Summer Must-Haves–My Shopping List

June 2, 2016

Summertime and the living is easy!

I loving this beautiful weather we’re having. I trying to soak up every minute of these low humidity days because I know that in no time flat it will be hot, humid and sticky outside. A couple of weeks ago I purged my closet and organized it for the warmer months. I’ve also been doing the same with my decor. After all the organizing was done I made a shopping list for a few new things I ~~needed~~ wanted to help me usher in summer.

If you know me, you know I love colorful earrings, especially during the summer. I’ve got my eyes on these Baha Drop Earrings which happen to have two of my favorite summer colors in them–turquoise and orange.

I’ve had this book, It’s Not How Good You Are on my reading list for a while now and just picked it up to take on the cruise we have planned later this summer. I always enjoy inspirational reads when we travel because my mind is more relaxed and I can really absorb the content.

My favorite candle scent of all times is gardenia and this Gardenia Scented Candle is what I’m burning right now in my office. I wish you could scratch your screen and enjoy this amazing scenes with me.

I’ve never met a handbag I didn’t like and this Boho Clutch is not only colorful and cute, it’s only $9.99! The perfect piece for a weekend or to throw in a larger summer tote like the one below.

Target has some really, really fabulous tote bags right now and this classic Straw Tote with Tassel is perfect of all my summer activities. Available in 4 colors.

I spotted this Acrylic Monogram Bracelet when I was shopping for earrings and think it’s perfect for my summer wardrobe.

I started wearing readers a few years ago and have been on the hunt for reader sunglasses. My favorite reading eyewear company, Peepers has a great selection of sunglasses and great prices and these tortoise Reader Sunglasses are my fave.

I already own 3 pair of Converse sneakers and just ordered these adorable Converse Crochet Sneakers. They’re also available in navy.

I think I found the perfect dessert spoons for summer, Floral Dessert Spoons from One Kings Lane.

I rarely shop at Old Navy but popped in over the Memorial Day weekend because they were having a great sale. I bought these Stripped Linen Pants ($20) which just scream summer to me. Also available in a cropped length which would be really cute with your crocheted sneakers.

BaubleBar–Tassel Jewelry Under $40

April 14, 2016

It’s no secret that I love jewelry and every season I try to add a few new pieces of costume jewelry to my wardrobe.

Tassel jewelry is and has always been a favorite jewelry style of mine and BaubleBar is one of my favorite sources for affordable, on-trend jewelry.

I was recently on the hunt for a new pair of tassel earrings and after I got finished looking through the Bauble Bar site, I had found several tassel pieces I wanted to bring home.

These Tiffany Tassel Drops in Ruby are just stunning and the perfect pair of earrings to dress up a simple black outfit. $28

Wrap bracelets became popular a few years ago and since then they have gotten more and more stylish. I love the mix of gold and turquoise with black beads in this sleek Onyx Bracelet Quad. $48

Statement necklaces like this Rockefeller Tassel Bib Necklace are still popular and begin worn with everything from denim to evening gowns. The tassel on this necklace makes it even more perfect for day into evening in my book. $46

You can never go wrong with a classic black tassel necklace like the Bettie Tassel Pendant Necklace. $26

I purchased these Lagos Drop Earrings because of the fun mix of colors that I think will be great during the summer. $34

If you like a bolder earning, the Nolita Drop Earrings will definitely give you that look. The black and gray color combo is classic with a twist. $38

The Cape Town Tassel Bracelet is a nice piece that would be fun stacked with other bracelets. $12

I also picked up the Geode Drop Earrings ($48) because I couldn’t resist the turquoise and pink color combo.

In addition to a great selection of jewelry, Baublebar also offers Free Shipping and Returns on every purchase which makes their site even more enticing.

Statment Style: Necklaces and Styling Tips

January 15, 2016

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I, like most women have a thing for jewelry. My particular crush is on bold statement pieces that have lots of personality and wow.

During the cold winter months, statement necklaces are a great way to accessorize layered clothing and bulkier pieces like a sweater or blazer. A statement necklace can add instant impact to any outfit, causal or dressy.

Here’s a round-up of a few statement necklaces I just discovered and styling tips on how to wear them.

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How To Style A Statement Necklace

♦ The chunkier the clothing, the chunkier the necklace–make sure your necklace can hold its own against the texture and visual weight of your sweater or jacket.

♦ Mix it up–don’t be afraid to wear multiple necklaces together to create your own signatures statement style.

♦ Go for the hi-low mix–a statement necklace can work just as well with a causal sweater and jeans as it can with a cashmere cardigan and tailored slacks.

♦ Layer with necklaces–wear statement necklaces to fill in an open neckline on a v-neck sweater or button up shirt.

♦ Statement necklace and collared shirts are a great combo–wear choker or shorter length necklaces under a collared shirt to create polished look. Statement necklaces look great with turtlenecks too!

1) Black Stone Metal Necklace–$24.99 2) Feather Necklace–$34.99 3) Gold Metal Necklace–$24.99

4) Multi-Strand Necklace–$17.99 5) Pria Layered Bead Necklace–$20.00

1) Bainbridge Layer Necklace–$64.00 2) Balletomane Bib Necklace–$98.00 3) Jura Necklace–$99.95

4) Aurelia Necklace–$68.00 5) Manella Stack Pendant Necklace–$58.00

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Do you have a favorite amongst this group of gorgeous statement necklaces?

Fashion Meets Decor

August 3, 2015

Good Morning everyone (or should I say afternoon)! I hope you all had a great weekend.

Today I wanted to share a little bit about the design workshop I conducted on Saturday. I’ve been partnering with a local retail store called Smith’s for several years now and have conducted seasonal design workshops for their customers. Smith’s is located in Duluth, GA on Main Street which has lots gift and decor stores, restaurants and art galleries.

Over the years my workshop topic centered around home decor since that was the primary product focus of the store. However, Smith’s recently made a change to their product mix and in addition to carrying decorative accessories and gifts, they now sell clothing, accessories and footwear. They have also co-branded their store as Smith’s and BoCo Girl which is the fashion side of the business.

So, what’s a designing girl like me to do when it’s time to come up with a workshop theme and it has to include fashion? Well, I tapped into my fashion experience and created a workshop that focused on how your fashion style can influence and define your home decor style.

I thought you’d enjoy the presentation here on the blog so here’s my cliff note version of the fashion and design tips I shared with the group.

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♥ Fashion and home decor and directly related since many of the trends you see in home decor as spun from the colors, patterns, textures and materials you see in clothing.

♥ A great way to define your design style is to look in the closet and identify the colors and patterns you wear most. Use what you love in fashion to help build a design theme for your home.

♥ Sometime fashion only inspires and design trend and in some cases home decor patterns and colors are a direct interpretation of a fashion statement.

♥ Understanding your clothing style (loose and layered or streamline and structured) can relate to how you’d like to style your home and how each room needs to function for you.

♥ Fun patterns in clothing can add personality to your wardrobe just like patterns in your decor can help define the personality of your home.

♥ Your fashion style should play up your best physical assets and the way you decorate your home should highlight the best features of your home (tall ceilings, windows, trim etc)

♥ A favorite wardrobe piece like a classic denim jacket can be the inspiration for the decor in your home.

♥ And if you have a signature look when it comes to fashion like Diane Keaton, use that to determine your design formula.

via style at home

via my domaine

♥ The style of jewelry and accessories you wear can inspire the types of items and the way your accessorize around your house.

necklace available from Smith’s

via the teacher diva

shoes available from Smith’s

♥ Because fashion is such a personal statement that ties into our emotions, it’s very likely that the elements you like in fashion are also elements you’ll like as decor in your home.

♥ Create a style identity that reflected in your wardrobe and in your home.

Ralph Lauren via Macy’s

via from the right bank

♥ Fashion and decor are so inter-connected, it’s a great idea to use use fashion accessories to decorate your home.

Bracelets as napkin rings via cocokelley

So you see, #fashion and #design really are one in the same. You should dress in clothing that makes you feel good and the best version of yourself and the way you decorate your home should bring you that same joy.

Style Yourself, Style Your Home!

A Summer Fashion Must–Striped Tote Bag

June 3, 2015

There are a list of things I can’t live without in the summer including my white converse, a pair of classic espadrilles, maxi dresses and a striped tote bag.

During the summer I tend to carry move stuff in my handbag and have found that carrying a tote works best for me. I own several tote bag styles but when it comes to a summer tote, stripes are a favorite.

I’ve done a little shopping for you and rounded up my favorite striped bags of the season.

What makes for a great tote bag:

relaxed but sturdy shape

comfortable carry handles

sturdy bottom–I love tote bags that have a reinforced bottom, leather bottom or one with metal feet

easy to get in and out of

a zip closure is ideal but not a requirement

and of course cute!

Top row: Stripe Tote / Collins Woven Tote / Oversized Stripe Tote

Bottom row: Tara Tribal Tote / Horizontal Striped Tote / Navy and White Stripe Canvas Tote

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With all the space a tote bag has, I know that sometimes the inside can get a little unorganized so here’s a tip that will help you keep the inside of your bag looking great:

Buy a purse organizer. Whoever invented this item is a genius. A purse organizer allows you to corral all your belongs in a neat and compact way and when you want to change handbags, just pull the entire piece out and place it in your new bag.

pink and orange striped tote (below)

Summer’s here so grab your tote and enjoy the season.

Inspiration {plus links you’ll love}

May 30, 2015

Happy weekend my friends. Just popping in to say hello and share a few inspirational links that I came across this week.

Enjoy your weekend and be inspired!

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I’m always on the hunt for clever organizing ideas and this shoe storage idea definitely meets the criteria.

7 Highly Effective Habits of Fashion Power Shoppers

This is a great article filled with valuable advice that you should consider whether you’re building a business or a blog.

Great tips for decorating with flowers without spending tons of money.

This DIY idea to update a basic door is brilliant.

See you back here Monday!

What To Buy During The Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale

May 21, 2015

I might have mentioned this before but when I lived in Seattle it wasn’t uncommon for me to take the first day of the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale off from work. Given that Nordstrom is based in Seattle, their half-yearly sales are a major deal in that city. I’ve always loved the Nordstrom sale because it’s a great time to pick up a few in-season pieces and save money while you’re at it.

I spent a little time checking our the deals online and rounded up a few of my faves.

Let’s go shopping shall we…

Espadrilles are the ‘it’ shoe for spring and summer and this black and white platform espadrille is the perfect blend of summer style and comfort. And the $40 price tag makes it even more attractive.

If I could buy an unlimited number of any one fashion accessory, it would be handbags. A classic leather handbag should be a part of every girls wardrobe and having one in a fashion color like this beautiful orchid is perfect for spring or summer. I love the woven handle and all the interior pockets of this Elliott Lucca leather tote.

I love sporting a white watch during summer and since the cheapo one I bought at the mart has seen its last day, I’m going to invest in a new one. This Nixon patent leather strap watch is the front runner on my consideration list. I love the round crystal face, the gold rim and hands and the $74.90 pricepoint.

If you love jewelry, you’ll definitely want to get in on one of these deals. This turquoise stone pendant necklace is only $8.98 and is perfect to wear with summer dresses, tanks and tees. This Drusy pendant necklace is a bit dressier but would work just as well with a casual outfit and it’s only $13.98.

If you’re planning on doing any traveling this summer or if you like to spend your weekends antique shopping like me, this belt bag is for you. When it comes to style, fanny packs have come a long way and this striped canvas belt bag is both cute and afforable.

Summers are meant for maxi dresses and Nordstrom has a ton of great styles on sale under $100. Here are three of my favorite-–navy and white maxi for everyday wear, a floral maxi for when you need something a bit dressier and this roll-sleeve maxi when you want to look super chic but casual.

Don’t dilly dally, because the Nordsrom Half-Yearly Sale ends May 31st. Happy shopping!

Are These Trends Over-Exposed??

April 23, 2015

One of the things I’ve noticed since I started blogging is that when a popular blogger decorates with hot design trend, it starts showing up all over blogland in one bloggers home after another. As I designer, I’m exposed to the trends more than the average person and while I find myself gravitating towards what’s ‘hot’, I’m starting to feel like some design statements are becoming overused.

What I see happening is that homes are losing their unique personality because everyone is jumping on the same bandwagon. And it’s also happening in fashion too!

Take the black and white Ikea Lappljung pattern. First it was the pillow…

and then the rug. Or did the rug come first? It wouldn’t surprise me if every home in American owned one or both of these items.

(I own the pillow)

And I’m not even going to mention the Vargyllen pillow.

Now let’s take a look at six trends that may be reaching the level of over-exposure…

I’m seeing this Malakos Malachite pillow showing up in so many bloggers homes and on the pages of magazines. Malachite has been a major trend for several seasons now and while malachite furniture can be pricey, in a pillow the trend becomes something everyone can afford.

Ok, how many of you have seen this Eliza J Scarf Print Maxi dress showing up on fashion bloggers feeds over the last two weeks. I think this is the ‘it’ dress of the summer and will be showing up at parties, soirees and even blog conferences across the country. I spotted the green version at Dillard’s a few weeks ago and even considered buying it myself.

It appears that a hot commodity in bedding these days is the black and white Linden Duvet from Crane and Company. I’ve seen multiple bloggers/designers using this set in recent bedroom designs and I think it just highlights the fact that black and white color palettes are popular right now and classic will always be in style. I love this bedding but I’m going to put a twist on the look for my spring bedroom refresh that I’ll be revealing next week.

Need a little something to hang on the wall? Well, how about the Beverly IV Tropical Palm Leaves image that is showing up in droves across blogland. It’s bold and dynamic, and fits in with the bohemian modern decorating style that so many people are loving these days. If the art is a bit much for you, this pattern is also trending in pillow form and as a wallpaper.

Another super hot wallpaper design is the Cole and Company Birch Tree pattern. It’s being used in just about every room of the home but I especially love it in a bathroom. It’s fun to see such a unique look become so popular. If you’re interested, you can purchase the UK design wallpaper from Anthropologie here.

When it comes to flooring, this Basket Weave Tile just might win for tile of the year. The black and white color combo is classic and easily mixes with any accent color. While the tile might be most suited for the bathroom, I must admit I also like it as a kitchen backsplash.