Nursery design board

My youngest daughter just turned 18 months last week, and it's time I tackle her bedroom. I've mentioned here before that we haven't done much in the past to her room, mainly because we didn't have time, and I didn't know which direction to take - but I finally feel ready to commit!

After looking through my inspiraton files, I've found a common thread, and I've totally been gravitating towards a combination of peach/coral, gold, grey/stone, and yellow. I love those colors together, and always thought it would be perfect for my little girl's room. Then I found this wallpaper, which totally sealed the deal, and set the wheels in motion. LOVE!

 source: walnutwallpaper.com

Here's what I have in mind:

 

I've put together this design board to help me visualize it all - and I must say, I'm even more excited now! doesn't it look amazing?  :)

 

The crib, billy bookcase, chair, and ikea dresser - we already have. We've also switched out the dresser knobs to clear glass ones for more sparkle a long time ago, and I think I will keep them, but I have been playing with the idea of using gold pull rings as well.

 

I love the crib bedding which has that animal print - but if I can't find something like that, I would use the grey fabric to make the crib skirt, the polka dot for pillows, and the soft peach paisley fabric for the crib sheet. The ikat-like fabric on the top right would be used for window coverings.

 

The wallpaper would be going up on one wall only - as a focal point, where the crib and dresser currently sit. On the opposite wall, where we have our chair + bookcase, I will be adding the gold pouf and similar style floor lamp and side table. I love that the side table has that gold rim and has 3 surfaces to put books, etc. I also want to do a wall of pictures/ art using frames of various sizes, and in tones of grey, gold, white, and black. Will probably get most of my frames from Target and Home Sense since they both have a wide selection.

 

I've added a rug above in the design, but since we already have light broadloom, I might skip it - though I love the added texture/ print it would bring to the room. A nice to have - we'll see.

 

Don't you love the accent pillows? they're so cute and can be found on Etsy. Ditto for the artwork: mr Fox, bunny, and A (first name initial of my babe).

 

Hopefully I can get this makeover done within the month. I'll be sure to share progress.

 

Let me know what you think, would love to hear from you!

J Crew necklaces - my best kept secret

When it comes to shopping, there are things that I'm willing to spend extra money on, and there are things like accessories, which I can't justify spending a fortune on. I have no issues with handbags, but for costume jewelry, I just can't bring myself to dish it out. But we all know how that extra piece of accessory can totally finish off your look like nothing else. Take J Crew for example, whenever I see their store displays, I'm mainly attracted to the jewelry that they coordinated with the outfits. If you take that piece out, the outfit becomes so plain, but add that statement necklace, and bam, you've got a completely different look, so chic and finished.

I've always coveted the J Crew necklaces, but never wanted to spend so much - especially being in Canada, it's ridiculous how much more the same item costs. For some months now, I've been on the hunt to find affordable alternatives, and today I'm about to share with you the 2 best sources for your J Crew statement necklaces. Turns out, there are a whole lot of people selling J Crew inspired necklaces online, and of course, at a bargain price! ;)

My 2 favorite sources are Etsy and Ali Express. Type in "statement necklace" or "J Crew necklace" and you'll see tons of results (you can even find Kate Spade, Stella & Dot, etc).You have to be careful though, there are different levels of quality for the same items, so it's really up to you to decide what you're comfortable with. I try to get the best/ most authentic ones, and even though the pieces are pricier than some other, you're still saving a bundle compared to the retail price in the store, and you're guaranteed a better quality. Some sellers on Ali Express are actually the OEM for the product and you can tell by their postings, pictures and descriptions. I got a few items and compared them to the ones in store, and seriously, there was NO difference. I could have paid $198 in store for this one necklace and instead scored it online for $34.99. Now that's a deal that won't burn a hole in your pocket book. But be warned, once you start buying, you can't stop! It's so addictive. They are truly worth it though - these are beautiful statement necklaces, and they also make a great birthday or holiday present.

Let me share with you some of my favorite pieces at the moment - and yes, I own most of them now ;)  and get tons of compliments all the time...

Tortoise & crystal - love! This is so trendy and now, yet so timeless.
This one makes you feel so sophisticated right away. Pair with black top and camel skirt -big hit!

Simply stunning - this picture doesn't do it justice. It's so beautiful

This one is still in store and is soo pretty!
It's a bit harder to pair I find, but would look awesome with any solid color top, black, white, denim, to add that punch.

Another one which the pic doesn't do justice. Also in some stores still.
It's definitely a statement and looks amazing.



This is one of the most popular J Crew necklace at the moment.
It looks beautiful in person. Has a vintage look that I adore and goes with so many things!



This one is so gorgeous too!
It has similar feel to the one above but this one incl. white stones with the crystals.

 

So tell me, do you have a favorite? Next time, I think I'll post how I pair these with my outfits.

Fall fashion lookbook

Since I've been back to work, I've taken the opportunity to rebuild my wardrobe. Part of it was necessity. I mean, my body is simply not the same as before, and after 2 kids, I kind of needed a few updates. Lucky for me, I'm actually smaller now than after I had my first child, but still... I also feel like I'm at this point in my life where I really want to invest in QUALITY over quantity. Must be something about being in my thrities now ;-) This means that I'd rather save up to buy investment / better quality pieces that will last me a long time, rather than shopping compulsively and buying simply because it's on sale. I know we're all guilty of that, and I'm going to have to try extra hard not to give in. I might have fewer items but I'll have ones which I will love for a longer period of time - and I'm referring in particular to items like handbags, shoes, and jewelry.

I love that Fall is just around the corner, because it's hands down my favorite fashion season. The temperatures have been particularly cold in the morning this week, and summer feels completely over, but I don't mind at all. I'm ready for the rich colors and the layers that come with Fall. Since I own many jackets, blazers, and coats, this is my favorite time of year to wear them all. I just have a real obsession with jackets/blazers.

Anyways, here are some looks I've saved on pinterest that I'm absolutely loving... there's definitely a common theme: tan, burgundy, greys... you can't ever go wrong with those. OMG, I can't get my mind off that short Burberry trench (3rd photo) with the leather belt!

 

I'm back

It feels like an eternity since my last blog post and I apologize. I figured now is a good time as ever to to get back on this blog, with back to school this week. There's nothing like a fresh start right? :)

I've been off the radar mainly because our summer has been quite busy, with vacation, home updates, social events, etc.  I mean it just flew by so fast! August came and went and now it's September! Wow. Seems like every year just goes by that much faster for some reason. Do you feel like that too?

I also went back to work as of August. It's been a big change for me since I've been on maternily leave and staying at home for a year and half.  So yeah things have been a bit busy around here. You can see why I've neglected the blog a little. I've had so many moments where I wanted to share this and that with you, but just couldn't get the energy and time to get to it. But now I'm back and I'm making a commitment to myself and my readers to write a lot more - and this means, miminum once a week. I love having this outlet and I can't wait to share some wonderful inspired interiors and fashion with you. Thanks for checking in and sticking around!