Tuesday Shoesday: DIY

Well happy Tuesday Shoesday to you! I'm not sure if you noticed our love for capped & colored toe shoes that we shared last week, but we're pretty psyched to have found an intriguing DIY from A Pair and a Spare where you can create the look on your own. Typically I'm not much of a DIY-er when it comes to shoes, but the idea of being able to choose the color of the shoe as well as the color of the toe is pretty enticing.

If you're up for the challenge, check out the DIY here and please, please, please let us know how it turns out! We'd even love to see pictures!!

*Photos courtesy of A Pair and a Spare 

Artist Inspiration: Emily Green

Sometimes other artists inspire us and on this glorious Monday, we're excited to spotlight Melbourne artist, Emily Green. We've fallen for her bright, funky paintings, watercolor scarves & especially her statement jewelry...

{Clockwise from top left: Stud Spot Earrings/ Jane Necklace/ Lagoon Necklace/ Peach Polka Necklace}

With each bead being handmade, no two pieces are identical... which adds to the charm of her work, don't you think? Check out her website for more goodies and let us know what you think! Love it? Hate it? Does it inspire you??

Colored Toes

One shoe trend that we're just dying over are flats with capped, colored & contrasting toes! Such a fun way to brighten up an outfit and add some pizazz to your basic, oh-so-practical flats. Truth be told, with seeing so many colors, textures, patterns and materials in this trend, it's become a little overwhelming to know where to start!!!

{From top to bottom}

Vince Camuto Fawna Flats

Forzieri Animal Print Pony Hair Ballerina Shoes

Kara Pointed Leather Toe Caps

Reiss Toe Cap Ballerina Pumps

The Webster Nautical Cap Toe Flats

Kate Spade Tabby Ballet Flat

Let's be honest- any of them would be great, right? Which would you start with?

Splurge: Sybil

The man we've loved for so many years because of his breathtaking shoes has done it once again... Christian Louboutin. This color blocked leather tote,  Sybil, caught our eye with clean lines, shiny gold hardware and some of our all time favorite colors! We love those signature red soles and we equally have fallen for the signature red wristlet that accompanies this tote.

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Classic + neon

Sometimes a little Saturday visit to the beach is just what the doctor ordered to ignite some inspiration. That is definitely on our docket for tomorrow and following a relaxing day, we're planning to attend a neon party to properly welcome summer. Bring on the inspiration, right?! Being surrounded by friends adorned in neon sounds like a recipe for fun! All things considered, we figured that it might be fun to pair some electric pops of color with classic beach staples for a fresh summer look... and we're loving this combo SO MUCH that we might have to start the day with a little shopping to properly outfit ourselves! :)

Nordstrom sun hat {via}

Clinique SPF lip gloss {via}

Gingham swimsuit {via}

Voss water {via}

Dolce Vita sandals {via}

Jose Maran sunscreen {via}

Kate Spade gumdrop earrings {via}

 

Mel Boteri

When the weather gets nicer, all we want to do is lighten the load of things we're hauling around. These gorgeous clutches from Mel Boteri happen to be the perfect solution... complete with a convertible chain linked & leather strap if you're feeling lazy. We're loving everything from the vertical buckle to the high quality leather {we can almost smell it!} to the contrasting colors- especially the tangerine + royal! And if these bags aren't for you, create something super specific & unique by designing your own handbag with Mel Boteri! How cool is that?!?!

*Photos courtesy of Mel Boteri

Beach Bags

I don't know about you, but we've got some serious beach time planned for this 3-day weekend. Whether hitting the lake or the seaside, a fashionable beach-worthy tote is a necessity for the summer. In our searching, we can't seem to miss that there are sequins and bright colors all over the place! Here are some of our picks for super fun, yet affordable bags...

{1} Natural Sequin Straw Tote

{2} Beach Bird Tote

{3} Big Buddha Melibu

{4} Pink Straw Striped Tote

Soludos

Confession: this girl {Anna} did not know what espadrilles were until a couple of years ago when a dear friend was referencing the shoes she would be donning for a summer evening out. What makes this unfortunate? I studied fashion in college... how did I miss that vocab word?! If you're in the same boat, just file that word away under summertime shoe faves and make note that a pair of Soludos espadrilles should probably find their way into your closet this summer. ;)

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I just love their mantra that there is "life beyond the flip flop" and it reminds me to expand my horizons for casual shoe wear. Yes, these may appear to be a close relative to Toms, but don't be fooled! Soludos have been around for centuries and were sold in the Mediterranean long before they ventured into the states. We're obsessed with their breathable jute sole & their pretty patterned cotton & linen body... all perfect characteristics for those sunny summer days!

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Bright & Sunny

Happy Thursday Purseday, pretties! Today we felt inspired by the sunshine and wanted to highlight some of the vibrant pops of yellow that we've been seeing in the handbag world as of late. Awhile back we were fixated on neon yellow but today, we're embracing & celebrating all shades of this summery color. Would you ever rock a yellow purse??

From top to bottom:

{1} Ally Capellino Bibi Pouch Bag {$292.24}

{2} Contrast Buckle Clutch {$31.31}

{3} French Connection Woven Bag {$113.07}

{4} ASOS Limited Edition Sequin Shopper {$95.67}

{5} Kate Sheridan Leather Trim Shopper {$269.62}

*All photos courtesy of ASOS

Viva Luxury: raspberry & mint

Awhile back, we had to force ourselves to stop buying black things as an attempt to brighten up the wardrobe... sad, I know. That seems like a lifetime ago now, and we're excited to say that we just can't get enough bright colors these days! Have you been through something similar? Please say you understand!!! :) Anyway, Annabelle from Viva Luxury has been inspiring us left and right to embrace our love for brightness this season, so when we spotted this sweet compliment of raspberry & mint, we couldn't resist sharing. This Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C bag is seeming more and more practical by the minute!

 

*Photos courtesy of Zappos; Viva Luxury

Setting Sail

If we're honest with ourselves, we can admit that it's been a little refreshing to focus on the current trends of neon and pastels for the spring as of late. They're so bright & fun! Well, today's shoesday brings back the classic nautical style that we'll always be partial to. We love to go sailing and on top of that, living in New England, we're just naturally submersed in all things nautical & preppy. No complaints here! :) A few weeks ago when a dear friend sent us the link to these pumps, our hearts nearly leapt our of our chests and we've been dreaming of them ever since!

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Just looking at those little anchors, we can't help but to imagine a peaceful, sunny day out on the water... taking in the fresh air... ah! Wouldn't that be amazing?

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What would you pair these pumps with?

Thursday purseday- Cinco de Mayo

It's Tres de Mayo and you know what that means... Cinco de Mayo is in just a couple of days! Sadly, this Saturday is also shared with the Kentucky Derby. This means one of two things: the derby will be over-looked OR we'll be eating enchiladas and drinking margs while watching the horse races. Probably the former will happen, but I have high hopes for the latter. What do you have planned? We felt it only appropriate to choose a Cinco de Mayo inspired handbag for today... and low and behold this one from Anthropologie was too perfect to pass up!

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Bright but not too bright, and aren't those stripes adorable?! This cute & casual tote is just perfect for those lazy sunny days!

Stay tuned {tomorrow} for some more festive ideas for your weekend celebrations! Don't forget to enter to win the Lucia K. monogrammed giveaway!

Tuesday Shoesday: Paloma Barceló

It's a rainy day in New England and as much as a cozy, soggy, grey day reminds me of home {Seattle}, I'm just bursting at the seams... nearly DYING for summer to arrive. Yes, I'm OVER this "April showers" business. Let's get on with it and embrace the sunshine, shall we? :) We've been searching abroad for this shoesday inspiration and after laying eyes on these intricately braided, rainbow wedges, we just needed to pay tribute to the Spanish brand, Paloma Barceló. Most known for their savvy collection of espadrilles, we think these Mallorca Knotted Suede sandals sum up their signature epically bright, punchy twist.

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Lucia K. giveaway!

Hi! Kirsty from Lucia K. Jewelry here, and so excited to be guest posting on Pearls for Paper. We've been asked for quite a while now if Lucia K. does monogrammed jewelry. The answer has always been no, because I just couldn't get it how I wanted it to be, until now!

So why are we so excited about this collection? For a few reasons. Each piece is made of hand hammered sterling silver, so each piece is unique and original, just like each person's life and story. I chose a version of american typewriter font since I'm a sucker for this classic- it's slightly formal but not fussy. Also the font is small, which to me is more personal and so is the charm. This allows each piece to be worn alone or in layers with other statement pieces. I also added a semi-precious stone - either a birth stone or choose your favorite, for color and to finish the piece.

My goal was to create a timeless yet chic piece of jewelry that could commemorate or celebrate a life.... symbolize a moment in time, or a wish you wear... to remind you of the story you tell as a mother, daughter, sister, best friend, soul mate, survivor...

To celebrate the launch of this collection, we are so excited to partner with the ladies at Paper Moss, to offer a giveaway. One reader will win a personalized monogrammed bracelet or necklace of their choice.

Here is how you enter, each of the following is considered 1 entry, please leave a comment below for each entry. Contest ends and winner will be announced on May 5th.

1.  Visit www.luciakjewelry.com and pin your favorite item to pinterest.

2.  Like Lucia K. Jewelry on facebook.

3.  Like Paper Moss on facebook.

4.  Share this post on facebook.

5.  Leave a comment below on what your story would be for your monogrammed jewelry.

Bonus...use code pearls25 at checkout, to receive 25% off any order on our site until 5/5, just in time for Mothers Day!

Happy Friday.

Best,

Kirsty

Thursday Purseday: Springtime softness

While hopping around on Pinterest the other day, I stumbled upon this adorable, classic combination and flat out fell in love. Stunning, isn't it?

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Naturally, we HAD to hunt down the clutch {It's Marc Jacobs- SHOCKER!} and then figure out how to re-create the whole ensemble because frankly, it's too cute and feminine not to. Full of timeless pieces, here's the verdict:

Burberry Trench {via}

Missoni Shades {via}

Essie Nail Polish {via}

Marc Jacobs Clutch {via}

And surprisingly, no, we didn't let the beautiful trench coat distract from how much we're lusting after that clutch! Happy Purseday!

Thursday Purseday: meet June

Today we are staying true to the season and our LOVE of vibrant colors with our our Purseday pick. Not only do I {Anna} have a massive obsession with Hobo brand leather goods, but this purse named June, especially caught my eye- being slightly retro and a carrying a whole lot of sass! Truth be told, every time I see a Hobo wallet, clutch or purse, I just can't help looking inside. WHY? Because they line their goods with the prettiest fabrics! Florals, stripes, polkadots, metallic linen... yes, it's basically the best idea ever.

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Please, please weigh in: do ya love it or hate it?