An Evening of Collaboration

“As clothing wears, fades, stains and stretches, it becomes an intimate record of our physical presence. It traces the edge of the body, defining the boundary between the self and the outside world."

Does your closet have you feeling a little "Carrie Bradshaw pre-wedding to Big"?
Have you diagnosed your self with a closet full of nothing to wear syndrome?  Does it feel like every time you step foot in your closet you fall down a black hole of digging, tossing, and mis matching? There's no question that an organized closet can make for better dressing, but there's a distinct difference between an organized closet... and a dream closet. 

The keys to having it all in your wardrobe and the space it lives in are organization, light, and to have some fun! It's all about you and your personal style! 

Tomorrow, I'll be teaming up with Amy from W By Worth for a Night of Collaboration.. So let's get this party started! I've paired some of my favorite pieces from the W By Worth spring line and drool worthy dream closets to showcase just how much your personal style can make a difference. 

Classic, comfortable neutrals come together with a light filled faux finished wood floor. 

Glamor radiates with this chic tweed and lace slip dress and equally chic wall of mirrors. 

Take a walk on the wild side with this eclectic dressing room that would perfectly compliment this jacquard over blouse. 

Texture is key! Even small hints, like a blouse or a rug can make all the difference.

I can't wait to tell you all about what Amy and I scheme up over  Davenport Bellinis and the company of fantastic ladies. 

Happy Spring!

It's finally here!! Tulips are sprouting, birds are chirping, and the sunshine is warm! 

We're so happy we could jump for joy.. much like these adorable Holsteins. 

I'm  taking a break from Ashley's teenage time travel to bring to you a few fun ideas for spring.

Just a little something to make you smile :-)

Nothing says spring to me more than the Forsythia bushes in bloom. Try filling your vases with wine corks, sliced lemons, or colored glass beads for a fresh effect. 

Speaking of lemons...

I love how this brings the sunshine in!

Nothing to fill those jars & vases? Lemons. 

They'll brighten up your kitchen and last a bit longer than flowers. 

Oranges and limes are also wonderful for adding bursts of color! 

These lidded hurricane jars are a staple for me in my sesonal decorating. 

Mason jars are one of my little design secrets. They're incredibly versitile!! 

I love the blue glass ones, but if non are to be found, they're also incredibly easy to paint with some fresh pastels. (Also very easy to paint old pasta sauce jars!)

I love this adorable moss terrarium idea. Perfect for a kitchen table or mantel top.  

Instead of tossing your bygone blooms in the compost heap because you think they won't flower again, wait for the leaves to die back naturally. Then, plant them in garden and feed them an organic fertilizer. (Narcissus and daffodil bulbs are more likely to respond, and bloom again)

Check back next week as Ashley continues our wild ride through the ages! 

(You won't want to miss our 80's decor!)

Oscar's Green

It was the biggest night of the year for Hollywood. Heck, its a big night across the country! Oscar commentary lit up the facebook and twitter threads all night long. The comments on Nichole Kidmans wowza sequenced dress, Seth MacFarlane's (eh em) hosting skills and of course poor Jennifer Lawrence and her graceful entrance to receive best actress.

While the gowns are to die for and the hair and makeup are breath taking, there's a little gem that the general public never really gets to appreciate.

The Green Room 

Architectural Digest Oscar Green Room 2013

This years Green Room was designed by one of Architectal Digests AD100 designers, the lovely and oh so talented Madeline Stuart!  Madeline has her share of Hollywood glitz and glamor running through her veins!  Her dad was famous director Mel Stuart and Madeline herself had a little big screen moment as an extra in her dads 1971  Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory .

Madeline Stuart created a throw back environment reminiscent of the 1930's.  Completed with fine furnishings from Baker Furniture, fabrics from Schumacher, rugs from Feizy, and lighting from Urban Electric she has created a master piece!

Here are some highlights of some of the pieces used to dress the awesome space 

Lafayette Double Wall Sconce Urban Electric Co.

Josephine Chair Baker Furniture 

Rill Bunching Tables Baker

It was a spectacular night, made even more spectacular when the guests where gathering in a space that was glamorous but not to stuffy, classic, yet  cutting edge, and most of all inviting.  

Madeline sewed it all up in an amazing package for the guests! 

Magical Mantels

I was about nine years old when Santa started to lose his magic.  I starting bombarding my mother in October with the Santa questions.....

"OK, who is it,  you or Daddy eating the cookies on Christmas Eve?" 

"Really, it is YOU that knows when I'm sleeping and when I'm awake, right?" 

"There are just too many Santa's in the mall today! He can't be everywhere, I've seen more than two at once!"

"I think it was Uncle Joey wearing a Santa suite last year at Grandmas, Santa's beard was falling off and I'd know Uncle Joey's shoes anywhere!" 

"There is  NO way the fat man is fitting down the Chimney .... did you see how small that hole is?!"

My poor mother, she spent 3 months 'sshhing' me and protecting my younger sisters. She was persistent and had all the right answers, but I could be a handful.  In the end  how she didn't wring my neck is proof she's part saint. 

As the years ticked away my doubt in the spirit of Santa Clause began to dwindle, and the magic returned.  I've often looked at my fireplace and remembered looking into my childhood fireplaces with great anticipation of what this enchanting season will soon bring.  It very well could be why I love decorating the mantel every year!

Personally my mantel has taken on many different identities over the years, I've had the reindeer theme, the winter village, the traditional greens and my most recent favorite.......nutcrackers! 

Captivating mantels can be simple, whimsical, classic, wild and so much more! I've absolutely fallen in love with these ........

This mantel showcases antique heirloom ornaments. After loosing our tree twice one year, this display I would definitely consider. It is safer for the ornaments and keeps my anxiety to a low roar.  Not to mention, the ornaments are out where you share their memories and tell their stories! 

Here is a whimsical, naturally inspired twist on a holiday mantel design. Lemons, Kumquats, Clementines and Limes mixed with a few little silver ornaments creates an unexpected texture and coloration with these vibrantly colored fruits. The delicate touch of evergreens with their sharp fragrant and free form branches build the final perfect element for this exquisite design.

 

A few years ago I wrapped all my gifts in a white a red theme, not even a glimmer of green, gold, or sliver just red and white. I mixed stripes, polka dots, solids and other fun patterns. I loved the challenge of staying truly monochromatic, not to mention it was a refreshing new look.  Here this transitional mantel display in red and white, is crisp, bright and is reminiscent of the youthful memories candy canes bring to life!


The same year I became briefly disenchanted with Santa, so did my neighbor Steven, also the oldest of his siblings.  His Mom & Dad weren't ready for Steven to loose the magic.  On Christmas Eve after the children were all nestled in their beds, Steven's dad went to work.  On Christmas morning Steven made his way down the stairs without that typical extra Christmas morning bounce in his step, after all there was no Santa. To his surprise he found his mom livid, her hands on her hips, her face bright red grumbling about Santa being an absolute slob!  Apparently when Santa arrived down the chimney, he must have been behind schedule.  He didn't take the time to wipe his feet on the hearth rug, instead he  just ran right out of the fireplace soot and all on his boots across Steven's moms white carpet. He did of course stop for a gulp of milk, which he spilled and a few bites of a cookie.  Santa always took the carrots for the reindeer but this year one slipped out of his hand and landed in the fireplace. There was just enough question in Steven little head, that for a least one more Christmas he believed, after all his father would never ruin moms carpet, and leave spilt milk........only Santa could get away with that!

I raise my mug of cocoa and toast you, here's to you creating an enchanting holiday mantel and keeping the magic alive!

My collection of inspiring mantel designs continues on my Pinterest 'Holiday Mantels' join in the fun, share and comment on which ones are your favorites!

Next up.......Stockings!
Until we meet again...

Victorious Christmas Wreaths

There are times during this glorious Christmas season that I honestly feel like Rocky Balboa.  I'm far from the physique of the Italian Stallion. Although, I have been know to leave a mall with shopping bags raised high, head thrown back, trotting along belting out my version of Gonna Fly Now!   Seriously, if I don't leave the mall without a black eye, bruised rib, or a broken high heel, I feel Victorious!!

Being victorious is actually where the origin of the Christmas Wreath began!  The history of the Christmas wreath is quite extensive.  In a nutshell, Christmas wreaths symbolize the strength of overcoming the forces of winter, hence the popularity of evergreens which survive the harsh winters so well.  The hanging of a wreath on the door probably comes from ancient Rome, where wreaths were hung as a sign of pride and victory.  Add in the traditions of the Advent wreath, and you have your Reader's Digest condensed version of the Christmas Wreath's history! 

Because your wreath is the first Christmas decoration to greet your guests when they arrive at your home, it's important that your personality shine through and that you welcome your guests with a wowza wreath! I've had a blast collecting various wreath styles on my Pinterest Christmas Wreath board over the last few weeks. Let's check out a few of my favorites......

Its no secret that I'm a huge Etsy fan, and this gem is another Etsy find! This simple and understated wreath is not only a rustic beauty, but it's Antique White Pip berries are scented with vanilla sugar spray. The Burlap Ribbon is neutral enough to blend with any color palette, and honestly you can continue to use this well into the winter months! 

Hydrangeas hold a very special place in my heart. When Joe and I built our house 14 years ago my grandfather planted a heirloom hydrangea bush in our front yard. Over the years, a cutting of this family hydrangea had been planted at various family members homes with great success. Unfortunately, this was not the case at the Davenport House. This beautiful bush didn't bloom for years, although it was always lush with greenery. It never even hinted at a blip of a flower. The year my grandfather died, the bush bloomed for the first time ever and I've had luscious, colorful blooms every year since. This wreath immediately brought memories of my grandfather to mind.... 

I just adore this simple little gem. A Split Pea Wreath!  It is the perfect crafty project to do with kids! All you need is a straw wreath, white glue, dried peas and ribbon. Check out detailed directions on See Kate Sew. I would love to whip up a batch of sugar cookies, hot cocoa with candy canes and set up shop to make a few of these with my kids....humph, I'm not sure I could get my kids to do this they're 20 & 14 now... maybe I'll bring in my nieces and nephews!

Lemons, aren't a traditional Christmas accent but here, they are simply awesome. I love the size variation of them in this wreath, creating a less contrived, perfect layout to the collection of lemons. The free form greens keep a whimsical atmosphere to the design.....I think I might add few red berries for contrast..... 

I just love scouting out amazing Christmas wreaths. Let's continue the exploration together....visit my Pinterest page for more great wreaths.

I'd love you to share your favorites with me! ..... Who wants to guess my top five favorites? Hint... they're not all here, check on my Pintrest......

Next up? Holiday Mantles!