Pages

Subscribe Twitter Twitter

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Come Into The White

As the unofficial start of summer kicked off last weekend, alot of people went out of town, and alot of people came into New Orleans as their getaway.
We stayed in town, and I gave the living room some summer touches.
No I didn't repaint it all white, but I did add some more white to the room.


First a good cleaning, and a change of drapes. Down came the green velvet. Then I moved the white sheer curtains from the bedroom into the living room. I often move things to different rooms, kind of "shopping" the house for a new look.


The room is flooded with light and feels so airy, so much like summer.
I also swapped out the gilded wheat sheaf base and glass coffee table for this white mid century cutie. I cannot just confine myself to one era ha ha, so I mix all the centuries together.
I also removed the black and white stripe rug and swapped it out for the cow hide which was in the guest bedroom. I love the hide rugs because they hide everything, i.e. dog hair and dirt. And I love seeing more of the floor for summer too.


The morning light is just fabulous. By mid morning it moves from the front of the house, so even though the room is light filled, it's not hot from the sun pouring in.


The art work in the living room is comprised of all portraits. It's my little portrait gallery.
I love to hang art low. It pleases my eye.


I purposely did not put side tables next to the antique French settee, though you know I have them! I had a smaller version of the coffee table, and decided to float both of them, one in front of the settee, and one in front of the sofa. I flipped the settee and sofa from their "winter" positions.


The Thomas Paul pillow with the Greco-Roman head, the portrait of Kenny, and even the little sculpted head in the tray of shells, all add to portrait gallery.


I also added a sweet little green chair, the Philippe Starck Mademmoiselle Chair. The pop of green and the clear Lucite legs add just the right amount of sparkle.


I mix a variety of prints, and the green chair has a tone on tone damask to add to the fun.


I often pick the ginger from the yard for the living room, and the fresh green of the leaves plays along with the green chair.


The Will Barnett portrait entitled "The Young Couple" has subtle shades of green too, and the bunch of giant green grapes make a nice still life.


Another corner has a metal etagere, with two of my favorite portraits, one of Cholo done by Patricia from PVE, and the other of my friend Trevor, who I snapped at Castle Howard when we visited a friend there together.


Cholo loves the new arrangement. He has so many places to choose to snuggle on, like this vintage chair recovered in a Duralee print.


The corner with the chaise is Alberto's hang out.


The tray on the coffee table holds shells, and other special little things like this box of calling cards Alberto had printed when he graduated from The University of Buenos Aires over 40 years ago!


Since we'll be spending most of our summer at home this year, I am so happy that the living room has been dressed in summer whites. It feels like we've gone someplace new and pretty for a holiday.
So take a look around your house, and see what you can move around to refresh a room for summer!

Cute Giveaway at perch.!


Where has the week gone? It seems all I have had time to post are guest bloggers and contests, and now a giveaway!

I am doing a couple of huge projects, and will blog on them soon. I don't have too much time for blogging right now, but I am checking in every once in awhile to keep up with you all!

Go on over to perch. HERE and check out the giveaway to get one of these darling Ikat frames. So far no one has named all of the ladies in the frames above. Can you? If you comment here perch. will count it as a comment for the giveaway.

More later...xo xo

SPECTACULAR OUTDOOR SEATING



I recently came across this photo of the outdoor terrace of Jeffry Weisman and Andrew Fisher in Elle Decor. Overlooking the Russian River Valley in Sonoma Valley, the terrace is simply spectacular. The awning and upholstery fabric is made of fade resistant Sunbrella fabric and the teak furniture is by Michael Taylor Designs. The feeling is modern but the unstructured natural fabric and wood keep the focus on the commanding view.


During a trip to Mykonos Greece a few years ago we stayed at the chic Cavo Tagoo hotel on a cliffside overlooking the bay.  The barefoot chic aesthetic was enforced with the natural rope awning that shaded the outdoor restaurant. It was a simple but beautiful use of natural materials that complimented the gorgeous setting.

Just a Click Away

Hop on over and check out Hollyhock's new web site. Even if you are not in sunny California you can take advantage of Suzanne Rheinstein's perfectly pitched picks. This octagonal 19th century tea caddy is just one of my favorites.

I Aim to Misbehave (Fitting Room Reviews)


Whenever I'm about to give the ol' magnetic strip on the credit card a workout, I signal Carol by quoting the character of Captain Malcolm Reynolds from one of my favorite movies, "Serenity"

"I aim to misbehave."

Mal says this line as he's about to hatch a plan to defy the centralized government known as The Alliance.

[side note: I have a major league crush on Nathan Fillion. He made it onto my "list" after I saw "Serenity." And by "list," you know the kind I mean - the "freebie" list, from "Friends." Mine has Nathan Fillion on it, as well as Scott Niedermayer, Teemu Selanne, and Keanu Reeves. My husband's list has Audrey Tautou, Ali Larter, Rachel Bilson and Megan Fox. Mmhmm.]

After I drooled over lovely Nathan (or, as I know him, "Mal") in the movie, I proceeded to watch the entire "Firefly" DVD set in one weekend. All 14 episodes.

I'm a bit of a sci-fi geek. It's true.

With every new fall arrival on Anthropologie's website, my wallet cries a little more. I want like, 8,000 things. Maybe even 8,002. And what that means is, I really, really want to defy my checking account. I want to be bad.

It didn't help that the Newport Beach Anthropologie got in a ton of cute new things this week. My wishlists are now all officially turned all upside-down.

So without further ado, let's get on with the reviews! To quote Jayne Cobb (another character from the Firefly/Serenity universe), "Shiny! Let's be bad guys!"

Ruffled Plaid Dress ($158, shown in size 4)


If you can't tell, I have a weakness for dresses. I'm actually a little surprised this dress doesn't have a weirder name.

This little Floreat dress, much like the Babergh Dress, has a side-zip and you slip it on overhead. I found it had a nice fit for the most part.

There's no back pleat, but it's comfortable enough not to need one.


I love the plaid pattern. The "floral" (?) accent on the shoulder is a little on the weird side and kind of makes me think of shoelaces looped into a flower. (it actually reminded me of something I'd see "under the sea" on the Finding Nemo ride at Disneyland) The ruffles on the bodice have unfinished hems, so they fray a little bit. And as you can see from the photo there are somewhat large armholes and a bit of a gaping top. Not a dealbreaker for me since the ruffles kind of cover up the gape while giving a little "boost" to my small bust, but it's worth noting. Those of you who have bigger chests than I do (which, let's face it, is probably most of you) most likely won't have a problem. It's also worth noting the very nice, high-quality belt that comes with the dress.

I highly recommend giving this one a try! I've wishlisted it for now.

Cream Confection Jacket in Black ($178, shown in size 6)


Welp, as we know, I've already purchased this one in Neutral and I love it. But when I saw the black version in my store, I knew I had to give it a try. After all, how can one make an truly informed decision unless they "try, just try?"

Besides, I'm trying to convince my friend Debbie that she needs this jacket in Black as much as I needed it in Neutral.

And how cute is this over the Ruffled Plaid Dress??


From what I understand, Carol also tried this on the other day during a quick trip to Anthro (in her usual size 2) and she noticed that the sleeves are a teeny bit on the long side:


I personally don't mind the sleeve length (and I'm pretty sure I don't have abnormally long arms?), since I feel like it'll keep me warmer in the colder months. I already have *cough* several different black coats and jackets in my closet, so I hold to my previous decision to purchase the Neutral. I also think I'll stick with the size 6, since I think the size 4 would be somewhat uncomfortable over my thicker sweaters.

Reader Heidi (hi, Heidi!) asked if I felt it'd be safe to size down if this jacket was meant to be worn over thinner layers, and I guess I'd say yes? I did fit into the size 4 just fine, though when I lifted up my arms and moved them around it did feel a wee bit tight when it was zipped all the way up. So, hope that helps somewhat!

Fukuoka Folds Dress ($138, shown in size Small)


Hahaha, there's nothing like getting home to realize I totally had this dress on the wrong way. Oops. It should really look like this:


Oh well. I actually liked it the way I tried it on. The color is a gorgeous, deep plum and super pretty. The dress itself is very flattering and incredibly comfortable. The fabric is unlined, but substantial enough to hide my lumps and bumps.



There's an exposed zipper on the back of this dress, but there's no hook and eye at the top. Weird. When I was trying to zip it up I kept wishing Carol was with me to help. I had a hard time getting this on by myself!


I really liked this dress, though I'm not sure I'll be able to find it in my budget to get it with all the other pretty things that Anthro keeps cranking out. And I just don't know if I'd wear it as much as some other things I'm lusting over. I have wishlisted it "just in case," though. ^_-


This next pairing was inspired by yet another outfit from "(500) Days of Summer." I love re-creating Summer's outfits with current Anthropologie pieces. I was so happy to see the Dried Leaves Dress in my store, and i was even happier when I found a shirt to re-create the look with.

Day 109 - Tom Visits Summer's Apartment for the First Time


This outfit was onscreen for a total of about 5 seconds, but it still registered as being super cute in my mind.

Dried Leaves Dress ($158, shown in size Small) with
the Arid Season Button-Up ($78, shown in size 4)

(yes, I put my hair in a ponytail just to match Zooey)

Okay, so I love this dress too! Gah! I'm so dead. I have to admit though - there are a couple of cons:

1) It's a little short
2) No pockets
3) Very fitted (keep in mind, I didn't try it on without the shirt inside, so that could be why)
4) There's no zipper or buttons - you just have to pull the entire thing over your head!


The applique is a nice detail, though the petals did fall in places. I had to stand it back up for the photo above.


Can you imagine this with tights and some Mary Janes? Or boots? Or booties?

I might go back to try on a Medium, just to see the difference. But the gals at Newport (Hi Mary! Hi Kristen!) swore they thought it'd be too big for me and they said to stick with the Small.

I also want to mention that I really liked the Button-Up! I normally hate oxford shirts (they're stiff and they make me sweat, for some reason...TMI?), but this one is really comfortable and light. The jersey insets really make a difference, I think. It's super breathable! It kind of reminds me a bit of the James Perse version, but at half the price.

I know it's not the most earth-shatteringly interesting piece ever, but I've wishlisted it as well.

...this is really turning into one of those, "I LOVE EVERYTHING!!!" posts, isn't it? Aiya.

Oxer Jacket ($158, shown in size 4)


When I saw this little Tabitha jacket on the delightful Erin over at Strawberry Swing and Other Things, I gasped. And then I saw it in real life, and I died a little on the inside.

It is so painfully, stupidly, ridiculously, life's-not-fair-sy cute. I love the big buttons and the ruffled bodice! Erin hit the nail on the head - it's got that tomboyish, military "feel" while being totally girlie at the same time. And it's totally not something I need, but holy crap if I had a million dollars you can bet that I'd buy this too.

And check out how it looks unbuttoned, over the (500) Days "Day 109" ensemble: (this outfit totally reminds me of Carol, actually!)


Anybody who wants to buy me this jacket is more than welcome to. Jussayin'. ^_-

Sigh. And it just. Doesn't. End.

Pattern Maker's Coat ($228, shown in size 4)


[insert curse words in Chinese here, just like how they do in Firefly and Serenity]

Who knew a coat with horizontal stripes could be this flattering?! This coat is insanely cute. I couldn't believe how adorable it was, when I put it on.

It's so whimsical and fun, with huge buttons (did you figure out yet that I love large buttons?) and a cinched waist. And so much more interesting than any of my other solid-color coats.



Holy bows on shoulders, Batman!


*whimpering*

Bowtied-Beauty Boots ($248, shown in size 8.5)


Since I know that a lot of Anthropologie stores don't carry shoes, I decided to throw on these beauties for fun. And ooooh my oh my, they are very, very comfortable. They felt pretty TTS, as I tried on my usual 8.5 and didn't even feel like asking for the 9. There's plenty of room in the toe box for my big ol' bunions, and the nice, low heel ensures comfort!


It's hard to see from that first photo, but it is a little bit loose in the calf area.

If I didn't already have Frye boots in the same color, I'd seriously consider these. I want to keep my eye out to see if the Martingale Boots show up, to see if I like them any better.

Precious Materials Cardigan (on sale for $59.95, shown in size Small) with
the AG Stevie Skinny Cords ($158, shown in size 28)


I'm on board with Carol on these cords. They are insanely flattering. I don't have much else to say, haha! Another item, wishlisted. Gah!

I know I'm late on the game with the Precious Materials Cardigan, but I just had to give it a try after I saw how adorable it looked on Kristina here. Super cute, TTS, and will go with so much.

And if you haven't already checked out Kristina J's blog, you really should. Because of her, I will also start hanging out at the local ball-field in a silk skirt. I think I'm going to find a sewing class to take, too. She's truly amazing and so, so much cooler than I am that it's not even funny. Seriously. Check her out!

Anyway, did y'all happen to notice the cool new wall art in the photo at the beginning of this post? Turns out that they're actually cake plates that have been cut and scored and pieced together to look like flowers. How cool is that? (Kristen, you rule!)


Oh, just a funny note - I found out as I was leaving Anthro that night that there was a bird trapped in the store the entire time I was in the fitting room. No joke - the maintenance crews had to come try and figure out a way to get to the bird! *shudder*

Well, that concludes this epic round of fitting room reviews. Let me know what you think of these items! Do you think I'm crazy for wanting everything? Did you see anything you're lusting over? Or hey - even let me know what celebs are on your "list," if you feel so inclined!

Since I somehow managed to tie this entire post in with Firefly and Serenity, I'll leave off with the theme song from Firefly. I hope you enjoy it! Until the next time, when I may have some "misbehaving" to report!

Saturday, May 26, 2012

COTE D'AZUR COLLECTION


Do you like candles?  
I do, that is if they aren't tackily packaged or impossibly strong scented and headache-inducing!!  I had the chance to sample this candle trio called "Cote D'Azur" by Linnea's Lights. Not only was the packaging attractive and tastefully understated, but the scents of lavender (my fave) , mimosa and white coral left my home smelling fresh and welcoming.  These all-natural, hand-poured and triple scented soy wax candles would make an excellent addition to the ambience of your decor or a wonderfully chic gift for a friend.  
They are available here.

Happy Memorial Day weekend to all of my US readers and a great weekend to everyone else as well!

LATE AUGUST DINNER


Enjoy the last days of summer...with a blue and white themed dinner al fresco
Layer textures and bring color to your table with decorative vases, glass ware and accessories. Finish with a dash of color: bright yellow sunflowers!
Adding several sunflowers brighten faded end of summer hydrangea blooms.
I love a late summer dinner under the stars-remember to bring a cashmere sweater!
How are you spending the last days of summer?