The first cabinet with the t-racks in the picture are about 8 ft. tall, 5 ft wide, and 23" deep.
The second cabinet is about 6 3/4 ft. tall, 7 ft. wide, and 24 3/4" deep.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Sets @ Coachella 2013
Every year, I can't wait to browse the web for everyone's favorite Coachella looks.
This past spring has got me hooked on matching tops and bottoms, so it was a no-brainer to re-post these faves from the Buttons & Bows Blog
ENJOY, ENJOY!!!
XX,
Rylee
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Hairstory
I've been pondering that age-old question...do blondes really have more fun? Did Marilyn live it up more than Audrey? Does Rosalie have less cares than Alice? Not only have I been pondering, I have been so tempted to take that step over to the..ahem...light side. Would changing my hair color change how I feel; change my perspective on life; or how others treat me?
Thankfully, websites like Instyle.com make it possible for one to take the virtual leap, before heading over to the salon, paying hundreds of dollars, then hating the outcome. It's as easy as uploading a picture of yourself making a few clicks, and voila! You can see yourself as a potential spunky blonde, a spicy ginger, or a mysterious raven-hair.
But that's just it.
Are blondes the life of the party?Are red-heads sassy?
Are brunettes really dark and lovely?
What does our hair-story say about us?
I have naturally curly, medium-brown (I think) hair. I know that when I straighten my hair, I definitely look like a different person (no joke, its like my whole face changes) and I guess sometimes I do feel like a different person. Maybe a little more free
I have yet to trade my brunette tresses for blonde ones. But the curiosity is getting to me. I know that deep down my heart and soul and mind are what makes me me, but I can't help but wonder if transforming my hair could somehow, even in the smallest way, transform me.
I'm interested to hear your insights and experiences!
Hair Today and Gone Tomorrow,
Danielle Cason
*all photos courtesy of http://wetpaint.com
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Favorite Foods as of Today
I'm always craving some kind of food. I'm the kind of person who can't do routines, I need to eat something different everyday. Living in Hawaii you get plenty of options of what to eat, there's no dominant "type" of food here. Hawaii is an amazing place to explore and enjoy foods from all over the world.
Here are a few things
I’ve been craving recently…
If you need a quick, cheap fix, CP Shrimp Wonton Soup
with Noodles is seriously the best microwavable wonton soup I’ve ever had. It’s
very filling and has a yummy broth.
http://www.tastyislandhawaii.com/images/shrimp_wt_soup_wonton5.jpg
The healthy part
about the soup is also made with no preservatives and the shrimp used is raised
in eco-friendly farms. The soup can be found at Costco in Hawaii (I hope more
places carry this soon).
Here’s a drink I
love, and it’s really good for you, sick or not. Its called Govinda’s Ginger
Rush. It’s like ginger lemonade… with a dash of cayenne pepper.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8Bv8kKV0aEs/TGoPTpA_HiI/
AAAAAAAAAEo/MyHwrsoWyR0/s1600govinda's.jpg
The drink blends the
sourness of lemon with that signature “bite” of ginger taste, finished off with
a slightly spicy sting. It helps to alleviate cold symptoms and aids digestion
while giving you an energy boost.
Delicious, sugary
sweet dried strawberries are done right by Ann’s House of Nuts brand. It's the PERFECT sweet dried strawberry. It’s like biting into a strawberry coated with sugar, but with a gummy, chewy texture. Simply delicious for your sweet
tooth!
Out of all the options of li hing covered fruit, Aloha Gourmet Li Hing Fuji Apples
are simply amazing. Dried apples dusted with li hing powder are savory and also quite sweet. The mellow taste of the fuji apples makes the li hing powder a perfect accent taste without adding unnecessary sourness.
http://tastyislandhawaii.com/images10/
li_hing/li_hing_dried_fujiapples_c.jpg
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Mary Katrantzou x Current/Elliott Collaboration
Mary Katrantzou and the creative director of Current/Elliot, Serge Azria, have collaborated to release a S/S 2013 collection filled with fun prints and casual looks. First, let me describe the different styles of the two brands:
Mary Katrantzou is famous for her
use of prints, that are intricate yet elegant.
http://www.style.com/fashion-shows/spring-2013-ready-to-wear/
london/mary-katrantzou/collection/_MG_0382.450x675.JPG
http://www.style.com/fashion-shows/spring-2013-ready-to-wear/
london/mary-katrantzou/collection/_MG_0227.450x675.JPG
Current/Elliot is well-known for their
denim staples, and causal-wear style.
http://7.images.singer22.com/static/products/T275x400/1280-0553.jpg
-school-bleach-splatter-shirt-product-3-5797529927116359_large_flex.jpeg
The two have teamed up to present a collection that has a casual yet classy but still creatively unique kind of feel.
Current/Elliot transfers these prints on their denim pieces, creating a chic look on durable denim. The color palette consists mainly of hues of blues, reds, and whites, with occasional pops of color, added to give depth to the graphics.
Currency and stamps inspired Katrantzou's prints for this collaboration.
This collaboration is priced up to a few hundred dollars, which is actually more affordable than other Katrantzou pieces. These pieces were made to be durable enough for everyday wear, yet delicate enough to give a sophisticated look.
Have a good week!
XOXO,
Deanna
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Would Dorothy be Dorothy....?
"If the cut of the costume indicated intellect and talent, then the color indicated temper and heart."
-Thomas Carlyle
 |
| Mila Kunis, James Franco, Michelle Williams and Rachel Weisz in Oz The Great and Powerful. Costume Designer: Gary Jones photo: businessinsider.com |
About 20 minutes into the movie, I started to get a little worried. Maybe my expectations were too high, the beautiful graphics, the star-studded cast, the classic story...but the plot seemed to be falling a little flat (for the record, the movie picks up, and it's a hit that I highly recommend). However, this is not a movie review, this is in fact, a costume review. For I know that I can watch the worst of worst movies, but if the costumes are interesting, accurate, or intricate, the overall experience will prove satisfying for me (i.e.: Snow White and The Huntsman, thank you Charlize for wearing real beetle wings). "Oz" get's a 10/10 in costume design from this girl. I couldn't stop staring at Rachel Weisz as she simultaneously manipulated and sparkled; or doe-eyed Mila Kunis, looking wickedly chic. And don't get me started on Michelle Williams, who traded her sultry Marilyn Monroe wardrobe for angelic, glittery, and downright good gowns as she embodies the essence of Glinda.
And let's here it for the boys and James Franco looked positively debonair as he pulled rabbits out of his hats and weaseled his way behind that curtain (but "pay no attention")...
 |
| Charlize Theron in Snow White and The Huntsman Costume Designer: Coleen Atwood photo: popstyle.ew.com |
 |
| Keira Knightley in Anna Karenina Costume Designer: Jacqueline Durran *Oscar Winner!* photo: people.com |
If you caught any glimpse of the Oscars or the Golden Globes this past January and February, you already know that 2012 was a great year for costumes in movies and television, and you can anticipate seeing more of that in 2013.
 |
| Samantha Barker as Eponine in Les Miserables Costume Designer: Paco Delgado photo: broadway.com |
 |
| Carey Mulligan in The Great Gatsby Costume Designer: Catherine Martin photo: clothesinfilm.com |
The clothes may not make the man, but perhaps the costume makes the character.
Two words: Ruby Slippers.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Hi, Tea.
 |
| Photo: http://examiner.com |
I know I am usually the Saturday evening blogger, however, last night I was hit with a stomach ailment that sent me straight to bed without dessert and without blogging. So here I am, Sunday morning, still ailing, skipping church and throwing you all for a loop.
I think one finds success in writing what they know and what they love. To me, one of life's simple sweet pleasures is a nice cup of tea. Now add to that a cutesy, over-the-top, antiquey ambiance, and some of my best girlfriends dressed in florals, lace, and anything with ruffles and my tea experience becomes nothing short of a gift from Heaven.
 |
| Photo: Danielle Cason |
Now, I am uncertain if it was the release of Tim Burton's feast-for-our-eyes Alice in Wonderland in 2010, or the love of all-things-vintage that doesn't seem to stop gaining momentum, or if its merely the fault of Pinterest: but the British are coming and tea, tea parties, tea houses, and high tea are here to stay (I hope!).
Tea has many health benefits which include fighting a wide array of cancers and other diseases, hydrating your body, and assisting you in weight-loss goals. You can learn about other great benefits here:
http://healthland.time.com/2012/09/04/13-reasons-to-love-tea/
Tea cups and tea party themes can make the most humdrum event way.too.cute. Baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, book clubs...you name it. Its easy to find some great antique tea sets at your local thrift store and a box of tea samplers is super cheap! Bake some muffins or cupcakes and you could host a quaint little gathering for less than $20!
If you are willing to take a risk and substitute your Starbucks coffee shop chatting date with a morning get-together at a tea house you may just find yourself feeling more elegant, more peaceful, and you will probably find a million dollars under the table and your life will be perfect forever. Ok, maybe not that last part, but it may be perfect for a moment and the scones will be good.
My favorite place in the world to sip tea: Alice's Tea Cup
My favorite place on O'ahu to clink tea cups: The Veranda at the Kahala Resort
The tea experience I've yet to have but that is definitely on my wish list: Tea at 1024
Danielle Cason
 |
| Photo: Amber Schoniwitz of SCHYNE |
Why am I making such a campaign for tea? Because it makes your life better and more fun.
So there.
Tea has many health benefits which include fighting a wide array of cancers and other diseases, hydrating your body, and assisting you in weight-loss goals. You can learn about other great benefits here:
http://healthland.time.com/2012/09/04/13-reasons-to-love-tea/
Tea cups and tea party themes can make the most humdrum event way.too.cute. Baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, book clubs...you name it. Its easy to find some great antique tea sets at your local thrift store and a box of tea samplers is super cheap! Bake some muffins or cupcakes and you could host a quaint little gathering for less than $20!
 |
| Photo: Danielle Cason |
I suggest that next weekend, you put on a great outfit (or purchase one from Milieu!), call a friend, and raise your tea cup (and your pinkie!) to fancy, to vintage, to health, to elegance, to culture, to God, to friends, to fun, to life, to you!
Top Picks:
My favorite place on O'ahu to clink tea cups: The Veranda at the Kahala Resort
The tea experience I've yet to have but that is definitely on my wish list: Tea at 1024
“I can't go back to yesterday because I was a different person then.”
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in WonderlandTuesday, February 26, 2013
Gemstone Basics
When it comes to making jewelry and finding gems, I’m the pickiest person ever. I’m constantly on the hunt for well-cut, perfect beads to use. No matter what type of jewelry you like, gemstones are graded based on the 4C’s (Cut, Color, Carat, Clarity). The grade a gemstone gets determines their value and is a good estimate on how much you can expect to pay for them.
http://www.cpbracelet.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/precious-gemstone-names.gif
The International Gem Society offers some insight on how the 4C’s determine the grading of gemstones:
Cut- Cut is the consideration of work given into making the gemstone and the overall appearance, based on factors like shape, symmetry, faceting, polish, and shine.
Color- Color is described by three factors: Hue (purple, red, etc.), Saturation (strong or faint), and Tone (light to dark). Gemstones are usually graded high for pure hues and rich color, but diamonds are graded on levels of transparency. A consistent color throughout the stone is preferred by fine jewelry makers.
Carat- Stones are weighed in carats. Larger stones are unusual to find, but are not always practical to wear as jewelry. Carats are important to consider when factoring in cost for gemstones.
Clarity- Clarity is the graded according to the number of inclusions a gemstone has, meaning anything that will block the passage of light through the stone. Inclusions are minerals, fractures, or hollow areas in the stone. The more transparent the stones, the better the clarity.
Chart of the 4 C's by International Gemmological Institute
http://www.igi-usa.com/images/4c-spread.jpg
Gemstones are then
given a grade based on the quality of the stones and the 4C’s. Yelena Jenkins
better clarifies this information in her post “Gemstone Ratings.” They range
from a scale of AAA-D:
AAA-A- Gemstones
given an AAA-A rating are good quality; they are cut with good transparency and
few inclusions. AA is top quality and AAA is considered near perfect.
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-71585368631737/alex-grades.jpg
B- B-graded gems have
small inclusions, and color isn’t as rich, but the stone is still transparent
and used as smaller gemstones for jewelry.
Emerald, B grade
http://image2.fmgstatic.com/images/p9891gsb.jpg
C- C-graded stones
are duller and not sparkly to the eye. It has visible inclusions and areas that
are non-transparent. C stones are commonly made into chips and use for pave
designs.
D- D-grade gemstones
are non-transparent and are used as cabochons and rock-like pieces. They have little clarity and commonly have inclusions.
Emerald, D grade
http://image2.fmgstatic.com/images/p3537kxb.jpg
Gemstone grading is more intricate, but these are just basics you can use as information to consider. Grading is especially important
to consider when making an expensive gemstone purchase, but your personal
preference of jewels should not be based on their grade and value alone.
Whether it be raw gemstone clusters or micro-faceted jewels, your taste and
style is the most important part to consider when shopping for jewelry. If you like it, go for it! Have a good week!
XOXO,
Deanna
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