DIY: Oh so Chic Lamp Shade...

This DIY begins with a little backstory.  I purchased the Shifting Buttons skirt on a recent visit to Anthropologie and it instantly became my favorite piece of clothing.  A few weeks ago I decided to throw it in the regular wash so I could pack it for a weekend trip.  

I had no time for the dry cleaners. I had an unfortunate stroke of luck and something went terribly wrong in the wash.  Somehow several small holes were made in the fabric.....who knows how that happened!?  :( 

So I did what any fashion hound would do....went on-line and purchased a brand new skirt!  I couldn't let the old one go to waste so I thought of a very clever way to reuse that fabulous fabric...

I covered a lamp shade to make a very cute and quite chic desk lamp.  Now I can have my favorite skirt in my wardrobe and in my home!!  

The lamp shade was purchased at Michael's and it comes already sticky with adhesive.  Runs about $16. Try this with your favorite fabric for a fabulous and green accessory!

*images courtesy of Anthropologie and K. Ellis

For the Love of Pink...

Hello all. I am back from our little weekend family visit and back to work. The weather has cooled off to about 75 degrees and today was gorgeous. The cool breeze makes me so happy and cheerful. Speaking of cheer, one color that always makes me happy is the color pink. Its girly, sweet and always associated with happiness and fun. Here are a few of my favorite rooms daring to be pink in a casual and classy way!

*images courtesy of House Beautiful, Domino, Elle Decor

Random Ramblings...

With as busy as this week was, I stopped to realized how grateful I am for the little things that make life and work easier. Running around with fabric, tile and catalogs can be a little rough so I rely on my Lands End Tote bags. They are so durable, they can handle anything...groceries too!

Simply put, I can't believe other pens are still being sold. The sharpie pen is by far the best thing out there!

My iphone - my 2nd life partner. I still get lost...often, and she is always there to help me out. She keeps me entertained, on task and in line.

I got to break away from work and errands for a bit on Thursday to help out the hubs. He is working on a video for a client and needed some extra footage. We went over to the neighborhood park to film and got to play a little afterwards. I can't tell you how long it had been since I got to swing on a swing....we had so much fun.

Finally, I couldn't leave out the Pug. He looks like a little old man in this photo. It melts my heart. Wesley has been such a good assistant this week. We are headed south to visit my parents so I know he is excited about that....lots of treats.

*images courtesy of Lands End, Sharpie, Apple and K. Ellis

A Bit of Inspiration...

I've had this image in my inspiration photos folder for a while. When I look through that folder, I am reminded of how much I love design. I love how simple and fresh this room is. The modern wing chair with chrome legs adds a bit of fab to the room without being over the top. I imagine having breakfast in bed and playing with that furry friend.

*image courtesy of Shine Home

Lazy Sunday...

Hello and Happy Sunday!! Its been cloudy and rainy this weekend so we have spent a lot of time indoors and eating some good homemade meals. For an old Pug, the rain is about the best thing to compliment a nap. Wesley {our pride and joy} has sure enjoyed snuggling and cutting some serious zzz's this weekend!

Stay tuned this week for a great DIY project and some animal inspiration!

*images by K. Ellis

Cafe Chic

Being a Designer can be a little daunting when it comes to your own home. We see so many new materials each day that is is hard to settle on any one look, which is why I've decided that a change is needed in my breakfast room. Let me re-phrase, a change is wanted in my breakfast room. My goal is a cozy cafe atmosphere with oversized upholstered/slipcovered chairs. Below are a few inspirations and some great chair finds. I will keep you posted on the progress....

Happy Thursday!

*images courtesy of atlantahomemag.com, Phoebe Howard, Lee Industries, Ballard Designs and Hickory Chair

Weekend Getaway Anyone?

This past summer the gals in my family spent a weekend together, as we do every summer. This year we picked the J.W. Marriott in San Antonio. It is such a beautiful and relaxing place to be. With everything at your finger tips such as restaurants, pools, gym, spa, tennis and golf, you don't have to leave the grounds. We pretty much spent most of our time at the pool and it was great. Brunch and coffee in the mornings was the best part of the day. With as busy as our lives are all the time, we value the time when we can all come together and have some girl time! I definitely recommend the J. W. Marriott for a little getaway. By the way, the furnishings and decor is absolutely wonderful. Leather, velvet and chenille, rich wood and iron accents add to its cozy luxe. Here are a few photos.....

Just one more thing....

I know its still VERY warm in Austin right now, but I am dying for fall weather and fall fashion. So I wore my clogs today!

*images courtesy of J.W. Marriott, Kristen Ellis, norstrom.com

Oscar Fabulous!

Oscar de la Renta has partnered up with Lee Jofa on a line of fabrics for the home and it is Major!! The line will consist of 25 oh so luxurious fabrics - everything from stripes to floral to ikats {my personal fave}. We can undoubtedly expect the line to feature dressmaker qualities like pleating, embroidery, and ribbons.

The line is available through the trade. You can check out more at elledecor.com.

*images courtesy of elledecor.com; Geoffrey Sokol for ED

Are you ready Boots?

It's about that time of year when I start looking forward to cooler weather and hot chocolate and my obsession begins…….BOOTS!! Its still warm here in Austin, although we had temperatures in the mid 80's this weekend, it was a nice change. I guess the 84 degrees woke the beast in me and now its all I can think about. Cool breeze, outdoor fireplaces, thermal pj's, extra blankets and BOOTS lots of new boots.

Here's what's on my radar……

Sperry Topsider

Ash

Nine West

Report

Frye

Ralph Lauren

Franco Sarto

Christian Louboutin

Anthropologie

Anthropologie

* Images courtesy of Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie and Zappos