Right Hand Ladies

16 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Bridal Party, Shopping, Weddings

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anthropologie, BHLDN, bridal party, bride, bridesmaids, dresses, elegant, fancy, florals, free people, garden wedding, jcrew weddings, m&S, maid of honor, ModCloth, mother nature, nature inspired, pastels, ruche, shopping, wedding party, wedding planning, weddings

There are so many elements to get in order for your wedding day. From invitations and decor to scheduling all the vendors you need just in time, it can be very overwhelming. One thing to remember is to always have fun and breathe. Planning your big day may be stressful but just know you have people right by your side to help along the way. What would a bride do without her maid of honor and bridesmaids? These are the ladies you personally handpicked to ride along with you. So its important to make sure they look their best and feel beautiful as well.

Here are some of my picks for the lovely ladies in your wedding party. I think it comes down to being comfortable, having the piece fit well, and not ending up costing tons of money. Anything easier on the pockets during an event such as a wedding will help out for sure. Hope you get inspired. Enjoy!

For a more casual garden, nature inspired wedding, these would totally fit the bill. Just because your event is not fancy doesn’t mean it won’t be elegant. Take cues from mother earth and explore florals, pastels, and flowy garments that are soft and delicate. These next picks I found at Ruche, BHLDN, ModCloth, Free People, and M&S.

Ruche – Enchanting Garden Printed Dress

BHLDN – Wingspan Dress

ModCloth – Pondside Processional Dress

ModCloth – The Latest Bouquets Dress

Free People – Cast Your Net Dress

Free People – He Loves Me Floral Dress

M&S – M&S Collection Deep V-Neck Ruched Bodice Chiffon Dress

Having a boho styled wedding incorporates natural elements but has a more earthy feel. Think dresses with layers of fabric, soft and flowy pieces, longer styles, and more handmade elements. Free People is hands down one of the best shops to look for this style of clothing. But I have found some other cute options at ModCloth and Anthropologie.

Free People – Cora Off the Shoulder Gown

Free People – Martini Embellished Trapeze

Free People – Modern Chinoise Dress

Ruche – Loved You First Pleated Maxi Dress

Anthropologie – Sapphire Day Dress

More upscale weddings with an elegant feel, should incorporate a more streamlined style. Simple pieces with beautiful fabrics that really make a statement. Same style is also popular in prom dresses – teranicouture.com/collection/prom-dresses-2017/. Maybe a little shimmer here and a touch of glam there, but not overbearing designs. Here are some of my favorites I found for all seasons from BHLDN, JCrew, M&S, Ruche, and Anthropologie.

BHLDN – Niceties Dress

BHLDN – Daylily Dress

JCrew – Mirabelle Dress in Silk Chiffon

M&S – M&S Collection Pleated Fit & Flare Dress

M&S – M&S Collection Sleeveless Mesh Spotted Prom Dress

Ruche – Sophia Monique Tiered Lace Dress

Anthropologie – Eclipsing Lace Dress

I know the bride is a main focus of the wedding, as she should be, but there are so many other important elements that are a part of the overall picture. I upsets me to see a bride who looks stunning and then bridesmaids who just seem uncomfortable and unhappy. They need attention as well. Just as much as the groom and his groomsmen. The bridal party should pop off the background of the wedding, meaning the overall style and theme of the decor as well as the natural setting should be a perfect setting for you all to shine.

Don’t lose your mind shopping endlessly for the perfect dresses and outfits. Besides local shops you always have the internet which comes with being able to try things on in your own home where you are more comfortable. I think that pretty awesome. And even though you have plenty of options where you are from, checking out places in other countries can sometimes really pay off, like the shop Marks & Spencers I included in my picks. You might be lucky to find something no one has seen before and find special deals on garments that might be pricier where you are from. The possibilities are endless.

Elegant Dining

16 Wednesday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, The Home

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antique, art, classic, comfortable, dining room, eclectic, elegant, fancy, graphic, interior design, modern, monochromatic, neutral, rustic, space, vintage

Having a unique and comfortable dining area is essential for a home. Not only is it the place where your family gathers to eat and share the day’s adventures but its the space where your guests are invited to enjoy your delicious meals. Not to mention, hang out during parties. Like the other rooms in your home, it should reflect your style and be cohesive with the rest of the house.

Not everyone wants the same look and it certainly isn’t expected for you to have a fancy dining room. There are a lot of different ideas for fancy anyway. Having an elegant space is the path you want to go in. When I say elegant, I mean a space that shows you took the time to make it special. There are plenty of things you can do to create this feel. Here are some ideas that will help bring some inspiration your way.

I love how this space is down to earth and nature inspired. It’s not stuffy or too dark and with all the unique elements thrown in the design, its also interesting enough to inspire conversation. The light wood tones and neutrals create a modern setting while the wallpaper adds that perfect touch of elegance to bring it up a notch. The mismatched chairs and small pops of color give the room an eclectic and fun look.

Photo Credit: Ideal Home

This french inspired space is surely elegant. With its antique pieces and neutral color scheme, its a beautiful example of a grand dining room. It’s lush, comfortable and simple as well as light and airy. I love how all the elements blend together, this allows the space to feel more open as well.

Photo Credit: Country Homes & Interiors

For a more casual dining area, keep it simple but cozy. This space showcases a rustic feel through modern aesthetic. Bold lines in the furniture help balance the space while the the textured chairs and floor add interest. To bring a soft touch to the room, the white and creamy color palette play a major role here while the flawy curtains keep the the hard edges of the windows looking a bit more delicate.

Photo Credit: Country Homes & Interiors

Classic and elegant, this room shows off gorgeous pieces and features earthy hues for a more dramatic look. This type of rustic elegance has traditional undertones but is still cozy enough to gather and be comfortable. The dark wood floors help ground the space while the lighter tones in the table and chairs help to bring out their beautiful texture.

Photo Credit: ML Interior Design

For those who don’t have much space for dining or even a room to use as a dining area, getting creative with what you have is key. I love how this small space off the kitchen has both a dining room feel as well as a nook type of style. The built in benches really help to save space and can sit a lot of people, the table is casual but elegant in its own right and the chairs add a vintage touch. The light that pours into this area is gorgeous as well. With the addition of the industrial lighting and large map, the room appears fun and laid back which is something all your guest will surely love.

Photo Credit: Ideal Home

If you love graphic spaces and monochromatic color schemes, than this space is right up your alley. With black and white being the main characters here, the room is highlighted with graphic touches and traditional elements. Playing with contrast is key in a space as bold as this.

Photo Credit: Homes and Gardens

Another way to feature your love for monochromatic palettes but in a more subtle and rich way. Earthy tones and elaborate details bring this space to life. Texture surrounds the room from the wallpaper to the curtains and the chairs show off a beautiful pattern to bring in some more interest.

Photo Credit: Woman and Home

Mixing traditional pieces like this dining table with a casual feel is easy when you surround the main attraction with more laid back and comfortable items. The armchair add a touch of cozy while the bookshelves invite guests to take it down a notch. It’s sort of like combining a living room and dining area in one.

Photo Credit: 25 Beautiful Homes

Show off a gorgeous piece like this farmhouse table by allowing it shine all by itself. Pairing it with chairs that aren’t as heavy keep the room light. The amount of light lets nature be a guest as well. In spaces like this you don’t need much.

Photo Credit: 25 Beautiful Homes

Modern, artsy and smart, this museum inspired space is a good example of mid-century elegance with a gallery like flair. Simple and to the point, the clean lines and no fuss pieces allow the room to feel classy, unique and smart. The cool color palette helps to keep its cool vibe.

Photo Credit: Ideal Home

{For more inspiration check out Real Simple’s article}

Creative Stencil Art Ideas

04 Tuesday Dec 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Crafty Ideas, Eric Bowden, Everyday Design, Guest Posts, The Home

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acrylic, architectural scrolls, archways, bedroom, couture look, designers, distressed furniture, elegant, Elle Decoration, entrances, Kristen F. Davis Designs, Lombardi Manuela Decorazioni, Miss Mustard Seeds Milk Paint, nature-inspired patterns, Stencil Art, stenciled animals, stenciled border, stenciling, technique, The Decorative Paintbrush, vintage, WroughtIronLodge.com

As someone with an eye for detail, and an appreciation for going the extra mile to make something look “just right”, I often find myself looking for ways to add just the right touch. Today I want to talk about using stencils to add a bit of variety to your home and to help take your next project to the next level!

Although the technique has been around for centuries, stenciling has recently found a new popularity among today’s homeowners and designers. If you want to make a generic-looking wall pop out and be noticed, apply an elegant stenciled border in a color that complements the wall’s base coat. For those who are artistically inclined, stenciling can be done freehand, but for most people the easiest way to achieve a fabulous stenciled effect is to purchase a stencil pattern or template which you can then apply to your wall and fill in with colors, using either permanent markers or acrylic stenciling paints.

Designers agree: Your stencil pattern will help set the mood in your room, so you’ll want to choose carefully. If you want to add a calming effect, use nature-inspired patterns such as leaf shapes and floral designs. If you have a large formal living room, architectural scrolls will give your walls an instant designer look. For bedrooms, sunrooms and bathrooms, try ivy leaf and climbing vine patterns; for a child’s bedroom, indulge your whimsical side with a pattern of exotic animals such as elephants, teddy bears or pink pigs.

To achieve the maximum effect, stenciling should be subtle, so choose paints that complement your wall background. In a large room with a high ceiling, however, it’s perfectly fine to go over the top and apply a huge stencil pattern in vibrant colors if you want a big, dramatic look.

This oversized stencil pattern makes the small corner space really pop out. If you decide to use large stencils in bright colors, be sure to choose your space wisely. Otherwise, it will overpower the room.

Photo Credit: Kristen F. Davis Designs

A menagerie of stenciled animals adds a touch of whimsy to your child’s bedroom wall. For maximum effect, choose bright colors and oversize stencil patterns.

Photo Credit: Elle Decoration

It may look like delft tile, but this staircase is actually layered in stenciling, replicating the cozy, colorful look of blue and white tiles. You can also achieve the same effect and replicate Southwest tiles, using themed stencils and colors such as cobalt blue, salmon pink, apricot, sage green and gold.

Photo Credit: The Decorative Paintbrush

You can dress up your vintage, distressed furniture by adding bold stenciling on the front and sides. For a spectacular effect, apply a base coat of bright blue, yellow, green or pink, and then apply a large stencil pattern in white.

Photo Credit: Miss Mustard Seeds Milk Paint

This elegant stencil detailing works itself in a continuous pattern along the doorframe. Stenciling can be used effectively on corners, archways and entrances, and is also a marvelous way to dress up window treatments.

Photo Credit: Lombardi Manuela Decorazioni

A stenciled border adds a custom-designed, couture look to any room, no matter what your current design scheme may be. The key is to choose appropriate colors and patterns, and work as neatly as you can while applying your color. Just be warned: Stenciling is addictive, so once you’ve finished your first project, you may end up stenciling every room in the house.

Written by Eric Bowden

White Summer

30 Wednesday May 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Awesome Shops

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bohemian, clothing, comfort, dresses, elegant, fashion, free people, ivory, lace, shop, spring, summer, vintage, white

Summer is all about sitting back and enjoying the sun. Those days you can’t wait to get out of work and finally chill out. When it comes to fashion, summer brings light colors and comfy clothes. Free People is one of my favorite shops because their selection is a nice mix of boho, vintage and elegant choices.

The color white is often seen during this season as well. Since summer is making its way fast, I wanted to share a few of my favorite picks from some of their white selection which I feel are all great options to wear. Enjoy!