Monday, September 30, 2013

Thoughts on home....design office


I've been making some real progress with my new home. I've laid out most of the furniture. It's a smaller space so I've had to really get creative with my ideas and furniture plans but it's coming together! I'm really happy with the paint colors and a number of you have asked about the grey color I used on the living room walls. 

I used Ace Hardware's paint+primer in one brand Clark+Kensington  throughout the house. I'm their design expert and love the product. 

The color on the walls is custom but it's a very close match to: Colonial Shades: 5066, by Clark+Kensington.

I've also hired a new assistant named Meg. So far she's been great. Next week my plan is to set up our design offices together. They are going to be in a room in my new home that I'm eventually going to rehab. This initial set up will be temporary.

Some day I'd like to have a small office and retail space combined but that most likely won't happen until my kids are out of childcare! ;)

I love Melissa Davis of Ruby Press PR firms' fresh approach seen in the images here. My office too will have clean white walls, pops of color and layers of textural interest. Images via Lonny.


This pink chesterfield sofa and zebra bench are phenomenal!!

Friday, September 27, 2013

What I'm wearing!



Fall dressing just might be my favorite! Here's a peek of items similar to what is inside my closet! I don't own that watch, but may need to!! Have a fabulous weekend. xx

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

* oops the jeans are linked twice

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Shelter Loves



Here's what I'm eyeing this week!!

1. I don't like anything too safe! That's why I admire Miles Redd's work. I actually presented this Cole and Son palm wall paper in the light aqua and green version to a client yesterday! I think she's going to go for it!

2/3. I'm loving cheery brights especially when paired with neutrals such as navy blue, charcoal and light grey. They're stunning together!!!

necklace 
notecards

4. I use solid velvet fabric all the time. You can't beat it's richness.... Pillow from West Elm.

5. I'm in need of a new fitted grey cashmere sweater - it's the perfect Fall staple and coordinates well with both dressy and casual looks!! (I'm sure most French women have at least one)

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Love the look = high + low



I thought I'd piggy back yesterday's post with a love the look segment. I'll be choosing my purchases wisely this Fall. I'm downsizing my wardrobe but would like to add a new leather jacket to my closet. Here's a look at the real deal and faux leather..The bottle green jacket is new for All Saints. I'm loving it, but if you're looking to spend a bit less you can always go with a "vegan" edition from Top Shop.

1. 
2. 



Monday, September 23, 2013

Thoughts on home.....

Moving will surely make you reassess not only your life but your purchases and the importance and necessity of each one.  I've been living with 25% of my belongings for almost a year. When I moved into my new home two weeks ago I had most of the boxes put in the basement. I just couldn't deal with a construction site and a disaster zone of scattered boxes all of the house. I'm slowly moving the clothing a little at a time from my temporary residence. I must be in a purging mode because my give away pile is quickly growing. 

My new home doesn't have a very big closet, it's not tiny but it is hardly the walk in closet I had in my old home. I'm also using my antique armoire for all my folded clothing, so that really helps. I've decided when I look in my closet I want everything to look new, fresh and special. (hence the give away pile)...I've always admired french women for their ability to look stylish while only owning a small number of high quality pieces. That's going to be my fashion philosophy moving forward. Will I still be slightly addicted to jewels and baubles vintage and new? I'm sure but I'm certainly going to think twice before I hastily grab another bargain item at the Neiman Marcus semi annual sale.....Don't we all wear the same 5 pairs of jeans and 5 pairs of black pants anyway!? ;)

Below I've shared some smaller closet organization inspiration with you! I'm absolutely going to install hooks someplace in my bedroom or closet for my necklace collection. I love Kelly Wearstler's storage idea above! 

Cheers to a great Monday and week. The past two weeks have been a little hectic in my world, then my little kitty of fifteen years who was always by my side passed away yesterday. You'll never be forgotten Miss Gabby. I love you!!! I think you would have been happy in our new home....

Friday, September 20, 2013

Thoughts on home...

Happy Friday!! So my new home is slowly coming together! The walls are painted, the electrician is almost done, the kitchen is a mess (but I hope to finish that in the next six weeks or so). I also haven't had two seconds to arrange any furniture. So please don't look at these photos as a finished product!! I'm thrilled with the grey paint and the warm floors. (they are actually quite a bit darker in person than in this shot) but I didn't go with ebony. I think that would have been too heavy with the walls. 

Today I'm contemplating the fireplace. I like natural brick if it's actually constructed from nice old bricks and is in a historical home. The bricks in my house just aren't working for me. (top photo) So the question is what color do I paint them?? I'm torn between black and white, but I've shared a couple other ideas! If I go with black, I'm planning to choose a matte finish. I'm thinking a large mantel that covered more of the brick is the way to go! I'm also eventually going to incorporate built ins. (love the look below) And of course I'll switch out the screen etc...
Thoughts???
white washed brick is pretty

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Shelter Loves...

Wow, is it Thursday already??!! Here's what I'm adoring this week........

1. Classic Fashion. How great is this Burberry jacket? I know their things cost a pretty penny but I think I'd own my purchases for life. I got my first camel Burberry scarf about 15 years ago and I still own it. I'd like the large print ivory version now!!
3. I have two events this weekend. (eek) I'll be wearing my newest cocktail ring from C Wonder!
4. My house is coming along. In fact I'm going to share a little "before" sneak peek tomorrow. The bathroom is almost done. It's mainly black and white. I'm just loving the classic and timeless appeal of glossy black with brass lately!
5. Prada just released their latest fragrance. I love trying new scents on.
6. Okay, I've blogged about this bag before. I think I need to snap it up here.


Monday, September 16, 2013

Valentine


I'm so excited to share this post today!! My dear friend of the hilarious lil hoot blog and now her fabulous new site  "Valentine" hosted a launch party celebrating her new venture. Sarah has an amazing eye and uncanny talent for getting all the details just right! I greatly admire her style + wit!! Here's a peek of the beautiful details....


Congrats Sarah, I love the concept and passion behind Valentine. I can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve next!! We'll all look forward to your inspiring posts!  xoxo

"This inspirational shoot was inspired by a launch party for my new style blog, valentine, which celebrates love via daily hand-written notes and aims to marry both vintage and modern design.  The bow & arrow, wings, and french bulldog were the key design elements with an ivory, mint, grapefruit, pink, and pops of black and gold color scheme {all derived from the logo}


The shoot was at sarah's favorite chic neighborhood french bistro, 5 corners kitchen.  The tablescape was focused on an intimate affair.  Hand written notes sat at each place setting, which would be an amazing touch at a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner.  A golden mailbox with luscious blooms spilling out among candlelight served as the centerpiece.   The walls were adorned with some of Sarah's most meaningful framed pieces from her home.  As well, as the restaurant's custom wine cork wall.
Vintage jadeite plates sat upon gold rimmed scallop chargers set against the gorgeous feathered tablecloth.  Ghost chairs, gold flatware and stemware also used to complete the look.
Some favorite style books with french bulldog bookends decorated the bar, as well as wedding pictures of the original Valentine {Sarah's grandmother}, and mom, and Sarah and her mom.
Sweets were kept simple with a V bow & arrow cake and truffles, to be served alongside the two signature cocktails, a greyhound, and St. germaine & pink veuve cliquot. A winged french bulldog sat upon the cocktails trays. . . 
And an actual winged french bulldog, sat upon a pink chair with a flower collar.

Champagne cocktails were served in vintage pink flutes and lattes were served in Sarah's heirloom wedding china tea cups with winged sugar cubes."





Thursday, September 12, 2013

Thoughts on home...the living area

Wow, it's been an insane week. I moved into my almost finished home on Tuesday (a huge thank you and kisses to: Matty, Dad, Mom + Joel for all your help). To say it has been a busy week is an understatement. My life is pretty much packed in boxes and I still need to set up my office and redo my kitchen. (It is a construction zone without a counter top, sink or finished cabinets). I figure most of my clients undergo kitchen renovations and live in disarray.  I can too!

As most of you know, this was a post divorce downsize for me. The living room area is pretty small so I'm trying to figure out the placement of my furniture..I ordered an 8 x 10 jute rug (it's coming today) and I plan to layer a smaller version of this rug (or something similar) over it.

I then need to place my furniture and other things..I'm still a bit torn about the arrangement of the tv. I have a den but it won't be finished for some time as it's currently a three season room.

I do know I'm dealing with the placement of two large chairs, a little stool or two, a 36" round zinc table, a book shelf, a dresser (hoping for the tv) and a sofa.
I'm always keeping my eyes open for inspiration. This am I was looking through Domaine. 
I especially like the celebrity section. (mind you, I have a fraction - if that, of their budget)
My living room will also incorporate vintage and new lighting, over sized accessories, artwork, layered pillows and of course design books!
I'm loving Cameron Diaz's Kelly Wearstler designed space and Molly Sims laid back abode.

Great layered pillows and poufs. She looks so pretty.

 On a side note:

I can't afford the faucet I want...boo
I might just go with something a like this instead! I also am going to install smaller backsplash tiles much like Molly's.

That window!? Fab!



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