three ways: using an ottoman as a coffee table.

We have an ottoman instead of a coffee table. It's nice because - given the way our furniture is positioned - we can use to rest our feet on, Ruby can take a nap on it and we can even eat quick dinners on there. 

So while we love having an ottoman instead of a coffee table, it would be nice to have the leather version to avoid staining. And I wish it was large enough to be able to rest our feet on while holding a tray for decor and resting drinks on.

tip: Limit tray to 2-3 objects, making sure one is relatively heavy to weigh down the ottoman padding.

ottoman / gray vase / white vase / yellow tray / watercolor vase

ottoman / owl vase / planter / blanket / mercury glass jar / raffia tray

ottoman / ceramic bird / tealight holder / mirrored tray / it / unbored

outfit idea: violet tulip blouses and cutoffs.

In my exploration of Pantone's 2014 colors of the year, I've started to notice my initial need to pair these colors with something brighter. With this look, I decided to experiment with mixing casual and dressy components. The way to make it work was to find a shoe that blends the two together. And for some reason, this was a teal wedge. Can't explain why but if it ain't broke...

tip: Keep makeup natural when using bold colored accessories.

alexa chung / sandal / sunglasses / midi ring / blouse / shorts / bag

room idea: a dazzling blue bedroom.

Intrigued by the 2014 colors of the year, I thought it'd be fun to design a room around them. This week: dazzling blue. A bright - albeit loud - blue is a color that requires a lot of grounding to make work. 

For this look, I paired with white and tangerine. Focusing only on patterns, I was able to prevent this blue from overpowering the room and even added touches of natural stone and fibers to keep from feeling too modern.

tip:  Look to the color opposite the featured hue on the color wheel to tone down the space.

art / wall sconce / duvet cover / square pillow / rectangular pillow / side table / rug

trend alert: using a dresser as a nightstand.

Dressers as nightstands feel very trendy to me lately - especially as spaces get smaller and storage gets more and more important. A great place for storing bedding, lingerie, pajamas or even socks, using a dresser as a nightstand feels like it might just be my next move.

bed frame / pillow 1 / pillow 2 / pillow 3 / dresser / accent table / trinket tray / rattan vase / lamp

And some extra photos for inspiration. I'm really liking the painted dressers for an added pop of color paired with a mirror to make the dresser super functional.

georgiana design

liz marie blog

planete deco

rue on pinterest

outfit idea: combat boots and blouses.

I am on an all time, combat boot high. I wear them often. I wear them always. They go with skirts, shorts, jeans, leggings, dresses... It's the perfect accessory to make any outfit more casual and approachable. L. O. V. E.

necklace / blouse / combat boots / jeans / cardigan

room idea: boho bathroom decor.

Today I was in the mood for a crisp, fresh bathroom. No particular reason, just felt like pulling one together. To ground this space, I added some wooden elements meant to be placed on either side of the room. Mint is my new "it" color and I'm loving it paired with coral and chartreuse. 

tip: Replacing the mirror is one of the easiest ways to update your bathroom. So forget the lighting (if your budget needs you to) and find a mirror with personality.

mirror / shelf / soap dispenser / tumbler / shower curtain / sconce / bench / rug

happy environments: bathroom design

I saw this picture while sifting through Pinterest last night and thought it had the perfect sentiment for a Monday post.

print by jimmy marble

Yes it is, headless polka dot dress girl. Yes. It. Is.

After a couple of rough weeks, I'm ready to put the stress and frustration behind me, clear the head and get back to being my old self again. It is true that negative energy can get the best of you, no matter how positive you are. But it is also true that majority of that is picked up by your surrounding environments. Which is why I'm a firm believer of decorating around what makes you happy.

One of my favorite places to start is Urban Outfitters. The kings of kitsch, this place is chock full of odd accessories that always make me smile. Case and point: this mint green tripe decker shelf.

Isn't she lovely? Perfect for a bathroom, kitchen or bedroom vanity, this piece is the epitome of organization. Mixed with the geometric cutouts and paint job full of whimsy, this shelving unit is bound to turn your frown upside down. Here's how I would decorate with it.

recessed medicine cabinet for the not-so-cute bathroom products
bedroom dresser turned bathroom vanity to give it that lived in look
round white vessel sink so it looks more like a table top accessory
vintage looking jewelry holder for on top the dresser
colorful rug to pull in all the accessories
vintage japenese porcelain cups holding makeup brushes and tooth paste to accessorize the shelf


TIP: Check thrift stores and garage sales for the dresser and vintage porcelain cups. It's a quick way to slash your spending in half.

dress for success pulls through.

A couple weeks ago, I spent my lunch break searching through seas of blazers and slacks hoping to find something fantastic. And that I did - times eight.

I headed to 4th Street Boutique, a store opened to benefit the program Dress for Success. Originally opened to sell donated surplus and non-interview appropriate clothing, 4th Street Boutique quickly became a high end thrift store that continues to fund the Dress for Success program.

My first time there, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was told it was very hit or miss so I went in strictly to check out the setup and type of clothing available. Instead, I ended scooping up everything from silk blouses to a vintage suit for a grand total of $29.00. And, in celebration of the Dress for Success program, I put together a few eight outfits that feature my finds in true business casual form.

A geometric print brightens up a gray sweater vest/pencil skirt combo.

I LOVE the tie front and silky material. 

[blouse: 4th Street, vest: Forever21, skirt: Limited, shoes: Max Studio]

a cozy 3/4 sleeve sweater is the perfect cold weather garment to wear on bad weather days

[turtleneck: 4th Street, t-shirt: American Eagle, corduroys: Gap, shoes: Old Navy]

wool plaid jacket easily transitions summer dresses into fall

[jacket: 4th Street, dress: Urban Outfitters, shoes: Forever21]

cuffed wide-legged khaki trousers should be a staple in any wardrobe.

[trousers: 4th Street, blouse: Gap, sweater: Forever21, 

shoes: BCBG, flower pins: vintage, bird pin: Forever21]

words cannot express how adorable this outfit is. tailored pattern helps create curves.

[pencil skirt: 4th Street, blouse: Gap, sweater: Forever21, shoes: Max Studio]

the matching suit blazer dresses up jeans and a t-shirt for casual fridays.

[blazer: 4th Street, t-shirt: Gap, jeans: Gap, shoes: Max Studio]

this multi-colored blazer is the perfect 90's throw back. 

keep the look updated by mixing in simple patterns and modern silhouettes.

[blazer: 4th Street, t-shirt: Old Navy, necklace: Forever21, jeans: Gap, shoes: Max Studio]

the 3/4 sleeves on this rust blazer makes it appear boxy even though it's far from it. 

pair with polka dots to compliment its classic lines, adding

slouchy suede boots to modernize

[blazer: 4th Street, dress: Forever21, boots: DSW]

P.S. I had no idea how many articles of clothing I've picked up at Forever21 over the years. So many there was at least one thing in each ensemble! I think it's because the stuff is so dirt cheap I just can't say no. Next time however, I'm hoping to pay more attention to avoid a Forever21 overdose.

Happy Friday!

NOTE: This post was not sponsored by 4th Street Boutique or Dress for Success and is 100% my personal opinion.

Can't get enough: sunglasses

The sun is finally out! Which gives me the perfect reason to search for some sunglasses. Granted, I already have at least six pairs I can think of off the top of my head, a girl just can't have enough. And lately, I've been eyeing ones that are bright, retro and playful. I've figured out the basic shape that works best with my face (aside from aviators - those look good on anyone) and just continue to want more.

Now I haven't figured out how to justify the purchase of any of these as of yet, but my goal is to at least talk myself into buying a knock off version by the end of June. So far, the selection (and price) at Forever21 is winning but there are a pair at Target that I'm still thinking about (can't find a picture) from when I saw them back in April.

modcloth 

urban outfitters

anthropologie

forever21

michael kors via overstock.com

betsey johnson via 6pm

Crazy for pleats.

It seems as though every single piece that catches my eye has some sort of pleating to it. To me, pleats are the more casual, versatile version of lace that I apparently cannot get enough of (says my last 3 purchases). This classy detail can either add a touch of whimsy or structure depending on the fabric type. Lighter, more gauzy fabrics help create flowing lines and girlish silhouettes while thicker fabrics with a tighter weave offer a more polished, tailored effect.

Personally, my eyes head straight for tiny, cute, little gauzy pleats that fill the garment from head to toe and end up looking like a pattern with tons of texture. Like this Halston dress that I have been drooling over for what seems like forever now (the dress, not the shoes).

Saks Fifth Avenue

New to pleats? Stick with silhouettes you know flatter your figure (i.e. halter top with a-line skirt) and instead expirement with various sizes and shapes of the uniform folds. This way you can focus on the actual pleating instead of trying to figure out shape and detailing.

Not sure how to wear? To avoid looking too prim, proper and preppy, try balancing the ensemble with something that has more of an edge. For example, pair with black (or gold) lacquer leggings, a nubby vest, a beat-up leather jacket (try camel or cream!) or even a sweatshirt (as seen below). Similar to a home, mixing and matching different styles is a must to get that eclectic, effortless look that becomes simply your own.

Here are some of my (more affordable) faves.

modcloth (with gold leggings and heels)

anthropologie (sub the sash with a thick, woven belt)

gap (add a large, shiny ornate brooch)

lulu's (notice the belt and add a blazer)

zara's (sub the leather belt for a tassle belt)

urban outfitters (tuck into a tweed pencil skirt)

topshop (wear with that nubby vest!)

free people (maybe lace up boots?)

Cabin fever.

After a lovely long weekend in Tennessee, I returned home - my mind filled with wooden black bears and rustic rocking chairs.  While the house we stayed in was beautiful, the decor it seemed all of Tennessee was selling... was not. If done right, that "rustic cabin" trend that's out there can come across as naturally cozy, simple and lived-in without looking old, ragged or out-of-date. To accomplish this, opt for a few pieces of weathered furniture or accents mixed in with a variety of textures and more modern pieces. For example, pair a modern sofa with a mix of crocheted pillows and a faux fur rug. Rehab an old, weathered dresser into an entertainment center dressed with a flat-screen TV. Mix up your lamps between rod iron, sticks and lucite and frame more abstract artwork with weathered wood. By doing this, you are still able to get that comfortable, cozy feeling cabins are known for while keeping your space modern, streamlined and less like a scene from The Great Outdoors. Here are some great pieces you can incorporate into your existing space. Be sure to add 2-3 items throughout the room to keep the room feeling balanced.

MAKE IT: Look online to find crochet patterns for pillows to give your space a personalized touch (I found this at Michaels). Also, try making a rustic coffee table or any other accents as seen in this earlier post about object bis.

top to bottom: Rainbow Dogma, Rock Paper Scissors, EZMod Furniture, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Prints By Formed By Fire, Red Polly

Hook line and sinker.

Nothing screams "I'm home" like hanging up your coat after a long day at work. And lately, the coat hooks  seem to be getting cuter and cuter. Now, I've talked about the need to create an entryway in the past, and feel that one, two or all of these could be the perfect start. Try taking a more unconventional approach by pairing 3-5 different hooks in a single line or artistic composition on an empty wall by or across from the door. Choose similar styles or colors to make the look seem cohesive. Anthropologie has, by far, the most interesting and beautiful hooks and knobs I've seen to-date. For example, I chose white to be the primary theme with a bit of nature to bring the look together. I'd put the two branch hooks in between the three different looks to create a cohesive look. Experiment to find the right look for you.

left to right: anthropologie, urban outfitters, anthropologie, anthropologie

Find your inner coziness.

It actually feels like fall today. The air is crisp, the breeze is cool and I didn't need to run the A/C last night. Fall happens to be my favorite time of the year because along with the obvious (leaves, nice weather, new fashion) it's the time where you start bring out the blankets and cozy-ing up your home. The easiest way to do this is by adding softer textures to your space - whether it's through a blanket, sweater pillow or even a faux sheepskin rug. Take a look around your home and see what you already have that gives off that can't-wait-to-curl-up-with feeling. Then, assess what you may be missing - there should be 3-5 things (depending on size) placed throughout the room to introduce the new texture while still keeping the room looking balanced. Find cozy pieces in lighter colors to keep the room looking bright and accentuate the added texture.

Note: If you aren't a furry, fuzzy kind of person, focus more on adding warmer colors and layering patterns and solids. Also, introducing darker wooden accessories can help warm up a space just the same. The colors I've been gravitating toward recently include deep purples, olive greens and mustard.

Here are some of my faves to help start your search.

top to bottom: craiglist, urban outfitters, ikea, crate and barrel, cloud blanket photography

MAKE IT: Have a sweater you love but can't wear anymore? Or a sweater that has a pretty pattern - for a blanket. Then make it one! Or at least a pillow. Turn the sweater inside out and place the pillow inside. Pin the side and sew three sides (excluding the bottom hem of the sweater). Trim the three sides and place the pillow back in the sweater. Then, hand stitch the top of the pillow, for an interesting detail, create a flap with the left over bottom and secure with some buttons, ribbon or fringe. Also, try experimenting with an old cardigan - change out the buttons or add some felt flowers for added color and dimension.