Category: Uncategorized

I’ve been feeling all consumed by home decor projects lately.  And while it’s exciting, I was feeling like I’d been missing my usual fashion inspiration.  And then came Michael Kors Pre-Fall presentation…

A slightly over the top mix of late 50’s glam meets 2013 chic, this small collection immediately made me think of what a Modern Day Barbie would look like.  Like some sort of younger Jenna Lyons power woman?  Also, I love that the looks are paired with crisp white accessories.  Modern Barbie totally wouldn’t adhere to the ‘no white after labor day’ rule.  Get the look for yourself with a polished pair of printed trousers, thin cotton turtleneck, frivolous faux fur collar, ubiquitous white pumps and cat eye sunglasses with a sense of humor.

(1. J.Crew Factory turtleneck; 2. Asos cateye sunglasses; 3. Madewell pumps)
(4. J.Crew Collection trousers; 5. Ruche faux fur wrap; Michael Kors)

White Elephant, Secret Santa, Family Gift Exchange?  All potential traps for too generic or overly specific gifts…

Think useful, unisex, and unique and you can be sure that you’re giving something anyone would love to have.  My ideas below to get you started:

Nest: You may not know their personal decorating style, but almost everyone has an iphone or ipod these days and would appreciate a pretty way to store and charge it in an entryway or on a nightstand.  These iPhone docking stations from Etsy will be a hit in a friendly White Elephant exchange.

Dressed: Some put socks in the dreaded holiday gift category but I feel just the opposite.  Socks are one of those things that I love having a new pair or but rarely treat myself to.  A set of Happy Socks are cheerful, unisex (when bought in the right patterns and colors) and a simple enough gift that pretty much any co-worker in a Secret Santa situation wouldn’t mind getting.

The Rest: A Family Gift Exchange can leave you wondering what on earth your Aunt and Uncle would actually want for under $50.  I love the idea of giving an activity instead of a tangible gift that may not be used.  Scour sites like Groupon or Living Social (where I found this wine tasting tour for two) for a voucher that can be redeemed on a number of flexible dates at a location in their area.  It’s the perfect thing that can be enjoyed at their convenience and will end up being far more memorable than a gift card to the mall.  

There was a lot of ‘firsts’ this weekend.  December 1st (and the first day of my diy advent calendar to be revealed later this week!), bought my first gift of the holiday season, officially have the keys to the first home the boy and I will share (not counting our very temporary furnished sublease), and completed our first home project together.  Oh and we’re celebrating 2 new jobs.  Phew.  December is going to be a good month.  

You know how some bloggers announce an engagement or pregnancy along with a disclaimer that the sole focus of their blogs will not get swept up into said wedding or baby?  Well, I move into the new townhouse on Saturday and I’m not sure I can fully promise you’re not going to be seeing a lot more home decor planning on this little site.

So I’m just crossing my fingers that you’ll enjoy the journey of my inspiration, projects, shopping stories, and final outcomes as much as I’ll enjoy sharing them.  First up – the bedroom.  Keeping in mind that we’re starting out pretty much from scratch in the new place, a bed to sleep in is pretty high on my list of decorating priorities.  I’m dreaming up a room that’s neutral, but with lots of cozy layered textures and a few metallic touches.  Thoughts?  The headboard, curtain rod, fabric and dresser are all upcoming planned DIYs – so stay tuned!  

(Calico Corners fabric; West Elm rod, curtain and duvet cover)
(Nordstrom pillow; Pottery Barn knobs)
(Zazzle moon prints; Ikea frames)