Wear/Where // Elva Fields

Have I mentioned that I'm craving spring once or twice in the last few weeks? Oh, I have? Still going strong. At least Gaby's in the mood for it too, as evidenced by our latest installment of Wear/Where. We're feeling inspired by Elva Fields big time.

Come spring, I intend to be going in and out of the front door very regularly. Talk about cabin fever with this late winter weather we're having in the midwest! Naturally, I'll want a beautiful vignette to greet me each time. This little situation should do just fine. Plus, it has practical qualities! Like a baller capiz pendant to add a bit of fancy for starters. Add a couple of gorgeous asian-inspired table lamps on either end of a modern console for mood or function. We have a playful tray to catch your keys (and reinforce positive mantra), a votive for that welcoming scent, and a stool for removing shoes upon entry (also conveniently mobile if you need extra seating in another part of the house). Can't leave out the bit of flare, yo. I'm loving these elegant faux horns for the finish.

from Gaby // Isn't everything Elva Fields creates beautiful? This necklace has all the good stuff going on: white, gold and a hint of emerald, what else could you ask for? I think it would perfectly dress up this soft chambray shirt that I've paired with this sexy gold foil skirt, don't you think? I love how these feminine bow pumps bring some femininity to this look, which I've finished with classic accessories like this pouchette bag, these cat-eye sunglasses (which are sold out, but here's a similar pair), and of course, some gold details with this cuff and these studs. What do you think? Are you into pairing high and low pieces together? I personally love the contrast ;)

The House // Powder Room Part Deux

So many of you emailed and commented about the powder room that I thought I would give you more of a peek. Like everything else in my life, this room is never finished (although it's one of the farthest along).

 

Short term wish: paint the vanity, find a great little rug to warm things up and add a hit of color. Possibly paint out the trim, but I'm still too tired from the dining room. Long term wish: tear out the vanity altogether and buy valuable real estate with a pedestal sink. But that will mean more work (and mo money) than the sink alone, so there's quite a list of projects ahead of that one.

Wall color is Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron in semi gloss. Literally everyone that walks out of this bathroom thinks it's a different color (is it gray? black? navy? dark green? brown?). I love that. I spent some time collecting the many gilded frames and mirrors, and have replaced the art in a few of them with pieces that I love. Ahem. Like watercolor leopard from Jessica that I will probably never shut up about.

I originally left large gaps on the walls with the intention of drawing in ornate frames with a white paint pen for interest, but I decided that I liked the composition as it was, so that may or may not ever happen. As I stated in the last post, there's still one empty wall to address but, again, I'm in no hurry. There are more pressing matters than the rarely used powder room. (We need to have more parties, I guess!)

 
* Sorry for the grainy cell phone pics. When I'm ready to actually photograph this joint, I'll be hiring. Plus, I'm still in high hopes that this baby can be published someday. I don't want to give everything away now, do I?  :)

Color // Play with Your Food

For those of you that need an afternoon pick-me-up, I couldn't help but repost the fun when I came across dschwen's Pantone food pairings. What a clever idea! This reminds me fondly of a bridal shower some of our dear friends threw when Eric and I were getting hitched. Each guest was prompted to say what we "go together like" on their very beautifully designed invite. All of the cards were read aloud, which made for some fun and also raised a few red flags for our chips and salsa obsession. Guess we aren't very good about hiding our dinner choice of champions (still going strong, too! we ate it last night). ha!

dschwen's instagram via designlovefest (Bri always find the coolest stuff, doesn't she?!)

Care to share your favorite food combo?

Design Inspiration

I've kinda gotten away from featuring design, type and packaging lately, haven't I? Well, with a personal branding project underway (!!!!!), I've had my eye on design all over again. Just a few bits that are inspiring me lately.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

Clean and simple with a little vintage flair gets it done every time.

Monday Blues // 24

Happy Monday, party people! We're coming off of a brutal winter storm, the second phase of which is fast approaching later today. Mother Nature and I are going to fight. Enter transition . . .

Today, we should talk about John Legend. Did you guys know that I'm pretty much obsessed with his music? Coincidentally, Eric and I listened to one of his albums on repeat in the early stages of our relationship and even had our fist dance to one of his many spectacular songs (it was I Will Stay With You, if you're curious).

Turns out, Mr. Legend has bragging rights on his gorgeous Hollywood Hills abode as well. Just as smooth, laid back and uncomplicated as his sound (and looking mighty fine in anticipation of spring, I might add!).

home of John Legend via Architectural Digest

* And a very special thank you for your overwhelming response to our big news on Friday!!! You all sure know how to make a girl feel loved, and I appreciated every last comment, tweet, Facebook message, text, etc more than words can say. I feel infinitely blessed. So thank you.

And also, even though I expect it will creep in from time to time, I don't plan on being all about baby. So fear not for the future of BIA.

Inspired By 02.22.13

via

Jeez, I have been waiting for this day for what feels like 1,000 years. Can I tell you guys something that has me inspired, beyond excited and just a little bit scurred all at the same time????

Sharon Montrose little darling prints (i die!)

  
We're having a baby!!!!

It sort of doesn't feel real yet, mostly because I'm not reaaaaally showing and we've been pretty quiet about it until now. At the rate I'm consuming anything and everything in my path, it shouldn't be long until there is physical evidence of the little nugget. I battled some nausea in the first several weeks and have been getting some fierce headaches as of late, but I'm otherwise feeling pretty great. Just really excited to welcome this little one into the world come mid August.

So you guys know what that means, right? Time to decorate for a mini me (or mini Eric -- we don't plan on finding out what we're having)!!! Those Sharon Montrose prints above? You bet a few of those will find their way into the nursery. Entirely possible I've already picked out exactly which ones . . .

Just too cute to pass up.
Happy Friday, baby! ox

Annawithlove Giveaway Winner

Virginia, please contact me (tobe@becauseitsawesomeblog.com) to arrange for your winnings!

As for the rest of you hopefuls, thanks so much for your interest. Sweet Anna has very generously offered 25% off for BIA readers with code BECAUSEITSAWESOME through March 6th.

ADDITIONALLY, she is offering everyone who signs up for the Annawithlove mailing list one free print with purchase. Score!

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