Etsy Find: Covet Design Shop

I am so excited that my friend, Hannah, started her own Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/covetdesignshop. Hannah's specialty is banners! She crafted a homemade banner to hang at our friend's engagement party. They are simple banners that can add a personal touch to any party! I had one made for my boyfriend's birthday in March and it was a hit! I requested a bright, golden yellow which Hannah matched perfectly. Here is the banner for my bf's birthday:

Isn't this the cutest picture? This is the banner made for the engagement party. It looked great when posed for pictures and now they have a great gift for other parties or occasions.

Check out Hannah's shop for new and great items! I am sorry for the delay on posts! I am going to get back on track!

Fabulous Suit Inspiration

As working women, suits are not required in as many businesses these days. When it is appropriate to wear a suit it’s hard to figure out where to look for inspiration. What's modern, sleek, and makes a statement in this world of business? I have collected an assortment of classic images to help start the brainstorming process.

The ever graceful and classic Audrey Hepburn in a Givenchy suit

Jackie Kennedy is a more casual style

Julia Roberts in a Stella McCartney suit

Carrie Bradshaw at her Vogue meeting

My girl GP in a sassy & fun rendition of the suit

And again classy Audrey in a vision of green

Some of these may be a bit funky for interviews, but I found that Banana Republic has a great selection of styles that are more attainable. Check these out:

With funky jewelry and a brighter top this would be very sharp

This is a nice soft hue for spring or summer

This has a nice detail in the belt

All my worker lady friends go get em’ and look fabulous doing it!

Valentines Day Ideas

Valentine's Day can be an interesting holiday, but if you focus the attention on people you love it doesn't have to be so depressing! Most people think you have to have a "Valentine", but you already have tons of people in your life that would appreciate a small gesture of thought or love. Parent's, Grandparents, friends, siblings - these are all people who can benefit from a little acknowledgement. I was a bit short on time (which I'm sure most people are) so I had to send my cards out a little late - at least they will get there! I was able to produce handmade cards. It doesn't take a lot of time if you have the supplies and a plan.

Supplies:

1. wine (always #1 when doing art & crafts)




2. ink pad - any color, but I would pick a color scheme ahead of time. I choose to do a slight variation of the traditional. I bought stone colored cards with fig envelopes. I had a bright red stamp pad and a burgundy pen.



3. a fun idea for the front of a card - my idea was something fun and unsuspecting. If you don't have something planned for the big day you can always enjoy a glass of vino by yourself. It's a sweet indulgence to yourself! So why not have the wine show it's love for you! You and wine can have a fabulous night reading, getting a manicure, a reward for working out - whatever, but it's about having the freedom to indulge in whatever you want. If you can't or don't want to freehand you can buy a stamp at your local paper store. Something simple always works. A symbol or a fun design, don't get to intricate because it will take too long to produce a large amount.

Enjoy!

Anthro....Wedding???

*image source Anthropologie

Yes, it's true! Anthropologie has created a wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, accessories and jewelry. It won't be available at Anthropologie stores or online. It's a separate line called B H L D N. It launches February 14 so mark your calendars! Check out this website for a sneak peek:

http://f.email.bhldn.com/i/43/2085899048/index.html?cm_mmc=Email-_-Anthro_11-_-020411FebOverlapsNews-_-main2

Simple Additions for Your Home

I was organizing my new place and thought I would share some tips for quick and artful organizing.

This small chest of drawers serves a couple of purposes (besides storing clothes). I am on the search for a new bookcase so in the meantime I am artfully placing books in cozy settings. I have four books placed on top of each other with the smallest on the bottom. I have this arrangement in threes: lamp, small vase, and tall vase with straw sticking out adding height. You always have a visual balance with groups of threes or a pyramid (this is an upside down pyramid). You're eye naturally follows the arrangement from top to bottom. A secret storage item in this setup is the small orange vase. I bought a set of three in orange, blue, and purple. Placed around my room they serve as accent pieces and quick storage items. I place my hair ties, bobby-pins, and any other small item inside.

I like to have some of my jewelry on display. I bought two hammered silver trivets, one large, one small, from Crate & Barrel. My larger bracelets, watch, and necklaces are in the larger trivet and earrings and rings in the smaller. On the top of my dresser I also have a small ceramic pinch pot where I have smaller pins and rings.

Below I have a corner of my bathroom vanity. I have to have a clock and I found this cute vintage looking clock at IKEA. A morrocan patterned glass canister from World Market holds my toothbrush and toothpaste. Finding interesting storage solutions for everyday, ordinary items is a refreshing organizing skill. My light blue Q-tip holder is perfect for grabbing a couple and hiding the sometimes unsightly things.
Below is another example of a quick book displaying option (when you are waiting for a bookcase). The books are vertical with a candle holder on one side and a picture frame on the other. You don't have to buy bookends. You can find items at your home and make them useful.

New Year’s Peace

The New Year came crashing in like a wave for me this year. I wasn't prepared, I felt stressed, and I had one thing after the next planned in my holiday break. I was tripping and falling, scrabbling to be organized. It was a wake-up call. I realized that life was going to start passing me by if I didn't get an organized handle on my life and commitments. I need clarity, I need….peace. Peace, in my opinion, is underrated in our society. Technology connects people to work at all hours as well as any social media. You have to make plans to disconnect from society. I am going to make plans to find 30 minutes to an hour of each day to reflect, realize my goals for the day and find a time in my day to have quiet and be able to reach back to the moment when I start feeling busy and stressed. Good luck on your New Year's resolution and wherever the year will take you!

Couch Conclusion

The couch search has come to an end! My boyfriend and I decided to check out the JC Penney Outlet store one afternoon (don't judge, if I could afford Room & Board the search would be easy & over - I like a challenge!). The store was south of the airport off the Forest Park exit. The warehouse was large and had a huge selection of sofas, sectionals, headboards, bedroom furniture and dining room furniture. Now, to be honest, I wouldn't suggest going there to find the sleekest designs. It is mostly a destination driven by cost. You also have to watch out for dirty cushions. We had to go on a search to find the cleanest pillows. Overall I am happy with the buy and experienced a fabulous Saturday night bonding with couch over Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Sex & the City and wine.

Reasons this couch is a great buy:

1. Canvas material which is durable
2. Light color will go with any color scheme
3. Great size to fit two people comfortably

BEST PART EVER: PRICE AFTER DISCOUNTS WAS $192.00 WITH TAX!

Price breakdown - Same style couch at:

IKEA, Ektorp $399

Crate & Barrel, Bayside 3-Seat Sofa, $1699

Pottery Barn, Charleston Sofa $1499 - $2049

You can't turn down a price like that. Now I have more money to buy needed pieces for the living room!