My Chanel obsession seems to be in overload lately & I cannot stop looking at random Chanel images. Here are some of my favorites…

How amazing would this be to ride in!

Makes me long for school…and a backpack

I want this Pin-worthy moment of sitting on the floor with a glass of champagne surrounded by Chanel bags

All this arm candy looks even better resting on top of a Chanel bag

Other Chanel postings ~ Coco Chanel, Honeymoon, Decorating, Baby Chanel, Handbags, Alexa Chung, Chanel, Bag & Hair

This weekend I did my own version of this polka dot mani Olivia Munn sported recently, while also wearing this braided topknot I became addicted to last month.

This was a snap to do ~ 2 coats of black polish, wait 5 minutes then I dipped the tip of a hairpin in white polish & dotted my nails to create the polka dot effect

This is really easy to do ~ I pull my hair up as though I’m going to put it in a knot, tip my head forward, loosely braid the back then knot & pin it all in place

I saw this version and cannot wait to try it out

Although I work from home, I try to avoid the sweatpants trap as much as I possibly can (no need to fall into part of Karl Lagerfeld’s deadly quote that “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat” ). However, some days the cozy pieces do win out, but only if I can pair them up with a cute top. I went shopping this weekend and was thrilled to find this top…

It’s just what I love with the sweet, girly touch while also being ridiculously comfy. I love how adorable the silk Peter Pan collar and silk cuffs dress up this casual tee.

Find it here

And on the complete other end of the spectrum, I fell in love with this poppy colored dress and I cannot wait to pair it with my favorite  Fiorentini + Baker boots that I have had for years and have reached the perfect beat up stage

Find the dress here & boots here

Gorgeous stop-motion video of Paris by Mayeul Akpovi. The lights, colors and scenes are all exquisitely shot!

This is my kind of day…I have a massive addiction to waffles and love that there is an entire day dedicated to such a delicious treat. I firmly believe that waffles are the perfect food for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack or dessert!

Here are the best Belgian Waffles I’ve ever had

Another favorite waffle are Stroopwafels (AHHHmazing!)

If you crave these as much as I do, they are carried at Trader Joe’s and Wegmans (I’m tempted to go get some!)

In honor of Coco Chanel’s Birthday (August 19, 1883), here are some of my favorite images of her at work and at play. Joyeux Anniversaire!

I love these images, they show her as playful, musing over her designs, wearing those designs, working with models and also with friends

My recent shopping experience at Chanel in New York can be seen here

I have been searching for a headboard for ages. I haven’t had any luck because the majority are ridiculously expensive and/or boring. The other day I was feeling inventive and thought of trying a dressing screen I already own behind my bed. Perfect! It added the drama I wanted at no expense! I absolutely love it and am thrilled at the DIY-ness of it all.

This look is easy to accomplish and at little expense, with buying an inexpensive screen (new or used) and painting it (if needed) to get the look you want. It’s also perfect because it’s not like what ever other person has in their bedroom, does have a vintage style but isn’t permanent (like attaching an old fireplace mantle to a wall) or so expensive you would never be able to part with it!

My little bits of leopard obsession continues…Part One can be seen here

I adore scarfs and especially love a leopard version for that extra special bit it gives

How adorable are these heels?? Plus the easy denim cuffs are just the right bit of casual against the leopard

Must get a pair of smoking slippers for the fall

This is a beautiful image and the easy layers with the skinny black leggings, flowing top and leopard flats add an extra punch to a simple look

Leopard blazer – perfect accent against the white top and pants

Friday, I met up with one of my bff’s and her family to prepare for a surprise party for her older sister that we have been planning for about 2 months! We got everything ready; decor, food, liquor, etc and then set up on Saturday afternoon. Happily, the birthday girl didn’t suspect a thing and was completely surprised!

The birthday girl loves animal print, so we used black and white as our color scheme for decor and treats. We also had Baked by Melissa cupcakes as an extra treat and zebra birthday cake.

Before getting ready for the party, I spent Saturday morning as personal shopper for my mom (one of my favorite things to do!) while we picked out several pieces for her fall work wardrobe.

Sunday was supposed to be a relaxing day but my attempts failed when I decided it was time for a closet clean out! This is horribly traumatic for me, I hate messes and clutter so piling clothes up stresses me and then having to decide what to keep/toss is another stress since I am convinced I will miss something 5 months from now! It happened in the past so now I’m stunted from the trauma My closet is now super organized again…but I have a 2 foot tall pile of clothes sitting in my bedroom that I still have to decide on…I guess that’s my Monday project

Does anyone else suffer from these closet clean out indecision’s?

Sunday ended perfectly though as the hubby and I had a romantic indoor picnic. I love a picnic and this was just what was needed after a busy weekend!

I must be hungry because I spent all morning on Pinterest looking at food!

(You can follow my boards at – http://pinterest.com/ellajoiedevivre/)

Adorable for a yogurt brunch

Hearts make delicious treats even better!

Ever since the hubby and I went on a chocolate tasting tour in NYC I have a new found appreciation for chocolate!

Love these fun fruit displays

Too cute to eat sushi

Got to love anything Cookie Monster!

Adorable idea for a S’mores goodie bag