Fashion Forward Friday: 2

Today I am happy to bring you the second installment of a new series here on The Peak of Très Chic- Fashion Forward Friday!  Each Friday, I am featuring a relatable fashionista who has styled an outfit that is inspiration-worthy and perfect for weekend wear.  Rather than see an outfit on a runway and try to emulate it, it's so much easier when we see ordinary women and men making fashion work for everyday.  Don't ya think? 

 Today, Jessica of Bows and Sequins is showing off her preppy style with a few of her recent outfits in bright, punchy colors...

{all images courtesy of Bows & Sequins}

Here's how Jessica describes her style: "I’m an avid daytime sequin wearer and gingham shirt collector. If I received a nickel for every time I wear my chambray shirt(s), I’d be a very wealthy gal! My style is pretty preppy, but sometimes I like to get a little more edgy, too. My style is very much inspired by my mood and the things around me. Thus, it changes from day to day and is constantly evolving."

How adorable is this petite blonde New Yorker?  I love those snow leopard pants in the last picture... a lot.  Be sure and make yourself acquainted with Jess by visiting her blog, Bows & Sequins.  
Happy Labor Day weekend!

50 Shades of Gray (Without the Pain or Bad Literature)

50 Shades of Gray.... although I hear the prose was a little questionable, and I'm not really one for S and M, maybe E.L. James was on to something.  Gray is often overlooked by the masses as a "drab" neutral.  Why use gray when you can use sexy whites, carmels, or luxurious black? To me, the beauty of gray is it's versatility.  It can be used as a neutral amongst bolder colors, or it can be mixed in well within a neutral room of blacks and whites.

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See more risque shades of gray after the jump!

5 Book Vignettes That Have Me Going Gaga

Let's be honest.  Coffee table books are for aesthetic pleasure.  Sure, they are fun to read and flip through, but only as a secondary purpose.  Their primary purpose is decoration, of course!  I am always drawn to vignettes that include interesting coffee table books, and today I wanted to share 5 of my favorites.

1.) Jamie Meares, of Furbish Studio and iSuwannee, never fails to create playful, bold spaces full of color and pattern.  The next 2 vignettes were designed by her. I love this stack of coffee table books she stores on top of a stool, with an antique bust as a topper.  The look feels very relaxed and strewn together, yet oh so chic.

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Talk about a delicious coffee table.  A leopard tray with stacks of books, jewels, and flowers looks perfectly lived in and curated at the same time. 

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Kelly of Fabulous K shared her office yesterday on La Dolce Vita.  The femininity and playfulness of her office made me long for a place of my own to get creative.  What I really loved was her shelves full of mementos and photos, as well as pretty coffee table books.  That Tashen's New York book has been on my list for some time now.  How gorgeous are the colors in her shelves?

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L'Wren Scott shared her Paris escape that she shares with Mick Jagger in Vogue last April- and what had me gawking was, you guessed it, her coffee table.  The vintage books hold sentimental value for her, and the costume mask layed across them here gives off a very Parisian feel.

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5.) Chassity Evans of Look Linger Love created a gorgeous vignette in her entryway.  Although she did utilize coffee table books in the mix, it's really the artwork that draws my eye. I love that she chose to lay three pieces grouped together against the wall, rather than hanging them up.  It gives a relaxed, curated vibe to the space, don't you think?

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Do you love them as much as me?  Honestly, I could stare at these 5 all day. 

Your Invitation to Houston's Neiman Marcus Beauty Event!

Happppy Wednesday lovelies!  I hope your week is off to a great start. 

Today I wanted to invite you all to Houston's Neiman Marcus Beauty Kick-Off Event, hosted by Houston Tidbits.   I was very honored to be invited to help host this event by sharing my 10 must-have beauty products, along with Paloma of La Dolce Vita and 3 other wonderful Houston bloggers:

 Join us on Tuesday, September 11, from 6 - 8 p.m to indulge in cocktails, demos and samples at each counter, mini-facials, nail art, a red lip station and a braid bar. The first 250 guests get a special swag bag full of beauty goodies. 

Click here to sign up and read more about the event.  I hope you will come!  If for no other reason then to say "Hi" and chat with me.  I know I have been introduced to many Houstonians via my blog but haven't gotten to meet a lot of you in person.  Isn't it time to change that?!

Pretty Organization: Closets

Closets are the woman's equivalent to a man cave- a sacred place that should be kept both beautiful and organized.  This isn't always easy, especially when we rush each morning to find something to wear to work and bolt out the door, leaving all the rejected outfits strewn across the floor (or is that just me?).  

Today I thought I'd share a few tips/tricks that I utilize to help keep my closet as organized and pretty as possible.

1.) Organize clothes by color and type.

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Keep clothes divided by pants, skirts, dresses, etc.  Within each type, organize items by their color, and group colors together.   This creates a uniform, clean look, and it also helps you find a specific item when you're looking for it.  Here's the "dress" section of my closet.  I also like to decorate with pretty shopping bags:

2.) Replace mismatched and wire hangars with sturdier ones that are the same style.

  Using the same hangar throughout your closet keeps items evenly spaced and is pretty to look at.  (I said this was pretty organization, right?!) I like to use these clear ones from Linens n' Things:

3.) Edit your closet on a regular basis.  

About every 6 months, I go through my closet and pull out any items I haven't worn recently or anything that doesn't fit well. There are many resale shops where you can go and sell your gently worn clothing (If you have a blog, sell it there!), or you can always donate it.  Either way, only keep in your closet what you love! I can't seem to part with this faux fur leopard jacket, impractical as it may be...

4.) Add personality to your space. 

 Even if your closet can't magically become a luxurious dressing room, it doesn't have to be dull.  Add liners to your shelves, paint the walls, or add a piece of art.  This Leigh Viner print is so girly and I love having it in my closet:

5.) Keep shoes and other accessories grouped together and visible.  

If you don't have enough room for them all, at least make visible the 2-3 pairs you wear the most often.

Do you have any tips of your own to add? I'd love to hear them!

Read more pretty organization posts here.

8 Things I Loved & Learned Last Week

This past week has been an eventful one.  From a busy work week to a weekend in Miami, there was lots going on!

1.) Currently loving my new blog business cards.  The lovely Erika of Small Shop Studio designed the logo (and my blog).  Tiny Prints allowed me to upload the custom logo and even add a little leopard trim, and had them printed and sent to me within a week. Talk about customer service!  What do you think?

2.) I discovered I LOVE the song "Born to Die" by Lana del Ray.  Although I had heard great things about her voice, I hadn't taken the time to listen to very many of her songs.  But this song truly captivated me and I think I have probably listened to it 100 times in the last 7 days!

3.) I LOVED seeing burgundy pants featured on Amanda's blog- Lust Luxe Love.  Just like Amanda, I think they might be one of my fall "must haves."  Plus, they'd be perfect for cheering on my OU Sooners this football season!

4.) I loved the decor in Dal Toro, a Miami beach bistro we ate at on Friday. The bright kelly green tufted booths were so chic!

5.) I LOVED visiting the Taschen book store along South Beach.  I think I spent an hour drooling over the shelves of beautiful coffee table books.  I didn't even know such a store existed!

6.) After seeing the beautiful cover of Pucci in the Taschen store, I realized I LOVED it so much that I wanted to take a copy home. Taschen offers it in several different prints.  However, the price tag was a bit much for me.  Maybe I can find a cheaper copy on Amazon?! 

7.) I learned that there exists a place in this world where it is perfectly acceptable to wear a bath robe to a hotel dinner.  Where is that place?  The Standard Spa & Hotel in Miami.  Appropriately coined "an adult playground", Sam &  I stayed here this past weekend and enjoyed spa treatments, sangria and ceviche in our bath robes.  Talk about relaxation...

8.) But with that relaxing vacation we planned on (and enjoyed as much as possible) came Hurricane Isaac.  Unfortunately we did not see a wink of sunshine in Miami, and even worse- the water was turned off throughout the city for nearly a day.  I learned that if you love who you are with, even the worst circumstances can't get you down.  I'm thankful my laid back Australian guy manages to keep my type-A tendencies in check. Even when we have to leave a day early and nearly get caught in the hurricane!

How was your weekend, friends?

Laura Dro Designs Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered the fabulous Laura Dro Designs Giveaway.  The winner of a custom 8"x10" painting by Laura is....

Entry # 50- Lindsay Wells!!!  Congratulations, Lindsay!  Laura or I will be in contact with you shortly.

Thank you again to all for entering.  Don't forget to check out Laura's fabulous website to see all the beautiful art she creates & find a piece for your home.  Happy Sunday! :)

Fashion Forward Friday: 1

Today I am happy to announce the beginning of a new series here on The Peak of Très Chic- Fashion Forward Friday!  Each Friday, I will be featuring a different fashionista who has styled an outfit that is inspiration-worthy and perfect for weekend wear.  Because let's be honest- who is actually thinking about work on Fridays?  Not moi.  Today, the lovely Golden Girls, Marika and Lauren, are modeling summery looks with plenty of white to wear before Labor Day rolls around (not that I pay attention to that silly fashion rule anyway.)

Here's how the girls described their style inspiration:

Our Style: Our style is best described as European elegance portrayed through our chic yet laid back California lifestyle. We like to mix boho with prep, and believe all women should clothe themselves in class. Our light and airy palate reflects our dreamy state of mind and our goal to inspire the world through our passion. The Golden Girls represent all things golden, and Golden White Décor reflects our sunny disposition and high energy on life.

Inspiration: We are inspired by our surroundings and the light coastal California vibes. We also look for inspiration in our travels. Each city, state, and country has their own take on fashion. Fashion and décor trends are continually evolving and it is important to keep an open mind. It is also key to look to past trends, and how they can be refreshed, revamped, and altered to fit our current lifestyle.

I am officially ready to put on a sun hat and a white maxi.  Which is convenient, since I'm on my way to Miami as we speak.  Ciao for now, and be sure to check out The Golden Girls blog- it's lovely!  Happy Weekend!

XOXO, Sam

Pretty Pinks.... & What is Going On With Me?!

You guys.... I don't know what is going on with me.  While I've always loved pink, I've been going a little overboard lately.  Pretty much everything I am attracted to is pink. I don't know if my estrogen levels are a little too high, or maybe subconsciously I know I am nearing the days when I will have to consider someone else's opinion/tastes (and a male's opinion- at that!) when decorating my home, so I am realllly indulging all my femininity .... who knows.  But honestly.... how could you not love these lusciously gorgeous spaces?!

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Here are the pretty pinks I would love to add to my humble abode...

Eloise Painting by Christine Dovey/Kelly Wearstler Olivia Chair/Hollywood Regency Style Painted Ottoman/Pink Flamingo Statue/Iris Paper Small Lacquer Box/Pink Ribbed Bowl/Louis XV Flame Stitch Upholstered Chairs/Pink & White Lenox Lamps

Are you a fan of pink, or am I def going overboard?  

Miami Packing List

This Friday, Sam and I (If you are new to my blog, yes- my boyfriend and I have the same name) are heading to Miami for a mini vacation to celebrate a year together.  I know, I know, it's not that much of a feat.  Most of you have been with your spouse/boyfriend for 10 times that long... so please don't roll your eyes at me! :)  Honestly, it's crazy to think it's been a year already.  We've been having a great time getting to know each other over the last 12 months and we thought it would be fun to take time out and celebrate.  The hotel we are staying at is known for it's boutique spa and relaxing vibe.  I am looking forward to morning yoga classes, reading by the pool, and spending quality time with my guy.  Here's what's on my packing list...

From Top Left: Alice+Olivia Tank/Vix Fringe Bikini Top/Vix Bikini Bottom/Ray Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses/Coral Stretch Kaftan/Tibi Shorts/Laguna Metallic Sandals/Turquoise Tote/Madewell Python Flats/  Adidas by Stella McCartney Yoga Mat/Lauren Conrad Style Paperback/Coco Chanel: Sleeping with the Enemy Paperback

Am I missing anything?  Any good suggestions for Miami?
XO, Sam

Design Craving: Rustic Elegance

Lately I've been very drawn to rooms with rustic elements in them.  From wood floors, to wrought iron, to sisal rugs... I just love the natural feel!  However, I wouldn't be staying true to my aesthetic if I didn't add in a little feminine glamour.  The perfect mix- rustic elegance!  Here are a few rooms I love that incorporate this vibe...

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I love the delicate feel of this bedroom designed by Meredith Heron. (A favorite designer of mine!) The intricate gold mirror and chandelier add such glamour!

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Placing braches around your headboard?!  Talk about a natural statement!

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What design aesthetic have you been craving?

PS- Don't forget to enter the Laura Dro Designs Custom Art Giveaway!  The winner is drawn tomorrow! :)

Laura Dro Designs Custom Painting Giveaway!

Happy Monday, lovelies!  To help brighten up your Monday, I have a fabulously delicious giveaway for you. Laura Dro Designs, a Peak of Très Chic sponsor, has kindly agreed to give away 1 of her 8"x10" paintings, in custom colors and a pattern of the winner's choosing!   Feast your eyes on these beauties:

Swooning, yet? I love the bold, happy colors Laura incorporates in to her artwork.  She has a beautiful array of paintings and pattern designs throughout her portfolio.  

All you need to do to enter is leave a comment below with your email and your favorite piece of art featured above or on Laura's site.

For extra entries, you may do any or all of the following, leaving a separate comment for each:

1.) Be a follower of The Peak of Tres Chic.

2.) Become a follower of Laura's blog here.

3.) Tweet about the giveaway.

4.) Follow The Peak of Tres Chic on Twitter.

5.) Follow Laura Dro Designs on Twitter.

This giveaway will be open til Wednesday evening at 9:00 pm. Good luck to you all! I can't wait to see what the winner chooses.  XOXO, Sam