Inspiration in Stages : October 2013

Thursday, October 31, 2013

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Wishing everyone a Happy Halloween. I hope to get a few trick or treaters and enjoy the evening of seeing everyone's costumes and handing out candy.

Have a safe one!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

TORY BURCH - NEW HOME COLLECTION

Tory Burch recently launched her new home décor line. Some of the pieces in her collection were inspirations from her travels and her family traditions growing up.

I'm really loving some of the pieces in her collection. Although not a huge collection, you can tell the pieces in her collection are very personal to her.

Here are some of my favorites on my wish list. And, just in time for the holidays (hint, hint).

I think the three monkeys needlepoint pillow is sooo cute! I love how she paired this with the rest of the design.

The leopard needlepoint pillow is also a favorite of mine. I love the long eyelashes!

Really loving the acrylic ice bucket and coasters. And, the brass wine opener so UNIQUE!

Here's a closer picture of the brass wine opener. Pretty cool, huh?

Any man or woman would enjoy this piece to add to their bar collection.

Tory Burch's Robinson Nut Cracker. Named after her parents. Playing homage to her family's tradition
of shelling and eating nuts during the holidays. The is hand-cast in brass with a signature "T" logo.

Picture frames and brass box. I don't think I've seen a brass box before now.

You can see Tory Burch's full collection on her website here. What are some of your favorites?

(All photos taken from Tory Burch's website)

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

TURN IT UP TUESDAYS . . . TEXAS BLUES/BLUES ROCK

Gary Clark Jr (photo taken from Gary Clark Jr. website)

On this week's Turn it Up Tuesdays, I want to share with you blues rock, R&B, Texas blues singer Gary Clark Jr. At just 29 years old, this man has accomplished A LOT!

Gary Clark Jr. is from Austin, Texas. He began playing guitar at age 12. He has stated he is influenced by blues, jazz, soul and country, as well as hip hop. His claim to stardom began when he met Clifford Antone (promoter). Soon after, he began playing with musical icons, Jimmie Vaughan, the Rolling Stones, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Cheryl Crow, Dave Matthews Band and Eric Clapton. At just age 17, his home state of Austin declared "Gary Clark Jr. Day". Clark won the Austin Music Award for Best Blues and Electric Guitarist, on three different occasions. Clark performed alongside blues legends at the Red, White and Blues event at the White House. You can watch the performance with Clark and Jimmie Vaughan here

Clark's musical trademarks are his extremely fuzzy guitar sound and smooth vocal style. Here are what some of the reviews are saying:

"This singer-guitarist may be the next Hendrix... churning his distorted strings into a euphoric moment of psychedelia" - New York Times;

"Every generation has its chosen one and right now, this is Clark's time" - Entertainment Weekly;

"Austin resident Gary Clark Jr., who may be the city's next big music star flashed his blend of blues, soul and rock, mixing fluid, muscular guitar with rootsy bark or a falsetto croon" - The Wall Street Journal

The way I can describe Clark's voice and guitar playing are . . . smooth and flawless. Two of my favorite songs are: "Things are Changin'" (watch here) and "Bright Lights" (watch here). You can listen to his other songs on his website here

I also enjoyed watching Clark perform at the Rock and Roll Hall Induction Ceremony back in June 2013. He performed with John Mayer (a performance for Albert King singing, Born Under a Bad Sign). In case you missed it, you can watch it here

Gary Clark Jr. will be in my neck of the woods (NYC) in February, as a very special guest for Kings of Leon. I want to go!

Gary Clark Jr. is an inspiration to all musicians, young and old. He has accomplished so much in such a short period of time. Way to go Clarke!

Enjoy.

Monday, October 28, 2013

J CREW LOOK

I love all things J Crew! I created this look using horizontal and vertical striped patterns; pairing with boyfriend jeans and oxford shoes. Finishing the whole look with great accessories for a causal but polished look. I definitely need to add some of these pieces to my closet!

Check out J Crew here for inspiration to create your own look!

JCREW LOOK by joann-325 featuring leather handbags

J.Crew t shirt / J.Crew blazer / J.Crew boyfriend jeans / J.Crew leather shoes / J.Crew leather handbag / J.Crew vintage jewelry / J.Crew fringe shawl / J.Crew aviator sunglasses

Saturday, October 26, 2013

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

DIGIACINTO WEDDING DAY 2008!

Today my husband and I celebrate our fifth year wedding anniversary. I started reflecting on our lives together and am so grateful.

Of course, I had to go through our wedding photos. Looking at these photos brings happy tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. I met my soul mate and am so blessed. It was such a special day; having our close family and friends around to help celebrate in our big day. And, I will never forget how truly perfect the weather was for late October. As our photographer said, it was picture perfect. Here are some photos of that day five years ago.

Five years gone by . . . looking forward to the many more years I will share with my hubby. Spreading the love!

Photographs were taken by Rick Helman Photography & Video Inc.. To see more of his amazing photos, click here

Have a great weekend! xo

Thursday, October 24, 2013

SERENE ROOM DESIGN USING PRODUCTS FROM HORCHOW AND BALLARD DESIGNS

There's something about the calmness of water and sky colors. I wanted to create a space using these nature inspired colors. I can envision this space in a sitting room or part of a living room; even an office. There's something peaceful about this space, where you can sit back; read a book, flip through a magazine or blog on your computer (lol). Enjoy! xo

SERENE ROOM DESIGN USING PRODUCTS FROM HORCHOW AND BALLARD DESIGNS by joann-325 featuring fabric flowers

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

AERIN LAUDER'S NEW BRAND

We all know the name Estee Lauder. The company began in 1946 and has expanded and branched its name all over the world. Today, I want to introduce Aerin Lauder (granddaughter of Estee Lauder). Aerin was the senior vice president and creative director of her family's company. She left her job to start her own lifstyle brand, "Aerin LLC".

I happend to find her website one evening and subscribed to their mailing list. The site didn't launch yet, so I was excited to see what she was coming out with. The launch of her new brand recently made it's way some time around August of this year. http://www.aerin.com/

Aerin's line consists of beauty (of course); home items (books, entertaining, home decor and candles); furnishings (fabrics and rugs); personal accessories (jewelry, shoes and eyewear). Her site is definitely worth checking out; even though her price point is more on the high end. Here are some items I'm loving and wishing I had (lol) . . .