Fall Inspiration by Habibi

Hi TPOTC readers!  I'm Nuha from the blog "Habibi" and a huge fan of Sam's blog.  Albeit tiny, this girl can pack a serious punch with her design skills!  I always leave here dreaming about flamingos, pink sofas, or whatever it is she's blogged about.  But today, I want to talk about something that I simply cannot get off of my mind.  I hate to be that girl, but... I am so ready for Fall!!  Like beyond ready.  I know I know, we're still in the midst of summer and I still haven't got a decent tan.  But still, I'm ready for some layering, jackets, and crunchy leaves!  

So who's with me?! Are any of you itching for cooler temps like me?  Or all you enjoying every last bit of summer while you can?

Now & Later by The Vault Files

Hi everyone! I'm Gaby from The Vault Files and I'm so happy to be here today sharing a Now and Later look that I've styled for all of you! We all seem to love stripes and there's nothing more nautical (hence summery) than a striped dress, so here is an example on how you can style your favorite striped dress in Fall, because after all, we have to do our best to maximize our wardrobe pieces, right?

 

Now: 1. Modcloth weaving town fedora / 2. J.Crew Garden floral ruched bandeau tank / 3. Folio Satchel (sold out) similar / 4. Illesteva Leonard 2 In Tortoise sunglasses /  5. Proenza Schouler PS1 leather-trimmed twill belt / 6. Sam Edelman Leopard-print ponyskin sandals

Later: 1. 3.1 Phillip Lim Cropped Body Mapped Pullover / 2. EPICE S.A.R.L. Floral Cotton Scarf / 3. The Row Cookton textured-leather biker jacket / 4. Tory Burch Dakota Convertible Hobo / 5. Rag & Bone Harrow Booties / 6. Coralia Double Drop Earrings / 7. J.Crew Patent leather skinny belt  / 8. Dorothy Perkins Bow and pearl ring stack /     

Thanks so much Sam for the invitation, I'm thrilled to be guest here today ;)

Poshlocket Pave Studs

I am always looking for ways to jazz up my everyday look.  Admittedly, I don't wear much jewelry day to day because I don't like the fuss of it!  I am often picking up furniture, towing it around to installations, and doing other physical activities where jewelry just gets in the way.  So, I like to keep it simple.  These gorgeous Poshlocket pave studs are the perfect amount of sparkle for me.

With my hair pulled back in a bun and no eye makeup, the studs add a little shimmer to my work attire:

The best part is, the studs go with everything!

View Poshlocket's entire jewelry collection here.

Note: These pave studs were provided to me by Poshlocket for review on my blog.

Playa Packing List

It has been one doozie of a week for me. I have been running around like a mad woman, pumping my blood full of Starbucks lattes, trying to finish up projects and assignments by Saturday.  Why the rush, you ask?  This Sunday, 2 of my best girlfriends and I are headed to Playa del Carmen for a 5 day getaway!  We have been talking for months about planning a beach vacation, and when a great deal popped up we just couldn't pass on it!  

Here's what's on my packing list...

Wonderland Colony Sunglasses/Eugenia Kim Fedora/Hive & Honey Gold Cuff/  Tori Praver Kalani Fringe Bikini Top/Tori Praver Kalani Bikini Bottom/L'Agence Striped Dress/Dolce Vita Gold Sandals/J Crew Brompton Clutch

While I am away next week, some wonderful bloggers will be guest posting on a wide variety of topics.  Of course, I'll be tweeting and instagramming updates from the trip, so I hope you'll follow along.  Happy weekend!!

XOXO, Sam

Sponsor Introduction: Laura Dro Designs

Hello lovelies, I'm back again with another AMAZING sponsor to introduce you to:  Laura Dro Designs.  Laura is an artist that creates bright, colorful patterns and artwork available for wholesale and licensing in the home decor industry.  Whether it's for fabric, wallpaper, dinnerware, bedding, or stationery, she has original artwork for every product!  Here are a few examples of her gorgeous work:

I love all the bright, preppy colors.  That first painting is my favorite, although all of them are gorgeous.  

In addition to her paintings and textile designs, Laura does commission work.  For more information, email her at laura@lauradrodesigns.com, and be sure to check out Laura's pretty artwork by visiting her website or her lifestyle blog.  So happy to have you, Laura, as a sponsor!

Sponsor Introduction: Jupiter Jewelry

Hello lovelies!  I am about to perk up your Thursday morning.  Today I have a wonderful company to introduce you to- Jupiter Jewelry!  

Jupiter Jewelry is a small, family-owned and operated business with a widely recognized reputation in the fine jewelry world. The Manhattan-based studio began its legacy in 1977, bringing their clients’ custom-designed visions to life. In addition to custom work, Jaclyne Kirkorian brings a new generation of up-to-date design sophistication to the Jupiter name, designing exclusive collections for the brand that respect Jupiter Jewelry’s highly praised craftsmanship and tradition, and marry it with a stylish future. She describes her style as glamour meets vintage and modern meets tradition… Designing vintage jewels for the modern shopper!

To be honest, I drooled over every single one of their pieces when I first looked through the collection.  What can I say?  The old adage, "Diamonds are a girl's best friend" is definitely true in my case.  Feast your eyes on these baubles:

Tahitian Pearl Brooch/Amethyst Heart Necklace/Tanzanite & Marquise Diamond Ring/ Heart Shaped Diamond Studs/Mini Mother of Pearl Flower Earrings/   Oval Turquoise Bracelet/Amethyst, Turquoise, Chalcedony Diamond Earrings


Go check out the bevy of sparkly jewels here, or schedule an appointment at (212) 840-2673.

Metallic Powder Baths

As a lover of all things metallic, I was ecstatic to see Schumacher's newest wallpaper collection, Byzantium, include many metallic elements.  Byzantium, the legendary and magnificent crossroads connecting east and west, sets the scene for this collection of exquisitely printed wallcoverings.  Here are a few highlights (i.e. the prints that made my heart palpitate) from the collection:

Morocco:

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Kasari Ikat:

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Alcazba:

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I am certain I will save my pennies to buy a roll of one of these beautiful wallpapers to put in my powder bath.  Right now I'm really adoring the kasari ikat.  How gorgeous would it look in a bathroom like this one:

See my powder bath inspiration after the jump!

Breakfast Nooks

As I have briefly mentioned before, my parents are building a new house and have kindly allowed me to give my input when it comes to design.  Currently we are gathering ideas for the kitchen and breakfast nook.  They decided not to include a formal dining room in their new home.  Growing up, the only time we ever used our dining room was during Thanksgiving, and for the rest of the year it laid dormant.  So, no dining room this time around.  That means the breakfast nook will be multifunctional, used both for everyday eating and for entertaining.

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I really love the idea of including a banquette around the table for seating.

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Since this table will also be used for entertaining guests, I think it needs to be a statement piece.  Gorgeously designed, and anything but ordinary. I almost squeeled when I saw this setting:

See more gorgeous spaces after the jump!

The 4 W's: Chevron & Stripes

For our next installment of "The 4 W's", we have the lovely Sarah of Chevron & Stripes.  In case you have missed the first few posts, the 4 W's is a series where we get to know our favorite bloggers a little better by having them tell us their perfect day in 4 W's- who they would be with, what they would be doing, what they would be wearing, and where they would be!  Sarah is so talented & witty, and her blog is a daily read of mine.  Here's her take on an ideal day:

WHO: I'm not all that star struck (though I love my celeb gossip and always appreciate a good sighting) so I would definitely spend the day with my fiancé and our dog Ziggy. To me, they're the perfect company.

WEAR: My go to's in the summer all seem to come from Calypso. I love their breezy tunics, bejeweled sandals, and shady hats. They've mastered the art of comfy chic...

WHERE: My family home on the beach is my place of zen. I know when I get out there I can fully unwind and decompress from the hustle and bustle of the city.

WHAT: I'd love to have a little picnic on the beach! It's not the most elaborate plan but little moments like that are the ones that make me most happy.

I love your answers, Sarah!  A day at the beach in any form is a wonderful day to me.  :)

Happy Monday, all!

Friday Finds

Happy FRIDAY!  TGIF.  What better day than today to show you a few of my latest finds?  

Recently, a sales rep for Made Goods came and presented to our design firm.  I was blown away by the gorgeous chandeliers, mirrors, and furnishings featured in their catalog:

Idoya Mirror/Silvana Empire Chandelier/Cole Objects/Faux Shagreen Boxes/Horse Head/Annika Art Deco Stool

Many of their things have a decidedly coastal feel to them.  When I found out that a former

Bare-Faced & Beautiful

In an age of chalky foundations and fire engine red lipstick, seeing someone with a bare face can be refreshing.  That's why I was delighted to read in the latest issue of W Magazine that when it comes to makeup, less will be more this season.  

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I'll be the first to admit I don't have flawless skin.  Going completely makeup free would scare me (and probably others, too!).  I love a dark cat eye as much as the next girl, but I do like to tone down my makeup most days when I'm working or going to school.  Here are the products I swear by when creating a natural look:

Mint Obsession

This year, I vowed to get a little out of my comfort zone when it comes to my wardrobe.  Admittedly, I am not much of a bold dresser.  I like to stick to neutral colors in shapes that work well on my body.  One color that I have been admiring lately (but have yet to add to my closet) is mint.  It's been a popular hue this spring and summer, along with an array of soft pastels.  Here are a few outfits I love that incorporate mint:

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I'd love to add any of these great mint items to my closet...

1.Sleeveless Crochet Collar Top/2.Mint Burnout Scarf/3.Mint Skater Dress/4.Mint Co-ord Boucle Skirt/5. Leather Scallop Cross-Body Bag/6.Floral Jacquard Loafers/7. Kendra Scott Carmella Earrings

Have you guys heard of Charm & Chain?  It's my absolute favorite online jewelry source, and also where you can get these Kendra Scott earrings.  They sell jewelry from various designers at all price points.  Those Anthropologie loafers are so fun, too!  I really need to invest in a few of these mint pieces.  Do you have a mint obsession, too?

Wedding Prettiness

Just a few pretty things pinned to my wedding pinboard...

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See my entire wedding board here.  Happy Tuesday!

Enticing Entryways

Today, I am thrilled to be guest posting on Design StILes about my latest entryway inspiration.  I am currently in the midst of zhushing my entryway in my own home, so I thought I'd share a bit about the process and a few entryways pinned on my inspiration board.

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To me, your entryway is one of the most important parts of your home.  It is the first thing guests see when they arrive, and it often sets the tone for the rest of your house.  In my dream home, I'll have brick herringbone flooring in my entryway, just like in this picture above.  I also think it's fun to have meaningful items in an entryway- family photos, antiques, and other tchotchkes that represent you well.

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Adding a little greenery is a nice touch.  Whether it be an orchid, a boxwood, fresh flowers or some other type of succulent, I love seeing blooms in an entryway.

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Click on over to read more and see the full post!

Midday Moodboard

Today, my moodboard shows a few of my signature colors- light pink and gold mixed with beiges.  A delicate palette perfect for coaxing me in to the hustle of Monday.

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How's your Monday going so far?

PS- I am over on Effortless Style today sharing more on my own design aesthetic.  I hope you'll check it out.  XOXO, Sam

Tory Burch Pre-Fall 2012

I know it's a little early (and a little hot) to bring up fall collections, but I couldn't help sharing Tory Burch's pre-fall.  The corals, oranges, navys, and whites are bright cheery colors that transition well, and many of the pieces you could buy now and wear in the warm weather.  Case in point:  The gorgeous Cassidy maxi skirt (my favorite piece from the collection)!

Top Row (L-R): Natalia Long Kaftan/Jayden Blouse/Ivy Super Skinny Corduroys/Azalea Double Crepe Flair Pants
Bottom Row (L-R): Cassidy Maxi Skirt/Pierre Wool Pant/Alexandra Silk Blouse/Margee Silk Blouse

I have always loved Tory Burch because of her fresh take on classic, tailored pieces.  She brings in fun, fresh patterns each season that liven things up, but she never strays from classic cuts that flatter a woman's shape. For her fall collection, Tory's inspiration was "a prim girl who's under the spell of the wrong kind of guy." I think we can all relate, can't we?

What's your favorite piece from TB Pre-Fall?

The View Through My Lens: 10

Here's a little bit of what's been going on in my life lately...

Adoring my pencils from the Design Darling shop, staying cool with a white wine mojito and a pool, and a new workout outfit!

A few weeks ago Sam & I took a road trip to New Orleans.  It was an interesting experience to say the least.  We did a swamp tour, visited old Louisiana plantations, antique hunted, and ate lots of delicious food...

Follow along with me on Instagram & Twitter.  

Have a great weekend!

Friday Loves

Happy Friday!!  It's been raining nonstop here in Houston, and the weekend doesn't look like it's going to clear up.  Since I'm lacking my much-needed Vitamin D from the sun, I'm a little scatterbrained.  Bear with me.  I decided for today's post I'd just share a little of the things I loved this week.  First off, this:

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Show some respect to the grapes!

I'm also loving 2 Penny Blue- the new company founded by Erin Gates, the writer and interior designer behind Elements of Style.  2 Penny Blue features gorgeous chic blazers and jackets. What really appeals to me is the tailored fit of many of them- something that is hard to find for a 5'2" girl!  Even better, for every jacket purchased, a school uniform is donated to a girl in need in Africa.  This is my favorite- if only I had $275 to spare! 

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This weekend, I plan to finally create a physical inspiration board in my home office extra bedroom.  My girl Lindsay over at Sadie & Stella has made it very simple by sharing a DIY and gorgeous photos of her own board.

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I loved seeing Rue Magazine's co-founder Crystal Gentilleo show off her home on Apartment Therapy.  My favorite part was her bedroom.  So feminine and ethereal-

How great is that vintage Vogue print above her bed?  Gorgeous.

Have a great weekend, lovelies!