Turn Up the Lights

And then there was light...

I finally got to take out the lamps I had been using in the kitchen and flip a switch. Even though I was obsessive over the decision, I am glad I went with these Restoration Hardware pendants. The industrial feel of them is a nice contrast to the country look of the cabinets and barn floors. I went with brushed nickel to match the stainless appliances and the open glass dome so light would reflect into the vaulted ceiling. So happy I can check this off the list and enjoy the light for the holidays. 

xo

Erin 

Coming Home

I have a few quiet moments from the craziness of the last couple weeks to share a peek at what has kept me so busy. I have come full circle and have made the move back to my hometown with my family. It all happened pretty fast and I have hardly even had a chance to enjoy it and breath, until today. I have stopped unpacking boxes, obsessing about the washer that does not work, and the foot printed floors, to just relax and take it in. There is a still a ton to do and I am going to take my time with decorating, but I wanted to share a few glimpses of my favorite things to far. 

Freshly painted shutters

Contrasting Staircase

Vintage looking French fixtures

Dining room set and fixture fit perfectly

Total privacy, so blinds can always be open

Huge storage closet off kitchen for stock, gadgets, linens, cookbooks... 

Wood burning fireplace in the kitchen

Sunny utility room 

Tub with a view

There will be a few big projects to share (refinishing the basement), a ton of decorating, and the rearranging of furniture to fit the new space. I am going to take my time this time around and not make any hurried decisions (super hard to not want to finish everything right away, so type A!) and I promise to share all the steps along the way. 


The girls from NEAT Method are coming today to get after my closet, which needs serious help. Can't wait to share with you what they do with the space. 


xo
Erin 

Met Ball 2012

By far my favorite red carpet event and I only have a quick minute to post, but could not miss posting today...

Let's start with my favorites...

Gisele looks incredible. The Givenchy is so chic and I love her slick hair. 

Diane is my best overall. The girl is flawless and this is dramatic, yet effortless. 

Emma Stone is her usual quirky self, but looks really pretty in this look. 

The color of Emma's dress and the on trend peplum is just enough. 

Lana is just enough glam and goth. 

Allison is simple and chic in Ralph Lauren. 

Such a great looking couple. Claire's hair is not my have, but they look so great together. 

Camilla has that same glam and vixen look that I love. 

As for the worst, it is more like that these people disappointed me the most. There were a lot of train wrecks, or people trying to hard to stand out. These ladies are just people that I love that I really wished would have picked something else. 

Most of these speak for themselves, but Cameron may be one that you are surprised by. Is anyone else weirded out by the cut of this dress? She is so rocking and the cut somehow is unflattering. Lily Collins needs a new stylist like now! She is constantly in gowns that are too old for her and swallowing her whole. Kills me because she is adorable. Chloe, Heidi and Kristen literally could wear anything from any designer and these are their choices?! Such a waste. Heidi's dress looks like it came from the ale rack in the Prom section at Macy's. Elizabeth's dress, there are really no words. 

There were so many looks to comment on. And I loved so many, but with limited time this is as far I can get today. What did I miss? 

xo

Erin 

Images: Huffington Post

Weekend Wish: Channeling Gwyneth

There is just something about Gwyneth....

The girl says what she wants, has incredible taste, actually eats, and is honest about what it takes every day to look this great at 39. 

Some days I hate her, but only because I want to be her. 

Looking down at my giant bump right now and kind of want to cry, but I think these pictures will be great motivation to get back in shape for summer (not that I think I could even get close to this, but I can pretend). 

Her latest interview in Harper's Bazaar is refreshing and makes you just love her even more. You want to be her friend, her co-worker, and her travel buddy all at the same time. She does not BS in interviews and is honest about what makes her life work, which is like a breath of fresh air. 

My weekend wish is to channel Gwyneth. I will try to remember it is that realness she has to herself that makes her so great (the amazing wardrobe and genetics don't hurt either). 

Here is to a weekend all about you and exactly who you want to be. 

xo

Erin 

photos via Harper's Bazaar

12 Lovely Women, 1 Angry Woman

The weekend is over and the jury summons that I received a couple of weeks ago is staring at me. I have to report for duty tomorrow morning and not knowing my judicial fate is stressing me out. The thought of sitting in a room for eight hours waiting for my name to be called sounds like a great way to go insane.

So to keep me happy this morning (and stress free) I made my favorite tea and decided to pick my twelve favorite looks from the weekend. While I am the one angry woman, and will be even more so if I get assigned to a long trial, these twelve look chic and that have nothing to be angry about. 

Starting with the best of the best, Kate B....

Miranda makes the list purely based on the best accessory ever, Flynn's blushed cheeks. I mean, do you die over that face or what?


How cute are Reese and Kate? Loving both of their dresses for an event in LA.


J Lo makes the cut twice, which is rare since her style is not always my taste. I love the day look with fur collar and tightly pulled bun. Perfect for the chilly weekend.


Hopefully I will be writing you tomorrow, or the next day, or the next, but who knows. My fate is in the hands of the Cook County Court. Better jury duty than jail, but doesn't it kind of feel like the same thing?


xo
Erin

Cannes Crush: Clemence Poesy

There has been so much fashion amazing-ness at Cannes that it is hard to pick favorites. Kirstin, Rachel B, Penelope, and Gwen are killing it.

And in addition to those lovely ladies, there has just been some beautiful dresses and casual photo call outfits that need to be used for inspiration. But until I get through all 500 images and start shopping, I thought I would share my current crush, Clemence Poesy.

You might recognize this French coquette from a brief stint as Chuck Bass's pouty lady friend on Gossip Girl. She has since been on the event scene and bringing that perfectly not put-together look  to the red carpet.

Her hair always looks effortless, just like every other chic French woman you see, not pain stakingly manipulated like some other actresses and ladies we know.

She chooses classic silhouettes in black, white and gray, and accessories so smartly and minimally. Are you loving those bright shoes under the soft, gown?

I also cannot understand how she pulls off the black shift, which is so shapeless, but I honestly think it has to do with her pulled back hair and simple ballet-inspired shoes.

So lessons to take away from Clemence are to not try to hard, keep accessories minimal to let your dress stand out, and let those tresses blow in the breeze.

Are you crushing on her yet?

xo
Erin