Oriental Rugs in the Kitchen

Why didn't I think of this?

I came across a post via apartment therapy that highlighted the use of oriental rugs in kitchens. I absolutely love the look and think it adds warmth to each space pictured. There's something about kitchens that automatically reads sterile to me. The rugs instantly create a lived-in feel. They also are the perfect camouflage for those unavoidable spills.

Check out the entire article here.

O&E Tie the Knot!

One of my best friends was married over the summer. I posted earlier on her engagement photos, here. Her wedding was absolutely stunning and she deserves ALL of the credit! A fashion maven herself, with a background in interior design, she designed and executed each element of the event. I am still in awe of her attention to detail and flawless taste. Many of the images below were captured by her amazing photographer, William Tangorra.

The Stunning Bride:

above images via

The Couple:

above images via

Venue-The Brides Childhood Home:

The incredible sail cloth tent.

Above I stole a quick moment with the bride.

Can you believe our bridesmaid dresses!? They can be worn over 20 different ways and are so comfy cozy! Totally classic yet glam.

The Decor:

Signs welcoming guests were hand painted by the bride.

"O" had a lovebirds theme that was subtle and elegant. The theme of birds influenced the decor and created consistency without being overwhelming.

Place cards held in a tray filled with birdseed. Note the tiny feathers on the cards.

Welcome table designed by "O" with a large vintage birdcage to hold written notes from guests giving advice for the lovebirds.

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Each table was decorated with vintage and sentimental items.

"O" finally seeing her vision come to life.

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Each table card had a different portrait that "O" purchased on ebay from a 1963 Audubon winter bird series.

Floral arrangements with peonies were held in large mercury glass vases.

Feathers were also incorporated in the brides bouquet and the grooms boutonniere.

Ginny hen feathers were purchased at the local farmers market.

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Time to kick of our shoes (adorned with EmeresonMade blooms) and have some fun!

"O" changed into her late night party dress which matched the bridesmaids but was a fun and flirty red. Perfect for dancing the night away.

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The evening ended with sparklers.

Don't you wish this lady was for hire? So incredibly talented!

All my best to the lovely couple, O&E!

Thanks for including me in your special day.

xoxo

ao3 Designs

Loving these little handmade clutches by A03 Designs

Chevron Stripe: $45.00

Green Vintage Floral: $25.00

Above a set of five navy clutches are pictured as a collection for your bridesmaids.

The set of five is priced at $225.00

Bridesmaids green white and navy color scheme

Set of three: $135.00

Bridesmaids clutches in navy and green

Set of four: $180.00

Bridal Party Hairstyle Inspiration

I usually don't do a ton of posts on beauty, but I was excited when my cousin, R, asked me to put together some looks for an upcoming wedding she's in. Above, I love Sienna's look. If I were headed to something a bit less formal I think Alexa Chung's loose (somewhat messy) hairline braid would win over Sienna's milk maid braid. It feels softer to me.

Above, my favorite is Kelly Ripa

Lauren Conrad is queen of the ponytail in my book. However, America Ferrera's look is my favorite pictured.

What do you think? Would you wear any of these looks to an event?

Animal Print

I'm loving animal print not only in fashion but also in home decor. However, you have to be careful when using it. One wrong step and you've taken a turn into a bad episode of Jerseylicious. Gaudy amounts of animal print can be tragic (cue mental image of Peg Bundy). In moderation, it looks sophisticated and chic.

view sets here

HGTV features a few Lovely Bloggers!

HGTV featured three of my favorite bloggers in an article that looks at combining design styles to create an interesting, eclectic look. Congrats to Camilla of High-Heeled Foot in the Door, Nicole of me oh my!, and Caitlin of Caitlin Wilson Design: Style Files.

Swoon!

Obsessed over Camilla's dining room decor! I feel like it is the epitome of my style. Traditional influences with a modern update. Great colors, textures, and contrast.

Camilla's use of color is phenomenal here. Again, she has a vintage desk paired with a modern silhouette (floating shelves). And the color coded stacks of books? You're killin' me!

Camilla does it again. Traditional wingback settee, meet amazing fabric update.

Who says a kitchen can't be glamorous? Nicole creates a show-stopper with this stunning chandelier! A girl after my own heart... I believe that you can put a chandelier in ANY room!

Caitlin effectively incorporates a few different styles to create an intricate visual aesthetic that merges modern, ethnic, and traditional elements.

Check out the entire article (written by Camilla) on HGTV!

Last Call- Oxford & Oysters is this SATURDAY!

Sky Blue Events end-of-summer celebration at Little Havana in Baltimore is this
Saturday September 18th from 3-7 pm.

Grab your tickets to Oxfords & Oysters now and help sustain the Chesapeake Bay's oyster population as you enjoy:

Open Bar + Live Band (Burnt Sienna) + Oysters & Food + Waterfront View

General Admission: $75 At the door 9/18: $85

Deluxe VIP Swag Bag filled with goodies from our sponsors: $125

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS!

Pictured below is a sneak peak at some of the incredible merchandise in our VIP Ticket holders swag bags!

VIP tickets: $125.00 -Limited Number Remaining! Actual retail value: $500.00

VIP ticket holders will receive a large monogrammed O&O canvas tote bag filled with merchandise and gift certificates. From Red Door Spa beauty products and a full size Obagi Medical Elastiderm eye treatment to a sporty Southern Point polo shirt and a generous Elizabeth McKay gift certificate.

Hello Lover!

J. Brown Jewelers have generously donated a pair of pearl and diamond stud earrings. One lucky ticket holder will take these classic must-haves home with them!

The 18K white gold earrings with 7.5-8MM white cultured pearls and round diamonds weighing in at 0.10 total carats and valued at $475.00 will be raffled during the afternoon event for all ticket holders.

Don't miss out on this event!

See you there!
(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)

Special Thanks to KAG

So excited that KAG of Monograms & Martinis asked me to style a few looks for her upcoming engagement photos. Her style is super classy, preppy, and refined. I asked her for a few hints on her comfort level (boots versus flats) and got to work.

In this look I wanted classic, affordable pieces. Each dress is under $100! The navy dress feels very nautical to me which pays homage to Nantucket where KAG got engaged!

The second dress adds a punch of color which is so important in photos. I like the clean silhouette and love the visual interest of the soft ruffles. I recommended she add a thin belt to really define the waist.

The last look is a bit of a gamble but I love to push the envelope just a little! I love how the animal print is set against an extremely conservative cut.

This second look screams fall in New England to me. It's relaxed, yet preppy, and classic. I can totally see KAG and MMB strolling down the cobblestone streets of Boston in their photos. KAG would sport the above, while MMB would clearly don some Castaway duds!

Lastly I wanted to add a little drama (while not going completely over the top). I recommend hair pulled back in a soft bun, red lips, and blue mascara. I'm obsessed with my blue YSL mascara and think it makes the eyes pop. The monotone colors of the outfit allows the focus to be on KAG! I think this look would be perfect shot first in color but then in black and white! The stripes on the shirt and the squiggle on the sweater add interest, but the subject gets to steal the spotlight.

Best Wishes to KAG and MMB as they plan their big day! Follow KAG along the way over on her awesome blog, Monograms and Martinis.

Cheers!

Shop the looks here.

Yellow and Grey Done Right

I absolutely love the use of yellow and grey in this home. It comes off as smart, sophisticated, and even a little edgy. The traditional chandelier set against the modern lines of the sofa and side table is dynamite!

Imperial trellis, and a grey and yellow book nook. Done.

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via lonny

Love the soft hues Michelle Adams (editor of lonny) paired in her own home.

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It's also an adorable color scheme for a couple!