INSPIRATION COLOR OF THE WEEK: RED

I hope everyone had a nice weekend.  We had a couple of friends over for a intimate, little BBQ and look forward to sharing some outside tableware pictures with you.  Can't believe it's Monday already but looking forward to the short work week. 

This week's color inspiration is "Red".  To be honest, I'm not a big fan of the color because I tend to lean towards softer colors.  I can remember growing up, my mom had our living room decorated in all red.  Red sofa, red walls, red carpet . . . RED!

When I think of ways to describe this color, I think classic; like a great red lipstick or nail polish.  Red is a royal color; powerful, strong and fierce. It's hot.  It is used to make a statement and to draw attention.  For example, a red stop sign, a hydrant, a fire truck and Santa Clause (lol).

I can appreciate some looks with hints of red.  Take a look at some inspiration photos I put together as well as my fashion inspiration board.

White drapes with red trim and accessories.  Paired with a red lattice chair (Elle Décor)

Add a pop of color with this red/orange paint color against white trim (Image via DexKnows)

Pretty red floral wallpaper design.  Love it with the white and pale gray. (Image credit)

Cheer up this crisp white kitchen with red chairs (Image via House Beautiful)

How fun is this red claw tub and the red and white wallpaper. 
Such a classic look in this bathroom design
(image via here)

Go bold in your laundry room with a pair of red washer and dryer.
(Image credit)

1// Victoria Beckham wearing a white coat with her red Hermes bag
2// Woven Puff Sleeve blazer (Charlotte Russe)
3// Red and gold earrings (Etsy)
4// Alex maxi dress (love) by Ella Moss (Anthropologie)
5// Red sandals (Bloomingdales)
6//  Starstitch Eyelit Shell Tee (Madewell)

xo,

RED, WHITE & BLUE: INSPIRATION TABLEWARE FOR JULY 4

Happy Friday!  With Independence Day a week away, now is the perfect time to start thinking about creating your own tablescape look.  Whether you're celebrating indoors or out, get those creative juices flowing and enjoy!

The inspiration board I created below is a simple look, using some items I already own (like the natural water hyacinth placemats from IKEA and the natural raffia tray from West Elm).  I love the simple, red trimmed, hand glazed plates from Canvas Home (also available in blue).  You can use these plates again for Valentine's Day or Christmas.  Add a pretty tablecloth or runner, paired with napkins in red, white or blue.  Finish the look by adding some simple accessories like a hurricane lantern or vase.

If you don't have time or money to shop, you can still stick with the color scheme: a white bowl filled with blueberries and strawberries or display a tart on a white cake stand. Don't forget a lovely bouquet of flowers to complete the look. 

 

 

      1.  Abbesses Hand-Glazed, Porcelain Plates in Red - Canvas Home

      2.  Soare place mat (water hyacinth) - IKEA

      3.  White Enamel Flatware - Williams Sonoma

      4.  Capri Striped Table Runner in Navy - Williams Sonoma

      5.  Rhode Red Acrylic Goblet - Crate and Barrel

      6.  Navy and White paper straws - Etsy

      7.  Medium White Woodside Lantern - Super Wholesaler

      8.  Large Rectangle Tray in Natural Raffia - West Elm

Have a great weekend everyone!

xo,

 

 

ARTISTIC DELIGHTS FROM DESIGNERS

Being artistic and creative, simply doesn't have to reflect on a piece of canvas.  Designers are showing their artistic side by creating fashion pieces that reflect a piece of artwork.

Here's an inspiration board I put together.

1.  Landscape Pencil Skirt - Kate Spade

2.  Runway Wallet - iZAK

3.  Silk Art Scarf - Gustav Klimt - Blue Ornaments

4. Nouveau Pump - Stuart Weitzman

xo,

iPhone 5 Cases from iZAK

While in PA this past weekend, we visited the Borough of Ligonier.  It's a charming town, with quaint boutiques, restaurants and vintage shops.

One of the boutiques, Anna Lynn, carried accessories for the home, fashion and baby.  One of the products she carried was a line of iPhone 5 case covers by IZAK.  I fell in love with the fashion illustrations and knew I had take one home.  I have been meaning to purchase a new iPhone case and this one was perfect.  Here's the one I chose:

Only fitting to get the one that mentioned New York, since I work there

Here are some other great designs to choose from. Take a look:

Runway and Shopper (one for me and my sis to have)

Girl iphone 5.  Love this one!  They didn't have this design where I purchased mine. 

London and Paris

Want to see more? Head on over to Izak's website here.  You'll find iphone 4 cases, as well as accessories and handbags.

xo,

HOME OFFICE: DECISIONS, DECISIONS . . .

So, with my home office project in the works, I have some decisions to make and, well . . . I'm still deciding.

Here's what I have so far . . .

 

 

Yep, that's all I have so far.  Now, I'm in panic mode.  My BIGGEST block is figuring out the hardware.  I do know I want satin brass or something similiar.  Should I go with pulls and knobs? Just pulls? How about some bin pulls? What style?  I've looked online at hundreds of hardware options and trying to narrow things down.  It's so hard to shop online because the color isn't picture perfect. I've ordered a few samples and still waiting (ugh).  Here are some hardware options I'm considering.

The HardwareHut Brushed Bronze collection is a favorite on my list

Century Hardware

Here are some cup pulls:

I have to make a decision ASAP.  I hope I make the right one.

xo,

INSPIRATION COLOR OF THE WEEK: BLACK

Happy Monday!  Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend.  I had a fabulous weekend spending time with my mom and sister, visiting them in the Pittsburgh area. 

Now onto today's inspiration color of the week . . . Black.  A classic color, rich and sophisticated.  You can't go wrong with this color and I for one, never tire of this color. 

Enjoy some inspiration pictures I put together as well as some amazing rooms from creative designers incorporating black. 

  Venezia Chandelier, Infinite Glam Pop Art, Ming Boxes (set of 2), Virginia Frames 
(via Z Gallerie)

 

Black painted walls in this contemporary dining room (image via HomePosh)

A classic black and white bathroom via HomeBunch

Glamorous living room with black accents via Arcadian Home

Decorate your table with a black and white tablecloth like this striped black and
white one via SouthernWeddings.com

You can never go wrong with a lacey black dress, a classic Chanel handbag and strappy high, heeled sandals. 

Amalia Lace Dress via Club Monaco; Grained calfskin clutch via Chanel;
Stuart Weitzman Nudist Ankle-Strap Sandal via Neiman Marcus

 xo,

LET MY WEEKEND BEGIN!

Twin Lake Park, Greensburg, PA (image via JPG mag)

Happy Thursday!  Starting my weekend early, as I am traveling to visit with my family in PA.  Super excited to be spending a long weekend with loved ones.

Have a great weekend!

xo,

BEACHWEAR READY

Hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather and soaking in the rays.  For those that are hitting the beach or pool, here's an inspiration look I put together to get you there in style and comfort. 

Grab that book, kindle, ipad, iphone, etc. and take it all in . . .

Beach umbrella - FiberBuilt; Michael Kors - Sicily Flash Lens Aviator sunglasses - Bloomingdales; Stripe Snake underwire one piece from BCBG via Revolve Clothing; Cameron patent thong sandals - Tory Burch; Ultimate Sun Protection Spray - Shisedo via Sephora; Fouta Beach Towel - Midnight by Serena and Lily

xo,

INSPIRATION COLOR OF THE WEEK: YELLOW

This week's color is "Yellow".  Summer is officially a week away so what better color to celebrate the season.  Whether soft or bold, yellow is a cheerful color; it's an instant pick me up to boost your mood.  I love the spring and summer months because the days are longer and brighter. It's a happy color!

Check out some inspiration looks I put together for fashion and home. 

J Crew Long No.2 pencil skirt in scroll print; Baublebar Crystal Poker Face studs;
Tory Burch Adalyn clutch

Here are some accessories to brighten your kitchen:

Industrial Pendant - Mercury + Yellow Cord; Chevron Stripe Napkin set;
Pad Printed Bowls - Ikat; Textured Mug  all via West Elm

Black and white bedroom gets a pop of yellow, still creating a soft space (via Tagota)

Brighten up your bathroom space, add some wallpaper with yellow designs (via Home Bunch)

Pops of yellow used as accent colors in this living room space (via House Beautiful)

xo,

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Image via DrMichaelRoss.com

So happy the weekend is upon us.  I've been trying to fight cold (sore throat) and this week's weather has been rain, rain, rain.  But, I'm happy to report, the weekend calls for sunshine . . . BRING IT ON!

Enjoy the weekend guys and a Happy Father's Day to you fellas!

xo,

SUNCARE FOR FACE AND BODY

For me, warmer weather means getting my tan on!  Fortunately, I have olive skin, so I tan very easily.  But I still take precaution when it comes to my skin.  I always wear sunscreen. 

Some people are mislead that if you apply sunscreen, you won't get a tan.  So untrue!  Sunscreen helps prevent the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays from reaching your skin.  There are two types of ultraviolet radiation:  UVA and UVB.  These can damage your skin and lead to skin cancer.  When shopping for sunscreens, look for UVA and UVB protection. 

Here are some of my favorites:

For the Body:

One of my all time favorites is the Water Babies by Coppertone.  Yes! I use baby sunscreen and love it!  It's also waterproof and smells great.

Coppertone Water Babies

For the Face:

If you can splurge (around $85.00), La Mer has a wonderful SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid sunscreen for the face. 

La Mer SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid

Another brand of sun care products I recommend are by Shiseido.  They are one of the oldest skin and beauty care companies and the fourth largest cosmetics company in the world.  I have been using their Sun Protection Lotion+ for a few years now and feel safe knowing my skin is being protected.  It's not a super thick lotion and has a nice sheen to it and smells so good. 

Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion+ SPF50+ ($39.00)

This next product is new for me.  I wanted something for the face only.  It's oil free and it's great for those that get acne from other sunscreen products.  I know for me personally, sometimes with the warmer weather, my pores get clogged from putting so much moisturizer on my face.  This product is perfect for me.  Here's the description:

Description:

An oil-free daily protector with UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Protection. Protects against 3 major causes of skin cell damage: UV Rays, oxidation and over production of sebum. This ultra-light formulation spreads smoothly and contains mineral powders and herbal extracts to maintain a pore-free and shine-free finish.

Formulated with Shiseido's highly effective multi-defense sun protection system and advanced skincare ingredients which prevent damage and free radical production.

• Suitable for oily skin types.

Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42 ($30.00).
 This product is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation

To learn more about Shisedo products, you can check their website here:

A less expensive product, but still great, is the Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen by Neutrogena.  I've tried the SPF70 version.  It's a light weight, non-oily finish.  I've used it on my face because it's oil free.  Neutrogena is #1 Dermatologist recommended.  They have a complete suncare line worth checking out here. 

Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen by Neutrogena

I'd love to hear some of your best picks for sunscreens.

xo,

HOME OFFICE PROJECT: PHASE ONE . . . THE WALLPAPER

I can't tell you how excited and nervous I was when the van pulled up Saturday morning to our house.  It was an appointment for the wallpaper install. 

I never had anything wallpapered in my life so I was beyond excited  . . . and nervous.  After staring at the rolls of wallpaper, ordered months ago, phase one of my home office design was finally happening!

John Kelly was recommended to me by my local Benjamin Moore paint store.  They gave me two business cards and he was the one I picked.  We spoke on the phone a few times to talk about what I wanted. We then met in person for a free estimate and scheduled the appointment.  Mr. Kelly (although he prefers to be called by his first name), an Irish fella, is a very nice, personable, professional and courtesy man.  When we met three weeks ago, he advised me he was having some minor surgery and wouldn't be able to start right away.  I was fine with waiting because listen . . . I have waited months and could wait a little more.

Now, let's talk about the wallpaper!  Did you ever find something you LOVE but just to make sure, you look at other similar items?  Then you keep thinking about the first item.  It was just that with this wallpaper.  I fell in love with the color and design after seeing it on Houzz.  It wasn't the full design but still captured my interest.  Here's the image:

The wallpaper is by Mood Living.  The design is Astek MC10405.  So, I ordered a sample and when I saw it in person, I knew I had to have it.  I tried finding it at local stores but no one carried this brand.  So, I searched and searched online for the best deal.  Each roll is purchased as a double roll. The dimensions are 27inches x 324 inches and the repeat of the design is 36 inches.   My wall is roughly 9 feet x 9 feet and I had to figure out how many rolls I needed (with the help of my friend Brenda and my hubby because I'm horrible with math).  Prices online for this wallpaper were quoted at around $103.00+ for a double roll.  The best price I found was through Eades Discount Wallpaper.  Their price was $44.95 per single roll.  I purchased three double rolls, just to be safe.  Mr. Kelly said I wouldn't need that much.  But, better to be safe than sorry. And, a good thing I did because one of the rolls was damaged (colors were smudged).

Can I tell you how anxious I was . . . I didn't want to get in Mr. Kelly's way but I wanted to see the first piece being put up and hoped I still loved it (lol).  Mr. Kelly didn't mind me watching and wasn't bothered by the camera.  I didn't go into any explanation about posting this on my blog, etc.   He doesn't advertise . . . doesn't have to. He gets his business by word of mouth.  Crazy when you think about it (no advertising on the web) yet, a great accomplishment in this day and age.  Currently, he's booked through August. 

Now, take a look at the first piece being installed. . .

And the third . . . I didn't capture the second piece because it was a little embarrassing, even for me, to be behind him while he worked (lol).  At one point, I started ironing to keep myself occupied.

Mr. Kelly advised it takes three days to dry. He recommended we add some trim to the end of this wall.  It will protect the wallpaper, in case anyone rubs against it and it start to peel.  I like his recommendation and it will definitely define the space.

Finishing up . . .

 

Terminado ("Finished")!

 

 

Oh, how I love this wallpaper!  As soon as it was complete, it was a "Wow" factor.  Even Mr. D (the hubs) was impressed. 

 

 

 

Here's a close up of the design.  The gold damask shimmers ever so slightly and goes so beautifully with the creaming white and gray colors.

 

If you live in Northern, New Jersey, I highly recommend John Kelly.  He's very professional and courtesy and I just love his accent!

 

Phase two will be the install of the cabinets.  Ugh! I hope they don't rip the wallpaper.  I will be watching them like a hawk that day.

 

In the meantime, I'm searching for hardware (satin brass), a new light fixture and office chair.  It will be fun to accessorize the space once the main pieces are up.  Stay tuned!

 

xo,