Chandelier Shopping

I have been talking about giving our dining room a refresh for quite some time. And I am starting to feel motivated for some reason. It is hilarious how you can live somewhere for years and put things off for so long. But I always tell clients, better to really live somewhere for a bit before you dive into projects. So I guess I am taking my own advice. This is the dining room currently. Boring. ha

All the furniture was Matt's great grandmother's (chairs new, buffet and breakfront not pictured) and those random things all over the mantel were from the holidays (old photo). All this place needs is a bit of paint (dark navy above chair rail), some additional moldings (under chair rail all painted white), a new light fixture, a great mirror for above the fireplace, and a big piece of art for over the buffet. Lighting is probably my least favorite thing to choose because like rugs, I torture myself with the decision. I actually love the fixture we have, but it does not go with the style of our home or the furniture (If interested in buying lmk). I have narrowed down the field for a replacement and thought you might be looking as well, so here are the options...

Some simple, but pretty pieces...

1. Really loving the lines of this Thomas O'Brien $735 (four finish options) 

2. Just enough curve on this one by Barbara Berry $945 

3. Simple but such a statement maker Anthropologie $1750

 Some more feminine, but not too ornate options...

1. Really love the rope like feel of this E.F. Chapman $895 

2. This is such a classic shape and I love the star One Kings Lane $1195

3. Not sure I want to do a shade again, but this is pretty. Bloomingdales $1170

4. The scrolling is so pretty One Kings Lane $1155

 And some other shapes that I love...

1.Such a unique shape, a little modern, but cool One Kings Lane $1399

2. This is the lantern everyone wants, always a good choice One Kings Lane $629

3. The round shape and shades feel very grown up One Kings Lane $1155

Clearly this is an investment, so I want to choose correctly. I will keep you posted when something gets put up. As for paint, that might have to wait until this Fall. Some fun projects to come that I cannot wait to share. 

xo

Erin 

Gift Guide 2014: Statement Jewelry

Sometimes a statement piece screams out at you, and sometimes it is the most delicate thing you wear. Either way a unique piece of jewelry for the lady on your list (or yourself) is something that will be treasured for many years. Here are some of my favorites. 

1. This horn and malachite bangle is perfection. Furbish $68

2. Emerald green is certainly never going out of style. These drop earrings are so pretty. Eddie Borgo $125

3. I love the navy update on this classic gold Marc watch. Marc Jacobs $250

4. Nothing is more chic than a gold watch and plain black leather band. This Nixon has great lines too. $125

5. The hassle on this bracelet is so so good.  J. Crew $115

6. I worship a stack of delicate rings all on their own. These have diamonds. Even better. Gorjana $158

Don't forget to check out the other gift guides: 

Girl on the Go

Classic Shoes

Cozy Sweaters 

Bags to Covet 

Lovely & Lounging 

For the Home

xo

Erin 

Affordable Lighting Options

Lighting can be one of those changes that completely changes an entire space. The problem is that it can also be one of the largest investments in a space. I have been helping people not only with fashion styling services, but also home styling lately, (email me!) and most people just need a few pieces to tie their rooms together. Lighting options are usually one of my first suggestions. In an effort to keep everyone's budget in tact, I have rounded up some of the best lighting options that would be wonderful in so many rooms. 

1. This vintage lantern is so fun. Chairish $395

2. A client I helped just hung this above her dining table and it is stunning. Pottery Barn $399

3. A pair of these over an island would be so chic. Or down a hallway. Shades of Light $159

4. Beautiful shaped lantern. Shades of Light $279

5. Such a different take on the rustic look in this metal pendant. Lulu & Georgia $207

6. I have these lining my hallway. Pottery Barn $169

7. I am such a sucker for a lantern. This one has a vintage look without the huge price tag. Pottery Barn $399

8. This would look so great above a rustic farmer's table. Pottery Barn $799

9. It is hard to find a quality chandelier for under one thousand, this has a retro feel I love. West Elm $899

10. This is such a classic look and the mixed metals is fun. West Elm $319

11. Love the shape of this mid century vintage chandelier. Chairish $396

12. Worship the shape and the lined shade. Also comes in navy and gray. Shades of Light $319

13. The mix of wood and metal along with the shape makes this such a statement. Pottery Barn $399

xo

Erin 

Gilted

How was your weekend? Our child-less one was unreal. So relaxed and fun, but it was great to see the kids last night. 

The temperatures are definitely on the way down and cozying up to the fireplace sounds so perfect. And though the actual fire is usually the star of the show, what is on top of it needs to make a statement too. My Pinterest has been filled with ornate and gilded mirrors on top of mantels and my gut says it is time for one at our house. 

Gold mirrors on mantels feels so Parisian to me. And while you usually think go ornate mirrors going in ornate rooms, the juxtaposition of a gold mirror in a more modern or traditional room can be awesome. Plus, there are options that are not so ornate, just gold and lovely. 

Love the height of this mirror and how it reflects the light fixture. 

 Blue grass cloth and gold is such a gorgeous statement

Eclectic yet modern 

Love the scale of this skinnier mirror in relation to the narrow fireplace. 

Plain and round is an easy option that would work in any room. 

And then there is what my apartment in Paris would look like. Swoon. 

These types of mirror are an investment, but could always be moved to another room or given new life in a hallway. But really, a gold statement piece over the mantel is so chic. Here are some options. 

1. I can't even handle this mirror, so in love with it. Chairish $455

2. A pretty scrolling shape by Uttermost Co. $199

3. Straight out of Paris apartment. Chairish $950

4. Love the lattice pattern of this Surya $459

5. This Uttermost Co. mirror has great line and great adornment on top. $509

6. A thick banded gilt mirror is so classic. Uttermost Co. $309

7. This is a gorgeous mirror by Howard Elliot, great for lower ceilings $545 

8. This bamboo mirror is such a gem and so fun. Zinc Door $530

9. The pretty line of this mirror gives it an ethnic feel, but simply Uttermost Co. $309

xo

Erin 

Diamonds on Monday

Blah, Monday is so lame. So in an effort to make it better, let's looks at some diamonds. I have my radar on some delicate diamond rings as I like something small and femme on my right hand, there was one on my bday wish list. I kind of like them alone, but by starting a little collection you can get a finger party going pretty fast. 

A pretty solo diamond ring is kind of the best, but I like stacking as well. I even mismatched my engagement ring and bands in different metals and styles and I love it. Obviously at any price point diamonds are an investment, so just pick something classic that you can wear forever. 

The good news is there are some fantastic styles of diamond rings under $550 that would be so pretty added into your other rings or solo. A lot of people think diamonds are always in the thousands, but as you can see below, there are some seriously gorgeous pieces that are a great addition to your wish list. 

1. This double diamond ring is so chic. $460

2. Gorgeous update to the eternity band. $534

3. Obsessed with this love knot ring. $506

4. A classic eternity band $395

5. This ring resembles a crown is just so cool $315

6. A cross ring would be fun in a stack $375

7. A mini evil eye ring. Love it so much $465

8. go straight for the stack with Jennifer Meyer $525

9. This braided diamond band is genius. $350

10. Another pretty eternity band $498

11. The filigree on this gold band gives it a vintage feel $250

12. This arrow ring is modern and fun $390

13. So simple, yet so gorgeous. Gabriela Artigas $264

14. This rose gold ring would be perfect solo. $495

15. A cluster of diamonds is always better. Jennifer Meyer $500

Monday just got way better, right? 

xo

Erin 

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Something Sparkly

I was not sure I was going to do gift guides this year, but I looked back on last season and it was a busy time here on the blog. So I put a few together that I hope you all enjoy. Plus, it helped me put my wish list together which I will share with you later. 

Up first are some sparkly and sensible (at least price wise) pieces that every girl you know would love. From Mom to your sister to your friend. I added a couple of them to my list, but truly I want every single one of them! 

Oh and for the boys out there, any of these would be a hit with your lady. 

1. The perfect addition to an arm party by Giles & Brother ($95)

2. This Lucite cuff with studs and crystals is part bad ass, part pretty from J. Crew $126

3. This bow bracelet is so genius by Kate Spade ($78)

4. This bracelet has such a great vintage vibe from J. Crew ($86)

5. I gifted this lovely last year and have one myself. Jennifer Zeuner ($132)

6. These are INSANE and would make a fantastic statement by Dannijo ($470)

7. I love the mix of vintage and neon on these earrings from J. Crew ($79)

8. A new take on the classic studs by Auden ($138)

9. Major statement piece without being gaudy. LOVE it  J. Crew ($96)

10. Something pretty to protect from all the badness out there Bauble Bar ($36)

11. A long gilded horn is classic and fun to mix with other necklaces Kenneth Jay Lane ($88)

12. A fresh take on the signet ring from Bauble Bar ($32)

13.  A delicate ring I am obsessed with from Jacquie Aiche $125

Side note: How great are these jewelry cases from West Elm? Kind of the perfect way to display your fave pieces on your nightstand or dresser. 

Did you find something for a person on your list? Or maybe just forwarding this link to your man? ha

Happy Shopping! 

xo

Erin 

Serving Cocktails with Style

We all covet something for our house. A piece we know is missing, but is hard to find and will be putting a dent in our wallet. For me, I have been scouting for a gold leaf bar cart for well over a year. Unable to commit and not wanting to justify the price tag with my better half, I have continued shopping even though I have found some great options. 

Doesn't this look lovely? 

Lilly Pulitzer Bamboo Bar Cart, Available Soon from her new furniture line

I rarely turn to gold when picking out anything for my house, but for some reason I am obsessed with the color for evoking a time well into our past, and bringing some glam into my living room. 

My search has involved flea markets and antique stores, since I am convinced I can find one that will be a steal. That has not been very successful. Problem is, when you are looking for something specific it rarely ever is found. 

I have found a few that I like, some with some age to them, others reproductions. All I know is that I am still not ready to commit, but I am glad I have some options. I am giving myself until Christmas since I am hosting and setting up a festive bar on my new cart makes me giddy. 

1. Arteriors "Emory" Bar Cart from Horchow $1,169

2. Antique 1970's Italian brass and brushed metal bar cart from Buck House on 1stDibs $2,200

3. Brass and cane bar cart by Farnsworth on 1stDibs $1,600

4. World's Away Bar Cart in gold leaf from Candelabra $817

5. Jan Showers Leland Drinks Cart, price upon request

Which one is your favorite? Help me decide! 

xo

Erin 

Style Inspiration: Zoe Saldana

Even a couple of weeks after the Met Ball in NYC, I could not stop thinking about the gold collar necklace on Zoe Saldana. Not only was it an interesting color combination with her dress, but it was something you could wear with so many pieces already in your closet. 

In the summers there is something so easy, but pulled together about a white tee or tank with denim and statement accessories. These gold collar necklaces would be perfect to throw on to dress something up or as a way to elevate a look you have from last summer that needs an update.  

1. mixed metals by Giles & Brother at Intermix $250

2. double row mini-pave links by J. Crew $150

3. drip necklace by Erica Klein at Shopbop $210

4. braided collar by Erickson Beamon at Barney's $725

5. feather necklace by House of Harlow at Shopbop $188

What I like about each of the above is that they have a classic look that can be worn for years. Something you are always looking for in accessories, especially if you are splurging on the purchase. 

We should also do as Zoe does and look to different jewelry combinations with what we already have. Try on something unexpected with your favorite dress or shirt, I bet it will look chic. 

xo

Erin