Search Results for: product + inspiration

Fashion Focus: Army Jackets

August 20, 2013

When I was in high school I loved to go to the army surplus store and buy army jackets, bags and hats. I thought I was making a unique style statement at the time but little did I know, I was at the front of a fashion trend. Jump ahead to today and it looks like ARMY JACKETS are going to be a big trend for Fall 2013.

I know this look isn’t for everyone and a lot of you might feel like an army jacket is too masculine or unfashionable, but let me convince you otherwise.

Think of an army jacket like you would a cardigan and wear it as light layer over a feminine blouse or tank.

To give your army jacket a feminine edge, pair it with heels and bold accessories.

The combination of animal print and military green is really chic.

Your army jacket is also a great piece to wear with dresses. Give it some attitude by pushing the sleeves up and poppin’ the collar.

Army jackets also look great when worn with bold colors. Red and yellow are two of my favorite colors to wear in fall and both look fabulous paired with army green.

I also like army green with stripes (and red, animal print and bold jewelry)!

For you bolder fashionistas, you might want to give the camo look a try.

And just like any fashion statement, jewelry can transform a look!

Need more inspiration?….

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to wearing the Army Jackets…

1) Buy a slimmer silhouette or one that has a draw string waist. Avoid oversized, slouchy fits.

2) Opt for either a short hip length style or go for the trench coat length, both of which are most flattering.

3) Pair your army jacket with bold pieces–patterns, colors or silhouettes.

4) Embellish your jacket with jewelry, belts or even faux fur trim.

5) Wear accessories that will give your army jacket an edge!

Still can’t commit to the jacket, then maybe this camo tote is more your style?

Available from LL Bean!

Shop for army jackets here, here and here!

Yea or Nay on this trend??

Ever since Pantone named Emerald Green as the 2013 color of the year we’ve seen this gorgeous shade of green everywhere. One of the classic renditions of emerald that has gained popularity in the home décor market over the past couple of years is Malachite. With a base of emerald green, malachite is a swirly mix of emerald, dark blue and black creating a random pattern that has lots of movement and depth. A malachite finish to me is best when paired with white, gold and black, and when combined with bold and vibrant colors.

In looking for some design ideas using malachite, I came across some great images and a really awesome diy project creating this finish. If you’re not already in love with emerald green or malachite, these photos just might change your mind.

This malachite console table is a stunning piece and really adds drama to this all white space.

Love these drapes!!!

And love the pop of magenta with the green.

Even a little touch of malachite in the form of a tray can make a statement, especially when it’s an easy diy project.

Malachite is a fairly traditional look but it pairs really well with more modern elements.

How about malachite fabric shades? Pretty chic!

The green malachite lamp is pretty hot and would be an easy DIY project.

photo source

A malachite pillow…what a great way to add a little drama to a classic chair. Here’s a good source for malachite fabric at only $18 a yard!

There are so many ways you could add malachite to your décor but this Faux Malachite DIY Desk by Jenny from Little Green Notebook has to by my favorite.

Isn’t this just amazing! I can’t believe she achieved this finish with a little paint and paint brushes.

If you want to try your hand at DIYing here’s an easy how-to for a Malachite box.

I’m loving Malachite so much that I created an inspiration board using a Malachite pillow as the jumping off point.

Artwork / Pillow / Chaise / Rug / Tables / Vase / Lamp

While I don’t think malachite is for everyone, I do think that emerald green will be a color that has a lasting impact on fashion and décor.

Do you like malachite or is a simple pop of emerald more your style???

If you’d like help creating the home of your dreams, contact me about my design services.

The Impact Pinterest Has Had on Me!

July 25, 2013

I must admit I spend a lot of time on Pinterest. Yes, I use Pinterest when I need to take a break from the computer or when I bored with TV in the evening, and I’ve been known to pin a lot when I’m the passenger on one of our road trips. But Pinterest is also an online tool that serves are a source of inspiration for me, a resource library of design ideas, a personal coach that motivates me and a business tool that I use for marketing.

The INSPIRATION comes from all the amazing room images that helps me focus on a design concept, gives me a starting point for an entertaining idea or leads me to a product or resource that I can use.

Although this starburst mirror has been around for a while and is very popular, it took this image to really sell me on the idea of buying this piece for a dining room project I’m working on.

The IDEAS are endless on Pinterest and Pinterest allows me to see how an ordinary item can be transformed into something great with a little elbow grease and more often than not a little paint.

This image got me thinking about how I could turn a simple black mirror into an elegant wall décor statement. I love the addition of the gold inner rim and the embellished gold corners.

I have seen and admired these embossed metal pieces at Scott Antique Market every month and now I have an idea of how to use them.

This image has given me the idea of buying a super cheap silver-plated coffee service and spray painting it gold. Isn’t this set so chic!

My DESIGN LIBRARY is full of beautiful room images and DIY projects that will keep me inspired and creating for years to come, thanks to Pinterest.

I have a four-poster bed that I felt was dated and no longer useful but this picture gives me a different perspective.

The next time I working on an office space or trying to sell the attributes of a small space to a client, I can refer to this image and will definitely recommend a bold desk color, dark walls and an eclectic mix of art. So beautiful & captivating!

When I see images like this I am reminded that it’s the little details that make a space come together. I adore this wishbone and how it adds an unexpected touch to this coffee table vignette. I have one on order and you can order yours here.

No longer will I send a card in a plain envelope…I’ll put my DIY skills to work and will add a pretty piece of decorative paper to make my note really special. Here’s a tutorial I did on creating lined envelopes.

While it may seem like an unlikely SOURCE OF INSPIRATION, if you are like most people on Pinterest you have a board where you pin inspirational quotes. My Words of Wisdom board serves as a motivation coach, reminds me of what really matters in life and helps me set and go after my goals.

And finally, Pinterest has become a great BUSINESS TOOL and a way to promote my businesses and bring new followers to my blog.

ConfettiStyle Interiors * Residential Interior Design and our Door-to-Door E-design service!

ConfettiStyle, The Blog * Inspiring Interiors, Effortless Entertaining, Glamorous Gifting & Fabulous Fashions

ConfettiStyleDesigns…Etsy shop featuring handcrafted jewelry, office accessories, entertaining accessories and vintage finds.

Ruffles and Remnants…Etsy shop offering a fun selection of gift wrapping supplies, embellishments and vintage paper items.

One of the things I’ve learned in my life is that inspiration can come from anywhere. Pinterest is one of my favorite social media tools and to me its much more than just a bunch of photos.

How has Pinterest impacted you??

Follow ConfettiStyle

Workspaces, Made in the USA and Shopping the World

July 24, 2013

The other day I came across this photo of designer Kristin Albers office space and was captivated. I usually lean towards bold, fun colors in my work space but I really felt a connection with the monotone color palette. The space feels cozy and totally relaxing with a simple sophistication to it.

source

In doing a little research about this office space I discovered that all the binders, which I originally thought had been wrapped in Kraft paper, were actually products made by a company right here in the USA.

Guided Products makes simple, durable, reusable and beautiful binders, folders, business cards, labels and iPad cases. And the company has a great business philosophy.

When I started looking for information on Kristin Alber I learned that she is pretty amazing designer and business woman. In 1999 Kristin and her husband founded the store Domestic Bliss in Mesa, Arizona and have since gone on to establish FOUND Design Co. a second store which sells a curated collection of home finds. Kristin is also the talent behind ReStyleSource.com which is a national guide to local shops and restaurants plus a blog featuring amazing content on interiors, DIY projects, fashion, food, entertaining and parties! You can read about RestyleSource here.

The Domestic Bliss store is one of most beautiful stores I’ve come across in a long time and I haven’t even seen it in person. The store is filled it with an amazing collection of vintage and new items and is expertly merchandised with lifestyle vignettes and creative displays. I could go on and on about this store but I’ll let these photos speak for themselves.

Here are a few images of the store decorated for Fall and Christmas….

Domestic Bliss also offer interior design services and creates beautiful spaces for their clients like these…

Such a great mix of patterns, colors, textures and finishes.

This home decorated in shades of white and cream is just stunning…

Wow, right?? So much goodness under one business umbrella.

We are planning a trip out west next year and I will definitely include Domestic Bliss on my list of places to check out.

For more inspiration you can find Found on Pinterest or you can visit them in person in Mesa.

FOUND by Domestic Bliss
166 W Main St

Mesa, AZ 85201

Open Tuesday thru Saturday

More images of Kristin’s work space can be found in the book Where Women Create Organization!

Be Inspired!

Ikea is a World of Design Possibilities!

July 9, 2013

Have you ever stopped and thought about how Ikea has changed the design world? Their products are affordable, appeal to the masses and their stores offer for an exhilarating shopping and people watching experience especially if you happen upon someone who is visiting the store for the first time. Let’s just say the “deer in the headlights” look is status quo for first-timers!

I recently created a new pinterest board called Ikea Inspiration and set about pinning images of Ikea products. One of the things that stood out to me are the items that appear over and over in room designs. Items like the Expedit Shelving Unit, Lappljung Ruta Rug, Billy Bookcase and the Stockholm Striped Rug. These items I’m sure have made it into the Ikea Hall of Fame.

Despite the fact that Ikea products and a commodity in the design world, what I like most is that designers and DIY’ers can put their own spin on the pieces and give them a unique and custom look.

Take for instance the Malm Dresser ($49-$149 retail) which can become a sophisticated, modern, classic or uber stylish piece of furniture with a little up-sytling.

The Malm Dresser comes in different widths, heights and drawer configurations so it can work in a variety of rooms.

Another hot item is the Lack Side Table. At $9.99 and available in seven colors this little table can be tricked out in so many ways.

The Lack table is the perfect size for a small upholstered bench too.

Here are a few more popular Ikea items used in fabulous room designs:

Lappljung Pillow Cover $10.00

Rast Dresser $34.99

Stockholm Pillow Cover $12.99

Ribba Picture Frame, the makings of a great gallery wall. $4.99-$24.99

There are about a thousand other products at Ikea that can be customized to fit your design and style needs. Although Ikea may appear to be aisle and after aisle of “stuff” upon first glance, Ikea can be really inspiring if you just think of the possibilities.

Do you have a favorite IKEA piece?

Shop Ikea on-line here!

all images can be found on my Ikea Inspiration Pinterest board!

Fashion Essential: The Little Black Cardigan

March 5, 2013

Just like a classic white shirt or simple black dress, every girl needs the Little Black Cardigan in her wardrobe!

Wear it with a Tee! I love pairing a black cardigan with a striped or floral tee to give it a little edge. Add pearls or wear a bold fashion necklace and this look can go from day to night.

Wear it with a Dress! The little black cardigan is the perfect layer for a short and flirty dress or a long and lean maxi dress. Opt for a shorter style cardigan so the overall proportions are balanced.

Wear it with a Blouse! Nothing looks more chic than a crisp white shirt and a simple black cardigan. Pile on the pearls for added glamour and sophistication.

Wear it alone with Denim! This is my go-to weekend look and nothing is easier to pull together than a black cardigan and jeans!

Wear it with a Skirt! A cardigan with a full skirt is flirty and fashionable and when paired with a pencil skirt the look is refined and business like. Add a heel to keep the look sophisticated and polished.

Wear it with Color! Color will be a big statement again this spring so pull out that cardigan and pair it with a bold and vibrant pair of cropped pants. And don’t forget to add polka dots which will also a big trend for spring.

To make shopping for a Little Black Cardigan easy, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites. It’s a good idea to add a few styles to your wardrobe so look for one that is short and classic, one that is long and lean and one with a bit of embellishment!

No. 1 Luxlight V-neck Cardigan $44.95 Gap

No. 2 Jackie Cardigan $45.00 JCrew

No. 3 Silk & Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan $168.00 Nordstrom

No. 4 Crew Neck Cardigan $49.99 Ann Taylor

No. 5 Tiered Cardi Jacket $59.99 White House Black Market

No. 6 Sequin Cardigan $39.00 Jones New York

Happy Shopping!

Spring Trend: Floral Footwear

Inspiration from a Design and Fashion Idol

My Fashion Style Revisited

5 Decorating Rules I (almost) Never Break

February 15, 2013

I bet every morning when you get up you brush your teeth, get dressed and eat something for breakfast. These things are rituals in your life not only because they are necessary but because they make you feel better and set the stage for a productive day. Just like your daily rituals, there are design rules or rituals that I think are necessary to get the most from your home and your décor. These are the little things that bring out the best in the features of your home, the flow of your home, the function of your home and the style of your décor. Whenever I am designing or decorating for clients, I try to always follow these rules, because they work and because the end results are always good!

NEVER GO NAKED!

With your windows that is! I am a firm believer that most, if not all windows and the rooms they are in are enhanced by some type of window treatment. Curtain panels add softness and can enhance the size of a room while valances, blinds or shades can add pattern, color and texture and that finishing touch that a room needs. Straight curtain panels are my window treatment of choice and hanging them as high as possible is always the way!

for more window treatment ideas, check out my Curtain Call board on Pinterest

TAKE TIME TO REFLECT

And adding mirrors into your design mix is they way to do it. I’ve said it time and again here on the blog that mirrors are a wonder drug when it comes to decorating. Mirrors add light, they make small spaces look bigger, they enhance the good things in your décor and take the attention off the bad. Adding a mirror opposite a window, above a mantle or on the wall across from artwork is a great way to reflect the beauty inside and out.

For these and other decorating ideas using mirrors, take a look at my Mirror, Mirror on the Wall board

ALWAYS PUT YOUR FEET UP

Yes I want you to create a comfortable home where you can put your feet up and relax but I also want you to make sure that the feet (front legs) or your furniture sits on the area rug that you have down. This simple design principle will make your furniture arrangement feel more unified and connected and the will feel warmer and cozier too!

The Wrong Way…the sofa feels disconnected from the coffee table and the open space creates a visual barrier

The Right Way…

COLOR INSIDE THE LINES

Just about every bookcase I work with, whether free-standing or built-in gets paint or a decorative treatment on the back wall. Painting the backs of bookcases is an easy way to add color and drama to a room. And it’s an inexpensive design treatment that packs a punch. The rule of thumb I follow when painting bookcases it to paint the back wall only, not the side or the shelf. The color on the back will draw the eye in and help the decorative elements stand out.

There are so many ways to decorate a bookcase and I’ve got all the inspiration captured on my Bookcase Beauties board on Pinterest!

ENCOURAGE A BREAK-UP

Some things like furniture sets are better alone than part of a group, so when you have the chance break-up the set. While furniture stores create sets to make it easy for people to envision how the furniture will look in a room, their “set formula” doesn’t allow much room to create a unique personality for a space. Often times a room decorated with a set of furniture comes off contrived and over powering. When I’m working with a client that is drawn to a set of furniture I focus on the piece (or two) that they like best within the set. Then I pull pieces from other sources and stores to work with those pieces, creating a more personalize look. For a dining room, the table or the sideboard is usually the key piece to work around. For a living room or family room, the sofa or coffee table can set the tone for the décor. For the most personality filled space it is also a good idea to break up the finishes that are used within a room. A room with nothing but dark stained wood pieces will always look dark and heavy. Try incorporating metal, fabric and painted finishes to change the vibe and lighten things up.

The Wrong Way…not only does the lack of color variation feel stale, but the design detail in the set is over-powering the other elements in the room.