Color Me {Botanical Grace}

There is something so refreshing about surrounding yourself with natural elements. While vibrant colors and bold patterns have their place, botanical touches are certainly much nicer to me. They give off an ever lasting classic feel with the right balance of elegance and modern trend. The versatility can't be ignored either. Whether used in varying sizes as a neutral chic centerpiece or placed strategically around the room to create an outdoor feel, emerald colored botanicals are the perfect addition to your celebration's decor.

Have a great Monday!

Happy Summer!

We have many many reasons to celebrate today. One, it's Friday and two, it's the first day of summer! I've been talking like it's summer for weeks now because it certainly feels like it around here. But, officially we can kick off the season in style. I'm sharing what will be my summer inspiration with you today.

Hanging in my grandmother's bathroom is a vintage black and white photo of my great grandmother and her sister sunbathing by the Jacksonville Pier. It's an image I've admired since childhood and I'm using it as my inspiration all summer. The classic feel of the black and white image will be reflected in timeless touches such as bold stripes while the overwhelming vintage spirit will be expressed through rustic handmade touches. I can't wait to start putting together the final touches on our 4th of July gathering using this theme.

What's your inspiration this summer? Is there an old family photo that has you inspired like me?


Have a great weekend!

Color Me {Green & White}

One of my favorite times of year is when the grocery stores start stocking tulips again. They have always been one of my favorite flowers and their arrival in the floral section means that spring is impending. While tulips come in all sorts of gorgeous spring colors, my favorite is white. I love how crisp and fresh the white bud is matched with the green stem. It symbolizes newness to come and brighter days ahead. The color combo is classically bright and perfect for soirees of all types.

Color Me {Black & Gold}

When searching for color inspiration this week, I found it in the lack of color. Originally inspired that by that lovely image encouraging you to eat more, I knew this week's color me post had to feature the combination of black, white and gold. It's classic with a touch of glitz and is perfect for elegant affairs. A black and white printed linen with gold flatware and gold etched menu cards. Imagine gold vases filled with anemones to top off the perfect black, white and gold table scape.

Color Me {Tartan}

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a relaxing Thanksgiving weekend. Now that I'm done stuffing myself with delicious food, it's time to concentrate on getting ready for the Christmas season. I was ahead of the game this year and most of my holiday shopping is already done, but decorating is still on the list of things to-do. Each year I struggle with a theme for my decorating. Do I go natural and rustic, traditional, modern, or glam? While I've decided to make as many decorations as possible, I still need a theme. I thought I would share one route of inspiration with you today. I love the classic, timeless feel of tartan. In traditional holiday colors, it's a perfect decorating theme.

What's your plan for decorating this year?

Color Me {Blush & Gray}

Hi there! How was everyone's weekend? We spent it celebrating Rob's 25th birthday and it was actually quite relaxing. Per the birthday boys request we spent Friday and Saturday just sitting and relaxing, something that, given our busy schedules, rarely happens. It was nice because when I got tired of sitting (it happened often) I was actually able to get a lot of December prep work done for the blog and plan ahead for this week's trip to Tennessee for my friend Kayla's wedding. Today's post is actually inspired by her classically beautiful colors. Kay has gone with her favorite blush pink (or pig pink as I call it because that's her favorite animal) and paired it with my new favorite neutral, gray. The combo is wonderful because 10 years down the road it will have the same (not dated) impact. I love how elegant but fun and totally girlie it is. I can't to see her vision come to life and celebrate the happy moment with her this weekend!

Have a great Monday!

Color Me {Camel}

Camel is one of those fall colors that has always just seemed so mundane to me. The shade of khaki can appear bleak and boring when not done right. But recently, the soft hue has given off the appearance of freshness and beauty amongst the changing fall colors. It is breath of fresh air when you've been looking at shades of reds and oranges all day. Plus, when paired with deep shades of navy, gray, or black it is magically transformed from something that reminds me of sand between my toes to a timeless image of Jackie O. I can't wait to incorporate it into my fall pallet through classic pieces like a trench coat or as the base of a table piled with navy and soft cream accents. While it may remind me of summer vacation, camel is now a stable color in all that is fall!

Happy Monday!

Color Me {Plaid}

Plaid is one of my favorite classic trends for fall. The mix of deep reds and hunter greens in a tartan pattern is one I love when paired with jeans and a vest. With this timeless trend floating in my head, I'm dreaming of transitioning it to the party. Imagine an ivory cloth, a plaid linen napkin, and an array of candles tied with pieces of plaid. It all sounds like the perfect fall themed dinner party to me!

Happy Monday!

Color Me {New York City}

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a relaxing and fabulous weekend. Ever since fashion week began last week, my mind has been focused on the city. And, with the anniversary of 9/11 tomorrow, there is no taking my thoughts away from it. This magical city captures all that is classic. Full of history, it's hard to not think about it's pure beauty and significance in history. With city sights floating in my head, I'm feeling inspired today by classic New York beauty. Black and white with pops of vibrant yellow lend themselves to the industrial timeless feel of the city. I can't help but dream of an event decorated in nothing but shades of gray, black and white with the occasional pop taxi yellow. Industrial modern inspired centerpieces would top it all off perfectly.

So, as we move through this week, especially into tomorrow, my head will be constantly filled with notions of the city's great wonder, it's amazing past and bright future.

Have a lovely day!

Color Me {Indigo}

Hi lovlies and happy Monday! I'm feeling major inspiration today from the classics. Whether it be old movies, timeless books, or a pair of blue jeans, you just can't go wrong with something that never goes out of style. Whenever I'm in a bind for design inspiration or the perfect outfit, I always reach for the staples like a little black dress, a pair of dark skinny jeans, or a nice sailor stripe. Well, today, I was feeling in quite a bind for the perfect color. Nothing was really inspiring me, until I began to think about my go-tos and realized that the unmistakable shade of denim indigo was just what I was hoping for. This dark shade of blue brings a classic casual touch to any event. Reminiscent of your favorite pair of blue jeans, the hue can be incorporated in a number of ways. You can keep it as the focal point or simply use it to accent brighter colors like yellow or pink. Either way you use it, it is sure to bring a timeless feel to the room. 

Color Me {Lobster}

It's not quite lobster season yet, but just the thought of the savory treat has me dreaming in lobster red. Admittedly, I'm not really a fan of the color red. However, when the bright, bold shade is paired with white and navy, I can't help but fall in love with the nautical Nantucket feel. Not only is the patriotic hue a representation of east coast classics, but a symbol of love. But, not quite as literally as you are thinking. If there are any die hard Friends out there beside myself, you probably know exactly where this is headed. And, if you don't, I'll gladly explain. During one episode Pheobe is trying to convince the group that Ross and Rachel are meant to be together by explaining that lobsters mate for life. The quote "He's your lobster" has stuck with me since I first saw the episode and it still remains one of my favorite quotes and episodes. Thus, the lobster has become a symbol of long lasting love in my book. Not to mention, it's bright red hue is the perfect lovely compliment to the symbol. 

Home Sweet Home {Dresser Makeover}

Lately I've been toying with the idea of redecorating (or updating) my bedroom. I figure with every other room in the house done, it's time to FINALLY do it! And instead of buying all new furniture, I believe I'm just going to give all my current pieces a little face lift, starting with my dresser. Currently, I have this oak colored dresser that has been passed down to me through the years that begging for some attention. I stumbled upon this dresser on Pinterest and decided it was the perfect inspiration for mine. A simple shade of blue that will add a little pop with classic twist. I love the white details and matching handles. With a very classic white bed with a sky and navy stripe boarder, a dresser modeled after this one will bring a modern classic feel to the dresser, the first step in finally updating my bedroom! Stay tuned and in a few weeks, I'll show you exactly how it turned out!

A Little Friday Lovin' {Stripes}

So, I'm a little bit obsessed with horizontal stripes right now. Apparently, they are supposed to make you look wider, but frankly "I just don't give a damn." (Who can name that movie?!) I'm kind of obsessed with how classic they are. Stripes are a great pattern to add to any soiree. They bring in a visual interest to the room while still keeping your event classic.  I mean, look at the table in the top right hand corner. It is way more visually appealing than if the striped table cloth were replaced with a solid white one.  I want to know, do you have the same infatuation with stripes as I do? Or are they a little too much for you?

Remember...Life's a Party, Plan Accordingly! Have a great weekend! xo

Party Inspired {White Anemone}

I've been obsessing over white anemones for a while now.  They are just so clean, yet intricate. And the coloring is both classic and modern. Continuing with the inspiration, mix it up by even wearing a black gown.  Too daring for you? Maybe accent your gown with some black lace.  But, what I love most is how you can add pops of any color to whatever element you want and not affect the overall feel.  I want to throw in pops of green in some topiaries or even accents of yellow to brighten up the pallet for summer.  You tell me, keep it simply black and white or add in pops of color.  If you want to spice it up, what colors would you add? Can't wait to hear!