Happy Friday

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you have some amazing Memorial day plans!

I know one close friend that has the best plans of all: she is getting married! Congrats, Beth! I wish with every little bit of me that I could be there in Seattle celebrating you and Joe. You two are an amazing couple; it puts an immediate smile on my face whenever I think of both of you! I will be thinking of you all weekend and I can’t wait to see photos.

What are you up to this weekend? I am going sailing today with a bunch of friends; then tomorrow I’m heading to an antique fair; Sunday I’m off to my first Cubs game and Monday I plan on lounging around. It sounds like a fantastic weekend to me.

Today, I’ll part with beautiful wedding pictures as I think of Beth and Joe.

Photo Source: Zofia Photo

I love the garland strung across this fantastic car.

Check out that glorious tree for the ceremony; this beautiful photo was taken by my talented friend, Christin Pobke of Pobke Photography. If you happen to live in Canberra, Australia, she’s your girl!

This wedding shot was taken by my wedding photographer for a different wedding. Isn’t it beautiful? We had flowers in our pool as well.

One shot from my wedding at my parent’s home. I thought I’d include this photo because you get a sneak peak inside their home. To be honest, that painting has always creeped me out a bit, but it is a striking painting of a mime that goes so well with the piano. That’s my mom in the corner in the adorable pink dress that I hope to borrow for the Kentucky Derby one day. Isn’t she cute? We loved our photographer if you live in the bay area – John Griffin.

Happy Friday, hope you find a chance to slow dance.

Sex and the City 2

Grab your cosmos and gather a gaggle of girls – it’s time for Sex in the City 2. Alleluia! I pulled some of the interior shots of Carrie and Big’s fabulous apartment from Habitually Chic. In the end of the original movie, we part with Carrie and Big reunited with love rekindled and a lot of decorating to do. Take a sneak peak at what they created

Carrie and Big’s bedroom. I’m in love with that white secretary and check out the morrocan grill patterned headboard.

Most important room in the house and yes, I do mean “room”: Carrie’s closet. Ooh la la! Can’t wait to check it out in the movie.
Here is a little glimpse at the dining room and kitchen. I’m curious to see the kitchen back splash in the movie; it looks so fresh.

Here is their living room. I love that blue ottoman that Carrie is sitting on and the coffee table with all the books. I have a feeling we’ll also see some fabu art. I can’t wait to see all of the wonderment in the theater.

Nate’s Last Hurrah

Oprah’s decorator darling, Nate Berkus, bid adieu to the Oprah show yesterday.  Do not fret though, he will be back with his own show on September 13.  In yesterday’s episode, they took a look back at all of the projects he has accomplished.  He is a true genius.  My personal favorite was his debut makeover eight years ago in which he made over a 400 square foot San Francisco apartment.  Not only was the makeover jaw dropping, his Ricky Martin haircut was adorable (for the times).

Unfortunately, I couldn’t pull any pictures of the makeover but here is the link to a video of it.

Now, let’s take a look at Nate’s beautiful work throughout the years…

Here is a shot of his own Chicago apartment.  I love those Chinese Chippendale chairs and that rug.  I also have an antique tortoise shell which I picked up from an estate sale for $43 (way undervalued) so it’s exciting to see that he has one as well.

I love those two lamps.  They are perfect for the space which looks like a sophisticated beach house.

Mmmmm….aren’t those chairs scrumptious?  I adore the charcoal upholstery.

To me, one of Nate’s greatest talents is that he never overdoes things.  Everything has a place and looks fabulous in its space.

Nate, you are truly an inspiration.  And I would get seriously giddy every time you were on the Oprah show.  Best of luck with your new show; I’ll be watching!

Loving La Plates

La Plates has received a great deal of press lately, however I can’t help but blog about them. They are so cute! I love all of the different patterns for the plates. Here are some of my favorites:

They are so fresh and fabulous! These plates are melamine so they can be whisked away for a picnic in the park or dropped on the floor by a “playful” child without breaking.

Such fun with those chargers.

La Plates also makes fantastic lucite trays, chic monogrammed beach bags and colorful cutting boards. Check out La Plates here.

Gray Living Rooms

I’m almost finished with a client’s living room. When I am done, I will post before and after photos. The living room was just painted Pumice (a light gray by Restoration Hardware). Today, I thought I would show pictures of gray living rooms that I love. What do you think? Which one is your favorite?

How striking striped rugs can be!

I’m not in love with the zebra chairs but I do adore the yellow couch.

Max Azria’s home; I love the pop of orange.

What do you think? Do you have a favorite room?

Happy Friday

Happy Friday everyone! What do you have in store for the weekend?

I’m thrilled that my besty, Katy, is coming to town!! Yipppeeee!! She actually already is in town but has been working and now we have time to play.  Our weekend is going to be May-jor; that’s all I can say.  Katy and I once called everything major (in a British accent) for a weekend which got me thinking of Posh Spice.  Think what you will about Victoria, but it’s hard not to admit that that woman can dress well (most of the time)!

Here’s some fashionista shots:

Happy weekend, everyone! Hope you find a chance to be glamorous. 🙂

$10 Outdoor Chandelier

Wishing you had a chandelier for the outdoors but not really willing to shell out the cash? I hear you on that one.

This beauty sells for $1, 398 available at Layla Grace.

While it is gorgeous, it’s pricey. Now the $10 Outdoor Chandelier I allude to in the title is admittedly not as striking (but you do get what you pay for) and there is a DIY involved. But it is pretty fantastic what a little elbow grease can get you.

I’m loving the little bow. If this DIY ends up looking a little TOO DIY, well then at least you only spent $10. Complete instructions at Dollar Store Crafts.

Interior Shutters

I love the way a fantastic drape can bring drama, color, or harmony to a room.  It really makes a huge difference.  But, one thing to think about, when considering window treatments, is using shutters instead of drapes.  I had white shutters in my bedroom growing up and they are perfect for the room and the house.  Today, I wanted to show some pictures of shutters which I think are lovely for bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms and closet doors.  Thank you to Laura Casey Interiors for many of these shots.

Don’t these white shutters just make you think summer, summer, summer?

I love how these shutters are on a track.  This is such a great look that is not too girly.

I am loving the old french doors as closet doors: genius!

Wow!  To me, this is the perfect example of when shutters really work; I like how they look against the stark white.

More antique shutters as closet doors.

If you are looking for antique shutters eBay has a plethora.

Vintage Tennis Racket Mirrors

I’m sorry for the delay in posting today.  I’m trying to catch up on everything after a weekend away, so today’s post will be short and sweet.  I wanted to show this great DIY project I saw on Apartment Therapy a couple of months ago.  The project takes vintage tennis rackets or badminton rackets and turns them into mirrors.  Check out how cute they turn out!

My mom has plenty of vintage, wooden badminton rackets from our badminton court.  But if you’re not so lucky check out e-bay for vintage tennis rackets.

Then you can do this simple DIY

* Take a the racket to a glass shop and ask for a custom-cut beveled-edge mirror that fits inside the rim.

* Squeeze Liquid Nails Mirror Adhesive onto the back of the mirror.

* Firmly press it onto the strings (be sure to protect your work surface with newspaper).

* Let the adhesive dry overnight before hanging your new tennis racket mirror from a nail.

I’m loving this look for spring and summer.  What do you think?

Reiter 8

In college (disgustingly long time ago from now), I was reading through a magazine that featured tote bags made from old sails. It made my heart pitter patter.  I wanted to buy the tote; however, I ignored this urge and carried on. I’ve seen sailbags pop up from time to time in stores and I’ve always longed for one of my very own. If a theme has popped up on this blog it is that I am into sailing decor. (But I’m an imposter while I love riding on sailboats, I can’t sail).

Now, this is the final sign, I must make a purchase. Or hope that someone takes the hint and purchases this for my 3-0. (Ha ha…shameless). I was reading a favorite blog of mine, A Cup of Jo, that had a sailboat bag giveaway by an ETSY company entitled, Reiter 8. Why is this the final sign? My mom’s maiden name is Reiter!! I’m 50% Reiter. I need a Reiter 8 bag. If that isn’t a sign, I don’t know what is. Ten years in the making, I’m hoping to finally own a sailing bag by July 13 (birthdate…relentless).

I just have to have it!! And so do all of my Aunts and my girl cousins.

They also make pillows. I’m in love with them as well. If I ever have a beach house, they are there for sure. Until then, if you have a beach house (ahem, mom) I suggest adding them to the decor. They’d also be totally cute for a children’s room.

Mom, Bea and Allison this blog entry is for you…hopefully this will help you to encourage to invite other Reiter ladies to subscribe. 🙂  Click here for the Reiter 8 shop.