LARGE & IN CHARGE

I am constantly searching for beautiful, affordable pieces of EXTRA LARGE art.  BUT it turns out that most artists do not want to sell their giant pieces of art for low prices.... imagine that.  Even though it can be $pricey$- I am always drawn to large pieces instead of a small ones because one large painting or photo can help ground and simplify the room while a couple smaller pieces can make it feel cluttered. 

For example:

This living room only has 2 pieces of large art (that we can see) and it keeps the room looking simple, clean and chic.  (pic. from Lulu de Kwiatkowski's living room in Lonny Magazine)

I am not sure if the underwater photo is a family photo that was blown up or if it is a piece that was bought, but either way. i love it.   Actually, my next project for my apartment is to blow up a large photo and either have it printed on canvas with a thick edge or to just print it as a photo and frame it.  This is a great way to add large pieces of art to your home without breaking the bank.  AND- it makes the art more unique and personal.  (click here for an online site where you can create large photo art)

Ellen Pompeo's kitchen from Elle Decor

Kitchens can get crazy---there is food, pots, pans, dishes etc. everywhere.  So most peeps like to keep the artwork out of the kitchen so they won't lose their mind.  But, this large, black & white photo blends perfectly and keeps it simple.

BEAUTIFUL.  Kelly Klein's living room from Elle Decor via Habitually Chic 

Dwell designer Jennifer Chused's son's room

Now, I know that I said "I only like large art"- but in my mind this counts too.  Large, symmetrical groupings of 12 or more similar framed pieces are just as great.  Even if the images are different, it is ok as long as the frames are the same.

image via Elle Decor

Obviously I am not a huge fan of empty wall space.... Thoughts?

love,

abs

Can I have a SWEATER with that please?

OK.  Soooo in my last post I gave you a sneak peak into my favorite past time of shoe hoarding.  I also said that my fall go-to outfit is jeans, boots and a big sweater.  Now, this outfit is worn with either skinny jeans and riding boots or bootcut jeans with cowboy boots (under, not over the jean).  Last week I introduced two new sweaters to my crazy closet.  One is this Vince Tweed Turtleneck- oooh so cuddly soft.

You can find this here: Bergdorf Goodman

I also bought a great black turtleneck tunic (which I think should be a staple for anyone's closet) from the GAP but I can't seem to find the picture online anywhere.  If you are looking for a cheaper version of the above turtleneck I would suggest visiting your local GAP store to see what they have.  I think the one I bought was about $40.
Below are some other suggestions that I found surfing the web at some of my local web hangouts.

J. Crew always has great, well-made basics that are pretty affordable.  This one is $98.

DKNY sweater  

Vince Chunky Cowl Sweater $325 

Theory Dacia Turtleneck Sweater $395-- Very iffy about the double turtleneck collar- I might feel like I am being strangled.

GAP Cashmere Tunic T- $128-- I am a little weird about buying short sleeve cashmere because personally, if I am cold enough to put on a cashmere sweater I am probably going to want to keep my arms warm too...

Absolutely Cotton Dolman Sleeve Sweater $30

Rebecca Taylor Wavy Poncho $275.  I like the ease of this poncho but I would probably wear a fitted white long sleeved t-shirt underneath.

TopShop sweater

Old Navy $35

Banana Republic $175--this looks so soft that I might fall asleep just looking at it...

Banana Republic Kangaroo Pocket Rollneck $90

Do you have a perfect go-to sweater? Let me know!

This is how baby Gracie used to sleep when she was a wee little tyke.  She used to stuff her head in between the couch pillows and fall asleep for hours. Just too darn cute.

Cuddlebug:

love,

abs

Boot-A-holic

I must confess that I am obsessed with boots.  I don't know exactly what it is but I am always looking for that next boot to fill an empty place in my collection.  I was cleaning out my closet recently a)because it was begging me to clean it  and b) because my sweet little sister, hays, and best friend, diana, were coming in town.

hays and diana and me

Anyways- mid-way through my closet cleanse I tried to organize my chaotic pile of shoes:

Shoes are nice but BOOTS are better.  I am a pretty casual girl and my go to outfit in the fall/winter is usually jeans, a big sweater and boots.  Casual, chic and comfortable.

My boot collection:

These are my 2 pairs of cowboy boots- I LOVE them.  I bought the darker ones at a random store in LA that only sold vintage cowboy boots and the ones on the right I bought at a vintage store in NYC.  I am not a cowboy boots and skirt kinda gal but I do wear them under my jeans all the time.  They look nice and casual and keep my feet very warm.
If you like these then I would recommend going to your local thrift store and looking around, it is always nice to have a unique pair.  BUT, if you want this look right now I would go for something like this:

The Carson Pull On by Frye  Frye makes really well made and oh- so comfy boots.

These cowboy boots are hilarious- I bought them one year at a store in Vail, CO and I actually wore them a lot (only under jeans so you can't see the terrible fringe) 

These are also a vintage find from NYC.  But this is a classic style that is also very on trend, so there are many similar boots out there right now:

Steve Madden "Streeet" Tall Paddock Boots

Lucky Brand "Andria" Boots with Buckle

These are from Urban Outfitters a couple of years ago.  They are ok, but not very comfortable and a little too trendy for me.  Also, please notice the horrible scratches on my dresser drawer! My sweet little Gracie likes to do this when I am not looking.

These are the most recent addition to my closet! I love them! My sweet Mom gave them to me for my bday.  They are Coach and still in stores! You can find them at Nordstrom.

I wore these all throughout high school because I went to boarding school in the North where we had to walk to school in blizzards- no joke.  And they come in handy when I go skiing out West.  You can buy them at Gorsuch

I wear these ALL THE TIME.   I bought them at ALDO last year and they aren't made very well and I think they are fake leather but they are cheap, cute, comfortable and easy to wear with jeans when it is cold out.  A perfect fall shoe.  I looked at Aldo for a similar pair and all I could find are these: 

These are the Patanella Boots from Aldo.  I know that you probably think these look silly, but if you wear them under jeans then all you will be able to see is a little brown.  Miss Sixty and Steve Madden also have some great options:

Steve Madden "Londunn" Double Gore Booties

Miss Sixty Nico boots (I have been drooling over these for a while)

I am sorry that these pictures are so horrible!  I couldn't find my camera so I took them with my iphone.  Not Good.  Anyways- these are black suede slouchy boots from Aldo that are cheap and comfy (obviously what I try and look for in a boot).  I wear them mostly with either leggings or a dress.  This is the only similar boot at Aldo that I could find:

ALDO Braseth Boot

I bought these last year at Barney's CO-OP and I think they are still selling them here.  These are great boots and ones I wear when I need to be a little more dressed up.

UGGS- I'm not gonna lie- I love my Uggs and I wear them a ton in the winter when I need to run out quickly and it's cold- they may not be that pretty but they do the trick.

LAST PAIR!  These are from - guess where?- A VINTAGE STORE  in NYC. ha! I can't help it- I love old, worn boots.  These are great, the heel is actually pretty high- but you can't tell from this pic.  I usually wear these under long dress pants for work.  Cole Haan makes something similar with the Air Tantivy Tall Boot.

WOW! So that's the story of my boots.  I love finding great boots so I hope that this helps you find your perfect boot!  And here are a few that are on my wish list: 

Frye Veronica Slouch Boots

Frye Melissa Button Boot

What do you think?  I think my little munchkin is ready for me to stop talking about boots and take her to the park.

love,

abs

Cone of Shame

This is the little lady that I have been spending all of my free time with lately.  She is in "the cone of shame"because she just got spayed- :(   Don't get me wrong- I would LOVE little baby Gracie's running around but that might just make me lose my mind.  And the Doc. says that letting dogs go into heat increases their chance of breast cancer by 80%!  So this was a no brainer for me.

I am very sad to say that I did not plan this well and now she will be unable to wear her adorable Halloween costume. (and yes I am that girl who buys costumes for her dog- so sue me- it's too cute)

Bee Costume

We might just have to celebrate this holiday twice.  Because little Gracie would make an adorable bumblebee.

love,

abs

The BUZZ

Reuben "Buzz" Harper is an amazing, creative interior designer, specializing in 18th century french decor.  He is fashion savvy, a world traveler, an antique collector and most importantly my GRANDFATHER.

A portrait of Buzz 

I am kicking myself that I didn't pick up some family photos while I was at my parents house this past weekend.  But these internet images will have to do for now.  The portrait above has been in his house for as long as I can remember-- such a handsome fellow!

Buzz is one of the most wonderful people that I know with one of the most amazing hearts.  He has worked on so many projects throughout his life.  Before moving to New Orleans, Buzz and my grandmother lived in Natchez, MS in The Burn, which is now a beautiful museum.

After that, Buzz lived in New Orleans and had a very grand showroom of European antiques called Harper's Antiques in the French Quarter.

NOW-  Buzz is back in Natchez shaking things up.

 Buzz in Southern Living  

Anyways-  I caught up with busy BUZZ this morning and asked him a couple of questions:

Buzz! You have been an interior designer forever! What makes you still excited about interior design after all these years?

The joy of bringing beauty and happiness into someones life- the way it kicks up the spirit of the people you are doing it for. 

What kind of projects are you currently working on?

I am mostly working on projects for clients that I have had for 30 or 40 years.

What do you miss about New Orleans now that you are living back in Natchez?

THE FOOD!  and of course my friends.  New Orleans has its own music, food and culture and did you know it has the oldest opera company in the US? It is just a fantastic city.

What do you think is necessary in every home?

A piano- because whether you play or not it is a beautiful ornament and if you entertain then you can always have someone play.  (I love this)

What is your favorite food?

Foie gras. I had it last night!

Favorite thing to do on the weekends?

Besides going to Mass, my favorite thing is to play bridge, which I do every Sunday afternoon.

Who is your fashion icon?

Versace   

Any words of design advice to our bloggers?

Be smart enough to figure out what you like and don't let any interior designer tell you what you should like. You have the right to like what you like!

love,

abs

SINKS-how to choose?

I am not sure why I am so obsessed with sinks.  I live in a rented apartment and I am not an interior designer but for some reason I find myself looking to see which sinks people choose for their home.  I think it says a lot about who they are.

This could be because I am a complete MESS and I'm not gonna lie- there are many times when I come home to a double bowl, stainless steel sink full of dirty dishes *cringe*.   BUT- I feel like I would be completely organized and perfect if I had this sink: (and maybe 2 dishwashers)

Wouldn't this just be wonderful?! A HUGE industrial kitchen sink like this?  This makes my heart skip a beat.  I. AM. IN. LOVE.  


Of course, there are always many other options.  Here are some of my other faves:

LOVE this one too- TWO huge farmhouse sinks- clean, sleek, classic & spacious

I like the idea of having an extra little sink in the island for washing hands etc.

(via Southern Accents- designed by fellow Atlantan Suzanne Kasler)
I love this kitchen but I am not sure if I would like my sinks to be across from each other...

Obviously I am drawn to light, bright kitchens. They make me feel clean and organized = happy.


*all images not identified above are via House Beautiful

love,

abs