MISMATCH CHAIRS

Along with the farm table, I love mismatched dining chairs. My favorite combination is currently metal chairs paired with simple, bent wood chairs. Here are some inspiration images I found:

I really like these wooden chairs. Simple shape with a bent wood frame. [greige]

I love the bench on one side. I contemplated on that idea, but it was quickly nixed. ;) But, I still like the mix of the wooden and metal chairs here. [greige]

I also really like the shape of these chairs. [a life's design].

Who knew dining chairs were so expensive? Not me! But, I actually feel like I have found some good deals for my farm table. 

My first purchase for the table was 2 metal chairs from an antique store in Homewood (Peck & Hills Antiques). Since then I have been on a major search for 4 wooden chairs to accompany them. The dining table has pretty chunky legs so there can be no arm rails or large seats. I need simple and petite. After looking all over (seriously!), I finally decided on these:

[restoration hardware]

Simple, bent frame, wooden...PERFECTION! Don't be alarmed, yes, they are from Restoration Hardware, but I have researched a lot and these are actually the cheapest chair in this style! Yes, I was shocked too! Just goes to show that if you take time to research and check all your options (regardless of reputation), you may be surprised in the end. And, who doesn't like to save money? Check out these look alikes for almost double the price:

$179 each [viva terra]

At Urban Outfitter's sister site, Terrain, for $228 each! [terrain]

My metal chairs are actually identical to Viva Terra's bistro chair, but were purchased at half the price! Steal!

[viva terra]

FARMHOUSE TABLES

I love farmhouse tables in the dining room. I love the chipped paint, the white wash peeping though, the rustic, chunky frame, and the worn wooden planks. I just love anything with character. I purchased a "farm table" from a shop in Auburn that was built from reclaimed wood. It isn't as smooth and worn as I would like, but I hope to doctor it up a bit. Here are a few images of my favorite farmhouse tables in the dining room.

[shelter]

[unknown]

[via living etc.]

My farm table currently looks very similar to this one. [unknown]

But, I hope to make it look a little more like this one. I may trying rubbing white paint into the cracks and crevices, sanding, and applying some tung oil. Hopefully that will give it a more "worn" and used appearance. [a life's design]

[brabourne farm]

THANK YOU CARDS

For the Etheredge Adoption Benefit, I donated a gift certificate for 20 personalized thank you cards to auction. The winner chose to personalize them with her last initial and a "many thanks" tag to keep them casual. They were printed on white linen paper and paired with a soft pink envelope. Check them out!

RUBIE GREEN

I love this site. I have been keeping an eye on it for while and it has really been circulating the blog world lately. The site is gorgeous - I love the color scheme, the icons, the products, and everything about their style! Check out the awesome logo (top right) of the profiled girl with flowers beneath her. 

But, besides their fantastic site, they produce the most beautiful sheets, pillows, and accessories - and they are good for the environment! Here is a clip from their 'about us' section:

"Here at Rubie Green, our mission is to dress your surroundings in fabrics that represent vitality, energy, comfort and style, all while maintaining respect to the environment by using only 100% organic cotton. We believe in classic designs that are familiar to every decade, re-vitalized in an eco-friendly manner."

I hope they come out with more products in the future, but for the time being, I am quite satisfied with these beauties:

[LOVE this pillow. They also make it in a boudoir size that is also super cute. Would be PERFECT in Melrose's mauve-gray guest room. ***hint hint, future gift item for katie beth?? :)]

They also sell a variety of fabrics. I love this one (even though I don't know what I would do with it):

Hopefully, I will be able to post pictures of Melrose this weekend - after Jessica's wonderful wedding weekend. I have had a lot of outside projects consume me lately, but we have been busy, busy on the house. Brandon has really made the front AND back yards look fabulous + we had another weekend of Mom, Dad, & Allen's help so we got a lot accomplished and I hope to share all the pictures asap!

AMERICAN WOMAN

Last week the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute held its annual benefit and gala. This year, the theme was American Woman: Fashioning A National Identity. The dresses were auctioned the next day, with proceeds going to the Costume Institute. I know a lot of these images have been floating the blog world lately, but I just wanted to share my favorites.

Love the cut and color of this dress. The fitting sweetheart top with a flowing, full skirt looks gorgeous on her. [camilla belle in jason wu and with jason wu]

ahhh....gold and neutrals! [jennifer lopez in Zuhair Murad]

I have to admit, Anne Hathaway is not my favorite but I love this dress. The cut is very similar to the first picture of Camilla Belle. I have a thing for sweetheart cuts. [anne hathaway in valentino]

Love the one should + the all while. Very summer chic. [emma watson in burberry with christopher bailey]

Oh, if all these dresses were affordable to the "everyday" woman.