Lazy Summer Reading

I have always had a love for books, since they are such a simple, relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of my daily routine. That said, I rarely have the opportunity to read as much as I would like to; therefore, I have vowed that this summer I will take more time out to sit back and open up a book. I recently checked out these two books at my local library and cannot wait to get started. I grabbed two biographies and, of course, who can resist the new DIY Martha Stewart Weddings! Lots of my friends love the new reading technologies that allow us to take books anywhere and everywhere, but, for me, nothing can replace the feeling of turning each page.

June Is In Bloom

With June in full swing, I am absolutely loving the pretty flowers in blossom. I recently took a trip to The Huntington Library and captured some of the beautiful flora and fauna. These flowers inspire the senses. I would have loved to pick one of these gorgeous flowers and place it in my hair; but, alas, no picking permitted at The Huntington. Sigh.

June Inspiration: Strawberry Lemonade

Strawberry Lemonade by Mollie Rose featuring kate spade handbags

Two of my favorite things about summer are strawberries and lemonade. The refreshing taste of ice cold lemonade, using lemons from my mother's backyard, always makes a summer day complete. And, of course, the pure indulgence of strawberries on a warm, starry night are oh-so-sweet. So, what better combination for my June inspiration than strawberry lemonade? Just about everything in this picture is utterly drool-worthy. I plan on trying to incorporate quite a few strawberries and a lot of lemonade into my lazy, summer afternoons. 

Summer On The Brink

Memorial Day Weekend always seems to mark the beginning of summer, at least for me. Once the end of May is here, I start making my list of things I want to do this summer. It's kind of like a bucket-list for the summertime. While several items on my list are new, there are a few old faithfuls that seem to make an appearance every summer. I always make sure to leave room to add more as the summer goes on. Here is a glimpse of my list, what's on yours?

Messy Spring Hair

Photo Credit

 I was beyond excited to receive the new Anthropologie catalog in the mail today, mainly because I always draw so much inspiration from the fashion, as well as the hair and makeup aesthetic. And after all, it is Anthropologie; beautiful, elegant and classy, oh my! This catalog did not disappoint in the slightest, with amazing photos and some noteworthy pieces of clothing. I paid special attention to the models' hair, which was styled into a messy side-braid. I am absolutely in love with the contrast a messy side-braid adds to the prim and proper looks of spring. I cannot wait to rock this style for spring, it's a little bohemian and a lot undone, but in such a ethereal way. Click on the picture to see the full catalog. Love, love, love!

March Inspiration Board: Spring Fling

Spring Fling by Mollie Rose on Polyvore.com

It's the first day of March and I cannot stop thinking about spring. I absolutely love anything and everything having to do with this beautiful season. Although springtime in California can switch between rain and sunshine, it's always an opportunity to wear something pretty, flirty and fun. Happy March 1st!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today I'm excited because Valentine's Day has arrived and I can't wait to be surrounded by flowers, sweets and hearts galore. My house is filled with the smell of roses, irises and orchids, all in full bloom. Tonight I plan on making a spaghetti dinner with homemade marinara, homemade meatballs and a pear walnut salad. For dessert, pink and red cupcakes. Happy Love Day! <3

Love Crush

Pretty heart doilies

February is all about love, pink and hearts. I cannot get enough of the color pink, which seems to be everywhere you turn in February. Not to mention the overabundance of chocolates, cupcakes and sweet nothings. Who could possibly ask for more?

Lovely lace

My sweetheart

Tiffany Love

If I had to choose one iconic place to rule them all, it would be Tiffany & Co. The door is like the gateway to Camelot and something magical happens upon entering this enchanting place. I recently came across a print ad for Tiffany & Co, which inspired me to create this post. The ad was simple, clean and spoke a thousand words through one little blue box. Classic. I sense a room redesign in the near future.

Tiffany love by Mollie Rose featuring little black dresses

Cute Boutique Find: The Little Dress Shop

A pretty painting in the doorway

Amidst a lazy stroll through Claremont, I stumbled upon a store that is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. The Little Dress Shop is a quaint boutique filled with handmade jewelry, cute little dress and unique accessories. I couldn't help but try on a few dresses while I browsed some pretty accessories, all made by local jewelry makers. My favorite finds include a stunning peacock cuff bracelet, some elaborate vintage-looking headbands and bracelets made of vintage buttons. I have a feeling gift shopping is going to be a cinch in 2011.

Simply stunning

Made from vintage buttons

Elaborate leather cuff

Simply stylish headbands

Sweet little angel

Completely chic

Second Time Around

One of my favorite pastimes is shopping second-hand stores. I love the act of looking for something unique, it's like my own little treasure hunt. I recently visited one of my favorite second-hand stores, where I came up on a cute green cake stand and a pretty glass platter. I have decided to pair them together in my presentations, mainly because I think they compliment each other so well. Later, I shopped another one of my favorite places, my Grandmother's house. A woman with a knack for shopping second-hand stores, her house is full of fun trinkets she has picked up over the years. I discovered a lovely two-tier tray, which would be perfect for holding tiny cakes or scones. I cannot wait to put these pieces to use, maybe at a springtime luncheon.

Two-tier tray from my Grandmother's house.

Perfect for serving finger foods and teacakes.

A pretty pattern in the glass.

Cake stand with the serving plate displayed on top.

Antique Adventures

Recently, I decided to take a drive over to the Claremont Village, cute little part of Claremont filled with antique shops, pretty boutiques and yummy cafes. The Village sits next to the Claremont Colleges, one of the most beautiful college campuses I have ever seen. A must-see in The Village is Barbara Cheatley Antiques & Fine Things, a store filled to the brim with unique items for the home, bath and lifestyle. Each room has its' own theme and there is so much to see, I could spend an entire afternoon looking at every trinket and treasure. From the moment I step inside, I always want to bring the entire store home with me; it is quite literally that cute.

Glass canisters filled with fortune cookies and taffy

A perfect handbook

Dreaming of a tree filled with ribbons and bows

Pretty handkerchiefs

Love these Marie Antoinette notecards

A sweetheart-themed kitchen

Cute Valentine's stationary

A touch of Claremont

215 Yale Avenue, Claremont, Ca. 91711

Everything's Coming Up Roses

Over the past weekend, my sister and ventured to the Rose Bowl Flea Market & Swap Meet on a mini-treasure hunt amongst antique heaven. I absolutely adore flea markets of this type because you never know what kind of unexpected hidden treasures can be found. The weather was slightly cool and perfect for casual browsing. The Rose Bowl Swap Meet is quickly becoming one of my favorite haunts simply because of the beautiful and interesting array of goodies. I was on a mission for a bookshelf for a future room re-design project. Although, I didn't find the right bookshelf, I came back with the cutest vintage dress and a small vintage jewelry box made of glass. I literally felt like a kid in a candy store and am still on the hunt for the perfect vintage bookshelf.