Happy Halloween!

I die. Mandy sure knows how to set a scene!

This makes me want to throw a holiday party like nobody's business.

images via Waiting on Martha

More very beautiful images here.

Also, I'm totally and completely in LOVE with this BRILLIANT pumpkin idea by Mr. Lo.

image via Happy Mundane

Happy Halloween!

House Updates // Family Room Inspiration

The current state of our family room (brace yourself!):

Embarrassinggggggggggggg!!!!!! (Except the adorable bebes hidden amongst the clutter.)

She's finally getting a makeover!! Outside of the glorious rug (bona fide Persian addict here), this room has become the catchall for items we brought with us from our loft almost two years ago. While several of these pieces will stay, I've been waiting and waiting (and waiting) to find a sectional that I can stand to look at for a price I can stomach. I like that a sectional will streamline the appearance of the room and add lounging capacity for more than two people. Though I'm pretty frugal in the first place, I just can't see investing a lot of money in a piece of furniture when we're a young family with fur babies. So, naturally, I scour Craigslist and consignment for inexpensive options. Lucky for me, this baby popped up:

(seller's space)

She's purty, right? And an absolute steal. (Coincidentally, she's also on sale at Macy's with great reviews.) And I don't have to have her reupholstered (read: too many options for me to make a decision)! It's a little more modern than what I hoped to find, but it's in pristine condition and I think I can temper the modern enough with other elements in the room. Picking her up tonight and then we can finally get the "orphan" room together. This room opens up to our dining room, so I'm in hopes that it will help me finally make some calls for both spaces. Hallelujah!

Some of my inspiration for the family room:

images mostly from Lonny, Rue, and Apartment Therapy

I know I'm all over the place. Can't be helped. Somehow, my inspiration always comes together in the end (at least, that's what my friends always told me in design school). If I can muster the time/energy, I'll put together some inspiration boards to make ask you to evaluate. And, for the love, someone find me a reasonably priced burlwood console so I can put the obsession to rest. Pleaseandthankyou.

Decor // West Elm Sale

I've been really impressed with West Elm's collections lately, and their fall assortment is no exception. I have a cart full of things I can't afford to buy right now, but want nonetheless. If you're crushing like I am, you should know they're running a sale through Monday 10/28 (that's tomorrow) for up to 25% off everything with promo code SAVEMORE.

Get you some.

On My Bookshelf // Fifth Avenue Style

If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you know that I have a serious soft spot for pure unadulterated maximalism. I battle the desire for it in my own home (the husband will have none of that, thankyouverymuch). I can't seem to take things in quickly enough when I'm in a well-decorated space that is filled to the brim.

I literally think I would faint on the spot if given the chance to tour Mr. Howard Slatkin's luxurious and masterfully outfitted apartment. In his recently released book, Fifth Avenue Style: A Designer's New York Apartment, Mr. Slatkin not only reveals every last incredibly adorned nook and cranny, but he gives away all of his decorating and entertaining secrets as well.

I don't know about you, but something tells me this man can entertain. And he's clearly a lover of artisans, with many many many one-of-a-kind pieces.

I mean, every last delicious inch of this Fifth Avenue apartment is perfectly manicured. I know that a lot of people are put off by this style of decor, claiming that it's fussy and uninviting...but if you look closely you can see that he's chosen luxuriously comfortable furniture and fabrics...

...proving that you can be about comfort and style. And boy, does he have style. Two hundred and forty pages worth.

Those lamps. The doorknob. The wallpaper. Insane!

His home is like a bottomless treasure chest. (Coincidentally, he's having two One Kings Lane Tastemaker Tag Sales in November...which I will be shopping fo sho.) His attention to detail is truly in a class of its own.

Fifth Avenue Style is broken down by room, and Mr. Slatkin has taken great care to detail how he planned each space, complete with before and afters. The whole book is beautifully photographed by Tria Giovan who, I'm guessing, had one heck of a time selecting final shots from this incredible space.

If you love to pour over details, you absolutely must have this book. I have to say, too, that Howard is so much fun to follow on Instagram (@howardslatkin). His emoji use is unparalleled and I. Love. It.

Disclaimer: A copy of Fifth Avenue Style was provided for this review. All opinions are my own.

Art Inspired // Giulia Bianchi

sconces // painting // votive holders // chandelier // vases // chairs (similar) // table // sideboard

I fell hard for the fig painting by Giulia Bianchi. Seemed just right for a sophisticated, feminine dining space. I'm also going to need to come across a burl wood treasure soon because I can't stop thinking about it.

Loving Lately // Caitlin Wilson Textiles

Ava at 8 weeks

Happy Monday! Everyone ready for a new week? To be honest, maternity leave has the days blending together a little bit and I can't say that I mind. Things have just continued to get better and better since about week five (not gonna lie - it was pretty rocky until that point!). At nine weeks with our little Ava, I don't know that I'd say we've established a routine per say, but we're certainly starting to figure each other out and that's -- well, pretty awesome.

I've learned to embrace the fact that life right now is all about Ava. Before she arrived, I had a mile long list of things I wanted to accomplish in the six months of leave I've been blessed with. I think those first several weeks were difficult for a number of reasons, but they were especially hard for a chronic overachiever and workaholic. While I still have a fair amount of goals and obligations at any given time, I'm making sure to soak up hours of simply holding ze babe while she sleeps (listening to her precious sounds and watching her little eyelashes flutter makes this preeeeeeeetty easy), going on long afternoon walks together, reading stories, and lying around under brightly colored plush toys while describing them over and over again ("Is the elephant blue? There are one...two...three ladybugs. Can you say 'brass'?). Finding balance has and, I'm sure, will continue to be tough. But I don't get these months back, so I'm doing my best to remain focused on this little person as much as possible. Giving myself permission to just BE has been incredibly liberating.

with Ava at 8 weeks

Being home has also given me a chance to actually make some progress on the house, which I'm doubly grateful for. I'm one of those people that will probably never be done (what fun would that be??), but I'm hoping to have at least our main floor presentable by the time I'm back to work in February.

It's sort of hilarious that the nursery is one of the more finished spaces after nearly two years in the house. Can you say deadline driven? ha! I recently secured the finishing touch to Ava's room; I'm working with Caitlin Wilson Textiles on a beautiful collaboration (so, again, nursery pics are definitely coming!). When we started our talks, I couldn't help but fall in love with their fall line of metallic fabrics and pillows. I think all of my fellow gold/brass addicts will have to agree on this one! They have a beautiful lookbook that makes the new line especially lust worthy.

images via Caitlin Wilson Textiles

Shop the fall collection here.

Happy Monday!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I've rounded up a few items from companies that are dutifully donating a percentage of their proceeds to breast cancer research or Komen Race for the Cure.

Shop Design Spark (all pink items) // Silvano Sunnies // Sheer Addiction Lacey Bracelet

ban.do Pink Mini Heart // RabLabs Obra Frame (fuchsia)

gold and gray Tassel Bracelet //  Alexis Russell Gold Cuff Bracelet // Areaware Alarm Dock (pink)

Do you know of others donating to the cause?

I think I speak for all of us when I ask that you let us know in the comments, pretty please!

Shop Love // Cody Hoyt

Pretty taken with Cody Hoyt's geometric planters.

A little bit modern, a little bit rock and roll.

On My Bookshelf // The Well-Traveled Home

I have quite a beautiful book to introduce you to today, friends. This one was a bit harder to flip through as someone that has been more or less home bound for the last couple of months...The pages are chock full of fabulously exotic spaces designed by Sandra Espinet.

Holy. Mirror.

As the title would indicate, Ms. Espinet is clearly well-traveled. Her global influence is glorious, and impossible to miss.

Umm. That tile. For serious.

Tell me you don't want to be here with a tropical cocktail and a stack of mags (or this book) right this second! So elegant and so liveable at the same time. Makes me absolutely crave a vaca.

As if the page after page of stunning spaces weren't enough, Sandra also reveals stories behind her best finds, favorite places to shop and shares her professional travel and design expertise in the book.

Snag your own copy.

The rest of Sandra's portfolio is definitely worth perusing as well.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of The Well-Traveled Home for review. All opinions are my own.