The View Through My Lens: 22

TGIF!  Cheers to the weekend!  Today is a great day because I have my last wedding dress fitting (eeek!) this afternoon, and we are officially 3 weeks away from the big day.  AHH!

These last few months have been a whirlwind, so I thought I would press pause and share the view through my lens lately...

I can't get enough of my wedding shoes.  I had to snap a pic while on the way to my last fitting.  I've had to be really patient and not wear them for any other special occasion (which has been tough). 

Scenes from our coffee table- with pretty roses Sam surprised me with on Valentine's Day! Speaking of Valentine's Day, Sam and I snapped a pic on our date out to dinner:

I always love visiting Boxwood Interiors here in Houston and seeing their gorgeous vignettes.  How fab is this pillow + sofa situation?

Speaking of pillow situations, I'm kind of in love with the feel of my bed situation.  Not sure how long Sam will put up with the femininity of it all, though!

Last week I enjoyed a few macaroons at Petite Sweets.  It was the perfect mid-week pick me up.

As I mentioned earlier this week, the bachelorette party in Vegas was a success!  Here are a few fun pics from the trip...

{My sorority sister flew in from Chicago for the festivities!}

{Lindsay came in from Kansas City, too! My friend from high school, Sarah, is performing a solid photobomb in the background, LOL!}.

Any big plans for the weekend?  

{all pics via my instagram, @peakoftreschic}

Wedding Wednesday: Getting Fit!

Happy Wednesday!  I hope your week is going well my dears.   Since my wedding is 4 short weeks away, I thought I'd do a few more Wedding Wednesday posts to savor these last wedding moments.  Today I thought I'd share a little about my journey towards healthier eating and some tools I've used to help me get in to shape for the big day.

I want to start by saying I am no health expert, and I can only attest to what has worked for me long term.  Having said that, I have consulted with a nutritionist who has created a tailored meal plan for me, so I feel confident in following her advice!  But before I get in to what has worked for me, let me start with where I began at the time of our engagement. 

Needing, Wanting, Loving: Standing Washbasins

Hello my loves!  I'm baaaacckkkk....! I so apologize for that unexpected leave of absence on Thursday and Friday last week.  I knew I was going to Vegas for my bachelorette party Friday through Sunday, but I had no idea life would get so crazy that I'd have to leave you hanging for a few days.  Needless to say, our time in Vegas was incredible.  8 of my closest friends from different walks of life came together for a 72 hour endless party, and the laughter + fun didn't stop.  Everyone got along so well, and it just makes me so excited for our big day in a month.  I hope to do a recap post later this week to share the highlights and pictures, but today I wanted to delve right back in to design.  

{Sarah Richardson Design}

I am currently obsessed with standing washbasins in bathrooms.  The clean lines and negative space underneath are a welcomed respite from your typical built-in cabinetry.  There's something about the glamour a chrome-legged sink brings to a bath.  It is instantly reminiscent of a Parisian hotel to me:

{On Madison Avenue}

{Stuart Silk Architects}

{American Trade Hotel}

{Michael Smith via Veranda}

{White and Gold Design}

{Habitually Chic}

If you are wanting to take it to the next level in terms of a "wow" factor, add in lucite legs amongst the chrome details.  To die for (and how amazing are those swing arm sconces!?)

{BHG Blog}

In Bailey's bath, I love that the chrome washbasin legs mirror the bathtub spout.  The cabinetry and millwork painted in high gloss black just adds to the overall chic-ness:

{Peppermint Bliss}

And how luxe is a brass washbasin?!  The cozy interiors at the Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca are crafted from (and filled with) handmade bricks, reclaimed wood, and antique furniture from around the world. Adding to the uniqueness of the hotel, no two guest rooms or bathrooms are alike. From Moroccan tile to beautiful marble,  the bathrooms steal the show: 

{Greenwich Hotel via All the Best Blog}

And nothing is more delicious than a gold + black combo.  Bailey nails it again with this bath design:

{Peppermint Bliss}

Now before you all go and complain about the lack of storage this type of sink unit allows for, remember that it would look equally chic in a powder bath.  Don't you think?

Have a fab Tuesday, everyone!

Heidi Bianco's Chic West Village Apartment

When I spotted this stylish studio apartment tour featured on House Beautiful yesterday, I nearly melted.  Heidi Bianco, a NYC resident working as a design assistant for famed design firm Kemble Interiors, has managed to create a haven of chic in her small West Village abode: 

This light-filled corner of Heidi's bedroom features a vintage desk and light blue silk curtains are lined with lime green Greek Key trim. The floors throughout the apartment are covered in Stark's antelope carpet:

A four-poster bed, inherited from her great-grandparents, was scored at a Newport, Rhode Island estate sale in the 1960s, and adds character to the space:

The gorgeous living room features a white antique chest that doubles as a bookshelf for design books, magazines and accessories.  Bianco's sofa was originally an outdoor furniture piece, but new upholstery, kick-pleats, and pillows make it feel completely custom. Blue painting leading into the kitchen is by Christian Breshnev and can be bought at Treillage.

 

And if the small studio apartment wasn't already packed with enough impeccable style, Heidi added this classic Schumacher Zebra wallpaper behind her bar cart:

And how adorable is Heidi posing outside her fab West Village residence?  The girl's got style.  Hey Heidi... if you read this, any chance you'd ever let me crash at your spot the next time I visit New York City?  I'd be perfectly content sleeping on that gorgeous Stark carpet...

Heidi's studio apartment shows us that no matter how small your space is, it is always possible to create a beautiful surrounding that reflects your style. 

  Are you as obsessed as I am?

{See the full feature on House Beautiful here.}

Vibrant + Fun Living Room Design

Happy Tuesday!  Is this week crawllliinnng by for anyone else?  It probably is for me because my bachelorette party is this weekend in Vegas and I. Cannot. Wait. I apologize in advance for the massive amounts of Instagram photos I'll likely be posting, but when 7 of your closest friends from different cities are in the same place, and that place happens to be Vegas.... you know it is going to be memorable.  Speaking of friends, I have been helping a Houston friend and her husband with their gorgeous new home and we are currently finishing up the living room.  The couple loves color and bold pattern, which makes for a fun, happy project!  We went with a nailhead trim navy velvet sofa,  two green mod occasional chairs, and the classic CB2 peekabo coffee table.   Next, we plan to add art (an iconic Slim Aarons photograph, perhaps?) and reupholster a wing chair in a fun, vibrant leopard print:

I can't wait to see it finished up and share the result with you!  Are you a fan of pattern mixing, or do you prefer a more subdued palette?

Shelves of Style

Hola!  Did you enjoy the weekend? Or perhaps yours is still going thanks to President's Day?  If so, I hope you enjoy a day of relaxation.  It's what President John Kennedy would have wanted...

Wasn't he a total babe (and wasn't she gorgeous) ?  My, my, my.   Anyway-  today I wanted to delve in to some bookshelf inspiration.  I have had 2 silver pagoda bookshelves in my dining room for a few years and I have never been happy with the way I've decorated them.  Truthfully, they are in a hidden nook of the house and that has caused me to use them as more of a "catch-all" for extra dinnerware and knick knacks.  Here is a recent picture I took of them:

Booooooring.  Plus, they just feel randomly strewn together ( probably because truthfully, they are).   However, I am currently at a loss for how to create a more unified and interesting look to them, especially because they are freestanding and I can't just fill them with books!  So, I went looking for visually beautiful shelves that also feel "real" and "functional."  Here are a few of my favorites:

{Shelter Interior Design}

I love that Kelly Wearstler stacked her shelves with books horizontally rather than vertically in her office. This is always an option, as I have wayyy to many coffee table books.  I could also add in a few framed photos and mementos:

{Kelly Wearstler}

{Lisa Stasiulewicz via Lonny}

{Bunny Williams}

I love that this bookshelf displays a few potted boxwoods and other architectural elements amidst the books-  so unexpected and different!

{Celerie Kemble}

I can't wait to give my shelves new life.  I'll be sure to share the process with you!  What are your plans for the day?

Happy Valentine's Day + Worthy Links

Happy Valentine's Day my loves!!  If I could personally gift you all a homemade doily heart like we did in elementary school, I would. Whether you are planning on a romantic dinner with someone special tonight or a Sex and the City marathon with your girlfriends, I hope you enjoy your day.  It is Friday, after all.  And in case you are open to distraction, here are some of my favorite things going on around the internet this week:

-I couldn't get over Christine's home tour on Style Me Pretty Living yesterday.  We all know she has killer style, but seeing her home revamp in detail was something else. 

-You will laugh hysterically watching these 100 year-old BFFs give their opinion on twerking, Justin Bieber, and the iPhone 5.  

-Completely loving Meg Biram's Valentine's Day picks.  I NEED the Arianna Belle pillow.

-Writer Amelia Diamond shared the striking similarities between Soul Cycle and bikini waxes on the Man Repeller last week.  As a spin fanatic, I found the post both relatable and hilarious.  

-House of Cards releases their 2nd season today on Netflix and I couldn't be more thrilled.  I've been counting down the hours since we finished the 1st season- which was pure magic.  However, I had no idea that BBC released the original House of Cards in 1990! This Atlantic article shares the notable differences between the British and American versions. 

-Have you been following the Sochi Olympics?  If so (or even if you haven't), you NEED to follow @SochiProblem on Twitter.   It shares the harsh (and hilarious) realities of Sochi, Russia as the Olympians compete.  It also reminds me of SNL's Weekend Update clip from a "Russian native". 

Have a great weekend my dears!  If you need me, I'll be binging on House of Cards. :)

{image via The Glitter Guide Tumblr}

Last Minute Valentine's Day Gifts! (Under $70)

Any procrastinators out there?  Don't worry, you're in good company.  I am notorious for  running to the Houston Galleria the day before Christmas to get all my shopping done.  Well lucky for us, there are online stores who know our last-minute tendencies and graciously ship overnight.  Whether you still have to Valentine's Day shop for your girlfriend, boyfriend, mother, fiance, or the cute neighbor you have a thing with... I've got you covered:

Shop Last-Minute Gifts:

GALS: Nate Berkus Oblong Gold Foil Pillow (Select Express Shipping) $20/Pioneers of the Possible Book (Select Overnight Shipping by 3 pm) $32.51/Kate Spade Gardens of Paris Earrings (Select Fastest Shipping) $58/Kate Spade Leopard iPhone 5 Case (Select Next Day Delivery) $40/

GUYS: Timex Leather Easy Reader Watch (Select Fastest Shipping) $54/I Don't Want to Date Greeting Card (Select Fastest Shipping) $5.50/The Men's Shop Aftershave (Select Fastest Shipping) $25/ J Crew Italian Cotton-Linen Tie (Select Overnight Shipping) $69.50/Rock Seen Coffee Table Book (Select Overnight Shipping by 3 pm) $33.94

I love that card- it cracks me up! I hope these ideas helped you get your shopping done.
Any big plans for V-Day?

Albertina Loves: Valentine's Day Jewel Tones

[ FOR YOU || image | lipstick | necklace | clutch | floral top | blazer ]

[ FOR THE HOME || image | pillows | table | blanket | sofa ]

Happy New Year Peak of Tres Chic readers!  This is Albertina from Mimosa Lane back for our biweekly installment of the "We Love" series, where Sam and I swap posts for the day. Today Sam and I are focusing on dreamy and magical jewel tones in honor of Valentine's Day. A bit romantic and feminine, jewel tones are all the rage lately- especially since Pantone declared Radiant Orchid the color of the year. So here we present some ideas as to how to add this beautiful palette to your home and your wardrobe.

Have you guys heard of Bite lipsticks?  A few of my blogger friends have tried them and have fallen in love with their rich tones.  I'm very curious and want to try them for myself. The necklace would be an ideal additional to anyone's bauble collection and I just love the pink paired with this inexpensive floral top. And the clutch is on major sale!  And for your home you can add luxury with some Ariana Belle velvet pillows.  She has such an amazing collection of fabrics.  This table is a show-stopper and the this pretty blanket throw has been on my wish list since I hosted SHOP HDB's giveaway a few months back. Pillows and throws are always an easy update.  Ballard Designs is such a great go-to for quality furniture.  I have actually sat in a few of their pieces and they are all so comfortable!  This sofa I find to be quite neutral in that it can easily fit with any type of decor. 

Have you incorporated jewel tones in your life lately? 

Come check out Sam's Valentine's Day jewel tone over at Mimosa Lane.

Needing, Wanting, Loving: China Seas' Sigourney

Happy, happy Monday!  How was your weekend?!  I had a pretty low-key few days studying, catching up on housework and watching the Sopranos with Sam.  We recently started from Episode 1 Season 1 on HBO Go and we are well through the 2nd Season at this point.  It's soooo good!  Anyway, on to the topic du jour.  To get us through a dreary February Monday, I thought it would be nice to share my latest pretty pattern obsession- China Seas' Sigourney.  The pattern is produced in 7 fabric and wallpaper colorways and sold through Quadrille, and the bold, whimsical print has me smitten:

{Quadrille}

I  love how this designer used the Sigourney Taupe colorway in this bedroom.  The neutral shade keeps the space serene, and the yellow accents add a bit of playfulness.  

Designer Alisha Gwen used Sigourney "Jungle Green" fabric for the drapes in this space for a bold, punchy feel.  The hanging chair adds a funky touch, too:

{Alisha Gwen}

{Tracy Hardenburg}

{Tracy Hardenburg}

Amanda Nisbet boldly used the yellow color for this staircase hallway.  I love that she paired it with a turquoise carpet!

{Amanda Nisbet}

{Amanda Nisbet}

{House Beautiful}

Dreammmmmy.  If I had my choice, I'd wallpaper my powder bath in the Lilac color:

I hope you all have a great week!

XOXO,

Sam