BIKER CHIC

I've been quite taken lately by the biker chic trend. Simply throw on some boots, a simple white tee, skinny jeans, add in a statement print or accessory and top it off with a leather jacket and you have yourself an effortlessly chic outfit. If you're not convinced, check out these gorgeous examples. 

Sold yet? A nice, leather jacket is a perfect staple item that never goes out of style. I know, I said that same line about Barbour jackets, and these couldn't be more opposite, but both are considered classic and timeless. I posted about one motorcycle jacket in my Christmas wish list, but now I have found a lot more that I would love to own. I am really lusting for #7 by Fossil. Hopefully Santa will see this before the 25th! Which is your favorite? 

ONE : TWO : THREE : FOUR : FIVE : SIX : SEVEN : EIGHT : NINE : TEN : ELEVEN

UPDATE: melrose guest bedroom2

I took some quick pictures to update you on the status of Melrose's second guest bedroom. It is no where near done, but I thought it would be fun to share the progress. If you remember, I posted some inspiration images revolving around twin beds and these mock ups here -

Since then, I have purchased the bedding and bed frames, installed the gold curtain rod, hung the olive curtains, purchased the jute rug, and found a few other odds and ends.  I've been heavily debating on what type of dresser to get to fit between the beds (this one picture is no longer offered) - full of drawers, an open shelf, black, wood stain, cream or white?!?! So many choices! I think I have finally settled on a black stained piece with two small drawers on top and an open shelf for easy storage (baskets would be perfect) below. The wide dresser on the opposite wall (the awkward blank space is the above layout) is still up for discussion and seems like the never ending search. Here is an updated front layout -

Don't you love the clouds in the windows!?

I have also decided to go a different direction on the lamps. The original cream ceramic ones just seemed too big for the room, so I found these gold adjustable desk lamps that are much more size appropriate. Here is a sneak peek at the guest bedroom is real life so far ... 

So obviously the tan wicker tall dresser will be removed and I'm still waiting to purchase a natural cow hide rug to layer on top of this chevron jute rug. The only section not featured in these photos is the opposing wall that will have a wide dresser with a mirror above. So, what do you think so far!? 

It sorta reminds me of this boys' room I spotted on pinterest recently - 

I love the antlers and natural elements used in this room. And those are definitely RH iron beds I spot too! 

If you caught my instagram news from over the weekend then eventually the room is going to look something like this with the addition of a you know what! Stay tuned ;)

If you want to see all my options for the guest bedroom, check out my pinterest board! Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday and weekend!

THANKSGIVING

Our Thanksgiving was great -- we enjoyed a day of beautiful weather, delicious food, and good company. I hope yours was just as nice. I thoroughly enjoyed my break and it has taken me a while to get back into the swing of things! Here are some snapshots of our fun filled day at Melrose.

cheese and meat sampler

horseshoes in the backyard - Brandon got a ringer to win us the game!

the buffet ready to start the dinner line

The set up! This picture makes my mouth water.

I ordered this magnolia leaf garland to use as the table centerpiece (per pinterest of course) and accompanied it with some dried okra pieces from a friend. I've dressed it up with some sprigs of holly berries and candles to extend it's life into the Christmas season as well!

the main attraction!

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

I know most of you all ready have your shopping complete, but I have just begun! Hence the late post of my Christmas wish list! Better late then never. I love looking at all the gift and wish lists on blogs right now - I get some of my best gift (and wish list) ideas from them! It's like finding little hidden gems amongst the world wide web.

ONE: black spotty fingerless gloves: how cute are these? 
TWO: biker jacket: I am really digging the cropped leather jackets this fall and this one isn't too pricy to get my taste. My dream would be a real leather camel colored one ... (maybe like this one?)
THREE: kate spade rose gold watch
FOUR: kate spade locket
FIVE: capri blue giant mercury jar: I LOVE this candle and a giant one would be fabulous ... please join me on my coffee table this holiday season!
SIX: brass plant mister: not only would this be perfect for sprinkling my indoor boxwoods and succulents, but also adorable to keep on display
SEVEN: slipper with leopard tassel: you can't have enough black flats 
EIGHT: floating lily candelabra: I haven't fully decided on a good table piece, but I think this one would be fun regardless (and it's on sale, whoop whoop!)

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT: coleman allen shirley

I wanted to share my sweet nephew's birth announcement I designed over the summer. I may be biased, but he is the cutest little boy, just look at him the day he entered the world. Precious, I know. 

I used black and white photos for a subtle interior and attached kraft paper for the outer ends. The announcement accordion folds and is bound with twine and adorned with a sweet stamp. I think it's "cute as a button." What do you think?

If you are interested in custom design work please contact me! 

CENTERPIECE INSPIRATION

Ever since I added the new rug to Melrose's dining room, I have been brainstorming on new centerpieces for our farm table. I did have a sort of country chic runner, but now it does not match so I'm looking for something different. Something unique and colorful to tie in the moroccan rug. I gathered together my favorite inspiration images and my options:

1. Glass vase with long, twiggy stems -- I love the simplicity of this option and the versatility. I think my favorite arrangement are the pure greenery ones, especially the eucalyptus bundle.

Here are some recycled glass vase options that I think could achieve this look:

 viva terra clear recycled balloon vases $69

viva terra citrine recycled balloon vase $79

 pier 1 recycled glass vase (the site says out of stock, but I bet you could find one in stores)

2. Floral arrangement - Ever since I saw this instagram from Moth Design, I have been obsessed with her sea urchin vase (as well as her tory burch flats!).

It kind of reminds me of these beautiful floral arrangements in saturated pumpkins. I thought about attempting this idea, but then I worried about the pumpkin deteriorating. I think the sea urchin vase is a great option and could be played up in the fall and then used year around as a centerpiece. 

I started thinking of what plants in my garden I could use as well as purchasing some dried pieces to add in. Etsy and Terrain have some beautiful and unique dried options. And of course, a few fresh cut blooms are necessary as well! I mocked up an example to see what it could possibly look like:

left -- a true arrangement found on pinterest; right -- my photoshopped collage

3. Candles - With a rectangle table, I think you need either substantial candles or enough to spread out to make a statement on the table. A few cluttered in the middle won't produce a big enough interest. 

(this picture is a little overkill but I like the variety of candelabra's)

I am really smitten with this iron candelabra from Terrain. The welded detail and intricate details are exquisite!  I think it could easily fill a rectangle dining table without being too overbearing. I like to be able to clearly see my guests sitting across from me. Some bright orange or royal blue tapers could be amazing in this. 

So, those are my current options I keep toying with. What do you think? Do you have a favorite? 

1st BIRTHDAY INVITE: anne lewis

Happy Friday everyone! I wanted to share a project I did over the summer for one of the sweetest little girls I know - Anne Lewis. We both share a July 4th birthday (the 2nd and 3rd) so we wanted to do a red, white, and blue cookout theme. I tied in the pink to keep them girly and feminine! I printed them on white linen stock and paired them with brown kraft envelopes. Enjoy!

If you are interested in custom design work please contact me!

SNEAK PEEK: dining room

Look what has arrived at Melrose -

Do you remember this post? Well after hearing your encouraging comments, I decided to bite the bullet and go for it! The colors are very radiant and it brings a lot to the neutral dining room. Now I just need to put a coat of high gloss white paint on the legs of the farm table. More pictures to come!