ROMANTIC IN LACE: FASHION INSPIRED LOOKS

I simply adore vintage inspired looks.  One of them being lace.  Lace is sexy, feminine and innocent. It all depends on how you wear it. 

Here are some of my favorite fashion apparel from ASOS and Anthropologie.

Images (left to right):

1//Skater Dress with Lace Inserts and Embroidery

2//Fit and Flare Dress in Daisy Lace

3//Whistles Crop Top in all over lace

4//Premium Lace Boxy Kimono t-shirt

Images left to right:

1// Fluttered Lace tank

2// Grass-Lace Midi Skirt

3// Ladder Lace tank

4// Tiered Lace Romper

5// Frame Lace Tank (on sale)

6// Magnolia Lace Dress (on sale)

7// Azure Lace Dress

8// Charred Lace Skirt (on sale)

xo,

ANIMAL INSPIRED TABLE SETTINGS

Over the weekend, while running errands, I stopped at Anthropologie.  I haven't been there in a few months and took advantage to see what was on sale and new items.  Plus, an Anthro member, received 15% off their purchase. 

While I love their fashion apparel, I also love their home section.  There are such unique pieces made by different designers; always with a feminine and romantic touch.  Take for example, these lovely animal inspired plates and accessory from Anthropologie.  I can see these plates added as a layer to your regular dinnerware.  How great would these look at your next outdoor soiree? 

Images of "Natural World Dessert" plates taken by Jo Ann but can be found on Anthropologie here
Ellie Creamer found here

 

If you're not in the market for purchasing animal inspired plates (as those above are $18 each), how about putting together some looks with a few items you may have in your home. 

 

Let's get inspired . . .

 

Stylish gold and pewter animals set the theme for this table.

 

Image via Style Me Pretty

Here's a modern look with gold and silver pelican figurine.  Pairs nicely with white and gold plates and pink and gold polka dot napkins.

 

Image via Lauren Peel Photography

 Or, how about this rustic look.

Image via Green Wedding Shoes

Playing it up a different way for the holidays, as seen here by Swoon Worthy and her Christmas table ware.

Image source:  Swoon Worthy

xo,

INSPIRATION COLOR OF THE WEEK: POWDER BLUE

Another Monday . . . where did the weekend go?  For me, the hours flew by and still my "to do list" is still full.   For every item I check off, I add two (lol).  I'm my own worst enemy because I want it done right away.  But, moving on ...

 

This week's color inspiration is powder blue.  This color represents peacefulness, while uplifting our moods.  When you think of clear blue skies, or the open seas, you feel happy and calm.  For those that want to incorporate this look into their home and apparel, take a look at some inspirational pictures to get you there.

This white and bright, country style kitchen, has a lovely powder blue island, center stage. You get that beach, cottage like feel to the space.  Love all the sunlight filtering in.

Image source:  Chalon Kitchen

The wallpaper in this room is the focal point in this space.  Placing it around the room, draws your eye to each area.  The powder blue and white damask wallpaper is bold but in a soft way.   Combining colors of cream and taupe is dreamy.  From the bedding to pillow accessories, balances the room, creating a comfy and elegant bedroom.  Such a beautiful color combo!

Image via Home-Designing.com

This bathroom vanity painted in a glossy, powder blue, creates a softer look against the dark blue, grasscloth wallpaper.  Adding white and gold accessories to the space . . . gorg!

Image source: Phillip Jeffries

This sweet baby's nursery, with its nautical theme (sailor boat mobile, nautical wooden art, baby whale, globe, suitcases, globe, ship's wheel clock and star knobs) is a lovely space.  You instantly feel relaxed and captured in this space.  Use your imagination, to set sail for an adventure!

Image source:  Kidsomania.com

This stunning, home office design is a lovely workspace.  With powder blue walls, blue suede tufted chair and blue accessories is the perfect design.  White cabinetry and grey driftwood desk, keeps things light and soft.  I love the large picture window, letting all that natural light into the room. 

 

Chambray Shirt via Brooklyn Blonde
 Jewelry pieces via Martha Stewart Wedding
Open back lace sheath dress via Forever21

xo,

HAPPY FRIDAY!

TGIF everyone.  What a week!  Between commuter delays and busy days at work, I'm looking forward to relaxing this weekend.  I love NYC but being on the go, at rapid speed all the time, can take a toll on me.  I'm soooo looking forward to spending time outdoors.

To end the work week, here are some of my snapshots on instagram (@joann3373).

Picking out a new orchid for our home at Metropolitan Plant Exchange in Paramus, NJ

Beautiful butterfly captured in our backyard

From Monday's Post, Inspiration Color of the Week:  Mint

Waiting to see neurosurgeon to discuss my aching back.  Enjoyed the props (lol).

Getting some love from this pooch (neighbors dog, "Cash"). 
He enjoys his scratches and treats from us. 
Pulling up to the driveway and hearing him whimper, tugs at my heart.

Items I picked up from H&M's new home store in NYC.  You have to check it out!

Our new Cityscape planters from West Elm

Before signing off for the weekend, I want to wish my beautiful sister a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!  Looking forward to spending our sibling, mini vaca in a couple of weeks. 

xo,

NEW ADDITION TO OUR PATIO: PLANTERS

Each year I'm loving our backyard.  With the new perennials and bushes planted the year before, it's wonderful to see them grow and bloom in our planting beds.

For our patio, we decided to add (ummm, I decided) another layer by accessorizing with planters.  I found these fab planters on clearance at my local West Elm Store.  They're called Cityscape Planters.  Take a look:

While I was outside, taking pictures, this lovely butterfly wanted to be captured.  I could swear, the butterfly was posing for me (lol).

 

xo,

DIY HOME PROJECT: RESTORING AN OUTDOOR TABLE

Last year we purchased a console table for our patio outside.  I wanted something that could stay outdoors and that we could place extra items that took up room on the patio dining table.  So, I found a table from Grandin Road, called the Yorkshire Table.  It came in weathered black and an ivory color.  While I wasn't fond of the black (our outside dining table has a bronze finish), we purchased it anyway because it blended better than the cream and it was the right price point. 
Here's a picture from their website:

After the summer, we neglected to put a cover on it and then old man winter hit, like no other.  To sum it up, the table received an even more, weathered look (lol).  So much so, that by Spring, the carpenter bees were inspecting the table.

This DIY seemed like an easy fix (thanks to my hubby).  My projects turn into "his" projects.

I decided to help and stripped the wood.  It wasn't working so well for me.  Not sure if it was because the day I did it, was a hot day.  It dried the stripping liquid right away.  I'll also add, this was the day I locked myself out of the house. It was just me and the table waiting in the hot sun until help came. 

This baby needs to be sanded.  Ummm, hon . . . I need help.

Mr. D disassembled the table to get into the cracks and crevices when sanding; priming and painting.  

Table is primed and ready to be painted.

We chose Rust-oleum paint in a Metallic Oil Rubbed Bronze (purchased at Home Depot)

 

Here's the finished products (two coats later):

 

 

 

 

Here's a close up shot; it's a deep bronze with pretty metallic speckles

 

 

So happy with the results and thankful to Mr. D for completing yet another home project.  We will definitely purchase a cover this fall to protect it.

 

xo,

 

H&M HOME COLLECTION

I had the opportunity to visit the brand new, H&M Home store in NYC, (corner of 48th St. and 5th Ave.)   How convenient for, yours truly, since it's within walking distance from my job.  The home section is on the top level (4th floor).  As soon as I got off the elevator, I was so excited to check out all the goodies!  And, let me tell you, there were many.

The store features many products like vases, trays, candles, bedding, pillows, linens and more.  The themes seem to be a French provincial look, modern or simplistic style.  The colors are soft and neutral with a feminine touch.  Right up my alley. 

I browsed the online store before visiting the actual store.  There something about seeing it in person; you get a full appreciation and you're able to see the quality of the products.

Take a look at some of the snapshots I took while at the store:

 

Love the color of these salad size plates.

Striped pillows and cases galore, in a range of colors

Love this color combo

Colors are so soft and pretty! 

 

Vintage inspired look in a range of pastel colors

Copper candlestick holders and cake stands; black and white china;
gray lace tablecloth (grabbed one for my sister)

 

Candle teacup, colorful glass jars and decorative boxes

 

Here's what I picked up for myself and scored 25% off my entire purchase:

 

 

Glass jug (with gold rim)
Round porcelain tray dish (available in store)
Ceramic jar (small, in pink)
Metal wire basket in white
Lace tablecloth in natural white

To see more, click here to see their complete line.

xo,