.: the makings of a sweet concoction :.

.: heart shaped baklava :.

2009-11-25T12:09:00.011-05:00

How cute are these baklavas?

I used this recipe and used a heart-shaped muffin pan.

Such a simple & delicious treat to give to your loved ones for the holidays.

Houston is saying "Happy Thanksgiving!" :)

.: DIY Christmas Tree Ornament :.

2009-11-18T18:25:00.005-05:00

I had a special project I was working on and it required me to make a hinged Christmas Tree Ornament. I never made an ornament from scratch before, but I'm always up for a creative challenge!

Here's my recipe:

.: Ingredients :.

1 Styrofoam Ball ( I got the biggest one that Michael's carried)

Magna Tac Glue

White Felt

2 Moth Balls

1 wooden stick ( I just used a reed diffuser)

optional: gold spray paint

.: Direction :.

1) Cut a styrofoam ball in half.

2) Spoon out all foam. (This part is pretty messy so make sure you have newspaper laid out for easy clean up.)

3) Cut out little circles and glue them to the balls...making sure you have enough to cover both halves. (note: In order for them to have a flower like appearance, I used a pencil to make a hole in the foam of the center of the petals.)

4) Let glue dry overnight

5) Spray paint petals with a gold glitter spray paint.

5) In order for the ornament to stay closed when unopened, I used a wooden reed diffuser to go through the center of each styrofoam half. Then, I drilled a hole halfway through moth balls. (It was the only wooden, circular item I could think of!) I attached the mothballs to the end of the diffuser sticks. This allowed the styrofoam balls to stay closed. Make sure to leave little room at the top to slide the styrofoam balls up and down!

6) I used an old broken ornament and took off the metal top. I glued it to the top wooden ball.

7) Using a festive ribbon, tie a bow going through the metal top.

8) Optional: I found a pretty angel ornament that I attached to the ornament.

It's a great project to do for the holidays. It's a neat stocking stuffer idea and it allows you to put a little present inside the ornament. :)

.: What is Inspiration :.

2009-11-05T12:23:00.010-05:00

As most of you know by now, I'm a huge fan of Anthropologie so I was so happy to hear about their new project, The Anthropologist. The main theme of the site is the ask the question, "What is inspiration?" They feature the works of three artist- currently, David Eustace, Andrew Zuckerman, and Jane Campion- to help answer the question. It's a beautiful site and it feels like an interactive scrapbook/ online art gallery. It's definitely worth checking out. You won't be sorry.

{ Jane Campion shows us some of her inspiration behind making Bright Star, a drama based on a 3 year romance between poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne.}

.: images: the ANTHROPOLOGIST :.

.: weekend eye candy :.

2009-10-31T12:52:00.006-04:00

I love looking into designers' homes and seeing what they did. Remember my Alexander Wang's post? Well, do I have a halloween treat for you today! October's Elle Decor featured designer Jill Stuart in her downtown apartment built by legendary architect Philip Johnson, master-mind behind the Glass House. With 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms and more than 6 dozen floor-to-ceiling windows, her enviable apartment is any designer's haven. (oh- I forgot to mention that it has a 2,000 square foot terrace and a 360 degree view downtown Manhattan and the Hudson River!) The pictures below will speak for themselves. She went for a serene minimalist approach, but still managed to keep her home feminine and chic...just like her clothing line. :)

{images: elle decor}

.: apple pie recipe :.

2009-10-20T14:11:00.009-04:00

This past weekend, I went up to visit my lovely girlfriends in Boston. I love MA in the fall and the drive up couldn't be more beautiful with the fall foliage. A must do activity in the Fall is apple picking!! We went to Russell Orchards and of course came back home and baked an apple pie. Click here to see a similar recipe we used. (Apple Picking + Baking = Always Good Times )

.: shoe display :.

2009-10-16T11:44:00.020-04:00

How do you store your shoes?

I personally like to see them in my closet. It's so convenient to have right in front of you when you are getting dressed in the morning. No need to run up and down the stairs to the garage, just to end up not liking what you picked out. I don't like storing them under my bed, because I know I'm going to forget about them all together.

What I use is similar to the Over-the-Door Shoe Rack from Bed Bath & Beyond. It's the perfect solution to maximize space because it doesn't take up any closet space. You simply have to hang it over the door and it stores up to 36 pairs of shoe. I loved it so much that I bought a second one! (See pic below) They are far better than the those "pocket" shoe organizers- I can never seem to fit my shoes in them!

Another solution is to use these pretty Closet Fetish Boxes. It's a great organizational tool and each box includes an outside frame that allows you to display a picture of your enclosed treasured soles! These boxes are stackable and come in a variety of colors. Girls, your closet is ready for its close-up! (Set of 2 for $19.99)

...or how about taking your shoes for a spin on the Shoe Wheel? I'm kind

of obsessed with this one. I JUST found this on the Bed Bath and Beyond website. It's too cute! The wheel's 20 expandable pockets will allow you to store up to 30 pairs of shoes.

...or how about placing them in antique display cases? After all, you did invest money in them so your shoes do deserve a good home. They are too pretty to be collecting dust!

...or using old bookcases

...such lovely eyecandy.

.: images: this is glamorous :.

.: new blog project! :.

2009-10-08T00:50:00.007-04:00

.: photo: Mandy Lynne photography :.

Hey all!

I started another blog called "The Ensemble Project" with a friend of mine.

This blog is all things fashion and how we like to put our ensembles together!

I would love for you guys to visit and follow me there!

Thanks for all your support! Means the world :)

xoxo

.: bits & baubles recipe #6 :.

2009-10-04T11:51:00.009-04:00

I like to spruce things up a little bit, and I'm always trying to rearrange furniture in my house. I get bored very easily. So, this past weekend I decided to make a little seating area right next to my bathroom. I used my DIY mirrored bench and added some pillows and a silver tray (bought for $7 at homegoods!) along with a pretty teapot, an anthropologie scarf, and vase I had in my room. This is a perfect example on how to make something beautiful with things you already have in your house!

.: eye candy :.

2009-10-01T21:30:00.007-04:00

Lonny launched today!

If you have not heard of Lonny, you are definitely in for a treat!

It is the new digital magazine headed up by former Domino editor (yes Domino!) Michelle Adamas and photographer Patrick Cline. Adams said that the goal of the magazine "is not to replace Domino, as there will clearly never be a replacement, but rather to help fill the void that has been left by so many closing shelter publications and help bridge the gap between traditional print magazines and the online world."

I have only skimmed through the magazine but it looks very VERY promising-- there is even a feature of Deborah Needleman. (Domino's former editor-in-chief) The feeling is definitely a lot like Domino. Yay more eye candy added to my monthly reads! :) Click here to read a copy! (pictures below are some of my favs)

.: eye candy :.

2009-09-24T21:47:00.011-04:00

{the midas touch}

.: lovely images from Graham and Green :.

.: current obsession :.

2009-09-23T13:50:00.009-04:00

.: Burberry Prorsum Spring 2010 :.

I'm pretty much obsessed with what Christopher Bailey has done. His new take on Burberry's iconic trench is genius. (kind of similar to what Min Sun Kim and Yeo Chung Kim - winners of the Reconstruction Parsons Louis Vuitton contest- did...no?) He used lots of volume and texture and basically everything that I LOVE LOVE LOVE- from the sexy tulle draped skirts, to the knotting and the ruching, the use of pretty pastel colors, and of course, his artsy spin on the power shoulder. The whole feel of the collection is very young and glamorous. I'm absolutely and completely in love. Only if I could ever afford something...maybe that brown belt or even a bangle....of course, that's only when Saks does their consolidation sale next August... and that's only if they end up buying it.. =(

In the meantime, I can only look at these pictures:

(My fav. picks..there were so many! I love the first and fourth trench...)

2009-09-22T19:42:00.002-04:00

sometimes, all you need is an inspirational quote.

.: borrowed recipe :.

2009-09-15T19:47:00.012-04:00

I'm in love with what Anu Suebsawangkul, winner of MET's swankiest small space finalist, did to her 408 square foot space Clayton, Missouri apartment. She proves that high style can be achieved in small spaces even on a small budget. As a fellow "Do-it-Yourself-er," Anu and I share a very similar design aesthetic. We both love that old Hollywood Regency style and look up to designers like Dorothy Draper and Kelly Wearstler.

Her black and white color scheme really remind me of my bathroom makeover. Can you believe that she painted that black and white chain pattern side wall? At first glance, I thought it was wallpaper! Most of her accessories are from Target, Walmart, Urban Outfitters, Z Gallerie, and local craft stores. She did an incredible job! See pictures below of Anu's fabulous apartment makeover:

Check out the ingredients she used to create this fantastic makeover recipe!

.: summer's sweet concoctions :.

2009-09-13T15:01:00.025-04:00

. strawberry & rosemary scones .

When I saw Giada making these almost too pretty to eat scones, I knew these were the perfect care package treat for a friend who recently moved away. I love the flavor combination of these scones.

Rosemary is definitely the star ingredient of this recipe. It really complements the sweetness of the strawberry jam and the tanginess of the lemon glaze. The rosemary really brings out the flavors and draws everything together with its earthy aroma.

See below for this sweet concoction recipe! (from foodnetwork.com)

.: Ingredients :.

Scones:

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ( I used less than half of what the recipe called for)

1 cup heavy cream ( I substituted for low fat buttermilk)

1/3 cup strawberry jam

Glaze:

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, from 1 large lemon

2 cups powdered sugar

1 to 2 tablespoons water

.: Direction :.

(Special equipment: a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter)

1) Place an oven rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper. Set aside.

2) In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, baking powder, rosemary, salt, and butter until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.

3) Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl. Gradually stir in the cream until the mixture forms a dough.

4) On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough into a 1/2-inch thick, 10-inch circle.

5) Using a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart-shaped pieces of dough and put on the prepared baking sheet.

6) Gently knead together any leftover pieces of dough and roll out to 1/2-inch thick

7) Cut the dough into more heart shapes and add to the baking sheet. Using an index finger or a small, round measuring spoon, gently make an indentation in the center of each pastry heart.

8) Spoon a heaped 1/2 teaspoon of jam into each index

9) Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

10) Transfer the cooked scones onto a wire rack and cool for 30 minutes

For the glaze: In a medium bowl, mix together the lemon juice and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add the water until the mixture is thin enough to spread. Using a spoon, drizzle the glaze over the scones. Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes. Serve or store in an airtight plastic container for 2 days.

all packed up and ready to be mailed!

just for the heck of it- another Ttv photo :)

.: designer at home :.

2009-09-12T10:02:00.009-04:00

One of my personal designer favs- Alexander Wang.

His apartment and office is a perfect mix of rock and refined. Remember my Edon Manor entry? Well, the same genius, up and coming interior designer Ryan Korban, has also designed Alexander Wang's apartment. He works primarily with young "downtown" types and has a very youthful design approach to city living. His design aesthetic is a mix of rock n roll, a bit of of Hollywood Regency, and a bit of glam. I will definitely be following him closely. (He is currently working on his website. In the meantime, click here for a great article on him on style.com)

Some pictures of Alexander Wang's apartment and office. Enjoy! :)

.: image: via this is glamorous :.

.: bedroom recipe #8 :.

2009-09-09T22:59:00.013-04:00

Many apologizes for being so M.I.A!

I've taken on a new project of seriously renovating the guest room in my house, and it's stealing away my blogging time! Until now, this sorry excuse for a "guest room" was used more as a storage room...and I think enough is enough!

The first thing I did was clear out the massive clutter in the room....that took about 2 full days and I'm still not done! Luckily, there is a bed in the guest room, but I was never fond of the color. The dark brown makes the bed look really out dated and old fashion. I did, however, like the design of the bed. The sweeping curves and the delicate gold hand carved detail makes this French bed design extremely likable in my eyes.

After many cans of white paint and hours later, I am definitely pleased with the transformation.

Here's a picture of the bed BEFORE the paint job...

(please excuse the clutter)

and the AFTER picture:

I did 3 coats of the white paint. That means from painting and waiting for the paint to dry and then painting again...this process took me about a week. (I took many breaks in between..lol) After the final coat, I used Modern Master's Metallic Pharaoh's Gold to hand paint over the engraving that was covered in the white paint. Surprisingly, this process didn't take as long as I had originally expected. Lucky for me, the original design was slightly raised so it was only a matter of painting over the engraving. It was just time-consuming!

What do you guys think? Do you like the white paint? I would love to hear your feedback!

I'm going for a very French inspired bedroom. I'm thinking of an all neutral, creamy coloured space with hints of pale blue/mint (?). I'm probably going to keep the walls white, change the curtains, and possibly add molding. I want to keep it simple and breezy but of course glam it up with modern touches and that air of hotel chic!!!

I will keep you guys posted on the progress!

Here's some of my inspiration:

.: eye candy :.

2009-08-25T17:29:00.010-04:00

I want to share with you all pictures of Molly Sims' NY apartment. Although these are from an old InStyle Home issue (back in 2007!) I still look to her apartment for inspiration. Molly's apartment is glamorous and sophisticated- with tufted sofas, wingback chairs, Paris flea market finds, chandeliers and symmetrical rooms. Molly worked with interior designer Kishani Perera.

.: images: via Kishani Perera :.

.: frame of the week :.

2009-08-24T12:44:00.009-04:00

King Midas Picture Frame

This is my favorite frame I'm currently selling on etsy!

I handpicked all the branches and leaves. Everything is spray painted metallic gold except the rose brooch. The details of this picture frame are amazing- the little specks give a more rustic feel, while the butterfly and rose brooch balances the frame out by adding a feminine flair. The dangling gold chain makes this picture frame irresistible!

This WALL picture frame will accommodate a photo up to 13x15 inches.

Check it out at my etsy store!

.: bits & baubles recipe #5 :.

2009-08-21T12:51:00.017-04:00

I try my best to use what I have when it comes to adding personal touches to my room. Whether it's using your favorite shoe as display or reusing pretty lil packaging, I guarantee you that there is no need to go out and buy additional accessories. All you need is a bit of creativity! :)

Here are some details from my own room:

Wrapping strands of faux pearl around a vase....

Never EVER throw away anything Chanel.

How can such a lil box make a huge, glamorous statement?

Laduree is a gorgeous French Patisserie that was founded back in 1862! It is known for it's glorious towers of pastel colored macaroons and too pretty to eat pastries. Yes, the pastries are totally to die for and delicious, but what I love most about Laduree is the packaging. I saved the macaroon box and I used it here to store my reed diffuser.

Do you have a pretty headband? Instead of stashing it in the drawers, wrap it around a candle holder. It turns a boring candle into a jewel!

I love it when I walk into a clothing boutique and see that they use their merchandise as decor. My Pour La Victoire shoes make a cute display piece!

If you've ever shopped at Anthropologie, you know that they put your receipt in the cutest bag. Instead of throwing it away, why don't you use it as a pencil case? It even has drawstrings to secure your pens in place!

Hopefully these ideas have inspired you!

Have a fabulous weekend. =)

.: dining alfresco :.

2009-08-17T11:14:00.014-04:00

One of my favorite things about summer is being able to dine outdoors. You just need a few touches to transform your outdoor space into a romantic dining area.

I simply took two old bed sheets and tied them together. I then nailed the corners of the bed sheets to the surrounding tree trunks. (You are basically making a canopy outdoors using bed sheets!) I used Christmas tree lights as a final touch. The whole process took me around 45 minutes to do!

.: blog crush :.

2009-08-17T00:02:00.007-04:00

One of my favorite website that I visit daily is casasugar. CasaSugar is part of the Sugar Network that is comprised of 16 entertainment and living sites covering topics such as food, celebrity, fashion, health, and etc. I'm sure most of you have heard of this site, but if you have not check it out! It's an amazing resource and a daily must read.

CasaSugar recently posted about my framed scarf project. Check it out here and follow her on t w i t t e r!

Thanks CasaSugar for the posting!

.: the world's most stylish bunny :.

2009-08-13T14:43:00.013-04:00

A few years back, I completely fell in love with Fifi Lapin. If you've never heard of Fifi Lapin, you are definitely missing out on some eye candy! Fifi has the most enviable closet around...oozing with designer goodness. She is a very stylish and well traveled chic. Oh, and did I forget to mention that Fifi is a rabbit?

Here is a glimpse into Fifi's fabulous closet...

chanel chanel chanel....

d&g, ossie clark, marc by marc jacobs

mulberry, giambattista valli, luella

in pretty valentino

fifi sure loves her chanel

what stylish clothes to walk her dog in!

in paris...

finally, fifi in ny...what a fabulous life she leads!

.: be sure to check out fifi's blog and etsy shop! :.

.: bits & baubles recipe #4 :.

2009-08-11T11:26:00.015-04:00

Here's an inexpensive sweet concoction recipe on how you can dress up a plain white wall: frame a vintage scarf!

I'm sure some of you have received a beautiful scarf from your mother or grandmother that you simply can't wear because of the age or it doesn't go with your wardrobe. Instead of stashing it away in your closet and forgetting about it, put it in a beautiful frame. It will serve as a daily reminder of how meaningful that scarf is. It's a great way to incorporate art into your home!

.: summer's sweet concoctions :.

2009-08-10T11:08:00.029-04:00

This past Father's Day I tested out an "Upside Down Pear Chocolate Cake" recipe from chef Jesse Ziff Cool's Simply Organic cookbook. (I figured I should at least post some real sweet concoction recipes- especially since I love to bake and find it extremely relaxing!) I must say I was definitely pleased with the result! The coffee makes the chocolate taste more rich and deep. The pears not only provide a visual decorative touch, but it adds an extra moistness and is the perfect complement to the chocolate. No wonder this is one of the most popular desserts at the Flea St. Cafe! (Chef Jesse Ziff's restaurant) See below for this fabulous sweet concoction recipe!

.: Ingredients :.

1 3/4 cups whole grain pastry flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 to 3 large pears, peeled, cored, and sliced

(I added walnuts for some extra crunch)

.: Direction :.

1) Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a 10-inch cake pan. Line the pan with parchment paper and lightly oil the paper.

2) In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

3) In large bowl, whisk together the eggs, coffee, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the egg mixture. Mix until thoroughly blended.

4) Line the bottom of the cake pan with the pears in a circular design. Pour the batter on top of the pears. Bake for 55 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5) Place on a rack and let sit for 10 minutes. Run a metal spatula around the sides of the cake to loosen them. Invert the pan onto a plate. Using the handle of a knife, vigorously tap the top of the pan, even shaking it a bit, to loosen the cake. Leave the pan over the cake for 15 minutes. Remove the pan and let the cake cool completely.

.: a lil late but more pics from my Father's Day brunch spread :.

{my version of an asparagus frittata & herb roasted potatoes}

.: eye candy :.

2009-08-05T16:01:00.012-04:00

When I was working in Tribeca, my absolute favorite shoe store I used to visit during my lunch break was Edon Manor. This jewel box of a boutique carries some of the most sought after designers from Alaia, Givenchy, Giambattista, Sergio Rossi, Dries, Mulberry, Derek Lam...oh my!

Given that I work in the fashion industry, my paycheck definitely did not allow me to indulge in these fabulous designer shoes...but this didn't stop me from drooling over not only the shoes, but the beautiful decor.

Designed to look like a modern English library, the store is filled with Paris-flea-market finds and custom pieces. Neatly stacks of fashion and design books serve as pedestals for the lovely shoes. Ryan Kobran, Edon Manor's creative director, describes the design concept for the space as "English country library turned chic." (He is also Alexander Wang's interior designer.)

.: images: plus palate :.

Très Chic!

.: bits & baubles recipe #3 :.

2009-08-03T14:25:00.026-04:00

Who knew you could use metallic tape as instant molding!?

I was browsing through a past issue of Instyle, and I found this fabulous design recipe that I just had to share with you all!

.: Ingredients :.

(as seen in article)

- 3M Scotch foil tape ($8/2 in. x 10 yd.roll)

- yardstick

- pair of scissors

- pencil

.: Direction :.

1) Using a level and a yardstick, measure desired molding boxes and mark lightly on wall with a pencil. (Boxes should be the same size with about 6 in. between each)

2) Measure and cut corresponding strips of foil tape for box sides. Trim the ends at 45 degree angles.

3) Peel backing from tape corner only, line up with pencil marks and pull away remaining tape backing as you stick tape to wall. Be sure to line up right-angled corners carefully.

4) Erase visible pencil marks.

(If you look back at my recent bathroom renovation post, you can see that I used this tape as the ceiling molding!)

I googled to see if there were more ways to use tape as a decorative accent, and I found this! How gorgeous is the printed ornate detail? At $14.50 a roll,this frame tape lets you frame anything...anywhere!

have you ever heard of....

2009-07-31T12:38:00.022-04:00

Ttv photography?

I first read about TtV photography while browsing through the lovely blog, lifelovepaper. (She gives a very detailed tutorial here.) TtV is basically a technique that involves using a digital camera to take pictures "through the viewfinder" of an older camera. (I used my Canon Powershot with a Kodak Duaflex)

I'm always looking for fun, cheap ways to get inspired. There is a soft, vintage, imperfection feel to TtV photography that I absolutely adore!

Below are some of my first TtV photos. Enjoy! :)

.: For more information on how to get started, visit TtV flickr group. :.

.: inspiration board :.

2009-07-28T18:57:00.018-04:00

Ever since I got into interior design, I've realized more and more how much style and design go hand and hand. Style isn't just about what you wear... it's more of a lifestyle. One of my all time favorite blogs, Coco+Kelley has an amazing blog series called Rooms from the Runway. They have inspired me to create some of my own inspiration boards.

The designer I chose to use is Kit Willow. I discovered her recently on jinny, a great women's designer boutique, and I'm completely obsessed with her collection! She is an Australian designer and is known for her romantic and feminine looks through the use of soft, fluid draping. All her designs are so intricate and you can see the hard work that goes into each of her looks. Thank you jinny for introducing me to her line! :)

How absolutely amazing is that pastel orange chiffon pleated blouse?! I am loving the batwing sleeves as well. The look is completed with a sharp tailored ivory pencil skirt and grey tights. I think the color combination is right on! The mix of grey, ivory, and orange translates well into a marble effect. What a beautiful & soft color combination.

.: image used- 1) willow 2) this is glamorous :.

There is such a cool, dark mysterious look here. Black, shimmery gold, with hints of gunmetal accents. An ultra-cool blend of masculine and feminine touch.

.: image used- 1) willow 2) desire to inspire :.

Ruffles, layers, pearls, embellishments, classic white & black color combo....what more can a girl ask for?

.: image used- 1) willow 2) elements of style 3)jcrew necklace

4)anthropologie crowned crane bedding 5) coco+kelley :.

Want more inspiration? Visit coco+kelley for more great runway to room ideas. Such fabulous sweet concoctions!

.: bedroom recipe #7 :.

2009-07-27T12:20:00.007-04:00

Accent walls are a quick and easy way to add personality and color to a room.

I am a huge fan of the color purple, in all of its eye catching shades of lilac, lavender, aubergine, amethyst, violet, magenta..you name it! It's such a royal and regal color. That is why I decided to use this deep aubergine color for my bedroom.

I offset the purple with shimmery gold and black accents. The gold frames are antique finds and that handsome, scalloped high-gloss black lacquer accent table .... well that's just a lucky find! ;)

What other colors do you like to use for your accent walls?

.: bathroom recipe #3 :.

2009-07-21T20:34:00.039-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posting...my lil cannon broke and i finally picked it up from repair! woohoo :)

As promised, i have before & after pictures of the renovation. I would love to hear what you think!

.: before :.

click to enlarge

As you can see, there is not much going on. The walls are a boring white and the paint on the cabinet doors was starting to chip. My parents never got around to decorating because we mainly used this bathroom to wash our dog and store our cleaning supplies.

And the renovation process begins....

I first decided to paint the walls in Valspar's Misty Morning Dew. These days, I am totally digging any shades of grey...it's cool & sophisticated.

Next, I installed Mirr.Edge. It definitely made a dramatic change and I cannot be more pleased with the results. (see below post for more info)

With the cabinet doors in such bad condition, I painted the cabinet doors in white. Here, I wanted to do something different and unique. One of my all time favorite color palettes is the combination of black and white. I love how this combination is dramatic and yet so simple, all at once. (think Chanel)

I decided to get crafty and outline the white cabinets with a simple black trim. I had leftover black velvet ribbon from a previous project and started messing around...ended up with this:

A touch of trim is a wonderful and simple way to add that WOW factor to a room.

a little bit of sparkle never hurt anybody...added these pretty knobs from Anthropologie as well. (unfortunately, the knobs are no longer on the site)

My next concern was figuring out a way to bring in a side floor cabinet. Because the size of the bathroom is pretty small, I needed a slim table.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything I liked but thankfully I stumbled upon this amazing project over at ikea hacker. It was exactly what I was looking for and it cost me around $45 dollars. What a sweet sweet concoction! (1 $24.99 Lack Shelf + 2 $10.00 Vika Fintorp legs) Who knew you could build such a nice side table by using a book shelf and 2 legs?

amazing.

{ i spray painted the legs and shelf white }

Remember that Mirr.Edge project? I had left over mirror pieces and used it to give the table more personality. It adds a nice glam factor. Plus, it's a great way to recycle left over material.

* I bought tin cans and one of my fav. flowers- hydrangeas- from HomeGoods. I have absolutely no problem using these faux silk hydrangeas as replacements for the real ones.

* I used an old basket and filled it with white guest towels.

* On the console, I added crystal candle holders and a tall glass jar filled with potpourri. I actually also put a candle holder inside the glass jar so I can put a Voluspa tin candle on top. Voluspa has an amazing candle line. You can buy them here.

No room is complete without good lighting. Remember that $39.99 Ikea KRISTALLER chandelier entry I posted back in May? Well, I fell in love with it and bought another one for this downstairs bathroom. Instead, I put a fun twist to it by painting it white and adding faux pearls to the arms.

Now regarding my mirrored picture frame...

Can you believe I was able to score it for only $15? I saw it on clearance and thought it would be perfect. Of course, I had to make some minor adjustments by painting it white. But I could not be happier with the results.

The poster I used is a silkscreened reproduction of a vintage WWII poster "Keep Calm and Carry On" in metallic silver. You can buy it on etsy.

I originally bought it for my bedroom, but thought it would add a bit of humor for the bathroom! :)

.: pretty towel holders and another hydrangea arrangement :.

Just some more close up detail pictures for your viewing pleasure :)

With just a few small changes, you can achieve great results.

I had a budget of $350 and I was able to stay well within the budget by using a little bit of creativity, reusing materials from past project, and searching my house for decorative touches.

To summarize...

.: before :.

.: after :.

.: Oh, and the window curtains I bought at Bed Bath and Beyond. I added left over black fabric to it as well. :.

I hope you enjoyed all my sweet concoction recipes! Till next time!

.: bathroom recipe #2 :.

2009-06-23T13:04:00.039-04:00

About 2 weeks ago, my mom asked me to decorate our bathroom downstairs. We hardly use this bathroom. Over the years it has turned into a storage/dog's bathroom so we never thought about decorating it. Of course I agreed to help her out, and she gave me a very tight budget to work with. I'm always up for a design challenge! :)

While at Lowe's to pick out a paint color, I came across Mirr.Edge, a mirror framing system product. I was immediately intrigued! Basically, it is a system of mirror acrylic OR woodgrain finished polymer strips and corner plates that you can very easily apply around the perimeter of your mirror. It completely transforms your existing mirror into a new one, and the best part of it all is that it's CHEAP. I got 2 packs of the beveled acrylic mirror strips and 1 pack of the mirror corner plates for around $38.

Look below for a before and after pic. A perfect sweet concoction recipe! :)

before pic

.: Ingredients :.

- your choice of corner plates and strips

- measuring tape

- razor knife

- glue

.: Direction :.

1) Measure mirror

2) Score line in strip to measured length

3) Hold strip firmly w/ both hands near score line and bend hands down to snap

4) Apply adhesive pads and glue along back of strips and plates. Then set in place.

{directions are from the mirr.edge website }

total time= 25-30 minutes

after pic

Doesn't it make a HUGE difference?

(More pics of the final renovation will be posted in the following posts!)

.: happy father's day :.

2009-06-21T20:56:00.007-04:00

" on behalf of every man

looking out for every girl

you are the guide and weight of her world"

{ john mayer, daughters }

happy father's day, dad!

you are my rock. my guiding light. my everything. <3

.: frame of the week :.

2009-06-16T15:26:00.006-04:00

.: earring picture frame holder :.

now selling through etsy store

;)

.: bedroom recipe #6 :.

2009-06-16T10:00:00.002-04:00

As promised, this is my Part II of the previous mirrored furniture post.

Awhile back, I purchased a storage bed bench for really cheap. ($49 cheap- extra discount because of some scratches and damages on the legs) I wasn't too fond of the design, but bought it because of the price tag. Because of my obsession with mirrored furniture, I decided to cover the scratches on the legs with mirrored pieces. I did a little research, and found that a lot of other people had the same idea. The one that especially caught my eyes was this project done by Jule- what an a.m.a.z.i.n.g job she did!! Her project was definitely my source of inspiration. :)

I love customizing my furniture- it's cost effective and the results are always one of a kind. Here's yet another sweet concoction recipe!

.: Before Pics of my bench :.

.: Ingredients :.

- mirror sheets (I bought 2 sheets at a local glass/mirror supplier for under $30..be extra nice and they will even cut it into smaller pieces for you ;)

- mirror/glass cutter

- liquid nails to adhere mirror pieces to leg (bought at home depot)

- ruler & marker

.: Direction :.

1) Measure the legs and cut mirrors using a mirror cutter. (This was the hardest part of the whole process. It takes a lot of patience and practice. But once you get the hang of it, it's not bad at all.)

2) Adhere the mirror pieces with the liquid nails.

3) Let it sit and dry

{For extra tips on cutting mirror, click here for a video tutorial.}

.: After Pics of my bench :.

The whole project cost me less than $50. Buying a piece of mirrored furniture these days can easily cost you upwards of $1,000. It is definitely easier on your wallet if you do the work yourself! And the result isn't half bad ;) However, if you want, you can always ask your local craftsmen to do the work for you. I asked around, and a simple project like this will cost you anywhere between $100-$120, and that's including the cost of mirror and installation. Not bad!

.: current obsession :.

2009-06-15T12:44:00.024-04:00

yellow / grey

{a fun lil collage i put together using polyvore }

I cannot get enough of this color combination! There's something about it- it's sophisticated, unexpected, and energetic all at once. In fashion and in your home, you cannot go wrong with this combination. Some eye candy:

{image: reiss sp09 collection }

{last 4 images: this is glamorous}

{image: cocokelley.blogspot.com}

{image:dwellings and decor}

.: bits & baubles recipe #2 :.

2009-06-13T16:33:00.017-04:00

About a year ago, I stumbled upon this amazing site. It has to be one of my favorite bookmarked sites ever!

I was on the hunt to find a tool that would transform my own photos to look more vintage inspired, and this site does the trick! It is so easy to use and requires no photoshop at all. All you have to do is pick the perfect picture and upload it. The generator will do all the work. It's magical! A perfect sweet concoction recipe. Sweet and simple! I hope you enjoy this amazing resource as much as I do! :)

Here is one of my favorite photos from the generator:

Before Pic.

.: central park, nyc :.

thanks jas for taking an amazing pic!

After pic.

It's definitely frame-worthy!

Put your finished photo in an antique frame, and you are ready to show it off! :)

.: happy weekend :.

2009-06-05T16:17:00.006-04:00

:. despite the gloomy weather, i wish you a weekend filled with beautiful memories .:

{image: Sofia Coppola in Paris Vogue Feb 2009}

.: bedroom recipe #5 :.

2009-05-30T09:53:00.053-04:00

ahhh..mirrored furniture...where to begin!

so romantic & feminine... it's the return to Old Hollywood glamour...

Pictured above is my favorite piece of furniture in my bedroom. I knew from the get go that I wanted a mirrored vanity. Unfortunately, many mirrored furniture usually comes with a pretty high price tag. After doing much research, I finally had my eyes set on Pier 1's Hayworth Vanity and Mirror Set. It had everything I was looking for and much more- a drawer to hold cosmetics, a 3 way mirror, and it was covered in hand cut beveled mirror pieces with an antique finish! Most importantly, I was able to get it for $450...after a one time weekend sale and 25% off coupon. Considering that most mirrored vanities are priced at $1,000+, I think I did a pretty good job. :) (oh- I got my stool for $49.99 at Home Goods! I think it's a lot more eye-catching than the one from Pier 1...and cheaper too!)
One of the best ways to make a piece of furniture your own is to add personal touches. For instance, I added a crystal lamp and picture frame. The combination of crystal and mirror adds an instant glam factor... to any room! I switched the drawer knob to a more colorful one from Anthropologie. To add a pop of color to my vanity, I bought a hot pink clear pencil organizer from The Container Store $5.99 to use as my makeup brush holder. For more of a personal touch, I framed 2 pictures of my parents from when they were my age- before they even knew each other- as a daily reminder of just how lucky & blessed I truly am! :)

:. close up images below- click to enlarge .:

Here are more mirrored vanity pictures for your inspiration! (click to enlarge)

2 of my all time favorite figures in fashion w/ their ultra glam mirrored vanities:

1) SJP in the SATC movie

2) the beautiful & talented designer of Marchesa- Georgina Chapman (This is probably my all time favorite vanity!)

Although the previous examples are quite elaborate, it really doesn't take much to create a simple but yet chic vanity. Here's a simple recipe for creating a cheap vanity area of your own!

.: Ingredients :.
- desk/counter space
- stool/ottoman/chair
- personal finishes: perfume bottles, jewelry, pretty makeup cases, small lamp
- 3 fold mirror/ hanging mirror w. sash

.: Direction :.
Create an elegant setup.
I created a collage below of cheap finds from Urban outfitters, Target, and Ikea that would make a lovely vanity setup. Personally, I love shaggy rugs-I actually have one in my bedroom- and I think it would make a perfect addition underneath a mirrored vanity table. I would also take strands of faux-pearl and hot glue them to the green ottoman so that there are stands of dangling pearl hanging from the ottoman....after all..designing is all about using your creativity and imagination!

1. Urban Outfitter 5' Square Chateau Shag Rug- $79.99 (on sale!)
2. Urban Outfitter Mirrored Dressing Table- $200
3. Urban Outfitter Scalloped Mirrored Tray- $19.99 (on sale!)
4. Target Wave Design Paper Lamp Shade- $12.99
5. Target Simply Shaggy Chic Antique Crystal Lamp Base- $29.99
6. Urban Outfitter Lana Velvet Pouf- $89.00
7. Ikea VANNA Lace Pattern Hanging Mirror- $29.99
8. your own perfume!
9. Forever 21 Blaire Faux Pearl Necklace- $9.80

Total Cost: around $470

Compared to the $475 I paid for just my vanity and mirror, you're getting a lot more bang for your buck- a lamp shade, crystal lamp, ottoman, a rug, mirror tray, AND jewelry! What a bargain! :)

I hope you enjoyed Part ONE of my mirrored furniture series...a Part TWO recipe is coming soon...

Have a fabulous weekend!
xoxo

.: a bathroom story :.

2009-05-17T11:34:00.044-04:00

The first room makeover I ever did was my bathroom. When I started, I didn't have a design vision. I just knew what colors I wanted to paint my bathroom. I settled on Behr's Spring Hill, Mint Hint, and Athenian Green- all 3 different shades of Green. Green is such a fantastic and calming color for a bathroom, and I wanted my bathroom to be a haven where I can escape and find peace.

Since this was my first time painting a room, I was surprised that it took only a couple of hours..by myself! It was so simple! I painted the majority of my bathroom in 2 coats of Behr's Spring Hill. I then painted my window panes and entrance way in the Athenian Green, and only used the Mint Hint for the moldings. For my wall decoration, I used these cheap but very pretty decorative flower stickers (in chrome color) from Ikea. I finished off my bathroom with a $39.99 KRISTALLER Ikea chandelier.

Ideally, I wanted an old-style washstand and a freestanding tub but obviously my budget wouldn't allow for it. So, I did the next best thing I could & "accessorized." You can totally transform a boring bathroom into a glamorous one with clever details. Below is a little collage of some of my finishing touches.

click to enlarge

.: Decorating Tips :.

1.: replace boring knobs w/whimsical drawer pulls to revitalize basic cabinets :.

2.: use your pretty perfume bottles as decoration :.

3.: bring in dramatic lighting with a chandelier :.

4.: anything crystal adds old hollywood glamour :.

5.: bring in color & personality to a bathroom with towels and rugs :.

6.: a side table can be both functional & beautiful :.

7.: painting your door can add a pleasant element of surprise :.

No recipe today...but I promise... a good one is coming up!

.: bedroom recipe #4 :.

2009-05-08T10:50:00.027-04:00

Just like how adding a little lemon zest can brighten up a dish, the addition of fabric in unexpected places can make a huge difference in the bedroom.

In my previous entry, I mentioned that I made a simple DIY change to my headboard. When I first got my headboard, I loved everything about it except that the border had an unfinished wood look to it. I decided to cover up the border with left over fabric from my previous project- never waste your fabric! (look at bedroom recipe #1) The process was really easy and I was pleasantly surprised with the result! (look at before and after picture below)

Here's another sweet concoction recipe for you!

.: Ingredients :.
- headboard (You can really spruce up any furniture by adding fabric or even switching your old fabric. Take an old stool, a chair, or a side table and you have a completely new and updated look. You can never underestimate the power of fabric!)
- gray velvet fabric (You can even use wall paper if you like. I'm obsessed with ones from Flavor Paper.)
- magna- tac fabric glue
- ruler, scissors

.: Direction :.
1) Measure out the area that will be getting the fabric treatment.
2) Cut out your fabric
3) ...and paste it on!
4) Roll out any bubbles.

It's so simple and takes no time at all.

Here are some other great ways to use fabric (or wallpaper)!

1) Make fabric panels to use as wall art. Here is a great tutorial from apartment therapy.

2) or use wall paper instead!

3) I fell in love with the idea of purely using scrunched up fabric on canvas as wall decoration. How amazing. My next design project for sure! (screen capture)

4) Interior designer Muriel Brandolini covered his dining room walls with silk fabric as wall paper.

5) Here's another example of using fabric on headboards. This headboard is upholstered in this gorgeous daffodil Dupiono silk fabric.

6) Lastly, the addition of fabric & wallpaper to chairs, coat racks, book shelves, and even your staircase can really make a lasting impression. All these images are from one of my favorite websites, design sponge!

Now, go have your own fabric fun! :)

P.S. New frame of the week! My silver leaf picture frame...now sold through my etsy store!

.: 100% made with love :.

2009-05-03T20:06:00.009-04:00

Sorry for the delay in updating my blog!

I've been working like a mad woman trying to put the finishing touches on my frames so I can finally open up my etsy shop! If you don't know already, I design and customize picture frames! It first started off as a hobby, and soon I gave them away as gifts. I received positive feedback, and decided to start selling on Etsy. My Etsy shop name is, of course, A Sweet Concoction. The link to the shop is: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7315463

Below are samples of the picture frames I have made!

Following my blog concept of "making pretty with what you have," all my frames are one of a kind and made from recycled materials. I only have one frame for each design. If there is a specific design/concept that you have in mind, I can work with you and make a frame specifically tailored to your idea. Please let me know because I am very open to suggestions!

.: a room of one's own :.

2009-04-29T12:37:00.002-04:00

I am definitely visually oriented.

I'm horrible when it comes to remembering names, but when I see an outfit I love or a design that completely blows me away, I will take a mental picture and somehow try to incorporate it into my life. That's why one of my favorite stores to shop is Anthropologie. I sometimes walk into an Anthropologie store not to shop but to get inspired. (I can easily stay for an hour- half the time I am busy taking pictures of the store with my cell phone) The whole store is so aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but always in a edgy and unexpected way. Anthropologie's boho romantic home furnishing offerings is by far my favorite. So it's no surprise that I found my new bedding at Anthropologie. When I first saw the Cirrus Collection, I knew my search was over.

I truly believe that your room is an extension of yourself. My personal style is romantic and feminine in nature but with a masculine touch. I like to add an unexpected twist to my outfits, whether it's a statement necklace or a cutout bootie. I love when clothing comes alive when designers use texture, especially through the use of sculptural folds or drapings of gauzy layers and layers of tissue weight fabric. No wonder why my favorite designers are YSL, Donna Karen, Phillip Lim, Rick Owens, Alexander Wang, Elizabeth & James and my new obsessions All Dressed Up and Suh-Tahn. Above is a little collage I made up that best describes my style. How amazing is that Tom Binns cuff!? I die.

After looking at my inspiration board, it is no wonder why I went a little "goo goo gah gah" over The Cirrus Collection from Anthropologie- it perfectly sums up my personal style. The bedding's gray color makes the collection feminine and soft but the folds and ruffles add unexpected dimension. It's perfect! I could just take the duvet and make a 1 shoulder dress out of it!! sighhhh...

When I decided to redecorate my room, I first invested in this bedding and then I designed my room around it. Every room's design has to start somewhere. Just like an outfit, it's easiest to design a room around one piece. From there, you can start pulling inspirations for the rest of your design process. In my opinion, the easiest way to do that for a bedroom is by using your bedding as a starting off point. (but I'm no design/fashion major..so I can be talking gibberish)

It's been almost a year since I started redecorating my room, and I am still not finished! However, from the pictures below you can tell how much a difference a bedding change can make- the new headboard and curtains help as well! I was going for a more glamorous and Old Hollywood feel. I must say I'm quite happy with the results. What do you think?? (click to enlarge image)

.: before :.

.: after :.

FYI- I know I didn't present any sweet concoction recipes today. But tomorrow's recipe will be featuring a DIY twist I made on my headboard!

.: bedroom recipe #3 :.

2009-04-27T12:15:00.001-04:00

You don't need much to make a statement.

After installing the TV, my bedroom walls still looked bare. Instead of going crazy and hanging up a dozen picture frames, I decided to keep it simple and hang 1 big frame. Luckily, I found a 27 X 41 picture collage frame in my basement that my mom bought years ago and never used. It fit perfectly! (The frame needs to be a little bit bigger than your TV.) If you have a plasma TV, try this sweet concoction recipe out! I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

*Click to enlarge image*

.: Ingredients :.
- your plasma TV
- picture frame *You don't need a super duper expensive frame. I believe my mom got this frame at HomeGoods for $49.99. The cheaper the frame- the better! I can tell the quality is not that great because the nails easily go through the frame...which is great in my case!*
- nails, hammer, measuring tape*

.: Direction :.
1) Find somebody to help you!
2) Have your partner frame the TV while you make sure the frame is straight.
3) If you can hammer right through the frame, go for it. It's really all that simple. If you want to make sure the frame is perfectly aligned, whip out that measuring tape. Personally, I like to make things as easy as possible- a measuring tape didn't even cross my mind. Just make sure your partner is holding the frame steadily in place. *I used 8 nails: 3 nails for the top & bottom and 1 nail in the center for the sides.*

Voila!

.: bits & bauble recipe #1 :.

2009-04-25T12:48:00.001-04:00

.: magnolia tree in front of my house :.

A lot of my design inspiration comes from nature, and tree branches are the easiest way to bring earthy elements to your home. West elm has jumped on this bandwagon, along with a hand full of other retailers. (click to enlarge my inspiration board below)

Like I have mentioned in my previous post, I am a HUGE accessories freak. I have collected quite a large jewelry collection over the years but always have a problem storing them. A while back I bought a jewelry stand on ebay (similar to the one here from urban outfitters) but was too small and failed to keep any of my jewelry organized. Ideally, I wanted a stand that could store all my necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings at once- not just a stand dedicated solely to earrings. Therefore I decided to take matters into my own hands and create my very own. Instead of storing your jewelry in your vanity/desk, like most people do, show it off! Make your jewelry part of your bedroom design- it will add a personal touch. This is probably one of the easier sweet concoction recipe! Enjoy

.: Ingredients :.
- one large tree branch
- white spray paint, newspaper

.: Direction :.
1) Find a large tree branch outside that has lots of offshoots.
2) Clean the branch to get rid of any dirt.
3) Decide where you will be putting your branch. If the branch is going to be laying down on a piece of furniture, you will have to break off some of the smaller branches so that the branch has stability.
4) Spray paint *I used 2 coats*
5) After letting the branch dry, start hanging your jewelry! Below are some pictures of the final product. Hopefully, they will provide you with some inspiration.

.: front view :.

.: view from the top :.

.: i love how the mirrors act as a vanity tray! :.

.: jewelry safari- baby&mommy elephant drinking from a bracelet water hose & look a bird! :.

.: use the small offshoots to hold your rings and try wrapping your belt around the branch :.

.: try dangling your necklaces from branch to branch :.

.: bedroom recipe #2 :.

2009-04-24T12:13:00.001-04:00

When I first saw Ikea's Trollsta collection, I instantly became a fan. The pieces definitely give more of a Brocade Home feel, but the price point definitely makes them Ikea winners! I especially loved the sideboard. (picture on the top) The sideboard's antique design and curvy cabriole legs is eye catching and makes it irresistible. Not to mention, it has push to open doors and a cord outlet in the back- a perfect addition to my bedroom to store my dvd player and direct tv system.

I decided to give it my own spin by painting it in Modern Master's metallic olympic gold (opaque), and then drilling holes to create door knobs. (Although there is no need to drill holes since the doors are push to open, I saw these brass vine knobs from Anthropologie that I really wanted to use here.) I'm not going to sugar coat it, the process of painting and assembling took a LONG time (3-4 days), probably because I am no expert when it comes to nails and hammers. So, here's another sweet concoction recipe!

.: Ingredients :.
. Ikea's Trollsta sideboard
. Modern Master's metallic olympic gold paint, paintbrush, newspaper, etc
. hammer, pencil, measuring tape, proper drill bits . favorite knobs *optional*
. favorite wallpaper *optional*
. Ikea's ALG 4 pack mirror *optional*

.: Direction :.
1) Before assembling, paint all parts. Let first coat dry, and then paint a second coat.

2) Follow instructions and assemble the sideboard.

3) After you have assembled all parts, if you want, you can start drilling holes for your knobs.

4) I lined the inside of the drawers with my favorite left over wall paper. You can also use a dresser liner or even left over gift wrapping paper!

5) After finishing my sideboard, I noticed that the paint scratches off very easily. In order to prevent scratches on the top of my sideboard, I decided to add mirrors. 4 mirrors for $19.99...not a bad deal! ( I love mirrored furniture, but that's another post!)

6) Now, pictures of my finished product!

.: If you are wondering, my next recipe will be dedicated to how I made my branch jewelry stand. :.

.: bedroom recipe # 1 :.

2009-04-23T23:10:00.002-04:00

After graduating from college and moving back home, I decided to completely makeover my bedroom. It was time to say goodbye to my girly pink walls and flower print curtains. I knew for sure I didn't want to spend a lot of money, and I believe that whenever you are decorating on a budget you have to try your best to make pretty with what you have, hence my tagline.

I'm a huge accessories girl- I love my bags, shoes, and jewelry. So, one of the first things I did was to create a bag shelf. Yes, not a book shelf but a bag shelf. What I basically did was took the drawers out of my old wooden dresser, sand and repainted it, and added velvet "seat" cushions for the bags. Here's a sweet concoction recipe! I hope you enjoy :)

.: Ingredients :.
. old wooden dresser
. modern masters metallic paint in oyster. 1 yd gray velvet fabric (make sure to see if you have a discount fabric store near where you live!)
. magna-tac fabric glue. 1 yd cotton stuffing
. 2 pkts of square plastic jewels (15x15MM) *optional* ( I got mine from M&J in New York City)

.: Direction :.
For the dresser--
1) Take out all drawers from the dresser.
2) Wipe down your dresser with a cloth.
3) Paint!
* Because I chose a very light color for my shelf, I had to do several coats of the metallic paint. I think I might have done at least 3-4 coats.
4) Let paint dry overnight.

In the meantime, you can start making the seat cushions for your bags.
1) Because I have 4 drawers, I wanted to be able to fit 2 bags in each drawer space, so I made 8 seat cushions. (2 for each drawer)
2) I split the yard of cotton stuffing into 8 square portions. Unfortunately for me, I don't know how to sew so ended up gluing my velvet fabric onto the cotton stuffing to form a seat cushion. I measured the seat cushion so that it can fit perfectly into the drawer space. (See below for pictures)
3) I also lined the back of the dresser with left over fabric I had from another project. You really don't have to do this step since your bags will be covering up any wooden space.

I also had left over plastic jewels that I decided to use for the legs of the dresser. I glued the jewels to the bottom of dresser for a more glam effect!

.: finished bag shelf :.

.: close up of velvet seat cushion :.

.: jeweled legs :.
(better detail picture of the oyster metallic paint color)

.: ode to domino :.

2009-04-23T18:06:00.000-04:00

I thought it would only be fit to dedicate my first blog post to Domino Magazine. I'm still mourning the loss of the magazine at the beginning of every new month, but thankfully I saved all my favorite images before the site was closed down. Domino was an incredible resource and one of the few magazines that managed to inspire ideas to a wide audience. So here's to Domino! (click to enlarge images)

.: gorgeous entryways :.

.: the ballerina effect :.

.: closet space :.

.: long billowy curtain fabric :.

.: perfectly designed living rooms :.

.: hallway :.

.: punch of yellow :.

.: dreamy bedrooms :.

.: going gray :.

.: royally vibrant shades :.