10 Great Buys for February

This time of year can be difficult when it comes to my personal style.  Freezing temperatures combined with short days leaves me feeling uninspired, and I fight the urge to live in my puffer jacket underneath my duvet.  I find it's so important for me this time of year to find pleasure and delight in the small things- like a bold nail design, a quick weekend getaway, or a great book to devour.  If sprucing up your wardrobe with a smart buy brings you a bit of joy, I've rounded up 10 items I love (and think you will, too):

1.) Low maintainence, comfortable, and cute:  Easy Care Long-Sleeve Flounce Top, $88:

2.) Mules are the perfect shoe to transition in to the spring.  I love Frye's Gwen Perforated Mules, $198 (and an option under $100):

3.) Step outside the box and add femininity to your winter uniform with Anthropologie's Edmond Trench, $168:

4.) Socialite Crisscross Front Dress, $29.40 (also still loving this little red dress):

5.) This new "it" handbag, $128, comes in a variety of colors and can be monogrammed (and here's an alternative under $100):

6.) Buy yourself something that will help you look forward to spring- like this adorable Solenne Tiered Blouse, $88:

7.) No company creates better cigarette pants than Old Navy.  I love this Relaxed Mid-Rise Harper Trouser, only $17:

8.) Still my favorite jacket of the season, and a classic design that will remain timeless for winters to come- J. Crew's Chateau Parka in Stadium-Cloth, $365:

9.) I love Need Supply's chic blouses.  Their Tie Top in Black, $135, and Jayne Wrap Top, $78, are my favorites:

10.) Tired of wearing your beanie yet?  Try switching it up with a more stylish option, like the Reinette in Loden Hat, $149:

Happy Shopping!

Needing, Wanting, Loving: Bunk Beds

I love a well-executed kid's room.  Kids are tough clients to design for- all fabrics and materials need to be durable and comfortable, while also being beautiful.   The design for their space should include ample storage for toys, books, and games and the room should be able to adapt over time as they grow older.  I've learned a lot designing nurseries (here and here are two of my favorites), and grown to love built-in bunk beds.   Designing built-in bunk beds allows a designer to get creative and add interesting design elements- like a side staircase and a pretty banister:

{Amy Berry}

Bunk beds are great for families with lots of children, or as an added element in a playroom. If added in to a playroom, they can also be great for sleepovers and built-in storage for toys.  I love these 4 bunk beds with storage underneath each stair:

Although not technically bunk beds, I had to include these 2 adorable built-in beds in my post.  The detailed casework is just lovely, and I love that the interior is painted in a punchy orange and includes shelving and lighting:

{Lars Bolander}

A small curtain on a rod for each bed provides privacy while sleeping (or a makeshift fort!):

{4 Men 1 Lady}

This room proves an 8' ceiling CAN accommodate bunk beds-  although the bottom might have to sit closer to the ground.  I love the light, bright, airy vibe:

{Chris Loves Julia}

For a more masculine vibe, how about a steel safety rail? 

{Houzz}

Speaking of masculine, I love these deep green built-ins decorated with sports memorabilia:

If having your own custom bunk bed isn't cool enough, how about adding a slide to the mix?  I love the floor is engineered wood tile from Mirth Studio:

{Home Bunch}

The driftwood bunk railing on this bunk bed inside a Maine cottage is a fun, interesting detail and works nicely with the driftwood dresser:

{Country Living}

A rope ladder adds a fun, textural detail to this San Francisco bedroom.  Designer Susan Greenleaf found it at Big Daddy Antiques (how great is that name?):

{Lonny}

Think Pink

TGIF!  So thrilled for Friday.  This week seemed to drag by for me- did anyone else feel that way?  In honor of the Women's March on Washington last week (loved my friend Mackenzie's post of her experience here), I wanted to do an ode to pink.  I'm not ashamed to admit it's my favorite color- it always has been, and probably always will be.  We learned in color theory class back in design school that pink has a calming effect when someone is initially exposed to the hue, and is often used in prisons to calm inmates.   

{Amanda Nisbet}

{Collage Vintage}

Dying for this, this, and these.  We all need a little more pink in our wardrobe, don't you think?

Currently Coveting: Pom Poms

I was afraid the pom pom craze would be over by now, but thankfully it is still in full force.  There's nothing I love more than a tassel, a fringe, or a pom- that little something extra on accessories (or furniture) that feels fun and quirky:

Shop This Board (From Top to Bottom, Left to Right):

A metallic leather pom pom on a savvy flat?  I'm in:  Freya Pom Pom Shoes $219.95/

Pom Pom heel inspiration via Ali Express.

A BOLD pom pom jacket, via Las Teje y Maneje.

A Moroccan Pom-Pom Blanket that comes in a variety of color combinations:  $495/

Adorable storage baskets perfect for holding children's toys, dirty laundry, or spare blankets: $60/

Leave it to Bauble Bar to create Pompom Statement Earrings :  $24/

Make gift wrapping extra fun with Pom Pom Gift Ribbon $3/

Stay warm (and chic) in a Hawthorne Cable Pom-Pom Sweater $98/

Are you a fan of poms?  I think they make everything more fun.

Designer Crush: Rita Konig

I first became acquainted with London-based interior designer Rita Konig when her Manhattan rental was featured on The Selby back in 2013.  It was so refreshing to see her comfortable, layered abode in a world of over-styled and photoshopped interiors.  I also love the traditional tones throughout her space- something not often seen in young New York apartments:

{The Selby}

{The Selby}

{The Selby}

{The Selby}

{The Selby}

A lively, bright Upper East Side apartment Rita designed:

This is one of the only spaces where I've seen Kelly Wearstler's Bengal Bazaar fabric used on a large piece of furniture (and I LOVE it!):

I love that Rita can design in different styles.  Below are images from a sweet, traditional flat in Bassett Hill, London:

Deborah Needleman and Jacob Weisberg’s English-inspired country house in Garrison, New York:

A lovely dining room from a Notting Hill flat Rita designed:

Rita also has a line of furniture and accessories she sells via her website and via The Lacquer Company.  If you live here in the city, KRB also sells her gorgeous products, like the Belle Rives tray:

Happy Monday, my loves!

{all photos, unless otherwise noted, via Rita Konig}

Friday's Worthy Links

Today is a sad day.  I think we all know why, no need for me to say it out loud (i.e. in type).  Today I vow to be a little nicer, a little more gentle, a little more gracious to strangers, coworkers, and friends.  It's the least any of us can do during a scary, confusing time in our nation.  I'd honestly prefer to have this robot as my next president.  But on a positive note, it's Friday- which means there are lots of great links coming your way...

Friday's Worthy Links:

-So thrilled to see all the women taking part in the Women's March on Washington this Saturday (over 1 million ladies are registered)- are you going?  Check here to join your sisters and find a local march in your area.  -The Women's March

-Speaking of Washington, I feel very grateful that I got to live through President Obama's 8 years in office.  He was a visionary, a wonderful leader, and an exceptional man- and I'll miss him greatly.  Here are details regarding his last day in office.  -The Atlantic; NBC

-27 books every woman should read. - A Cup of Jo

-I can't stop listening to the Crime Town podcast.  It was started by the creators of HBO's The Jinx, and has been described as The Wire meets The Sopranos.  In the first season they discuss the culture of crime that existed in Providence, Rhode Island in the 70s. - iTunes Preview

-Thinking about starting a bullet journal.  Has anyone heard about this or done it before? -The Bullet Journal

-As an avid summer girl, I've been burning this candle (it reminds me of balmy Tulum nights) and drinking this rose, while repeating to myself- "spring will be here before you know it..."

-Since my building doesn't have a laundry room, I send my laundry out to a wash and fold (one of those quirky things about living in NYC).  But I do fantasize about the day I might get to design my own large laundry room... 

- Habitually Chic

-Christine Centenera's outfit at last fall's NYFW is making me feel some type of way. - Style du Monde

-Speaking of great ensembles, this look on Liz is so chic.  I've had my eye on that Gucci bag for some time now.  - Sequins & Stripes

Sales Not to be Missed:

-Lusting after these tassel earrings (30% off all Club Monaco jewels right now!) - Club Monaco

-My favorite skinny jeans are on sale now for $45! They run a bit small, so I suggest going 1 size up. Also, great Sole Society bags under $100.  - Nordstrom

-Furbish Studio is running a sale through midnight tonight- 15% off all sale items with code WINTER at checkout. $18 statement earrings, Rita Konig scalloped trays, $35 Moroccan wedding blanket bath mats + more. - Furbish Studio

Have a great weekend, everyone!

XOXO,

Sam

{chartreuse dining room designed by Todd Alexander Romano; wall color is Farrow & Ball's Yellowcake}.

Sam Loves: 19

On my inspiration board this week:  Color, rich texture, layers, and funky bell sleeves. Things are looking very colorful over on my instagram and my eye has been drawn to bold color in every single way lately.   Read on to see what's gotten my creative juices flowing...

Fashion File: Pleated Midi Skirts

This time of year I like a little flair and fun in my outfit.   Pleated midi skirts (especially in a fun metallic hue)  are all the rage and I feel like they are so surprisingly versatile.  Due to their fit and flare shape, a billowy top or sweater can pair nicely with a midi.   They also look cute with heeled boots underneath:

{Harpers Bazaar}

For for a night out, wear them with statement heels:

{Similar skirt here and here; similar sweater; similar shoes}

I also love to see a midi pleated skirt in a bold hue, like moss green:

Or a more vibrant green:

{Refinery 29; Belt, Similar Skirt, Similar Sweater}

Or in orange (p)leather:

{Style Pantry; Similar Skirt, Similar Top, Similar Shoes} 

I love this bright gold midi paired with a Gucci flat + leather jacket:

{Style Carrot}

I love that they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion- worn with sneakers and a sweater for a casual office environment or afternoon shopping, dressed up with heeled boots or pumps for a night out, or worn with flats and a fitted shirt for an in-between look. 

What's your favorite way to style a midi?