A little chit-chat….

Pre-warning, this post might be a bit rambling, and random. You’ve been warned.

First off, thank you all for the “Gift Guide” recommendations and requests. You guys have given me SO MANY awesome ideas, and I’m excited to share some of my roundups.

My MIL & FIL are in town for Thanksgiving, so it’s a busy week in my house. We braved the grocery store today, it was pure chaos! Totally worth it – I love thanksgiving! Can you believe it’s already the end of November? Christmas is LITERALLY one month away. Whaaa?!!!

Cute shoes have been popping up everywhere lately, like these:

Jessica Simpson Flats

Kate Spade Glitter Loafers - These are too good to be true!!

black shoe

Argenta

The girls over at VonBon introduced me to Yarning Made’s shop on Etsy, and I am seriously lusting over this blanket. The cutest, right? Must. Own.

Old Navy is having a big sale, and I found this vest (which looks a LOT like the cult favorite JCrew vest).

I have my top TWENTY Coworker/Gift Swap/Stocking stuffer guide coming tomorrow…basically gifts under $25, including male and female gifts, so stay tuned for that.

Hope you’re all having a great week! If you haven’t already entered to win the beautiful Anthropology apron that My Simple Kitchen and I are giving away, you can do so here.

XO – Samantha

PS….I told you today was going to be random. :-)

Guest Post: Style by Kristen Blair

Happy Hump Day!
I have another amazing guest for you guys today, the beautiful Kristen of Style by Kristen Blair. She is so sweet, and has impeccable taste, so I hope you go check out her blog, and follow her here.

Hi, I’m Kristen!

I’m a 20-something student, intern, fashion lover, daughter, little sister, best friend, and author of Style by Kristen Blair. I am a lover of all things, clothes, shoes, and accessories… Basically anything fashion related. You name it, I probably love it. I am a senior marketing major at James Madison University, and I am hoping to get a job somewhere in the fashion industry after graduation in May! I started blogging as a requirement for a class, but after the class ended I kept going in hopes of sharing my love of fashion with the world. I live in Northern Virginia, but I am hoping to move to New York City (my favorite place in all of the land…) after graduation! If you want to learn more about me and my blog, stop by and visit at http://kristenblair.com!

1. In 10 words or less, describe yourself.

Sister, Daughter, Best Friend, Fashion Lover, Outgoing, Goofy, Workout Fanatic

2. “In my dreams, I live in…”

New York City. When I was 6 years old my family went on a road trip and each on of us got to pick a place that we wanted to go on the east coast. Well, I picked New York City. When we were there we were on the Staten Island ferry, I remember looking up at my dad and saying “Daddy, I’m gonna live here one day…” and ever since then I have known that was where I wanted to live.

Living in the city for 7 weeks this summer while interning at a fashion PR firm really was a dream come true. It was one of the best 7 weeks of my life and it only made me all the more excited about the possibility of one day calling the city my home. (Also, chasing a career in fashion, that is really where I need to live… So, I’m hoping that after graduation in May I can go home and work for the summer, save as much money as I possibly can, and then make the big move!)

3. “If I were a pair of shoes, I’d be…”

Jimmy Choo black patent leather pumps. They are just a timeless classic that everyone should have in their closet! They really are a staple… My black pumps are one of my most frequently worn shoes that I own. I would be Jimmy Choo because he is my favorite shoe designer… (My goal is to be able to buy a brand new pair of Jimmy Choos and wear them on the first day of my big girl job after college! … A girl can dream!)

4. What beauty product can’t you live without?

Granier BB Cream. Where to even begin?! This stuff is absolutely amazing… every girl needs to at least try it. I promise you will love it. It is basically a tinted moisturizer, but it does so much more than the average moisturizer. In addition to moisturizing, it also mattifies your skin tone, minimizes pores and conceals imperfections to give your skin a smooth, matte, flawless finish.” Pretty much the only place I don’t wear BB cream is to the gym!

5. Why did you start blogging?

Read all about how I got started here. (http://kristenblair.com/about)

~
Thank you so much Kristen! I’m guest posting today over on Style by Kristen Blair, so come say hello!
On a side note…
Remember these x-benches? If you follow me on Instagram then you already know that I finally got around to spray painting the legs a lacquered black, and reupholstered the cushions in a black greek key fabric. I might be a little in love. :-)
See you guys tomorrow for a special cooking edition of P&P with my sweet friend Rene of My Simple Kitchen.
XO – Samantha

Toddler Fashion

I have had a ton of sweet, sweet comments from a bunch of you on Instagram and Facebook saying that you love what my daughter is wearing, and wondering where you can purchase the same/similar items. I thought today I’d share some of my favorite outfits that she’s worn recently, and provide links to items that are still available.

TF2

Target Chambray Shirt - Purchased in a larger size 3-4T and belted with an adult belt (double wrapped).

Old Navy Cream & Gold Leggings

Freshly Picked Moccasins in Walnut

Scarf is an old scarf of mine that I cut in half. I do this ALL THE TIME!! Here’s a link to VonBon infinity cowls (not pictured) that we LOVE!!

TF3

Old Navy “Heart And Soul” sweater (sold out) – Similar

Shorts are very old – from Gap

Target Gold Shoes – Similar
TF5

Green Military Jacket - ON SALE!

Skinny Jeggings

TF1

H&M Skinny Jeans

White T-Shirt

Scarf – Mine, cut in half and sewn into a loop

Platinum Freshly Picked Moccs TF12

Red Railroad Style pants – Monoprix in Paris

Pink & Red Rain Cloud Shirt – Monoprix in Paris

TF11

Bathing suit – Not available during this season, but I always find the cutest swimsuits at Gap TF9

H&M skinny jeans

Walnut Freshly Picked Moccs

Scarf from the HAIR SECTION at Target. It’s meant as a hair wrap, but is the perfect kids size.

TF8

Chambray Tank Top
TF16 TF7 Leopard Print Loafers

Black Leggings

TF4

Red Skinny Jeans

TF14

Mustard Yellow Headband – Even cuter

White lace shirt

Shorts – Monoprix in Paris

TF20

TF15

Green Zip-Up Military Inspired Dress – H&M (Not available online) TF17

Polkadot Dress – Nordstrom Rack

TF18

Black & White striped leggings – Similar

Fur Vest – H&M in store only

TF19

Pink Hunter Boots

H&M Skinny Jeans (linked above)

Pink Plaid Top TF21

H&M Plaid Dress – In store only. Similar.

Here are a few items on my winter wardrobe wishlist for Camryn:

What are y’all loving for your little munchkin this fall and winter?

Thank you all again for the kindest comments about my mini, they are my favorite comments of all!! <3

XO – Samantha

Pantone Spring 2014 Colors Decoded

Quick Side Note: Piperlime is having a sitewide 40% sale today, so don’t miss out! Jessica Alba, Rachel Zoe, and Olivia Palermo, all very beautiful, and very well dressed ladies, share their favorite items so go check it out. My favorite pieces are:

This chunky Derek Lam sweater is gorgeous!!

This novelty “Oui” sweater is so fun, and I just can’t help but love it.

This sweater has a different play on elbow patches. Classic in color, and never out of style.

I am mad for plaid right now, and this looks so chic and comfortable.

Military inspired hooded vest.

This is the perfect layering bracelet, and the added texture gives it a more modern look.

The perfect silk blouse, which can easily be paired with any outfit. It’s on sale, plus you can take the additional 40% off. This one is a steal!!!

There are tons of other great pieces, so go take a peek. :-)

On to todays real post….

I shared this with the readers of CanYaHeelMe? last week, but I wanted to share it with y’all, just in case you missed it.

I’m decoding the Pantone Spring 2014 colors, and helping you find pieces will take you through fall, all the way into next summer. Pantone paired the typical pastel spring colors with brighter, bolder counterparts, which makes this a much more wearable palette. I’ve chosen timeless designers, and quality items that will last you for years to come, so add a few of these items to your christmas list!

Pantone Spring 2014 - Fashion Translation

Pantone Spring 2014 – Fashion Translation by playdatesandpearls Links At End of Post, or click photo to shop this board.

Placid Blue: A neutral to most colors, Placid blue can act as a background color, or has the ability to shine on it’s own. I love pairing light blue with light pink, peach, and navy. Because this color is so muted, it can easily be worn in larger scales, such as a maxi dress.

Violet Tulip: This is the epitome of spring to me; a nostalgic color. This dreamy, and oh-so-florally purple pairs well with coppers, navy, and white. To avoid looking “bubblegum-esque”, wear this shade sparingly, as a statement necklace, or sandals.

Cayenne: Va-va-voom! Cayenne is on fire. This loud color plays best with other prints, such as florals, and animal prints. Wear this as a chic blazer, or even as skinny jeans.

Celosia Orange: This is not your Mama’s orange. This sophisticated, richer tone of orange, would pair beautifully with Violet Tulip pieces “for a captivating vision, much like the setting summer sun.” -Leatrice Eiseman, Pantones Executive Director

Hemlock: This “neutral” color also plays well with almost anything! An “ornamental green”, which looks beautiful as military inspired jackets or pants, as well as mixed in with florals.

Dazzling Blue: My favorite of all the spring colors, dazzling blue is the “POP!” of color that makes all the other colors of this Pantone Spring Palette come to life. Dazzling blue compliments almost all skin-tones, and hair colors, and adds a sparkle to any outfit. I love pairing this color with lighter blues, like Placid blue, as well as turquoises, pale pinks, golds and silvers, and crisp whites.

Freesia: Tropical, florally, and another nostalgic spring color. When we think of this shade of yellow, we all think of the classic rain boots. Stick to the classics, or pair this with any of the other spring colors for an updated look.

Radiant Orchid: The bolder counterpart to violet tulip, this deeper shade of purple looks especially pretty when paired with blues and pinks.

Paloma: The quintessential neutral, which can easily be the backdrop to any color, adds a touch of class. For a richer, tone-on-tone look, pair varying shades of gray together. For glamour, pair with gold.

Sand: A great color for combining with other colors, but also beautiful on it’s own. Sand gives a feeling of warmth. This beachy color can be used to your advantage to create longer, leaner legs, with nude heels.

Many of these colors are great year round, so don’t be afraid to start experimenting with them this fall and winter. I have been loving chunky sweaters in Sand and Dazzling Blue especially. Of course, the easiest way to play with all of these colors is with shoes, so embrace your inner shoe-aholic, and get to shopping!

XO – Samantha

Tory Burch dress / PJK Patterson J. Kincaid cotton jacket / Jessica Simpson denim legging / AG Adriano Goldschmied torn legging / Kate Spade flat shoes / Tory Burch ballet flat / Frye sandals / Sigerson Morrison flat shoes / Kate Spade flat shoes / Balenciaga flat sandals / Kate Spade shoes / TOMS flat shoes / Vince Camuto slip on shoes / TOMS flat shoes / Balenciaga flat sandals / Balenciaga flat shoes / Tory Burch messenger bag / Tory Burch purse / Valextra orange purse / Tory Burch crossbody / Tory Burch shoulder bag / Gorjana bangle bracelet, $195 / Kate Spade jewelry / Kate Spade jewelry / Kate Spade jewelry / Kate Spade jewelry / Kate Spade jewelry / Forever 21 scarve / Tory Burch sunglasses / River Island sunglasses, $21 / Maison Boinet leather belt / Vito Short With Anchor Embroidery / Nordstrom lip gloss / Laura Mercier nail polish / Deborah Lippmann nail polish / Hunter Original Packable Tour

Summer to Fall – 1 Dress, 5 Outfits

Hello!

I know, I know, it’s Monday….again…but I’ve got a little something fun to perk you up!

With all this beautiful fall weather upon us, I thought it might be fun to show you a few outfit ideas for warming up a summer staple. I used a simple white dress, which could easily be replaced for the notorious little-black-dress that we all own and love. I added layers to create a cooler-weather appropriate look. If you don’t live in a warmer climate, like I do, you could also add some tights, cute frilly socks peaking out of your boots, a knit hat, and of course a jacket.

Pinterest Fall Outfits

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The details:

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Shoes: Kohls, no longer available. Here are great alternatives.

Nude Patent Leather Clutch – Michael Kors, no longer available. Here’s an even cuter one.

Belt came with a Lauren Conrad dress from Kohls

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Necklace – Charming Charlies (in-store)

blue sweater

Blue Sweater – Banana Republic

Necklace & Earrings – Charming Charlies (in-store)

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Green Sweater - Banana Republic

Tassel Necklace – Charming Charlies (in-store)

Gold Glitter flats – Target

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Wedges – Similar

profile photoedited

Here are a few fun outtakes. :-)

DSC_0687 Seriously, this little girl is the best thing in the world. We go to our local farmers market every Sunday, and she gets her face painted. She was a flower princess this time. :-)

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Camryn says “Hands on hips, Mom”

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Hope you guys are feeling inspired, and as excited about this cooler weather as I am! If any of you give one of these looks a try, tweet me or instagram me using the hashtag #playdatesandpearls!

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