Blonder Ambitions

Category: All

  • LADYLIKE

    LADYLIKE

    Suit, Vintage {Custom Made}. Top, Hollister. Pearls, F21. Shoes, Poetic Licence. Watch, Michael Kors.

    A day trip to Los Angeles, scouting a reception venue for my business, a Santa Monica lunch with my sister, and a quick meeting with one of my best friends called for an outfit that was professional, unique, and a lot of fun.  Enter: the vintage skirt suit.  With its bold pattern, oversized buttons, and cinched waist… I knew I had exactly what I needed.  The addition of playfully large pearls, a sheer top with floral detailing, and faux ostrich secretary heels completed the look.  Being ladylike is anything but boring.

  • HOW TO – 70s CLUB CHAIRS BEFORE & AFTER

    HOW TO – 70s CLUB CHAIRS BEFORE & AFTER

    I decided to continue on my DIY journey… and I took some 70’s club chairs (complete with chipped wood and torn fabric) from one of my friends who was going to just toss them {only aghast… because… as stated in an earlier post: “I see the best in people. And furniture.”}… I saw so much potential here.  Good bones… Just in need of a little TLC.  With the help of some fine grain sandpaper, clorox bleach wipes (always disinfect reclaimed furniture), hot pink high-gloss paint (Disney’s “Invitation to a Princess”… I died.), and some thick pink embroidery thread… my new “Cocktail Corner” (pics to come soon) was one step closer to completion.


    1. The original chair. Cracked, torn… so much potential. 2. Putting in the work… First rub sandpaper over all wooden components and then paint (4 coats!) on all of it. 3. Bam! Hot pink! 4. Embroidery thread (it’s strong stuff) and very thick needles… They have to be able to pierce through the thick material… I had to use a hammer to get the nail through. 5. Cocktail Corner is coming along. 6./7. Detail shots. Love the brass studs and the perfectly imperfect stitching.

  • CURRENT OBSESSION – ETSY

    CURRENT OBSESSION – ETSY

    If you haven’t been on etsy.com… well, you’ve basically been living under a rock… or in a poorly decorated place not enhanced with ridiculous etsy goodness.  I get stuck on this site for hours… it’s an amazing place to find one-of-a-kind goods, humorous decor items, sweet soaps, customized wallets, and a whole plethora of fabulous goodness.  Log on… buy something… or just browse and get inspired.  Obsessed.  Here are some of my current etsy obsessions.

    1. Natural Bamboo Wooden Case by Signimade $34.99
    2. “Ok Monday, Let’s Do This” print by Pixelcloud $20
    3. Handmade Wallet by Cottonpurr $47
    4. Raspberry Cream Cupcake Soap by WhippedUpWonderful $6.99
    5. Ceramic Retro Owl by Snew $15
    6. “Bloody Hell We’re Buggered Now” T-Shirt by ScreamPrinting $14.95
    7. Crochet Amigurumi Christmas Angel by Yillup $15
    8. Cake Pops by Cakepopboutique $30
    9. ClawandBall Foot Coffee Table by CircaFurniture $115
    10. “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” by BirdAve $20
    11. Driftwood Lamp by Typewriterboneyard $140
    12. Steampunk Stag Antler Neclace by Lifelittle $4.99

  • HOW TO – TABLE & CHAIRS BEFORE & AFTER

    HOW TO – TABLE & CHAIRS BEFORE & AFTER

    I am a firm believer in seeing the best in people. And furniture.  I took a look at my late grandmother’s rusted chairs and a reclaimed wrought iron coffee table and decided that they weren’t quite my style… yet.  Some high gloss cotton candy pink spray paint, chic fabric, and a little creativity helped get me a few pieces of furniture that I utterly adore.

    1. The chair in its beginning state. Sad, I know. But so much potential! 2. The chair after being sanded, wiped down, and painted with a coat of primer. 3. The necessary tools. 4. Spray painting in action. 5. The beginning of quite a lovely little chair. 6. The fabric waiting to be adhered {with a staple gun} to the cushion. 7. Close up. 8. The adorable fabric. 9. Voila! The finished product.


    1. A very cool, but not quite “me” coffee table. 2. Giving the table one of its three coats of high gloss spray paint. 3. Yummy. 4. Beveled glass panels cleaned and replaced and a fresh vase of flowers. 5/6. Detail shots of my new {old} coffee table. I’m in love.

  • BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

    BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

    Sunglasses, Chanel. Top, belt, and necklace, F21. Skirt, Marisa Christina. Shoes, Skechers.

    Lots of sunshine and a bit of chill in the air led me to believe that the Santa Barbara weather was determined to follow its fancy… it was behaving like a quintessential free spirit.  I decided to do the same.  Old (a vintage pleated skirt) and new (a ruffled top and Chanel sunglasses) combined with some hippie-meets-glamazon sandals reminded me a bit of the sunshine mixing with the chilly air.  It doesn’t seem to go together at first… but you soon realize that it leads to a delightful day… and a free-spirited attitude {and outfit}.

  • MUST HAVES – WORKOUT ESSENTIALS

    MUST HAVES – WORKOUT ESSENTIALS

    Today is the beginning of something big.  For me at least.  I am beginning a whole new lifestyle… one that is healthy, high-energy, and fitness focused… meaning more protein and fewer cupcakes… saying good-bye to my mimosa Sundays and hello to Sunday morning hikes… and buying a whole bunch of new {adorable!} workout gear!  The new lifestyle kick (for the next three months… I’ll give you a weekly workout update!) is thanks to a phenomenal Santa Barbara based personal trainer, Stacey Cooper (check out her website here)… My motivation is furthered (even more) by some of the cute gear below!

    1. Victoria’s Secret Printed Tank $15
    2. Wear Everywhere Zip Hoodie $47
    3. Lululemon Groove Pant $98
    4. Puma Complete Ventis 2 Running Shoe $100
    5. Puma First Round Grip Duffel Bag $79.95
    6. Nike Pro Combat Reversible Women’s Sports Bra $34
    7. Apple iPod Shuffle $45
    8. Yogarat Mat in Leopard $25
    9. Cool Gear Waterville 32 oz water bottle $10