Crisp & Clean

After a busy week, I'm in need of a little rest.  Nothing is more appealing than sleeping in and rejuvenating this weekend.  Color palettes of crisp and calming whites are also appealing, especially in this Northern Vermont home by Henhurst Interiors.

Shop This Board:

Garance Dor "The Last Smoke" Print $400/Else Studs $195/Desmond Table Lamp $630/Lucinne Mesh Underwire Bra $170/Lucinne Mesh Underwear $110/Alexander McQueen Silk Chiffon Scarf $357/Riad Ivory Pillow Cover $63/BCBG Fabeena Snakeskin Sandals $69.99

Have a fab weekend!

XOXO, Sam

The View Through My Lens: 18

I have lots to catch you up on, so I felt the best way to do so would be through a photo update.  First up, POTC sponsor, Cakewalk Style Shop, had a fab blogger party a few weeks ago to show off their newly-designed space.  Munger Interiors, one of my favorite Houston-based design firms, designed their offices and shop space.  I couldn't get over the metallic wallpapered CEILING.  Such a cool idea!

As I like to do when I have a free moment, I played shop girl and visited my favorite home decor stores.  First up, Found for the Home.  How delicious is this 18th century French settee?

 

And at another favorite, Kuhl-Linscomb, I spotted a pair of these upholstered zebra chairs.  Conveniently located next to the wedding registry area.  Can I register for these, or would it be in bad taste?!  ;)

And speaking of weddings... we found a venue! The location has 35 peacocks roaming the grounds.   How pretty is this white one?

 

Since quitting Cross Fit (it was too hard on my wrist, which I've had trouble with for years) I have picked up spinning.  I go to a gym where they turn off the lights and only have lanterns/candles lit during the spin class.  It creates such a cool atmosphere!

Yesterday I got to attend a Sherwin Williams paint color class.  We learned about the latest tools, color collections, and faux finishes.  I had a blast picking out a few new samples, too!

 

Lastly, I'm so excited about my new Lydali clutch.  Have you guys heard of Lydali?  They sell cute jewelry, home accessories, handbags and scarves.  Each product is unique and handmade, and they all have great stories behind them about the artisans that created them.

Isn't the tassel fun?!  If you like this clutch or see something else on the website you love, Lydali has graciously offered to give POTC readers 15% off through June 9 using discount code TRESCHIC15. 

So what have you been up to?  

{for more fun pics follow along on Instagram @peakoftreschic)

Barney's Outrageous Sale

Some things shouldn't be passed up.  Happy hour, the Target shoe section, the hot guy at the pool.  If I were your best friend, I'd never let you skip any of these.  And that's why I'm not letting you miss Barney's outrageous sale.  There's too much goodness to pass up!  Prices that would make your jaw drop- slashed $300-500 off.  Here's a few things I'm feeling particularly covetous of...

 Shop This Board:

DVF Mateo Dress $219/Smythson Chameleon Medium Zip Around Wallet $425/Fallon Crystal Roswell Plate Earrings $169/Iosselliani Multi-Stone Rolex Chain Pendant Necklace $189/DVF Acedia Crepe Blouse $79/Fallon Nappa Classique Double-Wrap Bracelet $89/Sophie Hulme Crossbody Envelope Clutch $389/Alexander Wang Croc-Embossed Leather Shorts $509/Miu Miu Slip-On Loafer $409

Pharmacy Lamp Goodness

Hello, lovelies!  Did you enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend?  I sure hope so!

One design trend I've grown to love is pharmacy lighting.  When I first began seeing it in interiors, it was too utilitarian for me.  Why go for a sterile, skinny floor lamp when there are more than enough gorgeous options out there?  Yet lately I've found myself particularly drawn to pharmacy lamps in brass finishes.  Plus, their small size allows you to tuck them nearly anywhere:  Behind a sofa, next to a bed, or even in a small reading nook:

{Lonny Mag}

{Elle Decor}

{Lonny Mag}

{Lonny Mag}

{Design Sponge}

{Scout Designs}

I particularly love the sleek style of these pharmacy lamps- it feels a bit Mid-Century modern to me:

{Sketch 42}

So what do you think- Are they too mechanical for you,  or do you love them?  

I'd love to hear your opinion!

PS- I have found a blog you NEED to check out- Babe Walker.  She's the author of White Girl Problems (which you also need to check out.)  I spent WAY too much time last night cracking up as I scrolled through her posts.  Pure gold.  You'll thank me later.

Happy Tuesday beautifuls!!

It's Friday!

Happy Friday- and Happy Memorial Day weekend!  Do you have any big plans for the weekend?  I'll be keeping it low-key.  If Houston weather stays sunny, maybe I'll begin working on my summer tan by the pool.  

Thank you for all the venue recommendations yesterday.  We found a place and set our date- March 21, 2014!   Planning (so far) has been a blast, and its been great getting to spend extra time with Sam.

Wishing you a fun, fabulous weekend!  

XOXO, Sam

{image via Deviant Art}

Pom Pom Chic

Happy Thursday!!  Where did this week go?  I haven't a clue.

When a few of my favorite bloggers recently started wearing the Old Navy Kids pom pom items currently in stores, I was immediately smitten.  Bethany of B Soup styled both the shirt and the dress flawlessly:

I bought the dress in an XL, and with a belt cinched at the waist it's perfect.  In addition to Old Navy, Tory Burch has designed a few bohemian-inspired pieces with pom pom detail.  In fact, many designers have jumped on this trend:

Shop This Board:

Tory Burch Crystal Raffia Necklace $315/Printed Reva Scarf $108.50/Green Bespoke Home Throw Blanket $38.50/Old Navy Girl's Tassel Sleeve Dress $20/Mimosa Lane Pink Rhombus Pouch $40/Pom Pom Bath Mat $29.50/Pom Pom Resin Bracelet $206.50

Who wouldn't need a multi-color pom pom bath mat, right?

Today we are wedding venue hunting in Austin.  Unfortunately, Houston is really lacking in their availability of outdoor ceremony spaces.  I had always dreamed of getting married in the Bayou Bend Gardens, but was crushed when I learned they do not allow religious ceremonies of any kind to be held on the grounds.  Boo!  Feel free to follow along today on Instagram, & if anyone has venue suggestions, I'm all ears.

Needing, Wanting, Loving: Lantern Lighting

Let's be honest.... I'm a girl who loves the classics.  Whether it be an Audrey Hepburn movie, trusty Chanel flats, or a French settee, I'll always choose the tried and true over the trendy.   Why?  Because the classics have endured for a reason.  Like a fine bottle of wine, they age well.   You don't have to worry if they'll lose their appeal in 10 years.  One classic piece I find particularly enduring is lantern lighting.  Whether it be for the exterior or interior of a home, it instantly adds old-world chic: 

{House and Home}

{Francois & Co}

{RAW Architects}

{Grays Lane}

{BHG}

I love to see exterior lanterns used in interior spaces.  When they are oversized, they add a beautiful and dramatic focal point to the room:

{Erica Burns}

If you fancy yourself to be less of a traditionalist, there are plenty of ways to make a classic piece read more modern.  Finding or painting a lantern in a bold hue, like this cherry red, adds an instant element of playfulness and fun:

{Style at Home}

{Tommy Smythe}

One of my current clients decided on copper lanterns to go above their kitchen island.  We searched high and low for the perfect option, but couldn't seem to find exactly what we were looking for.  Thankfully, one of my favorite Houston-based stores, Boxwood Interiors, custom-made the perfect pendants in a copper finish for us.  I can't wait to share the finished product with you!

So what's your take?  Are you a fan of lanterns, or are they too traditional for you?

Albertina Loves: Coral

So happy to be here at The Peak of Tres Chic again! This is Albertina from Mimosa Lane back again for our fifth installment of the "We Love" series where Sam and I swap posts for the day.  Today Sam and I are focusing on CORAL for you and your home-  It's warm and summery.  There are so many beautiful coral items out there it was difficult to chose!

When I think of the color coral I think of the beach and warm summery evenings.  It is also supposed to spark creativity (hmmm...maybe I should incorporate more coral in my office!).  For the home I think some pops of coral will do the trick with pillows and maybe an accent table or extra seating like this ottoman.

This cute outfit is all about the coral skirt.  The skirt doesn't need much else as it is the star of the ensemble.  But I did think a great statement ring and some cute and comfortable shoes could pull the outfit together. 

Do you like Coral?  Or is it too much? Come visit me at Mimosa Lane so see what photos white are inspiring Sam.

{home ||  pillow with coral trellis, navy trellis pillow, lumbar pillow , gourd lamp, bust, ottoman}

{ you ||  white shirt , ring, skirt, shoes }

room image || fashion image

Father's Day Giveaway from Uncommon Goods

Looking for something a little more inspiring to give your dad/husband this year for Father's Day?  I completely understand-  I've given my dad more golf balls and restaurant gift certificates than I can stand!  In my hunt to find him something unexpected, I came across Uncommon Goods.  I purchased a scratch-off map of the world from the site a few years back.  Anytime I visited a new country or city, I scratched off the gold foil and underneath lie a little-known fact about that particular place.  I love my map, but haven't thought to look back at the site again til now!  They have a great collection of Father's Day gift ideas.  Here are a few of my faves:

Shop Uncommon Goods:

1.) Vintage Shoe Form Bookends $195/2.) Toothpaste Tube Wringer $21.95/
3.) Optimist/Pessimist Glasses $25/for 2/4.) Dad's Playbook $13/5.)  Time is Short Watch $125/6.) Southern Bourbon Stout Brewing Kit $45/7.) Talk Dock $45

My pop-sicle loves his Wild Turkey Bourbon.  That's why I love the idea of getting him this Southern Bourbon Stout Brewing Kit.   He could be the next Moonshiner! 

************************** G I V E A W A Y   D E T A I L S *************************

The geniuses behind Uncommon Goods have graciously offered to give one lucky reader a $100 gift certificate to spend shopping for dad this Father's Day.  Yippee!  The giveaway will run through to next Monday, May 27th.  Each reader may enter once by utilizing the Rafflecopter widget below.  Each reader can choose to do as many options to enter listed below as they would like, as each option will give you an extra entry.  Winner will be chosen at random.  Good luck & let me know if you have any questions!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Uncommon Goods also happens to be a founding B-Corp, which means they are using the power of business to help solve social and environmental problems.

All-Natural Decor

 

Although I am a non-meat eating, gun-fearing, cowboy boot-loathing girl, I've somehow grown to love living in Texas.  No, there aren't cowboys riding horses everywhere, but you can feel the good-natured hospitality of it all.   One thing I especially love is the rustic, natural elements often seen in decor.  From reclaimed elm wood, to horned magnifying glasses, to a plethora of antlers, fusing a sense of the outdoors in to your home isn't difficult to do here.  And it doesn't have to feel heavy or "lodge-like."  In fact, adding lighter woods or simple accent pieces like a geode can add freshness to a space.  And who doesn't need a rattan swinging chair for long summer afternoons on the porch?!

Shop This Board:

Serena & Lily Double-Hanging Rattan Chair $695/Faux Turquoise and Glitter Deer Head $129.99/Tibetan Goat Cushion $395/Geode Specimen $89.99/Sharpe Cheese Board $120/Air Plant Pod $6/Gabby Furniture Cassandra Side Table $448

Happy Weekend all!!  Thank you again for the continued "well wishes" and kind words.  I haven't come down from Cloud 9 quite yet. ;)

Jonathan Adler at West Ave

A long-time fan of Jonathan Adler's, it surprises me more than anyone else that, until yesterday, I'd never set foot in one of his stores!  Lucky for me, yesterday afternoon I had some time to kill, so I popped in to the new Houston West Ave location.  I had to experience his "happy chic" aura for myself.  And let me tell you- the store did not disappoint.  It was sensory overload at it's best.  There were several vignettes decorating the showroom floor, full of Jonathan's signature pottery, needlepoint pillows, books and interesting art.

I fell in love with this Maxime shearskin chair.  The four teardrop cocktail tables facing in towards one another compliments it perfectly:

I have long been admiring this needlepoint pillow, and finally took it home with me.  Do you remember when the Canadian supermodel Linda Evangelista was quoted saying this?  Wow.  What a life!

Of course I wanted to leave with more than just a throw pillow, but I restrained myself!  Here are a few of my favorite things from Mr. Happy Chic himself:

Shop This Board:

Bond End Table $1,250/Cliff Bird Artwork $2,500/Pink and Silver Agate Coasters $125/Maxime Chair in Shearling $2,250/Prozac Jar $88/Bargello Worth Avenue Pillow $175/Woodhouse King Headboard $2,395

My Daily Makeup Routine

So I've been a makeup-lover since I was old enough to go through my mom's lipsticks.  I love asking friends about their favorite beauty products, scouring Elle and Harper's Bazaar for the latest and greatest products to try, and experimenting with what works best for me.  (It helps that one of my best friends works in the beauty department of Saks!)

 Since most days I am up at school working on a project or at home doing design work, I like to keep my daily makeup routine as low-maintainence as possible.  That doesn't mean I feel good rolling out of bed and going out in to the world.  I still want to look "put together."  I've found the perfect balance of product and natural that works for me, and I thought I'd share it with you:

I had relatively bad acne in my teen years, and unfortunately every few months I still break out.  Dior's Flawless Finish provides an incredibly matte finish for a liquid foundation.  It also gives me the coverage I want, and has a SPF 25 in it.  I do live in Houston, so if I ever feel oily throughout the day I'll swipe my t-zone with Mac's Studio Fix.

I've tried just about every high-end mascara out there and I still swear by Maybelline's Great Lash.  Lancome's Artliner is a liquid eyeliner in a felt-tip pen that makes it easy to draw on without poking myself in the eye.  I like to keep my eyeshadow matte, so I usually just swipe on Vanilla Sugar, and it adds just a touch of beige color.

Lastly, I LOVE NARS Turkish Delight lipgloss.  I tried it on at the NARS store in LA a few months back at the Design Bloggers Conference, and instantly knew it was my new go-to gloss.  While researching for this post, I found out it's a favorite of Kim Kardashian's.  Not sure if I think that's a good thing or a bad thing...

So of course I'm dying to know- did I leave anything out?  Do you have a product you swear by?  Do tell!

Shop My Picks:

Face: YSL Touche Eclat Concealer $40/Dior Flawless Finish Foundation $47/Nars Blush in Orgasm  $29

Eyes: Lancome Artliner Eyeliner in Noir $30/Maybelline Great Lash Mascara $4.67/Bare Minerals Eyeshadow in Vanilla Sugar $14

Lips: Nars Lipgloss in Turkish Delight $25

Needing, Wanting, Loving: A Sunburst Mirror

Hello, hello! I just want to say I am BLOWN AWAY by your kindness and love!  Thank you all for the well wishes yesterday.  I have cherished every comment, tweet, text, call, etc since announcing the news on Sunday.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  And I promise you this will not turn in to a wedding blog.  I'm sure I'll want to share a few details here and there, but we'll mostly stick to the usuals- design and fashion!

  Today I want to talk about a design trend that has stuck around for awhile, much to my delight- the sunburst mirror.  Whether placed above a headboard, an entryway console, or as an accent piece within a gallery wall, it always manages to add the perfect touch of luxe:

{Thorton Designs}

{BHG}

All you history buffs out there may be interested to know that sunburst mirrors date back to King Louis XIV, also known as "The Sun King."  As the story goes, he used to stare in to his sunburst mirror each morning to see his face in the center of the sun's rays.  Oh, the vanity!

This decorative mirror saw a resurgence in popularity during the mid twentieth century, and in the last few years they are everywhere!

{The Lennoxx}

    {Recently Blog}

{Kelie Grosso}

{Clos-ette}

{Sally Wheat}

Although I love it in gold, I've seen more natural versions made of wood.  I also love this white version, placed on top of a mantel mirror:

{Suzanne Tucker}

So what's your take?  Do you find it timeless, or trendy?

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all you hot mommas out there!  

Do you ever look back at old photos of your mom and think, "Man, she was such a babe!"  I definitely did this when I found this photo of my mom and I, taken circa 1989.  She is still drop-dead gorgeous to this day, but seeing your mom at about the age you are now totally puts it in perspective.

Love you mom!

Have a great Mother's Day, all!