Best of 2013: Our Interior Refresh

After arriving home from France, we immediately got to work revamping our own interior a bit (always a work in progress, of course).
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When Steve and I moved in together years ago, I think we did a fairly good job of blending my vintage style with his more contemporary. But after being so inspired by the amazing interiors in France, we immediately got to work giving our place a mini-makeover upon return. It didn't take much to brighten our living space and give it a bit more sophistication ...

Our entry wall before ...

After ... 
A much more functional use of space, this salvaged shelving unit from Nadeau actually serves a pretty purpose with added storage.


Our living space before ...

After ... 
a new coat of paint and new couch, my handy husband added reclaimed wood to our CB2 coffee table, we swapped out the old artwork for this bright mirror, and I made over our Ikea side tables to be gold with white lacquer top. 



Next up ... An update to our bedroom and a french-inspired guest room.

Best of 2013: R&R at our B&B

After Petit Trianon, our B&B may be my other fave. The quaint house, with it's amazing decor was almost enough to keep in inside the entire time!
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To complete my French vacation highlights, I have to share a little sliver of French country perfection. Our bed and breakfast in the Champagne region was better than I could've dreamt! The old four story house was impeccably decorated with a mix of French country traditional and modern elements. Steve and I sat eating croissant and café one morning and we agreed to do a mini home makeover of our place right then and there. La Parenthèse is a little slice of French heaven (complete with it's own secret garden!) which I highly recommend.    

Best of 2013: Petit Trianon

Of all the beautiful places we visited in France, Petit Trianon and it's grounds are my new fave place on Earth 
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The other day I posted some of the pretty scenes from the Palace of Versailles – and as gorg as it was, my heart swelled when we visited one of the smaller residences on the grounds ... Petit Trianon. Marie-Antoinette would retreat here, trading in the incredibly ornate palace for the much more simple, but no less beautiful, Petit Trianon, a little over a mile down the most lovely tree-lined road. With a lot less gold and more stunning stone work and white washes, this place made me instantly rethink my entire home decor ... 

Best of 2013: Packing for France

Planning my packing list for France was almost as fun as the actual trip! To be honest, the outfits below are my go-to no matter where I am.
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Tomorrow Steve and I jet off to France! (with a little jaunt over to Champagne country on the way to Germany, also). I've come up with a few looks to avoid overpacking (I learned my lesson the hard way last time, leaving very little room for fun new French fashions). I find the easiest thing to do is stick to one or two colors so you can get the most out of each piece. Below are my staple pieces, which can be mixed and matched to create additional monochromatic looks.

Clockwise from top:  white blouse  //  classic trench  //  skinny jeans  //  metallic ballet flats  //  crossbody bag (similar one here)


Clockwise from top right:  Chanel velvet lipstick  //  Chanel jumbo flap bag  //  black strapless tiered maxi  //  stacked heel ankle bootie  //  black leather jacket 


 Clockwise from top right:  tiger print tee  //  nude pump  //  black cigarette pants  //  black single-button blazer  //  tan cashmere wrap

Best of 2013: Pretty in Print

A very simple outfit, made fun by this colorful printed blouse by Prabal Gurung for Target.









The goods:
• printed blouse from Prabal Gurung for Target
• pants, pumps and blazer from Zara
• rhinestone earrings from J.Crew  

I'm not one to shy away from bright patterns ... it's just that it's so easy to grab black (you know, when that's the dominant color in my closet). When poking around the Prabal line for Target a couple months back, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and pick up a few of his signature bold prints. I instantly fell in love with this top - the perfect contrast to my otherwise dark and neutral wardrobe. And it pairs so well with black.

Best of 2013: The Girlie Girl

Another fave outfit from last year, mostly black (of course), but with feminine touches like the mini aline skirt and statement necklace.









The goods:
• chambray dress from Marshalls
• white shirt from Banana Republic 
• sweater from Nordstrom
• necklace from Forever21
• platform booties by Report   

I often dip into my summer dress collection to create winter ensembles. This chambray dress is great in warm weather with simple sandals and a hint of tan, but paired with warm tights and some added layers, it's a subtle nod to summer in the middle of winter weather. There's just something sweet and summery about chambray fabrics - maybe that's my subconscious reason for snapping up all the fun pieces I find.

Best of 2013: Simple Material Mixing

I just like any casual outfit that can incorporate sleek leather and cozy knits.









The goods:
• blouse from Forever21
• sweater by Velvet
• faux leather pants from Urban Outfitters
• pumps from Zara
• necklaces from Stitch Chicago  

I'm all for the edgy look of leather-like pants, but to avoid a biker babe ensemble, you have to balance them out with something softer. I paired these tight pants with a feminine flowy top and cozy open-weave sweater. Add a few sparkly accessories and just a hint of sweet pink lipstick, and I've steered clear of being mistaken for a member of Hells Angels.

Away We Go

After the polar vortex had it's way with us, and with no spring in sight quite yet, Steve and I are taking off in search of a sunnier spot for a few days. While I'm away I will share my fave posts from 2013, and also let you know that this year, I plan to bring outfit posts back (at least weekly, if not more). 

Have a great weekend!

Luggage painting by Chris Stott