Shopping with Friends

Another week has passed and we are inching closer to baby girl's arrival. 35 weeks and I am hoping that the weeks slow down just a bit so I can enjoy them with Tommy before her debut. We shall see. 

This weekend is going to be another chill one with pilates (still attempting, somewhat successfully), risotto dinner for two, pizza play date with friends, and hopefully naps for everyone. The weather is gorgeous, so maybe some pool time too. What are you up to? 

 It is always flattering when people ask for my advice on what to wear, what to cook, and how to decorate. I feel like a novice at it all, but it is fun to brainstorm for others and search out fun things. 

I got an email from a friend looking for a black dress for a black tie optional wedding. She prefers something that has a waist in classic lines and under $500. These are some options I pulled and figured many of you might be looking for the same thing since we are in the thick of wedding season. 

From Left: 1. Parker (All it needs is statement jewelry) 2. BCBG (Totally obsessed with this) 3. Jenny Yoo (For a little drama) 

4. ONE by (has an amazing open back) 5. ONE by (love the leather) 6. Tadashi (flattering and fun with the mesh)

I am also helping a friend redecorate her condo in the city. She wants help picking paint colors and furniture, which is so fun. She has very classic style and travels a lot for work, so she wants a chic but comfortable space to come home to. Here is where we are at with the design...

Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Lazy Gray

Pillows: Lulu & Georgia

Chevron Chair: West Elm

Brass Floor Lamp: Shades of Light

Coffee Table: Z Gallerie

Rug: PB Teen

Sofa: Restoration Hardware

Side Table: Crate & Barrel

Art: Art.com

Table Lamp: Lulu & Georgia 

How cool is that photo above the sofa? She was quite the tap dancer and this gives her something fun, but sophisticated to give a nod to her dance background. 

It was fun working on both of these little side projects this week. I have been cooking a lot lately too, so I am feeling pretty productive considering that I also just want to nap at all times of day. The nursery is still coming along, but will probably be a couple of weeks before I get the dresser. Hopefully it gets here before the baby! 

Have the best weekend. 

xo

Erin 

Just Breathe

Michigan Avenue Residence designed by Kara Mann Design

I had seen this layout before in a local magazine and could not keep my eyes off of the images. I also could not get over that someone actually lives and breathes in these rooms every day. Talk about a bit of jealousy, I worship it all. It has such an ease and calm to it, but has no shortage of style. The splash of bright color in the living room, the low trays filled with bright green moss, and the butter colored drapes in the eat-in kitchen all bring extra pop to the rooms. Kara Mann is an extremely talented designer in Chicago that can bring you a whole lot of inspiration. Her obvious talent is not something you can just replicate, but try to learn from. What I am taking away from her designs is that a great light fixture can really make a room, never be afraid of a pop of bright color, going with a similar color palate around your entire house does not have to be boring, and if I ever win the lottery I will be hiring Kara. For bigger images and more spaces, check out her site and drool over the other interiors. Also, check out some of her showroom pieces that are not only chic, but also fun (hello, Union Jack chair). 

xo

Erin