Photoshoot Dress Inspiration

It's no secret that I love fashion.  However, when it comes to dressing myself, I tend to stick to a similar look: Sundresses with lighter fabrics that help me manage the Houston heat while still looking chic.  I also tend to stick to dresses in hues I know will work well with my coloring.   

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Admittedly I am not typically very photogenic.  There have been numerous times when I have tried to do a personal outfit post, but end up deleting my draft before it ever gets published- I just feel so cheesy and unnatural when posing by myself!  Hence my anxiety regarding an upcoming photo shoot for my blog redesign.  Here are a few dresses I have found online that I like for possible outfits for the photos.  Which one is your favorite?

Oasis Beaded Dress/Mod Cloth Beachfront Dress/Splendid Jersey Dress/Topshop Fluro Dip Hem Dress/Peplum Scuba Pencil Dress/Under.ligne Belted Dress

  This is where you come in- I need all you fashionistas to give me your advice!  What kind of clothes look best on camera? Does anyone have any tips for how to feel and look more natural when getting photos taken?  I'd love your advice!

The Louis Vuitton Trunk

I have this reoccuring fantasy that I'm at an old antique market and suddenly come upon an authentic Louis Vuitton trunk.  The seller isn't aware of it's value, and I manage to take it home without breaking the bank. 

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Until this fantasy becomes a reality (I'm afraid I may be waiting forever...) I can  at the very least enjoy looking at these beautiful trunks in home decor.  They make beautiful coffee tables and end tables.

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More pretty LV decor after the jump!

Sponsored Post: Littlewoods

This post was provided by Littlewoods, a UK-based catalog and online retail shop.  They sell a wide-range of products, including clothing and furniture.  Today's post addresses one of my favorite topics- efficient organization in your bedroom! Enjoy.

The best bedroom storage solutions

{Harper 4 Drawer Chest}

Are you having difficulty finding a place for everything in the house? It’s amazing that no matter how often you have a clear out, you still can’t get your drawers shut. And even though your cupboards and drawers are bursting at the seams, you never seem to be able to find the one thing that you’re looking for.

Storage solutions are important in any house. You always see couples on house hunting programmes, talking about not having enough storage. At the time, you may think they’re bonkers for turning down a beautiful house, just because there’s not enough wardrobe space. But storage options are a major concern when you’re looking for a new home. And you don’t know how much stuff they actually have. Their current life could involve wading knee-deep through excess laundry, as they simply don’t have anywhere to put it!

It's In Our Genes

Most of us have an inbuilt genetic desire for some semblance of order. As we accumulate things through life – and it does happen, even if you’re trying not to – you need distinct and separate places to put them. Cutlery goes in a draw in the kitchen, and shampoo lives on the side of the bath. Having a place for everything just feels comforting. Even animals do it – it’s called nesting.

So, having an adequately-sized chest of drawers in the bedroom for all your clothes gives you peace of mind. With a place for everything – and everything in its place – you’ll be able to relax, and avoid a last-minute panic as you search around for a pair of tights when you’re already late for work.

Design statement

{Rachel 5 Drawer Chest}

As well as its practical function, bedroom furniture also gives you the chance to stamp your individuality and flair for design onto a room. Choosing furniture that is in keeping with the room will look stylish. It will help you to create a comfortable environment that you enjoy – and you can’t ask for more than that.

Is it time you upgraded your bedroom furniture? Have a look at your drawers now. If they don’t all shut with a gentle push, it might be time to make the step up.

Thanks for posting, Littlewoods!  To see more of their furniture and decor, be sure to visit their website.

Do you have a product or service that would be of interest to The Peak of Tres Chic readers?  Feel free to contact me at sam.e.penner@gmail.com for rates!

The View Through My Lens 8 & The Ultimate Summer Playlist

Happy Post-Memorial Day!  If you're like me then that means you're sufficiently bronzed and can now say you've read all the Chelsea Handler books.  ;)  Here's a few shots from my weekend:

My friend Kristie and I enjoyed frozen screwdrivers on the porch of one of our favorite Houston pubs, I loved burning my new candle that was a gift, and I enjoyed a latte Saturday morning with my family at brunch.  I spent Sunday morning looking through my new coffee table book that came from One King's Lane.  Is anyone else as obsessed as me with this site?!  It's genius!  They do all the work by finding great pieces or having collections curated and then send them to you every day.  I promise they aren't paying me to say this, although they probably should since I've gotten many people addicted to the site. ;)

In other news, I have officially curated the perfect summer playlist (for my tastes, at least)!  I do not discriminate against any form of music, so my list is extremely eclectic....

1.) Bad Fish - Sublime

2.) Six Underground - Sneaker Pimps

3.) Promises, Promises - Incubus

4.) Change - The Lightening Seeds

5.) My Favorite Mistake - Sheryl Crow

6.) Summer Girl - Leighton Meister

7.) Dancing on My Own - Robyn

8.) Santeria - Sublime

9.) Sweet Child O' Mine - ACDC

10.) Let The Drummer Kick - Citizen Cope

11.) Oklahoma Girl - Eli Young Band (What can I say?  I had to include this one- I'm an Oklahoma girl!)

12.) Talk that Talk - Rihanna

13.) Dance Again - J Lo

14.) Free Bird - Lynard Skynard

{Slim Aarons Poolside Gossip}

A mix of classic rock, hip hop, and a tad bit of country.  It's the perfect mix for when you're laying by the pool.  Which I did a bit too much of today!  

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Happy Memorial Day!

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Happy Memorial Day!  A big "thank you" to all the soldiers who serve to protect our American liberties...

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Thank you for loving this crazy country enough to protect it!  We love you!

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Sunny Skies Ahead...

TGIF!  With the beautiful weekend here, I think I am already mentally checked out despite a full work day ahead of me.  One thing on my bucket list is to have an authentic picnic.  I know it sounds simple, but actually packing a basket and making the effort to get out to the park has been hard to accomplish.  I think Memorial Day Weekend would be the perfect time to change this!   For today's Friday Fancies, I decided to plan the perfect ensemble for a little champy and cheese in the grass.

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Hat/Splendid Dress/Sonia Rykiel Scarf/Thierry Lasry Sunglasses/Crate & Barrel Picnic Basket/Stella & Dot Bracelet/Dolce Vita Sandal

Happy Memorial Day weekend, loves!

My Love Affair With Subway Tiles

I'm not quite sure when the obsession began. Possibly on my first trip in the actual NY subway (am I the only one who loves riding the subway?) sometime around age 12.  To this day, seeing a good subway tile in an interior makes my heart race.  

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I love the marble-esque subway tile finish done in this kitchen.  It adds a glamorous touch to the typical white tile.

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I love the vibe of this kitchen.  It feels very outdoorsy with the natural stone flooring!

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Black subway tile creates a lacquer-like sheen and adds drama to a typical kitchen.

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One day when I am designing my dream home, subway tiles will most definitely be included in the bathroom or kitchen! 

If This Blog Were An Outfit...

She'd look something like this...

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Chic and tailored...

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Mainly neutrals with pops of color coming in through handbags, shoes, and jewelry

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Effortlessly chic...

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Recipe for The Peak of Tres Chic:

3 parts old Hollywood glamour

2 parts Parisian muse

1 part preppy school girl

a dash of 70s bohemian 

garnished with sparkles on top

And what would my blog look like if she were a room?  Head on over to Simple Dwellings to see what I envision in my guest post!

Checking In On New Year's Resolutions

Hello sweet peas!  Since we are nearly 6 months in to the new year (can I even say that at this point in time?!), I thought I'd give you an update on the status of my New Years Resolutions that I posted about here.

{Shelter Pop, Inslee Designs}

1.) Take on my first interior design client

Update: I did indeed take on my first E-Design client, which was wonderful and a great learning experience.  But even better than that, I am now working for an interior design firm as a design assistant, where I am learning something new every day!  I must say I am proud of myself for following through fully on this one.

{Oh Hello Friend; Design Darling; Bud & Leo}

2. Send More Handwritten Notes

Update: Eeek!  I have not been keeping up with this resolution!  Despite having purchased lots of pretty stationery, I haven't put much of it to use.  I vow to change this- I have some pretty wonderful people in my life who deserve a note.

{The Decorista}

3.) Get More Sleep

Update: I am happy to report that I get an A+ for following through with this one.  I am getting much more sleep- nearly 8-9 hours a night, and my skin and body thank me for it!  Probably because I have not stuck very well with my next one...

{Fitness Magazine, Victoria's Secret}

4.) Workout 3 Times Per Week

Update: At the start of the year, I was much better about working out.  There was a gym close to my office that I'd pop in to at lunch for a Zumba class a few times a week.  But after switching jobs/offices, and taking on courses at night, I have not been working out very often.  

{We Heart It}

5.) Take A Photography Class

Update: Sam and I did take a photography course in late April where we actually learned how to use our fancy cameras.  It was interesting to learn all the techniques of shooting, and our instructor even took us out on a tour of Houston so we could practice our new skills!

{Instagram Photo}

{Slim Aarons Photography}

6.) Take Every Excuse to Travel

Update:  I value traveling and seeing new places.  In fact, it's how I spend the majority of my spending money.  This year, I have been exercising restraint when it comes to shopping so that I can have a few extra dollars for travel money.  This year, I've gone to Cabo, taken a road trip with friends to Austin, TX, gone with Sam to San Antonio, TX, gone to Coachella in Indio, CA, and went to Napa Valley last weekend!   I'd say that's a good start. :)

{Instagram Photos}

I may not have rock hard abs but at least I'm indulging in a little sleep and travel.  Did you follow through with your resolutions?  Do you have any new ones for the latter 6 months of the year?  I'd love to hear them!

Weekend Recap: Napa Valley

How was your weekend?  I hope you enjoyed a few relaxing days and are recharged for the coming week.  I am a firm believer in taking time off from work on weekends to recharge, so you won't get burned out and will feel creatively refreshed come Monday.  Sam and I got back last night from our weekend getaway to Napa Valley.  It was lovely!  Meeting Sam's parents for the first time was a real treat, not to mention visiting nearly 10 different wineries!

We stayed at the Silverado Resort & Spa.  The mansion in the top right picture was originally built in 1870, and now serves as the front desk and concierge for the hotel.  The gardens outside were simply stunning!  The champagne tasting shown in the bottom left picture was taken at Mumm Napa vineyard.  Of course, I was in heaven at the selection of cheeses available V.Sattui (another winery).

We enjoyed the pool at our resort, and I couldn't resist taking shots of the beautiful roses and gardens at all the pretty wineries.  I definitely came away with a new appreciation for wine, especially Pinot Noirs!  I also couldn't resist getting these champagne flutes...

Now all I need to do is have a girlfriend over to enjoy some champy with...

Who, What, Wear, Where: Radiant Republic

Good morning singing songbirds!  I am back in Houston, home from a great weekend in Napa Valley.  I can't wait to share photos from the trip with you.  But before I do, the lovely Erika of Radiant Republic is here today sharing her ideal day in the 4 W's...

Who

I wanted to avoid being super corny, but the person I would spend my dream day with is my fiance, Andrew.  He makes me laugh (and often snort) harder than anyone and we have loads of fun together!  

What

Since this is my dream day, I would cruise around Cape Cod in this darling little Mercedes.  Don't you just love the pretty red color?  More specifically, I would drive the car to our mooring where we would hop on the boat and cruise to Nantucket.

Where

I guess I answered this with the mention of Nantucket already, but my favorite town in the world is Chatham on Cape Cod.  It is where Andrew and I met and where we'll be married.  We hope to one day live there full time, but enjoy our summer weekends there in the meantime.  And yes, on calm days, Nantucket is just a hop, skip and a boatride away!  

Wear

I love the fun Lily prints from the summer collection, but this Briony dress has my heart.  The flutter sleeves and color palette are divine!  I want to make this my summer 2012 uniform.

Thank you so much for having me today, Sam!  And I SO look forward to meeting all of you!  I would love to hear what all of you would do on your dream day!  Where would you go and what would you wear?

Thanks for sharing with us, Erika!  I love that you chose to go to Nantucket- one place that's definitely on my travel list.  Go see more from Erika here.  

Friday Fancies: Chambray Season!

Happy Friday Fancies!  Chambray has been all the rage lately, and I for one am a huge fan.  Today I thought I'd chambray 2 ways- sweet and sassy!  The outfit on the left definitely gives off a more "sweet" vibe, with the pink pleated skirt, tied chambray top and sandals.  For a bit of a sexier look, I chose an embroidered chambray dress and oversized sunglasses, paired with cork espadrilles.  Which one is your favorite?!

Delias Chambray Top/Top Shop Sunglasses/Pink Invert Flippy Skirt/Embroidered Chambray Dress/Dolce Vita Sandal/Palm Beach Espadrille

Happy Friday from Napa, lovelies!!

Flamingos On My Mind

One of my favorite animals is the flamingo.  They are such interesting creatures- large birds that manage to balance on two tiny sticks for legs.  They sleep on one leg, have a vibrant pink coat and a large black beak. I find them incredibly beautiful!  

{Instagram pic I took on a trip to the zoo recently}

So when my design fundamentals professor told us our homework for this week was to design a wallpaper using our favorite animal, I immediately picked the flamingo.  The vibrant color and interesting shape of the bird make it a whimsical motif to spot in a home- so unexpected and cheery!

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After doing a bit of research on flamingos, I discovered that there are some pretty fabulous wallpapers on the market, like  Cole & Son's Flamingo wallpaper:

Sultry Office Spaces

I love rooms with drama.  Whether it be dark walls, luxurious fabrics, or unique furnishings, a room that creates a sexy vibe isn't easily forgotten.  Lately I've been relishing this look in office spaces.

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So what creates a sultry office?  I'd say a bit of a masculine vibe, dark oak finishes, dramatic light fixtures, and lots of dark colors.

Horse Canvas/Aiden Gray Lamps/Iron Desk/Mecox Leather Chair/Vintage Hand-Knotted Rug