Peridot Skies: Instagram

The Perfect Bow

October 05, 2016

One of the greatest joys to instagram is meeting new friends, finding inspiration and discovering new brands. I was lucky on this particular day that I stumbled upon Asneh Cashmere. A gorgeous line of cashmere and silk wears, I fell instantly in love with their designs; loved the ombre pink and red sweater. It was available in a dress too. I did what I always do when I find a new brand and researched them. Okay, so some would call it stalking... but whatever you refer to it, its critical learning. Asneh Cashmere is a Danish luxury fashion brand that focuses on gorgeous knits of silk and cashmere. They design and make gorgeous sweaters, dresses, and scarfs to name a few. If you could feel how soft this sweater is you would better understand why I love it so much. The fuchsia bow is a statement for sure.

When Asneh Cashmere sent me this sweater I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about the bow and if it would be too much for a larger chest. I was pleasantly surprised how great it looks. The hem line is a bit shorter and I think that helps with my particular frame size to not add unnecessary bulk to my outfit. This sweater is the perfect weigh to layer with a blazer or add a little edge to it and pair it with your jean jacket. I love so many items in their fall line and you definitely should check it all out. Up next for this sweater I will be sharing how to dress it down with denim! Stay tuned!

Cashmere sweater c/o // Tweed Skirt options here and here // Leopard Heels // Sunnies // Cross body c/o // Earrings // Lipstick // Bangles c/o

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

October 05, 2016
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Pink Tie Dye Sun Dress

August 29, 2016

Beach

Happy Monday, we made it through the weekend! As my vacation was coming to an end, we attempted to visit all the favorite spots in and around Palm Beach. Worth Avenue being one of these spots. The shopping is comparable to Rodeo Drive; just with prettier views of the ocean in my opinion! All of your high end designer shops are on Worth Avenue as well as some darling boutiques. I actually love the small boutiques and what you may find that is not as easily spotted on so many other fashionable woman. This dress is a boutique find. I spotted it in the window and dragged Gayle in and she agreed it was darling and looked like me. I love the print somewhere between a tie dye and a batik.

If you remember before I left on my trip, I shared my new Mezzi Cosima bag on my instagram, (follow me on instagram here if you don't already) and all the features this little cross body holds. Like a blue tooth for your phone, and a mini speaker to play your music. It even has a light inside to see in dimly lit locations. But what makes this bag the coolest is it's ability to fully charge your phone up to three full times! So if you're running low on juice because you have snap chatted the entire evening.... (we did several times) no worries, just plug your phone into your bag on the go and charge up! I have been a fan of the entire Mezzi line for a while now so to finally own one is awesome!! I now want to have the Mezzi Carezza bag too!

Dress // Bandeau // Sunnies // Mezzi Bag // Sandals // Necklace similar // Earrings // Bracelets (Favorites) //

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

August 29, 2016
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How to Navigate within a Blog Post

January 14, 2016

Blogging

With my new site design and re branding launch I wanted to share a couple of new features here on the blog and wanted to let you know about them! Here's a look at what's new and what you can expect to find around here. I have been wanting to share a post like this for some time. Bloggers take for granted that anyone knows how to navigate around a blog; let alone a post. I am guilty of believing the same thing until enough people who are NOT bloggers asked me something as simple as to where to locate an item I may be wearing in a post or how to sign up to receive the post in their email. So, today I am breaking down a blog post and hopefully answering all your questions. What better time to show you around then with my shiny new design too!

The top pink bar is the navigation bar. This is where you will be able to return to the home page, learn about me and find out how we could work together. There is also a LiketoKnow.it link sharing everywhere I have featured on my instagram - both outfits and links. To the right of the navigation bar are all my social icons. Click on any icon coordinating with my social media and it will take you right to my instagram, twitter, Pinterest, etc. The little magnifying glass will open up a search bar for you to search for anything that has been on my blog. For example, type outfit into the search bar and every post I have labeled with this will show up for you to read.

Now we move into the body of the post. There is a pretty little "pin this Gem" (the picture of the peridot), located on each image to help you save something you like to Pinterest. Here is a helpful bit of information that I am constantly asked about, under each post, whether it's an outfit or a favorites collage, there will be a list of the items listed out like I have shown. Sometimes it is the actual name of the item, ie: top / Hat / Jeans..... or other times it may be numbers that correspond with the favorites 1 / 2 / 3 etc. If you click on the item name or number it will take you straight to the item in the picture. Makes it pretty easy for you to find what I have shared, right? If the exact item is no longer available, I will try my best to link to a similar item and mention that in the description for you so you will know it is not exact.

Under each post will be a bar giving you the option to read the previous story or the next post if this is not the newest post. There will also be a "You might also like" with images of posts that are similar to the current post you are reading. Click on one and catch up on some fun styles or ideas!

Now let's move down the right sidebar. Remember earlier when I mentioned the sign up to receive posts straight to your email? Well, type your email address in this box and hit submit. You will receive an email verification. Once you do, you will need to follow the instructions to make sure you're not a robot and shazam.... a new post arrives via email every time I post. Maybe you saw something on my instagram and you want to know where to find it, click on my "shop the feed" and it will direct you to my LiketoKnowIt page.

One of the newest features is pretty awesome - the new commenting form. So many times I received emails with comments because the old format didn't offer you good enough options to comment on the post itself. Good news is there are several options to log into the commenting form without having to jump through any hoops and you may now leave me all your comments right here! I can't wait to read what "nice" things you have to share and any questions you may have. I am looking forward to helping you as much as I possibly can with your questions and comments.

I hope this has been as helpful as possible. I really tried to think of anything I wanted to know four years ago when I started reading blogs. Leave me a comment if you have any questions. ;)

January 14, 2016
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Stock Photo Workshop

December 22, 2015

DIY

Can you believe we are in the final countdown to 2016? This year has gone by so fast. So many great and exciting things happened this year. I shared how to use the color wheel here, and the perfect pattern mixing guide here, and the biggest thing to happen this year; the launch of The Blog Guild. You can read about our launch party here and learn more about who we are and what we do here. You will see we added our first affiliate city already too. St. Louis has now launched their own The Blog Guild St. Louis and if you are local to that area you should contact them and join. I know they have something planned for early next year too. Speaking of plans.... we have our first workshop of 2016 already planned and we couldn't be more excited. You don't have to be a member, or even a blogger to benefit from this workshop; you just have to want to make pretty images. Tickets are already selling fast and we want to make sure you get yours. Add this to your Christmas list or tuck it in your stocking for yourself. You won't want to miss this I promise!

It's been in the works for awhile now, and now we're so excited to share our very first workshop as The Blog Guild with you. Shoot + Style: Stock Photography Workshop is the title, and we're partnering with some amazing peeps including, The Bloom Academy, and River Market Event Place just to name a few.

This will be an in depth event with tips on curating, styling, and shooting your own original stock photo flat lays, as well as hands on work time to create your own images. You'll be leaving with some great knowledge, and actual photos you can start using right away for your blog or social media. We hope you guys will join us for what will be the first of many amazing workshops with The Blog Guild! Find out more and get tickets here: http://www.theblogguild.com/#!workshops/c1cv8

December 22, 2015
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Instagram Happenings

October 12, 2015

bags

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Mine was busy and productive, but never long enough! Today I am sharing a few favorites from my instagram account of what's happening there. Do you follow me on instagram? There are exciting things I am working on behind the scenes in my office and my blog so stay tune for that announcement. It is finally cool enough to wear my favorite booties.... and found the perfect amount of distress on a new pair of jeans for under $60. Sharing my favorite lipstick color and tortoise sunnies. There is something to wearing this pink color even in fall that just makes me happy! OH, and it's #Pinktober and that means Breast Cancer Awareness and lots of pink!

Distressed Denim ~ Booties ~ Sunnies ~ Favorite Lipstick ~ Monogram Necklace ~ Pink Clutch ~ Python Cuff c/o~ Ropes Bracelets c/o ~ Hot Pink Celine Necklace ~

October 12, 2015
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How to shop for a Panama Hat

August 13, 2015

Beach

Not all Panama Hats are the same. As a matter of fact... there is a lot of information that goes into choosing the right hat for you. Panama hats are super popular and I can see why. They are stylish, keep you cool, and well....stylish! Keep reading because I am sharing a discount code at the bottom!! Woot!

I am lucky enough to be one of those people that can wear a hat. Not everyone can pull it off, so I am glad I can. Today I am going to share with you what to look for and tips on how to shop for your Panama Hat.

Started by two sisters, Katie and Kelly fell in love with the handmade accessories from Ecuador. Katie's husband is from Ecuador and thru their travels is how she was introduced to the artisan goods. Sharing the idea with her sister of offering these fine handmade goods; Muchana was born! I met Kelly one afternoon to discuss hats and to pick mine out. I tried on a few different sizes to see what was my best fit. I chose a white hat, although they come in a few other colors as well.

Let me share a little history before I tell you what detail and craftsmanship goes into each and every hat. While touring the Panama Canal, former President Teddy Roosevelt was photographed in a paja toquilla hat. Although the hats themselves had been around for years....from then on the hats were referred to and better know as the Panama Hat. Funny how a trip can impact not only the country, but the fashion world as well!

Hand woven in Ecuador for hundreds of years, artisans spend upwards of eight weeks making a single hat. Some even longer. The weave of the hat will determine the price. The tighter the weave the higher the price. I have seen hats in excess of $7,000. Intricate designs, and even your name can be woven into your hat. The process starts with paja toquilla cutting it, drying, then soaking to work the straw to make it weavable. Going thru a 10+ step process, no two hats are identical as each one is handmade lending to how unique and special this investment item becomes in your wardrobe. A good Panama hat is an investment item. You can read about investment pieces for your wardrobe here.

As you saw in my recent trip to California here, here, and here, I wore my hat a lot! I decided to pack my hat rather than wear it traveling. The best way to pack your hat is to place smaller items inside the hat and place it in the middle of your suitcase and place your rolled up clothing around it. I placed my swimsuits in my hat, but socks, tanks, or your bra and undies will work as well.

I loved the shade and protection from the sun it brought to my face as well as looking stylish. Far better than sporting a baseball cap for shade that's for sure! While they are extremely durable, you do want to know how to care for your hat so it will last you for many years.

As I said before... not all hats are created equal. I own a "panama hat" from H&M and it is no where near the same as my Muchana hat. I bought it to use for when I was in water, or perhaps had suntan oil or lotion on my hands. Take a look at the photos below of the difference in the weave. The texture is smooth and soft on my Muchana hat while the texture on my H&M hat is course and rough. I'm not knocking my H&M hat.... just pointing out the details to show you there is a place for both my hats.

To care for your hat there a few things you need to know.

Handle your hat by the brim. I know it seems natural to just pick it up by the crease but don't. It will encourage your weave to weaken and could cause breakage.

Cleaning your hat. If your hat gets a spot, lightly wipe it with a soft dry cloth. Do not add moisture. Panama hats are sun hats... not rain hats. Moisture can cause your hat to misshape and shrink. And while I am mentioning shrinking, your hat will slightly shrink with wear. This is natural as your head with perspire around the brim. You want your hat to fit snugly but not tight if that makes sense. If your hats gets wet (accidents happen) allow it to dry naturally without heat. Once dry, to flatten your brim there are two methods. You may gently shape the brim by using a iron on LOW heat with a soft cotton cloth between the hat and iron. Or what I like to do is lay your hat on a flat surface and place items such as books on the brim and let sit overnight.

Storing your hat. I know some people will tell you to roll your hat for storage but I do not recommend this. Store your hat in a area away from direct sunlight and upside down. Make sure the hat is stored in a area with air movement as you want it to breath.

One last word on my hat. I love it. Muchana hats are made from 100% toquilla straw and cultivated in Ecuador making it authentic. Check out Muchana Hats and see why I really do love my hat. Muchana is offering a 20% discount for the next week on any hat purchase you invest in. I would jump right on that!! Use code @PERIDOTSKYS20%

August 13, 2015
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White Denim Cutoffs

August 04, 2015

bags

Today I'm sharing day two of my trip. What do you do when it rains in California? You go shopping of course! We hit up Fashion Island again for some shopping. We cruised thru the LV store only to fall in love with this neverfull MM lined in rose ballerine. Then a stop by the YSL lipstick counter to try on color 49. (too bright for me) then on to the sunglasses. He picked up these Clubmasters, while I picked out these Celine sunnies! Love them. They are so light and I love the gradiant lens. We grabbed a bite to eat then snapped a few outfits on the sidewalk. The sun was just starting to go down so we headed back to the beach.... Thousand Steps beach! Taking a few more pics.... well just because we are at the ocean and watching the sunset!

Shorts ~ Tank (similar)~ Bag ~ Shoes ~ Hat c/o ~ Cuff Bracelet ~ Leather bracelet c/o ~ Sunnies ~ Jean Jacket ~ Nail Polish ~

August 04, 2015
1 Comments

Traveling The Pacific Coast Highway

July 28, 2015

Beach

My first full day in California we decided to hit up the beach, then take a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway. Also know as Highway 1 this major North South highway runs along most of the pacific coastline of California. Know for its scenic views of the ocean; it is popular amongst tourist. (That was me.) We headed up to Newport Beach to do a little shopping at Fashion Island and dinner at Fig & Olive.

I have heard great things about this restaurant and was excited when my niece who works for the management company made VIP reservations for us. We arrived a little early and snapped a few outfit picks before heading in. We had a wonderful table with a view of the entire restaurant. My seat was a semi circle booth with throw pillows as my cushions. Pretty cool. I ordered the Zucchini blossom and goat cheese ravioli, and the presentation was fabulous.

As we waited for our dinner to arrive we were treated to an olive oil tasting. Each meal begins with a taste of three distinct extra virgin olive oils. Served with the restaurant's freshly baked Rosemary olive oil fougasse bread we delighted in the sampling. My favorite was the Fig and Olive Arbosana which was sweet, fruity and creamy. They have an entire website dedicated to their oils and you can purchase them here.

Tank ~ Shorts ~ Ropes bracelet ~ Sandals (On Sale) ~ Hat c/o ~ Tassel necklace (Very Similar and this one is cute ) I found the same necklace on the website but no link. I suggest going into your store and looking for it ~ Belt ~ Watch ~ Sunnies ~ Lips ~ Nails ~

July 28, 2015
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Thousand Steps Beach

July 27, 2015

Beach

Hi guys! I'm back from my trip to Dana Point and Laguna Beach California and I am finally back to Midwest time! I was tired for a few days and had a lot of laundry and unpacking to do. I also have hundreds of picture to go thru and edit but there is so much to share! We took outfit pictures almost everyday with the exception of the one day it rained in California. Can you believe it? It never rains in southern Cali and one of the days I am there it rained! I must have brought it from the rainy Midwest. You're welcome Cali!

In case you didn't know... or I hadn't actually mentioned, my youngest son moved to southern California and I went out there to visit him and help him get settled into his new surroundings. He is adjusting well to being a surfer, and his tan; I 'm jealous! Everyday we spend some time on different beaches he had explored and wanted to share with me. By far my favorite beach was Thousand Steps. Tucked away in southern Laguna, it is well worth the hunt finding the entrance. We went to this beach on more than one occasion but the name is a telling sign. There isn't actually a thousand steps but...there are over 500 steps round trip.

As you descend the stairs you begin to catch glimpses on the ocean and the beach. The stairs themselves covered with a thick canopy were fairly steep and surprisingly full. There was a steady stream of people all day and early evening each time we were there. I was amazed at the number of surfers and families with a days worth of beach gear hiking these steps. My calves burned on my second trip up the steps. When you reach the beach you realize the journey was worth the view. Surrounded by sheer cliffs with beach houses high on the hills you wonder what it must be like to live with gorgeous views from every window and on every day. These cliffs are what capture the cove that makes Thousand Steps beach. There were a few, maybe two beach houses that actually sat on the beach itself. I could have gone everyday to this beach but two things stopped me. 1) It would have been too brutal for me to drag him every day to the beach for endless hours of sunning, and 2) I don't know if my legs could have climbed the steps 5 days in a row. Here a few pictures from our days on Thousand Steps Beach.

I could be packed and ready to go back tomorrow!

July 27, 2015
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Hotel Sorella Event

May 22, 2015

Celebration

What do you get when you put a group of bloggers together on a gorgeous pool deck and colorful bar? The KC Blogger Meetup Spring meet up of course! Tuesday we held a happy hour meet up hosted by the gorgeous Hotel Sorella. It was nice catching up with friends, and meeting new members. There were fabulous giveaways including dinners, brunches, and one lucky gal won an overnight stay at the hotel! Here is a glimpse of the fun the evening held! Thanks Hotel Sorella for a fabulous spot to mingle and munch!