuffle...

Hi! It's Susi and I write for the awesome Design Shuffle. It's a fabulous social networking site for interior designers, architects, design professionals and enthusiasts who just love interior design. I am so happy to be here as guest blogger for Miss Cheeky Chic. Today's topic combines three of my passions decorating ideas, shabby chic dÈcor and outdoor living. Enjoy!

The imperfect, faded qualities of shabby chic make it a wonderful style for outdoor living. Chipped painted tables, mismatched antique linens, vintage garden chairs all look romantic and glamorous when brought out of doors for shabby chic living. We hope you find these inspiring to create your own shabby chic outdoor living spaces.

Creative Juice via

Nothing says shabby chic style like tons of white washed whites and faded florals. Love the sailcloth shade.

Pinterest via everythingfab.com

Shabby chic glam outdoors makes us think of faeries and magical dreams like Midsummer's Night Dream. Linens and fabrics can easily create a shabby chic space anywhere outdoors.

Times Union via

From the book, Junk Beautiful: Outdoor Edition, we found this fantastic shabby chic outdoor space created from mismatched finds and a pair of fantastic metal porch chairs.

We Heart It via

Love the bed and antique chair brought outside to create a shabby chic outdoor living space. Feels whimsical.

Zsa Zsa Bellagio via

Create an elegant shabby chic outdoor dining table with vintage linens, crystal vases and glassware. Picnic tables don't have to mean paper plates and plastic forks.

Tumblr via

A shabby chic doily version of Tibetan pray flags was found on a wedding site but we think it would be perfect for a garden party for any occasion. So beautiful.

All Things Shabby Chic via

Yes, someday soon (too soon for some, not soon enough for others) summer will turn to fall. Love the paisley throw on the cabin porch-- looks like a great place for a cup of tea and a book.

Creative Juice via

What would a shabby chic space be without a vintage chandelier or two? This sun porch feels like another room of the house yet is open to the outdoors and garden. Some of these great ideas would work equally well indoors in shabby chic living room designs.

This post comes courtesy of Design Shuffle, where you can find top tier interior designs from around the world ñ from New York interior designers, Los Angeles interior designers, and more, check out the latest at Design Shuffle.

Thank you Susi!!

Decorate with Dahlias...

Nothing brings more life to the Dog Days of Summer, than a bright bouquet of Dahlias...

The glowing color palette is refreshing & lively...

...the perfect theme for theme to decorate an end of the summer party with...

I'm having a hard time believing that it is already August, but I would love to have a bright outdoor gathering before everyone begins to hibernate again in a couple months...

...paired with delicious end of season fruit...

& decorated with different bright dahlias...!

Quest Post: Melissa from JeNeSeQua...

Today, I am so excited to share with you, a slightly altered version of "What I am Loving Right Now," but instead, "What JeNeSeQua is Loving Right Now: Top 10 Things with Melissa..."

One of my favorite blogs to follow, JeNeSeQua, is here today to share her favorite things & I think you all will fall in love with Melissa, as much as I have! She is so fabulous & her website is filled with inspiring concepts- beauty tips, fashion styles, new yummy recipes, trendy decor, travel tips & everything truly fabulous that falls between!

Today, I would like to introduce you to Melissa from JeNeSeQua & her Top 10 Favorite Things...

1. Katie Holmes' Peek a Boo - Bra...

Miami brought the sex kitten out in Katie Holmes. Her attire is usually prim and proper, but this number, worn on a date with her hubby, Tom Cruise, was muy caliente. She has been bringing it lately. Did you see her Vogue Espana spread? 

2. Poppy Delivigne...

 at Louis Vuitton Presentation in Paris. She is on my radar for her style and beauty. This photo is the perfect combination of keeping it sexy but sophisticated, in sweltering heat. I envy her gorgeous locks and pretty pink smile. 

3. My Father's Daughter Cookbook...

I know people get tired of hearing from GP, but she truly does have many talents, and one of them is cooking. All of her recipes are to-die for delicious and healthy. My favorite you have to try is fried rice with kale and scallions. I am dying to make her fried sole sandwich with spicy mayo and pickles. 

4. Skin Apotheke...

 I am a skincare junkie and have tried everything under the sun (it helps that I work in the beauty industry to have access to it all as well) and lately I have been looking for a more holistic approach to my skincare, and life in general. Getting rid of parabens and preservatives is my mission. I ran into Ria, the woman who created this amazing line, Skin Apotheke, that is based on Ayurvedic principles, online, she sent me some products and I am hooked. Not only do they do wonders for my sensitive, but often dry skin, she also sent me hair serum that has brought my locks to life! The Face Oil is not oily at all. Check out her line here. 

5. Quinoa... 

Burgers, tots, in salads, stirfy, for breakfast: Quinoa is the most versatile and healthy grain/food. Two months ago my man and I went relatively gluten, starch, grain free with the exception of quinoa. I don't miss bread at all and the way I feel after eating it. Quinoa does the trick! This Quinoa Burger recipe can be found here.  

6. London...

 Headed there for a week in mid August for holiday and for a wedding. Excited to shop, eat, stalk Gwyneth Paltrow (she lives in the neighborhood where we are staying) and don my first fascinator! 

7. Mr Gosling... 

What is not to like? So handsome, like-able, and amazing style to boot. I love Mr. Gosling dressed down, but this ensemble is very debonaire. I love a man that can dress. 

8. Prtty Peaushun...

 Two words. MIRACLE WORKER. I have veiny, ghostly white legs and try to stay out of the sun. This stuff doubles to hide cellulite and create the appearance of a tan. Just look at Gwyn P and Tracy Anderson's bods and legs. Proof is in the pudding. Get it here.  

9. Summer in Seattle... 

My absolute favorite time of year in Seattle is summer. Its not too hot, its just right. It only lasts about a month, and when it peaks its head, I am fully committed to celebrating its arrival. Lazy Sundays at Golden Gardens with my sweetheart and our puppy, followed up with dinner of crab legs and fresh caught salmon at Ray's Boat House, over looking the water, is my all time favorite pastime. 

10. My Eddie Borgo for J Crew cuff...

 It's my favorite new accessory. Dressed up or down. The pearls and cones on it are vintage, and add just enough of that Parisian street tough girl look. I need to go with my minimal, but girlie separates. Sorry, you can't get one, its sold out! But you can get the belt. (maybe wrap it up a few times on your wrist for stacked look...hm, good idea!) 

 After all of Melissa's fabulous favorites...one thing that I am sure you all are wondering is, What does Jenesequa even mean?

A statement that I often find slipping into my lingo...

 I though you would be able to get to know Melissa better, by tapping into her Top 10 Favorite Things!  Follow her inspiring tips on twitter @RueJNSQ or on facebook & I highly suggest you add her website: JeNeSeQua to your daily reads!  

Thanks for sharing with us Melissa!