Happy Birthday To Me!

Photograph from here.

I'm so sorry about the lack of posts... I've been busy beyond my wildest dreams. But I may have to postpone for a couple more days. Why? It's my birthday! Maybe while I'm gone you should check out my Bloglovin' lovers ;) x

Web Roundup: Bedrooms

Maybe it's that I've so badly neglected tidying our bedroom this week that suddenly that room has become an obsession. With any hope (and with lots of coffee) perhaps these four picks will inspire me to find the floor—and then some.

Photograph from Homes & Gardens, July 2009

Photograph from Homes & Gardens, April 2007 

Photograph from Livingetc, October 2008

Photograph from Homes & Gardens, April 2007

Fabric Panels Part Two

Photograph from Homes & Gardens, October 2009, via HousetoHome.co.uk

 

I know I posted on this yesterday, but I am so into fabric on walls right now. The panels especially offer depth and texture, and I love the alternative to framed art in rooms like the bedroom and office (where distractions make a difference). Don't get me wrong. Art is fab, but I find myself staring at it and not scratching things off my to-do list! I also love the yellow pop on this desk. I posted a DIY table project from Living Etc back in October, and this is a perfect example of the possibilities of a found table or desk.

Garden Party Fodder

I may be biased (I too had a backyard wedding), but I am totally in love with this wedding posted on Once Wed. I'm not planning on having another 200 person deep event anytime soon, but I think this also translates nicely into a summer garden party.

Take the centerpieces, for example: a collection of found jars filled with raspberries and kale. And then there are vines strewn along the tables, simple tea lights scattered here and there, and festive orange napkins (pick paper for a casual affair) to top it off.

The one thing that might have to change? Those string lights are quite expensive—even to rent. After coveting them for years for my own wedding, I quickly realized I had to change my vision to be able to splurge on a huge tent (they are quite expensive, too). This couple doesn't have a tent, but we had lots of Brits coming over. To the South. In August. We already had to put them through an al fresco ceremony, so we Americans thought the least we could offer was some shade while they ate their fried green tomatoes.

P.S. Most of them ended up in the pool by the end of the night—one in particular still wearing his yellow linen suit.

ANYWAY! If you're in the same boat as I was with your own party, fairy lights are just fine strung in the same way. To keep a minimalistic look, use the kind with a single cable rather than twisted strands of three or four cables. For tons more inspiration from this wedding, click here. Cheers!

Photographs by Sarah Yates Photography.

Obsession Files: Serena's Fabric Panels

Serena's room photograph and "Get the Look" from InStyle. 
Osborne & Little fabrics, from left: "Soubise", "Oratorio", and "Concetti".

My hubby and I are sans headboard, and as I was sifting through myriad possibilities I heard whining that can only be one, Blair Waldorf's of Gossip Girl. I looked up, and just past an argument over Chuck Bass was a fabulous fabric paneled wall. So I picked my top three Serena-esque options (albeit a bit more on the neutral side). And because this XOXO-revelation was obviously a sign, I went ahead and dug up amazingly simple directions (from How About Orange), too. I think we'll stick with just enough panels for a pseudo-headboard, but I like How About Orange's idea to use one as a focal point, especially with super busy fabrics.

Trend Spotting: Kitten Heels

clockwise from top left: Rocha.John Rocha purple suede rose toe kitten heels, £35 from Debenhams. Miu Miu kitten heel pumps, now £157 from mytheresa.com. Alberta Ferretti gladiator kitten heels, now £223 from theOutnet.com. Brian Atwood Leona patent slingbacks, now £130 from theOutnet.com.

Apparently, kitten heels are back! True, a lot of the offerings out there still bring up bad memories of the 1980s revival of said heel height. But there's hope for those of us who either cannot walk in skyscraper shoes or are just taller than most people around us (I happen to know a bit about both categories). Designers like Miu Miu and Alberta Ferretti have successfully placed comfort, style, and kitten heels in the same sentence much like Manolo Blahnik accomplished during the latest KH comeback in 2003. But for those of you with shallow pockets like me, high street shops have lots to tout this time around, too.

Etsy Love

My lovely readers, today has been crazy times for me so I was really stressing that I wouldn't have a chance to post. UNTIL this fabulous capelet found its way into my inbox via an Etsy Finds email. If you haven't signed up for those, you really should. Exhibit A: the garnet jewellery featured in an earlier post.

The maven behind this cosy garment knits other fabulous pieces, too, like these fingerless gloves. I just adore coming across talented, creative people! Enjoy!

Design for Haiti

Artist Claudia Pearson is donating 25% of each sale of these two prints, inspired by love for Valentine's Day, to Yele Haiti. Yele Haiti is raising money to help with the disaster relief efforts in Haiti after the devastating earthquake on Tuesday. What's a more perfect way to combine your love of design and love of humanity?

Print, $20, available here.

Print, $20, available here.

Finally, I want to leave you all with this video (via Elements of Style) from US network NBC's Today Show. Blogstress Erin reminds us to keep perspective on our own trials, and I think that's a message worth repeating.

   

Some Faves & Weekly Recap

Bedroom (top left) and living room (bottom) photographs from here; Chair and mirror (top right) photograph from here; all from Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

*Still hoping for some tips on how to paint sheer curtains. In the meantime I'd still settle for the dress when it comes out!
*Abstract prints are hot and the perfect transitional piece. Bought yours yet?
*Lovely stacking pots from MirrorMirror. Update: Pretty sure my hubby bought a couple for my upcoming birthday!
*Tired of sequins? Try out these gilded clutches for another sort of sparkle.
*I changed my opinion of garnets after these Etsy beauties found their way into my inbox.
*My top five tears from US design mags this month.
*A mild obsession: Sweet Paul's frozen lanterns (more pics and instructions on Design*Sponge).
*DIY snow globe postcards from Giddy Giddy and my sad attempt here.
*A roundup of 11 fab ceiling lights, from a wacky chandelier to my fave: a teal lamp on a pulley.
*More reasons for me to hit the lottery from J.Crew's early spring releases.
*And my top three DIYs from the fantastic blogs I follow.

Happy weekend!

Web Roundup: Best DIYs of the Week

This might just become a regular feature (if you all like it, that is)! On that note, please feel free to email or comment when you love-love-love something and want to see more like it, but also when you loathe-loathe-loathe something, too. Just remember to tell me why so I know what about it strikes you/makes makes you want to run screaming.

Silver Leaf Dresser by Little Green Notebook via Ruby Press.

Stamped Business Cards by Amy Merrick for Design*Sponge.

Flautas by Homesick Texan. (Can the food styling part count as design?)

Obsession Files: J.Crew's Early Spring Line

I have majorly fallen in love with J.Crew's new arrivals. I'm considering persuading one of my family members to bring my top six over from the US when they come.

P.S. How pretty are J.Crew's models?!

Faux Real: An Attempt at Snow Globe Postcards

Remember the snow globe postcard DIY I posted a couple of days ago? Well I thought I'd give it a try. So, inspired by those Anthro snow globes that so many of you love, I attempted to recreate one in paper form. I'll label it a valiant (late night, hungry) effort as I had limited supplies at hand, so I can't promise craft genius. The one big thing I'd change? I love the glitter on the original project and wish I had that, but alas, my snow was simply computer paper!

Plus, I swear my camera grew legs so all I had to capture the project with was my iPhone. Fail? Let's hope not!

The original project from Giddy Giddy:

And my attempt:

Web Roundup: High End Ceiling Lights

THE UTILITARIAN: "Edison" Chandelier, $399 from Pottery Barn.
THE COUNTRY BELLE: Jade Rise & Fall Light, £215 from Marston & Langinger.
THE GIRLY GIRL: Curve Pendant, from Shine Labs.
THE BEACH GLAMAZON: Drum Pendant With Mini Roses, $500 from Stray Dog Designs (also available with a fabulous gold rod).
THE SOPHISTICATE: "Sprig", $1,395 from Urban Electric Co.
THE MISFIT: Birdcage Pendant by Mary Ohl, $460 from Stray Dog Designs.

THE BOHEMIAN: Large Venetian Light in Blue, £360 from Marston & Langinger (also available in other designs in clear and green glass).
THE MINIMALIST: Pressed Glass Pendant, from Tom Dixon.
THE GRANDE DAME: "Paris Flea Market" Chandelier, $2,730 from Circa Lighting.
THE STARLET: Capiz Shell Hanging Light, $399 from Target.
THE ALL-ROUNDER: "Morris" Lantern, $840 from Circa Lighting.

Today's hanging lights roundup (a mixture of finds from both sides of the Atlantic) was inspired by my friend, former editor, and interiors genius, Katie, who works at Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles in Georgia. In particular, she turned me onto Stray Dog Designs and the funky birdcage fixture at top right. I think it would be perfect for a child's room as well as a fun anywhere-light for a bungalow or cottage.

If I had a dream house with 11 rooms in it, I would definitely outfit them around each of these fixtures. Seriously! When I tried to make "my pick," I found myself writing that next to every offering!

Faux Real: Snow Globe Postcards

Fabulous DIY snow globe post cards by giddy giddy (via Zèbre à Pois)! Think I'll have to tackle these as soon as I finish these articles. Will post results!

Faux Real: Frozen Lanterns

If you haven't clicked over to Design*Sponge yet, go now! Sweet Paul (author of this amazing blog and editor of an online mag to be) posted a DIY today in the guest blog all about how to craft frozen lanterns. Perfect timing for those of us in the UK who want to put a little wonderland in our winter snow.

My Faves From the US

I finally scanned in my top five tears from mags I bought while visiting my family in Virginia over the Christmas holidays. Hope these offer up a little late inspiration!

Photograph by Sang An for "Mood Indigo", pages 98-103, Elle Decor January/February 2010.

Photograph by Sang An for "Mood Indigo", pages 98-103, Elle Decor January/February 2010.

Photograph by Francois Halard for "From Russia With Love", pages 122-127, Vogue US January 2010.

Photograph by Matthew Hranek for "Cold Weather Comfort", pages 102-109, Martha Stewart Living January 2010.

Photograph by Eric Piasecki for "Bold Strokes", pages 68-78, Elle Decor January/February 2010.

Attention All January Babies

Ring from here. Necklace from here.

I never thought I liked my birthstone until I saw these picks from today's Etsy Finds newsletter. Wouldn't mind opening up either of these come the 26th!

Midas Touch: Clutches

"Camilla" by Felix Ray, $203 from Shopbop.com. "Lolita" by Christian Louboutin, £795 from Matches.

"Skorpios" by Michael Kors, £450 from Net-a-Porter. "Keke" by Aftershock London, £18 from Aftershock.

"Alonsio" by Reiss, £54 from Asos.com. Gold mesh clutch by Drap, £195 from Asos.com.

What else besides a great clutch can effortless go from day to night (beside you of course)? Small enough to use as a wallet during business hours and chic enough to pop out for a night on the town, clutches are one of my fave buys. And while the glitz of holiday ware is behind us till next year, I still can't quite leave all that shimmer behind. Adding gold tones in the form of a clutch adds that small touch of glamour and can also act as a neutral as the hue pairs well with most colours. My picks? For deep pocketed gals, I adore the Louboutin but for those of us working with a budget, the unexpected rose gold option by Reiss is tops.

Just Because

 I want these pretty little pots from Mirror Mirror! I'm a huge fan of mixing prints (only in the home as I'm too much of a wimp to try and pull it off otherwise), so this toile meets floral meets hunter's guide design really strikes my fancy.

Stacking Storage Pots, £18 each, Mirror Mirror.

Obsession Files: Abstract Prints

Photograph by Amanda, author of two fab DIYs: earring organiser & J.Crew-inspired belt.

Last spring I bought a watercolour effect dress (from Nordstrom) with splashes of pink, purple, yellow, and gray complete with a cool beaded collar. I first wore it to work at Charleston Fashion Week (above, worn with a gray skinny patent leather belt from J.Crew), and it soon made an appearance at nearly every following event possible: my cousin's wedding, our London wedding reception, and on.

So I was thrilled that WhoWhatWear.com declared abstract prints still in...and for late WINTER! What?! I'm definitely going to experiment with flouncing the top bit more over the belt to shorten it and pairing it with opaque black tights. And don't you think a leather jacket could do the chill-be-gone trick, too? If you haven't already picked up an abstract print, I think you should. Bonus? It'll take you right into spring and summer with ease (just think strappy sandals or even cowboy boots in some cases). Now that's what I call a transitional piece!

H&M Garden Collection For The Home?

Photograph from H&M.

I adore the hand-painted look of this dress from H&M's upcoming Garden Collection (out in March!) but my first thoughts didn't include pairing it with my new cognac Bronx cowboy boots. Instead, I wondered if hand-painted sheers in this colour scheme and pattern are attainable. I'd love to DIY this project but haven't a clue as to where to begin. Suggestions?

Trendspotting: Woven Interiors

Baskets from Zara Home. Dining room photograph found here.

Living room photograph from Homes & Gardens. Baskets from Swahili Imports via Elle Decor. Chair from Anthropologie.

Basket from IKEA. Place mat from Zara Home. Bedroom photograph from Homes & Gardens.

Stairway photograph from Homes & Gardens. Rug seen on House to Home.

Runways are rife with weaves (the fabric kinds) for spring. But I've noticed the trend in lots of home goods, too. Woven goods remind me so much of when I was a kid in Jamaica ogling basket makers and also of the sweetgrass baskets of Charleston, South Carolina (where I went to uni). No wonder I have such an affinity for hand-woven wares! Such a fresh, tropical feel—perfect for my new home in brisk England. Except I don't think I'll partake in the rug version; our cats would just use it as a giant scratching post!

And My Piggy Bank Goes To...

I don't want to steal Design*Sponge's thunder (they just posted a fab writeup of this bag that had me salivating), but I just had to share this with you all, too! I love this bag.... I mean LOVE! Let's just hope it'll still be available by the time I've saved my pennies...

"Trash" leather bag by travelteq, €495, in black and brown leather with coordinating liners

Obsession Files: Dining Room in London

Photograph by Mark Luscombe-White for Homes & Gardens

I'm in love with this dining room view from a London townhouse featured on Homes & Gardens. I yearn for bookshelves like that and that chic table in the foreground. Who am I kidding? I yearn for that space, too! Check out the full slide show here.

My New Year's Resolution

It may seem like a "duh" resolution, but I have to actually remind myself to moisturise every day. Why? I used to live in sunny, humid Charleston, South Carolina. And regardless of my perpetual tan the sweat was enough for me to forgo lotions (although I realise this was an unhealthy skin habit). When I hopped the pond my skin went bizerk with dry patches. I visited the ladies at Space N.K. (you have to go if you haven't already), and one angel told me moisturising would solve the problem. IT DID! And while I didn't opt for one of the shop's very nice (but out of my single digit budget for beauty items) offerings, I did pick up Boots No. 7. I'm proud to say my skin no longer looks like I am suffering from a condition. Bonus? My U.S. gals—and guys, too—can pick up a supply at Target.