Room to Dress to Tote

I have had this decor picture sitting on my desktop for awhile now. Today I found myself doing some online shopping and lo and behold what do I find? An adorable dress and Madewell tote to match. I've been an avid lover of the black and white stripe for years now and am glad to see it getting some real attention this year.

Happy Monday, peeps!

Ben v. Noel

Special thanks to my dear co-worker, Leah Vee, for pointing me in the direction of this design gem. Not only is Keri Russell one of my all-time favorite girl crushes, but she happens to have amazing taste. Keri, alongside her carpenter husband and muffin son, took their 1800's Brooklyn brownstone from old to amazing.

My personal favorite elements are the neutral tones mixed with rustic elegance. From the tufted ottoman to the wooden kitchen, Felicity has done it again. It seems as though I only thought I had grown out of my adoration. But don't worry y'all, I'm not going to go all 2nd season and scalp my hair.

And for old time's sake -

This is the life

Well hello, December! I decided to take an unintentional November hiatus and now I'm back. Today has been such a wonderful day! I have been showered with love from all corners of my life on my 26th day of birth and I couldn't be happier. The Lord has blessed me with some nearest and dearest and if today is any indication of how the rest of my year will turn out then I'll take it.

Things have been great lately. Thanksgiving was as restful as I need it to be, work has been steady and everyone is healthy - praise the Lord. I get so excited on the 1st of December (for obvious reasons) because it marks the beginning of Christmas. Lights, trees, cheer, music - it's all so wonderful. So in an effort to kickoff the holidays right here on K&Co., I have decided to share with you this incredible video. There is no other place in the world that displays Christmas cheer like my beloved NYC (you like how I just took ownership there?) and this perfectly captures just one of the elements. If you haven't gotten yourself in front of a window display at Bergdorf Goodman then you need to. Visually, they are the most incredible things you've ever seen. The talent, creativity and execution can truly make you marvel. Anyway, I've often wondered how much goes into one single display and this little video captures how it's done. True to fashion - it doesn't disappoint.

Can anyone say - dream job?

Wish List {Pretty Books}

I have a terrible habit of making wish lists. Potential vacation destinations, restaurants to try, that must-have little dress, etc. It's not that I'm full of wants, it's just that great things pop up and I like to remember them! Some of my recent wishes are these pretty book covers by CB Smith. F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of my all-time favorite authors, creating some of the best characters in American literature, so it seems only fitting that the cover art would be just as memorable.

His books are timeless and now the covers are, too. Love that.

Lookin' Good

A few things have caught my eye recently and I thought I would take a second to share. First of all - Lonny Mag. I love this little online gem and I think you should too. Not only do they fill the Domino void in my life, but their staging is so inspiring. It makes me want to do nothing but shop and re-decorate.
Also featured, were these cute tote bags from Maptote. I wasn't surprised to see the Manhattan/New York prints, but I was giddy to find the Austin representation!

I know this is all very random - online magazines to wine totes, but it's the small things.

Last but not least, I love this image. I stumbled upon Sarah Rhodes (a husband and wife photog duo!) awhile ago and catch them when I can. Good stuff.

Pretty Clutter

images via home sweet home

I wish that my bedroom clutter looked like this. Instead, it's the belt I wore from yesterday laying on my leather chair, my shoes from kickball sitting in the floor, and my perfume bottle missing it's cap on my nightstand. So chic, right?

I've got a few ideas for a little bedroom renovation, with the most notable being my desire to paint my walls grey. I've seen a lot of "neutral grey" walls that really transform a not-so-styled room into something great. My landlord got a little testy with my painting request so I don't know if I'm going to push it. However, if history serves me correctly - when I hear "no," it is usually the answer I need in order to get my way.

And so, in going with the theme of "less impulsive in 2010," I am going to noodle on it for a little longer. Its not to say that I will fully comply, but I'll take their wishes into consideration. Until then, I'll admire from afar.

On a completely unrelated note - I leave for San Diego tomorrow! To say that I am hyped is an understatement. The timing is just perfect for a little getaway and who's to say that I won't throw enough clothes in my bag for all seasons? You know, just in case...

Pillow Talk

Don't mind me, just doing a little browsing over here.

I just love these Jonathan Adler "Design Your Own" pillows, totes, and rugs. I suppose that you could play all day creating various color combos into the ideal statement piece. I started with the monogrammed totes and decided that I liked the pillows more. The Chi Omega in me was just dying to make cardinal and straw combination, but I held back and went with more neutral tones.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Razzle Dazzle

Here are a few things that I've come across and can't help but love. Per usual, there are a few design inspirations thrown in for good measure.


A little bird bowl! This ranks low on the practicality scale because I can't imagine running this through the dishwasher, but still - love it.

Where on earth do you wear a dress like this? I think the first thing that comes to mind is New Year's Eve, which is inconvenient since I've already sworn off NYE festivities for next year. Where there's a will, there's a way. Don't be surprised if you see me prancing around Albertson's in this little number.

Lastly, anyone else (besides Bailey and Me) a Belieber?


Happy weekend, buddies. I'm sure to soak up some of this Texas sun and hit up a tennis court or two. Doesn't it feel like Monday is so close already? Just kidding.

Weekend Update

I guess it's pretty hard to give a post-weekend update when I lacked heavily in the photo department. With so much going on I didn't even think to plan ahead and charge my camera battery - I hate it when my absent mind gets the best of me. Luckily the iPhone was there as a backup to give us some dimly lit stills, which is exactly how the girls in the 20's chronicled their nights out during the Great Depression...I just love it when life comes full circle.

First up, Robbie and Whitney's engagement party! I must say, what a duo. I have been so lucky to call Robbie one of my closest friends over the past few years and there is nothing like seeing someone happy. Whitney came into his life almost a year ago and it has been a whirlwind since. There is nothing than I appreciate more than a couple that finds the joy in the everyday and grows to love each other even more with every quirky glimpse into their life. All for the sake of love, I opted to make a small wedding cake replica for their party. There is nothing I love more than a stressful task and this was no different. I spent the better part of an entire evening carefully baking (read: demolishing our kitchen) 4 pans worth of vanilla cake, all the while mixing 3 lbs worth of confectioners sugar into homemade icing. Because really, calories don't count when you're in love. However, I am happy to report that I (with the help of Ali!) pulled it off. With a few strategically placed hydrangeas as the finishing touch (to hide the ugly parts), I was able to successfully wish the newly engaged couple my congratulations.

Behold!

Next up, a Friday night soiree thrown by three guys. I know, I know...surprising, huh? Soiree...guys? Well, all I can say is that I was pleasantly surprised from top to bottom. I don't know about you, but nothing says more to me than a hand-written invite mailed a month in advance. From the very beginning, the attention to detail did not go unnoticed with this affair, and frankly, it was worth it. As mounted animals lined their house in various Christmas gear, I couldn't help but think that these guys really spared no expense. One of the roommates managed the varying tasks of bartender, raffle announcer, birthday boy and host, with such ease that I could have sworn he was born for entertaining. It was one of those parties that ended up better than anticipated, which is just the best. I happen to believe that there are nothing like happy surprises to undecided expectations, I'd like to think that it leaves more margin for success rather than error.

(And because I'm terrible, I have not one photo from this evening. Just picture a bunch of 20-somethings mingling and checking each other out in their Christmas best...was there a line back there? Oh, I already crossed it? Great. Grand. Wonderful.)

Last up, a Gatsby-themed cocktail thrown by yet another group of guys (believe it or not, I don't think Hell has frozen over yet). This night had such promise in that it was for a good cause, it had a theme (20s! flappers! fishnets!), and combined a fun group of people. I must say, it took me back to my date party days as 4 of us collectively got ready, exchanged various accessories and joked about what the night would hold. Complete with red lipstick, we all dolled up, posed for a few pics (few being the operative word...sigh) and set out. From the minute we stepped into the party, it felt like things had been transformed as the guys mixed through the house in their tuxedos and girls clacked around in their highest heels. I can safely say that I haven't seen that many feathers, headbands and fringe since my middle school dance recital, and it was completely worth it. More than anything, it's nice to know that one of the most self-involved demographics can successfully get together and support something that is bigger than ourselves.

As promised, a dimly-lit iPhone pic :)


And because it's funny, I thought I would give you a glimpse into our 20s-style late night detour. Again, just like the real Great Depression. Plus, there has to be an upside to eating french fries with gloves on...

And just because I'm proud of it. My sweet friend Sidney came over on Sunday night to round out the weekend with a little crafting. There is nothing I love more than the creativity muscle and she is actually the talent that helps me implement my over-zealous ideas. I bribed her with a grilled cheese and hot chocolate and in return, she created the stencil that gave me canvas magic...

Crate & Barrel, you can go ahead and eat your heart out.

Covet

Love this duo.

love this sparkle...
just love...

And finally...

the lack of a diverse color palette means nothing to me. I wouldn't mind having a closet this size, fully stocked, with all of these clothes.

all images via home sweet home

Finishing My Sentence

Today,

...I am over-caffeinated.

...I am certain, yet conflicted.

...I am listening to "Sympathize" by Amos Lee on repeat.

...I am carefully plotting my home improvement project.

...I wish that I could put on stretchy pants and finish watching Pride & Prejudice that I started last night.

...I feel like a waiter in my white button-up/black skirt outfit. (Ugh, goofy)

...I am making my Christmas list. (Am I too old for this?)

...I am lovin’ on the book of Luke.

...I wish that I could have lunch with my Mom and Nana instead of the lame-o Lean Cuisine/loner lunch date I have planned.

...I told someone that “40 was the new 30” to make them feel better. (It’s not...)

...I wish it was Friday.

Just because I like it...

{image via home sweet home}

Floored

You know I love a good design blog...

Recently I haven't helped but notice how much a great hardwood can transform a room. People give me a hard time for my ability to antique and I wonder...can you antique your own hardwoods? Something tells me that a hammer to the floor isn't the best idea, so I will probably try and leave it to the professionals.

Without further adieu, my favorites:


Ok - I know that this doesn't necessarily capture the hardwood element, but how cool are these stairs?!

images via home sweet home

Step Into My Office

I wouldn't mind working if this is where I did it. I love it when color is used and used well. The teal accent is just perfect and that fixture made of antlers is both natural and girlie, love.

Interior (day)Dreaming

During my most recent trip home I sat down with my Mom’s September issue of House Beautiful. Customarily, September issues shelve the largest stock of fashion content, advertising, and editorial coverage (hence the major fashion books being so large during the month) but being a shelter magazine, I didn’t expect much from House Beautiful (who I know is in the midst of an editorial re-design) and was more than pleasantly surprised to find several pages worth of inspiring interior ideas. Here are a few of my favorites of L.A. designer, Windsor Smith’s home. It is hard to choose a favorite from her bold and feminine style, but I particularly like her navy dining area with plush white chairs. Also, her pink sitting room brings out the inner-girl in me and makes me nostalgic for the pink walls of my own childhood.

To those of you that hold the void of Domino’s absence, I highly suggest this magazine to you. I resisted the urge to steal this month from my Mom’s arsenal and invested in one of my own. I can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed in HB’s updated look. Enjoy!

all images via House Beautiful