Gift Guide: For the Home

Here are my gift picks for the home! All of these finds would make a perfect present for someone else's abode or of course for your own! Cheers and Happy Shopping! xx

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12

* 8 would look cool in for a mixed photo wall. ( I also adore their stationery)

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Shelter loves 9.28.12

pinning, loving, pinning this week! Have a fabulous weekend! xx

1. The Chinti and Parker heart sweater for Goop. Sadly I won't be owning this one, it's $515.00 and a bit out of my "snack bracket" for a sweater.
2. Soft cozy blankets exactly like this! similar blankets here
3. Love this brass bar cart and the price is right: Crate and Barrel
4. Adore these Sandy Hyun cuffs
5. The Chloe Erin riding boot. These would be perfection paired with jeans and a chunky knit sweater
6. Gwen poses perfectly on the cover of this month's Bazaar! She's 43 and still looks killer! Rock on Gwen!

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turning inward

I've decided to embrace Fall, 'tis the season for nesting in my world. Cooking yummy comfort food, sipping warming cocktails, snuggling with a cozy blanket and a good book, and entertaining with great apps and music is on tap for me this Autumn. I love the idea of setting up a well stocked bar with vintage antique sterling accessories. Warm comforting hues and preppy "library" style are perfect right now....

1. The J.Crew cashmere collection is drool worthy
2. A little leopard goes a long way and would complete this look beautifully.
3. C. Wonder pillows
4. The velvet slipper is one of the "must" have comfies for this Fall. Tory Burch
5. My cocktail choice. (Maybe someday I'll warm up to a good scotch, a sip or two is about what I can drink now). El Tesoro with a splash of sour, lime and salted rim carries me through the summer and into the Fall. (along with red wine of course)
6. The XX - coexist, this is their new album. I love this band's cool sound.
7. I can't wait to overhaul my glass collection when I move. These gold spotted beauties would work!! via Bed, Bath and Beyond.
8. I have one more classic book to read before the year's end. (it was a part of my January resolution list).

Happy Fall to you!! xx

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Thinking About a Little DIY

Noticing a lot of chatter lately about the hot summer trend of all things nautical - which is so fun for summer.  Here is one great piece I've had my eye on . . . 

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I think it is so chic and would add just the right amount of sparkle to my coffee table.  But, I can't justify $185.00 for a trendy accessory.  I know, it's really great.  Isn't it? 

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So, I was thinking (my husband says he dreads that phase more than anything in the world) . . . What if I took this shell (at $24.95).

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or this one at $25.00 (it's resin). 

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And painted the interior gold (since brass/gold accents are still hotter than hot).  There are so many options for how to add the gold accent.  You could do gold leaf which would add a lot of texture to the inside. 

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or craft paint - this one feels aged to me which is a great thing . . . 

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or even a little metal (anything called liquid metal, I'm in!) . . .

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You've got yourself a nautical/gold chachkie for a fraction of the price!  With a deal like that, I really wouldn't feel bad moving on when the trend is over.  M.

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Find of the Day - Vintage Horn Box

I picked up this small horn box from one of my new favorite online sources for unique, affordable, vintage finds . . .

And here's where it landed.

The source for this little jewel.

How cute is that card they included in the box?!  Minty is a brand new shop - the brain child of three very fun, seasoned bloggers in Atlanta who know a thing or two about interior design.

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They have such a nice mix of interesting vintage accessories.  It's totally worth a look see.  If you have a minute to peruse, here's the link.

shop now

PS: And if just need someone to give a gift to, I'm happy to email you my address. M.

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The Results Are In

By Invitation Only was a huge success!

Guests gathered around with their wine and hors d'oeuvres as the Snobs put their skills to work.  Bringing in new accessories and moving furniture created a cozy new living space.

Updating with more contemporary lines and adding a larger mirror makes a good first impression in the entry way.

Simplify, remove too many items that make a space busy.  We created a focal point which adds color and hides the flat top of the china.  Family photos were collected and will be collaged in a more personal area of the home.

Adding length and heavier frames between the tall windows makes the entire wall work as one.  The round table and lamp are sculptural pieces and makes a nice statement between the set of chairs.

Accessories grouped on top of the entertainment center soften the hard lines.  The lamp brings nice ambient light, which is needed with the dark wall in the background.

This difficult area is just perfect for the homeowners beautiful wine table, salut! 

Every home has areas that are difficult and not so pretty.  A vase and natural elements often do the trick.

Tall lamps and a great piece of artwork dramatically change this long wall, adding height and taking away much of the weight low.

We brought color to the stark walls and collected cherished items on an etagere, it fills the corner nicely.  Moving the chairs away from the wall creates a cozier, more intimate seating area. 

The final touch will be adding custom pillows to the sofa and chairs.

None of this would've been possible without Febra, thank you!

Also, big thank you to Real Deals for their support and supplying all of the accessories. If you have not had a chance to visit the store, it is worth your time. 

Educational and Inspirational, By Invitation Only transforms your space into a home.

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Today's The Day!

It's finally here...

The first ever By Invitation Only.

All home decor is provided by Real Deals-Colorado Springs.

We can't wit to bring you before & after photo!

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2 Days and Counting...

So excited for the first evening of inspiration, it's only 

2 days away!

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Counting down...

Good Morning! So if you live North of Manhattan you'll know exactly where I'm coming from when I say, by early March I am VERY over the cold weather! Bostonians can't help but repeat this phrase daily to one another right around NOW!  I went to college in Maryland, so I know the grass starts to turn green down there any day now. I miss having a southern spring!

The warm weather hasn't arrived quite yet in Boston, but I can dream and scheme about it. To brighten my day and yours I thought I'd ease into the week with a fashion post. I'm counting the days until I can wear open toes, carry a light bag and feel the warm sun on my face! It hasn't shined here in days!

The outfit pictured could take me from a design meeting to cocktails! It's a simple layered look and is really all about mixing the idiosyncrasies of texture and pattern! It's classic with an edge,  just the way I like things! Navy, emerald and aqua make a fabulous color combination!

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Trying Out New Trends

Do you ever see a fashion trend on a celebrity and think "I could pull that off", but when you purchase the item you never seem to find the courage to wear it? This is what happened to me with the headscarf. I see it on other people and I am absolutely IN LOVE with this look. But whenever I put mine on I hesitate for some reason.
I first started noticing this look on the always fashionable Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl (one of my favourite shows, hello Chuck Bass).

These UpperEast Siders wear their headscarves pushed back higher up on their heads, which makes it a bit more preppy.

I also like the way Nicole Richie wears a scarf, over the top of her forehead. It's a hippie inspired look, adding a carefree vibe and ease to her look. She chooses bright and playful prints to add a pop to her neutral attire and finishes the look with a pair of stylish shades.

Another way to wear the headscarf that I really like is to spin it around so the knot or bow is on the front!

I think I'm going to get the courage to wear mine one day soon:

 Do you guys like headscarves? Who do you think wears it best? Have you ever had a trendy item that you've owned and loved but never worn?
xox
Tiffany Leigh

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on my radar this holiday season

1. My chunky pearls broke over Thanksgiving (at a bar, none the less, so the pearls scattered everywhere - garnered a bit of attention from the surrounding guys scrambling to help me pick them up, I actually thought that was very sweet. It's time for a new set. This particular one is from Lauren Elan

2. A bit predictable? Yes. but I've always wanted a white grey hound statue for my home! This cutie is available through Pieces!

- Bee from Atlantic-Pacific wears them well.
- I love boxwood - they don't fair so well in Boston during this time of year though!

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Eye of the Magpie - Acrylic Box Update

In July, I posted about this amazing space.  

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Specifically, about an acrylic box seen in the space.  

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Well, I took my own advice and ordered a custom size acrylic box for a very sentimental item that has been in my husband's family for years.  It's a very old pistol.  Somehow, we ended up with it, and it's sat in a box in our attic for years.  Well, no more!  Here's it's new home.  

When I ordered the box, I kept wondering what I would use to prop up the gun so you could actually see it in the box.  I came up with all sorts of elaborate expensive ideas.  Then, I had a passing conversation with my Dad who told me they often use shot gun shells at gun shows to prop pistols up for display. Since this gun does not use shells, I decided to keep it simple.  I went out into our backyard and found a stick of the perfect diameter.  It looks rustic and does the trick, don't you think?! 

When we first acquired the gun, I thought, "What am I suppose to do with this thing?"  Somehow, the acrylic box really makes it feel important and special. 

 I think an acrylic box can make almost any random accessory feel important.  If you need a custom size, expect to pay a bit more.  I used John with AZCustomPlastics, and he was super nice.  It did take a couple of months to get it.  But the quality is great, and I got exactly what I wanted.    

Alternatively, if you purchase a basic size (like for a football or baseball), the price is very reasonable and you get the same impact.  Here's an example I found online just by googling "acrylic display box."   

Order a basic box, and then find something to put in it!! You will be amazed. . .  

On another note, my posting is going to be sporadic this week.  People are beginning to prepare for the fall season and holidays to come.  So, I have a couple of redesigns this week.  Redesigns are an easy way to make your current space feel fresh and new without buying any additional furnishings.  If you are feeling the need to do the same, call me.  I can create a fresh new space for you too!    

Have a great start to your week! M. 

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Channeling Coco

 Images: Pinterest, Atlantic-Pacific

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