Beautiful Wedding Bouquets with a Personal Touch!

I hope you are having a great Wednesday so far! As you know, I am currently in the midst of wedding planning (less than 6 months to go!!) and I have been crazy on Pinterest finding all kinds of cool ideas I would never think of.

One of my favorite things I have discovered is the idea of the "personalized"bouquet.  I think its such a special thing to have a small, meaningful detail hidden away for the bride as she walks down the aisle. 

Here are some of my favorites!

Rustic Wedding Chic  (1) and Something Turquoise (2) 

1. I love this Southern Louisiana bouquet from Rustic Wedding Chic because of the meaningful rosary (or prayer beads) they intwined within the flowers. Not only is it beautiful, but I really like the idea of a family heirloom.

2. This monogramed burlap detail is subtle and pretty and a nice way to show off your new last initial!

Fab Mood (3) and Style Me Pretty (4)

3. This bouquet featured on Fab Mood I think is so sweet for putting subtle pictures of loved ones or your loved ones who have passed away. Its a beautiful way to have them walk down the aisle "with" you.
4. This idea may be my favorite because it is probably the easiest to incorporate! This bride took lace from her mother's wedding dress and used it to wrap around her bouquet… so beautiful!

I hope you enjoyed and have a wonderful night!!

xo, 

Grace 

Go-to Accessories of the Summer!

Hello Hello!! I hope you all had a great last weekend of July! I have no idea where July went… I feel like I blinked and now it is coming to an end.  But, I am happy because I have lots of exciting things coming up in the month of August! :)

Today I wanted to share with you the two accessories I have been grabbing more than anything else this summer. They truly are my go-to items for pulling any outfit together.  They are: The Harper Cork Wedge and The Bella Patent Clutch (sadly no longer available in beige but linked here for the black).  Both Elaine Turner pieces, these two make any outfit I am wearing feel extra special and summery.

Things I love about the Harper Cork Wedges: 

• SO comfortable
• Make my legs look longer (who wouldn't want that!)
• The bamboo detail on the top
• Go with everything

Things I love about the Patent Leather Bella Clutch

• Magnetic closure makes it extra secure
• Hot pink lining
• Mirror inside!

Outfit Details: Sweater- C. Wonder, Dress- Splendid, Necklace- From Houston TX Boutique, gift from my mom, Earrings- Forever 21

What have been your go-to's this summer?

xo, 

Grace

Work of the Week: Rene Magritte "The Treachery of Images"

Happy Sunday and welcome back to another Work of the Week! I was talking to my mom a few days ago and she asked me what work I would be writing about this week, and how I go about selecting one each Sunday.  I told her that the honest answer to both of those questions was that I couldn't really answer because each week, events or circumstances just happen to inspire me, leading me to a particular theme or image.

Magritte, "The Treachery of Images" 1928-1929

That is definitely true this week, as I've seen at least three t-shirts in the last 7 days with this painting (or a stylized version of it) plastered on the front.  I think its budding popularity as t-shirt art may have something to do with Hazel Grace (Shailene Woodley), the protagonist of the extremely popular film The Fault In Our Stars, wearing it as she toured Amsterdam.

Hazel Grace sporting the Graphic Tee in the Film + One for sale online

I wonder how many people wearing this graphic tee realize that they are wearing a representation of one of the greatest surrealist paintings of all time?

Magritte completed stylistically diverse surrealist paintings, and "The Treachery of Images" is one of the most visually simple works in his collection. The representation of a pipe, with pronounced three dementional shading, hovers above cursive script reading "This is not a pipe." Despite it's "realistic" portrayal as a pipe, he states below that it is not a pipe at all.

So, what is it?

It is a commentary on representation, and the serious limitations of it, never before unearthed in such a clear and pointing way as Magritte does here.  The flat canvas covered in pigment will never be a pipe, only a image for viewers to impose their understanding of what a pipe is onto it.  Without the viewer's judgement, preconceptions, or understanding of the object we have designated to be a "pipe," the object would simply be a flat shape on a stagnant canvas.  

Images can betray us because the thing being represented may seem as if "reality" to the viewer, but in fact it is nothing more than a two dimentional surface.  This is not to say that images have no place in representation, but instead challenges the viewer to question their own reality, to question their perceptions, and to look past shiny facades to what really may lie beneath. 

As the artist himself says, "Only thought can resemble. It resembles by being what it hears, sees, or knows; it becomes what the world offers it."

So in fact it is not a pipe, but a series of lines and shadings that the viewer uses to impose their preconceptions into a judgement of what is "real."  Now, why is Hazel-Grace, a young woman suffering from cancer, wearing this on her shirt? I'll let you think about that one.

Have a great Sunday!

xo, 

Grace

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

Hi guys and happy Friday!! I realize this is a bit late, but I wanted to share with you all my picks from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale this year! I LOVE the anniversary sale because its one of the only sales I can think of that gives you a chance to buy styles at a discount before the season begins, instead of after... I always find it a little hard to justify purchasing a down jacket, even if it is half off, at the beginning of May.

So, while these amazing deals last, stock up for the upcoming fall and winter seasons! They will be here before we know it. Crazy, right!? Where is the summer going?

This year, I broke my selections up into two sections: 1. Sophisticated Staples and 2. Fun & Flirty Picks. I only decided to feature items that I consider to be "good deals," so there is nothing on this list that is more than 200 dollars (except the COACH 'Legacy Duffle' Shoulder Bag  but it is over $100 off). Enjoy!!

S O P H I S T I C A T E D   S T A P L E S

1. COACH 'Legacy Duffle' Shoulder Bag: This classic staple is over $100 dollars off, so if you are in the market for a classic handbag that will last you the rest of your life, now is the time to take advantage! Love the tassel detail too.

2. Halogen Mixed Media Drape Neck Top : At only $25.90, this comes in different colors/prints  AND in Petite! Great for work or paired with jeans and a cool jacket for brisk fall days.

3. Ted Baker London Bow Clutch : I think this is a staple because it is a perfect way to add a pop of color into your fall/winter wardrobe without being overwhelming.  I would even use this as a wallet in a bigger bag during the day, and then for night just take it out and its already all set to go! Love the bow detail ( and basically everything Ted Baker makes… ever).

4. Cascade Wrap Dress:  Perfect for work, universally flattering, easy to dress up or down, AND on sale… what more could you want! Also it is available in four colors.

5. Jolt Colorblock Faux Leather Knit Coat: This is one of my favorite items from the sale this year. In person it looks so much more expensive than the $64.90 price it is available for!  I love the faux leather detail paired with the soft white and the structure of it.  It is also a great staple because it looks elegant with a dressier outfit (say, the Cascade Wrap Dress above) and a pair of pumps, but it can also be made to look more casual or edgy with a basic T-shirt and skinny jeans/leggings. So versatile.

6. Eliza J Leopard Print Ponte Knit Fit & Flare Dress: The way that this dress is cut, coupled with the black paneling around waist/bust, makes it flattering on all body types. It could be great for work or with some motorcycle boots for a more relaxed look. And, of course, I'm also loving the animal print!

7. Chelsea28 Dolman Sleeve Brushed Sweater: Dolman Sleeves are one of my most favorite trends for this fall/winter. They create a much more fluid shape with the arm of the sweater and are so comfortable! I love the heather blue color that this one comes in as well!

8. Sam Edelman 'Zachary' Suede Pump: Available in multiple colors, this pump is sophisticated enough for elegant outings, but has a touch of fun with the cut out ankle straps.

F U N  &  F L I R T Y

1. Will Work for Shoes Graphic Tee: Graphic Tee's will be huge this fall and winter and I am A-Ok with that because I love to wear tshirts! And I really will work for shoes :)

2. Wildfox 'Mauve Dots' Pullover: I am OBSESSED with Wildfox Pullover sweatshirts. I know you're wondering how I can be so excited about a sweatshirt, but the Wildfox Pullovers are the softest, coziest, most amazing articles of loungewear ever. Plus, they are really cute.  This ons is on sale for $84, but let me assure you that it is worth every penny! If my friend Laura is reading this, she is probably rolling her eyes because I have been known to go on and on about my love for these things.

3. En Creme Eyelash Lace Skater Dress : This is the perfect fun and flirty dress for a holiday party or night out, AND its a great price ($49). Comes in three colors too! I also would love it with tights.

4.Caslon Waxed Cotton Anorak: Camo print is going to be huge this year and this jacket is a great way to incorporate it into your wardrobe. It also comes in petite!

5. ASTR Mesh Inset Crock Embossed Fit & Flare Dress: I picked this dress because it reminds me of my sister and I can see her rocking this this fall! It is the perfect pairing of edgy and feminine at great price ($48)!

6. Halogen Love Shoulder Zip Sweater: Love this Love sweater! Just like graphic tee's, graphic sweaters are definitely on the rise. This is one of my favorites because of the grey/red color combo.

7. Halogen Hearts Shoulder Zip Sweater: Heart sweaters are top at my list of things I cannot resist. This is one is particularly amazing because it is thin enough to look great as top with a skirt for work, and as always, amazing with jeans. Love.

8. Miami Chica Plaid Pleat Skirt: This may seem like a strange inclusion to some, but I think plaid pleated skirts are so cool and I will definitely be sporting one this fall.  I think my love of this style may have something to do with my long-gone field hockey playing days, but I really do think this is a cool skirt to wear with a chambray button down or a plain grey/white tee.

Happy shopping!!

xo, 

Grace

Work of the Week: Lilly Martin Spencer: Young Husband: First Marketing

Welcome back to a new Work of the Week post!

I hope you have all had wonderful weekends!!

Today's work is by American 19th century artist, Lilly Martin Spencer.  Spencer is very well known for her scenes of domesticity, or "genre" scenes typically popular during this time period.  What some do not know about Spencer is that she was the breadwinner and financial provider for her family.  After Lilly Spencer wed, her husband decided to quit his job and help her out with housekeeping while she devoted herself entirely to producing works for purchase.

Despite her work ethic and talent, the Spencers were never econonmically prosperous and spent most of their lives in financial distress.

This painting, Young Husband: First Marketing (1854), is widely considered to be an attempt at humor in portraying gender relations in the mid 1800s (which were thankfully much different than gender relations today!).  The "Young Husband" clumsily walks through the rain, dropping produce from his shopping basket after picking up groceries-- shocking as men were not generally portrayed as facilitators of the domestic sphere.  This, however, was Lilly Spencer's reality.  A darkly dressed man with a sinister expression, and especially pointy umbrella, jeers at him from behind.

Most New Yorkers who first viewed it in the National Academy of Design in 1854 got a good laugh from it, as it was quite preposterous and odd to see a male figure infringing on what was seen as the female realm (and doing such a poor job at it too!).

I propose a less humorous reading to this image. Personally, I see this as a frustrated commentary by Spencer on her financial and home-life situation. She bore the complete responsibility of financing her household, while her husband managed the domestic issues…a total reversal of the "norm."  In turn, society, embodied here by the jeering man, looked down upon them with more than just laughs, but a sort of inescapable darkness, willing and hoping for the Spencer's "strange" situation to fail.  As evidenced by the "Young Husband's" frazzled struggles, it was not easy for either of them to endure.

It is especially interesting for me to reflect on this work today, as almost two centuries later, I would hope that we have progressed far enough to not find it silly when a man buys groceries.  However, we certainly still struggle with similar gender issues and inequalities.  This work is an important reminder of the pain, humiliation, and fear that people who enjoy perpetuating stereotypes can impose on one deemed to be "different." Let us strive to not be the jeering man!

I hope you enjoyed this post and have a wonderful Sunday Night! I must confess that tomorrow I am going to Harry Potter World (***yay!!!***) and will not be posting. I will be back Wednesday and stay tuned for a review of the New Diagon Alley!! 

xo, 

Grace

Some Ikea Favorites!

Happy Friday!! :)

Today I want to share two of my favorite items that I consider to be "Ikea Staples." I LOVE Ikea and one of my favorite activities is to go to there, grab some free coffee and a cinnamon roll (they have the BEST) and walk around the show room looking at all the clever set-ups. When we got an Ikea and I was still living in Charlotte, my mom and I would probably go once a week in the morning and do that… happy memories!

Anyway, I know lots of people do not like assembling furniture and therefore never go there, but some of their best things are in their home decor/ accessory department and require little to no assembly.

One of the best things they offer, in my opinion, is the RIBBA series of frames. They are so inexpensive for how high-end they look.  The matt quality is high and I love that they offer them in a variety of colors (although I always go for the classic white).

I have two of the 19 3/4 by 27 1/2 size ones hanging side by side and I love how they look.  I picked up some wrapping paper from Paper Source that I loved, popped it into the frames, and voilia! Very inexpensive but fun wall art.

The small sizes are great too!! I have this hanging by my desk:

I am also a big fan of the GARNITYR Box with Lid.  When you don't have a lot of storage space, plastic bins are great and all, but why keep things in ugly bins when you can store them in boxes that are actually attractive? These are SO roomy and you can really squeeze a lot into them because they are fabric and stretch a bit.  Also, they have a handy tab so you can label it and know exactly what is inside!

I have them on top of BRIMNES 3 door Wardrobe which was NOT easy to assemble (My amazing fiancé did the whole thing), but is great now that it is done! 

Do you guys have any Ikea products that you love?

Happy Weekend! Tune in this Sunday for the 3rd "Work of the Week"!

xo, 

Grace

Favorite Coffee Table Books {Currently}!

Hi guys and happy half-way through the week! Hope its been good to you so far. Today I want to share a few of my favorite coffee table books. My mom has always decorated with and collected coffee table books, so growing up I was always surrounded by the glossy pages of far away locations, beautiful art work, or cozy decorating ideas. Just like her, I love books and I love to decorate with them as well!  They are a great way to show personality in your home as they are a fantastic opportunity to showcase your interests or passions.

Here are my current favorites:

1. Hue by Kelly Wearstler // 2. Will Cotton Paintings and Works on Paper by Francine Prose // 3. Houses in My heart: Carleton Varney by Carleton Varney // 4. Contemporary Classical: The Architecture of Andrew Skurman by Andrew Skurman // 

Hue was introduced to me by a woman I used to babysit for who loved interior designer/fashion designer Kelly Wearstler's style. It definitely rubbed off on me and this is such a fun book for colorful inspiration, decorating outside the box, and looking at cool modern art. My only complaint is that I have the smaller version and I wish I had gotten the larger book so that it has more presence, but still, one of my favorites for sure.

Will Cotton by Will Cotton is like looking through dreamland. His paintings and drawings mainly feature women dressed up in all kinds of candy or cakes, or landscapes of candy-worlds. His work is seriously amazing (you may remember him from Katy Perry's teenage dream album cover/artwork). 

I purchased Houses in my Heart while on vacation with my family at the stunning Greenbrier Resort. I have always loved The Greenbrier and the way that Dorothy Draper decorated it with bright colors and fun florals (check out In the Pink: Dorothy Draper).  Carleton Varney is now the president of Dorothy Draper and Co. Inc and is active in decorating many hotels including the Greenbrier. This book has beautiful images of his bright and vibrant decorating.

Finally, Contemporary Classical was a gift from my parents and I find it very relaxing to look through. Skurman's clean lines and classic aesthetic are refreshing in a world where there is so much stimulation.  This book is fantastic for the interior decor and the architecture alike. 

What are some of your coffee table books? Have a great afternoon!!

xo, 

Grace