A Lucky Day

These kind of things just don't happen to me very often. 

Those who know me know I have a serious thing for pillows. 

I posted a photo on my blog of this loveliness around this time last year....

It's the Kate Spade pom pom pillow that I freaked out over when I saw it in a photo. 

I also freaked out at the price. $200. Haahahaha. Hilarious. Now, I will spend money on classic, beautiful fabrics and pillows. But pom poms? No.

So I meander into the clearance section at TJ Maxx yesterday and what do I see?? Stripes and pom poms. I thought it was a scarf. And then I pick it up and see that it is indeed the pillow cover!! I almost lost it. I know for sure I said "Whhhhaaaaaaaa..." pretty loudly. And then I looked at the price. I told myself, "If it's 50 bucks or less I am walking out with it." It was $15. Fifteen. Dollars. I clutched it in my hands and wept. Ok not really. But the little one did look at it and say "Oooooooo!". She is so right.

Bananas.

Rule No. 3 - Black

Every room (yes, every room) needs black. Whether it's a sofa (seen this, and I almost died it was so good) or a few picture frames, black brings weight and drama to your space. Without it, rooms can seem to precious and dainty...just think of an all pastel little girl's room. Some of the best rooms I have ever seen use black in a starring role. You always like to dress with it, why not decorate with it?

The straight-up master of using black is Celerie Kemble. I have poured over her book "Black and White" many, many times. She just gets it. 

Kemble's Betwixt fabric by Schumacher (shown here on the wall) is bananas good. I am
using it for the second time in a room design. It looks wonderful everywhere.

Just a few tiny touches...the fireplace, a picture frame, and a tray.

She just boggles my mind with her awesomeness.

Found.

So after a quick survey of my basement I decided to open an Etsy shop. Tada! If you look over to the right you will see a little mini version of the store that pops up here on my blog.

I had so many wonderful items, usually things I had purchased for clients that either didn't make the cut, didn't work, or we changed our minds. (ok and maybe a few things that I picked up on shopping trips for clients that just sort of made their way into my house). Most of these things are from antique stores that don't have return policies so instead of ending up on a episode of "Hoarders", I decided to find them new homes.

Check it often because I hope to be adding new things all the time! Also, if you live here in the Birmingham area and see something you are interested in, let me know and I will be happy
to let you pick it up and save on shipping!

Rule No.2 - Lighting

I'm fairly certain this one is an actual decorating rule. Every room needs lamps, and usually about 3-4 do the job. People normally don't think of lighting for other purposes besides, well, not being in the dark. If a room is lit correctly everyone in it looks good (bonus!) and feels comfortable.

The best rooms have layers of light, usually ceiling (can) lights, floor lamps, and table lamps. One lamp on a table isn't gonna do it. You also need to place lighting all around the room, not just on one wall or table. And if at all possible, ceiling lights should be on a dimmer switch. The trick is to have lighting on multiple levels and to be able to control the wattage of the light. An easy way to do this is to use 3 way bulbs in your lamps.

This bedroom is a great example on how to use different forms of lamps and lighting.

Below is an example of how not to light a room...sad face.



Are some of you mentally picturing your rooms and counting lamps? Good. My work here is done.

Rule No. 1 - Art and More Art

I wanted to do a little series on a few key "rules" of decorating. Now, these are only my personal views about these things, because, well, there aren't really any rules to decorating anymore. Except maybe faux wood paneling. Don't do that.

It will be just a few ideas that I usually always incorporate in the design of a room....my safety blankets of interior decorating. We start off with art. Buy it. Lots of it. There is nothing more boring in the world than an empty wall. Art makes a home feel warm, cozy, and finished. It also shows your personality. I'm drawn to antique equestrian art and modern abstracts. It's crazy but it works. Don't get stuck buying in one era or medium or your home might end up looking like the antiquities wing of the MET. Mix it up, it's essential. And I know people love family photos...and they are great, but don't let that be the only thing on your walls. People want to be able to look at something besides your face. Just sayin.

The wonderful thing about the internet is that we have access to so many great artists...and affordable artwork! Websites like Etsy, UGallery, and Ebay are fantastic resources. I could go on for days about artwork online, but you don't have the time to read it all and I don't have the time to write it all. My best advice is to just dive in and start searching. And frequent antique stores around your city. That is where I find 90% of the art in my home.

Phew. That was a lot of words. Now for some pretty pictures. There is nothing better than an art filled home...

Kate and Andy Spade....the best of the best
It gets me everytime.

The Spades again

this room needs a little modernity to mix it up (it's looking a bit renaissance-y for my taste),
 but I love the styling of the art. See that wall in the back with the stacked gold framed canvas? Love.

this photo has been a favorite for a long time.
A perfect example of going large-scale.

a collection of what I am sure is flea-market finds.
Where else do you have the time to sit and admire?

So go forth and purchase! The art world can be a little intimidating, but buy what makes you happy when you look at it and then you can never go wrong. 

Why is my kid more stylish than me?

Because of stores like Zara. 

Right??!! I reaalllyyy want that denim jumpsuit. Really bad. But then I remember we are going to start potty training soon and that would just be a terrible idea. Oh well. 

Broken Promises

I made a promise to myself about this time last year to start buying more quality clothing instead of the cheapie stuff (even though I loooove it). You all know just as well as I do that the cheap stuff doesn't last. It stretches, fades, pills, shrinks, and the fit is always off. So instead of spending my money on those things, I wanted to be a lot more selective about what I was buying. And for a long time, it worked (except for staples like t-shirts, tanks, and leggings. I will never spend more than $20 for a tshirt. ever.) Until yesterday.

 I walked into Target to get Valentine cards for the little one's class at school and I meandered over to clothing. Now, for a long time Target has not been impressing me in that area so I felt safe to go take a peek. Ugh. Target has brought it for spring. And I caved.

Mossimo sleeveless leopard print dress

Xhilaration Fit and Flare striped dress

Mossimo ankle length pant

Yep these made it to my closet. And I am unashamed. Also, this is right before Prabal Gurung launches his collection (Feb. 10th!!) so I'm sure some of that will be find its way to my house as well. Well played, Target. Well played.

Speaking of the P.G. collection...this is what I am eyeing....

those yellow heels!

this dress!

and this one too!

The whole collection looks bananas online. Let's hope it lives up to it in person. Go here to see everything...

Prabal Gurung for Target