Courthouse Steps

Do you love the courthouse so much that you are inspired to design a quilt pattern in its honor?
It has already been done!  The quilt design "Courthouse Steps" has been around since the 1850s.  This charming design is a variation on the classic "Log Cabin" quilt.  The Log Cabin quilt represents the hearth and home and the Courthouse Steps quilt represents country and democracy.  In early America, the local courthouse held a pivotal role in everyday life.  There the laws were written, deeds to property were kept, and records of births and marriages were generated.  The Courthouse Steps has remained a popular pattern since its creation.  So lady lawyers...get our your sewing machines and put one together.  If you can pass the bar exam, you can do this!

Here is a beautiful examples of the Courthouse Steps quilt:

As you can see, the pattern depicts steps leading up to a central focal point.

Quilt-in-A-Day, an outstanding quilt store in San Marcos, CA, has a book entitled "Courthouse Steps Quilt", written by Judy Knoechel.  It can be purchased at the store or online: http://www.quiltinaday.com/shoponline/book/638

Additionally, the owner and headmistress of Quilt-in-a-Day, Eleanor Burns, has created a sparkling variation of the Courthouse Steps:

Look at this great "Lady Justice" fabric by Benartex.  I found this on Ebay.

 

Pre-Spring Outfits and Projects

As we wait for the dawn of spring and prepare for the year ahead, our thoughts turn to inspiring fashion and weekend projects.  Remember all those New Year's Resolutions? Time to get things into action! Take up a new hobby.  We have rediscovered quilting and knitting.  One fabric designer we adore is UK-based Kaffe Fassett http://www.kaffefassett.com/Home.html.  His fabrics and patterns transform quilting.  With a stunning palette and contemporary aesthetic, Kaffe is a superstar in the quilting world.  He has written multiple books and teaches quilting classes worldwide.  Pictured below is a quilt we made from his book, "Caravan Quilts".

Kaffe Fasset Quilt and Fabrics.  Sweatshirts by LOGO

Another great way to channel your crafty side is to knit! Debbie Bliss has great how-to books.
Check out this amazing entrelac cashmere throw.

Cashmere E'ntrelac Throw 

Crafting can also help you gain a new perspective on your wardrobe.  Examine the beautiful combinations in your quilting fabric.  Sometimes if you look closely you can discover color combinations that before seemed impossible! Mix up your clothes, play with color and form.  All is new this year.  Remember, there are no rules in fashion and when it's right, it's right! Just have fun! One designer that embraces mixing and matching is Elle Magazine Fashion Editor, Lori Goldstein. See our other posts on LORI:
http://ladylawyerslifestyle.blogspot.com/2014/05/office-style-with-lori-goldstein.html
Update your pre-Spring wardrobe with soft, flowing pieces that can transition all the way into fall.
We love the gorgeous colors and sophisticated silhouettes from LOGO by Lori Goldstein, available on QVC.com.  Embrace the new and unique.  Dye your hair, try a new hobby, watch the sunset! Get out of the Winter dull-drums and see Spring around the corner :)

Jacket by LOGO by Lori Golstein, Blouse by James Perse, Jewelry by Heidi Daus, Bag by Nahuli Ollin Candy Wrapper Bags, Shoes by Madewell, Jeans by Kardashian Kollection, Belt by Ralph Lauren.

Paper Doll Quilt! 

Pink Hair Don't Care! Color and Highlights by Moi using ION at Sally's Beauty Supply. 

Start Panning for the Lilly Pulitzer-Target Collaboration!

It's freezing cold outside and summer seems oh so far away.  Despite, it never hurts to daydream about happier days.  Days involving white sand beaches, warm rays of sunshine, and adorable cabana boys.  In these dreams, what is the perfect wardrobe for your summer fantasy?  Turn to none other than the iconic Lilly Pulitzer (http://www.lillypulitzer.com)

Lilly Pulitzer's wonderful designs epitomize the fun and care-free life of a palm beach socialite.  Fun and youthful prints are married with bright summer palette to create the perfect blend of "preppy" and beach bunny.  We all know this cheeky look sported by sorority girls, country club mothers, and our girlfriends at the tennis court.  Don't miss this fabulous change to get the look for less.  The line arrives in Target stores on April 19th.  Mark your calendars and get your summer on!

The late, great Lily

Yes, especially in our dreams!

Classic Lilly Dress

Relaxing on the Veranda

Holiday Party Dresses and Winter Hair

The holiday season is upon us.  Thanksgiving is over.  Black Friday is TODAY! Operation Holiday Party has commenced.  We know that you have busy schedule coming up: Christmas Parties, meeting the parents, office soirees, a night out to dinner, tickets to the Nutcracker, NYE....so much to do!! The question always is: what will I wear?? There are endless choices for your holiday apparel.  Styles come and go, but one thing that is always party appropriate is Herve Leger.  http://www.herveleger.com/

Worn by countless celebrities and socialites, an Herve Leger is a must-have for a young professional woman.  An Herve Leger dress just looks "right".  It is sexy, yet very classy and refined.  The signature sleek bandage-style is immediately recognizable and respected.  Many designers have copied the Herve Leger look, but the real thing is still the best.  It is quite an investment to get an Herve Leger dress, but one purchase and you will be set for years to come.  I bought mine at the Las Vegas Herve Leger boutique on sale!! Watch out for great deals at the boutiques, Bloomingdale's, Nordstom's, and online!! Today is the Black Friday sale online...40%!! If you can swing it, don't pass it up.  

Along with a great signature party dress, you need to get your holiday hairstyle down.  Will it be blunt bangs and ombre color? What about playful beach waves and copper tones? Whatever you decide, get it done soon so you won't be in a panic when the party invites come rolling it.  

My sister and I recently went to La Mode Salon in Murrieta (http://lamodehair.com/).  My great cut and style was done by Tryna! She is amazingly talented.  I love the subtly sexy layers she worked into my unruly ginger mane.  My hair color was done at home using the "Bayalage" technique: basically, painting on the hair color and highlights with a brush or fingers without the need for foiling and hair caps.  My sister's cut and color was done by Nathaniel.  He opted for a high-fashion look with reverse ombre color and a technical, edgy cut.  We love the results from this salon and encourage you to find a stylist ASAP for winter fun! Don't go into the season unprepared....use Black Friday wisely ladies! 

Pictured below: Sarah in Herve Leger Pink Dress, Jewelry by Roberto Faraone Mennella (http://www.hsn.com/shop/roberto-by-rfm/10943) and Amedeo NYC (http://www.hsn.com/shop/amedeo-nyc/7269).  Hair by Tryna at La Mode Salon, Murrieta. 

Autumn is in Full Swing!

What to wear in lovely November? Now is the time to bring out all your true Autumn fashions. Don't get stuck in the same old black and white office garb this month.  We suggest avoiding the black and silver tones for the next few weeks.  All of December, January, and February will be consumed by dressing in cool tones, or festive holiday reds and greens.  For this small window of time before the arrival of the harsh winter frost,  try to dress in beautiful browns, chocolates, sage greens, rusts, and cranberry colors.  Take a cue from Dolce & Gabbana and embrace the fall fantasy theme, with gorgeous plaids, whimsical leaf embroideries, and a vibrant autumn palette.  Wear leaf prints, harvest florals, luxurious suedes, and chunky knits.  Autumn is fleeting.  Make the most of it!  

Spirit of the Aspen Groves

Fall Forest Fantasy from Dolce and Gabbana

No boring, basic black: Dolce and Gabbana Fall Fantasy 

Dolce and Gabbana

Chunky Knits for a Fall Stroll 

Nerdy Office Look

Hermes Scarf

Heidi Daus "Nuts for You" Pin

Heidi Daus "Tom Turkey" Pin

Vintage Suede Chanel Jacket

Altuzarra 

Altuzarra 

Altuzarra

LOGO Littles by Lori Goldstein

We love LOGO by Lori Goldstein for the office.  Now, Lori Goldstein launches LOGO Littles, and adorable clothing line for girls and pre-teens.  The clothing line reflects the same relaxed style, distinctive silhouettes and refreshing color palette as the LOGO women's collection.  This is perfect for your daughters, nieces, and little sisters.  Importantly, the line is fun for girls, but keeps the fit and cut modest and age appropriate.  I love this line for our future Lady Lawyers.  Check out the entire collection on QVC.com.  http://www.qvc.com/LOGOLittles.content.html?pageSize=ALL
Here are some of the cutest looks from LOGO Littles: