Bright Baubles

Etsy is one of my go-to places for, well, um, everything, but we all know how many hours of sifting through pictures it takes just to find the one thing you like. I thought I would save you some time by introducing you to two of my new favorite shops. Plus, they both happen to be fellow Houstonians (which means faster delivery for me)!


You may have heard or seen Noble House Designs on some other blogs, because I notice them popping up frequently on sidebars. I checked them out to see what they've got to offer and discovered some good stuff, my friends. They specialize in brightly colored necklaces that range from the traditional to more off-beat. They remind me a little of Anthropologie necklaces, just a little more unique (and brighter). 

The other shop I found, ELMELM, is perfect for jumping on the neon trend without committing a lot of money. The pieces are reminiscent of Tom Binns, and they have a variety of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. I got a pair of earrings from here last week that I've already worn a couple of times. They're definitely bright, but super-lightweight and really fun for wearing out at night.

Seafoam and Coral

image from Rifle Paper Co | Image from JakandJil 

"Texas Summer" by Sally King Benedict | image from Vogue

Our guest room is painted a gorgeous seafoam green, which I have finally convinced my husband should stay. It makes me feel like I'm diving into a pint of mint chocolate chip ice cream, and I can only see this as a benefit for the interminable Texas summers. 

Pale green can veer dangerously into sticky sweet girly territory; so I'm drawing inspiration from bright colors to offset the green and worn-in furniture. Mainly because my husband insists we might have a male visitor at some point, and I'm not allowed to "girl" it up too much. So the next task involves convincing him coral is closer to orange than pink...

Style Icon

image from elle

image from pure people

image from tatler

image from harper's bazaar

image from vanessa jackman

image from plum pretty sugar

Mixing feminine and masculine aspects is one of those basic fashion rules we all take for granted. Leather jacket over a flowery, flowy dress...example numero uno. However, no one pulls off the English rose/tough girl/slightly bohemian look quite like Poppy Delevigne. Sure it helps that she's willowy, has legs longer than the London Bridge, and perfectly wavy platinum locks, but Poppy also looks like she's always having fun with clothes while still looking amazing. Because as we all know (and sometimes forget) having fun with fashion is rule #1. 

Change of Heart

image from domino

image from Vicente Wolf

image from apartment therapy

image from design crisis

image from Lonny

Growing up, my parents' house was very traditional. I'm talking early American antiques, oil paintings, silk pillows, tassels, and yes, oriental rugs. My entire teenage and adult life I have claimed that I would never, ever, ever get anything that even resembles an oriental rug. I walk right past the things in stores and cringe at the thought of putting one anywhere near one of my couches. Or I used to at least, but now those same oriental rugs are starting to grow on me. Now they seem more like a cheeky nod to tradition when they're in bright colors, paired with mid-century modern furniture, in a kids room, or in a kitchen. I'm not going to run out and buy one anytime soon, but I'm certainly seeing things in a new light. 

Emerson Fry

This past week, Emerson Made was re-launched with a new line of clothing under the name Emerson Fry. It's filled with some classic pieces with a definite '60's twist, basic shapes, preppy-chic shoes, and fun accessories. Emerson is so incredibly creative (and seems like fun too), and that farmhouse of hers in New Hampshire - just as cute. 

Take a peek at the new Emerson Fry, and there's quite a few more goodies here.

*Also, note for bargain hunters: You can buy the pieces from the EmersonMade line at a considerable discount on their website right now. I know I scored a shirt I'd been wanting for awhile at 50% off. Even if the Emerson Fry products are a little out of your price range, the EmersonMade pieces are worth a trip to their website!

Bossypants

I might be the last female in America to read this book, but just in case there's someone out there like me, here's my review. Bossypants is a memoir of sorts, but could also be considered a selection of short stories in chronological fashion. Tina Fey takes you through the more interesting parts of her childhood, college, and working life with short anecdotes that almost always carry a point.


If you're a fan of 30 Rock, then you'll probably be a fan of Bossypants. Tina Fey's writing style has that same witty, a little weird, and sharp style that the sitcom embraces. In addition, she offers great insight into our cultural psyche through individual experiences overlayed with humor. I found the middle of the book dragged out a bit, but this could be due to the fact that I was less interested in her rise through the ranks of comedy than I was in other parts. I can't say it was the motivational and life-changing feminist tome that some have claimed, but I did enjoy reading it and took away a some good points and quite a few laughs. 

Bright Pants

image from Glamour

image from Vogue

image from Glitter Guide

The official first day of Spring is right around the corner, and I'm going to embrace it with fresh flowers, open windows, and, you guessed it, bright pants. I've done all the legwork for you; so you too can embrace Spring with brightly-colored gams. What do you think? On board with colored pants or waiting for this trend to fade out?

J.Crew | Zara | Gap | J.Crew | Piperlime

Madwell | Zara | Shopbop | h&m | Old Navy

Faux Bamboo

In my head, these photos are instant alpha'd and laid out in an intriguing, yet well-organized arrangement. The harsh reality is that my editing skills are not up to par, but let's pretend, shall we?


I am always on the hunt for a deal, whether it's in fashion or home decor, which leads to countless hours in thrift stores, antique shops, on etsy, and ebay. In fact, I looked four years before I found my favorite bamboo chippendale chairs, because I wasn't willing to pay more than $100 a chair. I love the look of a touch of faux bamboo Palm Beach/Hollywood Regency style (just a touch); so I'm a big fan of individual pieces. My recent etsy wanderings have found some pretty good items:

dresser from ShopProper

bookshelf from GreatTasteNoSpace

mirror from NehiandZotz

side tables from LIVvintage (one of my favorite stores that always has reasonably priced items)

mirror from JulesVernonVintage

Not such a steal price wise but amazing nonetheless:

chandelier from duchessfare

My big tips for finding good items are to look everywhere, look often, and to try and have an open mind about what you're looking for. Searching with a rough idea in mind instead of an actual object gives you a lot better chance of finding a deal. Any tips you have?

Denim Obsession

perfection in a jean can be purchased here

The DVF + Current/Elliott collaboration has definitely got my attention. I'll take one in each and every color, please and thank you.

P.S. Happy weekend friends! Any big plans? We will be painting our newly remodeled kitchen. Then cooking, a lot, because I may never leave the kitchen ever again. 

Virtual Vacation

image from Meg Braff Interiors

image from Lily Pulitzer

image from Meg Braff Interiors

I'm always on the hunt for my next vacation spot, and I'm trying to hit up US destinations that I haven't seen yet. Last year, I made it to some great places like Napa and Savannah, but my list this year has a lot more locales south of the Mason-Dixon. One of those at the top of my list: Palm Beach. 

I follow @thelovelist on Instagram, and her pictures have convinced me Palm Beach is a must-visit destination. I envision bright tunics, chinoiserie, perfectly coiffed hair, and laying out with Pucci beach towels. My version might be a little less 2012 and a little more 1960s a la Slim Aarons, but imagining slipping on a bright dress, picking up an orange clutch, and lounging on a chaise with a cocktail in hand is helping me make it to the weekend. Join me, won't you?

table from Layla Grace | chaise from Furbish | necklace from Bauble Bar | 
dress from Shopbop | candelabra from Design Darling | 
painting from Sally King Benedict | shoes from Lord and Taylor | clutch from Netaporter

On My Wishlist...

...Boston Functional Library Lights

image from Martha Stewart Living

image from domino magazine

image from Urban Grace Interiors

image from House Beautiful

These bent-armed lights make the room and somehow remind me of The Magic Toaster (obscure reference...anyone?). I love them in brass, nickel, or black, and they work in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, over bookcases...you name the place, I'll figure out a way to put one there. Plus, they add a little masculine punch. Of course, something this good-looking doesn't come cheap; so start saving your pennies to get one at Circa Lighting or Visual Comfort Lighting Source. 

Style Icon(s)

image from Pinterest (Hated to to do this, but I couldn't find the source. Anyone?)

image from Piece of Toast

image from They All Hate Us

image from Olsens Anonymous

image from Olsens Anonymous

image from Serendipity tumblr

Whether laid-back boho or button-upped lady who lunches, the teeny tiny Olsen twins know how to dress. They have certainly moved on from their bag lady extra-large clothes of yesteryear and emerged as style icons. I lean more towards Ashley's more classic style, but Mary Kate's bold looks are trying to lure me in the other direction. 

Bookcase Styling

No matter how many blog posts I read or images I pin on Pinterest, my bookcase styling continues to disappoint. My husband can attest that nothing in our home receives more attention than the bookcases in the front of our house, which are in the habit of being arranged and re-arranged if not on a daily, at least a bi-weekly basis. My favorite bookcases are those that look collected, arranged on a whim, and give you a glimpse of the inner-workings of their owner. So, here are a few tips I'm working on to give my bookcases some semblance of style. 


Displaying personal items and photographs collected via travel, passed down from family members, or scooped up in vintage stores or etsy and making sure these items don't take center stage but blend seamlessly with books. 

image from Lonny

Varying the height of shelves, incorporating great art, and including some fun, less personal objects for color and to tone down the seriousness of the shelves. 

image from Amber Interiors

Laying my ever-growing collection of books every which way and letting books serve as bookends.

image from Shelter Interior Design

Placing objects in front of those books whose spines are not-so-attractive.

image from Better Homes and Gardens

I know there are some secret stylists lurking out there - do tell me, what are your bookshelf styling tips?