FASHION and HOME: New Purchases from Anthropologie

Wrapped Plaid Button-down (I like the high low hem)

I see it paired with my white skinny jeans (Madewell) and Valentino rockstud flats:

Morning Glory Swing Dress
This dress fits longer on me because of my height.  Perfect fit and look for Summer.

Amelia top. Love the lace detail and feminine look.

How cute is this honeybee dome and plate?!  I couldn't resist purchasing this for the home.  I think it would be a perfect addition to a springtime tablescape.

***

Hello lovely readers.  How was your weekend?  Mine was good but spent it with caution - my back spasms have been aggravated to the level of me losing some feeling in my leg.  I've been icing, taking warm baths in our jet tub and taking anti-inflammatory pills.  Goodness . . . I sound like an old lady.  I hope it doesn't get to the level, where it was a couple of years ago, where I couldn't walk.  I really need to find a pain management doctor asap (ugh).  

In any event, I ran a couple of errands; one of them being a trip to Anthropologie for a return.  I was pretty excited to see a lot of new arrivals.  The sales woman said they receive a shipment of new items, Monday-Wednesday.  I loved seeing spring/summer dresses and skirts, rompers and short sleeved blouses.  I still had a birthday gift card, so I hoped I would walk out of the store with some great purchases.  And . . . I did.

I always love shopping at Anthropologie for their great style for you and your home.

STYLING THE NIGHTSTAND FOR HIM: With a Masculine Flair

1. Orbit Sphere - Z. Gallerie; 2. Golden Fist - CB2; 3.  Marble Tray - Williams Sonoma Home; 4.  A Well-Dressed Gentleman's book - Barnes and Noble; 5. L'Objet Croc Rectangular Box - Williams Sonoma Home; love the tray version here; 6.  Exotic Wood and Brass Box, Black Zebrawood - Williams Sonoma Home; 7.  Hide and Wood box (purchased but no longer available); 8.  Luxury Toys book - Barnes and Noble; 9.  Georgia Orb - Jonathan Adler (I think the males would appreciate this); 10.  Small Horn Sculpture - Jonathan Adler; 11.  GQ Men - Barnes and Noble; 12.  Pocket Watch Clocks - Pottery Barn; 13.  Classic Glass Bath Decanter - Pottery Barn; 14; Abstract Marble Sculpture - Williams Sonoma Home; 15.  The World According to Karl - Barnes and Noble


Apologies - This post was supposed to go live on Friday when I realized my updates were not saved!  I had to revert to draft and bring it to you today.  So, for those of you who caught it and then noticed it disappeared, now you know why (lol).

Monday is a fresh start!

With our bedroom make-over in progress, one decorating challenge has been styling my husband’s nightstand.  One thing to note, the hubs is a simple and low key, kinda guy.  Which left me thinking . . . what do men have on their nightstand?  And, more importantly, how should his bedside table look??  So, I asked my hubby what he would like to see on his nightstand?  His response?  “I don’t need anything – just my cell phone”.  Then, I asked myself, well . . what do I think would go nicely on his nightstand and function as well. 

For women, a pretty candle, vase, tray, decorative box, floral arrangement and/or picture frame would complete our look.  Since my husband’s style is simple and non-specific, I decided to go for a cleaner look but with a masculine flair.  

When decorating/styling a bedside table for him, first think about his necessities.  Does he like to read at night?  Does he wear or need glasses when getting up in the morning?  Does he like to have a glass of water by his bedside?  For example, a tray with these necessities can be a great starting point.  Most of us, having matching table lamps and alarm clock radios (yes, we still use alarm clock radios and my husband has his phone as a backup alarm).  To make it more personal, another item to add could be a picture frame of the family or just the happy couple.  Depending on the size of your bedside table, you can also add an accessory (a sphere, pottery vase or a small accessory).  Does he care about fashion and style?  There are great fashion books for males that would complement the nightstand.  Other options such as sports, photography, cars, etc.  Making his side of the table will balance what you have on your side; creating a beautiful space.

So happy to share with you, updates to our master bedroom makeover; specifically, styling his side of the bed.  Again, the décor is simple but accentuating that masculine flair with a couple of key pieces, completed the look.  Texture was one key element.  

Plenty of space left to add his cell phone or a coaster for any drinks.

I purchased this hide and box on sale from Williams Sonoma home (sold out but tray option available and on sale here).  It was the perfect size to store items he doesn’t need on a day to day basis.  Surprisingly, he doesn’t wear a watch but has a couple of nice ones that I stored away but still accessible, should he need it.  The color was also perfect; pulling from the gray tones around the room.  

Another masculine item purchased was this Golden Fist from CB2.  I love the sculptural design and the gold tone balances the gold tones I have on my side of the bed.  Here’s a funny story . . . after purchasing and decorating his table (without him knowing what I bought), I was curious to get his reaction.  I think it was either one evening or one morning, I heard him sing, “Fist Pump in the morning” / “Fist Pump in the evening” and was actually fist pumping the piece.  I cracked up laughing!  He said, “I actually like this piece”.  Whoo hoo (with a sense of relief and accomplishment)!!  To layer this look, I added a large book, creating depth and height.  

fist pump . . .

A small picture of us, from our wedding day is also displayed to balance and complete the overall look.  My sister gave this to us as a gift.  I love and will always cherish this piece.  It has been moved to several decorating spots in our home.

When decorating, be creative.  Add personal touches and functional pieces that work for you (and him).  And, most of all, enjoy your space!

Thanks for stopping by and look forward to sharing with you, the entire master bedroom tomorrow.  Stay tuned!

xo,

HOME ACCESSORIES: Current Favorites from West Elm

Hi!  Yesterday was a, much appreciated day off from work. I got the rest of my housework done, spent time with the dogs and tested some paint samples. We have plans to have our foyer and stairway painted. Still searching for the right color. 

Onto today's post!  Last week, while reading through the latest issue of House Beautiful magazine, I came across "The Best" section and found the prettiest doorstop from West Elm.  I immediately searched online but it wasn't available . . . yet.  But, over the weekend, it popped up under their new arrivals (yay)!

I've put together a few of my favorites, including the doorstop (#7).  Anything marble has me hooked lately, as well as all the muted color tones.  A couple of weeks ago, I purchased the Mongolian lamb  pillow in the gorgeous blush color (#4 currently sold out in the 16").  West Elm always has the best selections when it comes to home accessories.   I have a collection of accessories, displayed throughout our home.

1.  Glass Leaf Chandelier.  I love the leaf details and vintage vibe of this chandelier.

2.  Round Stone Coasters - White/Gold

3.  Faux Shagreen Trinket Tray - Charcoal.  I purchased a beige colored one a few years ago. Happy to see it's still around.

4.  Mongolian Lamb Pillow Cover - Rosette (24") - (no longer available in the 16").  I was lucky enough to purchase a pair before selling out.

5.  Faceted Mirror - Emerald Cut.  I love the facets; reminds me of a piece of jewelry.

6.  Metallic Ikat Dot Pillow Cover - Platinum

7.  Deco Marble Doorstop.  This would be a perfect piece to add a bedroom or bath.

8.  Deco Marble Umbrella Stand.  Such a stylish umbrella stand.

9.  Belgian Linen Border Strip Sheet Set. These look so comfy and stylish.

To see more new arrivals, click here.

What are some of your favorites?

xo,

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS 2015: Home Decor

Hi all!  Hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday.  It was nice to have a few days off from work and spend some time with family as well as spending time at home.

Now that Christmas is around the corner, it's time to start (or continue) with some holiday shopping.  I've rounded up some home decor gift ideas for those on your shopping list (or for yourself).

And, be sure to check out any sales today for Cyber Monday. 

1// Nest Fragrances Birchwood Pine Classic Candle (perfect for the holidays);

2// Prouna Catchall Tray (Bloomingdales - 25% off);

3// Illume Woodfire Trinket Box Ceramic Candle (Waiting on Martha);

4// Hide and Wood Box (Williams Sonoma Home)

5// Kate Spade New York Hampton Street Platinum Rose Bowl (Bloomingdales - 25% off);

6// Rosenthal Plissee Matte Mini Vase (Bloomingdales - 25% off);

7// Charcoal Ginger Jar, Gourd Vase (Williams Sonoma Home);

8// White Shagreen Tray (Bloomingdales - 25% off); and

9// Bel Air Mini Scoop Vase (Jonathan Adler)

NEW FROM POTTERY BARN: Ken Fulk Collection

Have you received the latest Pottery Barn catalog?  It's the September issue, introducing the Ken Fulk  Collection.  The exclusive collection is one to see from this San Francisco-based designer.  Filled with elegant and whimsy designs.  From his love of golden retrievers, to animal print accessories, and 60s-inspired designs.  I love his tailored look.

Here some of my favorites from the collection:

This bar cart is my absolute favorite, with it's brass finish and spoke wheels.

Admiral Bar Cart

 Here's the bar cart styled with bar essentials.

Following in the same spoke wheel design, how cool are these chairs?

Admiral Chairs

Love the color of this Quilted Leather Sectional

Cheetah-Printed Hide Pillow.

For all the golden retriever lovers (or dog lovers):

Retriever Ice Bucket 

How cute are these Retriever Andirons.

Orange Lacquer Boxes.  They remind me of an Hermes box. Such a classic and stylish look.

Painted Canvas Place Mat

Love these placemats.  To me, they resemble an envelope, clutch or a folded-up napkin.  Has this masculine and feminine look to it.

 There is something so stylish and elegant about the Glass Chandelier and Sconce

To see the entire Ken Fulk Collection from Pottery Barn, click here.  For more Ken Fulk design work, you have to check out his unique and amazing website.  It's nothing I've seen before.  

xo,

WHAT'S NEW: CB2

Now is the time, where stores are advertising their new items for Fall.  While some items are not in stores quite yet, I've been teased with emails and catalogs.  Reality sets in that Summer is almost over.  But, I'll admit to some excitement about anything new; especially when those items grab my attention.

Take CB2; a great store to find items here and there.  There's a location near my job that is convenient for me to pop in from time to time.  I was disappointed when I received word their parent company, Crate and Barrel on Madison Avenue is closing (NYC rent is too high).

Take a peek at just some of the new items:

Canopy beds have been around for years.  I can remember as a child, I had a pretty white canopy bed.  This black and gold number is pretty sophisticated, wouldn't you say?

Frame canopy bed

This carat table lamp is a beautiful one; especially in person (currently on display at the store).

Carat table lamp

Cowhide rugs are all the rave right now.  I like this all natural look.

Cowhide rug

How adorable is this fluffy, sheepskin stool.  The rose gold legs give it that ultra glam look.  I think I also like it because it reminds me of my fluffy, white dog, Monty (lol).

Sheepskin stool

Anything marble gets my attention and these accent tables are so amazingly gorgeous.  I would love to see this displayed in someone's home.  I don't have enough rooms to decorate (lol).

Marble-rose gold pedestal tables

Sleek and contemporary tampered, floor candle holders add interest next to a fireplace or dining room area.  I've seen these in person and they are pretty cool.

Dapper floor candle holders

The marble addiction continues.  Perfect for a dresser, dressing table, vanity or bathroom.

Gaze vanity mirror

Display a flower arrangement in this fun fish vase.

Steve vase

You can see more new items here.

Happy shopping!

xo,

DIY PROJECT: Sprucing up an Entryway Chest

Hi!  Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend.  We sure did!  We enjoyed the warm weather - Saturday hit 81 degrees!  While I enjoyed the warm weather, I actually wasn't ready for hot temperatures, so soon.  I really love the 60-70 degree weather in the Spring before Summer weather kicks in.  It was so nice to be outside, enjoying the day.  My husband spent time cleaning up the garden, wiping down the front porch and uncovering our adirondack chairs.  I'm on the hunt for new planters for our porch, since our old ones rotted out.  Stay tuned for that.

Today, I wanted to share with you a DIY project I worked on last weekend.  It was a simple little project that I have been meaning to tackle but didn't have the time until recently.  Lately, I'm all about freshening up the look in our home.

I took a two drawer chest we have in our entryway and painted the drawer fronts in a glossy white (Benjamin Moore, Chantilly Lace).  The chest was purchased from Overstock a few years ago (no longer available).  While this piece is not something I plan to have for many years to come (the quality is not the greatest), I wanted to change the look of it.  I also added new home accessories to the space.

I forgot to take a before picture but the chest was one color, in the dark wood.  The handles were black which I changed into a silver antique finish.

Before:  Black hardware.  I added an adhesive to the hardware before applying a wax metallic finish (in silver and gold).

After:

Changing the accessories really compliments the new look of this chest.

Loving my vintage Westmoreland Milk Glass Ivy Ball vase, purchased from my sister at Design by Occasion, Etsy shop.  

The taller, white vase was purchased at IKEA.  And, the silver bowl was purchased at Target (Nate Berkus) a couple of years ago.

West Elm marble cleat box.

 

Luxury candle purchased at HomeGoods.  It smells amazing and is packaged in a the cutest, quilted white box.

The next project for this space, hopefully, will be to repaint the entrance area. 

Xo,