Afterwhile, Crocodile!

I've been searching for a faux exotic fabric to reupholster these fabulous wingback chairs I've purchased. I have a true affinity for all things exotic skinned (wonderfully faux, in this case) and would love to have chairs that are unique to my home and truly compliments my eclectic decor aesthetic.

So these are the chairs


Great chairs right? But they would be simply smashing with new upholstery and some nail head detail.

Here are the faux finds... I'm torn between a rich chocolate faux croc pattern:



And the grey-silver faux croc fabric, which is so fab!




I plan to order samples of both of these and a bone color as well, just to keep my options open. Good news is that they are all neutrals and I can really work and re-work the space as needed. Swap out throw pillows, curtains and rugs... maybe a few accessories and voila a new room.

Perfectly Precious

I have recently discovered and ever since, have been swooning the genius of Eddie Ross, the decorating and entertaining savant. Seriously, I LOVE HIM!! If you have seen him on Top Design, numerous magazine publications, in person or on his blog, you certainly understand my sentiment. He is fabulous!

Now, while everything that he touches is sprinkled with diamond dust, this particular post was oh so charming yet striking! It was about the grandeur of the carnation. The carnation?!? Yes, the carnation.


Images courtesy of Eddie Ross

Isn't that perfectly pretty? Looks like a ball of peonies but at a fraction of the price. It's dainty enough for your vanity or perched in a guest bathroom.. Or could be part of the decor for a baby shower, birthday party (think hot pink carnies) or even a wedding.

I think I'm going to give this a whirl for my daughter's Parisian themed birthday brunch.

What's Old Is New Again

I'm clearly in a nesting stage as all I can think of is home decor. Everywhere I look, I find something I love and want to add or replace an item in our home. Oh and I'm totally on this new organizational kick. EVERYTHING must have a place, clutter makes me nuts. But that's another post.

Anywhoo.. right now, I'm looking for new living room furniture and while I have my eyes on some fab finds from Neiman Marcus, my wallet has other plans. No worries, I just have to be a little more resourceful and it's a great thing because I have come across some AMAZING bloggers working the "look for less".. actually a "totally new look for less".

Take a look...

From fellow blogger, MadebyGirl

BEFORE



AFTER



Amazingly, knocking my socks off!

Next up is Nuestra Vida Dulce

BEFORE



AFTER



I DIE!!!

And last but not least, Get It Girl Style:

BEFORE



AFTER



Just... WOW!!

I'm now on the hunt for wing back chair bargains, sourced from possibly Craigslist or thrift shops. Here's my inspiration:


Sunflower Zebra Chair

I just love the citrusy hue, makes me happy just looking at it. And the zebra stripes gives it just enough "grrrrr"!

Tougher Than Leather

That's how I'm gonna look in my new leather skinny pants! I've been searching high and low for a pair that is fiercely fab and budget friendly. I was just going to bite the bullet, visit Vicky's and get these:


Victoria's Secret Leather Skinny Legging


Really cute and love the skinny style and they STRETCH, which is always a bonus. Hmmm... with the price point still being over $200.00, on sale, I just couldn't do it.

Then I got a daily email from one of my favorite shopping haunts, ASOS and there they were:


ASOS Premium Leather Trousers

These are soooo cute and they are on sale for $118.00. Score!

Happy New Year!

It's a new year and with each passing year, there is opportunity for bigger and more fabulous things. I'm enthusiastic to see what journeys I will experience this year. So far on the docket is a purchasing new home, a trip to Paris with my sugar pie honey bunch, a possible new business venture and making my own wine. Whew, that's a mouthful but I'm ready!

With that said, my blog, primarily started to chart my wedding planning and relieve my friends and family from my incessant wedding babble, will be changing. It will still focus on all things fabulous, just not wedding related.. I may sneak in a gown or two, as I will always love all things wedding. After all, I am in the industry.

So in my farewell to my wedding planning blog, what else? PICTURES!

























All photos by Julia Newman

Fete Foods

Are you hosting a holiday get together and need some quick yet tasty morsels to serve to your swanky guests? Consider adding these to your menu. A super fast yet elegant baked brie and bacon cheese tartlets. Sounds yummy right?

I came across them while watching a Golden Girls marathon on the WeTV channel. Sidebar- Golden Girls cracks me up!

I tried out both recipes and with a lil' tweaking, I have two new fab party foods added to my repertoire! For the tarlet, I used Gruyere cheese and turkey bacon. (I'm dying to try it with Goat cheese, shrimp and prosciutto.) And opted for individual mini baby Baked Bries, served with delicious pears.




Videos from WeTV

See? Super fast and super easy!

Christmas List Must Have!!!

The must have gift amongst my bffs, is more a organized space for the designer duds they strong arm for at the City-wide sample sales. So being the dutiful friend I am, I've searched for a reasonable option to help with their mini crisis.


The "Organize-It" Adjustable Closet System. I've seen the closets of said friends and I think they all could benefit from this modular, no tools needed closet organizer.

Sure, it's not the celeb walk in sanctuary that we all dream about but it can be a neat, organized and color coordinated start.

I think it is especially cool for space challenged apartment dwellers and college students. Speaking of which, I shall pick one up for my college bound daughter.






Did I just hear a collective, wistful sigh?