Showing posts with label twelve days of christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label twelve days of christmas. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

twelve days of christmas: day ten

I am currently head over heels O-B-S-E-S-S-E-D with turkish decor right now. A drooling, oohing, awwing MESS about it. The colors are amazing, the patterns impeccable and the tassels complimentary to almost any interior space. And, after typing "turkish" in the pinterest search bar, I saw just how many other folks shared the same fetish.

To apply, it looks like you just keep the color palette simple and complimentary, the patterns either striped or of a similar variation and mix with a blend rustic and natural accessories. I must, must, MUST get me some of this STAT.







twelve days of christmas: day nine

After flipping through the 3 channels I have, Jim and I came across the Nutcracker Ballet on the CET Arts Channel (48-3 for those like me without cable). We tuned in as the sugar plum fairies were doing their thing and, while Jim took that as his cue to leave, I was absolutely mesmerized. It ended up being a broadcast of the New York City Ballet's Nutcracker from who knows how long ago but it was absolutely spectacular.

The backdrop had these gorgeous deep plum tones mixed with a hot coral, golds, teals and kelly greens. The costumes were then filled with what seemed like pale, iridescent greens, muted shades of pink and coral, golds and metallics that looked STUH-NING against such a vibrant backdrop. On top of this, the Sugar Plum Queen balanced the subtle colors with this totally structured tutu that was out of this world.

I scrounged the interwebs and these are all the photos I could find.


ala ny tix



Then I thought, how could you take inspiration from these colors and these shapes for the home? Check it out.





Sunday, December 18, 2011

twelve days of christmas: day eight


On the eighth day of christmas, my true love gave to me...

Eight pretty photos.

With the dollhouse pretty much done, I'm finally able to get back to making updates to my little, rented apartment. While it was fun wishing and dreaming and making and faking, it's time to get back to the reality of my 1960's shotgun-style digs and it needing some serious TLC. I know it will never get to the point of being perfect (hello, pink and teal bathroom tile), but I at least want to try and make it as pretty as it can be until I figure out my next move.

So I turn my attention back to the breakfast-nook-turned-workspace. I've adapted the layout so it's way, way, WAY more functional (posted about here) but now sits a lot of blank, white walls. To breathe some life into the tiny, little workspace, I've decided to both purchase and make the featured artwork so the space looks layered, eclectic and full of inspiration. Here are eight (yes, eight) photos that would be perfect for the space.









All I want-to-purchase artwork from 20x200 because I love that site. All artwork I-want-to-reinterpret from pinterest.

The Rest of the Bunch

Saturday, December 17, 2011

twelve days of christmas: day seven

Coming to you a little late but I think it's worth it. And, don't fret, I'll be posting day eight later on today.


On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Seven fashion must-haves.

These can be taken as either present ideas for someone else, or present ideas for yourself. Either way these are what I consider the essentials for every winter wardrobe. And no, there aren't any little black dresses, leggings, cardigans, white oxfords or tagless tees included. You should know better then to not have these in your closet at all times.

1. sweater vest
I am a little out of control about vests. I actually try to wear one with every single outfit I put together. They're great for adding layer without added bulk, add some serious prep to an ensemble and are generally flattering on all shapes and sizes. A sweater vest keeps things cozy for the winter and looks great when paired with a blazer for extra warmth.


2. colored jeans
Colored jeans are quickly becoming the new dark denim. Red, purple, bright blue or green, just pair these bad boys with neutral colored (try pattern) top, maybe a blazer and some rocking shoes.

3. pencil skirt
This is just one of those skirts that looks good on virtually anyone. The great part about them is they're meant to compliment a woman's natural curves, so the bigger the hips, the better the silhouette. Working in corporate america, this is truly a staple in my closet and I've found the Limited to be the place with the best variety. They also have this pleated skirt that I'm crushing BIG TIME on.


4. sparkly top
I'm not saying you have to look like a disco ball and have tons of sequins. Just that every girl needs a little sparkle in her life. And, with winter clothes often thick, snuggly and sometimes even rustic, a little shine helps break up the softness.

5. plaid shirt
Plaid has taken on a life of its own these days and it's not exactly a bad thing. Classic, timeless and full of variety, plaid shirts should be treated exactly like you would a white oxford shirt - wear with anything and everything. Pair with jeans, a faux fur vest and some moccasins for casual wear, a pencil skirt and textured tights for work or even a sequins mini for a night out on the town. I've even gone so far as to pair with a patterned sweater and colored cords!



6. ski sweater
Really, any sweater with an interesting, more nordic styled pattern. You can wear them with leggings, pair with some colored cords and look cozy and fashionable at the same time.

7. floral dress
I love the juxtaposition between seeing bare trees and wearing bright florals. As long as the base of the dress is dark and muted, a floral dress is the perfect winter wardrobe option.




BONUS!!!

For being a little late on the post, here are seven shoe essentials to perfect every outfit.

1. nude heels
Nude heels are the entire female gender's best friend. They do nothing but good things for us. They elongate our legs, they match anything and everything, they're just the best. For those that don't have a pair just yet (I have two) stop what you're doing and buy a pair immediately.




2. colored flats
Mustard, red, bright blue or patterned, these will dress up even the casualest of outfits - making you look pulled together, fun and even a little quirky.
[dsw]

3. chuck taylors
I love these things but really, any classic tennis show will do. These should be used for running errands, watching Thursday night football or grabbing some grub with your lady friends.


4. suede booties
I'm not going to lie, there are TONS of different ways you can take this option. Lace ups (shown below), buckles, zip ups... you name it, and there's a bootie out there like it. The reason for getting a bootie is because they are a little dressier than a high boot without looking like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. They're a little more modern, a little more flattering and a lot better of a statement. For those with long legs, I hate you and you can wear whatever ones your little heart desires. For those of us that are vertically challenged, look for pairs where the tops is cut at an angle. The lower, angled top will help elongate your leg and prevent the shoe from becoming your worst enemy.


5. leather flat heeled boots
Stylish and practical, these should be your comfortable option that goes with almost everything you own. Don't know what to wear and it's cold out? Throws these puppies on.


6. metallic mid heel
A more modest approach to the shiny option we all can't resist. The smaller heel can take these from night to day and the color is neutral enough to wear with just about anything.

 7. wildcard
In every shoe collection, you have to throw in a wild card. These should be your go-to shoes if you want to spice up your outfit because they are guaranteed to make you feel H-O-T. I've been really feeling some leopard print these days but this shoe should really be whatever excites your little eyeballs and makes you stand just a little taller than you normally would. You should need to work those shoes and nothing should stand in your way when you have them on. Get 'em gurl...



The Rest of the Bunch
twelve days of christmas: day DOLLHOUSE
twelve days of christmas: day five
twelve days of christmas: day four
twelve days of christmas: day three
twelve days of christmas: day two
twelve days of christmas: day one

Thursday, December 15, 2011

twelve days of christmas: day DOLLHOUSE

There are two ways to finish a project: 1) on time or 2) 100% complete. Why is it I can never do either on anything?!?! At least 6 weeks of full blown mayhem, well over 100 hours of making teeny tiny everythings and at least 3 new wrinkles I know I'll never be able to smooth out. And still, the outside isn't painted and the poor teeny, tiny family that lives there has no light or pillow throughout the entire space. None. Not even a cut out lamp or a square piece of fabric. It kind of makes me want to cry.

Personally, I blame the fact that I'm a die hard perfectionist and master of all of the details. I will spend 2 hours painting teeny tiny plates white vs. dubbing them as "good enough" and leaving them the way they were donated to me. It will take me 5 different tries to make the stairs exactly the way I want them before I'm finally satisfied and can move on to the next task. I have made over 15 trips to Michaels and JoAnns in search of the perfect building material, scrap booking paper and/or fabric! I am my own worst enemy.

Nonetheless, I'm extremely happy with what did get finished. Actually, I think it looks like the bomb (that's right, still keeping that phrase alive) and I'm pretty impressed with my handy work. And, to make a silver lining out of the above rant, if the challenge does become more than just a challenge, I can "easily" make some overhead lighting, lamps, pillows and a shower curtain, finish the baseboards and actually paint the outside of the house and add some Italiante detailing and crown molding. Heck, I'll even make a covered porch in the front if I have to. With little rockers. And a hanging planter. Whatevs.

So now (in my best Michael Buffer voice), welcome to the main event. The moment you've all been waiting for. A contender in Emily Henderson's I'm a Giant Dollhouse Challenge. Set to compete with the likes of Simply Grove. The Brick House. Little Green Notebook. Go Haus Go. And over 50. Other. Challengers . Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to present....

NNEEEEELLY!

Just kidding.

Here's my house :)
















Special thanks to: All my lady friends that have given me nothing but support, endless amounts of love and their best cheerleading impressions. Jim and Ruby for enduring many attention-less nights, a couple mini meltdowns and non-stop dollhouse mania (Jim, I thank you for staying with me and Ruby, I appreciate you not running away). My Mom and Aunt Ronnie for their gracious shadowbox figurine donations and regular ego boosts. My Dad for sawing off some legs to make me a coffee table. Jim's family for their excitement and feel good compliments. Jackie for volunteering to help make an HGTV room. And all those that have commented on, followed, critiqued and patted me on the back along the way.