The Lure of Velvet

Velvet is a tricky fabric. It can do wonders and it can also conjure up memories of that red velvet christmas dress your mom always made you wear. I have a feeling that what I'm about to show you will undoubtedly change the way you look at velvet forever:

I wish I had a bed in need of a headboard: (from Urban Outfitters) btw there are tons of velvet furnishing options at Urban, i.e. stools/couches/curtains, etc.

This room does the perfect job of using velvet sparingly.
Some fabulous velvet runway inspiration:

I'm willing to take out a loan from my 401K for this lovely: (DVF dress @ Net-A-Porter)

Want an affordable option? Check out this perfect little addition to your outfit, velvet cardigan: (from Urban Outfitters for only $68!) Advice? Nix the gold underwear.

Black and White: Can't Go Wrong

As this entry's title says, you absolutely can never go wrong with black and white. For me, it's something I always resort to when I have a hard time picking out an outfit. Even my black jeans and white tee combo never gets tiring. Whenever I think black and white, an iconic woman comes to mind. That's right, Coco Chanel. She really was an amazing woman. If you don't know much about her, I suggest you start. In fact, I'm reading The Gospel According to Coco Chanel at the moment. Pick it up here.

I feel that Karl Lagerfeld (the current designer for Chanel) is doing a great job, no:

Cutest shoes ever? Um yea. (Nine West from Zappos)Love this little Parisian dress by What Goes Around Comes Around from ShopBop:

I really wish I had the opportunity to decorate a room with black and white. Maybe someday I will have a client...

What a cool idea for a fireplace? So many people don't use theirs, so it's a great idea to decorate the inside of it. OH! I almost forgot, I finally got a convex mirror. It's tiny, but I love it. (the one with the eagle on top. You now what I mean? I'll show you later)

I really like the idea of hanging 2 mini chandeliers over the night stands.

The pattern in these curtains really helps the room from being too boring:

I could go on and on, but I won't. I want to, but I won't.

For the Birds

Today's entry is all about our feathered friends. Thanks to them, the design world has a ton of inspiration.

Like this Sorrelli necklace. Who wouldn't want to wear a bird around their neck when it's encrusted in swarovski crystals?? Feathers are all the rage in the fashion world lately. Love this Theory dress:

I found this dress on the blog Peaches and Honey:

This, I can't wait to do. If you recall, I love making tablescapes, and a feathered centerpiece is calling my name:

I really want to decorate with birdcages somewhere in my house. I only live in a little townhouse, though, and I've already decorated it within an inch of its life.

And finally, the mother of all beds, look at this bird cage bed. I think it is one of the coolest things I have ever seen. (image from r.i.p. Domino)

I really had to hold back. There's bird print wallpaper, couches, chairs, pillows, wall art, and one more thing. This hook from Anthro:

Awesome Giveaway!!

Want a little gift for yourself this Christmas? Pop on over to The City Sage blog for your chance to win these will never take them off even for your wedding Tory Burch flats.Click here to check out the blog and enter to win! BTW, her blog is seriously awesome. I recommend reading it on a daily basis.

OH! I almost forgot about my interior match. Love egg chairs. For some reason, I have a serious infatuation with chairs. And it matches the flats! Heaven...

Tartan Tidings

Here comes Santa!! I've made myself wait until after Thanksgiving to get super pumped for Christmas, and it's finally here!! I always associate tartan with Christmas. It's definitely applicable for other parts of the year, but totally in vogue right now.

Want some tartan on the cheap? Check out this skirt at Forever21. This can definitely get school girl like, but when it's shaped like a pencil skirt, there are no worries:

Gap definitely jumped on the tartan bandwagon for Christmas. Here's a piece from the collection. The little ruffles on the placket add just the right amount of girl:Oh Ralph Lauren, you sure love your tartan. Who knew it could be so sexy? (at Bloomingdales)How badly do you want to be in that chaise right now? Especially if you're here where I am on a rainy cold day like today. I'll take 2 scoops of sugar in that tea, thank you!Such an inviting set-up. I could totally eat some pot roast at that table right now.I really love this lamp. It has just the right amount of juxtaposition with the tartan shade and the glam crystally base.

Hope every one's getting a head start on their Christmas decorating!

I Hear Jingle Bells!

Now that Thanksgiving is over, Christmas is in full force. Everyone knows I'm having a peacock Christmas, but there are sooo many options for decorating. I loooove to decorate for the holidays. Unfortunately, there's a lot of people out there who take it to the extreme and sadly become tacky. (Emily we had a neighbor like this, no?) In addition, you don't always have to use red, green, and white. Not saying you can't, but just wanted to let everyone know there are other options. Like pink!
Will everyone forgive me if I don't post fashion pictures? I'll blame it on the turkey from yesterday. Actually, I lied. Wear this pink/black Jill Stuart Bustier Dress to your holiday party. Now. (from Bloomingdales) SO chic!

Luxy Leather

Don't worry, this entry isn't going to be all about leather couches and purses. There's definitely other uses for this fabric, and I'm not about to let you miss out on them. Let's start with interiors.

I hadn't heard of this before, until my interior decorating teacher told me about this. Leather tiles for your floor. Crazy! But it actually looks awesome. The only time I've ever seen this put into action was at the hotel I told you about, Gild Hall. Here's another example:

Looks like hardwood, right? Genius.

This leather bed would totally make me dream of royalties all night long:
I have been gaga over this chair for quite some time. It's definitely very manly, which oddly enough is one of my favorite design trends. The first time I saw this Herman Miller inspired chair was in a magazine that answered the question of finding an attractive lazy boy alternative. It'd say it's attractive, in fact I'm thinking about asking him out:

By the way, Herman Miller definitely designed some awesome chairs. I feel like I missed the boat on this whole thing, but of the many chairs I love, they designed most of them!

Leather has always been popular, but has recently exploded in the fashion industry as far as motorcycle jackets go. I think Mike & Chris have really done an awesome job at recreating the leather jacket. They've used leather in a way that normally is used by wool, cotton, etc.

Btw, remember this girl from America's Next Top Model?? I forget her name?

Here's another example of what I'm talking about. A sweet skirt downplayed with leather(by Geren Ford):

And finally, leather doesn't always have to be in blacks/grays/browns. Have some fun (courtesy of my lover, J.Crew):