Monday, November 15, 2010

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

Saturday, November 13, 2010

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

Thursday, November 4, 2010

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