{loving} Corsage Vases

Right now I am obsessing over these bud vases from Anthropologie. They remind me of the days when girls wore circle skirts with pretty organza ruffles and pinned corsages of flowers to their cap-sleeved bodices. Yet don't let their sweetness fool you, these vases are very much of modern times, with a gorgeous color palette full of sophistication and dare I say, sexiness. I love them as a collection but think they would be perfectly lovely standing alone. Have a happy week everyone!

{idea notebook} Tips for Placing & Picking Rugs

Some great advice for how to decorate with rugs via my consummate favorite... Anthropologie!

1. Use a rug to define areas within a large room, or to punctuate a foyer.
2. Working with small space? Light or pastel rugs make a room seen spacious, while deeper colors create a cozy feeling.
3. A large rug topped with furniture. This effect is more casual than a small rug surrounded by a formal furniture setup.
4. Patterned rugs are great for two reason: they help anchor your room's color scheme and visually unite a space, and they're slow to show wear-and-tear in high-traffic areas.
5. Try layering rugs. Just be sure to unify your choices with at least one common thread, like weave type or color palette.
6. Don't get stuck in a rectangle rut. Circular rugs create a sense of movement.
7. Size matters: hallway runners need to show some floor on all sides; dining room rugs should be large enough for chairs to be pulled from the table without catching an edge (and scuffing the floors).
8. Rugs aren't just for floors. They can be used as wall hangings to create the focal point of a room.


*Images & text from Anthro's website

(inspiration} Pick A Pigment with Anthropologie

I am loving Anthropologie's At Home website feature entitled "Pick A Pigment". Following the launch of their new, in-store decorator's shops, Anthro's on-line brand is now offering a more full-service decorating feature. In "Pick A Pigment" shoppers choose between 3 colour palettes (turquoise, sand and coral) and with a simple click of your mouse... furniture and decor ideas are provided for your given selection. What I find most valuable with this feature is an entire "Anthropologie look" is created for you: eclectic, vintage, global, touch-of-hand decor. Everything from hardware to dinnerware, drapery to one-of-a-kind upholstery is suggested. It is a fantastic tool for inspiration or for a complete one-stop-shopping destination. Love it! Have a wonderful week everyone!

{product+love} Perfect Gifts for Your Holiday Parties

As the first week of December draws to an end I thought I would share a few of my favorite gifts with you. They are sure to be a hit with anyone and are absolutely perfect for all of your upcoming Holiday festivities. Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

*Capri Blue Mercury Glass Jar Candle $28 (Absolutely beautiful and insanely decadent! I give these beauties to everyone.)
* Knit Soaps $8/each (Very chic and seasonally cozy all wrapped into one. Group them together in a simple, glass jar & tie it up with a ribbon.)
* The Missus Monogrammed Mug $6 (Perfect for every person on your list, trust me; also available in a standard male version.)
* Large Cableknit Candle $36 (So sweet... who wouldn't love something that reminds us of home during the holidays!)

*Photography via Anthropologie

{idea notebook+gift wrapping} A Perfectly Wrapped Package

I love the art of gift wrapping. And nobody does it better, with more creativity and radiance than the incredible creative team at Anthropologie. (congratulations Karen & Missy on another beautiful holiday). Now everyone can make their own little bit of magic this season. Enjoy!

How To:
Gleaming Stripes Gift Packaging
1. Gleaming Stripes Wrapping Paper (or use an Indian inspired gold or silver, stripe paper OR dry brush off-white paper with gold metallic paint to create a subtle, organic stripe pattern)
2. Etoile Ribbon (or use a 1/2"-1" solid ruby red or wine, velvet ribbon)
3. Fringe Tinsel (or use standard silver tree trimming tinsel)
4. To You From Me Gift Tags (d-i-y with soft-white card stock and a personal stamp- punch with hole punch & tie with ribbon)

Printed Stripe Gift Packaging
1. Printed Stripe Wrapping Paper (or use a homespun, patterned paper in blues, golds and soft greens)
2. Dress It Up Ribbon (or use a 1"-2" solid, dusty-gray, velvet ribbon)
3. Chrystal Wings Tie-Ons (or use a sparkling butterfly, dragonfly, bird or honey bee holiday ornament or broach)

Torn Stripe Gift Packaging
1. Torn Stripe Wrapping Paper (or use any fanciful, boldly striped paper)
2. Margarite Gift Toppers (or roll your own yarn balls in bright colors and various sizes- attach with whimsical push pins)
3. Rainbow Rope Spool (or use any spool of nubby, textured yarn in a complimentary color)

*Above gift wrapping and accessories available online at Anthropologie
* Photography via Anthropologie

{inspiration+tree trimming} Magical Tree Dressings

'Tis the season for merriment and quite sentiment... for warmth and winter chill... beauty is everywhere, sparkling from decked evergreens and twinkling lights... here are a few of my favorite selections on my own tree this year...welcome back everyone and happy holidays...

*Photography via Anthropologie
(Gems and Jewels Ornament, Winter Lutz Ornament, Fa-La-La Ornament, Shaggy Garland, Jeweled Menagerie-Owl Ornament, North Star Ornament, Mythic Tree Topper)

{inspiration} Shopping Secrets from Anthropologie's Keith Johnson

I was pleasantly surprised to find a great article in this month's Elle Decor featuring Keith Johnson,   Anthropologie's Head Antiques Buyer and star of Man Shops Globe on the Sundance Channel. In it he shares his shopping secrets, things he loves (and doesn't) and how he finds a good deal anywhere in the world. Don't forget to check out the links to his New York City and Pennsylvania Country homes! Very charming and perfectly Anthro!


*photography via Elle Decor