{Fashion Friday}

We are zooming in on a smaller vignette for this Fashion Friday because really, it is all about the interplay of the smallest details when creating a room that will "wow". We're in love with the combination of a bolder hue like turquoise with muddy browns, grays and black. There's nothing like an unexpected color combo to say this was styled by a pro!

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Obsessed 

Console Table

Bottles

Wallpaper

{Thirsty Thursday: Rose & Alternates To White Bedding}

All this rainy weather in New England has us craving comfort and luxury. So, we are sharing our FAVORITE ROSE CHAMPAGNE and some luxurious alternatives to white bedding because, lets face it, white bedding involves a lot of unnecessary upkeep. Who wants to do laundry when you could be sipping champagne? 

As smooth as water, infused with bubbles and happiness! 

We're breaking down alternatives to white bedding that will save your from endless laundering and bleaching but will still achieve the same, luxe effect for your bedroom retreat.

_ _ _

In my opinion, the toughest part of the all white bedroom look is the white duvet. A pain to remove and a bear to get back over your comforter once laundered, it's an all around hassle to keep clean. Believe it or not going to the opposite end of the spectrum by choosing a lower maintenance very dark duvet and using crisp patterned sheets in a light color as a contrast achieves the very same clean, crisp look of all white bedding.

{West Elm Duvet Cover}

Investing in good sheets is a must - you do spend every night in them after all. Egyptian cotton with a thread count over 500, like these, are a great choice. You can find a headboard like the one above, here.

Another option - go for a bold pattern over a beige quilt. Using a white bedskirt adds the lightness and contrast to make the room feel sharp and clean...

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{Martha Stewart Coverlet}

{Colorful Duvet}

{Stylish Bolster}

Another secret to achieving the light and airy look of all white bedding is to use a white duvet as an accent blanket. This can be removed once you're using the bed so that it doesn't get dirty. Putting a quilt or coverlet beneath it acts as a warm, functional layer. This same method was used in the inspiration photo above. Once you remove the accent duvet all your functional bedding is left for your sleeping & living. 

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Additionally, a white duvet cover hides any discoloration better when it has some texture like this one from west elm.

{Accent Bedding}

{Silk Channel Quilt in Brown}

{A Light Colored Headboard Adds An Airy Touch}

Lastly, a great way to bring a light and airy look to your bedroom without all the upkeep is an upholstered headboard in a light fabric. Far less maintenance than white sheets, this piece of furniture will lighten your space without being high maintenance. Choosing one with a footer and header gives an extra infusion of lightness.

{Bolster Pillow}

{Bolster Pillow}

{Decorative Pillow}

{The Chic Doggie Gate}

I spent this past long weekend in my happy place, Cape Cod. My parents generously have an open door policy for not only my boyfriend and I but our pups too, a Lab mix and French Bulldog.

Despite the clouds, the weekend was full of fresh flowers beckoning summer, lots of grilling and most excitingly my cousin's PROPOSAL on the beach to his wonderful girlfriend (she said YES!). 

While my parents generously host us, Peyton (the Frenchie) has a little peeing problem (look, we're working on it) so keeping her away from ALL RUGS is extremely important. This left us in search of a doggie gate so the four-legged kids could have some freedom but still be contained on an all wood surface in case of an accident.

After dropping into five stores and coming up empty, I quickly realized there is a huge lack of attractive and even functional DOGGIE GATES.

So, I did a little research and this is a roundup of my top five picks.

1. With an unusually long 6ft width and a wooden stain that matched the hardwood THIS was our ultimate purchase. It was very easy to assemble. The only drawback was that it's not quite 3ft so a larger dog could probably clear it with ease.  The upside of that is that you simply step over it and skip the hassle of a door.

Here are some 

others we 

liked…. 

2. A more stylized option

3. A lighter option…

4. This one makes the cut for being able to convert into a dog pen

5.  Simple & White is always a favorite

{Fashion Friday}

This week's Fashion Friday feature is BOLD and we LOVE it! 

The black and white stripes from this gorgeous skirt would  translate into the home beautifully! And we couldn't resist showing it to you in BOTH a living room by Erika Bonnell as well as a gorgeous tablescape.

Striped Chair

Sofa

Armchair

Ottoman

Zebra Cowhide

Leopard Accent Pillows

Floor Lamp

Empire Shade

Stemless Wine Glass

Striped Runner

Wood Planter

  

Wood Flatware

    

Driftwood Charger

{Thirsty Thursday: Outdoor Summer Party}

Happy Thirsty Thursday and almost long weekend! 
With Memorial Day around the corner, cookouts & summer get togethers are on our mind.Here are our

5 Tips For Hosting The Perfect Summer Party

This time of year, with BBQs and backyard shindigs abound, its easy to overindulge. Your guests will thank for this refreshing, virgin yet totally yummy option:

Blackberry & Mint Infused Water

~     ~     ~

**Your party will be successful every time if your goal is to have your guests feeling well taken care of, inspired and like they enjoyed a moment of escape by the end of it all.** 

1. Bring The Indoors Out
I am a big fan of pushing the boundaries and doing something unexpected at your party. It is truly the best way to put your guest into another headspace altogether so that they forget their stresses and get into the moment!

RUGS

they frame a space..all the better if you grab an indoor one & drag it out for the party

Indoor Furniture

Indoor Chairs 

(aren't they always more comfortable anyway?)

2. Trays
Trays are such a fun way to lend organization to your party. They frame glasses or a spread of cheese and crackers, effortlessly guiding guests through the experience of your party and inviting them to partake. There's nothing more welcoming than an idle tray of goodies! Try stationing one at your front door with a signature cocktail so your guests feel taken care of from the get go.

Woven Chevron Tray

Round Tray

Galvanized Metal Tray

Mirrored Tray

Nate Berkus for Target

Painted Metal Tray

3. A Beautiful Centerpiece

Flowers at each Place setting … a luxurious touch

A bottled centerpiece adds casual beauty

Add some moss as a base to define the arrangement

4. Personalize It 

Personalized Coasters

Personalized Games

Place Cards

5. Lighting …
Don't underestimate the power of lighting to set the mood.

LED Lanterns

Lanterns 

String Lights

Have a great idea for an outdoor party? Share with us in the comments below!