In Good Company: Inaluxe

How wonderful are the art these art prints from etsy shop Inaluxe?!  I adore the textured feeling and fanciful use of color...and in my mind you can never go wrong when your subject matter consists of birds, forest creatures and whimsical patterns galore.  See more in the Inaluxe shop.  Enjoy!  xo Ez

Inspiration Daily: 06. 09. 10

Image credits: 1. Laundry day, 2. Untitled

Chic for Cheap: Business Casual Conference Attire

Hello lovelies!  It's Chic for Cheap Tuesday again.  This week's outfit was requested by Karen, a young business professional who is in need of a stylish business casual look for an upcoming work event.  Here's the challenge in her own words:

"At the end of June, I will be attending a national conference for University Housing Officers in Austin, Texas.  The conference attire is "business casual," but I still look for opportunities to show that women can be both professional and fashion forward at the same time.  Along with my best friend and Colleague I will be presenting a program session at the conference, which is pretty rare for an entry-level professional.  I want to make a good impression on my colleagues, but still be age appropriate (25 on Monday!)  Another factor to consider is that the conference will take place in the heat and humidity of Texas Summer so comfort in that kind of weather is a necessity."

Invest in work wear staples that you can mix and match over and over again:I had two concepts for this challenge...both that involve a small investment into classic pieces that can be worn over and over again.  You just can't go wrong with a silk top, pencil skirt, and little black dress.  My other thought was that many of us already own similar staples, so with a quick shopping trip for shoes and accessories your outfit will be completed.  Chic, cheap and low stress!

Invest in a little black dress that you can gussy up or down depending upon the occasion:

If you focus on having strong basics, then you can have fun playing around with your accessories until you find a look that represents your style best.  I hope your conference will be a great success Karen!  xo Ez

• Raw Edge Ruffle Top - Banana Republic
• Linen Tie-Waist Skirt in White - Banana Republic
• Deep Vee Back-zip Dress in Black - Banana Republic
• Sheer Layering Vest in Midnight - Madewell
• Hoop Earring Set - Forever 21
• Suede and Swing Heels - ModCloth

Inspired Artist: Anna Emilia Laitinen

I recently found myself utterly swept away by the whimsical art of Anna Emilia Laitinen.  Hers is a world where rooms have walls made of living trees and woodland creatures are born from foliage.  Looking through her work is incredibly soothing and inspiring.  I hope you'll find out for yourself with a visit to her portfolio, flickr album and blog.  Enjoy!  xo Ez

Inspiration Daily: World Traveller

Let us travel the world without ever leaving home.  Image credits: 1. º, 2. Untitled, 3. .04, 4. Toy Boats