Friday Buy Day 8.7.15

Much like our wardrobes often need a little pick me up, this time of year often makes me want some fresh pieces to enliven my home.  This Friday we are bringing you some awesome (and cost-conscious) ideas to give your place the mini-facelift it needs.

1.  We absolutely adore this over-dyed rug from Lulu & Georgia.  The saturated, yet faded turquoise color looks fantastic with gray, beige, pink, navy...and the list goes on.  Use this instead of your boring Pottery Barn sisal to liven up your living space.  It is just as beautiful under a sofa as it is peeking out from under your bed.  Or try a smaller size in your kitchen...making coffee while standing on this beauty is a great way to start your day.

2.   Next up, this awesome leather butterfly chair.  Inspired by the Ralph Lauren Home one we drooled over recently (that was $4000), this one rings in at under $300!!  It comes in chocolate or ebony and would look great in the corner of your living room with a sheepskin and a floor lamp, or try a pair across from your sofa to update your space.

3.  This paper-maiche side table is the perfect way to lighten up a room, especially if you have a dark rug.  With it's sculptural shape and bright white color it would look great with a task lamp next to a corner chair or add one in between two arm chairs as the perfect perch for your cocktail.

4.  Depending on the pieces the home-owner (or renter) already has in her collection, Shannon and I often use art as a compass for the palette of the space.  This ethereal and happy piece by Jen Garrido lends itself to a fresh and collected space.  Try it on your mantel in a living room with blues and grays.  Or add it to your bedroom, with a navy blue campaign style dresser and crisp white bedding.  Throw a vintage Hmong lumbar on top and your bedroom will feel clean, modern and balanced.

5.  We love this white rose topiary (it's alive).  It is an easy, and low maintenance way to add greenery and life to your home.  The flowers bloom most of the year and the plant will last for about 4 months inside.  At $75, this is an economical and beautiful way bring the outdoors in.  Buy a pair to flank your fireplace, and wrap some tiny lights around the base.  You don't need a Holiday to make your home feel festive and special every night of the year.

6.  Lastly, this uber chic ceramic lamp.  Great texture, great size, and great price (under $200).  Add it to an entry console for a perfectly lit foyer, or try it on your bedroom dresser for a pop of color and layer of interest.

Much like a new jacket or pair of shoes for your wardrobe... a new rug, some greenery or a pair of chairs can give your space the little boost in confidence that it craves this time of year.

Friday Buy Day 7.10.15

Clearly, San Francisco weather (it is currently raining) does not dictate our Summer purchases.  This week we are bringing you some more stylish must-haves...all on sale, of course.

First up, this darling top.  Slightly sweet, and slightly sexy it is a perfect top to pair with lacy shorts and sandals or flared denim and wedges.  It is $69.95 from $130 and an additional 20% off the sale price with code SALEAWAY.  Get yours, and head to your next backyard BBQ or Happy Hour in style.

Next up, these chic shorts from Ella Moss.  The lace is feminine and flirty, the banded waist is really flattering and they would look just as lovely with the silk blouse (above) as they would with a denim button-up.  At $78, you will get your wear out of these in no time.

I am totally obsessed with these sandals  They instantly make an outfit, and the olive green color goes with virtually everything.  I picture them with grey skinny jeans and a slouchy white tank, or try them with a Texas Tuxedo (denim on denim) to add a little glam factor.  They are now an ADDITIONAL 40% off the sale price...making them around $85 from $200.  Sold.

Lastly, I must confess...I bought this beautiful embroidered cover-up yesterday because I couldn't stand the thought of it selling out in my size.  I love the scalloped edges, the wide sleeves, the v neck and creamy color!  Gorgeous over a swimsuit..or add a gladiator sandal and a straw hat and for the perfect margarita sipping ensemble.  It is around $100 from over $200, and from now on will never go absent from my packing list.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Pouf Possibilities

Shannon and I love poufs...oh the possibilities.  We love poufs paired at the base of a fireplace for some cozy extra seating, or wedged under a children's play table as safe place for the littles to perch.  We love one at the end of a chair as a foot rest, or a handful of colorful poufs scattered around a low-table in the backyard for a festive fete.  We talk about them, we blog about them, we have them in our homes, and we try to limit our "over-buying" of them the same way we try to limit our "over-buying" of pillows (unsuccessfully).  

Here are our Top Picks (Most under $200):

1.  We would use this striped pouf as kid's seating in a playroom, or peaking out of a rustic coffee table for extra seating.

2.  This pouf is a darling splash of color and texture.  Layer a few of these on Fouta towels in your backyard for the perfect place to lounge and sip on a watermelon margarita. 

3.  This is a great neutral pouf that adds texture to an otherwise colorful, or patterned space.  A pair would look great in front of the fireplace of a home with a casual or beach vibe.

4.  This mongolian fur pouf is luxe and stylish and under $200.  It's a great way to indulge in this cozy trend without breaking the bank.

5.  This batik pouf is gorgeous with it's washed out colors and timeless appeal.

6.  A perfect complement to other patterns in a room...don't be afraid to mix and match.  This one is a great addition to a mountain home, or would also be a stylish foot rest for that wingback chair in your family room.

Take a look around the place you call home and see if there is room for a little texture, color and pattern in the form of a pouf!

What's Your Style?

People often ask Shannon and me what our favorite "style" is.  And at the risk of sounding annoyingly diplomatic, it is hard for us to define one style that is our "favorite".  I think why we feel so passionate about interiors, and exteriors...(and even clothing for that matter) is because we truly love and appreciate so many different aesthetics.  Shannon and I share a very similar style, which encompasses a variety of different genres.   But even as business partners whose styles are very aligned, we definitely have (and celebrate) our differences.   I am a little more excited about a monogrammed pillow than she is,  while she appreciates a funky side table a little more than I do.  

That being said, we've thought long and hard about this "favorite" look question and so we are prepared to give you our answer.  If we could pick only one style to live in ourselves, it would be a combination of modern, rustic and bohemian.  

 The above image is a stunning representation of a room that is modern while still oozing comfort.  The wood ceiling, and the wood beams that frame the door in combination with the natural floor covering offer a rustic vibe while the art and the shape of the chairs and the minimal furniture assemblage are clean and modern.

This bathroom.  Simple, modern, clean and oh so stylish.  We love the bold use of dark iron, complemented by the white subway tiles.   The natural wood shelf adds a rustic element so that the result doesn't feel too cold or harsh.  The design and color palette are modern, the warm wood and iron are rustic, and the brass adds just the right amount of glamour.

This kitchen is another dreamy space.  The herringbone floors are stunning, and are especially noticeable against the rich black cabinetry.  The antique mirror gives an old world feel, while the Platner chair is decidedly modern.  Salvaged floors, exposed beams, industrial lighting, and a mirrored backsplash styled with rustic cutting boards, edgy chairs and shiny appliances make for one beautiful space.

And there you have it...our favorite rooms are rustic, modern and slightly bohemian in style.  Adding the bohemian element is easily done with flooring and  textiles choices.  Add a kilim, a vintage oushak or a Beni Ourain rug to a room to instantly lift any pretension and often times add depth and color.  Add a sheepskin throw or a batik pillow to soften a square edged sofa.

We'll share a few of our top places to buy modern, rustic and bohemian pieces:

The Magic of Montecito

Montecito is a magical place. A place where beauty abounds in every direction.  Exquisite beaches coupled with the rustic landscape and stunning mountain views are stiff competition for the jaw-dropping residential architecture and perfectly manicured grounds of countless stunning homes.   Spanish and Mediterranean villas define this unique town and many are designed by famous architects such as George Washington Smith and Wallace Neff.

Shannon and I both have an intimate connection to Montecito and find it an extremely special place to spend time...for different reasons.  For Shannon, Montecito is a luxurious respite. A place where she can stay at one of her favorite hotels, San Ysidro Ranch, with her husband and check out for a few days amongst the gorgeous oak trees. A place where she can enjoy cocktails on the patio at Plow & Angel and end the evening with a delicious meal at Stonehouse.  Indulge in some retail therapy at Angel or Jenni Kayne for chic women's clothing, and Upstairs at Pierre LaFond or House of Honey for gorgeous home goods.  With a perfect climate and a small, but strong, collection of fantastic dining and shopping locales, Montecito is the perfect long-weekend getaway. 

For me, Montecito means family.  My mom moved there shortly after I was married and although we miss seeing her more often, we could not feel more blessed to list Montecito as a place where we get to spend time with our family and enjoy the surrounding splendor.  Between siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, my mom usually hosts 14-20 of us for any given Holiday making for crazy, but fantastic family time. 

Our trips are usually comprised of a combination of the following activities: wake up, eat fresh eggs collected from my mom's chickens, walk to Pierre Lafond and get a juice or a coffee, swim all day with the children, drink Coronas, make delicious appetizer platters, put the children to bed, make a huge family-style meal, drink wine, play Heads-Up or Liar's Dice, go to bed. Repeat.  

The only changing activity in the above-list is the "dining out" activity.  We usually pick a night or two to go out and we typically go to the Biltmore and get a cocktail before heading to Lucky's for a delicious piece of meat and an equally delicious piece of Montecito night-life.  Lucky's atmosphere is always the same, yet always interesting...if you know what I mean.  Other top spots are Tres Lune, and newcomer the Honor Bar.

Whether sneaking away with your loved one for a romantic getaway, or gathering all of your family belongings in your SUV to head down with your family, Montecito offers an extremely rare combination.  It is cool and casual, as you might expect from a beach town yet has a sophisticated food, wine and retail scene.  Shannon and I often talk about our aspirations to retire in this chic enclave...if only we can figure out a way to get there sooner.

Friday Buy Day

It's Friday Buy Day.  And every Friday we'll be bringing you the best stuff to buy for yourself or your home.  And it will all be on sale or an incredible deal.  You need to buy it on Friday because it might not be there on Saturday...

First up: an awesome red campaign dresser.  At $350 this piece is a light on the wallet while heavy on impact.  We would style it in a children's bedroom with pale blue, white and punches of black.  Imagine a blue and white chinoiserie lamp with a black shade sitting on it's perch.  Perfection.

Next Up: Paige coated skinny jeans in black (currently all sizes in stock, but not for long).  The look of leather at a tenth of the price (under $120).  Pair them with a cream cashmere sweater or a denim shirt and sneakers during the day.  Add a floaty silk blouse and strappy heals for evening.  Timeless.  Sexy.  A closet staple.

Third Item: You know those sexy strappy heels we just mentioned?  Here they are.  It's Valentine's weekend after all, and we are in LOVE.  They are more than half-off and currently all sizes in stock except 39!

Travel in style with this chic weekender.  A little bit boho...a lot a bit stylish, this tote is the perfect size for a carry-on bag or a make-shift diaper bag. We love the textured fabric and the edgy color combination of ivory and black with a punch of bright blue. For under $100, this bag is sure to sell out soon.

Lastly, this crochet bell sleeve dress makes us want to go on a Vacation NOW.  Sun-kissed gams and some beachy waves in your hair.  A nude lip and brightly painted toes.  This dress is effortless and epitomizes boho chic style.

Hope you enjoyed our picks for Friday Buy Day.  This Valentine's Weekend love yourself by treating yourself to some special new goodies that won't break the bank.  You're worth it.

Favorite Finds

We are constantly on the look out for amazing finds...whether fashion or for the home. And we get even more excited when we discover something amazing that can actually fit our budget! This week our favorite finds are ALL on Sale! After all...who wants to pay full price in January?

We love the versatility of this gorgeous silk blouse. Pair it with skinny black jeans and booties, or tuck it inot a pencil skirt for a more work appropriate look. It is an additional 30% off the sale price!

---

We can't get enough of these chairs! The angular shape, the neutral seat and the unbeatable price! Pair them with a sheepskin and an African mud-cloth pillow bohemian elegance. Hurry because they are offering an additional 20% off the sale price!

---

We are borderline obsessed with this four poster bed. The color. The spindles. The price. It doesn't get any better.