Fashion Friday: Marsala

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.52.25 PM

I feel I wouldn’t be a good blogger, or good designer, for that matter, if I completely ignored Pantone’s 2015 Color of the Year.  Today we’ll discuss fashion (since it is Fashion Friday, after all), and next week we’ll delve into interiors.

So, I have to say, I love this color.  It’s berry-like and rich like wine; it’s slightly red and slightly brown.  It would make a beautiful lip color, shoe color, nail color, blouse color…  It’s versatile, and you can’t say that about every one of Pantone’s featured colors.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.53.13 PMWho What Wear

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.54.05 PM
Tory Daily

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.54.54 PM
Who What Wear

I love this photo of a young Anna Wintour.  It’s so ’90s yet still so chic.  Probably because, well, it’s Anna Wintour.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.55.55 PMHuffington Post

These throwbacks go to show how classic this color actually is; how timeless and really a wardrobe staple.  I love that about this color.  It’s really not trendy at all.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.56.51 PM

Off the Chanel runways and basically wearable art.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.57.28 PMFlickr

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.58.16 PM
W Magazine

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.59.07 PM
Glam Radar

This is a great example of an easy way that really anyone can implement this color into their wardrobe this year.  Black, white, and a pop of marsala with the shoes = chic and classic.

I hope you have a really great weekend!  I’ll see you back here next week.

White and Dark

Give me basically any white kitchen, and chances are I will like it.  For myself personally, I love traditional white kitchen designs with French elements, but give me a contemporary or even an ultra-sleek modern white kitchen, and I can absolutely appreciate it and revel in its beauty.  But a common theme I see in the white kitchens that I love is dark floors.  Something about the contrast really makes an impact on me.  There’s a richness there that you don’t get by pairing white kitchens with a light- or medium-grade floor.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.30.59 PMHome Bunch

The mix of woods here is expertly done.  And the floor on a diagonal — that is great design practice for virtually any space.  It adds so much more visual interest.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.31.58 PMHome Bunch

In this kitchen, they’ve married the island countertop, the bar stools, and the flooring to create a beautiful contrast.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.32.54 PMKelly Nutt Design

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.34.05 PM
Flickr

Again, it’s good practice to marry those woods in a design like this.  Not completely necessary but it really creates a special look.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.34.51 PMPPAPC

This is completely stunning.  It’s got a French country vibe, but the stainless steel keeps the space current and slightly soft contemporary.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.35.54 PMThings That Inspire

So this is interesting.  It’s black tile and it is a little harsh.  But there are so many softer features to this space…the floor actually grounds the entire room and keeps it from feeling too airy.  It’s also what makes the different finishes work together.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.36.55 PMThe Enchanted Home

This is one of my favorite inspiration kitchens.  It is expertly designed and literally every single piece works together.  Including the floors, which look cherry to me.  They’re not necessarily that dark with the red undertones, but the stark white makes them look darker.  The silver accents are the jewelry of the room.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.37.49 PMElements of Style

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.38.36 PM
Ruard Veltman Architecture

This is a design that takes my breath away.  The grounding floors and island countertop, the swooping curve of the backsplash, the coffered ceiling that adds interest (never forget that your ceiling is your fifth wall) — there’s something so calming and serene about this kitchen.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.39.47 PMDesign Chic

And then there’s this.  It’s a little bit fancy, a little bit European, and that floor and island make it all work together.  Your eyes have a place to rest — that’s key in any design, really, but especially a design with a lot of details to notice and look at.

Pre-Spring Organization

It’s usually this time of year, right after Christmas, when I start furiously organizing every square inch of my living space.  I wait until I am ready, usually my inspiration to do this sparked by something in particular that gets me going.  And then I. Can’t. Stop.

This year, the trigger was new bras.

And so at midnight on Saturday, I was completely overhauling my closet, sending my husband pictures while he was at work of my hats hanging on a Command hook and my several bags of clothing in bags ready to be donated.

The next day, it was makeup.  And nail polish.  I didn’t realize how much nail polish I actually had — and all in varying colors of red and purple, too.  I’m giving half of my collection to my best friend.  And lipsticks — all different hues of pink.

The bottom line is, I threw away a lot.  Some things were old, a lot were samples from Birchbox, which I love, but can add to the clutter.  Some things were duplicates, much to my annoyance.  There was a time in my life when I was really unhappy with the way that I looked, I was really overweight, and buying another pink lipstick or another purple nail polish made me feel better.  Those days have since passed, but it was nice to get rid of the excess and really see why I can and need to live with less.

And so, I wanted to post some organization ideas today — there are so many good ones out there.  I like easy ones that look nice.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.19.15 PMHouse on the Way

These are towel racks with shower hooks!  My necklaces are always getting tangled together.  Even though now I won’t have to worry about that so much because I gave away a lot of them.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.20.26 PMHoney We’re Home

How pretty is this?  The bottom is just gift wrap, and I love the lucite makeup trays.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.21.33 PMThe Kitchn

I think this is really cute.  Especially for a first apartment or for someone who is just learning to cook for themselves.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.22.30 PMLookie What I Did

This thing is so cool! I love that it’s like a little washing/drying station that you can keep right next to your kitchen sink.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.23.29 PMThe Everygirl

Small dishes and apothecary jars for jewelry.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.24.29 PMCosmopolitan

Another pretty idea for storing and displaying makeup — a tiered dessert tray!

Cork Decor

Good morning!  🙂  I hope you all had a great weekend.  Mine went by way too fast.

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw a post I put up on Friday with a quick centerpiece I threw together using corks.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.06.21 PM

If I’m being honest, the zhushing part of this took way longer than you’d think, but mostly because I am a total freak when it comes to these things and everything needs to be in the perfect spot before I can breathe.  But this centerpiece got me thinking about all of the different things that can be done with corks!  These are all my in-laws’ corks — I think I need to drink more wine!

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.06.58 PM

But seriously…  😉

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.07.31 PMHometalk

This is obviously completely over the top, but can you imagine these stairs leading down into a wine cellar?  So cool.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.08.33 PMSmall Stuff Design

I love these and I want to make some.  Not sure what I would do with them, but I think they are so pretty!

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.09.31 PMBlue Velvet Chair

A literal cork board in an old drawer.  Super awesome idea — especially with that ledge, perfect for keys, sunglasses, or chapstick.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.10.30 PMHello Society

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.11.25 PM
Two Twenty One

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.12.15 PM
Eat Well 101

Um, yes.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.13.14 PMEtsy

These have been on my to-make list for a while.  Really pretty.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.14.09 PMRustic Crafts

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.14.58 PM
Ebay

Fashion Friday: Fringe

Good morning, and happy Friday!  I hope you all are gearing up for a fun weekend.  I’m hoping mine is pretty relaxed…that’s my favorite kind.  🙂

I have been talking quite a bit about texture in many of my blog posts lately, and a lot of that has to do with the season.  During the winter, I crave texture, whether in interior design or fashion.  There’s something about a rustic wood beam or a cable knit sweater that warm me up inside.  And fringe on just about anything makes my heart smile.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.55.05 PMA Lacey Perspective

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.55.59 PM
Coveteur

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.56.53 PM
Listal

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.57.42 PM
Vogue

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.58.39 PM
InStyle

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.59.43 PM
This is Glamorous

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.00.31 PM
Harpers Bazaar

This is one of my favorite fashion inspiration images right now.  Stunning.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.01.33 PMLoLoBu

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 11.02.36 PM
Moda Operandi

Have a great weekend!

Rustic Wood Beams

Rustic wood beams, the best kind of beams.  I should make that into a song.  🙂

But really, is there anything better than looking up and seeing beautiful wooden beams?  It’s like a super-sophisticated, warm party for your ceiling.  Your ceiling is your fifth wall, so it’s really important not to forget it.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.42.30 PMMountain Modern Life

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.43.31 PM
Home Bunch

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.44.24 PM
Dallas Home Experts Team

Ohhhh yeah.  The more scraggly the better!

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.45.31 PMMountain Modern Life

This is one of my most favorite kitchens.  Like, ever.

But all I’m showing you are kitchens.  Let’s get out of the kitchen!

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.47.00 PMBuzzfeed

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.47.52 PM
Lark & Linen

Back in the kitchen again.  I can’t help myself.  I should retitle this post Rustic Wood Beams In the Kitchen.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.49.09 PMLocati

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.49.57 PM
My Home Ideas

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.50.42 PM
Cathy Kincaid Interiors

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.51.40 PM
Miller Architects

Winter Entertaining

‘Tis the season of entertaining, and I love simple, fun ideas that make this time of year special.  Here in Arizona, it’s “cold” right about now but most days we can still comfortably enjoy time outside, we can still grill, and we can light a fireplace but not really, totally need it.  That being said, there are so many fun things to do around here this time of year, and I’m really grateful for that.  But entertaining from your own home is so much fun, and it’s one of the biggest things that I miss about Grey and I having a place of our own.  We spent a perfect night with friends of ours last night, and had the best time sitting by the fireplace, drinking wine, eating dessert, and talking.  It made me really excited for when we are ready to buy a home and we can hopefully have nights just as wonderful as last night was.

But this got me thinking…  Winter entertaining.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.27.46 PMScattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

I love this idea of a hot chocolate bar.  And crock pot hot chocolate is SO good.  I made some a couple of years ago for New Year’s Eve and there really is nothing like it.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.29.24 PMBridal Guide

A make-your-own caramel apple station!  So fun and a great alternative to a pre-made dessert.  You could even have the apples sliced and then guests can create several different combinations (and they’ll be easier and less embarrassing to eat!).

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.30.50 PMB Lovely Events

A beer-tasting party would really be great for any season, but what I like about this is that you can cater it to a season as far as beer selection goes.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.32.02 PMHostess With the Mostess

How cute is this?  Chili in mason jars for the Superbowl, or any other winter-time party.  This could be set up as a bar station, too, with all sorts of toppings for the chili.  But I love the mason jar idea.  And I’m going to steal it.  🙂

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.33.10 PMElizabeth Anne Designs

A make-your-own grilled cheese station?  Brilliant.  We have a panini press that would be perfect for this.  Have a big pot of tomato soup ready to go, and I’d say that’s a perfect wintertime meal.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.34.20 PMStyle Me Pretty

On the decor front, I love how pretty and easy this is.  Burlap, sprigs of greenery, and twine.  This would look really pretty on a dining table or even on several tables outside if the party is going to be outdoors and weather permits.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.35.33 PMRomancing the Home

Tartan is basically a winter staple, and I love this super simple table setting with tartan everything and a little bit of bling.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.36.35 PMLorna Garden

Not sue how to pull this off, but it sure is pretty to look at.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.37.33 PMMorgan Gallo Events

It gets dark early these days, and if your party starts at five-thirty or later, chances are the daylight will be mostly gone.  I love this idea of little hurricanes lighting the path to the front door.  Just a little extra touch.

French Nurseries

Is there anything fashion- or design-related that the French haven’t gotten right?  From chic casual outfits to ornate home decor, it is safe to say that the French have the upper-hand when it comes to style.

Grey and I don’t have any kiddos of our own yet, but if we have a girl, that nursery is going to be French-inspired for sure.  I have tons of pictures on Pinterest saved to my Kids’ Spaces board (I know you have one, too, if you are a twenty-something female) that are neutral, textural, and FRENCH-ish.  😉

When designing nurseries, there are two things that I always remember.  One is to not feel limited to only purchasing baby furniture — for instance, a changing table can be a dresser or a deep bookshelf.  And two, more modern, colorful artwork in a nursery gives a more grown-up feel than your typical clowns and fairies might.  Those are just two easy guidelines I I like to follow when decorating these fun spaces.

But now, let’s look at the inspiration!

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.15.53 PMProject Nursery

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.16.39 PM
Baby Box

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.17.22 PM
Baby Room Ideas

I’ve liked this one for a while now and I always seem to come back to it.  I would add a little bit of color with some artwork, though.  🙂

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.18.15 PMOriginal Source Unknown

I love the monogrammed valance window treatments.  And the oversized stuffed animals!  (My in-law’s have a nursery for my nephew in their home and they have that same huge giraffe.  So cute!)

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.19.02 PMOriginal Source Unknown

How great is that mirror?

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.19.51 PMAt Home Arkansas

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.22.32 PM
Boxwood Clippings

Omg.  I basically need to have twins now.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.23.23 PMHouzz

And this is where I stop with the pictures, because it literally doesn’t get any better than this.

Slipcovered Dining

Good morning!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  Mine was super relaxed, filled with a little bit of baking, some time with family and friends, and some work thrown in there for good measure.  I’m ready to tackle the week, and I hope you are, too.

I was on Pinterest the other day looking for some dining room inspiration, and it was only then that I realized how many pictures I have of slipcovered dining room furniture.  Seriously, someone needs to control me because I seem to have a little slipcover obsession.  I love and crave neutral, traditional spaces, but my dreams of living in a taupe, textural bubble will most likely be crushed as soon as we decide to have kids because it is pretty much understood that markers and beige do not look all that great together.  I better get started saving up for the expensive durable fabrics that I’m going to need to upholster everything in now or else…well, or else my dreams of slipcovered dining sets will only live in my dreams, at least until our future kids trade markers for car keys.  But then there’s still Dorito dust and chocolate ice cream to think about.

Anyway, I digress.  The point is, I want to look at pretty pictures of slipcovered dining chairs this morning and I want you to look with me.

Okay?

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.03.19 PMAlice Lane Home Collection

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.04.19 PM
Design Chic

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.05.14 PM
Living Winsomely

I could die over these ones.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.06.11 PM
Terracotta Design Build Co.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.07.08 PM
Bay Hill Design

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.07.50 PM
Ashley Goforth Design

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.08.44 PM
Marcus Mohon

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.09.37 PM
Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.10.33 PM
Workbook

Literally dead now.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 10.11.32 PMBeautifully Seaside

You’re obsessed now, too.  I know you are.

Fashion Friday: Ageless Beauty

This week, Vogue wrote up an article about how Celine chose Joan Didion as their new ‘poster girl.’

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 9.52.12 PMVogue

First of all, there’s no denying how fabulous she looks — she is ageless, not chic for her age, but the epitome of chic at any age.

This got me thinking about aging and the fact that there are so many women around me who are exhibiting ageless beauty and who are really role models and my ‘poster girls’ for loving who you are, and looking amazing while doing it.

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 9.53.15 PMBreakfast With Audrey

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 9.54.08 PM
Refinery29

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 9.55.01 PM
Huffington Post

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 9.55.49 PM
Buzzfeed

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 9.56.34 PM
Advanced Style

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 9.57.19 PM
Masters

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 9.58.02 PM
une femme d’un certain age

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 9.59.11 PM
Garance Dore

Screen Shot 2017-03-14 at 9.59.58 PM
Harpers Bazaar

Have a great weekend!