Textured Entryway

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One corner of the house that is super fun to style is the entryway. You want this area to be spot-on since it's the first impression you will make on your guests. It's also the first space you will see when you come home each day, so you want it to be happy and playful but also functional (i.e. a place to toss your keys or the mail). 

For this area, I'm personally drawn to soft tones, lots of lush plant life (give me those planters!), and great pieces of artwork/mirrors. For decorative items, pick pieces that are personal to you and that also represent who you are. I love Herend figurines and interesting bookends, so I included both above. 

Lighting is important and depends on your space, but if your recessed lighting isn't enough, always add a table lamp. Scratch that - always, always add a table lamp no matter what your lighting situation is…it balances out the table.

Lastly, personal photos make your house a home. I love the above frame with a wedding invitation on one side, and a favorite snap from the big day on the other. Including family, friends, and loved ones will bring happiness to your space.

.E

Basic Witch

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Halloween is my very favorite holiday. I love it more than Christmas, more than Thanksgiving, more than anything. There's just something really fun and exciting about this time of year. In many ways, the Fall feels like a re-boot. A chance to take a deep breath and start fresh however that may apply to your life. It's very hard not to be basic when it comes to this time of year, so I say embrace it. And that includes Halloween. Above are some of my very basic bwitch favorites. 

Happy Haunting!

.E

Wishfully 10.28.15

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This weeks list found above. 

How cute is that tray for some morning coffee/tea? It's the little details that brighten my day.

Really lusting over the Eliza J faux fur coat (comes in other cute colors as well), and bumped the Ferragamo Varina flats to the top of my wish list (all of the colors are beautiful but loving the classic black). 

Those navy suede Louboutins have the most amazing cut to them. Can you picture them on your feet? Their shape is really striking. 

And lastly, those leopard low-cut loafers are insane. I love how different they are from the typical leopard bootie that we see everywhere.

 It's so interesting how much of a shoe person I have become over the last 10 or so years. I have always liked shoes, but have noticed this is definitely where I spend most of my money (bordering on addiction). J makes me promise to follow the "one in, one out" rule but I usually find a work-around ;)

Happy Wednesday!

.E

Rose Lane

For the past year or so I have been super into floral prints, particularly bold rose patterns. The rose is definitely not my favorite flower (I love dahlias and calla lilies) but I do love it in print and scent. 

Being a terrified flyer I tend to have many a few drinks pre-flight. On a recent trip while waiting to board our connecting flight, I excused myself to "go to the ladies room" which really meant I was going to explore the duty free shopping with my little buzz I had going on. I stumbled upon a Jo Malone store and spent probably 45 minutes visiting all of my favorite perfumes and candles. I had used the Red Roses body & hand wash a long time ago on another vacation, and forgot how amazing it smells. Needless to say a perfume and jar of Red Roses body cream came home with me that day in the airport and I have been wearing it on repeat lately.

Other favorites include that Kate Spade china (love), the pink rose notebook for keeping lists and plans, and the Dior Creme De Rose lip balm (wanting to try).

.E

Our Wedding 10.25.14

Just wanted to pop in to share some of our wedding day photos from one year ago today! We were married on a perfect Fall day in Nantucket, Massachusetts, and it was 100% one of the happiest days of my life. 

The first year of marriage has absolutely flown by, but it was such a great one!! I am so thankful for J and all of the happiness he has brought to my life. We're going to spend the rest of the day enjoying these memories and eating the (frozen) top layer of our wedding cake. J is not psyched about the cake part.

.E

My Flowers

The Sweetest Wedding Gift From J

J's Custom Tux

Little Details

Just Married!

Brant Point Lighthouse 

Brant Point

Shooting in Town

Just after we were married

With my sister

Love this shot

My Family

The most wonderful wedding party

This is one of my very favorite photos with our piper right after we were married <3

Geo Den

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Lately I can't get enough of the chaise lounge chair. I think it's a fun add-on to a great den area. If family and entertaining are your main concern, you can get this look with a sectional sofa that has the one chaise lounge side, giving you a more functional and ample seating situation. 

The vision behind this room design was that I wanted to create a warm space with great light, where one could cozy up by the fire with a glass of red wine (loving Meiomi Pinot Noir right now- thanks, Dev!), favorite friend (fur baby, Bug - duh, hers is ma best friend - that's just her doing her model thing for LivingSocial) and a great throw back movie (not to be basic, but Hocus Pocus is my favorite movie…like of all time…). But then I also wanted the space to be versatile enough to be a great area to curl up on a Sunday morning with a stack of monthly mags and a cup of tea/coffee/(mimosa?). This room really took me there on both accounts.

.E

Under The Sea Dining

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File this one away under 'navy addiction'. I created this dreamy dining space to include navy grass cloth walls, gilded seafaring accents, and a sleek, modern dining set with gold trim details.

This room is not just for your beach house. In fact I actually designed it with the vision of a high-end New York City apartment in mind. It's great to add unexpected decorative touches that create a play on an otherwise assumed look. The key is to pick one or two 'themed' details that don't take the whole vision overboard. The three-piece octopus art work would be an obvious choice in your house by the sea, but surprise people by adding it in your downtown apartment or suburban home.

.E 

Camel Crush

Happy Hump Day! 

Remember when you were younger and thought the color brown was gross? Remember when it was THE biggest fashion faux pas to mix your browns with your blacks? And remember how much you insisted on only wearing bright colors (there may or may not have been an actual fight between my friends regarding who "owned the color pink"). 

I do.

Fast forward 20 some years and you can throw all of that out the window. In my closet browns, especially camel, run the show. And I will never stop paring them with black (neutral heaven). 

Camel is such a warm & buttery shade and looks amazing with all of your other basics (navy, ivory, black etc), but surprisingly it also works perfectly alongside the unexpected like a soft pink or pastel blue. The shoe is the basic & obvious place to start, but this season I am obsessed with the camel turtleneck sweater. 

I remember my mom literally could not pay me enough to happily wear a turtleneck. Maybe it was because it was part of my everyday school uniform, or maybe it was because I was scarred/mortified having to wear it under every Halloween costume until I was about 13 years old (I'm sorry but a starched white cotton turtleneck does not a little mermaid make).

Now however, I am addicted to the turtleneck and can't fill up my closet fast enough! My favorite right now is super affordable and can be found here…in camel. It has such a great fit and is not at all itchy. Some other great camel turtleneck finds are here here and here.

Sincerely,

A camel & turtleneck convert

.E

Bedroom Vignette

You guys:

I am so head over heals in love with those Kate Spade bow sconces. Like, need them in my life right this second. So much so I wanted to build a serene bedroom vignette around them, and that is how the above came alive. Those bedside tables reallllly speak to me and from there, I decided to run with brass/copper details throughout. I think a copper julep cup is a fun twist on the regular silver plated version. I also included the Pottery Barn pocket watch clock that we have, but showed it in the brass color (we have the polished nickel finish which I love). Lastly I threw in some pheasant feathers, a stack of pretty books, some fresh cut flowers, and the bedside water carafe that I am obsessed with. Finished up with a large patterned area rug that mirrors the color scheme and details throughout
and voilà!

Enjoy

.E

Blue Bell

Across the board blue is a big time favorite of mine. The hue looks good on just about anyone and works well in almost any room in the house. Though blue traditionally signifies "boy" I think women have adopted blue as one of their own, and have found ways to put a great feminine twist on the color (as shown above). My favorites on the spectrum include cobalt, navy (my favorite color), and soft baby blue shades. I'm currently thinking about purchasing that cornflower blue puffer vest which is on sale for $60 (steal). I also own the above William Sonoma Home ginger jar and it is such an amazing statement piece (it's huge). J and I have been eying the Crosley record player for a while now (great price), and while it comes in an array of colors, I think the navy version will be the one.

Are you a blue hue kind of gal?

.E

Currently Inspired By…

If I haven't started annoying you with my multiple rants about neutrals, and you are still reading, then the fun is not over yet. All day every day I keep sidebar lists in my email of things I want to buy (wishfully series) but also things that are just inspiring me lately. So it's no surprise that when I took a look back at the clippings I was capturing over this past week, they made a pretty little pallet of warm toned neutrals. 

Lets start with the booties. Typically I go for a flat bootie, but something about that western-style detail on those Sam Edelman boots really has me swooning. Get them on sale here!

Then there are the leopard booties. These hold a piece of my heart ever since J-Crew came out with the most perfect pair. I hesitated and in an instant, they were gone ugh worst. These (again from Sam Edelman…I think I have a designer crush) are so perfect for your fall/winter outfits. Slip your skinnies in and throw on a chunky knit and you're done.

Next up, that horn tray. This little piece of design heaven is literally $26. Did you hear me? Twenty.Six.Dollars. I think the piece speaks for itself, but I love the swirl to the pattern and I'm obsessed over how well it works with both a feminine and masculine style. This pretty little is crossing over to my wish list for sure.

I have become obsessed with trophy vases for arranging flowers. It all started when I stumbled across these. How awesome are they?  So sad that they are sold out (again I hesitated on the buy…ugh) but I imagine this could be one of the easiest DIY projects out there. Definitely feeling the trophy vase for the fall/winter months.

Metallic Nails: If you saw my post on metallic footwear, then you know where I stand on that. But loving the idea of metallic nails this season as well. My question: How? Where? Tell me!

Decided I need a pair of black velvet pants this holiday season. This may be a long search however (a la the camel coat) because there are a lottttt of hideous velvet pants out there and they must be tailored and cut just right for this to work. Definitely want an ankle crop to them and definitely want a skinny fit. Will share if I find the dream pair!

In addition to fringe (which is everywhere right now) I love feather detailing as seen in the above shell top (someone give me that to pair with my dream velvet pants). The faux fur vest is still popping up everywhere, but to mix it up a little, try this feather version from Club Monaco!

Bobbi Brown shimmer bricks are one of the best products from her line. They can be used on the eyes, on the cheeks, for strobing etc. Ive had the rose colored brick for ages now but verrrry interested in this "beige" brick.

The Hermes clutch…That is all.

Saved the best for last. I need this piece of art in my life. This is actually a photograph printed on canvas and comes from a local photographer that I discovered on our last lake trip in Upstate New York.  I am obsessed with the light in this picture and need it framed and hung with a picture light above STAT.

What is currently inspiring you? Have a great weekend!

.E

Wishfully 10.15.15

This weeks installment of my wish list items above. Enjoy! 

Eliza J is my new go-to line for all of the weddings we have been attending this year. I wore this to a recent DC wedding, and will be wearing that jeweled black crop top (above) paired with a black ball skirt to another one that we have this weekend in Philadelphia (can't wait Katie H!!) 

Loving those bold pops of cobalt blue. How cute are the little fur pom pom key chains (clip one on your purse of the moment for some added fun!)

This year on January 2nd I decided to chop some serious inches off of my hair for a sort of 'reboot'. My hair is definitely much healthier since I took the plunge into the world of the "lob" (long bob….I hate the term "bob" btw) but now it's starting to fall a little flat since it's all one length. I have spent years of my life (pathetic) mastering the blowout, and now I feel like some face framing layers might kick it up a notch.

For someone who is always trying to grow her hair, I was recently tipped off and told to start using the Kerastase Initialiste advanced scalp treatment. They do say in order to grow amazing hair, you have to have a very healthy scalp so I am thinking about trying this to get to the root (pun intended) of the problem.

Google that honey bronze shimmering dry oil and check out the before and after pictures…This might do just the trick in the up coming frigid winter months (I still go bare legs in the winter sometimes).

LOVING that cute kiss face tee from Nordstroms and it is a steal at just $24. Cute for lounging around or while at the gym.

Also coveting those grey nikes but cannot for the life of me find that exact pair for sale anywhere…. I have this pair but must.find.the.grey.pair!!

What are you currently wishing for?

.E

Cause I Don't Shine If You Don't Shine

I don't think I will ever get sick of shiny metallic footwear. Shoes are a great place in your wardrobe to have a little fun. The day I bought those rose gold metallic oxfords from J-Crew (center picture) I was literally stopped maybe 7 times so people could ask where I got them from. They are definitely a little on the daring side, and maybe not everyone's taste, but  if you want to just dip a toe in this trend, buy your hunter boots in that fun metallic silver. They blend really well with neutral outfits and since they are just your rain boots, you won't be wearing them every week.

Above are some other favorite metallic foot-finds!

.E

Girly Brunch

I'm not typically a big pink girl (I lean more towards ivory, champagne, camel, grey etc) but sometimes it's fun to be super feminine and frilly and pile on the cotton candy, bubbly pink hues. No better time to do so than a saturday morning girls brunch. Mixing all different punches and shades is a very big 'do', and in this case, pretty much anything goes. Checklist includes flower overload, bottles of rose, cupcakes, cookies, macaroons, bows, stripes, and fun delicate finger foods. Work in shades of cream, touches of gold and your best gal pals and you've got your morning set for you!

Bonus: Have you guys ever heard of Cake Pulls? This is a fun southern tradition where small charms attached to colorful ribbons are placed into the top layer of the cake under the icing (ribbons hang out). Each charm has a special meaning and one by one each friend gets to pull a charm from the cake determining their fortune. You can order the charms online and have your local bakery place them in an ordered cake for you. It is really fun to do with friends!

.E

Fall Entertaining Must Haves

A list of favorites when playing hostess this Fall!  Loving the rustic vibe and muted tones mixed with bright gold details. 

Have you guys been seeing marquee signs everywhere? I think a small touch like the light up "BAR" sign leaned up against your display on one of your bar shelves is the cutest touch to bring out when hosting some girlfriends or a fun cocktail party. It doesn't have to live there permanently, but it's a fun add-on to get your party going!

I am also loving the zip code doormats from William Sonoma. We registered for one for our wedding that says "Knighton" which I love. I also think this fun play on the traditional doormat is so cute! 

Lastly, those salt cellars…I have been wanting to DIY these for over a year now. So much so, last November at my friend Whitney's wedding I was literally collecting discarded oyster shells from her (amazingly gorgeous) rustic rehearsal dinner down in Palmetto Bluff, SC. I still have them and just need to find a moment to paint the insides gold and put them on display. SO EASY!!

What are your fall entertaining must haves?

.E

Wishfully 10.8.15

This was supposed to go live yesterday (womp womp) but I spent most of the day volunteering at a local soup kitchen and the whole day got away from me! Definitely time well spent, but I hate to miss a post! 

Above is the weekly wish list - you know the drill… Looks like I'll be needing an ivory fringe sweater this season and a great buffalo check shirt (goes with almost everything!). 

Also those shoes haunt me. I spent hours (literally hours) trying to track down who they were made by (Joe's Jeans - so random) and finally figured out they are the Baylee Ankle Cuff Pump. After alllllll that work, I was seriously disappointed to find out they are sold out everywhere. I saw that they had made their way to Nordstrom Rack (where they also showed as sold out online) so I went to my local store to stalk…no luck. If anyone has any tips on finding these uh-may-zing shoes pleeeeaasssseee tell meeeee! 

.E

Pillow Talk

One of my favorite ways to transition a room through the seasons is to keep a neutral base (i.e. couch, bed, area rug etc), then change out the room accessories. Throw pillows are a super simple way to accomplish this task. Above are 5 pillow sets that all would look good with a neutral ivory or beige couch/chair/bed but give the room a different feeling depending on the season. These sets are pretty self-explanatory as to which time of year they belong to, but lets do a quick break down:

Winter: Go (faux) fur, leather, and holiday plaid

Spring: Go soft, cool-tone pastels, bird prints, light neutrals, lighter fabrics

Summer: Go bold blue and white, bright colors, seaside prints

Fall: Go kilim print, woven canvas, warmer neutrals (mustard, grays, deep reds)

Which set is your favorite?

Pattern Play

I have one of my best friend's weddings this coming weekend (Caroline - can't wait!!) and need a fun pair of pants for some of the pre-wedding festivities. I often find myself attending events where the dress code calls for casual, but dressier than a sweater and jeans (also mine all have holes in them- on the hunt for a new pair sans holes). 

This is where patterned pants come into play. Casual enough for the office but fun enough for after work drinks or lunch with your friends on the weekend. I was majorly committed to the J-Crew Minnie pant for years which was a similar cut (stick with a tailored ankle length cut) and came in fun colors, but they never really took it to the next level with different patterns and textures. 

Tory Burch does a lot with patterned pants (as you can see above) another great place to look (if you don't want to make too serious of an investment) is Old Navy (the above leopard pair), Banana Republic, and randomly Tommy Hilfiger (that plaid pair is calling my name). Also try Anthro, Ann Taylor, or Nordstrom.

Make sure to keep your top neutral and basic (black is always a good idea) and pair with heels or a classic flat.

.E

(Faux) Fur Real

Lets talk off duty model, super chic, extra cozy and animal friendly fashion: The faux fur coat/vest. 

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A very cool piece for the fall/winter that will take your outfit to the next level, but that comes with a few rules:

Personally I suggest staying within the neutral family (I am a broken record, I know) but I do feel good tip-toeing outside of it with that deep blue version (I LOVE that one). 

Be sure to pick pieces where the fur lays a little flatter to avoid looking like you've gained 15 lbs. 

And lastly, keep your bottom half dark and simple (best paired with dark or black skinny jeans and an ankle boot/pair of heels with clean, simple lines.

Have you added any fur babies to your wardrobe?

.E

Get To Know

It's been a long time since I've done a "Get to know" post. Here are some recent answers and some of my current favorites!

Leave your answers in the comment section below!

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Favorite Flower: Dahlia

Favorite Cocktail: Glass of Domaine Chandon Rosé

Favorite Non-Alcoholic Drink: Water with a lemon (I drink SO much water)

Favorite Animal: Dogs (but I think skunks are so cute!)

Favorite Hobby: Photography

Favorite City: London England

Favorite Season: Fall! Fall! Fall!

Favorite Gift You've Ever Recieved: My Puppy, Bug. She arrived on Christmas Eve 4 years ago

Last Thing You Purchased: A black light weight turtleneck sweater for Fall (goes with everything)

Favorite Food: Currently it's the Indian Dish Murg Makhani (aka: Butter Chicken) but if I could eat bagels and cream cheese every day I would

Instagram or Facebook: No question, Instagram

Next Place You Want to Travel: Ireland!

Cooking or Baking: Baking 100% - I made chocolate chip muffins from scratch last week

Favorite Color: Navy, Ivory, and all Warm Neutrals (camel/champagne etc)

Favorite Accessory: Hats - I have a massive collection of hats

Guilty Pleasure: Weekly Manicures and Starbucks Iced Coffee with Two Pumps of Vanilla