3 things thursday: bedroom seating

I'm on the hunt for seating for our bedroom, but I can't decide what style to go with. Most of my furniture is what I would call transitional, and my next purchase will probably be a tufted headboard (shh, don't tell T - he thinks our bed is fine as it is). But I should purchase the headboard and seating somewhat together, so that the style looks cohesive.

Options I'm considering include:

Curvy chaise

Storage chaise

Settee

Funny, looking at them together, I still love this settee!

how many bridesmaids?

Two bridesmaids or twelve? Obviously this is a very personal choice, but where my summer is being consumed by weddings, alongside helping my big sister plan her wedding, it is something on my mind. 

If you're on a budget: The fewer bridesmaids, the better. Those bouquets are not cheap, and you'll feel more pressured to give them a plus one. (I subscribe to the rule that if your pal has a significant other, you are required to give them a plus one; otherwise, do what you want.)

If you plan on doing a lot of DIY: The more, the merrier. I was recently discussing ceremony setup with a bride who plans on doing everything herself - three hours before the ceremony. Yes, she plans on getting her hair and makeup done, as well as photos with the groom - along with setting up centerpieces, wrapping tulle around the ceremony chairs, and all without help from any of her bridesmaids.

While being on a budget and doing a lot of DIY may go hand in hand, and if this is your situation, consider the options:  Use wildflowers, local flowers, or fewer flowers (and more greenery) in your bridesmaids' bouquets. Make meaningful gifts for your bridal party rather than giving them expensive necklaces. Explain to them that a plus one for everyone isn't in your budget. Shop around for the best prices with venues and vendors. And at the end of the day, remember that it is only a few hours of your life, and the most important piece is that thirty seconds when you'll be dedicating yourself to your partner.

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all tied up in bows

I wouldn't say I was a girly girl growing up (don't get me wrong, I loved my dance recital tutus, but I definitely also played with trucks in the sandbox), but there is something about a neatly tied bow that I can't not love. I'm drawn to any item of clothing or accessory that has those loops present. I might even start wearing hair bows again, just because this green one looks so darn cute on this girl's topknot.

Images via: shoes // bag // hair bow // dress // gown

weekend wear

I recently added maxi skirts to my wardrobe as a fun change for weekend wear. A simple tee shirt, statement necklace, and chunky shoe completes the look. A skinny belt can be added on skirts that don't have waistband details (like the one below). Happy weekend!

maxi \\ tee \\ necklace \\ headband \\ wedge shoe

P.S. I'm loving the black and tan detail on this camel shoe. Might be a weekend DIY?

3 things thursday: Paris & London highlights

Sharing highlights from our European trip last month. Three of my favorite things we did on the trip: walking up to the top of the Eiffel Tower and seeing the city at sunset, followed by the nighttime light show; getting my picture taken with the Paddington statue at Paddington Station - Paddington was one of my favorite books as a child; and a trip to Windsor Castle when the Queen was home!

note to self

shoe spotlight: sam edelman

I cannot get enough of Sam Edelman shoes. Ever since my first pair of sandals a couple of years ago, I seek out those green and black boxes whenever I'm on the hunt for a new pair of happiness.

I need to get a pair of my own Lorissa shoes, but my sister has them (in my size, conveniently) so I just borrow those whenever I visit her in NYC! I love them with a flowy hi-low chiffon skirt for a night out or jeggings.

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The Georgina - I have these in silver, and they go with everything from a casual summer dress to leggings for a (comfy) night out

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Our puppy recently ate my favorite pair of Edelman gold flats, so I'm hunting for a new pair!

oh, baby!

With all of the recent pregnancy announcements around me (mostly in my office), I started thinking about what makes a good baby gift. It should be useful, and I like to give gifts that are unique. Below are some picks for a gift for a new mom or parents-to-be.

1- snuggly blanket

2- custom onesie

3- her first pair of gold shoes

4- how cute is this? an owl sleep sack

5- soft blanket that can be monogrammed!

My other favorite gifts are books that were childhood favorites, like Corduroy, touch and feel books (such as Pat the Bunny), and Paddington Bear. Gifts that sport New England sports teams are also a must!

3 things thursday: organization

For today's 3 things, I'm sharing 3 tips for switching out clothes for the seasons.

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1. Repair any items that need attention before putting them away. Replace buttons, have shoes resoled, wash and dry clean. When you pull out your seasonal wardrobe, it should be ready to wear.

2. I'm a bit of an organization freak, so I like to have everything labeled and put together. Thicker gloves and ski pants should be in the same bin, while fashionable mittens, thicker scarves, and sweaters should be together in another. Put buttons in labeled baggies and keep them with the articles they belong to.

3. As you are bringing out the new season's items, try everything on. Yes, everything. If it doesn't fit, you don't like it, or it's out of style, decide what to do with it. You can easily find somewhere to donate items (and a lot of places will pick up the items from your home), or bring them to a consignment store if they are in good shape and still in style. Knowing that my weight can fluctuate, I'll set aside items that I know I'll fit back into.

The more organized you are, the less clutter you will have, and the easier it will be to put outfits together everyday.

gold & white

Lately, I've been obsessed with gold and white. It probably all started around the time I bought my gold and white Marc Jacobs watch. I can't get enough of anything white with a gold rim, like this necklace, scalloped bikini, and dinnerware. I wish I had a good picture of my West Elm salad plates from the holidays - they're white and have scripted "Cheers", "Merry", and "Peace" written on them in gold. 100% dressed up our table on Christmas Eve!

1 Piperlime gold & white necklace

2 Halter bikini

3 West Elm salad plate

4 gold & white tray

5 West Elm tableware

Obsessed with these chargers from a tablescape on StyleMePretty. They're so gorgeous with the white dishes and light pink flowers!

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I would also like gold-gilded white doors and a giraffe, please.

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making a statement

Save the dates and invitations have been slowly (but steadily) rolling in the past few weeks. Since we have quite a few weddings this summer and during the fall, I think I'll be picking a base dress and accessorizing differently, rather than buying a new dress for each one. While you'll probably be able to tell it's the same dress in pictures (thank you, Facebook), wearing different, fun statement necklaces (of course with some fabulous, different heels) will hopefully differentiate the look enough that it won't matter.

dress, pearl bib necklace, icicle necklace

This fun piece is on its way to me from ideeli and will definitely be making an appearance at an event or two this summer!

necklace from cara couture via ideeli

outdoor living

While I would absolutely love an outdoor space that looks like this, living in New England means that just isn't feasible.

image from Pinterest

I really wanted a comfortable conversation set for get-togethers at the house, since we hosted quite a few BBQs last summer and really enjoyed having everyone over. 

Having comfortable outdoor furniture also means I'll be running outside before rain or storms to bring in the cushions (though I guess you could leave them outside?). Yesterday I opened the box of patio furniture that arrived from Bed Bath & Beyond and can't wait to have the set put together and ready for use!

patio set

mother's day brunch

I'm heading home for the weekend to visit my mom and take her to brunch with my older sister. Unfortunately, Amanda can't join us from NYC, but it should be a nice day anyway. The weather is looking fantastic! Here are two options for a comfy but stylish brunch with the fam for this holiday weekend.

denim, tie blouse, chambray shirt, shoe

dress, necklace, shoe, jacket

Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms, especially mine xx

3 things thursday: wedding wear

For today's 3 things I picked 3 dresses I would love to have in my closet. Bows, drapey fabric, and back details make these unique.

Could this one be a DIY? ...

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