I've Got My Eye On You
I think I need to buy this print.
If you think you need to buy it too or are in search of beautiful images, check out Sara Norris Photography here
image via etsy via madebygirl
And isn't this Carousel Lantern by Currey and Company spectacular? Yes
I Spy...
Birds. I've been loving little birdies since I decided I was going for a nature/vintage/glam theme in our home - with birds falling into the nature category. Plus, my mother-in-law has been calling Evan Baby Bird since forever so that may be the underlying real reason for my attraction.
Either way, these little birdies are way adorable and can't help but continue to spot them in pillows, accessories, wallpaper and figurines. Here are some of my favorite.
Been loving this Romo wallpaper for some time now.
image via roomenvy
via mattersofstyle
via apartmenttherapy
image via theestateofthings
Birds on the ceiling - such a cute idea. And really loving the bird houses on the wall as well.
image via aestheticoiseau
When I received my March issue of Elle Decor, my eye couldn't help but be drawn to the black and white bird framed art mounted on the glossy wall.
via designsponge
The birdie atop the desk makes this space that much more whimsical.
Taking things a bit further
A duvet cover for a simple pair of love birds. Via Etsy.
via Etsy
My paper mache bird from Craig Olsen
A bird rock I normally keep in the bathroom and an image of some bird pattern file folders I don't file anything in.
Some other cute bird accessories I'd like to share.
Created via polyvore. For more item info click here
Are You a Wildfox?
I came across Wildfox while making my usual rounds of the blogoshpere several months ago. Before realizing it was a knitwear line, my attention was grasped at the first sight of the below pink sweatpants. I have a major crush on bright pink and something about the logo had me at hello. I checked out the Wildfox blog and quickly fell for all of the images shared of their photoshoot collections. Their carefree antics and free-spirited nature make me wanna gather with my girls and enjoy a boisterous slumber party. Check out some of my favorite pics below:
A Wildfox take on the movie Dazed and Confused - brilliant
Ever since Evan told me I looked like a Flamingo, I've had a strong affinity for them. I wanna be tacky and display a whole lot of them in our yard.
images via stardustandsequins, 80spurple, thefashionspot, facebook wildfox fan page and everythingisnonsense
Be sure to check out more Wildfox here
Time Out
Hot Pink and Gold vintage alarm clock with Black text - I NEED YOU.
image from foreveristoday
Bargain Bin
Ahh yes, snagging something at bargain price is a feeling like no other. But for the record, I don't buy miscellaneous junk for the sake of saving a buck. Sale or no sale, I only really buy things I absolutely LOVE or will get lots of use out of (the splurging only happens with timeless items). I'm quite frugal and damn proud of it.
And I love helping others bargain shop as well.
Here are some stile worthy items at bargain price.
Change out your boring ole dresser/cabinet knobs with these $2.95 knobs from Anthropologie
Ooh, I love a good sunburst mirror. This one is only $39.98 at Pier One
You already know I love me some stripes. This rug is only $12.99 at Ikea. I know, I know it's from Ikea. But place it in a low traffic area and it could last you longer than a month.
A feminine shower curtain without being too girlie. Yours for the price of $19.99 at Urban Outfitters
Decorative pillows are always a way to add some punch to any room. These Nate Berkus pillows from HSN will only set you back $5. Yes, F-I-V-E dollars!!! Now I know how Subway lovers felt when the foot long promo started.
Vase from Kmart for $24.99. Such a pretty blend of colors creating lots of movement. Sort of reminds me of a peacock. This would look great mounted on a mantel, a bookcase, in a grouping of similar vases, or on a table with some freshly cut fuchsia flowers.
Not your standard candlestick holders. These, from West Elm, are only $39.00 but their look is well above the marked price. They're also reminiscent of the mid-century ones (below) designed by Ceasar Stoffi.
image via apartmenttherapy
Wire baskets are a perfect solution for storing and displaying items on a bookcase, console or open shelves. I'll be using mine in the kitchen. You can purchase the smaller one for $12.95 or the larger one for $15.95 at Crate and Barrel.
Happy Bargain Shopping
Getting Stuff Done
Evan and I were total hermits this past weekend. A rainy Saturday resulted in a perfect time to lounge around carefree. A warmer Sunday allowed me to do some sun-worshiping and catch up on house chores I'd been putting off. After more than three months, I finally hung a piece of art I was unsure of where to place. Originally, I was almost certain it would go in the living room, but about a month ago I decided it was more appropriate for our bedroom. With more time spent leaning on a wall, this art was hung in a matter of 6 minutes (cheers to hoping it doesn't fall). Something so simple made me feel like I accomplished a lot. Obviously, I'm a procrastinator.
Check out my achievement:
The wonderful story behind this art is that I found it in Evan's parents' attic. Between one of several proudly-toured massive baseball card collection attic trips, I stumbled upon the above art. I must've been looking for a way out of the tour (ha ha) because the conversation quickly transitioned. Evan promptly informed me that it was painted by his Great Aunt Helen who passed long before I came along. The entire piece has the perfect antique, vintage vibe I was hoping I would someday find. The best things always tend to come along when one isn't looking.
It can be a steep investment purchasing real art and buying something at a retail store makes the art less special as they're mass-produced, so I definitely feel fortunate displaying something with much sentiment.
A super easy and affordable tip I give to acquiring art is to visit your local library, make copies of any photograph or image you find inspiring, enlarge it, frame it (which will be the most expensive part) and hang it. Voilà, you have art for days.
This can also be done with fabric, pretty paper and personal photos.
Shoe Craving
Hello, beautiful shoe. You should step into my closet. I'd be well over 6' if I wore you.
Click here for more info
Tray Chic
Plain and simple - I love trays. They're a great way to create groupings of fun accessories or loose knickknacks without looking sloppy. They can be placed on a coffee table, dining table, nightstand, dresser, bar, bathroom (you get the jist) and they come in an array of sizes, colors and patterns. Take a look below to see which one suits your stILe.
PS - I must be honest. I stole the pun from an issue of House Beautiful. The content though, is all me.
Now witness some in the home:
image via guidetostyle
My nightstand with tray from Home Goods. A perfect solution for placing my jewelry once the day has concluded.
all other ID images via decorpad
Alice in Wonderland
Woo Hoo, it's Friday.
I'm sure many of you are looking forward to watching Alice in Wonderland. This movie is on our list, but then again so was Avatar and we have yet to see it. I'm hoping the movie will be as visually magical (In a Tim Burton sorta way, of course) as the Alice in Wonderland editorial Grace Coddington styled for Vogue several years ago.
One thing is for sure, I doubt Tim Burton's Alice will have as many designer couture dresses to change into.
And if you haven't already seen it, watch The September Issue. You will fall in Love with Grace Coddington. No really, you will.
images via incessantrambling and fashionbox
Eye-Opener
I came up with the slogan: A modern update to classic style thinking I was sure this is what my design point of view entailed. Though the crux of my aesthetic holds true to my slogan, it seems to evolve as I mature and learn more about the industry. I came up with the tagline before interviewing for an internship at Omniarte, the design firm of Erinn Valencich. Waiting to be interviewed brought back memories of flipping through magazines trying to figure out the direction I would someday take. Suddenly, sitting in Erinn's living room, I saw the light bright and clear. Her space was fun, quirky, witty, colorful, comfortable, all-embracing - everything I didn't know I was searching for. I quickly realized an aesthetic can't always be defined by one term or genre, or even a slogan. My internship at Omniarte was short-lived, but I will forever cherish this moment for experiencing my goal in person and not through some glossy pages of Elle Decor or House Beautiful.
I share with you, some of Erinn's work.
Her use of color, pattern and texture is always so harmonious.
This was for a spread in Better Homes and Gardens.
In typical intern form, I steamed these drapes and ironed the heck out of the pillow shams. Lucky me.