Decorate Your Shelves

When we moved this past June we pretty much sold everything we had from the old apartment as our current home has more of a traditional New England style and our old place was all mid-century modern. Since we also expanded our square footage that meant we had a lot of decorating to do. Something that is new territory to me. The process has been a lot of fun but also a bit overwhelming. Apparently I am indecisive and I pretty much can't make my mind up about anything which has meant that filling the empty spaces in our home has been taking much longer then I thought it would. I always hear advice from designers to "fill things in over time", "buy what you love, not just something to fill a space". I however have to tell you, staring at empty shelves is getting old real fast. So with my bare built in's looking pretty sad I put together a little round up of some objects to decorate your shelves with. What do you have as decor in your living room? 

you can shop all the above with the links below

The Vodka Cleanse

Morning friends! I am back & hope you will forgive me for my very long absence from the blogosphere. I plan on doing a full "life lately" post later this week but I wanted to pop in today and share a fun little product I came across this past weekend on Shelter Island when I was home celebrating father's day with my family. 

I have tried lots of cleanses and usually quit within the first twenty four hours. Life without actual solid food is nothing this gal wants to be a part of. Hangry is a severe understatement of how I am when I am starving myself. So when I popped in one of my favorite Shelter Island markets this weekend and they were giving out samples for a new juice cleanse, I was all like "ugh, another juice cleanse Ill want to try, spend a fortune on and fail miserably at" then I saw the words vodka, tequila and party...my curiosity was peaked and I was suddenly sitting front row like a star pupil to learn all about this "cleanse". The company Clean Drinking is only in NY for right now but I am hoping with time they will be expanding, otherwise I will be silly bothering my family & friends back home to be overnighting me coolers of this magic elixir. Each juice is cold pressed, under 40 calories and is all natural. Some of the drinks are meant for mixing with your favorite alcohol to create a cocktail that is tasty treat without the caloric guilt that so many mixed drinks have. While the others are to help you feel revitalized on their own as a refreshing and hydrating drink, there is even one for the kiddos! I went to pick up some yesterday to bring back to Boston and they were sold out {insert sad face}, I fully plan on stocking up next time I am home. Oh and just for fun I put together a little round up of some cheery summer entertaining accoutrement to help make your next get together a little extra festive. 

Striped

When I think of striped items I generally gravitate towards navy and white. It's classic, nautical and preppy, three things I love in home style and fashion. However I got inspired by yesterday's post where Sienna Miller wore a stripe on stripe look that was all black and white.  While that particular look was a bit too bold for my personal taste it did get me thinking about black and white stripes and how they translate so well from treats for your home to items for your closet. In the past I would shy away from this combo due to fears of looking like Beetlejuice or even worse The Hamburglar but after some research I noticed there are some seriously chic black and white striped combo's out there. A little round up of some of my favorites are below. 

shop all of the above looks below!

Horsing Around

Aren't horses one of the most beautiful animals? Personally they have always been a big part of our  family. My niece rides year round which teaches her grooming, safety, competition and discipline. We also grew up visiting the track to see my dad's horses race {don't worry when they were retired they all went to live the good life on a farm where they were trained to be riding horses}. The equine has also offered inspiration for numerous luxury brands like Polo {dying to try their new resto here in NYC}, Coach, Longchamp, Gucci & Hermes. Which proves that this magnificent animal provides style in everything from decor in your home to fashionable items for the closet to jewelry to adorn ourselves in.

Decorate Your Desk

One of the biggest luxuries {besides the elevator & the glorious garbage shoot} I have had in NYC is having my own desk to work from. Back in Boston I am all too often invading my husbands home office area with miscellaneous crap that I am sure irritates him beyond measure. So I always find myself working from the couch, the bed or the coffee table which doesn't allow for a tidy or an inspiring work day. So as we search for our next home, I am dreaming of a proper desk area for me and my man. While I know my "paper free" guy will avoid andy & all desk accoutrement, I however will quickly fall prey to pretty desk accessories like the gilded beauties below to make for a stylish workspace.


desk planner // desk tackle box // desk lamp // candle // weekday matches // polka dot file // striped file // frame // antique scissors // metallic stapler // letter opener // agate business card holder // crystal pen // bookends // campaign desk // chair 

Gift Guide - Valentines Day

Happy Monday friends! I am home with the Mr. who isn't feeling so great so I have been planning a little Valentines day getaway for us to cheer him up. While last years valentines events included bowling with some of my favorite couples, this year we are heading to Woodstock, VT to indulge in a little country living, spa time, winter activities and great food. So since Valentines Day is less then a month away it's Gift Guide time. This year I based my little round up on all things related to the mushy gushy stuff of hearts, flowers, love and romance. There is a little something for every member of your family and even more treats below in the slideshow of valentine themed presents.



one - a beautiful set of love poems
two - everyone needs a back up charger, love this one & this one
three - this cute pajama set is perfect for valentines day and the warmer months
four - jazz up the bar cart with this cute mustache bottle opener
five - espadrilles are so on trend for the spring & this colorful pair will be a cheery addition to your footwear rotation
six - the prettiest card for your special someone
seven - skincare is pretty important & this pretty set helps keep a youthful glow
eight - who doesn't love cookies...need I say more
nine - J.Crew always kills it with the cutest kids clothing, this sparkle & stripe tee is no exception
ten - sleeping in just got a bit more stylish with these fun eye masks
eleven - sweet throw pillow
twelve - some saucy heads & tails cufflinks
thirteen - his and hers love letter trays are great for catching daily mail, keys and change

More Valentine Gifts Below!

Color Crush - Black & White

I have a bit of an obsession with the color combination of black and white, whether it be in my home, my wardrobe or even my puppies, these two shades are always a favorite. My b&w pinterest board is always a constant go to for outfit inspiration and when I am unsure of what to wear I know I will always smartly dress in this classic combo. So I wanted to share a little round up of my favorite black & white items from accessories, home to clothing!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Sign Of The Times

While popping in a few of the local boutiques on Nantucket I cam across the lovely mother of pearl zodiac necklaces below. I was quickly smitten with them even though I am not one to truly follow the  signs of the stars or their meanings etc. I simply loved their style and the layering option of adding a loved ones sign on top of yours. It's sort of the spiritual sister to the initial necklace trend that I also love. I put together a little round up of some other zodiac items ranging from beauty items to home decor.


zodiac cards // mother of the pearl necklaces // needlepoint pillow // compact mirror // smoking slipper // bottle stopper // clutch // scarf // nameplate necklace // cuff

Boston Events

I have confessed my complete admiration for Jonathan Adler's incredible style {in his personal life as well as his clever designs} about half a million times on this blog before so I am totally thrilled to be attending and toasting to his new Chestnut Hill boutique on Monday night where he will be making an appearance. Invite details are below - hope to see you there!

Rainbow Bright

One thing our home is missing {besides square footage} is a cheerful burst of color. I am not really quite sure why I shy away from color in my house {and wardrobe}, maybe I am intimidated about making it too trendy or perhaps I am just not that bold with design. I however have a feeling in our next home I will be adding lots of color in our accessories to fill bookshelves, tabletops and especially in art with the help of my friend Amelia of Colour-bloc.

art // chair // trays // color wheel image // fabric letters // bedding // pillow // latte bowl // book // box // cocktail napkins // coasters // spoons // frame // tea towels // throw 

Monogram Me

I love me a monogram, especially when I got my husbands last name, I was quick to change everything over to my new initials. It can make a gift feel more special when it's personalized and these days what was normally reserved for the preppy types, there are a lot of chic ways to have your initials in home decor and accessories. One of my favorite designers for leather goods Clare Vivier is killing it with incorporating personalization along with her stylish accessories. Some other favorites are also listed below.

soap  {love these too} // throw blanket // iphone case // necklace // cheese board & spreader // glass plate // acrylic tray // monogram mugs // pillow

Gaming Meets Style

I love games, especially ones that you can enjoy with a cocktail. So over Christmas when my husband and I were researching backgammon sets to gift my dad with I noticed that a lot of traditional games that received a chic makeover thanks to designers taking old favorites and incorporating them with oodles of style that can easily be utilized as decor in your home. I mean how pretty would some of those look on a built in book shelf or displayed on an end table. A few of my favorites are listed below.


one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine 

Weekend Wear - Baby It's Cold Outside

As Boston welcomed a significant snow fall and single digit temps this week all I can think about is cozy clothes to stay bundled up and warm in. I am particularly drawing inspiration from our preppy neighborhood where everyone is dressed in classic clothes in traditional colors like navy, red and tan.



coat // boots // sweater // denim // hat // clutch // scarf

Let's Be Fair

Like plaid, fair isle prints seem to be strictly designated as winter patterns. This knitted technique used always remind me of sweaters that my nannie used to make for us as kids, usually with leaping reindeers and snowflakes. However these days the colorful print has gotten a much more chic makeover. J.Crew offered a serious amount of fair isle sweaters this holiday season making me crave a little throwback style to be added to my closet for the long winter ahead. I am personally coveting this particular scarf with a little added sparkle & fur and this cardigan for cozy nights in with my love. Just in case santa is reading and needs some gift ideas :)

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight 

Jonathan Adler - Friends & Family

To say I am a fan of Jonathan Adler is a huge understatement. I first shared their Shelter Island home here and then shared again some fun videos here so it's only natural that I share his friends & family sale that is going on right now! Below I put together a little collage of my favorites all available online and while I personally visit the Boston's Newbury store pretty often, It's pretty easy to soak up all his happy chic styles whether you are shopping from your desk or your couch. I don't know about you but I  love me a discount and it's a great time to stock up on some gifts for yourself or others.

  

Happy Shopping!

clutch // candle {my favorite} // chair // couch // pillow // table // bowl // place cards // throw // vase 

JA + SD 4EVA

I have shared numerous Jonathan Adler items in posts on interior design and couldn't resist their new Shelter Island home when they moved away from our side of the island. It's safe to say I adore his "happy chic" style and their philosophy on decorating that your home should be your antidepressant. His bold decor items and unique style have made me a permanent fan of his work. So when I was sent a video series he did with AOL I was thrilled to get a little peak into what inspires this creative genius as well as tid bits of their Manhattan home  {I mean a paisley ping pong table is now on my must have house list} and some antique shops on our beloved island I knew I had to share it with you all. I mean, how flipping adorable are these two...answer = pretty dang cute. Enjoy the short episodes below and see what I am talking about!

Gold Rush

I have long been a fan of metallic accents in the home but as of late I am more and more attracted to everything gold. Whether it's an item for entertaining or everyday decor to pretty up a shelf or coffee table there are so many fabulous gold items available for decorating your space.  A few of my favorite gilded items are listed below. The best part, they are all under $100!

Urban Outfitters Lamp // Furbish Studio Turtle Shell Paperweight // Zara Home Baskets // Jayson Home Throw // C.Wonder Piggy Bank // Jonathan Adler Muse Candle // H&M Linen Pillow // Crate & Barrel Runner // C.Wonder Foiled Napkin // Furbish Studio Gold Silverware // West Elm Dinnerware // Etsy Flamingo Print // Zara Home Gold Tray // BCBG Spiked Apple Jewelry Holder

Thirsty Thursday - Cranberry Cocktail Spritzer

Nantucket is known for many things, beautiful shingle style homes, hydrangea covered lawns, cobblestone streets, whaling and cranberries to just name a few. Naturally this weeks cocktail had to be   inspired by these things as we are at the tail end of our vacation. What I love about this one is that the cranberry vodka has such great flavor by itself that the cocktail only needs a splash of cranberry juice for color and a little added flavor. It is a light, refreshing and all the ingredients are from New England, definitely my favorite cocktail when on this magical little island.  

Ingredients

1 oz Nantucket Triple 8 Cranberry Vodka

Splash of Nantucket Nectars Big Cranberry Juice

1/2 cup Poland Springs Lime Seltzer

Fresh Lime Wedge for garnish

Directions

Stir & Serve over ice

Cheers!

Inspired by the preppy playground that is Nantucket, I thought I would put together some fun nautical accoutrement for your bar cart or home cocktail area that ooze summer and happy times!

gold cocktail shaker //anchor stacking cocktail ring // fish bottle opener // rope ice bucket // iikat tray with nautical inserts // dot cocktail napkins // bottoms up tote // striped glasses // custom swizzle sticks

Holiday Gift Guide - Gifts for the Office

Put down the staples catalog!  Who says work has to be stuffy and boring??? Well I usually do most of the time but not today! Those who like to decorate their workspace are in luck because I have found some incredible goodies for your desktop and office accessorizing pleasures.

I lovvveee gold & this peacock letter opener is not only a small piece of art for your desk but it will  also save you from painful papercuts and chipped nails. It sort of pays for itself with the savings of band aids and manicures.

Most of us 9-5ers all get invited to work holiday parties that require a general grab bag gift. While not amp up your gift giving this year with a fun affordable gift like these stylish notepads with bamboo pen. I mean it has an elephant AND a monkey on it, so you know its awesome.

Every desk is instantly cheerier with a set of colorful pens. They will look super pretty on display and while serving a useful function.

Know someone starting a new venture and needs the basic necessities to get their office set up looking good? Why not give them the oh so trendy yet completely timeless white lacquer desktop accessories for files, paper, and pens. A coordinating acrylic tape dispenser keeps the clean serene look in check.

I am a paper calendar girl, I love looking at the dates in a flash instead of having to pull it up on the phone or computer. I adore Dabney Lee's colorful and patterned paper calendars. I will most definitely be putting this on my Christmas list.

Create a goodie bag filled with fun office items such as colorful page tags, mustache push pins, a whale eraser and vintage style office clips.

Every office needs a place to pin away your inspiration and I am not talking Pinterest people! I am smitten with this shabby chic styled pin board for its feminine edges and neutral linen background. Anything that gives your daily dose of creativity surely would look beautiful pinned here.

Calling all organizers - this project book will help keep you on track and in style. Everything has a neat little home in this preppy styled binder. 

hey there stud

If you were a child of the 80's like moi you likely remember the bedazzler and wanting to embellish the hell out of everything in your closet. Thankfully my mother never let me get that thing, what a nightmare my zcavarrici's would have been with sparkle pockets!  While the rhinestone craze is still evident in some styles, the hot new trend is the stud embellishment. I first loved this look when I saw the studded bottom tote by Alexander Wang. Since then the spikey stud has pretty much adorned everything from accessories to wardrobe to decor for your home. This edgey embellishment has grown up into a much chic-er version and no longer has that punk vibe looming over it's head. Take a look at a few of my favorites below!

bracelets {DNS favorite} // watch // ring // tote // clutch // tote // buckle belt // waist belt // silver  iPhone cover // gold iPhone cover // sunnies



top // denim // jacket // sweater // flats // dress // boots {DNS favorite} // skirt



frame // box {DNS favorite} // vase // coasters // chair // end table