Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Where the Heart Is

I've heard all of the sayings--home is where your mom is, home is where your husband is, etc., etc., but I believe the oldest saying rings true- home is where your heart is.  In that sense, I have many different homes, but just one actual house.  My husband and I decided a few weeks ago to purchase a new house and sell our current one.  We sold our current house in one day, to the first person that looked at it, without it even being on the market or having a for sale sign in the yard.  What can I say, I learned from the best real estate agent (my dad).  We are excited about the new house but are starting to get sentimental about leaving and having a limited number of days left in the current house.  This house is special to us, as it is the first house we lived in together and the only home that Monaco has ever known.  I took pictures of every room so I could capture everything as it is now before we start packing, and now I'm deciding what to donate, sell, or keep to take to the new house.  Looking around, I realized that my favorite things in this house are not the newest or most expensive things, but the ones that have the most meaning.  I love pieces that are old and have a story behind it, or that once belonged to a loved one.

My husband's grandmother was an amazing artist, among many other talents.  She gave us this painting a few years ago.  Several other family members have similar versions of this painting or another painting by her of some sort.
This frame holds pictures of our nieces and nephew.  It was a gift from them, and I love that it captured each of their different personalities and cuteness.  Our new house is just down the street from them, and we hope they will be frequent visitors.
I got the bookshelf below second-hand at a neat store in BG called Steamboat Salvage.  I kinda just put some picture frames and wedding gifts in here but in the new house I will spruce it up a bit.
These curtains don't have a story at all, they are totally from Pier1, but I just love them and will definitely find a place for them in the new house.  There's greens, blues, yellows, and reds in here so it should be easy to match a room with.  
The three prints below are impressive for two reasons- one, they were sent to my husband's grandmother from India during World War II, and two, look how straight my husband hung them.  Pretty amazing.
Yeah, for some reason I have an elephant theme going in this house, as you can see with this little guy hanging out in the kitchen.  Oh, and there's a lovely dog crate that hasn't been used in at least 3 years.
This mirror hanging in the foyer also belonged to my husband's grandmother. 
This piece belonged to my beloved grandmother.  It was in her foyer with a mirror hung on the wall above it, but I use it as a nightstand in my guest room.  One of the legs is barely hanging on, but I'll keep it forever because it reminds me of her.

 What are some 'things' in your house that you could never part with?


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Fashion Icon: Kate Hudson

One of my favorite people to watch on the red carpet is the beautiful Kate Hudson.  She is always so glowy and happy.  She's been on the scene for awhile now but I love how her look has evolved over the years, but still stays true to her California girl roots.  Kate always looks perfectly styled (by Rachel Zoe), but never overdone.  She can pull off anything, from sexy bombshell to demure to pretty and cute.  She does what a true fashion icon does- leaves us wanting more and wondering what she will do next.
Marchesa, Alexander McQueen, Antonio Berardi, Pucci
My favorite Kate Hudson role is Penny Lane in Almost Famous.  In fact, I love this line from the movie so much that I have it as one of my fave quotes on my Facebook page.

Speaking of Almost Famous, just as Russell Hammond says he is "a golden god," Kate is a golden goddess in these red carpet looks.
T:  Stella McCartney, Atelier Versace
B: Versace, Dior, Atelier Versace
While she is fabulous in white and in gold, she is also truly radiant in red.
Prabal Gurung, Valentino, Stella McCartney
Ok, let's face it, the woman looks gorge in every color.
Reem Acra, Ann Taylor, Diane Von Furstenberg
Her style isn't limited to just gowns, though.  She can also rock a suit better than most men I know.
Alexander McQueen, Michael Kors, Gucci
As much as I love her red carpet looks, I also like to see how she switches it up for her everyday looks and appearances.  How cool does she look in these street looks?  She looks strong, confident and laid back at the same time.
L: Michael Kors, R: Barbara Bui
all images from Google

Monday, August 5, 2013

In Living Color

My friends know that I usually steer clear of bold colors and I'll admit that only about 25% of my clothes are in hues other than white, black, gray, navy and beige, but since there's not much left of summer I'm trying to wear all of the bright colorful stuff that I do have while I still can.  Also, FYI, this is a great time to take advantage of end of season sales.
TL: Francesca's 'Santiago Knit Dress' (Francesca's)
BL: Joie 'Devitri Silk Shirt' (Nordstrom)
C: me in a Voll top (Bluetique)
TR: BB Dakota 'Helaine Pleated Top' (shopruche.com)
BR: Banana Republic 'Camden-Fit Floral Ankle Pant' (Banana Republic)

L: Nanette Lepore 'Bogatell Dress' (nanettelepore.com)
TR: Rachel Zoe 'Jonah Colorblock Dress' (shopbop.com)
BR: Gap 'Printed Split Neck Tunic Dress' (Gap)

L: Alice + Trixie 'Scout Print Silk Shirt Dress' (Nordstrom)
C: Zara 'Printed Pencil Skirt' (Zara)
R: I. Madeline 'Jewel Print Dress' (piperlime.com)
I love the Kate Spade motto that says to 'live colorfully.'  Sometimes it's easier said than done, but I'm trying to remember to do something every day that helps me live by this mantra.  No, I'm not going to try to bring back neon warm-up suits, but instead try do little things like take a different route on my evening walk, try a new restaurant, or make an extra effort to connect to a friend.  What do you do to add color to your world?