No longer "Just a Bachelor Pad"

I’m very excited to share my latest project with you. This summer one of my clients bought a beautiful new home in the Ballard area of Seattle. He admittedly didn't have a clue about where to start with decorating and furnishing his first home. So, he gave me the keys and asked that I convert his bachelor pad into a cozy, contemporary, awesome place to call home. Interior decorating has always been a favorite activity of mine so having this opportunity made my summer.

The goal for this project was to keep it rather inexpensive and to make it feel like a guy's place, meaning not too feminine or formal. I focused on art work, accent tables and decor, lighting and linens. Since this was a new home, we also needed warm window coverings and wall paint.

Here are some before and after photos of the house.

The Living Room. Before: white walls, cluttered, no window coverings, lighting or decor.













After: Walls and ceilings painted with an all-over antique white color, with mood walls in a warm wheat grass color. Alternative wood shutter blinds. Color-rich Turkish rug (a housewarming gift from his mom). New leather recliner, to complement his leather couch, along with some accent pillows. New side tables and a rattan trunk/coffee table. Lamps and candles, framed family photos, art work and of course, a mounted flat screen TV.

Adding warm colors made all the difference to this home. With a loft and high ceilings, color-filled decor and art work draws one’s eyes down, making it feel cozier and more homey. With beautiful bamboo flooring throughout the house, the rattan chest, a rattan chair he already had, and new accessories in light-bamboo tan colors, go perfect together.

Guest Bathroom. Before: white walls, no storage or accessories; just a hand towel ring.












After: Grey blue colored walls with a new towel bar and hooks, accented by a decorative shelve, fun accessories, fresh towels and stylish storage containers.













The few silver bins, and jute, palm leaf baskets, fit perfectly in the odd-angled storage cubby, and were very inexpensive.

The Loft Master Bedroom. Before: white paint, drab linens, poor furniture arrangement, and dim lighting.










After: Rearranged furniture, antique white painted walls accented by the wheat grass mood wall. Another beautiful Turkish rug (from mom), new linens, storage, lighting and decor.










In order to make the open loft feel like a separate bedroom upstairs, colorful and patterned throw pillows and bedside table lamps were placed to draw one’s attention away from the open space beyond the wall that serves as a headboard.

Master Bathroom: white walls, no accessories, and no color.













After: Gray taupe colored walls, featuring framed art work, new towels and modern accessories.










The black and white art work I used was very inexpensive. I cut a poster into coordinated pieces of art and bought some pre-cut matting and frames. Easy and eye catching.

I’m so pleased to have my styling extend from people’s closets, into an entire home. Like clothes, your home is an extension of who you are, and can make you feel great about yourself.

If you are interested in seeing more photos of this project, have any questions about home decor, or are interested in me helping you with your home, please call or email me. Let's see what we can dream up!

A special thanks goes to new home owner Jim Robenalt, painter Kerry Sherrill, and handyman Aaron Jensen.

Every Girl Deserves a Sole Mate

When I am shopping with the ladies and we walk by a shoe store or department, I always notice a sudden stop to our conversation, followed by "oohs" and "aahs." It’s as if we just found our one and only true love, something we just can’t live without, our new best friend and sole mate: Shoes.

I can’t believe there aren’t more single guys hanging out in the ladies' shoe department. But then again, even the cutest guys would have to compete for our attention during a good shoe sale. That is, unless you work there and you can help us find our size and tell us how beautiful the shoes look on us…then, you may get our attention.

So, let's talk about some of my favorite shoes that are in style this summer. Hopefully I will help change your mind about a few new styles and convince you that you can pull them off.

First, flip flops. They have been around for years and luckily they're still in. But please avoid those $4 drugstore plastic flip flops this year. Instead, consider these newer styles below.













Next, the Gladiator. As I mentioned in my last blog, I know that these can be a bit scary to some of you but please at least try them on before you judge. I will be honest and say that last year when they were coming out I said to myself “no way.” But I did buy some that weren’t so crazy, ended up wearing them all the time, and am again wearing them this summer. I added a pair of black Steve Maddens to my gladiator collection and can’t stop dreaming about my next pair. Even my husband is saying to me, “Yeah, that dress would look better with some black gladiators.” Best husband eevverrr.

Next up, wedges and platforms. I must tell you I love, love, LOVE all the funky 70s inspired wedgies and plats! Even if you can’t find a reason to wear these bad boys you should at least get a pair for a ladies' night out or your next date. They make your legs look long and lean and if you are height challenged these, my friend, are your new best friends.

Finally, flats with a twist. When flats came back on the scene a few years ago it was a girl's dream come true. Our feet were hurting from years of heels! This season try a flat with a huarache effect or maybe a pair with fun cutouts. And if you want some lift, there are a ton of flats with an itsy bitsy little heel.
















These are just a few of the many ladies' shoes that are hot this season for you to keep your eyes on. With so many different styles, I'm sure you will find your true sole mate…at least for this summer.

Pictures provided by: JCrew, Steve Madden, Nordstrom, Macys, Piperlime, Urban Outfitters and Banana Republic

Spring Ahead

Spring is here and the sun is -- or should I say was? -- finally out. It's time to say goodbye to those bulky sweaters and dreary colors.... say hello to fresh, vibrant Spring fashions!

To get you in the Spring spirit, here are just a few of the exciting new colors that are sure to be a hit this year. This season is all about matching neutrals with colors that pop. As Isaac Mizrahi says in April's issue of InStyle magazine: "Mix a color with a neutral, and it will work -- trust me."

Trust me too!

Making a big appearance are muted brights and neutrals -- khaki, ocean blue and misty pink to name a few.

Khaki (like black) can be worn with almost anything. These two outfits below feature khaki colored jackets with contrasting ocean blue sweaters underneath. If you wear khaki, definitely mix in a pop of color so you don't get washed out.

In addition to neutral colors like khaki, consider light, interchangeable clothing items this Spring -- they can be worn for work and/or play. For instance, the picture to the left shows a basic taupe colored cardigan with a yellow (remember my January blog?) a-line skirt and a neutral tank. Perfect: neutral, not washed out, and appropriate for work or Sunday brunch with the ladies.

You can also take that same cardigan and/or tank, throw on some great jeans or bootcut slacks, like she has on below, and you're ready for happy hour!

Check out a couple of the Red Carpet's favorites. Here's Justin T., with a neutral colored shirt and t-shirt, under a pop of color from in his light puffy vest. Simple, subdued (but not overly so) and versatile.

And look at Eva. Here she is in a khaki, safari-inspired Old Navy (yes, it's really Old Navy) jacket with skinny jeans and heels. Instead of peppering in some color, she makes the outfit eye catching with the jeans and animal print wedge heels. If you feel like skinny jeans wouldn't look so skinny on you, this jacket would also look awesome with wide leg jeans, or a pencil skirt or dress pants for a semi-casual office look.

So what about those colors that will pop with your neutrals? Khaki and 0live neutrals look beautiful with fuchsia, plum, yellow and jade green. Stone, taupe and gray neutrals look best with pink, sky blue/turquoise, denim and orange. White, navy and black -- which are considered neutral -- go with pretty much any color you pair them with.

Now that we've talked hues, let's talk shoes! This year is trending towards flats, wedges and gladiators -- styles that can add pizazz to any look, without breaking the bank.... if you know where to look.

These Rocket Dog flats from DSW come in a range of colors -- for only $34. They look great with jeans and polished with slacks. White or stone colored wide-leg pants would pair well with this orange color.

These Boutique Nordstrom 'Tate' Wedges are $59 and also come in a range of colors. What I like about these is the satin upper that dresses up the cork wedge heel. Wear them with trouser shorts, skirts, dresses and all kinds of pants.

I hear from a lot of women that they feel they can't pull off the gladiator shoe but it all depends on the style. I agree that some are so extreme that even Cleopatra herself would shy away from them! But these gladiator sandals from Steve Madden have more of a sandal feel, and the studded detailing gives them a great vintage appeal. A celebrity favorite seen on Heidi Klum, Bar Rafaeli, Lindsay Lohan and Kate Moss to name a few. (Banglez Gladiator, $89)

Men, I love the 'Gibson' leather driving loafers ($89) from Banana Republic -- they are super comfy and an easy shoe to wear with jeans, khakis or some slacks (but obviously not suit pants). Socks are optional.

Although I'm not huge fan of guys wearing basketball shoes while not on the court (you know who you are), I do like a "dress" sneaker with jeans. These BOSS sneakers are mix of canvas, leather and suede, creating a streamlined sneaker, rich with textural variety. Available at Nordstrom for $125.

So return to those neutral shades and khakis, pepper them with some color, and I promise you'll have a little extra Spring in your step!

(Pictures provided by Banana Republic, JCrew, Victoria Secret, AskMen.com, DSW, Nordstrom and Steven Madden)

What a Girl (or Boy) Wants

With Cupid's Day creeping up on us, I wanted to share with you a few unique, budget friendly gift ideas for your loved one -- or maybe even yourself. Sure there's flowers, chocolates and pink champagne to give but why not give something that won't die, add inches to your waistline, or give you a hangover?

What a Girl Wants

Although diamonds are still a girl's best friend, pass on the diamond heart necklaces or studs this year. On the low cost front, treat your lady to turquoise -- yes, turquoise! It's back (again) and better than ever. And even faux turquoise will do the trick. Here is a sequin beaded stretch bracelet faceted with stones to create a beautiful, vintage-inspired look. (Nordstrom, $98. Also available in coral/red color).

If turquoise is just not your thing, you should still think vintage. Look at this locket. Delicate, gold-plated with glass pearls; perfect.

Not only will grandma love it but you could add a pic of you love birds or your children to make it a keepsake. (JCrew, $55, Fleur locket).

If jewelry isn't doing it for you or her, multifunctional fashion items are always a hit. Impress the lady (ladies) in your life with savvy gift ideas like these:

Soft, sexy, flowy cami with a twist knot. Goes great with jeans and heels. If you are worried about showing too much arm or freezing your you know what off, throw a cardigan sweater or fitted jacket over the top of it. Perfect for summer, vacation, or for a night on the town. (Express, $39, "hot stuff" color. Also in peacock & black).

This tissue weight cashmere wrap is just waiting to be touched. Super soft and light weight. It's the perfect all around gift for any special lady. It can be worn over the shoulders or tied at the neck -- even used as a little snuggling blanket while cozying up on the couch. (Nordstrom, $98, normally $118. Variety of colors available).

These are an all time fave. For the Eco friendly gal, these personalized tote bags are fabulous. Handmade of natural jute with leather handles, and in two different sizes. Use as a handbag, tote it to lunch, the gym, shopping trips, vacation, or just load it up with diapers and toys. It's a steal at $24, with free monogramming. Isn't saving money beautiful? (ballarddesigns.com, $24 to $29. Range of colors available).

I could go on and on with "What a Girl Wants" options but I must save room for the boys.

What a Boy Wants

Okay, I know what you are thinking but I'm not going to talk about what really a boy wants on Valentines' Day -- this blog is PG. Here are a few useful, budget friendly gifts for your man.

This bracelet would be great for the guy in your life. It's not flashy or obnoxious; it's simple and comfortable enough to be worn every day. By Russell Simmons, this stainless steel bracelet has a cool laser engraved geometric pattern and easy adjustable links. (Macy's, $195).

Jewelry not his thing? Check out this awesome multifunctional man bag (or "murse" -- "man purse" is so yesterday). This bag is great for weekend getaways, work, the gym, school, you name it. It can be worn either over the shoulder, across the chest like a messenger bag, or hand carried like a briefcase. (UrbanOutfitters.com, $89, by Ben Sherman).

If you are going on a vacation soon (with this weather, I sure hope so), your guy might love these vintage style board shorts! Nothing says old school like patchwork madras. Yes, they may look a little extreme or wild in this picture, but I promise they are "choka" (surfer term for bitchin', awesome, great). (JCrew, $69).

For a sure fire gift, get him a few polo shirts from the Gap. They are on sale for $25 -- why not get two? These polo shirts can be layered for a preppy look or worn on top of a long sleeve t-shirt. They make for a great basic, all year round.

And last but certainly not least: the power tie. Gordon Gecko-style power clothing is making a comeback. (Wall Street Journal). Red is always in and looks good on just about any fella. Simple, bold, symmetric. Give him the power, the power of love. (Textured silk tie, Nordstrom, $89, by David Donahue. Stripe silk tie, Men's Wearhouse, $40, by Burma Bibas).

There you have it. Low cost gift ideas that would make Cupid jealous. The rest is up to you, Romeo or Juliette!

Happy Valentines' Day