My Take On The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale {and what I bought}

July 25, 2017

Have you been reading the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale recaps that have been popping up on blogs lately? For some, the Nordstrom sale is a big deal…a really big deal.

Nordstrom is based in Seattle and I lived and worked near their flagship store for 16 years. I’d anxiously await the first day of the sale and would take the day off from work to go shopping. Back then the idea of buying pre-season items at discounted prices thrilled me. Today…not so much.

Moving to Atlanta where summer temperatures can last well into September, I’m in no hurry to buy fall and winter items early. So now I shop the Anniversary Sale in a different way. I buy fashion accessories that I can wear year-round, I stock up on basics like tees and I take advantage of the deals on cosmetics. And to keep my gift closet fully stocked, I buy a few gift items too.

I did spent some time on the Nordstrom website and spotted a few things I liked. Then I made a visit to the store to see the items in person and make my purchases. Wanna see what I bought? Check it out below…

WHAT I BOUGHT AT THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE

I love a Long Open Front Cardigan and this one is a classic, light weight style that can be worn year round. During summer I’ll wear the cardigan with a tank and in the winter with a long sleeve tee. The cardigan is available in 7 colors and is a deal at just $49.90.

Every woman needs a basic cross body bag like this Pebbled Leather Crossbody Bag ($78.90). It’s a great size of daily use or travel and I love the roomy interior and outside zip pocket. Available in black and chino brown.

What’s not to love about this black and white striped Monogram Stripe Tote? Anything monogrammed is a winner in my book and the size of this tote makes is perfect for work or weekend. It’s available in red, green, blue and black with white stripes. $31.90

All of a sudden I’m into these modern necklace styles so I bought this Golden Crossing Necklace which is on sale for $35.90. I think it will be perfect to wear with tees and sweaters and will also look great under a blazer.

I’m loving the ruffle sleeve trend that is happening right now so this Bell Sleeve Cozy Fleece Pullover was a must have. The simple styling makes it easy to dress the top up or down and I loved the $39.90 price tag. And there are 11 colors to choose from. I’d recommend picking up a basic color like black or grey along with a fashion color like olive or burgundy.

I always keep candles in my gift closet so I bought the Voluspa Maison Blanc Two-Wick Candle Set. I’ve been a fan of Voluspa for year and for just $29.50 this is a great gift item. p.s. break the set up and you’ll have three gifts instead of one

These Floral Drop Earrings are so pretty in person and I just couldn’t resist them. Their from Bauble Bar and the colors and 3-d detail are what makes them so special. $48.00. Also available in a solid pink.

If I had to choose just one candle to live with for the rest of time it would be the Votivo Soziety Soy Wax Candle in Red Currant. The scent of this candle is amazing and it is one of the cleanest burning candles on the market. The Nordstrom sale is a great time to stock up and save. $21.90

I usually wear MAC eyeliner and buy my lip gloss at one of the big box stores but I wanted to try the Stila Stay All Day Liner & Lipstick after spotting them online. The eyeliner is fantastic and I love the tip which it easy for the eyeliner to glide on. The lipstick has nice coverage and nude pink color is very wearable by lots of skin tones. $20.00

You can shop the entire anniversary sale here.

Stylish Summer Bags For Every Budget

June 26, 2017

Hi friends. I skipped out on you last week because I needed to devote every waking minute to design work. I’ve gotten over the hump and I back today with a post to usher in summer.

Now that summer is here I’m looking forward to wearing summer dresses and switching my leather handbag for a more casual style. My collection of straw bags includes everything from a classic tote and oversized shopper to a simple woven clutch. My newest bag is this black and tan shopper that my brother gave me for my birthday. It’s the perfect size to accommodate all my stuff and I love the drawstring liner that keeps my contents secure.

When it comes to summer fashions, a straw bag (or two) is one wardrobe essential I think every woman needs to own. Whether you’re carrying it to the beach or out to dinner, a straw bag is perfect for any summer outfit. Here’s a round-up of my favorite straw bags to fit every budget and every style need.

♦♦♦

SUMMER BAGS FOR EVERY BUDGET

1 // 2 // 3 //4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12

Under $25: All three of these bags are great options for everyday use but I especially love the round tote. The only thing missing is a cute bag charm but you can add this tassel charm and still be under $ 40.

Under $50: The floral clutch is perfect to add a pop of color to a little black dress. And I love the size and shape of the black and tan tote.

Under $100: Isn’t that pom pom trimmed bag the cutest thing ever? I love the size and how colorful it is. And it has a drawstring liner to keep your contents under wrap. p.s. it’s should actually be in the under $50 group because this cutie is only $32.

Splurge: I’ve been known to splurge on a handbag every now and then and I’m tempted to pull the trigger on #11. I love the slim shape and leather handles and the tassels are pretty cute too.

So if you had to pick a favorite, which bag would it be?

Favorites Of The Week | Inspiration For Spring

May 20, 2017

Happy weekend friends. Enjoy a few favorites from the week.

♦♦♦

FAVORITES POSTS

Have you ever wanted to try upholstering walls? I love the idea and was this how-to tutorial on One Kings Lane. They make it look easy and the end result is fabulous.

I’m sure most of you are familiar with Etsy, the marketplace for vintage and handmade item. Etsy just made the whole concept of handmade and DIY more fun with the introduction of Etsy Studio. Etsy Studio is a marketplace for DIY supplies and projects. All of the unique materials, parts and components you need to create one-of-a kind items will now be shopable at one place. I’m super excited and can’t wait to try some of the projects featured on their site like this gorgeous clutch. And I’m going to make my own version of this tassel necklace–so cute!

Such a beautiful home tour.

FAVORITE PINS

Love how the Ikea Expedit bookshelf was used to create this simple but chic cocktail station.

If you follow me on Pinterest you may have noticed that I’ve been pinning lots of images of boxed flower arrangements like these. I think this is such a unique gift giving idea.

source

FAVORITE PRODUCTS

A little something pretty for your kitchen from Anthropologie.

Lots of cute new arrivals at H and M Home, including this blue and white bathroom rug.

And this round glass vase is another favorite.

These personalized necklaces are just some of the cute items I spotted in JillMakes Etsy shop.

Single Initial Personalized Necklace

Round Acrylic Initial Necklace

Design Lessons From The 2017 Met Gala Fashions

May 5, 2017

Did you watch the Met Gala last weekend? It is one of the most anticipated fashion events of year and always delivers amazing (and not-so-amazing) looks.

If you’re not familiar with the Met Gala, here’s a little about its history…

From 1948 to 1971, the benefit wasn’t pegged as an exhibition, and was held off-site at the Waldorf Astoria or the Rainbow Room. Guests, mostly New York society indulged in fine dining and were entertained by “skits, raffles, and pageants of models in historic costume. In 1972 New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art opened its doors for the Met Gala when former Vogue editor Diana Vreeland joined as a consultant. Vreeland curated some of the most ambitious and heavily publicized exhibitions and used the gala as an opportunity to inaugurate them. Today the annual invitation-only fundraiser hosted by Vogue editor Anna Wintour benefits the museum’s Costume Institute, and serves as a launch party for its spring exhibition.

The 2017 exhibition is dedicated to 74-year-old Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo, one of fashion’s most revered creative visionaries. The exhibition sets the tone for the formal dress of the night and guests are expected to choose their fashion to match the theme of the exhibit.

Now that you know a bit about the gala, here’s a look at some of the 2017 fashion statements and what they can teach you about interior design.

…

Read the Post

Inspiration Notebook | May 2017

May 4, 2017

You might have noticed that I didn’t share my inspiration notebook with you last month. Last month was a blur and I just didn’t have time to pull it together. Things are still crazy busy but I did manage to log an insert in my inspiration notebook this month. I enjoy taking the time to pull these pages together and recognize the things around me that provide inspiration.

When I looked at the calendar the other day, I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that it is May. We’re almost half way through the year and I’m already exhausted just thinking about everything thing I want to accomplish before the year ends. While I can’t control the future, I can enjoy today so the pages in my notebook for May are filled with things I’m enjoying on a daily basis. Here’s a look at what’s inspiring me in work, home and my personal life. Enjoy!

♦♦♦

DESIGNING: I’m hoping that a new design client I’m working with will love this Gabby Clay Chandelier as much as I do. It’s the inspiration for the entire dining room.

READING: I couldn’t wait to find dive into this gorgeous entertaining book, Veranda Entertaining. It was everything I expected and more–beautiful images, inspiring ideas and drool worthy tablescapes. One of my top 10 design books ever!

RELAXING: I haven’t been sleeping well lately so I’m trying to make sure I spend time winding down at the end of the day. The Nest Blue Garden Candle is my go-to spring candle scent that helps me to relax and unwind.

INSPIRED BY: I’ve been seeing lots of floral arrangements in old wood boxes popping up on Pinterest. I love the look for a spring and summer tablescape.

LISTENING: Most days when I’m at my desk working I have jazz music or a podcast playing. The Clever Podcasts are a favorite and every episode has great takeaways for career and life.

CRAFTING: I love crafting and recently I’ve been drawn back to jewelry making in my spare time. One of my new sources for unique chain/hardware is my local lighting store for chandelier chain.

SHOPPING: We’ve got a cruise planned for early September and I’ve already started shopping for a dress to wear on formal night. I’m channeling my inner Carolina Herrera and thinking of pairing a crisp white shirt with this Red Floral Ball Skirt or this Black Floral Ball Skirt. Which would you choose??

LOVING: Just when I thought BaubleBar had it all they come out with these super cute Caicos Pom Pom Earrings.

CRAVING: Now that fruit season is here, I’m loving my morning meal–yogurt and fruit parfait. My ingredients include plain vanilla yogurt, granola, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. Yum!

MAY INSPIRATION NOTEBOOK | 2017

♦♦♦

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE–ONLY THE BEST FOR MOM!

April 28, 2017

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and making sure mom feels loved and appreciated on her special day (and everyday) is top of my list. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve really come to understand the courage, dedication and selflessness that it takes to be a mother. My mom is one special lady and along with teaching me about life she instilled in me the power to dream big and reach for my goals. Priceless gifts.

To help you celebrate your mom on Mother’s Day I’ve curated a gift guide filled with special pieces from a few of my favorite stores and online shops.

♦ Amara.com is a new online shop I recently discovered and to say I love everything on their site is an understatement. They sell a wide range of products from over 300 of the leading home decor, gift and fashion brands around. p.s. I’ll be sharing more about Amara in a couple of weeks along with a fun collaboration I’m doing with them!

♦ BaubleBar continues to be one of my favorite sources for fashion jewelry. Not only are their prices good but their tassel earring collection is hard to beat. I want one of everything.

♦ When we lived in Seattle, Nordstrom was a favorite shopping spot for clothing, handbags and shoes. And now I love shopping their gift and home departments for unique items. Mark you calendar for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale which will take place July 21-August 6th.

♦ Mark & Graham is my go-to source for high-quality leather goods, entertaining items and accessories for both men and women. And I love that so many of their items can be personalized with a monogram.

…

Read the Post

Favorites Of The Week {Spring Inspiration}

April 1, 2017

Happy weekend! Here’s my favorite links from the week.

♦♦♦

FAVORITE POSTS

How to find you niche and get paid for it.

These just might be the cutest garden markers I’ve ever seen.

Now this is a bathroom makeover! #gorgeous

♦♦♦

FAVORITE PINS

The wallpaper and mirror in this bathroom are just stunning.

How stinking’ cute and creative is this spring door arrangement?!

♦♦♦

FAVORITE PRODUCTS

I need these monogrammed gift tags in my life STAT!!! And these and these.

The pattern and colors on this geometric clutch are so fun.

This might be my new favorite spring candle. The White Camellia scent is heavenly!

I’ll see you back here next week. Until then, have an amazing weekend!

Favorites Of The Week | Design & DIY Inspiration

March 4, 2017

It’s 7:00 am, its freezing outside and I’m off to the gym for a workout. I’ve rounded up some great inspiration for you and hope you enjoy.

♦♦♦

Design & DIY Inspiration

************************************************************************

If you’re a ribbon hoarder like me you’ll love this DIY project. Diane created this easy ribbon storage rack out of unexpected hardware materials. I love that it’s functional and pretty.

A chic and stylish kitchen update including a gorgeous Suzanne Kasler light fixture.

p.s. hanging plates on the wall and decor will never go out of style

p.s.s I love the framed chinoiserie art hanging in the wall in the dining area. With the right frames and fabric you can create this look too.

This Texas farmhouse is filled with loads of charming details and eclectic touches. And check out the pattern mixing going on in this bedroom.

The next time you come across a couple of straw placemats at a thrift store, buy them so you can make this cute clutch. I’m definitely adding this to my craft project list.

See you back here Monday. Have a great weekend!