Tuesday, November 25, 2014

GIFT GUIDE: HOSTESS

Tis the season of holiday parties my friends. While a bottle of wine is always a great last minute option, it is nice to mix things up and bring over a more personalized gift. How can you go wrong with the hanging moss letters? You can't! They're a fun addition to a Christmas tree or holiday decor! If they're a more adventurous type of person, the New York Times 36 Hours Books give great travel advice on what to see and skip, personalized for different areas of the world. If you're going to a party hosted by friends who always entertain, I think the personalized cutting boardcocktail napkins and giant mason jar beverage dispenser are the perfect addition to any home. And if you just want to be the favorite of all party guests, the Tory Burch candle is to die for. Perfect smell + perfect design.




Monday, November 24, 2014

GIFT GUIDE: FOR HIM

The most wonderful time of year is right around the corner. I am so looking forward to Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends. Food, football and family, it's hard to compete with that! The next day we'll avoid Black Friday at all costs; instead we'll go get our Christmas tree and pull out the decorations. While I might avoid the crowds, I still have the never ending dilemma of gifts on the mind. So to alleviate all stress, I've put together some gift guides that I'll be posting throughout the next two weeks. Guys, gals, techie, hostess, pet lovers... I've got you covered!

Shopping for guys can be tough, so I've put together the most versatile gifts that can work for any guy in your life. The scratch off map is perfect for a traveler or to serve as inspiration for your next trip. The Bose noise cancelling earbuds are a game changer, you literally can't hear anything when you put them in. I also love the Swell bottle since it keeps your drink hot or cold for 12+ hours. And the North Face hoodie is a steal at $55!




Wednesday, June 18, 2014

WORDS OF WISDOM


Ain't that the truth?! I loved reading that Theodore Roosevelt actually said this. I secretly imagine that he got the inspiration from Eleanor, after all she did say "no one can make you feel inferior without your consent". Those Roosevelts, such thinkers! If you haven't read "My Year With Eleanor" by Noelle Hancock, I highly recommend it! But honestly, in a world full of constantly comparing ourselves to others in every aspect of our lives, a nice little reminder like this sitting on my desk or nightstand would be a much welcome addition. Actually, I'll just go ahead and make a gallery wall to include this, this, and this too!


Tuesday, June 17, 2014

THE HAIR DIARIES

The long hair/short hair debate occupies my mind at the start of summer every year. Maybe its that first day when it hits 90 degrees and the hair goes up immediately. My hair M.O. has pretty much been the same since high school: long hair, layers, side part and a dark blond color. I've thrown a few twists in there when I went uber blond, tried ombre, and I once even tried bangs (ahh!), but the recent trend I've noticed requires more than quick trip to the colorist. I've noticed so many celebs chopping off their hair to a just above/just below shoulder length. It looks super fresh and clean, lightweight for warm weather, and really flattering. Does it work on everyone? I know we're seeing them in flattering pictures (who wouldn't want to have a hair guru fluff them before they walk into public, yes please!) but this looks like a style that is here to stay, something that could convert even the most loyal of the long hair club.

 



all images via pinterest

What are your thoughts on short v. long hair? My hair grows at a snails pace so chopping it off would be a commitment. While I contemplate the pros/cons, I'll be keeping my mane as tame as possible with my favorite hair tools:




For giggles (since you made it to the end of this post), in college I signed up to be a "hair model" for the Frederic Fekkai salon in Dallas. I had to have an "open mind" (which I did), and they went to town with my hair. Cut off 6", toned out my color and gave me BANGSSS!!!! I think I enjoyed it for all of a few days and then went back to lusting for long hair. I'm way less picky now, I would love something a little easier to handle then the mop I have on my head, but that's besides the point. Please ignore the wallpaper and the horrible selfie action going on, enjoy!


Monday, June 16, 2014

TASSLES ARE ALIVE & WELL




Recently I've seen this ever growing trend come to life and I can't help but to mention it because in all honesty, its adorable! Usually tassels make me think of formal things like graduation caps, mens loafers and outdated drapery tiebacks. But now they're making a comeback in a much more fun and relatable way. I came across this fun post from Sugar & Cloth for a DIY Summer Pom Pom Throw and I've already ordered this throw to add some tassels/pom poms and turn it into my favorite summer shawl/picnic blanket/ pool sarong. We're even using tassel trim on a client's master bath drapery.

So how does it translate into a wardrobe or home decor? The key is small doses. A bracelet or tunic here, a pillow there, will definitely be a fun way to try the trend. What's your thought on pom poms and tassels?



Friday, June 13, 2014

HAPPY WEEKEND

image via

Oh hey, Friday! So happy you made an appearance. For me, summer weekends translate into lazy days at the pool with the dogs, and Gray Malin's new series "Aqua Glam" has me wishing I could be there right now! Could the pool look any more fabulous? Between the synchronized swimmers and the Greek key tile design, I am totally considering dedicating a wall in my home to Gray Malin. Another thing that caught my attention this week was the 1 minute clip of Jim Carrey's commencement speech which will leave you inspired! Also, if you haven't seen Chef, I highly recommend it. Just make sure to have reservations at a really delicious restaurant afterwards.

This weekend for me will be a mixture of work and relaxing. Somehow I lost my sunglasses so I'm on the hunt for a new pair. Should I go girly or stick it with some classics? Decisions decisions. J.Crew is also offering an extra 30% off their sale items (just use code 'SHOPNOW'), so I plan on stocking up on another pair of my fall boots that I wore almost every day (originally $350, now $175!). And even though these aren't on sale, I just love this this and this! Have a great weekend!




Thursday, June 12, 2014

THIS & THAT


Work life has been super busy lately. I've had the pleasure of getting to work on some incredibly interesting jobs, including two homes that were built in the 1920s! We moved one of these clients into their home and we've been moving in new furniture room-by-room as they finish construction. The picture above is how the living room turned out! We based everything off the existing rug (which I love), and we really threw together a fun room. I love the deep blues and greens and how well they mix with the tan patterns. We've added art and other goodies since this, but I had to snap a pic so I could share how cute it is! Interested in a similar look? Scroll through my favorites below.