The Flea Market

I know it's hot out, but bring an ice cream and just walk around the flea market on a Saturday morning.  Whether you get mesmerized by lovely antiques or piles of baby doll parts and old keys, this is a world that you will happily dive into.

The Food:

Literally there has been an explosion in the last few years of excellent independent restaurants popping up all over Raleigh, and I'm (not so) secretly trying to eat my way through every single one. It could take awhile.  

And just driving around:

Still need more Raleigh?  Check out our blogger interview with Zillow featuring favorites from several of Raleigh's local bloggers!

Sure, every blogger, including us, love a good fiddle leaf fig tree. But considering that my green thumb is probably the blackest you have ever encountered, I cannot bring myself to purchase one just to kill it.  So I've been doing some research on what other plant could be a little bit more black thumb friendly.  Enter, snake plants.

I read this article on My Domaine the other day and realized that I love the look of snake plants.  They are carefree and tough, so they say.  Apparently they can grow almost anywhere and improve air quality in your home.  I don't know about you but I think these may become the next trendy plant.  I may be willing to try it out!

The Inspiration: 

via fleamarketfab

Recreate this Look:

• Layer miss-matched pieces of wicker furniture from WickerCentral.com to create a relaxed and modern feel.  Start with a teak wood table for rustic charm, paired with an eclectic mix of modern aesthetic wicker chairs and more traditional cane back seating.  
• Using a wicker loveseat on one side of the table allows your dining area to double as comfortable patio seating when guests are finished with the meal.  
• Accent with tribal patterned indoor/outdoor rugs and layered boho pillows in a neutral adn earthy color palate for a sophisticated take on boho style.

From WickerCentral.com: Lloyd Flanders Teak Table // Cane Back Dining Chair // Modern Wicker Dining Chair // Lloyd Flanders Wicker Loveseat

Rugs: 1 // 2 // 3

Accessorize: Lanterns // Woven Geo Pillow // Suzanni Pillow

Want to join us in designing your own outdoor oasis? You are invited to enter the WickerCentral Outdoor Oasis Style Challenge too -- just post a link to your blog post in our comment section and you we'll link your design back to the contest.  Winners will be featured on The Patio next week!

Happy Friday! 

Random thoughts:

I was craving pho the other day and decided to try to make it at home. I used these handy pho broth from world market and it turned out great! Just add beef (or any other meat of your choice), toppings, and sauces.  We had ours with beef, sprouts, mushrooms and green onions! And of course sriracha and hoisin sauce. Nom. 

Totally obsessed with this mascara from YSL. It works wonders.

Am I the only one not shopping the Nordstrom sale? I do realize that the sale is great on Fall pieces but maybe it's just the 90 degree weather here. I cannot even begin to think about boots, leggings, coats?! But then I really like these booties...

Tips for making culottes work for you

Because culottes can fall anywhere from below the knee to mid calf, the extra volume might not be a short girl's best friend.  Heels or wedges will balance this out perfectly by giving you some extra length. Pair with a structured blouse or blazer to contrast the loser fit of the shorts.  When wearing my orange culottes to work I always pair it with neutrals -- a beige top and nude heels for example to try to prevent too much visual competition.  But I'm in love with the first image where she pairs yellow with royal blue and I feel like you could definitely wear that into a work place and feel totally appropriate.

Shopping for culottes?  You're in luck because you can pick up most of these on sale right now as stores prepare for their fall refresh.