Style Archives | Page 68 of 100

Best of Etsy: SassyShades

August 2, 2013

I was recently looking for new lampshades for a project and thought about checking out Etsy. Boy was I amazed at how many great handmade lampshades there were on the site. One of the shops that stood out to me was SassyShades run by Kristi in my home state of Washington. Kristi has crafted some really stylish shades using some of the most popular designer fabrics, stylish patterns and on-trend colors. I really love the tall drum shades she sells and the small chandelier drum shades which are really unique.

Here are just a few of my favorite shades from SassyShades.

Red Greek Key / Lime Ikat / Coffee Bean Ikat

Grey Trellis / White Chenille / Mix & Match Chandelier Drums

Grain Sack / Modern Taupe / Coral Trellis

Juicy Orange / Grey Dotkat Drum / Rosy Red Vintage

and

Williamsburg Blue Drum Shade

SassyShades also offers COM (customers own material) if you have a fabric in hand and want a lampshade made. If you’re in the market for a unique lampshade SassyShades is a great source for drum shades and more traditional bell shades. Finding stylish lampshades has just gotten easier with SassyShades.

To see the entire collection of SassyShades head here.

images via SassyShades on Etsy

Fashion Focus: Pearls and Gingham

August 1, 2013

We all know the list of fashion essentials every girl needs in her closet…

Little Black Dress
Classic White Shirt
Basic Cardigan
Tailored Blazer
Trench Coat
Pencil Skirt
Clutch Handbag
Black Pump

Great Fitting Dark Wash Jeans

Black Slacks
Classic Flats

Denim Jacket

There are two other items that I think should be added to the list and that are well worth a chunk of your fashion budget.

My favorite Gingham Shirts:

Banana Republic Soft Wash Gingham Shirt

Gap Boyfriend Gingham Shirt

Nordstrom Gingham Shirt

Fashion Note: The men’s department often has gingham shirts in a variety of colors so don’t forget to cross shop that area

My favorite vintage Faux Pearl Necklaces:

3-strand Pearl Necklace

Set of 3 Pearl Necklace Strands

4-strand Pearl Necklace

6-strand Pearl Necklace

Fashion Note: Mix and match different sizes of pearl stands for a less formal look

Can you check these items off the list or do you need to do a little shopping???

Design Details: Gold Edging

July 30, 2013

I’m all about gold accent these days and love how a touch of gold can turn an ordinary item into something chic and über stylish.

I’m sure you’ve all seen this DIY project floating around blog land where a simple picture frame is updated with gold corner accents. Who would have thought that such an easy project would yield such stylish results.

Here’s what the gold accent looks like on black frames.

How about this simple update, gold corner details added to a piece of furniture?

You can find my source for metal corner pieces in this post.

I’m also loving this idea of painting the page edge of thrift store books and turning them into a glamorous decorative accent.

How about detailing out the inner rim of a paneled door with gold paint? Pretty fab!

I also love the look of a gold edge on a piece of furniture. Emily over at Emily A. Clark transformed this table first by painting it black and then my adding a gold edge. Stunning!

This metal bamboo table looks so much more expensive and high-end with a gold finish!

And how about the idea of up-styling your stationery or even your business cards? I’m so going to do this with my business cards.

So what do you think? Do you love a touch of gold as much as I do?

One thing I’ve learned in my years in design is that it is the little details that really make design come to life!

images can be found on my Golden Touch Pinterest board

Let Me Be Your Personal Shopper

July 26, 2013

Happy Friday!

(better late than never)

I’ve been really good so far and have stayed away from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. In my prior life (when I lived in Seattle) I was so addicted to Nordstrom that I would actually take a vacation day on the first day of the sale just so I could go and shop it. While Nordstrom is still a great store and I do frequent it (best shoe department around), I’m not obsessed with it anymore. But, just because I haven’t visited the store in person doesn’t mean I haven’t checked out the Anniversary Sale online. And just because I may not be purchasing anything for myself doesn’t mean I can’t play the role of your personal shopper.

Come along as we do a little browsing and see what I’ve put on your shopping list…

Faux Leather Infinity Scarf Sale $39.90 reg. $60.00 (too darn cute)!!!

Vince Michela Boot Sale Sale $299.90 reg. $495.00

Vince Camuto Call of the Wild Bangle Sale $44.90 reg. $68.00 (adorable)!!!

Deux Lux Faux Fur Clutch Sale $44.90 reg. $68.00 (ok, so I might have added this to my shopping list too. Can’t beat that price)!!!

Halogen Print Pencil Skirt Sale $45.90 reg. $69.00

Mural Elongated Leather Bomber Jacket Sale $118.90 reg. $178.00

Olivia Moon Knit Blazer Sale $52.90 reg. $79.50 (yes, please)!!!

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Body Lotion $98. (Yes this is a splurge but it is so worth it! Just so happens to be my signature scent)

Voluspa Two Wick Candle Trio $29.50 $48 value (think holiday gifts)

Wasn’t that fun. Us shopping together and me spending your money??? The sale ends August 5th so let me know if there is anything else you want to add to your shopping list.

Cheers!

p.s. It’s a great time to stock up on Spanx too!

photo source: Nordstrom

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!

Entertaining Idea: Embossed Napkins

July 23, 2013

I always keep my entertaining ideas folder filled with ideas for quick, easy and inexpensive ways to up-style a party or sit-down dinner. My latest fixation is Embossed Paper Napkins.

Embossing guns are used a lot as personalized address stamps but you can also get embossing plates with monograms and designs on them. With minimal investment, usually under $50 you can buy an embosser and a couple of different plates.

This classic monogram is one of my favorites and once stamped on a plain paper napkin, the napkin takes on a high-end look.

Think about using up-styled paper napkins for large parties to save on money and they can also become part of the color theme.

Single initials are always stylish! The next time you’re invited to a house-warming party think about giving a embosser as a personal and unique gift.

Embossers can also be used on gift tags, cards, gift wrap and other paper items.

Embossers are a great item to add to your party planning kit and will turn a $3.00 pack of paper napkins into the star of the party!

You can shop for embossers here:

Paper Source {great selection of embossing plates to choose from}

Williams Sonoma {nice embossing plates for food related gifts}

Expressionery {good selection of design address plates}

Happy Entertaining!