Let's Go Bold

Fresh start to a new year and the start of what is usually a minimalist vibe.

 Resolutions, diets, home organization. 

That is all well and good, but I am BORED. 

I want color and fun and wacky to start the year. It is cold and gray and lame for the next three months, so let's at least have some fun with it.

Mix up some unexpected colors, throw on a print you would usually never wear, and try a bold lip. 

DO IT ALL! 

So when everyone else is gabbing about their hours organizing closets to find joy and new keto diets, you are laughing and smiling and joy-ing the hell out of the year full of life and color. 

To help you on your GO BOLD journey, here are some cute ideas to get you started.  

1. The best blue sweater / 2. A bright bag that can be worn many ways / 3. A pink faux fur coat / 4. a wide striped shirt for everything / 5. A marigold sweatshirt that says "love" / 6. Obsessed with this green striped sweater / 7. Cool green mirrored sunglasses / 8. Red hoops that instantly make life more fun / 9. Coral Golden Gooses on SALE! / 10. A pink puffer is always a good idea / 11. A soft and cozy blue coat / 12. A bright green sweater with fun sleeves / 13. I just bought these coated jeans and LOVE them / 14. A leopard dress to make any dinner/event so much more fun / 15. Blue suede shoes, because duh / 16. Worship this satchel/backpack that comes in a ton of colors  

xo

Erin 

Bright, Warm, & New

As Fall begins, so does my usual uniform of jeans or leggings, a comfy tee or sweater in a neutral hue, and black boots or flats. Does your uniform sound a little similar? 

Thinking a bright, fun coat would be the best way to cheer up the cold days ahead. And the perfect way to amp up that neutral uniform. Crushing over these lovelies...

1. This blue is perfect. Loved this coat last season too. J. Crew $368 (comes in other colors)

2. This is such a great update to a moto jacket in a fresh color. Banana Republic $198 (on sale)

3. This cabernet red is rich and lovely. Madewell $298

4. A classic red coat, love. Ann Taylor $228

5. Emerald is unexpected in the best way for a coat. Ellen Tracy $198 (on sale and other colors)

6. A dusty pink is sweet, but the duffel style keeps it not too J. Crew $365

xo

Erin 

Statement Sofa

Some of the spaces that I have been most inspired by lately have been full of white walls and brightly colored sofas. White walls can be kind of boring, but really it helps anchor anything you want to do to the room over time. And a sofa that makes a color statement is so fun and surprising. 

I have a bright navy sofa in my basement that I love so so much. There are so many great options out there now as home decorators are taking more risks to lovely rewards. 

1. I was floored when I saw this green number at Ikea. It is magic. $999

 2. Not quite pink, not quite red, this is such a beautiful shape and color. Deepa Gurnani $1998

3. This hot pink love seat would be fun in an entry or bedroom. Pottery Barn Teen $799

4. I love modern sofas mixed into traditional design. This yellow one would be fantastic. Hayneedle $919

5. Somehow this sofa has a clean modern feel, while also being feminine. This soft mint is so great. West Elm $899

6. A velvet chesterfield is kind of a dream of mine. Rowan Reed $2495

xo

Erin 

Pop of Neutral

I am really in a black kind of mood lately. Not so much that I feel down as I am already looking to Fall for recent purchases. I usually gravitate towards gray and denim, but now I am all about black. And as much as I wish I could pull off a totally monochromatic look, I need at least some color to break it up. Looking at my closet, I have plenty of brights to do so but somehow a pop of neutral feels so much cooler to me. Here are some looks I put together that could be worn now and into Fall with the addition of some opaque tights and your favorite leather jacket. In black obvi. 

Pop of Gray 

1. Lacey crop from Topshop $58 / 2. Classic clutch in soft suede by Claire V. $194 / 3. These Vince booties are killer $395 / 4. Flirty skirt from J. Crew $89

Note: This type of crop would only show just a sliver of skin and this is a high waisted skirt perfect for this look. Belly button is covered, that is the priority, ladies. 

 Pop of Beige 

1. Worship this FindersKeepers romper $130 / 2. Total splurge, but who doesn't want a piece of Victoria Beckham $658 / 3. Pretty adjustable belt for cinching. B Low $138 4. A more wallet friendly version of the nudist sandal, but still great quality. Shutz $180 

Pop of White

1. I own these and love them. Seven $189 / 2. The perfect white tee from J. Crew $29 / 3. Dream Bag by Phillip Lim $895/ 4. Loving the shape of these Ray Ban sunglasses $135 / 5. A drapey cardigan on sale at Nordstrom $44

Is it weird that I am looking forward to Fall? I think this slightly cooler weather is fast tracking my anticipation. 

xo

Erin 

LA: What I Am Packing

I could not be more excited for a weekend away to LA. Though I have spent most of my life in the Midwest, my birthplace, my family, and many summers and holidays spent in Orange County means my heart has always been in California. It always feels like home when I am there and I am so excited to share that with one of my lifelong friends who has made it her new home. It is bound to be filled with too much wine, too much laughter, and just enough time away from the responsibilities of home. A bonus visit with some friends from college sweetens it even more. Here are a few things I am packing and the lack of wipes and bottles in my carry on is already making me really happy. 

1. A sunny yellow Parker dress to match the sunshine. 

2. My coral PS1 because it makes me happy. 

3. A new mix matched suit from J. Crew. 

4. My scuba skirt from J. Crew is actually floral (sold out), but the black is also fab. 

5. Obsessed with this hydrating styling creme. Great for air drying hair or a blow out. 

6. These Splendid slides have become my flip flop alternative and are so comfortable. 

Happy Weekend (a little early). 

xo

Erin 

Hide and Peek

Though I recently shared my favorite new swim styles for this summer, the more important piece of my summer wardrobe would have to be the cover up. Because as much as I am willing for my former self to reemerge, it is most likely going to take me much of the summer for things to fall back in place post-baby (does it ever, really?). 


Cover ups can be just as cute as the suit they are hiding, but what makes some of them even better is they sneak a peek at what is underneath. So if you are feeling a bit bashful, at least you can show off your bikini without even having to undress. 

From Left: Marc by Marc Jacobs $173, Pim + Larkin $59, Roberto Roller Rabbit $99, Unitah $154

A little bit see through and enough coverage to make anyone feel comfortable. And if you never feel like taking it off, I do not blame you. Because clearly these are worth staying covered up for. 

xo

Erin 

Color Block Party

One of the greatest trends for summer into fall this year is color blocking. But not just your usual color stories and combinations, fresh and different stlyes that give this long-standing trend a new twist. I decided to give it a go with some pieces from my own closet. It made me think of things I already had in a new way. These are some looks I will be sporting in the weeks to come.

Time for you to play dress up and throw on some different pieces that you would never normally put together. You will be surprised at how they can fall into place. Whether strange color-combos like the peach, green and purple above, or classic black and white put together in a new way, the best thing to come out of it will be a few new outfits from what you already own.

Would love to see what you come up with! Email me pics at erin@imperfectpolish.com.

xo
Erin

A Touch of Color

A very chic friend of mine is updating her house with touches that bring a fun, but sophisticated, touch to a traditional house. The house has hutches built into the walls, which so many would love to have. Antique glass doors open to roomy cabinets holding glassware and serving pieces. When I visited after the painter had visited I just loved the new soft gray on the walls and this fantastic deep turquoise that lined the backs of the cabinets, the island walls, and the exposed shelves under the sink.  By choosing just a few areas to add a punch of color, the whole room was given a new life.

What color would you pick for a quick update to your kitchen and where would you place it? Would love to hear your ideas in the comments section below.

A few more ways to accent a room:
A white room gets some pizazz from a bright blue wall
Paint the door! This soft pink is so precious in this room
Love this coral inspired wall paper on one wall or as a backing for shelves
A gorgeous burnt orange area rug  or One in bright blue
Throw a new case on your tired old pillows like this yellow chevron from Milk And Cookies

xo
Erin