{styling the bump} modcloth, manolo blahnik & the road to zanzibar

Posted on April 21, 2011 by cara

Sometimes I am convinced that I was born in the wrong era, that I really should have been born decades earlier somewhere in the middle of Hollywood’s golden age of glamour. The series of ‘Road to…’ movies starring Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Dorothy Lamour were just that – a glimpse into luxe travel to far off places, all spun with a side of satire and humor. From 1940 – 1962, seven pictures were released in the ‘Road Series’ including ‘Road to Zanzibar’ and ‘Road to Bali’ among others exploring popular film genres of the day from jungle to high seas adventure to arabian nights and even the spy films of the 1960s.

Inspiration for today’s ‘styling the bump’ came not only from the Road Series (of which there was plenty) but also from what I perceive to be the essense of Hollywood in those years. One part adventure, one part whimsy, two parts glamour, and a whole lot of style – done in a way very relevant to today’s fashion & an ever growing baby bump!

Pink Sand Beach Dress – ModCloth. Maternity Skinny Cargos – Old Navy. Metal, plexi, & enamel cuff – Chanel. Return to the Wild dress – ModCloth. ‘House of Marc’ leather satchel – Nordstrom. Stuart Weitzman ‘Alex’ espadrille – Nordstrom.

New Golden Dream dress – ModCloth. Maternal American Harem Pants – Nordstrom. Manolo Blahnik ‘Pieracoin’ Sandal – Nordstrom. Sun Break Dress – ModCloth. ‘Turquoise & Caicos’ nail polish – Essie. Anthology Semi-precious Stone Bracelets – Nordstrom.

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{party style} acme party box

Posted on April 18, 2011 by cara

Last week I discovered the ACME Party Box website thanks to Zulily and since then, have spent so much time checking out all of their great products! They put together complete sets of party decor available together or in pieces, all with the high quality and detail of custom made decorations. Even if you are more the DIY type, it is a great source for ideas. And if you’re not – it’s the perfect place to purchase details that look carefully hand-picked (and hand-made). Not to mention, the products are great quality and would be the perfect candidate to become entertaining staples built to last party after party! Here are a few of my favs for the kiddos (although their ideas for the grown-ups are just as good):

mason jar drinkware. cherry blossom bunting.

wool felt crowns. twig pencil bundles & organic seed tins. beeswax candles.

One of my favorite themes for the adults – check out ideas for a Moroccan themed bash!!!

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{nursery inspiration} mid century modern

Posted on April 15, 2011 by cara

A few months ago I stumbled across a beautiful home for sale in our area. It has a definite mid century modern vibe + amazing updated kitchen and baths + no less than three fireplaces! It would have been perfect for us… sadly we weren’t quite ready to buy and it’s off the market which means someone else is fortunate enough to call it home. Isn’t it pretty??

Since then, my interest in mid century modern furniture and architecture has been renewed! Last week I found this fantastic rocking chair (pictured below) and knew I had to put together a room around it.

Clockwise from top left: Artecnica Phrena Pendant Lamp ($86). Flensted ‘Shoal of Fish’ mobile ($49). Sea Creature Number Poster ($40). Oeuf 4-drawer Dresser ($1100). Fabric for curtains ($18/yd) spoonflower.com. Thomas Paul Bunny Pillow ($80). Oilo ‘Modern Berries’ crib sheet ($49). Dodo Kids Rocker ($238). Blue felt whale ($18). LUDDE sheepskin rug ($39.99). Argington ‘Bam’ Crib Set ($584.99).

*On a side note: I can’t for the life of me remember where I saw the chair. I know it came in a few other colors as well so if you know the manufacturer or where it’s from, please let me know! THANK YOU so much for the feedback! Turns out it was from Urban Outfitters. 🙂

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{real rooms} from Rue

Posted on April 14, 2011 by cara

Today I wanted to share an absolutely adorable nursery featured in issue #4 of Rue, an online magazine, designed by Ore Studios.

A few of the pieces in the room: Oeuf Sparrow Crib, oversized giraffe by Melissa & Doug, plus a fantastic family heirloom – a mid-century teak and rope rocker.


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{outdoor living} kids furniture

Posted on April 13, 2011 by cara

Now that we have begun to see hints of spring from trees and flowers in bloom to a few more precious hours of sunshine, it’s rapidly approaching that wonderful time of year when we can spend more of each day enjoying the great outdoors.

When it comes to kid’s outdoor furniture, we have all seen the same old boring plastic pieces (albeit functional) over and over again until they’ve been done to death. Thankfully, pieces that can accommodate your kiddos and withstand the elements aren’t limited to just that. Today, take a look at a few we’ve found that will do the job with fabulous design style!

1. Tolix Kids Mouette Seagull Armchair ($275) 2. Kartell Lou Lou Kids Ghost Chair ($133) 3. loll 26″ Satellite Round table ($273) 4. Ikea PS Svinga hanging chair ($69.99) 5. loll Kids Adirondack Chair ($235) 6. Ikea Mammut Table ($34.99)
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{DIY} pendant lamp

Posted on April 12, 2011 by cara

Notice anything similar about the two rooms above (via Just Design)? Aside from the darling elephant rocker (which I am now obsessed with!) I love the moooi pendant lamp. However – depending on the size you want – you could be looking at a lighting bill of $500 – $2000.

If you’re feeling crafty and would love to get the look for a whole lot less, I wanted to share a DIY project with you from Made by Girl.

How to make the ball:

  • blow up the exercise ball
  • mark a 6-7 inch circle off-center (this is so there is a place for you to change the bulb)
  • plastic on the floor (for the mess)
  • wear gloves (again, for the mess!)
  • rub Vaseline all over the exercise ball (this prevents the yarn from sticking to the surface once glue is applied)
  • put wallpaper paste into a large bowl
  • unravel the ball of yarn (about 300 yards for a 31″ ball) dip it into the paste & saturate it completely
  • begin wrapping the saturated yarn around the ball randomly covering as much of the open space as possible without covering the drawn circle
  • once the ball is all wrapped in yarn, let it dry about 24 hours (you may want to place it on top of a cardboard box for stability)
  • once dry, deflate ball carefully & pull it through the circle opening (the same opening used to change the bulb) very carefully.

The finished project:

I absolutely love how this turned out and definitely plan to give it a whirl the next time I have a new space to decorate. Thanks to the Spearmint Baby blog where I first saw this great DIY!

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{baby essentials} from the Zoe report

Posted on April 11, 2011 by cara

As you probably know, stylist to the stars Rachel Zoe and her husband Roger recently welcomed baby Skyler into their lives. On The Zoe Report last week Rachel shares her list of baby essentials as well as some eco-friendly baby products – great ideas for items to add to your registry! Here are a few of my favorites from her list.

1. Rockabye Baby! – ($15) Lullaby Renditions of the Beatles

2. Muslin Swadling Blankets – ($40) aden + anais

3. coco plexistyle baby lounger – ($300) bloom *I also like the bent wood version  here!

4. Days of the Week Onesies – ($140) by Stella McCartney

5. Hooded Towels – ($44) Dwell Studios

6. Lucite Chair – ($130) Kartell Kids

7. Baby Book Gift Set – ($65) Namely Newborns

8. Little Giraffe Blanket – ($62) Nordstrom

9. Lamb Baby Mat – ($32) by Bestever

10. Freestyle Speedster – ($109) Charm Co.

 

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