His closet...

Over the past couple of days Nashville has been covered in an oh so beautiful layer of snow.  We love many of the things that come along with snow...fires, hot chocolate, cozy nights in, and of course stylish winter wear.  Today, we bring you one of our favorites, especially when dressing for snow...the boyfriend trend.  Hopefully you already know your sweet man's closet can be a wonderful place to hunt for over sized button ups, bow ties, blazers, over sized jackets, slouchy pants, and even jeans depending on your man's size.  We have found that men's items have rustic patterns and often times the heavier fabrics and over sized fit for women can be just the key to keeping you cozy on those chilly, snow days.

{vest J.Crew, ducklings Sperry, sweater Ralph Lauren Men's, bag DVF, scarf Forever21}

{antique ring Pangea & necklace Vintage Teal mini-Aztec}

  For this look, we snagged an oversized sweater and checked button up from a sweet man's closet.  Though the look still remains to be very rustic, we added some frilly touches with a Vintage Teal mini-Aztec necklace, gold and army green threaded scarf, and DVF woven bag.  If this is a little too "outdoors woman" for you, we have selected a couple of other looks below for you to try with items you can sneak out of your man's closet.  See you tomorrow for our latest kitchen adventure...vT*

{A fresh look for slouchy lounge pants...often a staple in men's wardrobes}

{Men's colored khakis + Men's light army green jacket= sweet weekend look}

{Why not try your man's sweater as a comfy dress?}

{Add cute booties with your boyfriend jeans and you will be ready for flurries}

Lovely locket...

"I saw this locket hanging in my sister's room.  I always notice when I walk in there.  It's so beautiful and every time I see it I think of my Grandmother."

This sweet statement brought us back to the first time we received a locket from a loved one.  Old or new, lockets have a certain sweetness and sometimes mystery to them, as they are meant to hold something special that may even be a secret.  One of our sweet clients, recently came to us with a breathtaking, antique locket that was a family heirloom she had been given ages ago.  She explained that though she loved the locket, its simplistic statement on a long, thin gold chain was not her style.  We were able to incorporate her beloved piece into a larger unique statement necklace, so she could wear her cherished piece and still feel right at home.

"Janet" Vintage Teal Custom Piece

Many of us have a special piece that rests peacefully in an armoire, chest, or jewel box because it just is not our style.  However, oftentimes we wish we could share this piece with the world.  Bring your locket, necklace, earrings, cuff, or antique lovelies to Vintage Teal, and we can work with you to design a look all your own...vT*

Nooks filled with books...

"No two persons ever read the same book." --Edmond Wilson

Academia is one beautiful thing, especially in your home. Let us explain... Picture this: Two elderly gentlemen sitting in large, over-stuffed, button back leather chairs wearing crushed velvet smoking jackets lined with crimson silk, sipping fine brandy and smoking cigars. Next: Tall mahogany panels on the walls with built in shelves filled to the brim with books. Books everywhere the eye can see. Ohh, and the ladder that slides back and forth really fast while we are hunting for books. Yeh, we like the ladder... We are talking about home libraries! We love them and it is a requirement{in our minds at least} to have one in our homes someday. You will be glad to know home libraries have come a long way in the years and there are so many options out there to make it a perfect little hideaway to read or relax.

Cozy and Inviting

Do not be scared to incorporate color and texture into your home library. You want to make this space as comfortable as possible. Bring textured throws and rugs in so you can sit in here in your jammies, sip coffee and read. Books can be found anywhere. The flea market is a great place to start if you want to find beautiful vintage reading material, or check out second hand book stores. They are really a forgotten gem.  Here are a few more beautiful ideas for a home library!

Books forever!

Pug not included, gorgeous color grouping though...

Beautiful home library

We hope you have a lovely and relaxing weekend and hope this inspired you to do something with all of your beautiful books! See you Monday! <3 *vT

Over the knee, you see...

"I washed a sock. Then I put it in the dryer. When I took it out, it was gone." --Rod Schmidt 

We would say it is rare, maybe even impossible, that the first thing you think about socks is that they are fashionable. We would also venture to say that you are not exactly excited about the pair you will be wearing for the day, but, we here at VintageTeal are telling you to get excited about socks! Over the knee socks, that is... We have been seeing this trend pop up everywhere and we are loving it.

Love the socks.. and the dog.

Wear them with boots, booties or even heels. {Please avoid wearing them with flip-flops, though!}Forever 21, American Apparel and Prada are on board with this look! Here are a few looks that caught our attention!

Olive green socks with cute red/brown booties

Fabulous runway looks

Loving this look!

It is almost Friday! Yay! <3 *vT

m. is for mexi muffins and french toast...

"To eat well in England, you should have a breakfast three times a day." --W. Somerset Maugham

VintageTeal decided to listen to Mr. Maugham for their weekly dinner gathering. Breakfast for dinner. YUM.  This recipe could possibly be one of the easiest and most satisfying that we have come across to date...Not to mention, it isn't too bad for the waistline{minus the french toast, but we couldn't resist} considering that BATHING SUITS are popping up in stores. What!? Well, anyway, this recipe is great for feeding a crowd at a brunch gathering or prepare it ahead of time before a busy week at work or school. These mexi muffins totally store great in the fridge!

Mexi Muffins Ingredients
12 egg whites
2 c. shredded mexican cheese
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 sweet red pepper, diced
Cooking spray
Salt and Pepper
Serves 16

|1.| Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
|2.| Spray muffin pans liberally with cooking spray.
|3.| Separate all 12 egg whites from the yolks over a large mixing bowl. {Discard yolks if you would like, or feel free to save them for another dish!}
|4.| Add cheese, bell pepper and red pepper to mixing bowl and combine all ingredients.
|5.| Pour mixture into muffin pans.
|6.| Bake for 20 minutes, until the mexi muffins have puffed up.
|7.| Plate and top with salt, pepper, sour cream and salsa if you would like it to be extra mexi :)!

French Toast Ingredients
2 large slices of fresh sourdough bread
2 eggs
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/8 c milk
2 tbsp butter

|1.| Whisk eggs with brown sugar, cinnamon and milk. Set aside.
|2.| Melt butter in medium skillet.
|3.| Dip bread in egg mixture liberally and promptly put in hot skillet.
|4.| Flip repeatedly until both sides of bread are perfectly browned.
|5.| Top with a little powered sugar and maple syrup and enjoy! {We added toasted walnuts as well to be fancy, yum.}

Breakfast for Dinner

We like to serve this recipe with Pellegrino and OJ to drink

Bon appetite! <3 *vT

Make way for ducklings...

"Always behave like a duck-keep calm and unruffled on the surface but paddle like the devil underneath." -Jacob Braude

We believe this is one of those perfect sayings to keep in mind regularly.  After all, who doesn't want to appear calm and unruffled...peaceful even?  However, we are not completely sold on the unruffled bit when it applies to our clothes because who doesn't love a good ruffle?  But calm and unruffled while working our butts off...yes, we will take it.  Just like we will take a pair of the  duck boots popping up all over the place. 

Sweet ducklings to weather the storm*

These boots seemed to really hit the scene after Tommy Hilfiger's Fall 2010 images hit the scene.  Take a peak below, and you can see why.

Tommy Hilfiger Winter 2010

We think the OTK boots are beyond amazing, but they are a tinsy bit pricey and not to mention sold out everywhere.  We checked.  Not to worry though because the options for these pretty little ducklings seem to be endless...about as endless as the ways to style them.  We used to think that duck boots were reserved for those rainy days when you opted to old "who cares about you" boots to protect your other shoes from stressful weather..not any more.

Ducklings in all shapes, colors, and sizes*

We love these styled with rolled skinnies*

Red Ducklings*

So...we say make way for the ducklings because they are coming whether you like it or not...vT*

The Aztec and Chocolates...

"My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start.  So far today, I have finished two bags of M&M's and a chocolate cake.  I feel better already." -Dave Barry

Like Dave, we too have big plans for achievement, inner peace, and all things chocolate in 2011, especially when thinking about the wonderful neutral a rich shade of chocolate brown can be to any wardrobe.  The word chocolate has been said to come from the Aztec word "xocoatl".  The Aztecs, and before them the Mayans, used to drink spicy chocolate flavored with chilis, achiote, and vanilla.  Which is why we think our newest piece bears the name "Aztec" well. 

The "Aztec" from our Isis Collection, which can be yours for $120.00, is made up of a bib of chocolate brown, burnt orange, and cream beads hung from a bold, gold chain.  The arrow inspired peach crystal pendants make this piece special.  It has been styled here with a simple outfit of all black and a faux fur vest by Cynthia Rowley.  Lesson learned from the Aztecs and Mayans...don't forget the chocolate or at least something sweet:)  We also think this piece would be a lovely addition to the looks below....vT* 

Odette's rich orange hue gown would be an ideal backdrop for the "Aztec"

The "Aztec" would be perfect with this look for a Saturday afternoon*

 We also think it would be a sweet addition to a simple blush top and liquid leggings*

Finally, the "Aztec" could be the final touch to Carrie's cool desert look*