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The air is getting cold and the sounds of the season are abound. The cooler temps and early nights have me yearning to cuddle up with a warm blanket, a hot cup of cider, and a good book.
One new release that I can’t wait to sink into is Grace: A Memoir, the life story of Grace Coddington, who quickly became of of the most recognizable names (and faces) in fashion after the 2009 documentary, The September Issue. Grace’s flaming red mane and no fuss attitude had viewers clamoring for more, myself included.
Part biography, part coffee table book, this memoir is full of life stories, fashion photography, and sketches. While some of the most intriguing parts of Grace’s life, such as the car accident that ended her modeling career and divorces, are only lightly mentioned, there’s said to be an entire chapter devoted to her cats (that should be interesting).
I’m hoping to pick this read up soon, and settle in for a night full of fashion, even if I am just living vicariously.
~Andrea
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While the name may sound gruesome, oxblood is quickly becoming the must-have color for fall. Not familiar with this hot shade? Think deep, dark, blood red; a saturated hue with undertones of burgundy and brown.
This deep red is the perfect transitional color into the darker tones of fall with its rich, sophisticated feel. While I must admit, at first I had horrid flashbacks of the 90s filled with burgundy, teal, forest green and mauve, oxblood is more modern and looks chic when paired with camel, black, grey or navy.
I pulled together a few of my favorite ways to wear oxblood this season. Check them out below:
1. ASOS Textured Knit Snood 2. Alexander McQueen Whipsnake Knucklebox Clutch 3. Rib and Hull Heirloom Tote 4. ASOS Skinny Leather Pants 5. ASOS Owl Tassel Bowler Bag 6. Topshop Oxblood Ponte Blazer 7. Essie Poor Lil Rich Girl
Still loving the oxblood trend? Try adding it to your interior for a classy fall look. The key to a successful interior using oxblood, is to remember that a little goes a long way. While an oxblood blazer or pair of jeans will look great on you, a full room in this shade can be overwhelming. Begin by adding oxblood accessories such as picture frames, pillows, or an accent chair for a big visual transformation. Look for textures like snakeskin, leather, velvet, and hammered metals to create interest and depth.
Here’s how I’d add oxblood to my space. I picked up a few of these items this week at Target (and on clearance!). If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the Nate Berkus collection at Target. It’s an easy way to scoop up designer pieces at an affordable price!
1. Threshold Starburst Mirror 2. Zara Home Dandy Pillow 3. Sprinkles in Spring Fashion Girl Illustration 4. Shaw Woven Expressions Gold Bentley Garnet Rug 5. Threshold Wire Accent Table** 6. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Beverly Banquette 7. Zara Home Leopard Pillow 8. Nate Berkus for Target Round Lacquer Tray 9. Nate Berkus for Target Small Decorative Bowl 10. Nate Berkus Sculpted Branch Lamp
**A quick note on the wire base table shown above (item 5): I got this table a few days ago at Target on clearance for $20.98! It is no longer being shown online, but check your local store before they are gone!
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While I like to think that I have good taste, sometimes I wish my taste wasn’t so expensive. I have the uncanny ability to pick out the most expensive things while shopping; then I see the price tag. Since I can’t usually afford the super expensive, I always look for affordable alternatives.
I’ve seen this knit wool moto jacket floating around Pinterest lately, and while I love the exaggerated collar and asymmetrical zipper, the $651 price tag: not so much.
Kristen Jacket By IRO
On a recent trip to my local Target, I spotted this version of a knit moto jacket. While this one doesn’t have the chunky knit of the pricey version, I love the contrasting mint piping detail, and at $29.99, it’s a steal until I can afford the real thing!
Xhilaration® Juniors Moto Jacket
Happy Shopping!
~Andrea
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Wow! It’s been a while! Sorry for the delay in posts, but it’s been a crazy summer. With wedding season in full effect, I’ve been attending showers and bachelorette parties (woohoo!) and planning gifts for what are sure to be spectacular weddings. But buying pricey gifts can add up. While I love treating my friends to registry gifts to ensure they receive exactly what they need to start their marriage, creating a personalized gift adds a nice touch.
These days it seems that there’s a how-to for everything on Pinterest. If I ever need inspiration for a project, dinner, gift or outfit, it’s my go-to website. One of my favorite recent finds was this idea for DIY Sharpie mugs from Elsie at A Beautiful Mess.
A Beautiful Mess
With my best friend’s shower fast approaching, I thought I’d try it for myself and make something special for her and her hubby-to-be. And so…to Pinterest!
Here are a few of my other favorite ideas for the DIY mug.
The Sweetest Occasion
Lemonade Makin’ Mama
While there are a few different ways to create these personalized mugs, I chose to use a Sharpie oil-based paint pen, which I always have on hand.
I recently downloaded a few of these free fonts that I spotted on Nicole’s Classes and have been dying to try the Allura font. I typed out my words, Lady and Mister, in a size that would work well on the side of the mug, and cut them out. I then cut a piece of Martha Stewart’s Transfer Paper, in about the same size, and taped it to the back of the mug (be sure to wash and dry your mug before, of course).
Once I peeled off the paper, it left a perfect tracing behind of the words that I then very carefully traced with my Sharpie paint pen. While I was painting the words on the mug, I preheated my oven to 350 degrees to help cure the paint once I finished. I’m not sure if this was necessary or not with the oil-based paint pen, but it was done in a few other tutorials using regular Sharpies, so I figured it couldn’t hurt. I set the mugs on a cookie sheet in the oven for 30 minutes and set them out to cool. Once they were cool, I carefully hand washed them to make sure the paint wouldn’t come off, and it stayed perfectly!
Not only is this an incredibly easy project, but for me it was also very inexpensive. I picked up these mugs in the dollar section at Target for $2.50 each and the paint pen was also $2.50 at Micheal’s. Total cost: $7.50! It doesn’t get better than that!
Here are few pictures of the end product. I am so happy with them, and I think the bride liked them as well!
Have you tried this DIY? Let me know how it turned out!
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Did you know that SpaceSays has an Etsy store? The SpaceSays Etsy store features custom and ready-made pop art for your home. Need the perfect gift for your anniversary, a wedding, or a birthday? Then this is your place! I create custom pop art style portraits from your photos with a unique modern touch! Check out some of my listings and and custom creations below, and as always, you can find a sampling of what’s in the store in the feed on the right side of the screen! Learn more about the store in the About page.
Custom Wedding Portrait
Custom Wedding Portrait
Custom Engagement Portrait
Fashion Model Lindsey Wixson Pop Art
Audrey Hepburn Portrait from Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Modern Classics Collection – Eames Molded Plywood Chair
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Most people know about the amazing home decor that can be found at HomeGoods, the home store sibling of TJ Maxx and Marshalls, and for those that don’t, here’s a few of my favorites I found at a recent store opening.
The best thing about HomeGoods is the price. HomeGoods offers stylish home decor and furniture for incredible prices compared to furniture showrooms. The lighting department is by far my favorite area of the store. Most lamps are priced between $25 and $50 for both the base and shade, try finding that in a high priced store!
These lamps are sleek and understated. The trumpet base is a classic shape, while the linen shade adds a touch of texture.
Everyone loves the mercury glass look. Whether it’s vintage glasses found at a flea market or DIY creations, mercury glass adds a hint of character to a room.
During the summer months, coastal inspired decor pops up everywhere. While we can’t all own a beach cottage, you can add a little coastal flavor with these chic coral lamps.
This lamp was my favorite find in the store. I’m a big fan of copper and metal accents and the hammered finish is beautiful.
For the more modern space, these sleek white lamps with abstract floral shades will surely make a great statement.
Similar to the modern floral lamps, these lamps feature a great geometric printed shade.
In addition to great lighting, HomeGoods as tons of accessories that can dress up any space.
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…by the tub?
Nothing adds a dash of luxury and glamour to a space quite like an over-sized mirror. Perhaps one of the most unexpected places to place a mirror is behind the tub in the bathroom. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite examples of this trend below; which one would you try?
via Atlanta Homes Magazine
I could LIVE in this bathroom. Natural daylight, crisp whites, wood floors, and gold accents create a beautiful, understated elegance.
via House Beautiful
If you’re a little more brave, this silver-plated bath has a gorgeous Chanel feel.
via freshome
For the more modern, a contemporary bath circled by recessed floor lights gives this space a boutique hotel atmosphere.
via Country Living
For a romantic bath, add an ornate, gilt mirror above a slipper tub and pair it with a velvet tufted side chair.
via Architectural Digest
This simple mirror frame and black subway tile is in perfect contrast to the silver-plated tub. Top it off with a tree branch towel rack and a lantern chandelier and you have a perfectly restrained eclectic space.
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via Google.com
Today’s Google Doodle celebrates the 126th birthday of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. So who exactly is Mies van der Rohe? You’re probably more familiar with this legendary architect and designer than you may think. Mies van der Rohe, along with other contemporary masters such as Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier, helped to define and develop the modern architecture of today.
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Mies van der Rohe designed with the idea that “less is more” and sought to strip buildings down to their “skin and bones”. The result of these ideas created modern buildings constructed of plate glass and industrial steel.
I’ve pulled together a few of my favorite furniture and architecture designs by Mies van der Rohe. Enjoy!
The MR Lounge Chair
via janmikeuy on Flickr
The Barcelona Chair
Farnsworth House
via janmikeuy on Flickr
S.R. Crown Hall, Chicago, IL
via janmikeuy on Flickr
PS: If you’re like me and just can’t get enough Mies, these amazing posters are for sale and all proceeds go toward restoring Carr Memorial Chapel on Illinois Institute of Technology’s Main Campus.
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Spring?! It feels like Summer here in southern North Carolina, and it’s still technically Winter. This string of warm days has me yearning for warm summer evenings on the patio with a cocktail and a good book.
I was at IKEA this week and spotted these fun, bright patio sets that add just the right pop of color to your outdoor space, and are right on the neon trend! Pair these chairs, stools, and tables with some rainbow colored solar lights, patterned pillows, and plant pots for the perfect party space! Bring on Spring!
Clockwise from top left: 1. ROXÖ Chair, yellow- IKEA 2. ROXÖ Stool, yellow, pink- IKEA 3. LÄCKÖ Chair, light green – IKEA 4. LÄCKÖ Table, light green- IKEA 5. HÖSTÖ Bucket/plant pot, assorted colors- IKEA 6. SOLVINDEN Solar-powered light chain, 16 globe, multicolor- IKEA 7. HÄRÖ Folding chair, blue- IKEA 8. GRENÖ Cushion, yellow, gray – IKEA
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Just in time for Spring, sorbet colors are popping up everywhere. Sorbet colors and pastels were a big trend in the Spring 2012 fashion collections, and are a great way to freshen up your wardrobe and your home.
These soft colored spaces make me want to throw open the windows and breath in the fresh blooms of Spring. Now if only Spring would hurry up and get here!
