Fabulous Summer Fashion Finds { all under $50}

June 13, 2017

I have a couple of trips planned in the coming months and needed a few new pieces of summer clothing. I don’t like to spend a lot of money on summer clothing and try to get the most bang for my buck. Good thing there are lots of great shopping options both in-store and online. Rather than hit the stores, I decided to dome shopping online and came across some fabulous finds, all under $50. From jewelry and dresses to tops and handbags, these pieces are ones you’ll want to check out.

Happy shopping!

SUMMER FASHION FINDS UNDER $50

One // Straw bags are a summer staples and this Braided Tote Bag from Zara is perfect because it mixes a casual vibe with a refined shape. And the pom poms just give it that special touch. $49.90 (fyi– this bag is generous it size so it’s perfect as an everyday handbag)

Two // Have you noticed that ruffled sleeves are the hottest fashion trend right now? You can hardly find a piece of clothing without them for summer. This Ruffled Sleeve Blouse with Lace is one of the cutest styles I’ve seen. $39.90

Three // Red and pink are my two favorite colors and when they are combined into something cute like this Striped Floppy Hat , I’m all in. $25.90 (I’m going to add a monogram to the brim like I did with this hat)

Four // I love these black and cream Lace Up Espadrilles. They are the perfect flat to wear with shorts or sundresses. $39.90

Five // Causal summer dresses are my thing during the dog days of summer. I’m loving this Embroidered Striped Dress because of its effortless style and boho vibe. $49.90

Six // This Animal Print Cross Strap Slide will be fun to wear with a sun dress, shorts or a romper. $35.00-$45.00

Seven // One of my favorite color combos for summer is red and turquoise. These Beaded Drop Earrings will add a pop of color to any summer outfit. $34.00

Eight // The gorgeous color and the sleeves on this Frilled Sleeve Dress just might make it the perfect dress for summer parties. $49.90

Nine // What’s not to love about this beautiful Coral Reef Necklace? Nothing! The style and color just scream summer. $48.00

Ten // I’m always looking for casual tops to wear with jeans and sneakers during the summer. The Marled V-Neck Hoodie is perfect for running errands or a walk in the park. $36.00

With so many great summer fashion finds under $50, you can get your shop on without breaking the bank.

2017 FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE {inspired by my dad}

June 5, 2017

Happy Monday friends. Did you have a great weekend? We had a whirlwind weekend that started with a trip to Alabama for a wedding. About 30 minutes from our destination we realized we had left the garment bag that contained my husbands suit and my dress for the wedding at home. After a moment of panic we forged ahead and made a quick pit stop at Dillard’s to do a little shopping. Thirty minutes later, a new dress and new digs for the hubby and all was good with the world again.

After a night of celebrating and hanging with family, we headed back home yesterday to more rain. But today’s another day and I’m hoping for a bit of sunshine. 🙂

I have lots of fun stuff to share with you this week on the blog starting with my Father’s Day Gift Guide. I lost my dad in 1983 and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of and miss him. So in honor of Father’s Day, all of the gifts I’ve included in this years gift guide are inspired by the memory of my dad. He loved to have fun, had impeccable style and always had the newest and latest gadgets. I hope there’s a gift on my list that perfect for the special man in your life!

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ONE. Wooden Fractal Puzzle. Such a cool gift to keep dad busy and challenged for hours. p.s. I love the design style of this puzzle–kinda looks like a fun greek key design.

TWO. Men’s Emergency Kit. A great travel companion for the work or leisure travel. This is also a great gift of a recent college grad!

THREE. 50 Life and Business Lessons from Steve Jobs. I’ve read this book and it contains loads of wisdom to inspire dad (or anyone) in work and in life. A great read.

FOUR. Father’s Day Shave Kit. My hubby recently tried the Harry’s shave kit and gave the products and razor rave reviews. He loved it so much that I’m sharing more about Harry’s in another post later this week.

FIVE. Amazon Echo. We received one of these as a gift a couple of years ago and use it everyday. The Echo is an amazing piece of technology.

SIX. Nylon Travel Bags. These bags help keep everything in your suitcase organized and they also cut down on the wrinkles. And the monogram is such a classy detail. p.s. I want a set for me too!

SEVEN. Monogrammed Handkerchiefs! One of the essential accessories I think every man needs to carry.

EIGHT. Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch. Help dad stay fit and healthy in style.

NINE. The Leather Accessories Traveler. This case keep ties, collar stays and jewelry organized and safe. And it’s comeback if dad travels with only a carry on.

2017 Father’s Day Gift Guide

Favorites Of The Week | Beautiful Things

June 3, 2017

There are questions in life that we may never has the answers to like “why does a four day work week always seem extra-long?” While you enjoy your weekend and ponder this question, also take some time to enjoy my Favorites Of The Week.

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FAVORITE POSTS

The summer home tours have started and I loved touring Kris’ beautiful home. Her family room is so bright and crisp and I love all the special details she’s styled the space with.

I’m at the stage in life where I’m wanting to purge and live with less. Apartment Therapy posted an article on minimalism recently and this quote by Joshua Becker, author and blogger at Becoming Minimalist grabbed my attention–“Desiring less is even more valuable than owning less.” It’s a great read if you’re feeling the urge to lighten your load too.

Framed textiles are such a unique way to create custom artwork for your home.

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FAVORITE PINS

This Dip Dyed Stationery is a project to add to your DYI to-do list. So cute!

This bathroom is just one of the amazing room designs in this designers portfolio.

Kitchen perfection…black + gold + white. And notice the wood apron and legs on the island extension.

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS

Floral patterns are always a big trend for spring and summer but I’m loving all the textured pillows I’m seeing on store shelves. If you’re not a pattern person, textured pillows are a great way to add visual interest to a chair or sofa. These Fringe Diendra Pillows are from Anthropologie and they are beyond beautiful.

If you’re planning on doing a lot of entertaining this summer, you might want to pick up this chic Leaf Print Tablecloth from H and M Home for only $24.99. And if you need some tablescape inspiration here’s a gorgeous party table styled using the tablecloth.

via

Anyone else out there have sunglasses scattered around your house? I just can’t seem to come up with a workable storage option to keep them all in one place. That is until now. The Emily & Meritt Sunglass Holder from Pottery Barn Teen is the solution to my problem. I love that it can also be used to hold jewelry.

Before I sign off, I just wanted to say Thank You for all the wonderful comments here on the blog and on Instagram on my Bohemian Inspired Tablescape. In case you missed it, you can read the full post here.

I hope you enjoyed my Favorites Of The Week. Have a fantastic weekend and I’ll see you back here Monday with an awesome Father’s Day Gift Guide.

Bohemian Inspired Tablescape | & Styling Tips

May 23, 2017

On my long list of ‘Things I Love To Do’, designing tablescapes would be one of the top 10. I love dreaming up table settings using beautiful china, linens and tabletop items. It’s usually a pretty tablecloth or dinner plate that serves as my inspiration and that was definitely the case with todays Bohemian Inspired Spring Tablescape.

Before I show you the table setting, first let me tell you about the source for these gorgeous plates. A few weeks ago a UK-based company called Amara contacted me about doing a product review. I knew Amara was a company I wanted to work with and share with you after spending some time on their website.

If you’re like me, you may not have heard of Amara before so let me tall you about them. The company started in 2005 as an interior design business in the UK. After achieving success with interior design, the company opened a luxury homewares retail shop. The retail store was followed by an online business which has grown into a leading source for home decor, lifestyle products and gifts. The expansion of their business into e-commerce now enables them to ship their products worldwide.

Over the years Amara had grown to include over 300 brands and over 35,000 products. Their product offering includes high-end home and tabletop brands like Missoni Home, William Yeoward Crystal and Ted Baker. And many of the brands are exclusive to Amara including Ralph Lauren Home, who selected Amara as the only online store to distribute their home collections.

p.s. The tabletop and dining product selection from Amara is just amazing so if you love to entertain and create tablescapes you’ll want to check it out.

Ok, let’s get to my spring tablescape…

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Favorites Of The Week | Decorating & Entertaining

May 13, 2017

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I’m back with another round of favorite posts, pin and products to share with you. Enjoy!

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FAVORITE POSTS

A couple of days ago I shared a few of my favorite spaces from the One Room Challenge featured bloggers. Here’s one of my favorite makeovers from a guest participant, Design Enthusiasm. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times…the power of paint is amazing when you’re decorating !

This home tour shows you how to infuse an insane amount of decorating style into 650 sq. ft.

With Love From Kat

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FAVORITE PINS

One of my go-to sources for tabletop inspiration is Celebrations At Home. Chris creates some of the most beautifully style party and entertaining tables. This blue tablescape she styled for a bridal brunch is just so pretty.

When I think of a mountain retreat I envision a home that looks just like this.

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS

I’m really trying to justify purchasing this gorgeous blue and white ice bucket by Aerin for William Sonoma. I mean after all it’s more than an ice bucket as demonstrated by Lucy of Craftberry Bush who styled it as a flower vase. #ineed

Have you checked out the Zara Home website yet? So many cute items for home and personal use. The bright pattern on this floral cosmetic bag caught my eye.

I just noticed that TJ Maxx has started to sell window valances in store and on-line. They have some nice designs and you can’t beat the price–$16.99. This Water Medallion Valance from Nicole Miller is one of my faves.

Have a fantastic weekend!

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!

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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

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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.

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The Ones That Got Away | Thrifting Regrets From Round Top

April 18, 2017

We’ve all been there…shopping at a thrift store and coming across an item that grabs your attention. You approach the item, give it a good once over and then rationalize the decision to purchase it or NOT. The piece looks great, has so much potential and is priced right but the voice in your head says no.

You walk away.

You leave those amazing pieces behind and can’t stop thinking about the ones that got away. That’s what happened when I was shopping during my trip to Round Top and the Hill Country. I walked way!!

Before I show you the ones that got away, let me point out a few things…

I consider myself a seasoned antique/vintage/thrift store shopper. I can tell is a piece is quality and know if something is over-priced or priced right.
One of my rules for thrifting is to buy it if you love it. Even if you don’t have an immediate idea where something will go in your home or how you’ll use it, if you love it, you always find a spot.
Another rule I have is to not overthink a purchase…if you gut says yes don’t let your mind talk you out of it.

So if I could click my heels and transport myself back in time, I would have bought these items when I was thrifting at Round Top…

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