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Monday, March 30, 2015

WEST ELM + LULU FROST = Jeweled Accessories for the Home

Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend.  I was hit with a bad cold/cough that left me, pretty much out of commission most of the weekend.  Feeling much better today.

I was beyond excited to see West Elm's recent collaboration with jewelry brand, Lulu Frost.  What a genius idea to combine jeweled pieces to home accessories.  I'm sure women all over are loving this as much as I am! We love to accessorize our wardrobe with costume jewelry and carrying this in our home decor is something I need to include.

West Elm features jewelry boxes, storage boxes and trays.  The availability one some of the items are not until mid April, which is not too far away.  I suggest ordering now, so you don't miss out.

Here are the featured items:

The first is the Lulu Frost Jewelry Case.  This antique-modern piece in white lacquer, brass metal details and crystal accents would compliment any dresser, table or closet.





Next is the Lulu Frost Clutch.  This storage box, set in solid brass with inlaid crystal panel detail does resemble a fashionable clutch.  I love the two tone color and overall look. Very glamorous.



Next is the Lulu Frost Box - Gray/White.  This gray/white lacquered box has a beautiful and stylish crystal accent.  This box isn't restricted to just jewelry pieces.  I would display this beauty in my different rooms of my home.



The last pieces from the collection are the Lulu Frost Trays.  Your choice of small or large rectangle trays in gray, gold, or white.  West Elm described them as "tray chic".  I agree!







Any favorites?  I'm loving both the boxes.

Happy shopping!

xo,

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Monday, March 23, 2015

DIY: CREATING A BARN WOOD LOOK

Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend.  It's been a little hectic for me, these past few weeks; especially the past few days.  But, a good-hectic one.  The barn wedding I've been preparing for and designing was this weekend and now over.  I can't wait to share with you the details and my experience on it, soon.

Today, I wanted to share with you one of the projects I worked on for the barn wedding.  I created a faux barn wood look to a simple pine chest.  The "thank you" chest was used as a place to put the wedding cards, received from guests.  It was a fun project that's easy to follow.

It started with a plain, pine box - full of potential.  

Here's the pine box:


The bride-to-be gave me full control to come up with something that would be special for her wedding day.

The vision I had for this box started with inspiration from their wedding venue - The barn!  Specifically, the silos and their old, weathered-gray finish.  

Here's my inspiration:





Since, the inside of the barn is all wood (light and dark times), I wanted to add a nice contrast. And, what better way than to bring the look of the outside, indoors. Take a look at the after shots.






To create this look (or similar look), I followed a step-by-step tutorial, thanks to The House of Smiths.  The beauty of this project is, you can create your own unique look.  No two looks are the same.  I skipped the optional step (creating a distressed look).  Just remember:  you are in total control of this project; adding layers to create a faux barn wood look. 

Here are some of the products you'll need:

I used a tinted paint by Olympic (purchased at Lowes).  The color is "Weathered Barnwood".  The first step, before applying the stain is to make sure your piece has been sanded for  a smooth finish.  This particular piece didn't require much sanding.   

Once you have sanded and cleaned (free of any sanding dust), apply the stain. You'll want to give it a coat or two.



Here's what it looks like after applying the stain.


Allow the stain to dry.  I waited about 30 minutes to dry.

The next step is to use a latex primer paint (no picture).  I used what we had in our house (primer by Benjamin Moore).  Using a foam brush, dip and remove any access paint.  You're lightly dry brushing over the weathered barn wood stain.  And, don't worry if you happen to get too much in one spot.  You can sand it later.  You'll begin to see the look you want to create when dry brushing.  This dried pretty quickly, since it doesn't require a heavy coat.

After the primer, use some gray flat paint.  I had plenty of gray paints but didn't want to experiment on this chest so I used what House of Smiths suggested.  As with the primer, you are literally dry brushing the gray flat paint.  




The next step is to use that same gray paint and add a dollop of black craft paint (see picture below).  I used VERY little and dry brushed it on card board first to see how it came out.  Since this chest was for a wedding, I did not want to screw this up.  Then I applied it sparingly on the chest, making sure it had that weathered look I was trying to achieve.



Here's a closeup shot:




If you need to sand over areas that were painted too thick, you can lightly sand over that area to thin it out.  


The final step is to take your weathered barn wood stain and apply a thin coat to the whole surface.  Here's the end result:


I love the way it turned out! I impressed myself.




 Here's the finished look, after decorating it for the wedding.





This was such a fun project!  I can't wait to try it on a piece of furniture.  

Thanks again to House of Smiths for the tutorial and inspiration!

xo,




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Tuesday, March 17, 2015

ONE WITH THE BIRDS: FEATHERED INSPIRED FASHION

Hi all!  Sorry for the lack of posts.  I've been keeping busy, planning for the upcoming wedding I'm working.  Can't believe it's this weekend.  Fingers crossed all goes well and I don't have a panic attack (lol).  I'm also working on one of our spare bedrooms, adding some existing pieces and new items to the room. I'll have time to focus on the space soon enough. 

Today, I wanted to share a quick post with you.  Since we are still dealing with cooler temperatures on the eastcoast - is Spring in the near future for us?  

Here are some of my favorite, feather inspired fashion.  These looks are feminine and fun. I adore the softness of these looks; taking us back in time, to the days where women dressed up all the time. Our generation can take to the next level - dressing it up or down. 

I managed to purchased a couple of items this winter, on sale: A short sleeve feather trim blouse from Anthropologie, which is no longer available.  And, a feathered trim cape from Saks (no longer available). 

Now's the perfect time to break out into your feathers (lol).  And, according to the fashion week runways, we'll be seeing more of these fashion looks. 

Love this feathered top by Michael Kors.
Image via Vogue.com (Michael Kors)
http://www.vogue.com/12451453/birds-feathers-trend-fall-2015-runways/


Cassandra Feathered Blazer - Anthropologie
 How fun are these sandals by Sophia Webster.
Flutura Peacock Ankle Strap Sandal - Sophia Webster
 Feminine flair (pink with soft feathers)
Elizabeth and James Feather Pullover  - Shopbop


Strapless White Cocktail Attire with Feather details - Dress Sale

Love this whole look!
Dace Feather Skirt - Club Monaco (on clearance)

Happy Shopping!

xo,
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Thursday, March 12, 2015

FASHION BLOGGERS: New Jewelry Line

If you're like me, you may follow some of the most popular fashion bloggers out there.  Their popularity and recognition, have lead to some amazing opportunities, resulting in some pretty amazing careers.

I'm not sure how long the blogging industry will stick around but for now, it has opened doors for many women (and men).  Specifically, just every day people, like you and me, gaining recognition.  Sometimes, the blogging world is a bit redundant - with the same bloggers, advertising the same look, wearing the same shoes, same handbag; having the same long wavy hair.  I guess that's what advertising is all about.  But I do love a bit of uniqueness and originality, certain bloggers carry and create.

Today, I'm talking about three specific fashion bloggers:  Wendy Nguyen of Wendy's Lookbook, Cara McLeay of A Fashion Love Affair and Rachel Parcell of Pink Peonies.



These three young ladies, recently announced their new jewelry line.  Hard work and determination really do pay off.  Congrats!

Wendy's Lookbook x Baublebar

 If you follow California girl, Wendy's Lookbook, you know what a beautiful woman Wendy is (inside and out).  Wendy was one of the very first fashion bloggers I followed.  She seems like such a sweetheart and I love her unique design style.  She has the perfect eye when it comes to fashion.  She's not afraid to mix patterns and textures and brings an eclectic look to some of her outfits.

This powerhouse collaborated with popular jewelry company, Baublebar.  The new jewelry line is a mix of classic and edgy pieces.  And, speaking of edgy, I was "wowed" at the photo of Wendy in the wine colored, leather crop top, modeling the gold vertebrae bib necklace.  She showed a side we never saw and totally rocked it!  Here's the pic . . .

Medusa Pearled collar; Gold Vertebrae Bib Necklace

Here's are some of my favorite new designs from the Baublebar collection:


Eleanor Chain Bib-Metallic Silver.  A beautiful statement piece.



Medusa Pearl Collar.  Such a classic piece. 
Reminds me of a piece Coco Chanel wore.

Love this Olympus Layered Collar.

Ice Twister Ring Ring.  A lovely piece like this would go beautifully on my finger.
Want to see more?  You can view the Baublebar/Wendy's Lookbook collection here.


AFLA x Melanie Auld Collection

 Cara of A Fashion Love Affair ("AFLA") collaborated with her favorite jewelry designer, Melanie Auld.  This Canadian beauty helped collaborate 9 designs that are fun, delicate and stylish.  The fashion blogger is loved for her fashion choices and of course, her beautiful hair.  Let's not forget about her killer body!

Here are a couple of my favorites:


AFLA Delicate Bar Necklace

AFLA Eternity Stacking Ring
You can see the whole jewelry line at Melanie Auld here.


Pink Peonies Collection

 Rachel Parcell of Pink Peonies is a stylish, young woman from Utah.  Her looks have gained her much recognition in the fashion business.  And, it doesn't stop there.  Her fabulous new home has been featured on many blogging posts, as well as magazines (her walk in closet/home office is to be admired).  This young woman is now a jewelry designer of Pink Peonies Collection.

The collection is attractive, feminine and stylish.  If you follow me on instagram, you saw I posted one of the pieces from her collection, the marbled geo ring (seen below).  It's such a pretty ring and have received many compliments from all age groups.  The ring is a classic piece I can wear for many years.

I adore the pink packaging.
The inside of the ring has the Pink Peonies Collection branding.
It's the little details that count.


Here are some of my other favorites:

Blushing Deco Tassel Necklace

Geo Pave Cuff

Take Me to Paris Pave Linked Cuff.
I would love it better if it was a closed clasp bracelet but still, beautiful
To see the entire Pink Peonies Collection, click here.


Much success to all these accomplished women.

Happy shopping and support your fellow bloggers and businesses.

xo,


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