Blonder Ambitions

Beauty. Intelligence. Lifestyle.

HOW TO – MAKE YOUR OWN CARDS

by 2 Comments

I am a complete sucker when it comes to all things personalized.  I am also an utterly complete sucker for greeting cards.  Beyond this, I am an utterly completely ridiculous sucker for receiving a personalized (ie homemade) greeting card for no reason at all.  Those that know me know my obsession with one-of-a-kind gifts... accompany the gift with one of these ... Read the Post

You're crafty. And fabulous. No more excuses. Make your own card. It costs exactly the same (or less) as one of those mass produced Hallmark things... and it's worth so much more.

QUILTED LEATHER

by Leave a Comment

At the end of a loooooong work week, nothing kicks off the weekend like going out with your best girlfriends to play with the city lights.  When the night's plans include a nice dinner downtown followed by some time on State Street {Santa Barbara's main drag}, the look needs to be appropriate for the nightlife yet refined.  A sequined gray mini dress leads to some major skin exposure {perfect for ... Read the Post

Take a downtown dress uptown with a little ruffled leather.

MAXI CHIC

by 2 Comments

I had a day full of business meetings and shopping {yesssss!} ahead of me.  The fashion challenge was to look polished and effortless, while still maintaining a level of comfort {didn't want to have to cut shopping time short}.  Enter: the maxi dress.  It comes in endless styles and every imaginable color (though I'm a sucker for embroidery and jewel tones... it totally screams "High End Puerto ... Read the Post

The maxi dress. Effortless, chic and universally flattering. Dress it up or down.

HOW TO – ARRANGE FLOWERS

by Leave a Comment

There is nothing like having a fresh bunch of flowers in your home. On your desk. On a table. Anywhere.  Everywhere.  However, you don't want those flowers to appear as if they have been haphazardly thrown into a vase.  Each and every flower should look like it is exactly where it is intended to be.  Here's how... {You should have two pairs of cutting tools... One standard pair of scissors [make ... Read the Post

Here's a little step-by-step guide to turn you (even if you are a flower arranging neophyte) into the Martha Stewart of flower arranging.

FABULOUS EVENT – A SURPRISE BIRTHDAY BRUNCH FOR MY SISTER

by 4 Comments

So, if you don't know by now... I run a design house in Santa Barbara (see it here or here).  One of the things I LOVE. Love. love. is event design.  My little sister (and my best friend in the whole wide world) was turning 24... I thought a surprise brunch in her favorite color {green} at her favorite restaurant (Blush of Santa Barbara) was in order.  I whipped up a theme, stuck with the color ... Read the Post

A fabulous Sunday, spent with fabulous friends, celebrating an utterly fabulous person.

HOSTESS? DRESS THE PART

by Leave a Comment

A hostess needs an outfit that is functional (she has to be able to set up the party) and appropriate (a hostess' outfit should perfectly suit the occasion).  I was throwing my sister a surprise birthday party (fun!) that was a semi-formal brunch (classy!) {see the event here!}.  A 50's style cardigan and pearls provided the class, while a short dress and high heels complemented the feeling of ... Read the Post

A celebratory twist on a classic fashion staple: a cardigan with pearls.