Amber's Notebook

Things I Love: Free Mason

2010-03-10T16:28:00.000-08:00

I love storing things in glass jars, Mason jars particularly, but really any glass jar. I always save spaghetti jars or any glass jars to store buttons, craft items, matches and just about anything that can fit into a jar. I think it a pretty way to display items, and I much prefer mason jars to plastic containers. It is such a nice way to recycle containers as well.

Want of the Week: Retro Bathing Suits

2010-03-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

I am hoping one of your wants of the week is the Bow necklace I am giving away.

This week I am loving the retro bikinis that I have been seeing around lately. I love the glamorous vibe of them, and know I would feel so Marilyn Monroe in one of them.
Marilyn Love:

Click on Pictures to be Linked.

Look of the Day: 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall

2010-03-09T19:21:00.000-08:00

Take one down, I'll buy this Round...

Okay not really but there are 99 entries to The Remember the Moment Bow Necklace Giveaway (pretty good odds) and really have a beer {cue a Wendy Hangover comment}. Well I won't bore you with my day but I may bore you with my outfit. I wore one of the Anthro tops that I purchased a few weeks ago (I'm sure Kim could tell you the name) I gave up on trying to remember the names and I think I retired from naming them after my Party in The Back name. I love that this top is not too flowy ( I hate tops that are too flowy when they cinch at the bust) and the shoulder details are just so cute! I can't wait until it is warm enough to wear this top with out a cardigan. Or perhaps next time I could add some color to the outfit. Really, seriously I am not wearing any color these days. I'm just living in black, white and grey. It's pretty much like watching I love Lucy. Boy was I was shocked (at about eight years old) when I found she was red head! Really i would love to know what color her living room was.

All together now ... naturally paired with my ash olivia boots.

Look of the Day: Dirty Mouth? Clean it Up!

2010-03-08T20:38:00.000-08:00

I am SO glad you are as excited about the Bow Necklace giveaway as I am. I thought you would love it!! And one of you will be lucky to have one for free! Even I had to buy my own =)

I thought the Oscars were very entertaining. I loved Alex Bladwin and Steve Martin, and OMG of course Neil Patrick Harris. I heart him! there were lots of gorgeous dresses, although nothing really blew me away. I felt like a lot of my favorite stars were not there this year. I liked Anna Kendrick's dress but I wasn't a fan of her shoes paired with her dress. I loved Nicole Richie's look because it was different and I thought she stood out, Zoe Saldana also stood out in the crowd. I though Tina Fey finally looked fabulous and Meryl Streep looked amazing! Demi Moore and Rachel Adams were also on my list of dresses that caught my eye. Clearly ruffles and pleats are here to stay for a bit. And lots of poofy dresses, I liked that winners Sandra Bullock and Kathryn Bigelow did not wear poofy dresses.

"I have Voices In my Head but They speak Spanish so I have no idea what they are saying."
Daniel Tosh.

Random but when I say Hurt Locker in my Head it is sounds like how the lady on the Orbit's Gum commercial says "Link Licker"...Weird I know. Anyways I loved Hurt Locker (Link Licker) it had me yelling and screaming and on the edge of my seat!

I had a mini Oscar party complete with hors d'oeuvres and red {velvet} carpet cupcakes.
Had to post this for the other Andi in my Life ;)
Cupcakes, a cake stand and champagne coupes. I felt oh, so Marie Antoinette!
Prize for Oscar Predictions:
My outfit: I am wearing the necklace I am giving away! And my top is Torn, and is last years version of this top.
And I picked up a few Lauren Conrad pieces at Kohls yesterday. I got this dress, this sequin cardigan, and this blouse.
While shopping at Kohls I earned $20 so I am debating spending it on these boyfriend jeans this moto jacket or this skirt. I have to go back this week before it expires. Decisions, decisions. hehe.

Hope your week started off well! I loved this tweet about Monday's from Joel Madden today:

"Happy Monday everybody. Today is the day you get to decide what kind of week your gonna have!"
I decided I am going to have great week, how about you??

Giveaway: Remember the Moment Bow Necklace

2010-03-08T07:01:00.000-08:00

When Claire from the Etsy Stores: http://feronia.etsy.com , http://thedailyclassics.etsy.com and http://candyvillage.etsy.com contacted me about giveaway for one of her adorable jewelry pieces I knew it would perfect for my blog. I also immediately purchased not one, but two of her adorable Remember the Moment bow necklaces.
Isn't it DARLING!??

Expect to see me rocking this often!

Claire would like to present the necklace "Remember the Moment" as the Grand prize for this Giveaway.The fabulous Claire is also giving away Five sets of $5 vouchers to her Etsy shops. In all, we will have 6 winners!
This contest will be international!

To Enter you must to become a fan of Feronia Jewelry here:
http://www.facebook.com/FeroniaJewelry?ref=search&sid=706072871.27724728..1
and leave a comment in this post stating that you became a fan.

For three additional entries you can:
1. Follow my blog via blogger and leave a message that you became a follower (if you already a follower please leave an additional comment stating this).
2. Mention this giveaway on your blog and then post a link to your blog in an additional comment.
3. Tweet about @Ambersnotebook's necklace giveaway and Copy and paste your tweet in an additional comment (pleasebe sure to include @Ambersnotebook and the giveaway link:http://www.ambersnotebook.com/2010/03/giveaway-remember-moment-bow-necklace.html in your tweet)
*Please leave additional comments for any of the three additional ways to enter. Combined comments will be only be counted as one entry.

You have until Saturday March 13th Midnight PST to enter.
The Winner will be announced Sunday March 14th.
This necklace is such a cool piece because it is made to wear asymmetric but it can also be worn in the middle of your collarbone! LOVE!Good luck!! And thank you Claire!!

Look of The Day: Princess Ann

2010-03-07T18:13:00.000-08:00

I spent my Saturday night playing Video games with the boys and watching one of my favorite best actress performances, Audry Hepburn in Roman Holiday. I love award shows and I love to go all out for them, so I figured Roman Holiday was the perfect movie to watch. It is one of my favorite Audry Hepburn movies. Much different from my other favorites (Breakfast at Tiffany's and My Fair Lady) but it makes want to romp around Rome. She looks fabulous in the movie, but unfortunately, for me, she spends most of the movie in one outfit.

Princess Ann or you can call her Smitty.

I purchased the Minooka Moccasins a few years ago and haven't worn in them in ages since fringe boots got super trendy. But have grown tired of all my other boots so I decided to rock them. Same cardigan as mine in a different pattern here, similar tunic here.
Being a goofball, rocking my Grandpa's hat at my Mom's.
My tights, that ended up getting a run in them.
Ditched accessories.

At midnight, I'll turn into a pumpkin and drive away in my glass slipper.

And Keep your eye for a Giveaway tomorrow!! If you follow me on twitter watch for a sneak preview of what will be given away, I am very excited!!

Style Icon: Sister Bo Bo Mo Bister

2010-03-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

I am so lucky to have such a FABULOUS sister! Growing up I always had a Barbie playing partner, personal model and a closet to borrow clothes from. Now that we are grown up she is my role model, LA weekend trip partner and my best friend. She's pretty freaking awesome. And works in the Capitol alongside Arnold writing bills, she is so cool =) I am very proud to call her my sister. Have a great birthday Annarea!!

Happy Birthday Andi!!

Rocking rompers and heart shaped glasses. The hard faces crack me up.
Probably the last time I have done anyone's makeup...yikes!
I was styling {at home} photoshoots way back when, she was my always favorite model.
Wasn't she a cutie?? =)
We sure loved playing dress up. Again the faces crack me up! Working it.
I love you sissy bo bo mo bister! Have a great time in LA, I am jealous I am not there with you!!

Things I Love: Asymmetric Ruffles

2010-03-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

Whats not to love about Ruffles? And I just love the Asymmetric twist on them. I think the angle and ruffle combination is a very faltering line for the body. And I think it distracts the eye from anything you may not want attention called upon.
When I saw this Aden B ruffle tank I LOVED it! It totally reminded me of my Torn Tunic.

Click for links

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And the Ultimate Asymmetric Ruffles:

Click for links

Look of The Day: Make it Work

2010-03-04T22:07:00.000-08:00

Anyone else out there a big Project Runway fan!?? Well my day was long and I forgot the most of it. Right now I am just looking forward to Friday, so Project Runway (and a bit of Survivor...whoa blindside!) is all I can seem to think about. For my outfit I rocked one of my favorite Elizabeth and James blazer. Blazers are definitely something I believe investing in ( I wear mine all the time, day and night) and I love the details that the Elizabeth and James blazers have.
This blazer is one of my favorites. (And a similar blazer for a steal at Forever 21).

OK Friday, you couldn't come soon enough!!

Style Inspiration: Trench Coats

2010-03-04T14:09:00.000-08:00

There are some pieces that are just so classic you have to own them. The trench should be high up on that list. My Breakfast at Tiffany's binge had me dying over trenches. Here are some of my favorite ladies rocking the trench, I for one don't own one but Chloe just sold me on the F21 one, which I just ordered. Also check out Ehayes post for more fabulous and affordable trenches!!
the Posh VB!
Zoe's girls!
The icon herself.
My Obsession...

Making the trench hot..

Maybe I could rock something like this Burberry Trench Look with my new Ash Wedges!And thanks to Chloe's post I had to order this trench...LOVE!!! Check her rocking it out here. “The trench coat is the only thing that has kept its head above water.” - Jack Lipman.

Flowers of the Week: Ready for Spring

2010-03-04T08:43:00.000-08:00

A lovely bouquet and spring time beauties made my week, and made inside feel a bit more likespring (as it rained cats and dogs outside...)

Fresh Flowers are like a breath of breath air in my world. Although I am ready to work on my outside flowers one of thees days...

Look of the Day: The Dwindling Party

2010-03-03T21:23:00.000-08:00

So I am still riding my Rodarte for Target high. Sadly I still have some unworn pieces sitting in my closet (not a good sign!) but this lace printed dress will be one piece that will (and has gotten) get lots of wear. Tavi wore it a few weeks ago and mentioned how it reminded her of Edward Gorey illustrations, which obviously had me (ok I mean I had my Mom) searching for my Edward Gorey Dwindling Party pop up book. At one time this creepy book was my favorite childhood book, apparently it freaked my sister out (she MUST be normal0. The book is now a very expensive colletor item. It was such a creepy book but wow I loved it. And now thanks toTtavi, that is all I can think of when I wear this dress, and it makes me love it even more!
OK so these outfit pictures are old but I forgot to take pictures today!! Deal with it ;)
And the Dwindling party... a book of a family who never made it out of a {theme} park...

If any book should be turned into a movie this one should!! Please tell me someone else adored this book! =)

They were dampened a bit by a brief sudden shower, And apparently Mother dissolved into air.

Month in Review: Another one Bites the Dust

2010-03-03T10:28:00.000-08:00

2010 is flying by! Here are some of my February looks. Can you tell I am in a winter rut or what!?? Check out my January's looks here. Here's to more sandals, skirts and dresses in my future. And less tights, boot and jackets!!
And more color, I need more color in my life...

Purchase Review: Ash Lotus Wedges

2010-03-02T19:51:00.000-08:00

Well I officially made my first spring purchase. After lusting after these for a few weeks and then posting about them last week I decided I needed these Ash Lotus wedges. I absolutely adored my Ash Olivia foldover boots so I decided to see if Ash could come through for me again in the spring. These were actually one of those shoes I was worried that would be uncomfortable and didn't want to get my hopes up, but when I tried them on they were surprising comfortable (you know when you try a shoe on and it hurts that it is a no go). I am very excited about this purchase and I really hope these pan out as nicely as my Ash boots did.
I love coming home to packages!! YAY!
I can't wait to rock these!

Well now that the spring seal is broken, bring on the shopping!

How I Shop: Shopbop "Shop Your Style"

2010-03-02T10:45:00.000-08:00

I had mentioned several time how much I love the style features on Shopbop.com. Another one of my favorite areas is their shop by style section. When I think about my own personal style I tend not to categorize it too much. I'm sure to someone else looking at my outfits could better categorize my style but I try not to put myself in one fashion slot. I like being able to wear something preppy one day, bohemian hippie the next and then something with an edgy or rocker vibe and then super girl the next. So although I love this feature organized style feature I am unsure of which style I am , in fact items from my wish list are in every category, but that just the way I like it.
For instance I love these Joie shoes in the bohemian category, and I previously blogged about wanting this Free People tank also in the section.
The fact the We the Free Ebb and Flow cardigan is the Causal Chic Category may solidly my spot there.
All the Blazers (like this Adam one) and strappy sandals draw me to the classic style. Those are things I wear often.
The Torn Shoulder dress, Haute Hippe Vest and Helmut Lang Cardigan in the Down town section are all right up my ally.
While the Rebecca Taylor dress and all the Joie Blouse (like this one and this one) in the girly section have been on my wishlist for awhile now.
Well I guess it is nice I don't have to choose =)
Looking at this picture I would say I am a casual chic, and at times, Downtown. Maybe my weekday and weekend looks?
What Style category would you be??

Look of the Day: You Gotta Get, that, Dirt off your Shoulder

2010-03-01T21:33:00.000-08:00

I love easy pieces like this sweater. This sweater is one of those pieces that is so easy to throw on but makes it looks like you tried to pull yourself together. Even when I wore it in LA I got compliments on it. Gosh I miss LA!!! I also love this top because I tend to gravitate to off the shoulder pieces. Sadly this top is rather thick, I really need summer version of this piece, I hope Free People has one coming. =)
Free People Top, Forever21 Bracelet, Frye Boots (similar Steve Maddens here and here)

Feelin no remorse, feelin like my hand was forced

I also received a sweet package from Andi from Saltwater dreams!! How sweet is she? She has inspired me to be more beauty oriented these days and she sent me some samples to kick start this! YAY! Thank you Andi!

Check out Andi's cute business card!

Lastly we lost Casey's Grandma last week. Her services were today and unfortunately my hectic schedule did not allow me to attend, but we will miss her and always think of her
~ Forever Amber

Things I love: Cake Stands

2010-03-01T10:21:00.000-08:00

I love cake stands, they are the perfect piece to display any item on. I regularly use my large Williams and Sonoma one to help decorate my house with the current season. And I was recently gifted this mini homemade cake stand, made from vintage pieces, that I adore. It is so darling and I plan to store my jewelry on it. How can you not love cake stands??
My newest Cake Stand:
Have your cake and decorate the stand too ;)

Look of the Day: Skeletons in My Closet

2010-02-28T22:14:00.000-08:00

Mine are just happen to be worn proudly on sequin dresses, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I know this Rodarte Skeleton dress was definitely one of those pieces you either HATED (most of you) or by chance you are a freak like me and loved. I remember Justine saying it was too hideous to even try on! Hehe!!It is not the most versatile dress, or the most wanted dress, but I for one adored it! A skeleton dress? In sequins!? At a Target priceline!? YES PLEASE! The freaks come out at night...or when Rodarte teams up with Target I come out.

Paired with my American Eagle Chambray denim top. LOVE!! The Look 4 less and Beach Black have both featured this top.
And just showing off it's awesomeness

Okay did anyone else have serious blogger problems this weekend?? I couldn't sign one,make comments, had posts eaten and just problems all around... anyone else dealt with that!??

Fashion Icon: Tribute To a Lengend

2010-02-26T14:26:00.000-08:00

I love this picture of these lovely ladies {Kate Moss, Annabelle Nielson and Naomi Campbell} in the late Alexander McQueen's fabulous designs. He will be missed.

Look of the Day: Blame It on the Oh Oh Olympics.

2010-02-25T22:10:00.000-08:00

Well I haven't really worn clothes beyond my pajamas's for the past few days but I finally uploaded my outfit from my Tuesday Oufit, and I am very excited to be back to be somewhat back to normal tomorrow.

H&M tunic (similar Forever 21 one here), Ash Olivia Boots (Similar here and a look alike for only $45 here),target leggings and cuff (similar F21 one her e)
And my look of the today for today was nothing to be photographed since my day was spent mostly like this:
Catching up on Vogue
Watching Morning shows, followed by lots of napping.
I drank lost of this:
And after not eating for over 24 hours I had a very unlike me craving..
I blame it on all those McDonald's Olympic commercials that I have been watching!!

Style Inspiration: Mixed Media

2010-02-25T09:32:00.000-08:00

Last week I posted about being excited about the mixed prints trend. Here are some images I have saved that I plan to use as inspiration for some of my outfits this spring.
Image scans from Harpers Bazzar Spread:

Image scan from Harpers Bazaar February 2010

Images from Shopbop's Trend Report on Mixed patterns.

Image from Shopbop.com

I am loving the Rebecca Taylor tunic,
and Belle By Sigerson Morrison Crisscross Straps from this spread.

Image from Shopbop.com

I can't wait to copy some of these looks! In Fact I can't wait to wear clothes at all, I am still couching it up today. At least I am able to sit up and get on my computer today!

Flowers of the Week: Little Miss Sunshine

2010-02-24T09:18:00.000-08:00

The flowers not me....I have been up all night with a stomach flu or something. You'd think I was a 21 year old the day after their birthday or something, only I'm sure they had some fun before they started throwing up. Hopefully I'll be back later.. uggh.

I picked up this Sunshine Bouquet from trader Joes and I just loved it! It felt like spring and brightened my room right up. Flowers make me so happy. I just love them.
And my lone gerbera.

Want of The Week: Stappy Sandals

2010-02-23T09:46:00.000-08:00

I am still contemplating what spring shoes I want to purchase, such a fun decision. I love chunky fun sandals, but I always try to purchase shoes I know I can wear as much as possible. I have been seeing lots of shoes that I am saving on my wish list and most of them are strappy. Here are some of the shoes I am eying for spring and summer.

click for link

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click for link

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Look of the Day: Our Whole Universe Was in a Hot Dense State

2010-02-22T21:11:00.000-08:00

Sometimes outfits are just good enough enough to repeat, and this one I loved so I repeated it today. The cool thing about this outfit is when I wear this tank again in the summer it will look a bit different, but by utilizing the cool collar it has I am able to let the wow factor shine, even when most of the tank is covered up. I am pretty much obsessed with pieces with a "big bang" factor (BTW The Big Bang is a pretty sweet show). Take my Anthro "party in The Back" cardigan (ok Kim, I KNOW that is not the correct name but I am sure whatever name it has it CANNOT be better then Party in the Back). I just love the effect that back has, it totally makes it and the collar on this tank makes it. It's all about that big bang!

The big bow had me feeling a little Lady Gaga, well I use any excuse to feel a bit Lady Gaga, even if it means losing my keys. Wait, where is my phone??
Under my cardigan I wore a ruffle tank from the White Dress shop, which of course is sold out, but a similar one is available and this ruffle neck cardigan reminded me of a similar look .
Click here to see the last time I wore this outfit, and to see a full length shot. Pennie is just chillin, the other night she got out and was out all night. So glad we found her the next morning!

How Sick Is This?

2010-02-22T09:45:00.000-08:00

I am loving this season's military trend, so when I saw this AMAZING Guess Jacket in a Marie Claire spread I KNEW I needed it in my life. I don't see it online yet, but when I do I think I am going to have to snag it! WOW, pretty amazing. A knock off of this Balmain jacket would be pretty sick as well. If anyone sees it anywhere, please let me know! THANK YOU!
The jacket I am loving is the one in the middles of the spread.

Image scan from Marie Claire March 2010
If anyone sees it anywhere, please let me know! THANK YOU!