Room on a Budget

October 17, 2013

Working on a budget doesn't always have to look the part. I think you can get a rather chic look with big box stores if boutiques and high end shops are just not realistic for you. They rarely are for me. Oh, and of course I know this is still a good amount of money, but comparative to boutique shopping it's a steal! The key is to not get it all in one place. One of my favorite stops for accessories is Home Goods, TJ Maxx, etsy, and even the thrift store if I have the time. The plus on big store purchases is that they go on sale often and normally for a rather good discount. Patience would be key here for the best prices. I think this little mock up would make for a great base for any room. It can be livened up with accessories and a fun pillow or two. As for the bedding I would use the stripe side duvet and mix in solid white euros and an accent bolster or lumbar in a complimentary color.

bed | bedding | rug | lamps | Art

Little Black Dress

October 16, 2013

My right shoulder blade area has been giving be quite the fit. I have been quite confused why, but then as I edit away on weddings I come to realize this is my camera support arm. Ha. Its also the arm that does most the editing and well that puts me hours/days in front of the computer for each wedding and we do A LOT of weddings. Next year we are cutting back on weddings in a big way. We are hoping to average one a month for the sake of our family time. It is the Mr's second job after all. Don't get me wrong we LOVE weddings!!! We adore our couples and being part of their most special day, but I think cutting back will help us love them even more and for the kids to love us more. We are in a new season of life where ballet, horseback, and baseball keep us busy and we just don't want life to pass us by and miss these sweet moments with our family. We even had to pass by a wedding for next year that I was hoping we would be asked to do due to a ballet recital. We missed last years and I could not do that to Ellie again, or me really, even if the wedding would have been quite a dream to do.

Anyhow, the outfit above was quite the summer wedding uniform for me. The dress I found at a local consignment shop for a steal. It's by BCBG. It has pockets for my phone and lens caps. The only thing that changed was my shoe choice. Always comfortable, but was chosen for the days activities and location. The Mr and I always love to blend into weddings rather than looking like the help. The Mr's summer wedding attire is normally a pair of dress slacks and a seer sucker jacket with an array of ties. For black tie events the full on suit will make an appearance.

I could not find all the exact items due to the age of some of them, but I did choose a few that are similiar and a few items I like even more and that have made their way onto my wish list...

Black & White

October 11, 2013

Black & white will never be a color combo that I will tire of. It's forever chic and for some reason never bores me. It also makes mixing and matching my wardrobe quite easy. These are some black & white pieces and images that have me inspired.

clockwise:

chandelier - would love to see in a high ceiling entry way or over a dining table.

wallpaper - ever so fun without being too childish for a mud room or bath.

quote - The always brilliant Ann Voskamp

bath - DOMINO is back!

rug - can't go wrong with a black and white dhurrie. Well unless you have a white dog or cat. HA.

office - my office needs a good revamping/cleaning this space has me inspired!

pots - wouldn't mind seeing this bakeware hanging out on open shelving. Maybe they even have powers to make me a good cook!

so chic - I like to think I am this effortless. HA.