Weekend Wish

Easter weekend and still chilly. Nothing new here in Chicago, but even just the glimmer of the 40s, makes me happy. At least the sun should shine for Sunday and maybe the little guy will be into his first egg hunt. 

In the meantime, I am lusting after this jewelry designer out of Hong Kong that I found on Etsy. Instead of buying a new dress for that wedding you have coming up or maybe you are looking for the perfect statement necklace for your next event, check out these ridiculous pieces from Bayila. They would be absolutely perfect with a dress you probably already own and with this glimmering on top of it, no one would ever notice you wore it twice. 

These last two are what I have my eye on. 

Can you believe how gorgeous? And for the price of what you would probably be spending on that new dress. Going to go through my closet and find the perfect dress to wear these with so I can splurge on one. They are too gorgeous. 

Happy Weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Skirting the Issue

We have the an enormous TV. Like an obnoxious one that is every man's dream. It was purchased before I was around and used to live in our master bedroom, where it's size (kind of) made sense. Now it is in our great room until we can figure out where to put it. It hovers above a side table I actually love, and below it is all the junk that it takes to work it and the network through out the house. I love how it takes this many wires to actually be wireless....

That sweet little table hiding underneath is actually an antique from my grandmother that I have been dying to repaint. 

Anyway, I needed to figure out a solution to hide all this junk, because honestly it was driving me crazy. Because we watch this TV the most, I have been forced to watch those wires as much as every show on Bravo. 

Lucky for me I found a solution. A table skirt. But before you judge, because the only person you know with a table skirt is your grandmother, take a look....

 A lovely lady from the Etsy shop HomeLush made this for me. I sent her the measurements, a picture of what needed to be covered, and what fabric I wanted from her collection. No less than a week later it was on my doorstep. 

This may be a temporary fix for a bigger problem, like where is this monstrosity going and what will be put in it's place? But it is a fix I am loving and I have something so much nicer to look at while I hang out with Andy Cohen. 

xo

Erin 

Weekend Wishes

It is easy to come up with my wishes this week, Pinterest is always filled with things you wish you had, wish you could do, wish you could go to, wish you could find the time to do....


These are my top this week...

I wish I could hang this original painting in my house. 

Artist Jennifer Moreman on Etsy. Beautiful and fun work. 

 I wish I could hang out in this (or own) pool with this furniture all summer...

And I wish I could be with these girls at fashion week....

Hope a few of your Pinterest wishes come true this weekend. Mine are a little far fetched. 

xo

Erin 

Wedding Dress Illustration

I wish I could take credit for coming up with this gift idea for your favorite bride, but instead I will just share how adorable it is. After seeing it on the wall of my favorite bride/new mom I had to find the Etsy shop that it came from. It was a present from one of the other chic bridesmaids from her wedding and I only wish I would have known about it sooner. It would have made some after-wedding gift giving a lot easier. 

This Etsy shop makes customized illustrations of the wedding dress and will incorporate any other elements you might like to add. From bouquet flowers, to a quote, to an accessory, she will make it happen. The above is the exact print of my friend. 

I can say from seeing it first hand, that it looks great as part of a gallery wall of wedding or other favorite moments. It would be the perfect gift to send a month or two after the wedding madness so that your friend can enjoy her dress every day in a totally different way. 

xo

Erin 

South of the Border Chic

I am obsessed with Otomi embroidered fabrics from Mexico. Ever since I had Christmas dinner on one last year, I have wanted one of my own. The crazy price of it has kept me from taking the plunge since I do not spend that much on table linens. But after seeing this application from Pinterest, I think I could justify the price tag. 

via Pinterest 

The headboard is fantastic and such a great way to use the fabric. I also am loving it as a way to cover otherwise dull chairs. 

via Pinterest

Or you could simply use as a bedspread like below. I like how the neutral color gives some interest to this otherwise basic room without being too loud. 

via Pinterest

Simply hanging as wall art would be so fun, especially in a little nook like this. 

via Pinterest

The large sizes of the Otomi fabric starts around three hundred dollars. 

This Etsy store sells the below option and a couple others. 

Also on Etsy was this great Otomi covered ottoman. Obsessed. 

For a less pricey option, these pillows would be so fun on a bed, couch or piled on a chair. You can find them in a few colors and styles from this Etsy store. 

I love that there are options for this great fabric and I am hoping to figure out how to incorporate it into my pad. 

xo

Erin 

The Sweetest Thing

This is the sweetest way to start off a Monday I can think of. These customizable fortune cookie necklaces from Etsy seller Christina Kober are absolutely adorable and can you think of a more lovely gift to someone? 

Fortune cookie in the front and a customizable message from you to the lucky recipient in the back. 

This would be perfect for  a newly engaged friend, a new mom, someone going through something rough or anyone you want to send off with a fortune to make them smile. 

What would you want yours to say? 

xo

Erin 

Ode to Chanel

I have been looking for a print for my closet, where I keep my jewelry and perfume. You know that girlie shelf that starts out all organized and fun and after a month of not putting things back in its place it gets a little messy and not so cute? Well, a print couldn't hurt to make it look more polished. 

I am a one scent girl. I do not even wear perfume every day. When I do, I wear Chanel No. 5. It has a classic, powdery scent that I love. It is not for everyone, but I love it. 

This cute print on Etsy could be the perfect print as an ode to my signature scent. Small, unassuming and just girlie enough. 

CathrynsDesigns, the shop this is from, has some other fun illustrations of some of girls' favorite things. Even a pair of black Louboutins. So even if you cannot have the real thing, you could hang it in your closet as inspiration. 

xo

Erin 

Getting Etsy with Antlers

I am loving these painted antlers from MadebyCassandraSmith on Etsy. 

The pop of color and metallic paint give this otherwise already great addition to a vignette or bookshelf that much cooler. 

Could make a fun gift for someone that loves unique pieces for their place. Or just for you to enjoy on top of your favorite collection of vintage books. 

For those DIY'ers, with some paint, painters tape and a little time, this could easily be done by you. Great way to create a fun project with a flea market find. 

PS: They are all "naturally shed" antlers, so no worries on where they came from. 

xo

Erin 

I heart Made by Girl

Is there anything better or more simple than this print? 

A declaration, a memory, or maybe a state of mind, this would be lovely to look at every day. It is one of Made by Girl's  prints and comes in many other colors. 

Most of what I have been framing lately has been fun prints from Etsy or personal photos I have blown up and stuck in gallery frames from West Elm. 

This one might be my next acquisition. 

Made by Girl has a great blog and other prints and paper wares to dazzle you. 

Most of the prints can be done on a stretched canvas like the love prints above. Another fun option for your walls. 


The Hellos in different languages would be great for an entry. 


And how cute are the cards? Simple, yet the expressions on them are unique and have some whimsy. 


As always, the prices are great. So shop away! 


xo
Erin 

Bringing Home Some Upper East Side

I have been watching more television than I would like to admit. Between being sick and the colder weather, I am well caught up on my DVR and have embarrassingly got pulled into watching some really bad reality TV via VH1. You know who you are Basketball Wives. 

Luckily, there are new episodes of some of my favorite shows waiting in my DVR box each morning. One of which is Gossip Girl. 

I have been a loyal fan from the beginning. And while the story lines are getting a bit redundant and possibly cliche, I love tuning in to see what Blair and Serena will be wearing, what NYC spot they are hitting and how the set will be decorated. 

Truly, between the fashion and the decor, there is always a ton of fun inspiration each week. And let's not forget the life lessons we learn (ie: try not to hook up with your ex right before being proposed to by a prince). 

Take a look at this snippet of set and the beautiful painting. 

Gossip Girl lets us into a fantasy world, which is why we love it. My fantasy is that I own that painting and it sits above my four poster bed in my Manhatten penthouse, where I eat macaroons in bed and online shop all afternoon. 

While we can all dream, a piece of Manhattan's elite is probably not in the cards. What we can do is look to Etsy and see what artists that we can afford might be able to contribute to our own sets at home. 

I found some great paintings...

1. afiori $30

2. EmmaWalshDesign $25

3. AustinMScott $30

4. FreeArtStudio $80

And some beautiful photographs...

1. ParisPhotographer $27

2. GeorgiannaLane $25

3. ElleMoss $40

4. PettyPetalStudio $8

5. MetOperaShop $80 (LOVE)

And you can bet your Blackberry that these price tags are ions lower than anything Lily has on her fab walls. 

Can't wait for next week's episode and some more inspiration (ie: Is Blair having Chuck's baby?!). 

xoxo

Erin 

Etsy Find: PaintMeAPicture

As someone who has lived a few different places and believes that she belongs in a couple other countries, this Etsy shop had me charmed. If you are lucky to have lived or spent time in a place you no longer are, but you are always missing, this shop has something for you. The artist will hand paint the hearts wherever you request them on the country and state pieces. I could not help but love the mustache and camera print as well. With prices from ten to forty dollars, they would also make a great gift for someone coming or going.

xo
Erin

Etsy Find: LaLaDesignStudio

I have to credit this find to Pinterest and my fellow blogger, Teri. It is always fun to find gift ideas on Etsy and with the low price ($15-$100) and adorable choices, this shop does not disappoint. 

LaLaDesignStudio makes personalized rings, bracelets and necklaces that would make any one's heart melt when they received it.  I am especially loving the 'oui' ring as a stacker to your wedding band or a temporary for a soon-to-be mom's growing ring finger. 

Which is your favorite?


xo
Erin

For All the BFFs Out There

When looking for a favor for a recent birthday party, I stumbled across a store on Etsy that made old school friendship bracelets. The EmbroideryFloss shop makes all the patterns and knots that you spent hours trying to master as a kid. The favors were a huge success and now I wear mine all the time, stacked into different bracelets and watches.  

The best part of ordering any of these bracelets is that 10% of the proceeds goes to St. Jude's Children's Children's Cancer Research. So not only do you get to sport a cute bracelet, you are doing some good. And for $10, you can get a few. How fun to give for a gift for your BFF? Never too old for one, promise. 

xo

Erin 

Feelin' It: Parker Palm Springs

After my post yesterday on the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs, CA, I was really loving all the retro design and cheeky accessories. I thought I would shop around for some easy ways to incorporate the feel of the hotel into any room. 

1. Young Stevie Nicks Ink Drawing from Inksplot on Etsy $25

2. Glass Link Chandelier from West Elm $299

3. Slim Cocktail Table from Room & Board $379

4. Mid-Century Rocker from Urban Outfitters $289

5. Yes Letters from CB2 $119

6. Roundabout Rug from CB2 $299

7. Pierre Mirror From Z Gallerie $299

8. Owl Umbrella Stand from Z Gallerie $99

9. Leather Butterfly Chair from Urban Outfitters $199

They could all be incorporated in so many ways into a room. I love the geometric mirror and the bright cocktail table. The ink print is just a great, cheap, etsy find you can easily frame and add into a gallery-style wall.

This era is so fun to play around with. I could never do an entire room full of it, but just a few hints would be perfect.

xo
Erin

Weekend Wish: End Pillow Obsession

My wish this weekend is to end my obsessive and nondecisive search for throw pillows for my living room couch. I have narrowed down my favorites and am looking for some help. 

My living room is a few shades of beige (beige couch, cream walls, off-white carpet, bo-ring), with two long couches facing each other. It would be great if the pillows could inspire the rest of the decorating that needs to be done, like rugs, art, and accessories. 

Here are my final choices. 

1. from Milk & Cookies on Etsy

2, 3. from Turquoise Tumbleweed on Etsy

4, 5, 6. from Fabricadabra

7. Mediterranean Pillow in Orange from Z Gallerie

8. Gingham Pillow from CB2

9. Cross Hatch Linen Pillow in Teal from Well Appointed House

Kind of all over the place, right? That is why I need some help! Which one is your pick? 

xo

Erin 

Cinco de Mayo

1. Hand made Papelitos Picados from Etsy

2. BCBGeneration basket weave clutch

3. Top Shop Mexicana Shift Dress

4. Tory Burch Tunic

5. Kenny Guadalajara shorts

6. Sur La Table Molcajete for your favorite guacamole recipe

7. Colorful and fun Steve Madden sandals

8. Pacifico Beer, don't forget the limes

9. Penny Black Peso cuff links for your man

10. My Pork Tacos Recipe

I have a really special place in my heart for Cinco de Mayo because I went to college in Tucson, Arizona. What I learned there was that this holiday is a great celebration of family, friends, food, and culture. With an emphasis on fun, some of my favorite memories of college were Cinco de Mayo parties with lots of cold Pacificos, brightly colored outfits, and sing-a-longs with the mariachi band. With this Mexican holiday just two weeks away, I wanted to pull some inspiration of what to wear and how to celebrate. Whether you plan on attending a lively celebration or trying the pork taco recipe at home, I promise that this is always a holiday that anyone can get in the spirit of. 

xo

Erin 

Weekend Wishes

Concealer Cle de Peau, Baseball Print at 20x200, Baby Announcement

As we round out the week into the weekend, here are my wishes for a hopefully fabulous few days.

A laughter filled baby shower for my childhood friend, Julie.

Cupcakes in some flavor or form.

Baseball season to start with a win from my team.

For my concealer to do it's job of erasing what ails me.

Sunshine, even just a little bit. Maybe even a couple degrees upward as well.





xo
Erin

Etsy Finds: March

Etsy is insanity. I am on almost every day and it astounds me how many talented people are out in the universe. What is so great about Etsy is that it makes art and other wares so accessible. It provides this strange connection with an artist that you communicate with, directly buy from, and even in some cases work with for the perfect piece for you. If you have not explored, I suggest starting. When I find something great, I promise to share. Like I said, it is insanity and the more you can narrow down the field, the better. This print is by Julia Calimera and is titled Afghan Hound and I loved the red pen to white paper. And for just fifteen dollars you can say you have a piece from a great Italian artist hanging on your walls. (Julia is from Italy) Check out her shop, I also love the geisha drawing in the rain.

Here are a couple of other recent finds I love:

Best Year Ever Calendar from Spread The Love
Watercolor from Silver Ridge Studio
French Bulldog Thank You Cards from Sycamore Street Press
Pink Ikat Pillows from Turquoise Tumbleweed
And because she was such an icon: Elizabeth Taylor Digital Media Photo by Tim Snyder Photography

xo
Erin