Nashville + Miami Packing List

Last night a few friends and I arrived in Nashville for a girls trip. We got the cutest Air BnB house for the next few days and can't wait to explore the city.  We have reservations at Rolf & Daughters, Josephine, and Merchants, and definitely want to check out Poppy & Monroe, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Broadway of course.   After this I go to Miami for a few days before going back to NYC.   Here's what's in my suitcase:

Shop My Packing List:

MIAMI:  

LemLem Off-the-Shoulder Top $160/Current/Elliot Boyfriend Jean Shorts $180/Crap Eyewear Nudie Club Shades $65/Metallic Tote Handbag $20/Luna Crochet Bikini Top $165/Luna Crochet Bikini Bottom $120/Sueded Loafers $15/Tory Burch Sandals $225/

NASHVILLE:

Easy Rider Leather Jacket $98/Topshop Moto Jeans $70/Peera Cutout Bootie $129.90/Floppy Wool Hat $23.40/Grey Ombre Earrings $48/Lace-Up Back Skater Dress $24/Faux Leather Clutch $49/Fin Velvet Bow Heels $58/


Happy Thursday!  Let me know if you have any recommendations for Nashville + Miami via email (sam.e.penner@gmail.com)!

XOXO,

Sam

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Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone!  I hope you all enjoy the day with your family + friends.  Here are a few festive photos I've taken this season around New York:

{East 72nd street between 2nd and 3rd- the trees are always decked in lights!  It's beautiful.}

{a festive stoop in the Upper East}

{Bloomindales windows lit up at night}

 {our apartment Christmas tree- thanks to my roommate Meagan for making it so pretty!}

{the One Kings Lane offices decked with a magnolia garland}

{One of my favorite decor stores, Creel & Gow, with a faux zebra in the window!}

Have a lovely holiday, and for those feeling the pangs of sadness/grief/anger/loneliness, just know you aren't alone and my thoughts are with you!  Illustrator Mari Andrew always nails it with her drawings.

XOXO,

Sam 

My 8 Favorite Home Libraries

Leaving the city for 2 solid weeks means 1 thing:  I'll be getting lots of reading done.  From plane rides to car rides to long days stretched in front of me with nothing to do but relax with family, I'll be devouring a few new books (this, this, and this are in my bag, waiting to be opened).  Speaking of books, I love a beautifully-designed bookshelf.  Here are 10 of my all-time favorite stylish shelves:

#1: Fashion designer/editor Laurann Claridge converted her Houston home's guest room in to a library and office to house her extensive collection of books:

You might recall the photos above being shared over and over in the blogosphere circa 2010.  Lauren did a beautiful job on her entire high-rise. 

#2:  The millwork detailing in this library designed by Hein + Cozzi is perfection.  I love shelves that are incredibly intentional and have interesting panelling.  The peacock wall color is lively without feeling overwhelming (although I kind of wish it was lacquered):

#3 J. Randall Powers' Houston home was featured in 2012 in a before and after series on Architectural Digest.  I fell in love with the wallpapered ceiling, the Paul Ferrante light fixture, and the olive green paint color on the shelves:

{J Randall Powers}

#4:  Architect Ariane Provost's Marimekko House in Perth, Australia features a wall of books in a space that can be indoors or outdoors, based on whether or not the adjoining doors are closed:

{House Nerd}

#5 Alessandra Branca's bold red library includes a ladder (of course), sharp black trim, and brass swing-arm sconces:

#6: Both Aerin Lauder's library...

...and her dramatic home office are framed with a perimeter of bookshelves:

#7: Caroline Seiber's Nottinghill Home has a room that serves as both the dining room AND the library.  The space was designed around an eighteenth-century Indian textile depicting the tree of life that hangs in the room's window:

{Vogue}

#8:  Last but not least, I cannot get enough of this Manhattan dining room and library, designed by Celerie Kemble.  The Tony Duquette California Sunburst fixture for Remains Lighting is one of my all-time favorite lighting pieces, and it makes a statement against the blue paint and ceiling panelling.  I also adore the Liz O'Brien dining chairs:

{Veranda}

And speaking of books, my latest obsession is collecting vintage entertaining manuals/self-help books.  Here are a few I've had my eye on:

How to Be a Party Girl (originally published in the 1968 by Pat Montandon):

The Way to a Man's Heart: The Settlement Cookbook:

Entertaining is Fun! by Dorothy Draper:

Happy Friday, and Merry Christmas!  I hope you all have a great weekend and holiday.

XOXO,

Sam

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My Favorite NYC Skin Care Sources

Since relocating to New York, I've kicked my skincare routine in to high gear.  While starting over in a new city was thrilling and reinvigorating, having to find new people to care for my grooming needs was an exhausting process.  I got many recommendations and did my research before booking an appointment with anyone, but ultimately it's been a process of trial and error to find the right people that work for me and that I'm comfortable with.  I also have had a few truly horrifying experiences, but I feel those are best left for a post about the absurdities of New York life.  Anyway, my first inclination when I find something I love is to share it with as many people as possible- so below I've shared my favorite places to go + what treatments I get as part of my skincare routine. 

Sam Loves: 18

Who else is counting down the hours until Christmas vacation?  I'm heading home on Thursday and I'll be gone through the new year.  First Oklahoma City, then Houston, then Nashville, and finally Miami!  If you have any good recommendations for Nashville or Miami, please let me know.  It'll be my first time to Nashville and I haven't been back to Miami in a long time- so I'm looking forward to the change of scenery.  I'm not looking forward to putting on a bathing suit after the holiday, though. :)  Here are a few things I'm inspired by today...

-Maja Wyh is my favorite fashion blogger to follow.  I love her style, and this outfit feels perfect for Miami.

-Loving this Tassel Velvet Crossbody Clutch in Burgundy, $39, and these festive gold bauble earrings, $52

-This Ako Side Table by Malabar was inspired by 16th century European voyagers travelling to Japan.  The interior features a storage space where glasses and a drink can be hidden away, as well!

-A chic hall with faux panelling designed by Sig Bergamin.  His aesthetic is best described as maximalist at it's best.

-Fringe, monogrammed cocktail napkins make my southern heart happy.

-Still contemplating purchasing these leopard booties by Steve Madden, $89.95.  Since I wear almost all black in the winter, they'd be a nice outfit accent.

-I'm heading to Texas for a few days after Christmas to see friends + relax.  I've missed all the beautiful cacti and the warm weather.  How stunning is this purple prickly pear cactus?

-I'm a sucker for a stunning stair runner, and Kelly Wearstler designed this one with brass stair rods for an extra-luxe touch.  I find myself being just as blown away by her personal style as I am by her interior design.



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Friday's Worthy Links- 12.16.16

Happy Friday!  It's so cold in New York that all I want to do is lie in a pile of warm laundry and eat bread.  One nugget of wisdom I've learned since moving here is that there is no such thing as bad weather- just bad clothes.  If you have a good coat, gloves, scarf, and hat, you'll be at least 80% less miserable walking to and from the subway (not 100%, though).  I swear by this jacket, as I've worn it every cold day since moving to New York.  However, it was getting a little repetitive, so I upgraded to this baby.  I'm hoping it will be just as warm.  Speaking of warm, how dreamy does this look?

{Slim Aarons, Christmas in the Hollywood Hills, 1959}

Friday's Worthy Links:

-9 Ways to Improve Your Love Life.  I'm a devoted Modern Love podcast listener, so I loved reading this article and looking back on the best (and funniest) podcasts from the past year. #9 is key in New York. - The New York Times

-What Everyone Googled in 2016.  - The Man Repeller

-Self Control is Just Empathy for Your Future Self. -The Atlantic

-Say it isn't so, Michelle! - People Politics

-Speaking of politics, here are 45 Brilliant Things Samantha Bee said this year.  I love you, Sam. - The Cut

-4 Party Planing Tips for an Unforgettable Party.  -The Cut

-I love the young duo behind  Kapito Muller, and today they take us on a tour of a recently-completed project in New York. - One Kings Lane

-I plan to spend all of Christmas in these jammies, or wrapped up in this sweater + blanket coat.  Someone please stop me from buying these in leopard...


-If you still have last minute Christmas shopping to do, be sure to browse my gift guides for ideas:

For the Dads

For Your BFF

For the Host/Hostess

For the Guys

For the Kids

Have a great weekend, everyone!

XOXO,

Sam

A Houston Home with Serious Style

I was flipping through my latest issue of House Beautiful on the subway this weekend and was delighted to see a beautiful Houston home featured on a 6-page spread.  I miss Houston and the tight-knit design community there, and always get excited to see the latest Texas designers featured in the big print publications.   The festive home below, decorated cheerfully for Christmas, belongs to designer Catherine Olasky.  Catherine began her design career in New York, working for Bunny Williams before moving to London to work with Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler.   While working in London, she ran across an old design friend, Max Sinsteden, and the two soon decided to launch their own firm  - O & S.   Together the duo have completed projects in Texas, Dublin, London, Nantucket, Boston, + more.   Although their portfolio is chock full of beautiful interiors, Catherine's Houston home is my favorite:

The Texas sun beats down on the black front doors, which proudly display two Magnolia wreaths (my favorite)! The entryway features Oberto Gili's Mixed Flowers photograph and a Bunny Williams Home console:

The living room features multiple seating options and lots of lovely design details.  The bullion fringe on the ottoman and the chair skirt add a feminine, traditional feel, while the layers of neutral tones create a warmth and lightness that feels comfortable.  The built-in bookcase shelves are painted a soft blue and lined with pretty brass swing-arm sconces. And that Fraser fir!

Olasky's three-year-old daughter trimming the tree may be my favorite interiors photo of 2016:

Can you believe the sofa in the background above is a sleeper from Crate & Barrel? Olasky bought it while working in Manhattan and it found a place in her Houston home, too.

The dining room features curtains in Nympheus linen by Thomas O'Brien and a chandelier by Jonathan Adler:

The sitting room sofa is my absolute favorite piece in the entire house.  It's covered in a Chelsea Textiles stripe fabric. The throw pillows are covered in Wisteria fabric by Chelsea Textiles and a Schumacher floral. The sofa skirt is divine! I love the reoccurring three pleats on each corner and in the middle; it feels unabashedly feminine:

Catherine brings in a bit of fun in her library with a leopard carpet and purple wall color.  The funky pillows are covered in a Clarence House fabric:

The master bedroom features an open 9' tall canopy bed and a glider passed down from Olasky's grandmother:

Lastly, Catherine's daughter's room is adorable (and rather mature) for a three-year-old.  The walls are covered in Waterhouse Wallhanging's WH-283-500:

Her toddler bed sits in a corner of the room and pairs nicely with the blue trim.  I love the tassel trim on her window cornice as well:

To read more about the home and see the full house tour, go here.

Happy Monday!

{all images via House Beautiful}

Friday's Worthy Links- 12.9.16

Happy Friday!  Did this week go by so slowly for anyone else?  After having my parents in town last week/weekend for my birthday, I'm looking forward to a {somewhat} casual weekend.  I'm going to a friend's company Christmas party on Saturday, but there's no way I'll look as chic as Jackie-O, circa 1959:

{Getty Images}

-Speaking of Jackie-O, I'm dying to see her new movie with Natalie Portman (my fave!).  I tried to go last week, but it was sold out!  We saw The Arrival with Amy Adams instead and I was pleasantly surprised.  It's a really interesting story. -IMDB

-The Baby I Lost, the Person I'm Finding- So inspired by Leandra's openness about her fertility journey. - The Man Repeller

-I've always been frustrated by the undertones of sexual assault in one of the most classic Christmas songs (Baby, It's Cold Outside), so I loved this 2016 rewrite.  And speaking of Christmas, this is my kind of Advent calendar.  - Salon; Mashable

-If you ever have a bad day, 3 minutes of scrolling through this Instagram account will solve that. 

-My friend and I are going to Miami after the New Year and I've heard great things about this hotel.   I love the rooftop pool.  We also have plans to eat at this restaurant.  Any other Miami recs? -La Dolce Vita

-If you're needing a new good book (or two), I was hooked on Maria Semple's latest book and almost finished it during a 3-hour flight (she was the author of Where'd You Go, Bernadette?). Now I'm on to a collection of essays, written by the lead writer on the Amy Schumer Show.  It's another hilarious and endearing must-read. -Amazon

-Let this SNL skit be a lesson to you- if you regift a candle, be sure it's either a Nest, a Diptyque, or a Cire Trudon. ;) -SNL

-Only Ted Cruz could ruin QUESO for me. -Daily Mail

-I'm having a moment with sassy needlepoint pillows.  This guy is currently on my bed, but I'm also loving this, this, and this.

Happy Weekend, everyone!

XOXO,

Sam

Gift Guide: For the Kids

It's only been in the last few years that I have become interested in anything relating to children, thanks to my adorable niece and nephew!  Nowadays, I'm preoccupied with wanting to be a "cool aunt"-  someone who reads them their books with the best voice inflections, who imparts bits of wisdom on them when they least expect it, and who lets them eat as many sugar cookies as their little hearts desire.  I also want to bring them home the coolest gifts for Christmas.  Whether you're shopping for a newborn, a toddler, or a child, here are a few gift ideas to get you going:

Shop this Post (top to bottom, left to right):

Freshly Picked Moccasins in Newborn Sky $45 or Cardigan Pink $60/Flavia Flamingo $24/Mermaid Paper Doll Set $20/Hatchimals Interactive Creatures $210/Hasbro Little Golden Companion Pup $120/The Doodle Backpack $19.95/J. Crew Glow-in-the-Dark Animal Teeth Shirt $32.50/Maya Sparkly Gold Dress $115/Little Patient Balloon Dog Nightlight $25/

Creating this post made me realize 2 things- #1:  Toys have gotten so much cooler than when I was a kid.  The Hatchimals Interactive Creatures actually hatch.  The Hasbro Golden Companion Pup behaves like a real dog. 

#2:  Some activities that appeal to children are timeless.  Coloring is still in. Glow-in-the-dark is still cool.  Paper dolls are still endlessly entertaining.  

It's good to know some things never change.

Shop My Other 2016 Gift Guides:

For the Dads

For Your BFF

For the Host/Hostess

For the Guys

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