Apartment Living

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No matter the size of your entry space, find a way to define it.  The perfectly balanced entry pictured above is of CNN's Alina Cho's New York City Apartment.
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Trunks are great for apartment and small home living because they have multiple uses -- storage, table, or bench seat.

get inspired....here are some trunks like the one seen above 

restoration hardware metal media trunk

rhino sticker yellow trunk

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when organizing a room (no matter its size) try to create a space for displaying your art and favorite treasures.  Treasures be anything you love...a unique lamp, art books, or a gorgeous chair (this one is by Jason Wu).....which is beautifully displayed above

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Storage is so important in small homes.  Built ins like the ones seen above are essential for adding storage to a small space.  Whenever shopping and choosing a piece for your home always try to think of all its potential outside of just being beautiful.  The high ceilings are utilized by installing bookshelves, a built in bench, and entertainment center, all on one wall.  The wall unit is not only attractive but also has a ton of storage availability.

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improvise whenever necessary -- use a petite desk that doubles as a nightstand

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The typical method for creating a guest bedroom (in a one bedroom home) is the pull-out couch.   However, in some cases a space may not be large enough to appropriately put a pull out a bed.  That's when the day-bed comes in handy.  When it comes to style a day bed can actually be more visually pleasing than a typical pull-out couch. 

similar day beds below

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st. james sleigh day bed by restoration hardware

day bed with trundle by pottery barn

window day bed by west elm

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No matter how small your apartment or home may be you can always achieve a beautifully designed space if you keep in mind....balance, harmony, details, practicality and personal style

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A Clear Trend

 seen in decor 

 Design via Tobi Fairley  //  Philippe Starck Victoria Ghost Chair available here
Johnathan Adler Bond Table available here

vintage lucite steamer trunk available here

1970's custom suede and lucite slipper chairs available here 

french vintage console table available here


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seen in fashion

michael kors spring 2013

tibi

images via elle  //  similar clutch available here

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seen in shoes

             

Mugler pvc shoe available here  //  Christian Louboutin available here

Givenchy pvc sandal available here  //  Topshop illusion flat available here

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seen in accessories

umbrella via target  //  clear frame glasses via target  //  clear chunky necklace via h&m

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Holiday Party Signature Drinks

Tiramisu Trippers 

• 1/2  cup coffee ice cream

• 1  ounce vodka 

• 1  ounce coffee liquer 

• 1/2  ounce creme de cascao

• 1/2  cup ice cubes 

• garnish with chocolate-covered coffee beans, coarsely chopped

Full Recipe Here
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Rosy Cheeks

• 1/2

  cup whipping cream

• 2

  ounces Chambord (1/4 cup)

• 1 1/2

  ounces raspberry vodka (3 tablespoons)

• 1  

ounce vanilla vodka (2 tablespoons)

• 1/2

  cup ice cubes

• 8  

fresh raspberries

Full Recipe Here
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Blackberry Lemon Gin + Tonics 

• 12  blackberries

• 20  fresh mint leaves 

• 2  lemons 

• 1/4  cup simple syrup  

• 12  ounce gin

• 1  tonic water

• ice 

Full Recipe Here
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Chocolate Blitzen 

• 2  ounces semisweet chocolate chips

• 2/3  cup chocolate sprinkles 

• 1  cup chocolate ice cream 

• 2  ounces Irish cream liqueur  

• 1  ounce dark cream de cacao 

• 1  ounce vodka

• garnish with chocolate curls or grated chocolate 
• 
  

Full Recipe Here
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Sparkling Sangria 

• 1  large English cucumber, thinly bias-sliced (3-1/2 cups)

• 1  4-6 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced 

• 6  large radishes, thinly sliced (1cup) 

• 1  cup grapefruit juice 

• 1  750 milliliter bottle brut champagne or sparkling wine, chilled

Full Recipe Here
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Pomegranate Prosecco 

• 1  cup pomegranate liqueur

• 2  bottles Prosecco 

• 8  sugar cubes

• garnish with pomegranate seeds

Full Recipe Here
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Emerald Color Trend of 2013

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jcrew    

 jason wu

lanvin   

michael kors

gardner bib

alice + olivia

The Pantone 2013 Color of the Year is...Emerald!  I absolutely love the Emerald color trend...rich and classic, emerald works perfectly in all forms of art, fashion and design -- as seen above -- emerald exudes beauty and elegance. 

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Sage Wisdom

Sage and Grapefruit Martini --  In a cocktail shaker muddle 2-3 grapefruit slices and 6 sage leaves.  Fill shaker with ice. Add a 1/4 cup vodka, 1/4 cup gin, and 3 tbsp. simple syrup.  Shake for 30 seconds.  Pour into 2 chilled Martini glasses.  Add a splash or 2 of Prosecco over each cocktail.  Garnish with sage leaves.

Sage Butter  --  This is the EASIEST way to create a delicious and visually pleasing spread.  Melt 1/2 cup of butter in jar;  cut about 10 leaves of sage into small pieces then stir into melted butter, add in a couple teaspoons of lemon juice cover and put in the fridge to harden.  A jar of fresh homemade Sage Butter will make a lovely gift to bring to a holiday party or get together.  I made a 'sage themed' basket to bring to a holiday party last week.  I included a tied bushel of freshly picked sage (which smelled amazing); a mason jar of sage butter, plus the ingredients for the sage grapefruit martini (gift basket pictured below)

learn more about the culinary and medical benefits of sage here + here

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Gift Ideas: For the Men in Your Life

1.  Yves Saint Laurent Le'Homme, available here  //  A fresh and masculine fragrance with unique contracts such as cedar-wood and basil flower that create a intriguing combination.  A gift that will benefit all parties involved.

2.  J Crew Cashmere Knit Tie, available here  //  Made in Italy this Cashmere tie has a color and texture that is paired perfectly with an oxford shirt or can be worn nicely with a sports coat and jeans.

3.  DVF Drew Suede Satchel , available here  //  Essential carryall bag...straight from the runway this suede satchel is perfect for a weekend trip, work, but is still casual enough to use to go to the gym.  The Chain Link hardware paired with the suede and leather contrast gives the bag great character.

4.  Antique Bamboo Bar Tools Set, available here  //  Crafted of eco-friendly bamboo the bottle opener and cork screw are a party essential.  Bamboo is a wood known to be full of strength, these tools are not only attractive but durable.

5.  Ray-Ban Folding Wayfarers Acetate Sunglasses, available here  //  Ray-ban is famous for creating classic unisex sunglasses.  While these sunglasses can certainly be worn by women the folding feature make them perfect for men. Stylish, clean, classic, and can easily fit in a pocket...which is definitely a plus since this will decrease the chances of losing them.

6.  Brooks Brothers Saxxon Fisherman Crew neck Sweater, available here //  Knit from Saxxon wool this sweater looks so inviting and comfortable.  It is available in Natural or Navy.  I love the natural color (pictured above) and Aran cable knit pattern...it reminds me of the beautiful Irish sweaters my Nanny's knits.

7.  Mulberry Cross-Grain Leather Card Holder, available here  //  Card holders are becoming increasingly popular over a traditional wallet...the slim width allows for more comfortable storage in pants pockets.  Subtle and understated it is an ideal everyday accessory for the gentlemen in your life.

8.  Lanvin Engraved Rhodium-Plated Cuff-links, available here  //  Lanvin is France's oldest couture house still in operation...so the name Lanvin always means strong quality and detailed focused aesthetics.  These particular cuff-links have an elegance combined with a textured finish that allows them to be very versatile.

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Gift Ideas: For the Design Enthusiast

1.  Elephant Salt + Pepper Shakers by Kouboo, available here  //  Ever since returning from Asia I have become obsessed with elephants seen in decor, print, or fashion...these lovey pewter elephant shakers are so cute anyone would love them!

2.  Agate Coasters by West Elm, available here  //  Agate is a form of chalcedony quartz that's being seen a lot lately in home decor and accessories.  These gorgeous blue gems are sliced making each piece one of a kind....the agate coasters are a perfectly unique gift for almost anyone on your shopping list. 

3.  Custom Address Stamp, available here  //  Etsy is always a great go to site for really special gift ideas.  There are many shops on Etsy that make custom stamps...search the site and you can find a shop that has a style that fits your gift vision.

4.  Shine Necklace by Ily Couture available here  //  I love the story behind the founder and designer for Ily Couture...I became introduced to her jewelry through her blog www.hellofashionblog.com (fashion enthusiast will love this blog).  The Shine Necklace is the perfect statement piece...looks great layered too. 

5. Malin + Goetz Candle at Barneys available here  //  Love, love, love this geranium leaf candle, the fresh subtle scent is soothing and helps to balance the senses.

6. St. Jude's Ceramic Owl by West Elm available here  //  These adorable ceramic owls by west elm are not only adorable but are for a great organization!  For every St. Jude's® Owl sold, $5 of the purchase price will go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. ®

7.  CB I Hate Perfume available here  //  I was introduced to this amazingly unorthodox fragrance gallery while on a trip in Brooklyn.  The gallery is located on 93 Wythe Ave. Brooklyn, NY -- you can also make purchases or find more store locations  here. With scents like 'Doll Head', 'Russian Tea Caravan', and 'Burning Leaves' the I Hate Purfume experience is a must...there is truly a scent for EVERYone. 

8.  Ikat Tea Set by CWonder available here  //  Seen in CWonder's Ikat Dinnerware and Textile collection.  The tea set includes a gold rimmed tea cup and pot.  This set is the perfect gift for the tea lover in your life.

9.  Metallic Chevron Pillow by CWonder available here  //  This pillow cover has a clean Chevron print paired with the metallic detail will add the perfect dose of glam to any space.   

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