Sasha and I don’t want to buy too many big furniture items before The Manor is ready, because we have plenty of time to decorate and want everything to piece together perfectly. We’ve bought the Maxwell couches and know which entryway and coffee tables we’ll buy (see here), so the last big purchase we’ll get for the open living/dining room space is the table and chairs. We wanted to veer away from a formal table and were leaning towards a more rustic chic style. After doing lots of browsing, we found the winner: the Emmerson Dining Table and Bench from West Elm. For the side opposite from the bench and for the head seats, we’ll have the Hudson Camelback Upholstered Side Chair from Restoration Hardware (my obsession). Cannot wait to see it all in place so that we can start buying the little decorative pieces! What does your ideal dining area look like?
Lusting at Ikat @ C. Wonder
I must admit that I am currently obsessed with Ikat print, so naturally I’m lusting over everything C. Wonder. The flagship store opened in fall 2011 by Chris Burch (ex-husband of Tory), and it has the most gorgeous clothes and accessories; however, I’m in love with their home goods. The Ikat plates, mugs, and pillows are amazing – see below. The picnic set will definitely be acquired, as will the P jewelry box (after the wedding, of course). Some of my favorite finds below!
1) Wool Herringbone Throw Blanket, 2) Ikat Dinnerware, 3) Wicker Picnic Basket, 4) Monogrammed Pillow, 5) Monogrammed Jewelry Box, 6) Ikat Placemat, 7) Ikat Dinner Plate, 8) Lacquered Serving Tray, 9) Ikat Print Nesting Bowls, 10) X’s and O’s Ikat Pillow Cover, 11) Ikat Cloth Napkins
To & From Magazine
Having a hard time deciding what gift to get your loved one this Valentine’s Day? Fortunately for me, Sasha and I have decided to only exchange cards (only my favorite things in the world) this year on February 14, as my birthday comes shortly after and our bank accounts are much more focused on the house + wedding than they are on little niceties. However, that doesn’t mean that I can’t browse Valentine’s gift guides (have you seen how many choices of cards there are?), and my new favorite is to & from magazine, which is an electronic publication that compiles big blogger’s present recommendations for the different seasons of the year (i.e. Christmas, Valentine’s Day). It’s simple, gorgeous and spurs great ideas. Definitely check it out if you are in need of inspiration.
The pretty landing page
Gift guides in the food + drinks category – love, love, love
As for me, I think I’ll be leaning towards some Sugar Paper, because what guy doesn’t love a good gold leaf card? Loving this one here on vmac + cheese.
Favorite Looks of the Week + Priya Winner
I did a Priya giveaway last Friday, so the following pictures are a roundup of my favorite looks from last week. It has been warm in California and well below freezing on the East Coast/Chicago – go figure. The best-of-the-best outfits below range greatly – but they are all stunning. Click on the images to link to the source blog. Enjoy!
Also, the winner of the Priya giveaway is Doris Vela. Email me so I can ship you the purse + bangles!
[stunning, need i say more? — samantha hutchinson]
[nobody does a bow quite like her — blair eadie]
[i want to move to new england when i read classy girls wear pearls — sarah vickers]
[she’s been on this list every week – julia engel]
[the epitome of “classic” — natalie comstock]
[she could be going to the mall or an award show and still look awesome in this — emily schuman]
[who looks that cute when it’s 4 degrees outside? — liz schneider]
[that jacket! — emily jackson]
[who knew workout clothes could look so cool? — a piece of toast]
Just a Lick of Paint
I walked into The Manor yesterday with McKenzie, and I was tickled pink. It was the first time that I’d see the new paint on the walls, and although they have 1-2 coats left, I am so excited about the progress. The wood floors, faucets, dishwasher, wine cooler, and ice machine go in this week, and I cannot wait to see what it looks like after that. Getting much closer to the finish line… More before and afters of the kitchen, study, master bath, living room and entryway below! Previous progress posts filed under the Decor category above.
Designed after seeing this picture.
The front door needs at least two more paint coats – but that’s our new front entryway!
You can see where the Maxwell couches will go!