Pinterest Outfit

 I found this outfit on Pinterest a few weeks ago and thought, "Hey, I could recreate that!" I even have the exact same belt! How often does that happen?

 Image found via Pinterest, original post HERE

So here's my take on the outfit. I loved wearing this, and felt like I had stepped out of a J Crew catalog or something. =)

 

(I realized after I took this picture, that I am holding money in my hand. I have no earthly idea why.)

Shirt: Gap

Sweater: Limited (thrifted)

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Bare traps

I love all of the inspiration I glean from Pinterest, especially when it comes to style! I get into clothing ruts SO very easily, so it's nice to be able to look through the photos and find inspiration for items I already own. What do you do when you get stuck in a style-rut?

Inspiration to Share

I can't believe that Christmas is almost here! We have SO much snow up in MN, so let me know if you need any and I'm sure we can arrange something! Everyone should be able to have a White Christmas this year.

So, as I've been browsing around all of the GORGEOUS home tours and Christmas-themed crafts that are all over Blogland, I decided that I wanted to round up some of my favorites and share them here!

So without further ado, here's a bunch of things that have been inspiring me this Christmas season...

First up, the incredible "Winter Berries on Canvas" done by none other than Centsational Girl. Seriously, how does she come up with this kind of stuff? SO beautiful.


Next, Jane from The Borrowed Abode is always Wow-ing her faithful readers with awesome projects. I love the yarn trees that she has worked into her Christmas decor- so fun and vintage looking!


Ashley from The Beautiful Details is so talented with her camera, she really knows how to capture the majesty of the tiniest details. This picture from outside their house just looks so Christmas-y! I love the crisp white snow against the red door.


Sarah from Hennessey House pulled together a striking black and white vignette that features a gorgeous vase that she designed herself! With a Sharpie!


Seriously, you have to see the vase up close. And yes, you heard me right, she made that design with a Sharpie. Are you swooning? Yup, me too.


Well, I guess I should stop now before this post gets even longer. I love being able to show off some work that my fellow bloggers are up to. Isn't it fun to spread a little inspiration this Season?

Just Dreaming a Little

Someday, when I have a house and buckets full of cash, I want to build a kitchen just like this one.

I can picture myself baking scones, sipping tea, wearing cute aprons and singing duets with Frank Sinatra in this kitchen.

(Disclaimer: The following pictures were saved to my inspirational file and their original whereabouts were promptly forgotten. If they belong to you, feel free to issue a warrant for my arrest. Or just tell me to take them down).

I could probably skip the creepy doll heads with plants growing out of them, but everything else (creamy white cabinets, glass-front doors, beautiful window with dotted swiss curtains) MUST STAY.

Also, this couch and picture-frame wall seriously gave me a heart attack when I first saw it! I rarely ever see something that grabs my attention like this did, but it makes me want to run out and buy a yellow couch and completely redecorate my living room! (Hubby, if you are reading this, please don’t cry. I was not actually serious about that).





Hello, Yellow! I think this is a perfect example of Vintage Eclectic. Notice the design of the couch is more classic, with some modern pieces like the drum shade on the lamp and the round table in front. I also love the color combo- the creamy walls with the bright punch of yellow and bold black frames! Somehow, it’s light, airy, full of depth, classic, and a bit quirky all at once.


Even though I love bright colors, I have a hard time buying big furniture pieces that aren’t neutral. But this is a great example of how well it can work with the right accessories! What are you inspired by lately?

Learning from Retail

Do you ever go "window shopping?"

Step into your favorite store, and drool over the beautiful displays, knowing full well that you can't afford even one thing?

It's depressing, really.

However, I am realizing that there is a LOT we can take from the "expensive" places, and find ways to incorporate them into our own homes/lives.

The other day, Josh and I were walking around Grand Ave (for you non-Minnesotans, it's one of our "chic" downtown areas, ritzy with lots of fun, expensive little shops). We walked into "Traditions," a really fun furniture/accessories shop. Unfortunately for us, even their smallest pieces of furniture cost around $700.00. SERIOUSLY???

OK, so maybe a bit out of our price range.... But, I learned a few things from this place that I thought I would share!


#1 Group things together for a bigger impact.


I love these sunburst mirrors- so pretty and chic! I wouldn't think of putting 2 together, but it really does create more impact. (Plus, I've seen these all over the place, I'm sure you could find a more inexpensive version without a problem!).


#2 Bringing unusual elements into your decor keeps it exciting and fresh.


These hanging "topiary" lanterns are so cool! So fun and unique, and they could create instant visual interest in a variety of settings.


#3 Chandeliers aren't just for expensive/100 year old homes.


They had chandeliers all over the place! I have always been a wee bit prejudiced against chandeliers (read: they only belong in fancy restaurants, and the White House), but after seeing how they fit in so seamlessly and are such an elegant touch, I may have to rethink that.


#4 Decorating with artwork is easier (and cheaper!) than you may think.


This caught my eye right as we walked in the door. I have this exact same print (it's a Van Gogh I think) and I bought it online from a poster store for 4.99. I also found a frame almost exactly like this one for 19.99 at IKEA. Their version was a bit more spendy (like in the 500.00 range!). That nightstand, by the way, was $699.00 (seriously, click on the picture to see a larger version of the price tag!). Sheesh.


#5 Pull things out of storage and use them for displays!


I have several candlesticks that don't have candles right now, so they are tucked away. But hey, if Traditions can use candle-less candlesticks then why can't I?! Also, I like how the topiary plants make it looks so fresh and spring-y. They were fake, but you could hardly tell.


#6 Seriously, chandeliers are awesome.


Need I say more?


I hope this encourages you to look at things differently too. There's so many cool ideas you can get from "window shopping." What are some of your favorite, most inspiring stores?