Friday Buy Day 5.22.15

As we head into this Memorial Weekend we are bringing you some easy breezy separates that appropriately lend themselves to BBQ'ing burgers and sipping on margaritas.

First up, these darling overalls from Madewell.  They are the perfect length with just the right amount of distressing.  I love overalls for Summer...they are really versatile, and while they certainly can seem "youthful", there are ways to make them feel a bit more sophisticated.  Try pairing them with an off-the-shoulder blouse and espadrilles for the perfect combination of feminine/tomboy.

Oh...those espadrilles I just mentioned.  Here they are.  These are so stylish and I absolutely love the ankle wrap for a bohemian take on a more classic shoe.  The color combination allows you to wear them with anything and the peep-toe will perfectly display your pedicure.  While these are sold-out online (except for mini sizes)...I took a lot of time to check stores all across California and they are largely IN-STOCK in stores (almost all sizes at the Grant Street location for you SF peeps).  They are an ADDITIONAL 40% off the palatable price of $118.  Reserve yours today (online) and pick up in a store near you.

This darling blouse from Topshop is a Memorial Day Weekend must have.  At $52 it is well within budget and oozes bohemian femininity.  The lace detailing is sweet, while the shoulder exposure is sexy.  This would look fantastic underneath overalls for a more fashion-forward ensemble, or try it with high-waisted denim and wedges for an evening with friends.

Some call it a mumu, I call it fantastic.  Any chance I get to wear a floaty trapeze dress, I take.  This one from Free People is on sale for $88, has a cool cut-out in the back, a flattering v-neckline, and long sleeves which I always appreciate.  Pair it with gladiators and a straw hat for a Memorial Day BBQ, or pack it on your next trip as a chic cover-up.  It's easy, stylish and needless to say...it is comfortable.

Hope you enjoyed this week's Friday Buy Day and hope you have a safe and celebratory Memorial Day weekend.

Cheers!

Brussel Sprout Shreds (and Peonies, Of Course)

There are two reasons why you need to go to Trader Joe's today: Peonies are in season and they are $6.99 (A bunch, not A stem) AND they sell pre-shredded brussel sprouts in the refrigerated produce area.  The second reason makes the dish I'm about to share quite possibly the easiest and most delicious side veggie in history.

I'm slightly self-conscious even sharing this recipe (if you can call it a recipe...it has two ingredients) because talking about brussel sprouts, let alone writing about brussel sprouts, is like talking or writing about kale.  Everyone has heard/had enough.  But, I felt an obligation to share this dish because after many different attempts and versions over the last few years, I feel like it has been mastered with this iteration.  

Here are the components required to get deliciously crispy, salty, slightly lemon-y brussel sprout shreds. 

My thinking is the fewer ingredients and steps, the lesser chance I have of screwing it up.  So, this dish was made for me.  Outside of salt and pepper, all ingredients (and the pan) are pictured above.

1.  Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

2.  Avocado Oil (avocado oil is the best for high heat, not to mention its health benefits)

3.  Trader Joe's shaved Brussel Sprouts

4.  Lemon rind

Instructions: Add avocado oil (enough to generously coat all of the brussel sprouts) to cast iron skillet on high-heat.  Once oil is hot, dump the shaved brussel sprouts into the pan.  Add a healthy dose of salt and pepper.  Toss a few times.  Once they are crispy and dark brown ( I like them really crispy and dark brown), remove from pan, shave some lemon rind into the mix and season again with salt as desired.  Done.

A great appetizer, a healthy side dish and an all around crowd pleaser.  3 ingredients and a similar number of minutes to make.  You're welcome(:

Have a great Tuesday!

Friday Buy Day 5.15.15

It's another Friday which means it's another Buy Day.  Time to  scoop up some great pieces on sale so let's get down to it:

This is the bohemian version of a shirtdress (at the bohemian price of $76).  A drop waist, petite floral print and a flounce hem are the makings of a casually cool and feminine frock.  It would look just as good with gladiator sandals and a panama hat as it would with a denim jacket, wedges and a top knot for a late afternoon/evening event.  It's fresh, modern and sexy without being revealing.

Love this straw tote.  The fringe is spot-on trend without feeling trendy.  The natural raffia and black colors are a classic combination and will always be in style.  Add dark sunglasses, skinny jeans and espadrilles and this "beach bag" is a chic carry on.  Oh the places you'll go...

Everyone knows Shannon and I love a good romper.  Long sleeve, short sleeve, pants or shorts...we like them all!  We found this brand a little while ago and they make really affordable, really stylish pieces with a bohemian vibe.  This crochet romper is only $72 and is darling as a beach cover-up, or we love the idea of pairing it with two other Friday Buy Day items: the black bralette(from Urban Outfitters) and the black Matiko gladiators we featured two weeks ago.  Effortless and super stylish.

These Joie Kidmore sneakers are fantastic.  We found them for $154 (from $220), even though they are still full price at all other retail outlets we checked!  They have all sizes in stock except 9, for now....but I'm sure not for long.

These sneakers are sporty, stylish and the perfect color.  Can't think of another style of shoe that offers the elegance of a smoking slipper while offering the comfort of a sneaker.  These will become your go-to shoe with a cashmere sweater and jeans, as well as with a linen tee and cut-offs.  Get your size before it's sold out! 

We are definitely aware that this is a "trend" but we love it....and for $14.50, everyone is welcome to participate.  These mismatched earrings would be the perfect complement to that more conservative wedding dress ensemble, or a welcome addition to an all black outfit (or all white, or all denim).   With mismatched earrings, a petite choice is the best choice.  Nothing wrong with making your stylish statement subtly...

 It is actually really hard to find the perfectly cropped denim jacket.  Longer ones can look boxy and masculine.  Worse than a manly denim jacket is picking one that is TOO cropped.  No offense...but if your daughter can barely get away with her Justice ensemble, you certainly can't get away with it.  

This one from Paige is under $120 and has all sizes left.  This is a mandatory Spring/Summer staple to layer over your maxi dress or top off embroidered shorts.  With a mid-wash and classic styling, this jacket will last you for years to come.

Hope you enjoyed this week's Friday Buy Day!  If you want this directly in your inbox, just scroll down and add your email address in the "Subscribe to the Blog" box below.  Have a great weekend! 

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:

Friday Buy Day 5.8.15

Looking forward to another fantastic weekend, and thought we'd bring you some picks for your home this week.  Whether a cool new rug or an awesome new piece of art, both have the ability to make a huge impact in your space while neither are required to make a large impression on your credit card statement.  We're bringing you special pieces at ordinary prices:

Love this sexy piece of art by Oliver Gal.  The gold is a little more modern than a traditional red or pink, and makes it perfect for a living room or a bedroom.  Picture it hung above a mid-century dresser, or greeting you in the entry over a lucite console next to a vintage lamp.  It's bold...yet it's limited color-palette makes it a really versatile piece to add to your collection.  At $189 (from $356) it is a great price for a timeless, yet sassy symbol.

Next up: Moroccan leather poufs.  I'm sure you've seen these in a variety of stores, magazines and online...and for good reason.  They are a really easy way to pack a punch without draining your bank account.  These come in every color of the rainbow (and more) and look great nestled in front a fireplace for extra seating, or tucked under a kid's play table.  They're fun, easy to style and can be moved to the family room if you get sick of them in your bedroom.

Ah Mah Gawd!  How great is this rug?  Such a great rug at such a low price ($199 for 8x10..YES!) In fact, we were tempted to keep this as a personal secret but our dedication to bringing you the best stuff at the best prices prevailed!  Picture this in a home office with a brass desk, vintage chair and couple of those poufs we just mentioned.  Or it would look great in a serene master bedroom with creamy white bedding, a macrame wall hanging and a Mongolian fur bench. Monochromatic bedrooms are so soothing. 

It's mid-century. It's modern.  It's white (also comes in black...both are on-point).  It's brass.  It's perfection in a table/task lamp.  Instantly refreshes a side table or console table.  Would look fantastic flanking your bed, or add it to your desk for a chic work table accessory.  At barely over $150, this is a fantastic addition to virtually any surface!

We hope you enjoyed this week's Friday Buy Day!  Have a great weekend!

Eating & Drinking in the OC

We spent last weekend in Orange County visiting family and while we were there we tried some new spots, and revisited some of our favorite old spots.  I thought I'd spend some time sharing a few noteworthy places to eat,  drink and shop while visiting the glamorous coastal towns of Newport Beach and Laguna.

On Friday night, we celebrated my sister-in-law's Birthday and we were definitely in the mood for some tasty libations and lively atmosphere.  We started at the Saloon, and it's name most accurately describes it's vibe.  It has been around for decades, has no frills (unless you can call the signs and the spurs on the wall frills), and serves a dangerously delicious drink called a Pino.  You always know the drinks are dangerous when they taste nothing like alcohol and everyone in the bar is ordering one.

We followed up our pre-dinner pit-stop with a communal dining experience at Watermarc.  It is casual with delicious food and great service.  We shared copious amounts of food, with my favorite dishes being their homemade chips and the yellowtail starter.  

Once our bellies were full, we were off to Selanne (a gorgeous new steakhouse) for one more civilized cocktail before the hair went down and the jackets came off at Sandpiper (now known as Dirty Bird).  They were playing live music, and serving stiff cocktails and it was just as fun as I had always remembered when I use to go there in college and in my twenties (it's been around for 70 years).  We danced until the music stopped, piled in an uber  to get home and cried when our children awoke us in the morning after sleeping ONLY 5 hours(:

For shopping one of our favorite places to go is Juxtaposition Home.  It is a spacious and open store filled with beautiful bedding, furnishings and art.  Their collection is excellently curated and their styling is always fresh.  Gorgeous pillows next to vintage textiles paired with earthy objects...if you don't live in Orange County it's the kind of store to make you wish you did. 

Lastly, we hit up Off Saks (in the South Coast Plaza Annex across the street from Saks Fifth Avenue) and it was a total score.  They had rows and rows and rows of designer sunglasses.  Fine jewelry was an ADDITIONAL 50% off the already reduced pricing, and they had denim for days.  I tried to restrain myself, but ended up getting a darling Rachel Zoe tweed dress that was originally $395 for $175, and my sister-in-law got an awesome Helmut Lang blazer, a Vince leather vest and a festive Alice & Olivia party dress.  Like all the "discount" stores, it is probably hit or miss but I highly recommend popping in.  For us, it was a major hit!

Have a great week!

Friday Buy Day 5.1.15

It's May Day.  It's Friday.  And it's my Birthday!  So, I am particularly partial to this day.  

First up, is this awesome M by Missoni bag that totally embodies Spring, Summer and a fun bohemian style.  We have been wearing a lot of white on white, denim on denim and black on black lately and this is the perfect bag to add color and boldness to a monochromatic outfit.  Marked down to $197,  they probably won't last long.   So if you've been looking for that perfect (petite) Summer bag, you've just found it. 

I got a head start on Friday Buy Day, and already bought these darling crochet lace shorts.  First things first, they are not THAT short in real life (unless you are quite tall).  They look great with a denim blouse and ankle wrapped sandals (see below) or can be dressed up with an espadrille and a floaty cream blouse.  At $59, they are an easy trend to indulge.

These sandals are great.  Love the metallic silver color, love the linen texture, and love the chocolate leather piping and ankle-wrap.  They are on-trend, while also maintaining a very classic feel.  All sale items from J. Crew are currently an additional 30% off the lowest sale price using code May Day, so these sandals will ring in at just over $75.  A total score.

This top by Equipment feels effortless and chic.  Love the gingham pattern, the tied wait and the slightly sheer 100% cotton texture.  It would look great with white denim, and the ankle-wrapped sandals above for a classic Spring ensemble.  Or pair it with skorts (yes, I wrote skorts...we can get into that next week) and wedges for a fresh and feminine outfit.

Another year, another maxi.  This one is $100 from $250 and is a really easy style with a great print.  This type of dress is comfortable, stylish and a great packing companion as it takes up very little space in your suitcase, can be worn for day, or dressed up for an evening out.  For day, you can belt it and pair it with your panama hat. You can also wear it loose and add a fitted denim jacket.  For evening add a fun necklace and an orangey-red pout and head out for a margarita.

That's all for now.  You can always comment and let us know what you want to find on your next Friday Buy Day...like some good Skort options(:

Have a great weekend!!

Styling Your Kitchen

Honestly, this blog post is less about "styling" your kitchen as it is about "de-cluttering" your kitchen.  We are all guilty of it...the blender on the counter, along with the coffee maker and the knives...oh, and what about the paper towel roll, and the toaster oven.  Where are we supposed to put those?

Away, is the simple answer.  But we'll give you a few suggestions that might make this task easier.

The Blender:  How often do you use the blender?  Even if it everyday (which it is in our family), the blender is only used in the morning, so it does not need to sit on the counter and take up precious space all the while serving as clutter.  Clean the blender after use, dismantle the few parts and put it away (a deep drawer or pantry will work).  It will take less than 2 minutes and removing the clunky object from view will make a big difference.  

The same goes for the toaster.  Most people only use it in the morning.  It has one plug and can easily be moved underneath where it is typically plugged into a deep pull-out drawer, or a lower cabinet where pots are concealed.  We use our pots and pans as much as our toaster (usually once a day), so why does the toaster get to hang out on top of the counter, while the pots are banished below?  Doesn't seem fair, and doesn't look good either(:

The Knives:  How about a drawer?  I know it seems really convenient to have your knives in a butcher block on your counter but if you have limited space (as we do...these pics are all from our Sonoma Project and unfortunately not from my kitchen), every square inch that is cleared, is space more visually appealing.  My mother-in-law is the first person I had seen who used the drawer approach for knives, and it is fantastic.  She uses a shallow top level drawer and puts only her sharp knives in this drawer (no other utensils, no whisks, no spoons, etc).  Knives, just knives.  It is safe because all of the handles are on the same side and it is as convenient as a butcher block without the visual clutter.

As for styling the kitchen, don't do much.  Less...as in everything less...is so much more.  For your fruit, choose a beautiful bowl...an art piece if you will.  Spend the money to buy a beautiful piece as it will sit on your counter for all to see.  We absolutely love Hudson Grace for a chic vessel and they have stores in San Francisco, Marin Country Mart and Montecito.  Whether wood and rustic or white and ceramic, choose something neutral without a whole lot of color because filling the bowl with fruit, particularly citrus, will provide the desired punch of color.  As for other styling tips, if you are going to host items on your counter, have them be like-minded...meaning: gather all of your wooden utensils and place them in a jar, instead of placing a hodge podge of stainless, ceramic and wood.  The result is a clean, modern and artistic.  

The take-away is that less is always more...unless you are styling your counter with spoons and cutting boards from Hudson Grace.  And in that case, more is more (:

Try these small and easy tricks to see how much brighter, larger and cleaner your most used space will feel.  And the best part....it's free.

To receive these tips and other blog news directly to your inbox, scroll down and add your email to the Subscribe box.  To view older blogs, simply tap on the "Older" arrow below.   Have a great week!

Friday Buy Day 4.24.15

It's another wonderful Friday taking us into the weekend, and we have spent hours scouring the internet to bring you high fashion at low prices.  The weather hasn't been feeling much like Spring up here in SF so we have some options that work regardless of weather (shoes, bags) as well as some selections to satisfy you lucky ladies that live somewhere warm.

These fabulous ankle-wrapped heels from Pour La Victoire are part bootie, part sexy high-heel, and all stylish.  They are made of pebbled black lambskin leather and the slight platform makes the heel height palatable (just over $200 from almost $300...all sizes left).  These will add instant edge to a more girly, feminine dress...and they would also look great with a flouncy skirt and a moto-inspired jacket.  I am loving the new "girlfriend" jeans (think boyfriend, but more tailored through the leg) and these shoes would also be the perfect sexy addition to this slightly slouchy style jean.   

Next Up:  The clutch you can't live without.  This clutch by Claire V is classic and funky at the same time.  It is the perfect size for a set of keys, a lipstick, some credit cards and your cellphone.    The pattern is perfect for mixing and matching prints...so don't be afraid to pair it with a striped shirt, or a floral dress.  In fact, please pack the clutch while wearing another print or a loud color, it will show how stylish and confident you are.

How cute is this romper?  J'adore!  From Gypsy 05 this romper hits the spot. It has an elastic waist to adjust for your (short waist, long waist, large hips, no hips, etc...) a feminine neckline, and just the right amount of pattern mixing to feel interesting without feeling overwhelming.  The pink piping is a sweet detail, and for $130 it is a Spring/Summer piece that will definitely make it into my closet (I mean if you think about it, it is an entire outfit...a top and a bottom, right?  A total steal ) 

The Joie Edison Bootie.  The perfect Summer staple that will also elegantly take you into Fall (when the time comes).  On sale for $129 from $325 (YES!!) and almost every size left in stock, this is a mandatory wardrobe essential.  For now, pair them with an all white ensemble, or an all denim ensemble (we are loving the Texas Tuxedo these days), or add them to a dress or skirt.  The suede texture, the peep-toe and soft taupe color make for this an easy and wearable shoe for woman of all ages and all style preferences.

Lastly, the graphic grid cuff from Bauble Bar.  In real gold, one of these would cost thousands and thousands of dollars, but this chic bracelet makes a large impact with a small price ($36).  Wearing double cuffs is very on-trend right now, and we would recommend purchasing two of these cool wrist adornments (yes, we said 2)and really wowing your friends with how stylish you are.

Hope you have a wonderfully chic weekend.  Scroll down a few more inches to enter your email in the Subscribe box if you would like to receive these tips directly to your inbox!  Or shoot us an email if there is something in particular you wish we featured on Friday Buy Day.

xx  Cate & Shannon

Finding Perfection in the Imperfect

What's the difference between Barbie and a Supermodel?  A crooked tooth, a distinctive mole, a super-short haircut.  Barbie is beautiful...and perfect, but for one reason or another the Supermodel seems more interesting.  I'd rather go to a movie with her (hopefully a pre-screening of a Cannes favorite), I'd rather eat with her (assuming she eats) and I'd rather go to one of her friend's parties (hopefully in some edgy loft in Chelsea...haha).  

But, all stereotypes aside, Shannon and I are drawn to rooms (and love designing rooms) that are beautiful, but not always perfect as it is traditionally defined.  While we love matching nightstands with a beautiful lamp on each one flanking a luxuriously dressed bed...we also love a less tailored, more unexpected approach to this set-up.

In the Sonoma project, the vibe is eclectic, vintage and relaxed.  Having perfectly symmetrical bedroom configurations would not feel authentic, nor interesting.  We purposely hung the vintage artwork we found from sites like Chairish, and stores such as Stuff and Past Perfect in an off-kilter way.  Two or three pictures on one side of the bed, while only one on the other.  The same imperfection was applied to night-stands.  Maybe one is a desk with a lamp and books, while the other is a side table with a different lamp and leaning artwork.  

The result is look that is less contrived, more lived-in. Less meticulous, more comfortable.  Less perfect, yet possibly more memorable.  

A similar approach was used in the sitting area above.  Traditionally, you might see two of the same chairs opposite one another, but it felt more cozy to mix up the textures and woods by adding another element. The same goes for the black floor lamp amongst the sea of brown wood legs.  There are times when things that "don't go", really go quite well.

This "imperfect" strategy doesn't work in all spaces, and it doesn't work for all people.  Symmetry is visually soothing, and perfectly matching night-stands may bring serenity to the client each night as they crawl into bed.  But, there are many instances when creating an imperfect space is the pinnacle of style, comfort and chic.  Barbie is perfect, but sometimes we find even more beauty in something a little less perfect.

Friday Buy Day 4.17.15

It's another fabulous Friday Buy Day. No theme this week except for some favorites that are deeply discounted.   J.Crew, Piperlime and Barneys Warehouse are having blowout sales and we're using this week to feature some necessary wardrobe requirements.  

The first requirement is a darling sundress.  This one by Wren is the perfect combination of a little bit sexy and a little bit sweet.  Wear this to a friend's baby shower, or to brunch with your family.  Add a panama hat and espadrilles and head to Napa for a day of wine-tasting.  And, it certainly can be dressed up with statement earrings and gladiator-style heels for a warm evening out with the one you love.

Next necessary purchase:  This army swing jacket from J. Crew.  Originally almost $200, marked to $129 and now an additional 30% off the sale price with the code THEBEST.  Love the color, love the boxy, cropped shape and love the idea of wearing this with an outfit slightly more fancy than what you might traditionally see: we love it with super skinny jeans, a feminine floral blouse, and ankle-strap stilettos.  Not expected but quite chic.  It, of course, would also look terrific with distressed jeans, leopards flats (or high-tops) and a v-neck tee.  Be brave and embrace the less fitted, more voluminous style of this swing jacket...just make sure to balance the relaxed shape with a fitted bottom half. 

Oh, hi cute shoe.  How are you and where have you been all my life?  An espadrille with a wrapped ankle in orange (that is on sale for barely over $100 with almost all sizes left)?  Done.  With ripped jeans, with cut-offs, with a sundress, with a cover-up and a bathing suit.  Out to breakfast, out to lunch, and actually stylish enough to wear out to a casual dinner.  For a gift, for yourself, for Mother's Day.  Whatever your justification...just buy them already.

Finally, we get to talk about the Flare!!  This one by MIH is awesome: it features a mid-rise, dark rinse and perfect flare.  In other words, it is flattering on virtually EVERYONE.  On sale from $200 to $89 with every size left in stock, this is a mandatory staple for your closet. (I repeat, $89 with all sizes left)  This brand has a long in-seam, and is particularly flattering on all you blessed tall girls.  But truly...with the clean, dark wash and flare style it is a flattering jean for most body-types, not to mention spot-on trend (and you can't beat the price).  Where them with high-heels or high-wedges to get the most slimming look.  And, if you get them altered, make sure to wash them first and have them altered to the length where they are almost (literally almost) skimming the floor...it will elongate your legs and make you like 5 lbs lighter.  We're pretty sure $89 is the cheapest and fastest way to grow a couple of inches and lose a couple of pounds(:

Last mandatory purchase this week is this stunning bikini from Melissa Odabash.  This bikini is perfect in a lot of ways: the light snakeskin pattern will perfectly highlight your bronzed bod, the gold hardware on the briefs is decadent and interesting, while the twisted bandeau style on the top is modern and flattering,  At barely over $100, from $200, it is a small price to pay for the luxe look of this chic two-piece.  

We hope you've enjoyed this week's Friday Buy Day for necessary additions to your wardrobe.  Remember to scroll down a few more inches and add your email in the "subscribe" box to receive these stylish tips directly to your inbox!  Have a great weekend!

A Teen (and Almost Teen) Girl's Room

Shannon and I are working on a home, and part of the project involves designing the two girls rooms.  One is 13 and one is 10.  They both have entirely different styles, practically opposite, and it has been really fun to learn about their contrasting styles and how they each want to use their space when it is finished.

The thirteen year-old girl loves black and white.  She loves clean, minimal style and an uncluttered, modern look.  She has almost two full walls of windows, and the third wall is largely made up of closet doors.  Because there really isn't that much actual wall space, and the wall space that she does have is trimmed in a strong white molding, we have proposed painting her walls Black.  Yes, Black.  This may sounds extreme, but we have done it before and it looks great.  She wants a sleek bed, with no frills, and some sort of photo gallery (of black and white photos, of course).  Our plan is to have a day bed (complete with chic pillows and sconces on either side) sit across from her queen bed, almost acting as a sofa, where she can lounge or where friends can make a bed when they sleep over.  

Above the daybed will be the photo gallery, mixed with images that are important to her: her pets, fashion sketches, and meaningful quotes. The roman shades will be constructed in a beautiful white fabric that is timeless and clean. and will allow her room to adapt to new tastes if she ever decides to abandon her love of black and white in pursuit of color...although by picking such a timeless and classic color combination, it is doubtful she will tire of this room anytime soon.

Below are a few of our selections for her room:

Next up, her younger sister who wants as much color as possible!  This can sometimes be tricky, as we know from our own experiences...  what you may like as a 10 year-old, you may strongly dislike as a 13 year-old (case in point above).  That being said, we both love color and wanted to give this special 10 year old a space that is vibrant and fun, but also has the ability to evolve over time.  

One wall of her room has closet doors flanking both sides.  We decided to place the bed along that wall and create a cozy nook for her with built-in shelves and swing-arm sconces above the twin bed (trundle underneath).  The one wall behind the bed will be covered in a beautiful floral wallpaper providing a feminine and stylish color guide for the rest of the room.  We're going with mint green, soft blush and bright pink in this 10 year old's cozy space.  This room is significantly smaller than her her older sister's, and we wanted to keep much of the room open as her largest complaint about her current set-up was the cramped floor-plan and lack of space to play/relax.  We found a great white, metal low-profile wall system that incorporates bookshelves and a desk but takes up very little visual space that will be added to one wall.  A woven chair will act as desk seating to balance the modernity of the metal shelving unit and the room will be finished with some playful artwork.  

Below are many of our choices for her room:

1.  Floral Wallpaper

2.  Trundle Daybed  

3. For Like Ever Artwork  

4.  Seafoam Linen Pillow  

5.  Caned Chair

6.  White/Pink Piped Bedding

7.  Swing Arm Sconce  

8. Coral Linen Striped Lumbar

9.  Seafoam Chevron Striped Rug (you are not going to believe where we sourced this one!)

10.  Pom Pom Throw

We are really excited about both of these rooms and think they represent the playfulness of the inhabitant's age while also satisfying a sophisticated color palette. Designing rooms should always be a collaborative process, and it was so fun to collaborate with these strong-minded young women on their future swanky sanctuaries.  

Friday Buy Day 4.10.15

It's Friday Buy Day again and while many of our friends are spending this week on vacation...we're home, but we're dreaming of a vacation so we thought we'd bring you some items to pack for your next trip.  And if you don't have one planned, these pieces might inspire you to get online and start booking. 

We love this Michael Stars panama hat ($54).  It has a slightly wider brim than a fedora style hat offering more coverage for your most prized asset.   The black band has a classic and refined feel making it the perfect hat for someone who might feel that a traditional Panama Hat or Fedora is too youthful or trendy.  It would look just as good as an accessory to your swimsuit as an accessory to your denim shorts and eyelet blouse.

And then there's that eyelet top we just mentioned.  The one that you will wear all Spring and Summer.  At $54 (true story), this black eyelet blouse is the perfect easy, breezy separate to pair with denim cut-offs, or ripped denim and the gladiator sandals from last week's Friday Buy Day.  It would also look fantastic tucked into high-waist flared jeans with a stacked wedge and some vibrant earrings.

How cute are these DV by Dolce Vita wedges?  Love the color, love the stacked wedge which makes for a comfortable heel height, and love the woven rope texture (and LOVE the price: $80).  These would look fantastic with flared denim and a cropped boxy blouse, or wear them with a printed skirt and a denim blouse for Sunday brunch.

Love pretty much anything Mara Hoffman, but particularly love all of her draped dresses.  They shape is floaty and bohemian, yet sexy.  Her designs are saturated with bright colors and bold prints and make for great conversation.  Take one of these on your next trip and we guarantee you will get a handful of compliments.

Lastly, I know isn't so obvious why this tweed print Rag and Bone sneaker goes with the Spring/Summer suggestions, but in our world the perfect sneaker is a year-long obsession.  This one is half off right now with ALL sizes left ($197 from $395) and is on-point.  This is a great high-top option for those who want a more refined, less "street" style shoe.  The tweed print adds interest and color without being so loud that you have to think about matching them with your outfit.  As for the Spring/Summer relevance, we live in San Francisco(:  But, even for those of you who actually get to enjoy a Summer, these are the perfect travel companion.  Wear these on the airplane with skinny jeans(or skinny sweats), a tee and a cashmere sweater for a chic but comfortable outfit.  Or, we love them paired with cut-off shorts and a racer-back tank.  

With pieces to pack and the perfect shoe to wear on the plane, it is time to start clicking and making plans for your next warm-weather getaway.

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 4.3.15

In honor of Spring Break and Coachella, we thought we'd dedicate this week's Friday Buy Day to some cool pieces that worn collectively will create the perfect bohemian ensemble, and worn separately are stylish staples for your Spring/Summer wardrobe. 

I love this Tularosa slip dress.  Simple, sexy and so versatile.  Delicate cut-outs and the short hemline are perfect for a festival or a leisurely Spring break brunch.  Effortless and on-point, it is on sale right now for $77 (all sizes left)!!  You will get your wear out of this dress within the first week of wear.

These sandals are awesome, and for $150...they are not on sale, but they are a great price for a stylish addition to your wardrobe.  Gladiator sandals are a huge trend this season and these are au-current without being over-the-top.  Pair these with the Tularosa slip dress for a stylish, simple and sexy ensemble.

Yes, please.  Love the shape, love the clear acrylic frame and love the price ($160).  These glasses are a cool collaboration between Stone Cold Fox for Wonderland in the Colony style.  Because clear glasses are a little more trendy than black or tortoise, these glasses are perfectly priced to fulfill your cool girl fix while not emptying your piggy bank to do so.

This necklace screams Festival Style.  A little bit Western, a lot a bit boho and the perfect addition to a sexy slip dress and gladiator sandals.  At $34, consider it the perfect, guilt-free accessory.

And lastly, the denim jacket.  It wouldn't be Spring nor Summer, nor would any festival outfit be complete without a denim jacket. This one from the Gap is a great wash and is $69.95 plus an additional 40% OFF with the promo code NEW!  It runs a little big, so buy it in one size smaller than you normally wear, layer it over your sexy slip dress with your gladiator sandals and your bolo necklace.  Pop on your oversized clear shades and head out the door in your haute festival ensemble to enjoy some great music, friends and fun!  

An Old but New Neighborhood

The North Beach neighborhood in San Francisco is old and it is Italian.  There are still shops that make fresh Italian specialities and homemade pastas daily...the owners enthusiastically communicating with their staff and fellow neighborhood friends in their native tongue as you pay for your yummy Sicilian delights.  And at the cafes, people still post up to the bar to have their espresso shot in a porcelain cup, instead of taking it to-go in a paper cup.

North Beach has always been charming but in an older, more rustic sense.  It is a popular tourist destination and has always been a great spot for bars, but the restaurant scene in North Beach was missing the mark...until recently.

Tony's Pizza is a perfect example of the cliched Italian Pizzeria turned on it's head.  Tony's opened a few years ago and is bustling and busy from the moment the doors open until the last pie is served.  The menu represents the storied Italian dishes that we all know, while introducing us to innovative cuisine that makes a foodie's mouth water.  

One of our favorite pizzas is Quail Egg, Potato and Guanciale.  It is made with creamy mozzarella, and layered with potatoes, rosemary, calabrese peppers.  Then they add chorizo, quail eggs, gaunciale (pork cheek), fromage blanc,  and a dash of lavendar sea salt...yes, yes, yes.  Not exactly vegan...nor gluten free and dairy free, but insanely decadent and delicious. For a town as food-driven as SF,  Tony's was a pioneer in putting North Beach on the food-scene map.  Tony's challenged the notion that a pizza place in North Beach is cliche...and everyone who has eaten there would say they emerged victorious.

Next up, one of our all-time favorite restaurants in San Francisco: Park Tavern.  The design, the menu and the atmosphere are all fantastic.  Walk in and the chic bar, and modern industrial decor will set the tone for the tasty libations and simple, yet delicious food you are about to enjoy,

For starters, we always order the deviled eggs, brussel sprout chips and wagyu beef jerky.  Their burger, dubbed the "Marlowe Burger" is one of the best in the city, but truly we haven't had a meal or a dish that we didn't like.  The ambiance is lively and trendy while the food, cocktails and service are on-point and built to last.  Park Tavern is a welcome addition to the North Beach neighborhood offering new American food in an old Italian neighborhood.

And for that night cap, Tony Nik's is the perfect place.  Small, and dimly lit... it is a place with no frills and great drinks.  Post up at the bar, or grab a cozy booth in back to relax because getting "one more" at a bar that has been in business since 1933 is always a good idea.

North beach has always offered a lot of history and now it offers a lot of great dining too.  An old neighborhood infused with some new blood is changing North Beach from a neighborhood of tired cliche to a one of haute cuisine.

Friday Buy Day on Monday

We feel terrible that we didn't get to post this on Friday, and we'll try to never let it happen again...can't stand the disappointed texts and emails (:  Although not keen on making excuses, last week was filled to the brim with exciting and productive preparation, meetings and presentations. Couple that with some out of town visitors for us, and some out of the country visitors for Shannon...and the one thing that didn't get completed to our satisfaction was Friday Buy Day. Hoping that by posting this on Monday, it may offer some inspiration at the start of a new week.  

We've been focusing a lot on fashion for the last Friday Buy Days and and we thought it would be fun this week to focus on some fun (small or budget friendly) ways to update your space, or just make it feel a little more fresh for Spring:

First up are these barstools from CB2.  We have purchased similar ones in the past for over $700 each and while these are not exact replicas, they are pretty darn close. We love the cognac leather seat, the whipstitch detailing and the rustic iron base. At $269, these are less than half the price of their similar counterpart and deliver the same rustic chic style.  Add a couple around a center island or replace your current barstools with these stylish seating alternatives to turn your kitchen nook into a fine dining experience.

Another great way to freshen up your space for Spring is foliage. We love flowers in a space, and more economical than replacing flowers each week is investing in a large plant. A fiddle fig leaf plant is always a great choice, with beautiful leaves and a rich green sheen.  They are sturdy plants, and adapt well to most climates making them a great choice for a lasting and low-maintenance alternative to purchasing fresh flowers regularly.  These can be found at your local nursery or at many Lowe's and Home Depot locations.  Typically you can find a nice size one for approximately $180 and they add beautiful dimension and texture and color to a space. 

Another stylish way to freshen a room for Spring is by switching out your pillows. We love a good mix, but be careful not to overdo it. Many of us (we are guilty too) have a tendency to "over pillow" sofas and beds, when a restrained...yet artful mix is always best. We've included some images above of pillows we love...all found on Etsy, and all very reasonable (starting at $70).  

Lastly, a fun and free way to update your space for Spring is to move your furniture around! In the above picture from the Sonoma project, we rearranged all of the furniture to create more space, and a fresh new feeling in the room.  The leather chairs were originally in front of the TV and we moved them by the fireplace, the cowhide pillows originally lived on the sofas and we created a cozy nook by adding them to the rustic fireplace, and the built in daybed was originally covered in pillows....we took most away and added a few larger ones and one lumbar on each side. 

So, go ahead and put your sofa on the other wall.  Take the bench that's in your children's room and add it to the living room as a fun seating option in front of your fireplace. Or, move your daughter's dresser in front of the window where the roman shade and the streaming light act as the only art above.

Choosing one, or a combination of the above suggestions will add a fresh dose of style to your space...just in time for Spring. 

Styling in Sonoma

Shannon and I spent that last few days in beautiful Sonoma preparing for a photo shoot of a recent project. It was an extremely busy and productive 48 hours filled with flower cutting, furniture moving, pillow stuffing and picture hanging.  We were in our sweats and sweating..so when we were finished we decided to get properly dressed and head out for a celebratory lunch!

I am wearing Citizens of Humanity high-waisted flare jeans, a cropped boxy gingham top from Zara (oh, how I wish I could rock it without layering a top underneath...pilates here I come), and Jimmy Choo platform wedges.(similar in link)

Shannon is wearing Rag & Bone distressed denim, a Marissa Webb linen jacket and Rag & Bone booties.

We chose to go to The Girl & The Fig for lunch, one of our favorite spots. We ordered "the works" for a starter which consisted of an amazing cheese and charcuterie selection, homemade fig jam, a baguette and in-house spiced nuts.

I selected the soup du jour (potato and onion purée..sounds boring...was anything but) and followed it with a salmon and avocado crostini main course.  Shannon opted for the omelette of the day..... And Adrianna chose (of course) the girl and the fig salad.  We washed it all down with their proprietary label of dry rose of course. There wasn't an ounce of room for dessert, so we headed to a winery instead :)

Friday Buy Day 3.20.15

Shannon and I went to a really chic baby shower last night at a wine bar.  It was a semi-casual affair, being the mom's second child, and was a great excuse to get together with friends and enjoy some adult beverages and yummy food, and celebrate the baby girl-to-be.

When I was getting dressed for the occasion, a dress was calling my name but I couldn't quite find the type of dress I had conjured up in my head. It was a warm evening, and the event started at 6 PM so what I wanted to wear (that sadly was not in my closet)  was a Springy and special outfit that was worthy of this fun and celebratory event.  The night called for one of those "in between" ensembles:  I didn't WANT to wear jeans (although I did) but a sexy LBD wasn't the right outfit either.

Ultimately, I ended up wearing an Equipment eyelet silk blouse, tucked into Paige skinny distressed jeans with embroidered ankle strap pumps (although never planned, Shannon and I showed up looking like twins).  The look worked...but it made me realize that I wanted to dedicate this week's Friday Buy Day to cool pieces that could work for a stylish day ensemble (work or lunch, etc) and could also work for something like an evening baby shower at a bar.

Here goes...

I love this look (the blouse from the top pic, the skirt from the bottom pic).  The boxy cotton top with the cool drawstring detailing on the side with the eyelet pleated mini-skirt.  It is a fresh, modern and on-trend.  This outfit is work appropriate if you work in a creative capacity (sorry Finance girls) as the mini-skirt is really not that mini unless you are quite tall and the blouse provides full coverage.  Pair it a gladiator style sandal or platform wedges (yes, they're back in a big way for Spring) for a daytime fete, or up the volume with black ankle strap heels and deco drop earrings for an evening event. All white is here to stay and this whole outfit is under $150...now it's just the tan I have to start working on.

This floral dress from Asos caught my eye because of the playful print and the sophisticated shape.  This is another piece that, depending on how it is styled, can be more conservative, or more edgy.  For a conservative luncheon, it looks great as shown: simple heel and a nude, pouty lip.  For a night celebrating at a cool wine bar, I would up the edge factor and pair it with booties (those Isabel Marant ons that were suggested awhile back...on sale of course..would be great) and a black leather moto jacket.  Saturate your lip in a dark raspberry or classic red and be on your way.

Come On!  The last time I was this excited about a tube top was 1999.  I am dead serious...they were in heavy rotation during my days at USC.  But, now that I'm a grown-up, I am thrilled to find that the Australian designers at Camilla and Marc have designed an elegant and sophisticated strapless top.  If you look closely, you can see the asymmetrical belt and the soft draping of this awesome piece.  

I absolutely love the idea of it paired over wide leg trousers, and the polka-dot ones shown in the picture are a steal from Asos priced at $81.  Long over long is a big trend right now and this ensemble feels very modern and current without feeling trendy.  This would've been the perfect outfit to wear last night!  For an edgier look, I love this strapless blouse over leather leggings with a cropped blazer.  Right now, all sizes are available except 44 and it is on sale for $185 from $370.

Hope you enjoyed this week's picks and feel free to enter your email address if you'd like to get these tips delivered directly to your inbox.  

Being Realistic About Our Rug Addiction

Krimsa is one of our favorite rug and pillow stores of all time.  So many special pieces: vintage Beni Ourain rugs , hand-woven moroccans, silk ikats, and over-dyed turkish masterpieces.  We love them all.  And although we wish we could outfit our entire home and all of our client's homes with these glorious pieces of art, the cost of a large specialty rug (or multiple) can often be prohibitive.

And maybe cost isn't the issue.  Maybe you have young children who drop food, track dirt and smash play-doh into your flooring and so choosing an inexpensive, but stylish rug, that is replaceable is a good option for you until the children are a bit older.  Whatever the reason, the bad peanut-butter color sisal rug (we love a good sisal...just not a peanut butter sisal) that you bought because you "didn't want to spend the money" or because it "hides the dirt" needs to go and can be replaced by one of these stylish alternatives: 

We love this Land of Nod patchwork rug.  The blush, grey and taupe color palette is sophisticated while the sisal nubby texture is casual.  Imagine this is in a living area with a charcoal linen sofa, a rustic coffee table, two cognac leather sling chairs where a sheepskin throw casually lives.  Elegant, relaxed, current.

This is a beautiful rug from Joss and Main  The 5x8 is right around $200 and the saturated color and "vintage" style feel very rich.  This piece would be great in a Foyer or layered in a Bedroom, peeking out from under the bottom half of the bed.  In a foyer, it would be great paired with a piece of modern abstract art (Jenny Prinn, Susie Bettenhausen) to balance the more traditional feel.  Add a brass console, or vintage credenza and a cool lamp.  An inviting and edgy entrance.  In the bedroom, it would be great layered over a greige sisial with clean white bedding that is tipped in orange or blue.  Cool and classic.

This dhurrie from West Elm is a great transitional piece.  It comes in three colorways (turquoise, platinum(shown), and iron) has a nubby, natural texture and is hand-woven by artisans in India.  The pattern is graphic and bold, but not so loud that you will tire of it easily.  At around $500 for an 8x10 it is a great price for the visual impact it provides.  We love it in a casual dining room with a rustic farmhouse table, tabouret metal chairs on one side and an upholstered bench on the other.  Add an oversized pendant and you are ready to host Thanksgiving dinner!

We can fill our home with stylish affordable floor coverings TODAY, while day dreaming of the vintage Beni Ourain rug we will own ONEDAY.