Whether you like classic and simple or eye-popping and sparkly, make tomorrow’s outfit a stellar one with some fabulous jewels.  After all, life is a party.  You better be dressed for it!

This necklace is amazing- it pairs well with brights and neutrals, and you can wear it any time of year.  Try pairing it with a plaid flannel shirt for fun mix of Back Woods and city chic!

(found on charlestonclass.tumblr.com)

If simple and elegant are more your look, try layering some necklaces of slightly different styles to create a subtle yet interesting mix of accessories.

(found on etsy.com)

Spring isn’t just for the outdoors!  Bring the colors and energy of the season into your home by reupholstering a piece of furniture.  Whether the piece is from a flea market or your own house, furniture upholstery is a fun way to alter the vibe of a room without changing the entire room.  Better yet, it’s a great way to put your creativity to the test and take a small risk by experimenting with different textures, colors, and patterns.  Below are a few ideas and images to get your creative juices flowing.

The Venus Love Seat is from Maine Cottage Furniture, a delightful company that focuses on bright colors and fun patterns.  My parents own one, and it has been re-incarnated numerous times, in everything from goldenrod to mint green.

Anthropologie also makes a divine little settee.  Notice how the elegant curve of the back and arms is carried into the curvature of legs.  What a charming piece in a foyer or small reading corner!

And finally, who doesn’t want an antique chair upholstered in bubblegum pink?!  The pink velvet gives this classic chair a hip vibe that will look great in any interior, whether modern, classic, or shabby to chic.

Give it a shot.

Start with an ottoman, have it re-upholstered in a fun fabric, and I promise it’ll change your life.

Or at least the look of the room.

*(Don’t forget that rearranging the furniture on a monthly basis is an absolute must.)

Today’s Multiple Choice:

Busy is a choice.

Stress is a choice.

Joy is a choice.

Choose well.

Confidence:

a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities.

Monday Musing

“Style is wearing an evening dress to McDonald’s, wearing heels to play football.

It is personality, confidence and seduction.”

~ John Galliano

MM

Happy New Year!!

“As you go out to remake the world,

I offer the following bits of wisdom–

keep learning,

stay awake to amazement,

be kind rather than right.

And, remember, while you might not agree with this now,

being loved is better than being rich.”

MM

“Don’t be afraid of your own company.  You may find yourself a very pleasant companion.”

Reminscings

It’s the end of the day, and my mind finally has time to wander.  Today I found myself thinking about the past, to a time where my life revolved around blissful summers filled with popsicles, bike rides, and playing House, rather than work and rush hour.  Mid-August was a time of getting nervous and excited about the start of a new school year (did I remember how to do fractions?!), purchasing bouquets of new crayons, and maybe even a Lisa Frank folder.

I also looked back on my life 20 years ago compared to today.  My penny loafers have turned into stilettos, side ponytails controlled by a crushed velvet scrunchie have been transformed into long beach waves, and bouquets of crayons have become bouquets of lipstick.  I no longer worry about fractions; instead, I worry about financial goals at work.  Every year I question what makes more sense- going home for Thanksgiving or for Christmas?  Am I doing what I really want to do with my life?

If my mother were to read this and realize that I’m (still) worried about things, she would remind me of the timeless adage “Will this matter in five years?  One year?  Two months?” And she’s right.  Some things will be rendered trivial, but many things – family, loyalty, good humor, and kindness – will remain cornerstones of our lives.  So go ahead.  Be kind and give away your prized purple crayon.  Surprise your sister with weekend getaway.  Laugh until you are gasping for air.  And above all else, show those who are nearest and dearest to your heart, that you love them.  I promise that you will find joy in all of these things.

August may no longer mark a beginning for you, but it is as good a time as any to take a moment to sit quietly and reflect on things.  If you let your mind wander, you might be surprised what it comes up with.

 

~ C

MM

“If your hair is done properly and you’re wearing good shoes, you can get away with anything.”

~ Iris Apfel

 

MM

“Go boldly, and you will find bliss.”