Daily Read: Monika Hibbs

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For those of you who have read blogs since the late 2000s, you know the veterans out there.  Monika Hibbs of Vancouver is one of those trailblazers many bloggers have followed since discovery.  She has a curated sense of style you just drool over, and it's easy to enjoy watching her picturesque adventures, most recently a trip to Vegas with her husband.  Her tasteful home decor DIYs and recommendations are my personal favorite piece of her strong brand.  I could definitely stare at her home tour all the livelong day!

It is not surprising she has been all over the press from Boston-local Style Me Pretty to HGTV to Glitter Guide, just to name a few.  Don't forget about Monika's shop, too, which we hope is replenishing soon before we start rolling out our gift guides in the coming weeks, it's definitely one of my go-to resources.  If Monika is what Vancouver is about, we better get there sooner than later!

- Meredith

Office Makeover by One King's Lane

  

One King's Lane recently modernized the office space of Whitney Port, one that she shares with her siblings and was a bit too business-oriented and bland.  Sound familiar?  

The makeover is now in line with Whitney's esthetic.  The guidelines used are so simple!  Which of the nine tips would you incorporate into your own workspace?

- Meredith

all photos from OKL

Ain't Nothin' Wrong With Feelin' Blue

Yesterday a friend of mine Instagramed a picture of her new home office with the most gorgeous bright blue walls...and now I'm totally jealous! I can't get this vibrant color off my mind! It feels so cozy and adds such a dynamic pop to a room, don't you think? 

Would you or have you painted a room bright blue? What do you think?

- Suzanne

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Week of October 6th

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Happy Monday, gals!  Are you also still on a high from the Pats win last night?  We are chock full of updates today:

I N T E R I O R S

I've always been somewhat obsessed with home decor and renovations.  After following Genevieve for years (no, really, remember her from Trading Spaces?!), she is constantly evolving.  I listened to this podcast the other day and she is truly an inspiration.

Tomorrow marks the release of Elements of Style, written by local blogger Erin Gates.  I pre-ordered my copy six months ago, and can't wait to explore what must be as special as her blog!  I'll say it now, it will be an affordable hit holiday gift this year!

L O C A L

Soooo we have not yet seen Gone Girl, but can't wait!  We're glad Ben remains to be a faithful hometown guy!  Let's be honest, not many (true) Bostonians would be any other way...

I don't always looks at these home tours, but this charming RI cottage is too cute to miss!

It seems like Faneuil Hall will be catching up to other retailers with a modern makeover.  We wonder what will stay!

Cameron, Suzanne and I are stoked to help celebrate the launch of this start-up's expansion in Boston Thursday night!  Updates to follow!

S E L F

Here are some great pieces of advice regarding success from some of the most successful women out there!

I love finding a new blog with a refreshing take on reality.  This is complete with applicable suggestions on how to embrace adulthood and all of its (fun and not-so-fun) responsibilities.

Ever need motivation to not skip that morning workout?  I gotta start taking my own advice, and I found a great list of how to not make excuses.


S H O P P I N G
Us city girls won't be buying a new car anytime soon, but this is an interesting list to see what is recommended to buy this month for savvy shoppers.

Speaking of smart shopping, here is what is in season right now for fresh produce.

Did you know that Madewell is not a newer brand?  The history of this retailer is an interesting one, from right here in New England.


Wishing you a great week!!

- Meredith

Color Clutch is a Nail Polish Solution for Every Gal

If you're a nail polish hoarder like us (like we have a nail polish addiction) then the Color Clutch is the product you've been waiting for. No need to fill your medicine cabinet full of Essie only to have your ridiculous collection topple into the sink every time your roommate grabs an advil. Color Clutch provides a neat, organized, and sleek way to store your polishes out of sight - but handy when you need them. With Color Clutch, you can store and display 18 bottles of any size nail polish bottle in just 2.5 inches of shelf space:

Color Clutch just launched their Kickstarter this week - we are so excited to see their progress. Both the pouch and the display case are sold for $30 in robins egg blue - but more colors may be announced if they reach their kick starter goal! Make sure to check it out and support these amazing entrepreneurs.

- Cameron

"Back to School" Shopping

metallic folders ($9) // acrylic tiered organizer ($18)
// essential pen collection ($20) //
my go-to planner for 2015* ($58) // neon nesting boxes ($54)
// desk blotter ($12) //

I have always been someone who enjoyed shopping for school supplies at the start of a new school year (maybe a little too much).  I still never skip a trip to the Container Store when passing by.  Even though school is over for most of us, September always seems to present a fresh start, even if it is just a mental state.  There are plenty of "grown-up" supplies out there to transform your work space into one a bit more airy and minimal while also helping you GSD (get sh*t done).  Trust me, I've done the research!  What is your favorite "school supply" item to keep you on top of your game?

- Meredith


*Full review of the planner to come in 2015!

Daily Read: House of Turquoise

Cape Cod, MA

Great Island, RI

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Portland, ME

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CC, MA

CC, MA

CC, MA

I have been waiting in anticipation for a while to post about one of my favorite daily reads, House of Turquoise, by turquoise-lover Erin Moser out of Minnesota.  As a fellow admirer of home decor and also one somewhat turquoise-obsessed, I am constantly bookmarking Erin's posts that feature various homes and design projects across the globe.  She offers some serious inspiration and the oceanic theme is one that always draws me in.  Too much of a good thing is a great thing in this case!

It sure doesn't hurt that a good amount of posts are in New England and/or have that New England influence.  Call me sheltered (no pun intended), but I will swoon over shingled siding any day!  To boot, Erin's Pinterest page welcomes countless visual candy, with a full dose of turquoise, just the way I prefer it to be!

- Meredith

Week of June 23rd

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This weekend marked the first official weekend of summer!  We hope you were able to enjoy the weather like we did!  Here are some must-knows this week:

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

One of my favorite childhood books is coming to the big screen!  Leave it to Spielberg.

I'm excited for this Breaking Bad spin-off, considering season 2 is already in the works!

The Bayside crew (new generation) is back!  Saved by the Bell, the movie, is coming to TV.

Chelsea Handler is leaving late-night television and moving to a new network.  What do you think of her new show premise?

There's nothing else I can say about this cover song other than it gave me c-h-i-l-l-s.  As much as I tend to eat up most UK influences, I am really loving Sam Smith's presence in the music world these days!  He is a true talent.

Something a lot of us (bloggers or not) need to remember, how to remain anonymous on the internet.

M I S C E L L A N Y

I just read about this app, have you heard of it?  It seems like making plans with a group of friends easier and would help indecisive people like myself!

After purging your closet, use these savvy tips for sticking to your budget.

S H O P P I N G

Did you hear that Club Monaco is coming out with a line of interiors?!  This is sure to be good.

Piperlime is offering 25% off dresses, skirts and sandals through 11:59pm tonight!  A perfect time to load up on summer essentials.

Have a great week!!

- Meredith

Craigslist Hidden Treasures

As you can see I am obsessed with finding the perfect bamboo or faux bamboo accent piece for my next DIY project. Here are some gems I found over the weekend on Boston's Craigslist listings:

B A M B O O   B U F F E T

Item Description: This is a lovely bamboo design 1960s console buffet. It has great rattan woven drawer fronts, bamboo style accents and bamboo styled legs. Two drawers, two cabinet doors and a shelf below. The center door does not open. Would also make a great tv stand. Measures 44l x 16 1/2 d x 31 h.

While this is out of my current budget and furniture size requirements, I had to share this piece since it is such a gorgeous item. It'd be the perfect piece to pull together any living room or entry way, with little to no refurbishing required.

B A M B O O   C O F F E E   T A B L E 

Item Description: Bamboo wicker coffee table has a glass top. Table has never been used and is in excellent condition. Dimensions are 50"L x 16.5"H x 24"W

For $65 this coffee table is a steal. It appears in great condition and is sturdy enough to handle the usual wear and tear of apartment living (we all know that coffee tables become your kitchen table, foot rest, junk pile holder, etc). Paint a metallic gold to get a hollywood regency look - perfect for any modern gals living room!

M A T C H I N G   R A T T A N   C H A I R S (5th image in)

Item Description: Great variety of chairs including matching leather arm chairs, wingback, parlor, bamboo, caned ladder back and more!

First off, these are amazing. And yes I know the sale was for last Saturday, but I just had to share with your for two reasons. First, from now on I will be on the lookout for chairs like these (when I get a bigger apartment), and you should be too. If you have room and are looking to get a high-end bohemian look in your apartment, these chairs will do just that for you. Second, I am sharing these chairs in hopes that someone out there appreciates these as much as me and calls the owner to find out if they are still available. If they didn't sell at Saturday's sale, chances are you could get a knockout deal. Similar chairs sold on One Kings Lane for $595. 

Keywords used in my bamboo  Craigslist search: bamboo, faux bamboo, rattan, rattan accent chair, bohemian.

Inspiration Images: buffet, coffee table, rattan chairs

- Good luck and happy Craigslist hunting! 

Suzanne

Walls of Wanderlust

I am always on the hunt for personalized gifts.  Now that wedding season is upon us, I wanted to share one from my list of bookmarked sources.  Today, we spotlight the Etsy storefront, An Inspired Image, out of New Orleans, LA.  The prints offer hundreds of destinations around the globe, both familiar and fantasia. They would be great to highlight one's home town, favorite past travel spot, or a mix of both!  Perfect for a gallery wall, in a collage or standing alone.  Which would you pick?

- Meredith

Daily Read: Luella and June

Bradley Agather Means is a woman who does. it. all.  The Dallas-based blogger and magazine fashion editor (at only 27!) shares her daily musings via beauty, clothing and lifestyle finds any gal can relate to.  Bradley's blog, Luella & June, presents her curated picks with readers.  I just cannot get enough, which is why she is one of my favorite daily reads!

It is easy to see why others agree, Bradley has been featured on The Everygirl, Barney's New York (her 2012 picks are still on trend!) and more.  Her 2013 wedding was incredibly chic, and I could read her articles for hours, especially what she would take from her closet in the event of a fictitious fire... a true fashionista!  Be sure to join us in reading Luella & June daily for some of the best home, lifestyle and fashion forecasting around!

- Meredith


photos from Luella & June blog and Bradley on Instagram

Amber Valletta's Santa Monica Home

What can I say, this spring weather has us saturating you with some of our favorite home decor (check out posts from Wednesday and Thursday for more)!  In perusing InStyle, one of my favorite celebrities, Amber Valletta, has featured her boho-chic Santa Monica home as some serious eye candy. 

I especially love her bedroom, designed by her friend and star of Bravo's Million Dollar Decorators (hoping that show continues!), Ross Cassidy.  Doesn't this home give you ideas of how to bring the beachy Cali vibe to your east coast abode?  Which room in Amber's home is your favorite?

- Meredith

all photos from InStyle