Picture Perfect

I've taken so many pictures so far this summer. I'm definitely going to need some new frames. I'm obsessed with the above Twos Company frames, especially the blue Ikat one. My good friend just received one as a gift and I'm dying to get my own!
Find them here.

JPK Handbags

I'm Loving JPK handbags for the summer months. The nylon material is durable and they are made in an assortment of fun, bright colors. Above you can see the classic bucket bag. Below is my favorite!

The Paris Pleated Satchel is the perfect size. I love the inverted pleats and leather trim. The bag has tons of style but is not too fussy due to the nylon. I'm thinking I want it in orange or exumas (light turquoise). Find it here, at Nordstrom for $198.00

Sale: Outdoor Pillows!

Restoration Hardware outdoor pillows (pictured above and below) are on sale for 15.99. I like sitting out on my porch well into the fall so I was really excited to find these. Unfortunately the colors aren't exactly right so I headed over to Potter Barn...

Um, HELLO...demask design in black and white!?

Pottery Barn $24.99

These just may be perfect for my little outdoor oasis. Thoughts? I'm thinking I may just buy two and leave the third chair alone.

DIY Bulletin Board with Nailhead Trim

I was so excited to try this project. I first saw it over on LCY and knew that it would jump straight to the top of my "to do" list.

Above are my supplies.

cork bulletin board

linen fabric

decorative nails

duck tape (animal print-love it)

spray adhesive

After I had finished ironing, I laid the fabric down then placed the cork board face-down over it.

Then I sprayed the edges...

and folded the fabric up. I made sure it was taught, then smoothed it out over the spray adhesive.

For extra support I quickly added the duck tape along the edge.

I followed the same process all the way around each side.

A few minutes later... I'm finished!

The next step was to add the decorative nailhead trim.

To create consistency with my spacing I used a dime to measure the width between each nailhead.

This part can become a little tedious, and tough on your fingers, but it's totally worth it.

I'm so excited to get back to Baltimore and add the board to my bedroom. I don't have an office so I'm placing it on the wall above my jewelry shelf. I like that the trim on the board mimics my Pottery Barn bedding

Goodbye Nantucket

I'm so sad to have left the island after a relaxing three weeks, but am ecstatic with my overly generous parting gift!

My friend gave me a Shreve, Crump & Low Gurgling Cod. I'm so excited to bring it back to Baltimore and use it, along with the awesome cocktail napkins. I've also seen the pitcher used as a vase for flowers.

I'm so happy to have such a beautiful memento which will always remind me of the island.

The obsession persists...

Please help! I'm continuing to obsess over the West Elm Zigzag rug but I'm not sure if its a wise purchase? Chevron is EVERYWHERE in home decor now... is it played out? Will I still like it next year?
I think if I use it in my bedroom it can easily transition to other rooms/spaces when I move. I'm not sure if it really even works in my bedroom (because of the small, awkward layout)but I love that it makes a bold statement. Just look at it in the rooms below...killer. What are your thoughts? Please weigh-in...yay, or nay?


via

via

via lonny

Ladies Luncheon!

Shop the above items here

Clearly, this is the summer of love! So many amazing things are happening and the latest is that one of my best friends just got ENGAGED! I could not be more excited for her, and her fiance! Naturally, the happy news sends me straight into party mode. I would love to host a ladies luncheon at the end of the summer to celebrate the big news! Above is my inspiration for a lovely gathering to honor the bride-to-be! I can say with total confidence that she will be the most relaxed and graceful bride.

All my love... and best wishes!


KDS

I couldn't resist a preview of what will be their new monogram (after the wedding ceremony)!

You're Invited!

Baltimore Followers -This is a MUST-ATTEND event for all you 20 and 30-somethings. Great food, open bar, fun music, fabulous people AND its all for a great local cause. See you there!

Sky Blue Events Presents

The First Annual Oxfords & Oysters Party
in support of the Oyster Recovery Partnership
{a vital non-profit organization dedicated to sustaining the Chesapeake Bay's oyster population}

I am so excited that Sky Blue Events has asked me to be an executive board member of the Sky Blue Social Club. Of course, I want to give all of my blogger friends in the Baltimore area a heads up on our end-of-summer celebration at Little Havana in Baltimore on

Saturday September 18th from 3-7 pm.

There will be an open bar, lots of oysters (and other food as well, of course) and live music by Burnt Sienna Band! For more information and to buy your tickets CLICK HERE.

(Please note that you do need to be 21 or older to attend. ID will be checked at the door when you sign in and receive your commemorative cup and wristband)

Advance VIP Tickets (through 7/30) include a deluxe VIP bag filled with goodies from our sponsors!

Thank you to Sky Blue Events for hosting a socially engaging and socially responsible event.

Design Dilema

Rug Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Lately I've been drawn to rugs with geometric patterns. The first rugs I purchased on my own were more traditional. I still love them but want try and work in something a little more daring. I took a small risk earlier when I added the zebra print rug in my kitchen. It was a steal at 19.99 from Target.


I'm thinking I may need to do something a little different in my bedroom


Right now it's pretty traditional. I hate the artwork so that can go, but I do like the bedding. I need reader input! Do you think I can work in a geometric rug? My favorite from the picks I made above is number three. Any suggestions for the room itself? It's a small space but I need to do something because it is just not as interesting as the other rooms I've worked on in my home.

I recovered these chairs

I painted the feature wall

I made the animal print and medallion pillows.

So now it's on to the bedroom...let me know what you think!
xoxo

(Note to self: You're clearly obsessed with blue... perhaps you should stop telling others that your favorite color is pink?)

Island Style

It's no secret that Nantucket is preppy. As much as I love the prep style, I just can't get on board with head to toe Lilly. Above is my take on a classic preppy look.

Shop the set here.

EmersonMade Apparel

EmersonMade is a great company out of New Hampshire known for their amazing handmade blooms. Whether you need a bloom for your hair, lapel, or even your shoes, they've got you covered. Emerson and her husband, Ryan, have recently started expanding their line to include linens for the home, accessories, and apparel.
The apparel line currently consists of cute skirts, dresses, blouses, and KILLER jeans. I love high-waisted jeans so I was thrilled to see that she is offering her own with both a straight leg and a full bell. No stretch in these guys, they're true denim!

Straight Leg Old Schools
178.00
Also adore the Black&Cream Dot Silk Blouse
$198.00

Blue Bells-Non Stretch Old School Denim
$188.00
Check out all of the clothing pre-order at EmersonMade.

Clutches
$48.00-72.00

Above: The dynamic duo themselves
Ryan & Emerson

Roberta Roller Rabbit

I can't say enough good things about Roberta Roller Rabbit. I am in love with not only her tunics, but everything she makes for the home. I was just browsing the accessories and found the above pouch sets. I'm traveling a ton this summer and wish I had these on hand! There are many different prints to choose from and each set includes three separate sized bags. I could find a million uses for these little guys. From swimwear to cosmetics you're covered. They retail for $60.00 and I really want to scoop up the first set pictured. They are made of 100% cotton canvas, are machine washable, have zip closure, and are plastic lined.

If you haven't checked out Roberta Roller Rabbit go now! I recommend a classic kurta cover-up and a bondi beach bag to start. I'm also loving the scarves!

Nantucket

I've arrived on island and am all settled for a three week stay! I'm so happy to be here. I'll try to keep up my posts, but it's pretty easy to just get lost in pure relaxation...

This is the lighthouse I visit on my daily run.
(I have a gorgeous route, and it has become a tradition over the last few years to try and run each day that I'm here)

The island itself is beyond stunning! I had to take this picture of the bike. The Patagonia sticker reminds me so much of high school (I had a full on obsession with fleece vests/jackets).

Tomorrow I'm off to the beach!
xoxo