RECIPE: A COZY HOME UPDATE.

This is a very VERY good time of year for dressing yourself, but it's equally as good for dressing up your space. As you guys know, I have zero self-control when it comes to decorating, shopping for decor, looking at decor, touching decor, thinking about decor. There is not one free inch of space in my apartment, so now I have taken to decorating under things. You guys, UNDER things. This is very bad.

There are a ton of super easy ways to change things up without buying any new major furniture. Have you guys seen the new West Elm catalog? Throw game is strongggg. I chose one of my faves and put together this little fallish update for you and your square footage.

'LADIES' PRINT / NICKI MINAJ PRINT / WEEKND PRINT / GOLD CANDLE / MARBLE CANDLE / MATCHES / FEATHER PEN / GLOBE / THROW / ANTLER / WOOD COASTERS / SIDE TABLE / TRAY / BASKET

Yesterday I found some extra frames under my bed (???) and framed some old cards I had been saving for legit years. Clearly I have a very hard time letting go. Can you imagine how bad this is gonna get for me when I actually have more than 1 bedroom to address? I am losing sleep over it already. Thanks for putting up with me.

IKEA HACK: DIY VITTSJÖ BOOKSHELF.

EW, sorry for the wait, but this just in…DIY-ing is no freaking joke. Blood, sweat and tears went into this piece. So did a lot of "whatevers" and one solo trip to Arby's. I'm not proud of that last bit. All that being said, I am SO happy with the final product, I have been dying to share it with you guys! Let's start with my old bookcase. Nothing was really wrong with it, but I bought it when I had a brown leather couch (no mo!), it was $26 at Target and it felt SO very college. I have been out of college for far too long to own such a piece. Ahem. #lemmeupgradeya

OLDIE NOT-YET-GOLDIE SHELF:

STEP TWO was purchasing the VITTSJO shelf from IKEA, seen below. It comes in two sizes and I chose the larger of the two ($79), because I had more space to spare than my original shelf actually took up. My friend Brandi and I tackled this project together, and she got the smaller version ($49) for a narrow wall in her new house.

After a lot of debate about how to handle the solid brown bottom shelf, I found this "marble" contact paper on Amazon and snapped it up to give it even more of an upscale feel. This was actually a lot easier to apply than we thought it would be. Sighhh. I just love when a vision really comes to life.

STEP THREE is what I lovingly call the "hell phase." Building anything from IKEA is cruel and unusual punishment. This actually wasn't so bad, and having the real drill helped a ton. I highly recommend doing this with a friend and not a family member to avoid excessive obsenities & possible murder.

Priming and painting took the longest. I think overall, I used two cans of primer and three cans of gold spray paint to cover mine completely. I still may buy a 4th can for touch-ups later.

 After a LOT of cans of primer & gold spray paint (buy extra and thank me later), I give you NEW NEW in all of her glory!

Close up of the "marbled" bottom shelf. Ahh! I love it so much!

I am still playing with the decor on each shelf, but that is the beauty of shelving like this. You can change it all up as many times as you want!

Baby Coco Chanel approved. Looking pretty proud of her mom's handywork. Either that or she is thinking about what a total freakshow her mother is. Both extremely likely.

The two baskets on the bottom shelf were another IKEA find. I love the way they look against the metal frame.

Those sad little paintings were done by yours truly, ha I apologize, but the great metal 'H' is one of my favorite pieces. I love that it adds height without being too bulky.

Little shell my Grandpa Poppa gave me on top of my most intellectual stack of books. Paris Hilton, anyone?

Love this picture of my Aunt Rhett and my Dad at my graduation from CofC. I lost my Dad in 2011 to lung cancer, and like to keep as many reminders of him around the apartment as I can. 

Annnd a double-cameo by my most favorite five...well, four, excluding myself.

Coco is pretty happy that it is warm outside again. She got very adventurous yesterday and even made it cautiously out onto the patio! She is an indoor girl, through and through.

Look at that little woman taking it all in! I love her horribly. I really need to clean my patio off...sick pollen.

IKEA VITTSJÖ SHELF / GIANT METAL 'H' (℅ Shop Alix)
OVERALLS: Express (no longer available) similar here + here / CONVERSE

So there you have it. I lost brain cells due to paint fumes, but in the end, I think it was all worth it as I now have a much better view from my couch for wine-sipping. DI-WHY.

VIEWING PARTY ESSENTIALS: OSCARS 2015.

Happy Oscar Sunday! {AND #NationalMargaritaDay, whatever you prefer} Whether you are gathered with a group of your bests, face first in a bowl of queso, or flying solo on the couch, these are my picks for viewing party must-haves. Get comfy:

1. MUG / 2. COASTERS / 3. CANDLE / 4. SLEEP SHIRT / 5. HEADBAND / 6. PILLOW
7. THROW / 8. FLUTES / 9. SWEATPANTS / 10. iPHONE CASE / 11. SOCKS

The only things I searched for and couldn't find to add to this montage were Leo-themed socks. You heard me. #TeamDicaprio for life. Rudest. Award show. EVER. #MyHeartWillGoOn, NO THANKS to The Academy.

RECIPE: FOR A STYLISH HOME.

So this morning over my coffee I was perusing Domaine, as I do so many mornings, and I came across this amazing list of things that stylish people have in their homes. Naturally, I panicked at first and thought "wait...AM I A STYLISH PERSON?!," but then, I clicked through, calmed down and realized my priorities were that of a spastic lunatic. Let's break down my top four:

1. DECOR WITH DETAILS: Swap out the hardware on your dresser drawers to make them more unique.

BLACK + WHITE PULL / MARBLE PULL / GEODE PULL

2. A STYLED VIGNETTE: Use photos & pieces you have gathered over time to make this a mini representation of you.

SIMILAR RUG / THROW / SIMILAR CHAIR

3. ANIMAL PRINT: Needs no explanation, but I can't get enough of it in pillow form. Or rug. Or wallpaper. Send help.

CHEETAH / LEOPARD / ZEBRA

4. A LUXURIOUS THROW: Probably the easiest in the bunch, but also one of my favorites…especially when it is 24 degrees, ATLANTA. #woof

NATE BERKUS B+W(similar) / GRAY CHEVRON / JONATHAN ADLER NIXON

Why did I end with blankets? BECAUSE THAT IS WHERE I AM HEADED RIGHT NOW. Blanket, couch, cat. I am sorry for shouting. Did I mention that it's really really cold? More wine please. <peace sign emoji>

RECIPE: GALLERY WALL.

I got a few great prints for Christmas and have been trying to get motivated to rearrange my gallery wall above my couch ever since. I have never been totally happy with it, because I just sort of eye-balled it and threw the pictures up there, but here is how it has looked up until now:

I'll post an after picture once I get it all together, but for now, here are a few pinspirational pictures that I am loving.

All images from Pinterest

 I painted two pieces of my own that I can't wait to incorporate, but here are a few of my favorite affordable pieces out there right now from local beaut, Waiting on Martha:

1. CHANEL 2. LEOPARD 3. PALM 4. PINEAPPLE

HOLIDAY CHEER(S).

Merry Christmas Eve, Gilties! Hope you are all snuggled up with family & lovahs. I haven't left my pajamas yet and don't plan on it until tonight's festivities. Speaking of festivities, I have teamed up with one of my very favorites, La Marca prosecco, to bring you this mini holiday tablescape. No space is too small to decorate this time of year. Even my tiny one bedroom apartment can be transformed with a little holiday zhush and a lot of bubbly in your glass. Jingle this, babies. #Lamarcable

Photography by Moet on Stella

 TEE / SKIRT / BOW RING / SHEEPSKIN

CHAMPAGNE PRINT / PILLOWS(Target, similar) / PYTHON TRAY

After this shoot, I actually scotch-guarded those pillows and used them on my patio. They are the cutest and I am so mad at Target for not having them on their website! My little feather tree is another Target find and I have a wreath that matches. I bought those for my first Christmas in ATL and this is my 3rd! Love when that happens. I love to decorate with neutrals like white and then throw in glassware I already have and leftover corks to tie it all together…plus it's free!

For an easy, delicious and festive drink to make your Christmas Eve #Lamarcable, try a Poinsettia: add cranberry juice to your La Marca prosecco and squeeze lemon juice on top. SO easy and so good. Merry Merry!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

I absolutely LOVE my cozy little apartment this time of year. The tree makes it so happy and bright, and even though it's fake, my 76 candles make it smell like a real tree. #thestruggle There are so many ways to cozy-up your own space this season. Here is my own tiny living room + Baby Coco Chanel on her throne:

COFFEE TABLE(Target, similar) / POUF / RUG / SOFA / LEOPARD PILLOWS(Etsy)

FAUX SHEEPSKINS / GRAY PILLOWS (Etsy)

Here are a few of my favorites from Pinterest, where else?

All photos from Pinterest

Tomorrow I am waking up super early to shoot a few new looks to share, so you are welcome in advance. Just kidding, that's my favorite part too. Listen, I gotta run. I have a lot of True Tori to catch up on and I really need to give her my full attention. Did I ever tell you guys I met her once in Vegas and took the most HEINOUS photo of my entire life? I've actually never fully gotten over it. True story, True Tori.

GLAM LIVING ROOM DESIGN WITH MODANI.

When I was challenged to design a living room based on my own personal style, I couldn't say yes fast enough, and I knew Modani modern furniture would be the first place I would start. If there is one thing that rivals my love of clothes, it's my love of home decor. I knew I wanted to make my space a girly, glamorous getaway that would look and feel inviting, but still remain functional. Modani has an amazing way of making gorgeous furniture with clean, contemporary lines that still feel warm and comfortable. Lemme show ya.

KHLOE SIDE TABLE / SAVINA LOUNGE CHAIR / BIHAR PILLOW  

FABIOLA CONSOLE TABLE / CANDLE STAND / SOLARIS MIRROR / SUITCASE SET

TAXI ART / WINSTON FLOOR LAMP / TEDO STOOL

I chose the ridiculously sexy Savina Lounge Chairs as my focal point, flanked them with some amazing accent tables and grounded the room with the cowhide zebra rug. Um, how amazing is that wall paper?! I also threw in some champs & flowers, because let's face it, those are around enough to be considered decor in my world. If you are looking to design a room of your own, check out the virtual tour option offered through the Modani modern furniture store closest to you! I have already decorated every square inch of my apartment and I still have the urge for more. Ugh, does anyone have a house that I can just have?

OUT OF MY MIND FOR SKULLS.

It's getting eerily close to Halloween (yay!) and that means it's time to break out one of my very favorites...the skull print. I have to admit, I love a good skull year round, but this is the time of year when it makes the most sense and doesn't make people think I am some kind of blonde goth. What? That's a real issue I face.

Anyway, I love skulls. I want to wear them. I want to decorate with them. I want them in all shapes and sizes and I want them now. ZGALLERIE understands this & so does Alexander McQueen. Unfortunately, I can't afford the latter (YET), so for now, I'm sticking to these headcases:

FURBISH PRINT (similar) / VOTIVE HOLDERS / CARDS / SCARF / PILLOW / PLATE SET / CANDLE / EARRINGS / DECORATIVE SKULL

Doing Fallish things this weekend with Brandi.

SKULL SCARF (similar)

I got this scarf about a year ago at Target. Can you even deal with that information!? I have an amazing skull top I will be posting a little later, so don't forget to check back. Halloween chic, ghouls. I can't get enough of it!

FALL IN LOVE AT HOME.

Happy Sunday! Are we all very excited about the work week ahead!? No. No we are not. Sundays are for cuddling. Cuddling and mimosas. When I think of Sundays in the fall, I think of furry blankets, football snoozes in cozy PJs & spicy scented candles. Just like your closet, your home should change with the seasons. There are some super easy (and affordable) ways to take your living space from summer to fall with very little effort. Here are a few of my favorite picks from Target and Crate & Barrel:

THRESHOLD RUG / SKULL CANDLE / FUR STOOL / ACCENT TABLE / PILLOW / CURTAINS

Please pardon this brief Sunday interruption. Back to your regularly scheduled programming.

SOMEDAY MY PRINTS WILL COME.

Can we talk about my Etsy obsession? I can't get enough. Chances are, if you can dream up something, someone on there has probably made it and will sell it to you for $15. I kid you not. One of my favorite things to buy from Etsy is art prints. Here are a few from my most current wishlist:

All Images from Etsy

Hello Gorgeous / Lips / PRADA Marfa / Pop Culture Lolipop Red / Chanel Art Print / Louboutin Art Print / More Issues Than Vogue / Pop Fizz Clink / Vintage Film Canisters

How good would these look in a home office OR on a bar cart?! It's too good. I'm gonna need a few more rooms.

IT'S 5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE.

The bar cart is by far one of my favorite styling essentials for any home, big or small. Basically, it gives me an excuse to use one of my favorite things ever: trays. <squeal>

In my decor-crazed opinion, building your bar cart can be just as much fun as using it & this list from Matchbook Magazine is the perfect place to start:

Print your own here!

Feeling overwhelmed? Pour a drink. My recipe for a perfectly styled bar goes a little something like this:

World Market Glass / Restoration Hardware Bar Set / Marquis by Waterford Wine Cooler / Kelly Wearstler Cocktail Napkin / Wooden Bar Cart / Bar Tool / Agate Coaster / C.Wonder Highball Glass / C.Wonder Bar Tool / C.Wonder Wine Stopper / CB2 Kitchen / Python Tray / Urbancase Liquor Cabinet

Top it off & pull everything together with a fun print or small gallery wall. All of these are from MADE BY GIRL and I die over all of her stuff on the reg. I have the vertical LOVE print on the bottom.

MADE BY GIRL

Are you inspired yet, because all this talk has made me want to shop & create a brand new watering hole like NOW. I am all out of corners (literally) to fill at my place, so you know what that means...off to the boyfriend's! Cheers to Friday.

SNAKE IN THE GRASS.

Ok, so I lied when I said I didn't buy anything at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale…but the one item I did bring home was not actually on sale (go figure), so it was not really a REAL lie. It was only ly-ish. Forgive me? You will in time. This beaut below came home with me. It was really beyond my control.

LIKE MYNDED

BONUS: long enough for heels!

Super flattering sweetheart neckline.

Love the colors in this python print.

My closet floor. Probably my favorite DIY ever.

I seriously can't wait to wear this flowy little number to sip wine in the French countryside. Did I mention there is no wine on this 21 Day Fix? I'll ask you again, #sendhelp. 

P. to tha S. A few people have been asking for more details on this little closet safari DIY. It was one of those moments that was accidentally genius, but super easy. 

Basically, I bought this rug online (I think from Overstock?), but when it came in, it was WAY too aggressive for my living room and it was final sale. After a lot of pouting, I decided to try cutting it to fit my closet. I told you...decor crazed. Maybe I should have prefaced this with: "I was still single."

I measured the inside of my closet, marked the rug and then cut it using carpet shears I bought at Lowe's. Finally, I used carpet seam glue on the edges to keep it from fraying and voila! Leopard lovin' heaven. 

Here is a collage of the whole adorable process:

  

LET'S SLEEP IN.

I had the best time with my family at the lake, but am so happy to be back home tonight in the A with my babies, both fur & human. There is definitely something to be said about getting back to your routine. Driving home after spending all day in the sun had me dreaming of my bed, which naturally led to me dreaming of upgrading it. Here's a little pinspiration for your very own glam boudoir.

 

I have always been in love with these Jonathan Adler pillows

Kourtney Kardashian's Bedroom

All images from Pinterest

With rooms like these, you may not ever want to close your eyes. Sweet dreams, babies.

COME SALE AWAY.

If I had my way, my entire home would be styled in ZGALLERIE. It's actually well on it's way to being just that, and I only have 700 usable square feet. The struggle is real. This lust-worthy store has caused many a manic shopping encounter for me personally, and I feel like it's only right to share the wealth with you.

ZGALLERIE is having a mayj sale for the 4th and these are my wish list picks. You only have until Monday to snag these deals, so don't let the fireworks blind you. What is more Patriotic than a mirrored side table on which to rest your apple pie à la mode? Nothing, that's what.

POP MORE CORKS.

 

Ok gal pals, I've had my coffee(s) and am feeling sentimental. Time for a little DIY action. I love this idea, brought to you by Houzz via Pinterest, because let's be honest...where else? It's easy, meaningful and encourages drinking. What more could you ask for in a project?

What you will need:

-Three shadowbox frames. The deeper, the better. I got mine at Target, because again, where else?

-Old corks you have saved from special dates: anniversaries, your cat's birthday etc.

-Hot glue gun.

-Gold paint pen, or color of your choice.

That's it.

No shortage of corks at my place.

What to do:

Step 1: Center each cork on the white backing of the frame (you may have to saw off a portion of the cork to make it fit, depending on the depth of your frame. I used a serrated knife for mine) and hot glue it into place.

Step 2: Use the paint pen to write the date underneath the cork that corresponds with the special occasion you are trying to remember. I chose the dates from my first anniversary with my boyfriend and our first Christmas together. Collective "Aww." My third frame is still empty, which clearly means we need to start chugging, no?

Step 3: Put your frame back together and voila! Instant art. Please hold your applause, I know that was tough for a Wednesday morning.

Now, if I could just figure out where to hang mine...first world problems.