A Little of This & That… Renovating, Decorating, DIY Projects & Family
A Little of This & That… Renovating, Decorating, DIY Projects & Family

Three New Looks for Fall

This past weekend we pulled out our warm scarves, visited a local pumpkin patch and sipped hot cider – it was the perfect fall day! It was also our first day of San Diego rain. Well, not so much rain as a heavy drizzle that lasted most of the afternoon.

But that means just one thing – fall is officially here in full swing and I’m ready for movie nights curled up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa! That and the opportunity to wear wool, heavy knits and leather boots.

Three new looks for fall:

Board #1: It’s still wavering around the mid 60’s in San Diego which means warm tights paired with a belted wool skirt and tucked in blouse (covered by a timeless trench) is ideal for the workday.

Board #2: While I love the growing belly, I think what I miss most from my closet is the opportunity to belt long cardigans, sweater dresses and lots of layers together. I love the shape of this particular sweater dress and the mix of brown, olive and grey pulled together with an ikat scarf. Add a simple gold cuff (I actually just added this staple to my collection and really love it) and hoop earrings for a soft fall look.

Board #3: Last but not least skinny cords, sparkly ballet flats and colorful outerwear over a few warm layers is perfect for a day of errands around town. Top with a bold necklace and enjoy.

Oh fall! So happy you’re here. A full page of style boards and their sources/pricing (including the above) here.

Spookifying the House – Halloween Inspiration

Halloween is creeping up on us! It feels like I just began decorating for fall and it’s already time to update the home with a few frightful features.

I spent Saturday garage saling with a friend for Halloween DIY project finds to add to the mantel, porch and throughout the house. Before I start out for any kind of shopping (especially thrift) I like to keep an inspiration board in mind to help focus my search and get the creative juices flowing. Here’s what I assembled for the weekend:

Picture frames and mirrors that are already hung around the house provide a great opportunity to incorporate cut out shadow shapes, creepy eyes and even tempura paint (which washes right off) in the shape of ghosts. I’m a big fan of glitter this fall as well – I’ll see if I can’t find decor ready for a diy coat.

Halloween Inspiration, Halloween Decor, Decorating, Orange, Black, Spooky, Pumpkin, Centerpiece, Tablescape, Mirrors, Windows

I’m also looking for anything that can be spray painted black – there’s something especially Halloween-ish about candle sticks, ceramic animals, pumpkins, lanterns, votive holders, skulls, spiders and the like when coated in a flat black and covered in cobwebs.

I’m on the search for creative ways to incorporate creepy shadows. Lining the inside of a lampshade with black cut out bats is a fun way to do this (when the light is switched on your bats dance on the surrounding walls), but why not line candle holders, lanterns and windows with fun shapes too? I love the tissue paper candle holders above – just be sure the tissue paper is on the outside of the glass!

Will be sharing all of my finds soon – it was definitely a productive day searching and my living room mantel is nearly finished. For more inspiration, check out this great link party at The Stories of A to Z showcasing dozens of blogger & reader mantels to peruse. Happy Monday!

Images: Better Homes & Gardens, Martha Stewart

Friday Guest Blog Interview: Sixty-Fifth Avenue

I was over the moon when Londen of Sixty-Fifth Avenue sent me an absolute ‘yes!’ when asked to participate in PDB’s Friday Guest Blog Interview series. If I had to choose a close second to blogging, it would be getting inside the creative minds of fellow bloggers via these fun, round table questions that so many have taken a stab at (here’s a link to the whole list). It’s inspiring to hear the creative process, loves and tips of those who have ‘been there done that’ in the worlds of diying, crafting and designing.

Sixty-Fifth Avenue is a constant source of just such information – Londen creates Before & Afters that are just beautiful and regularly shares on the updates of her own little bungalow. She’s a self-confessed treasure hunter and is quite adept at making the old new.

If I could describe her style from reading her blog, I would say Londen gravitates towards the shabby chic, cottage vibe that is all about white-washed furniture, floral (but modern) fabrics and the occasional brilliant pops of color. That plus a traditional spin makes for one beautifully decorated Chicago home.

Follow the jump for a little house tour and interview answers! Continue reading

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