Re-Decorating

Bedroom Makeover
The weather is officially dreary in Chi-town and the post-holiday slump is coming. The decorations have come down and the new budget is in full-effect, which means one thing: It’s time to re-decorate!

Now, when I use the term I’m not talking about going out, buying lots of new accessories and paint, and cluttering my home with more ‘stuff.’ To me, re-decorate (see the clever use of the hyphen?!) means to take what you already have in your home and re-arrange it for a new look. Continue reading

Trends: White Lace

I’ve been in love with white lace for some time now – but it’s recently that I’ve noticed it cropping up in trends from housewares to mainstream fashion. The trick with white lace is to use it in one of two ways – as a subtle accent or all out for a voluminous texture. The remaining elements, from outfits to decorating, need to be simple to make the look work. And when in doubt – it’s always easiest to go vintage when pairing this elegant fabric with everyday items. Give it a try and you’re sure to be happy with the results!

diy doily lamps; white lace tattoo; bohemian white curtains; pierogi picnic tank top; diy lace suitcase; white lace and rings; lace shorts

Day 15 of Nesting

I’m a bit off with my updates for our new nest – but wanted to share pictures of the baby steps we made mid-way through the month! The place is coming along bit by bit, and I hope to have even more photos to share of it’s current state later next week.

Suffice it to say that between the vintage accents, our restored furnishings, and the splashes of color found in handmade home accessories and art – the apartment is really evoking a modern living meets thrifting vibe. Here’ s a peek at what we did a couple weeks back.

If you’re looking for the first “before and after” post, click here.

Making the Most of Space

I’m still knee deep in clutter in the new apartment as we attempt to decorate and organize all at once. That’s why when I saw this adorable entryway photo on Apartment Therapy I had to stop and share. What a great way to take a flat space and make it utilitarian, yet stylish. Setting it up in our place will be a great weekend project and rather than using typical chalkboard paint (toxicity anyone?) I’ll create my own with some zero VOC paint via this tutorial.

Have you done something fun with your mud room? Have any ideas for organizing purses, shoes and coats? Please share them below.

Vintage Chair Facelift

It’s not easy being green. Or is it? When hunting for new furniture for my apartment – the first place I’ll go is thrift and antique stores to see what I can salvage and update for my abode. Why run to Target or Ikea if there’s tons of gorgeous furniture already out there?!

I came across a set of these vintage chairs while going on a fabric run. A mega steal – the pieces were discounted – costing me only $9 each! After a thorough inspection and sniff test I decided they were a deal not to be passed up. Besides – I had to replace the rickety rocking chair I had in my living room. Or at least, that’s what I convinced myself of! All the chairs would need is a good cleaning, airing, and brightening up. Using some leftover Yolo paint, David and I taped off the wood and gave it a fresh coat.

The result is a fusion of old world craftsmanship with a modern whitewash finish. They’ve become an instant centerpiece in our place and will see many years of heartfelt Scrabbling, reading and pet napping. And people say it’s not easy being green.

Inspiration: Suitcase Dresser

One of my goals this month is to re-organize my studio to make fabrics easier to find and to ‘unclog’ the creative block messiness encourages.

So I’ve been hunting for ways to do so while keeping things green and aesthetically inspiring. That’s why I fell in love when I found this suitcase dresser! Easy enough to make on your own – this idea take vintage luggage and transforms it into a utilitarian designer’s dream! I don’t have the space to make something like this now – but I am keeping it in mind should I ever decide to do away with my current dresser.

Product Photos: Let There Be Light!

When first starting my Etsy shop creating product photos was thee most difficult task in my quest to bring my handmade clothes to the masses. Having received my Bachelors in Film Production I knew a thing or two about lighting and set design but little about practical retail photography. So the experimentation commenced and years later I am more than content with the results – I am downright beaming with pride. Using the most minimal resources I have found a way to take a striking pic that captures the viewers attention while flattering the garments. Here are the tid bits that I have learned over the years.

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