Monday Motivation: 02.01.2016

A Melbourne Masterpiece

This morning while browsing through my myriad social media channels, I happened upon a link to a Vogue Living Australia article on the Melbourne home of John Albrecht.  I am so impressed by this space designed by Kerry Phelan, to say it is stunning is no exaggeration.  Take a peak at some of the photos below.

 

                       Interior Design by Kerry Phelan.  Photo via vogueliving.com.au 

                      Interior Design by Kerry Phelan.  Photo via vogueliving.com.au

                     Interior Design by Kerry Phelan.  Photo via vogueliving.com.au

                      Interior Design by Kerry Phelan.  Photo via vogueliving.com.au

To read the article and see the rest of this beautiful home, click here.

Monday Motivation: 01.11.2016

New Year, New Organized You

It’s a new year and I’m sure you’ve thought about how you can better yourself in the year ahead. I find most people start the year off strong with their resolutions and intentions and then a few weeks or months in, start to fall back into old habits.  One intention you may have set for the new year may have been to be more organized.  If so, becoming more organized is an easy and effective way to create positive and lasting results in your life. 

                                             Photo via PatrickClinePhotography.com

In my experience, being organized is simply having a place for everything and consistently making sure to keep those things in that place.  The first step to becoming an organized person is to evaluate your things. If you find that you have more stuff than space, it may be necessary to get rid of some things.  What do you have that is not useful and only serves to take up space? Get rid of these items.  Donate them to a local church or Salvation Army.  You will be amazed at how ridding yourself of these things will breathe new life and energy into your home. 

                                                 Interior Design by Russell Groves
                                                         Photo via ElleDecor.com

After you’ve downsized, you still may have more stuff than space.  Look into storage options for these wayward items.  Whether it is using under the bed storage, stacking containers, shelving, carts, trays, bins, etc., there are many storage options available to keep your stuff neat and accessible. 

                                                    Photo via OneKingsLane.com

In all the best designed spaces, there is a common thread.  That thread is a clutter free and organized space.  Spend some time over the next week identifying where in your home needs organization.  Identify what is causing the problem.  Is it paper? Clothes?  Books?  Tupperware?  Rid yourself of the things that are not useful, are worn out, dated, etc.  Create a dedicated space for all remaining items.  Purchase any tools necessary to optimize your existing space. Report your progress back here.  I’d love to hear your success stories!

Monday Motivation: 01.04.2016

Apartment Therapy's Best of 2015

I am super excited to announce that a space I designed for a small condo in the Logan Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC was included in Apartment Therapy's Best of 2015 "Standout Small Cool Homes"!  The homeowner, Chloe, purchased the apartment 3 years ago and brought me in to help her turn what was a dark, moody lair into a bright space reflective of her personality and lifestyle.  You can read the post here.

 

Monday Motivation: 12.28.2015

Monday Motivation: 12.21.2015

Fashion Fridays: Pour Homme (Guys, this one's for you!)

Since I am often told I never post anything specifically for men, I am writing a second Fashion Friday post for the gentlemen who keep up with my blog.  As much as ladies love fashion and style, it is nice to know that there are men who care about it too. For those discerning gentlemen who take pride in their shoes and in carrying a nice bag to work, this one is for you. Both of the featured brands today are based out of London; Harrys of London and Aspinal of London.  Harry’s handmade shoes are beautifully crafted and the soles look as if you could walk a million miles in them and still be comfortable.  Honestly, I really want several pairs for myself.  And Aspinal's bags are so elegant and understated.  They are also handmade.  From a brief glance, it is obvious these bags are a true work of detailed and skilled craftsmanship. 

Fashion Fridays: What to Wear on New Year's Eve

With New Year’s Eve two weeks away, I thought I would dedicate today’s Fashion Friday post to finding the perfect NYE dress. A super festive and fun holiday, New Year’s Eve is all about the glitz, the glam and tons of sparkle.  All of which make me feel youthful and sassy.  If you are going out, I love the idea of short dresses in bold, deep colors.  However if you are staying in and hosting guests, I like the drama and sophistication of a long flowy number to set the tone for a formal evening with friends.  Whatever your plans, check out the dresses I am coveting below and let me know your thoughts in the comments! 

                                                     Silk Faille Mini Dress by Tahari via tahari.com
                                                       

                                                         Marchesa Pre-Fall 2016 via Vogue.com

                                         Tahari Aphrodite One-Shoulder Gown via Tahari.com

                         I love, love, love this gown!  Want!  Marchesa Pre-Fall 2016 via Vogue.com

                                                  Halston Metallic Jersey Gown via Halston.com

                                                                   Marchesa Pre-Fall 2016 

Monday Motivation: 12.14.2015

Fashion Fridays: 12.11.2015

Today’s Fashion Friday post isn’t about what I am coveting or what is new in the fashion world.  Today’s Fashion Friday post is about skincare, specifically the skin care products I use.  On more than one occasion I have been told that I seem to have a “glow.”  In my modesty, I usually blame it on a healthy amount of bronzer.  If I am being honest, I really believe it stems from a general sense of wellbeing and happiness.  So I’m not sure I can necessarily attribute this “glow” to a winning skincare regimen but because I do get asked which products I use,  I am sharing them below.  Some are long time staples and others are newer additions.

1.  Global Beauty Care Retinol Under Eye Pads - $5.99 for 5 pairs

      I use these twice a week for 20 minutes before bed, after cleansing and
      exfoliating my face.

2.  365 100% Pure Lavender - $29.99

      I use this as a toner after I cleanse my face in the morning and at night. I apply a   
      few drops to a damp cotton ball and smooth over my face. Beware. It tingles.

3.  Garnier Ultra Lift Miracle Sleeping Night Cream -  $14.99
      After the lavender, I apply a small drop of this sleeping cream to my entire face, nightly.

4.  Roc Retinol Correction Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisture - $20.99

      In the mornings, I start the process again.  After cleansing and using the lavender
      as a toner, I massage a pea sized amount of this onto my face and neck.

5.  Aura Cacia Restoring Rosehip Oil - $12.99

      I use this sparingly, a couple times a week in the morning while paddling around
      and before showering.  I will leave it on for not less than an hour and not more
      than a few.  I squeeze out a few drops and apply to any places where there are
      blemishes.  Rosehips is known to help even skin tone and fade blemishes but it
      can also lead to breakouts.  I've noticed that my skin is definitely brighter after using
      this.

6.  EOS Moisturizing Lip Balm - $2.99

      I apply nightly before bed.  I am an avid lipstick wearer and I prefer matte
      lipsticks to the glossy ones.  That said, in the winter the lack of moisture in the
      matte colors can wreak havoc on my lips.  Applying the EOS at night makes sure
      they are soft and smooth and primed for the next day's lipstick application.

7.  Smashbox Cosmetics Fusion Soft Lights "Baked Starbust" - $32

      When I really want to up my “glow” ante, I use this.  I brush it lightly across my
      cheekbones, brow, down the bridge of my nose and across my chin.  I top it with
       just a little blush and poof…glow!

If you have found something that really works for you, let me know in the comments!