Homey Things

Seven months later, and I'm resurfacing. At least I have something to show for... our new home! We literally spent 2-3 months painting every single room (except the sunroom), after work every night, every weekend... And then I've spent even more time on my little decorative touches. So allow me to give you a little 'before and after' tour of my favorite things. Shall we?

Wish I could take credit for the outside-of-the-house painting, but I just can't. However, I can say we were inspired here by Reynolda Village in our color scheme of painted white brick/etc. and "Reynolda green shutters" as we told the painters. New grey roof, new lamp post & flowers, and a lot of uprooting shrubbery and replacing. Not too shrubby eh? See what I did there... you know you've missed my puns!

From a silver, metallic mirror from Target to a Dove White (Benajamin Moore) and Grant Beige (Benjamin Moore) Chevron mirror... ended up being a lot more difficult than I guessed due to the rounded frame (not flat and thus not easy to measure a straight line!). It isn't perfect, but I still love it.

Who knew that three, browned and wilted flowers inside of scratched, wooden frames could have such potential? New white paint, a background pattern inspired by cococozy featuring green elephants inspired by Jonathan Adler... voila!

The Living Room. Not sure if you can tell very well from these photos (I think I need to revert back to the non-iPhone photos and invest in a dynamite camera)... but I used Revere Pewter (also BM) on the walls which is just the best grey that has ever been invented. We're still working on our wall art here, but blue & grey is the color scheme and these fun pillows are Joss & Main babies.

Really not sure why I keep including the "before" and "after" disclaimers but I guess I can't trust you guys to know which one looks better. Here I demonstrate the blinding peach-salmon color I originally had to deal with in not only the entryway but the dining room (to the left in this pic). In the "before" pic, you get an idea based on the lighter wood floor discoloration of where we had a random chimney enclosed within an outer wall that made the entryway a little funky to navigate. So it was blasted right out of there! Now it makes for a much more open double entryway with walls which I have taken upon a quatrefoil print all by my lonesome... took about a month. You can sort of see it at the top of the doors in the above right pic, and two others below.

Aside from wall decor, here's another mirror I painted that adds a little pop of blue in contrast with a recent favorite purchase: coral picture frame by Cynthia Rowley.

The best for last. The den. This room by far took the longest. From layer upon layer of white to eventually get rid of the awful mustard yellow and very pessimistic green combination (smh), to the entire wall of shelves and cabinets not shown here, replacing and painting new doors+windows, and lastly the fireplace which I'll admit we "put our hands in the aiiir and said 'show us something'" (shoutout to Rihanna) to the painters who finished that job...we love this room the most. Obsessed with the green chair that was recovered and these green pillows as well (via Joss & Main). Also not shown are matching green window cushions on the shelf-cabinet wall. The significant other naturally finds our new flat screen TV to be the most beautiful piece of "art" here.

More to come, I am sure, but not just of my art projects. I'm getting back into the BLING of things and am excited to share some Winston gems I've stumbled across as of late. Stay tuned! xx

The French & Skirts

I finally paid a long overdue visit to the glowing Lluvia (and her newest adorable addition to the fam, Uma) and Amy at Wildflower. I came across lots of one of my favorite designers, French Connection, as well as a new favorite look, involving long skirts. Traditionally, long skirts have been set aside in my "teacher" wardrobe in the event I were to stumble into that profession. However, with the right fitting, length and print or pleat, I think I just became a huge fan without having to step foot in a classroom. The skirt to the left above is pictured on me below, and at a great price point ($48)! The French Connection top in the middle is the perfect combination of luxury material, nudes paired with bright stones in a geometric arrangement that brings joy to my little heart. Far right is a long-sleeve maxi, which I recommend pairing with a jacket at nearly all times.

A few other related pieces I found on the interwebs:

French Connection Navajo top, French Connection Fantasy Lace Blouse, Zara Skirt, Alice & Olivia Skirt

EOW Suit For Thought

So, I'm really pretty ademante about maintaining a positive focus on all things published via this blog. I mean, it is one of my "happy places," "as they say, "and I can't be bringing bad fashion or lackluster end tables to the C&T mix here. However, I'd like to take a minute to "discuss" the above photography, and then learn what we can do about it.

I'm a huge Tibi fan; if you follow my blog, this you know. And I think that both of these suits have huge potential, particularly paired with their respective cropped tops and in light of the color blocking. I saw this image yesterday via Twitter, simultaneously smiled (inner smile) and cringed (outer cringe) and it actually came up in conversation last night at a little shindig I was hosting at the lovely Noble's Grille, so I know it's not just me. Two things: I dig oversize sweaters, etc. but when it comes to a blazer, always err of the side of fitted unless you want to look like Amanda Bynes in "She's the Man" (guilty movie pleasure by the way-shout out to katelyn), or, one of these poorly postured models pictured above. I mean, it is a blazer, after all, and that speaks "bossy" not "your boss." I get that the bare midriff angle can be grounds for covering your other bodily part bases, but this a suit, so your entire body has ample material stretching across your wingspan and legs. Some favorites (as for cropped tops, let's hold off till Spring and I'll hunt those down):

Pictured above: J. Crew Ludlow Jacket in Irish Linen, Theory Narolie Wool Blend Blazer, Vince Shawl Collar Leather Blazer, Trina Turk Alfred Blazer

Fashion's Night Out, WS

So it's the kickoff to a long holiday weekend and a short blog post. Just wanted to get the word out about little ole Winston-Salem's very first Fashion's Night Out to be held at Hanes Mall next Thursday, September 6th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. Susan G. Komen will treat shoppers to a Pink Label ribbon along with raffles and refreshments. Macy's Fashion For a Cause Runway show will feature breast cancer survivors at 7:00pm in the Belk Court.

Hope y'all have a terribly relaxing Labor Day weekend. xx

Love Quotes

The time of the year when scarves become more abundant, and when I'm happiest, is encroaching. Fall. Just four letters... bearing cooler weather, chunky knit sweaters, boots, football season, the fair, Marisaween (my birthday/halloween) and oh-so-much-more. I'm going to FALL back into my blog writing with summertime laziness fading. #puns

I briefly mentioned a Love Quotes scarf last year here, but upon further discussion with a dear pal (shout out to Elizabeth), I believe it needs more dedication. In my investigation, I've discovered many a celeb enjoyeth rocking these amazing jewels of fabrics (love how Sofia uses as a wrap above). Not shocking, seeing as they come in nearly any color under the sun, and they are lightweight but also do their job as a scarf.

I love that each scarf comes with an actual love quote, and there are daily love quotes posted on the site. Because, isn't above all, love, the greatest thing? So, thanks Phyllis Wiener for these... xx happy weekend!

Eye Heart Stationery

Maybe I'm a little biased because she's my best friend, but these pieces are darn cute and you know it. Amigas, I give you, Eye Heart Stationery by Katelyn Applegate. That's the store, but you can also view her blog here (and by can I mean do). Ms. Applegate is a freelance designer who has a passion for creating unique pieces for every individual. And for every event that's near and dear to your heart, it will be near and dear to hers too, so you're in good hands. 


Katelyn's personal style is fresh, clean and modern. I have no idea why, but I want to also call it New Mexico or Arizona or something. So that will always speak through in her designs, but when she's creating something especially for you, your personality and vision are her focus. Hope y'all enjoy!!!! Friday! xx

Tuula

What sort of crap is this being at work the day after the 4th? It's bad crap, that's what it is you guys.

Let me apologize for starting out on a cranky note... how about, I hope everyone had a marvelous 4th of July, that you got too much sun, ate too many hot dogs and were impressed with fireworks. I'm taking July by the horns now and vowing to give a lot more love to posting again.

I need to thank my adorable friend Sarah for introducing me to Tuula. Beautiful photography. Wardrobe style is romantic and sexy, lace accents (see black shorts-precious) to black leather stiletto booties (pictured just above). And the gold sharks teeth necklace piece... I DO! xx