Lovely Undergrad

I Mustache You to...

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:36:00 +0000

Sexy and I know it. ;)

Home sick with a nasty stomach bug today, I decided to drop in and let you know how my Valentine's Day went. The bf and I exchanged chocolates (yumm!) and a sweet card before hitting the town for dinner. Our first choice was jam-packed and reservations-only---Ooops. (Trust me, reservations-only is unusual for this college town.) Our next stop involved an hour and a half wait. Ummm... no. And we deducted that our next three choices would involve the same. So we ended up at one of our favorite places to chow down: a Mongolian buffet. And we proceeded to stuff our faces with Mongolian noodles and sushi, washed down with ungodly amounts of Mt. Dew.

On our way out, those chintzy 50-cent toy machines lured us in. A dollar later, I had a new pair of bushy black eyebrows and the bf had a fuzzy mustache. Hilarity and picture taking ensued back at my apartment. (As you can see, I felt quite jipped with the eyebrows... and thus put them together to make one nice black "Mario" mustache.) It was a great night and lots of fun. I stole a kiss or two, which I must warn against. Even the slightest rub of one mustache upon the other is super creepy. Haha. Anyway... it sure was a fun night! And the pictures totally make me smile despite feeling kinda crappy health-wise. :)

This card pretty much sums up my Valentine's Day...

Be Mine, Valentines

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:17:00 +0000

lovely sketch via inslee

Sorry this post is quite late in the day... but I want to wish all of you lovelies a very happy Valentine's Day! This blog truly has the loveliest, sweetest readers ever. I enjoy hearing from all of you in your comments and emails---and checking out your blogs! I love you all! Yep, I did just use the L-word on my blog. Have a very lovely evening! (And don't forget to nab up all the clearanced heart-shaped boxes of chocolate after today... I get more excited for post-Valentines-day chocolate sales than I do any other day of shopping!)

XOXO!!

Making the most of it

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:53:00 +0000

I only wish my day included eating this pretty, ruffled cake. ^

So I turned 23 today. And I had this lovely post planned about 23 lovely things that happened to me in the last year.
But to be honest---I just want this day to get over with. So mini-rant time. (Run for the exit now!) I was up most of the night 'til 4:30 AM sick. I got up at 7:30 this morning to find it snowing. Slick slush everywhere. I could hardly stay on the road. I somehow ended up with all the grumpy customers at work. I spent allll day looking forward to five o'clock so I could come home and see the bf, whom I planned on spending a low key birthday evening with... only to find out he's not yet back from his trip out-of-state. My phone is dying... and I left my charger at a friend's.

I know it sounds like I'm whining. (And maybe I am a teensy little bit.) I didn't have anything extravagant or fabulous planned for the evening. I just would have rather had an average, ho-hum day than a really hellish one.

So excuse me while I slip into my pink-and-turquoise leopard-printed pj pants and Rudolf slippers so that I can mindlessly eat Reece's Pieces and watch Gossip Girl.

(I'll be less crabby by the weekend, I promise! My mama's whipping up my request of red velvet cake. Yum!)

**Important Update: The pouting has come to an end. I think I just needed a good, long nap. Oh! And a surprise giant chocolatey cookie from a friend doesn't hurt either!**

Downton Abbey Fashion Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:26:00 +0000

Downton Abbey is my latest obsession. (I'm a sucker for historical dramas...) I especially love the Crawley sisters: Mary, Edith, and Sybil. They get to wear the most gorgeous dresses! Their elegant vintage style got me thinking about how to translate a little Downton Abbey glamor into a modern wardrobe. And here's what I came up with:

Above: A frivolous fete calls for dressing to the nines. How can you not swoon over the Crawley sisters' gowns? I tracked down modern dresses that emulate each style. Mary's slinky ivory gown becomes a sexy little silk number. Sybil's embellished blue gown becomes a blue satin shift with a gold necklace that replicates the gown's beading. Edith's grayish taupe gown becomes a jazzy, art-deco dress.

Above: Mary's ladylike dress features nautical stripes and crocheted details around the neckline. Sweet and simple, it's a perfect look for Spring! For a modern take, I added a navy belt to a sailor-inspired frock. Crocheted accents move from the neck down to the toes with a pair of Toms. A floral handbag offsets the stripes. And a pearl necklace and straw hat complete the summery look.

Above: Downton Abbey fashion gets a workplace-worthy update here. For Edith's look, pair a chiffon, floral-printed, black blouse with a black skirt and t-strap heels. A simple gold heart-shaped locket is a lovely accessory. Mary's look is my favorite to transition into the office. Recreate it with a plain white tee, high-waisted gray pencil skirt, mauve cardigan, pearl necklace, and vintage pumps.

Above: I modernized Sybil's beautiful blue dress for a night out on the town. This much-shorter, one-shoulder number is that same shade of sky blue... and its draped, chiffon skirt is flowy just like Sybil's. Cinch the waist with a gold belt and show off art nouveau-esque accessories.

Above: I got a little sidetracked with this one. Lavinia isn't one of the Crawley sisters, but I love this velvet dress she wears. Get a similar look with a long sleeve, forest green wrap dress. Wear dark jade earrings and heels with a hint of velour that pays homage to Lavinia's all-velvet gown. Don't forget a gold-encrusted hairband to top it all off.

Above are three more formal looks for an especially swanky occasion. With Edith, this little black dress features the same black-lace-over-gold effect on the bodice. Sybil's silver-on-top and navy-on-bottom gown has a dead-ringer in this strapless dress. And this long sleeve, lace navy dress possesses all the same elegance as Mary's.

I saved my favorite for last with the above outfit. On Mary's walk with Matthew, I couldn't get over the lovely simplicity of her ensemble---the lacy white blouse and grayish sage skirt. She looks simply stunning. I recreated it as an office-ready outfit.

Do you watch Downton Abbey? Which character's closet would you most like to raid?

Mocha Cinnamon Coffee Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Sometimes, I just have a stroke of genius. Read on for a delish coffee drink recipe to make yourself!

If you've checked in every once in a while, you've probably caught on to the fact that I'm a big fan of coffee. Unfortunately, due to hanging out at my favorite cozy coffee shops and working a brief stint as a Starbucks barista... I've also become a bit of a coffee snob. Only to myself. My homemade coffee just doesn't cut it any more. Give me cafe or gas station coffee over my own any day.

Equally unfortunately, coffee shops are expensive. Even if I just stick to my basic coffee with cream and sugar, drinking it several times a week noticeably dents a college budget. So oftentimes, I must settle for making it myself. A few weeks ago when I ran out of my bag of Starbucks Blonde Roast (mmmm!) ground coffee, I found myself on a tight budget. There was no room to splurge on coffee shops or even a bag of the good stuff. So I haphazardly grabbed a bucket of Folger's French Vanilla and went on my way.

Back in the day, I used to drink Folger's all the time. I didn't realize that in all of my coffee shop hours and barista training, I'd passed the point of no return. Folgers? Blech! Now, before I get too far into my rant let me say that I can stomach your basic Folgers original or breakfast blend. But this vanilla stuff is horrid. In the past couple weeks, I've tried time and time again to make a decent cup of coffee. There were many fails, let me tell you.

Last night, when the coffee cravings swept over me... I gave it another try. Since my usual half-n-half (or milk) plus sugar with the vanilla roast made my stomach turn... I knew I'd have to get a little crafty to make something I could actually drink and enjoy. I pleasantly surprised myself! For the first time, I made the vanilla roast taste delicious! Since I'm sure many of you resort to cheap coffee (and since I can only assume this tastes even better with the good stuff) I decided to share my wonderful recipe for you to try.

Here's a little diagram I whipped up.

In your empty coffee mug, scoop some hot cocoa mix (preferably Swiss Miss, yum!) into the bottom. I recommend four or five heaping spoonfuls because the chocolate is what really balances out the vanilla coffee. Add two spoonfuls of sugar on top of that. Then throw in a couple dashes of cinnamon. Stir the powders together, pour the coffee over top, and then add a splash of milk (or half-n-half). Stir it all together. Enjoy! You'll smell the sweet cinnamon as you bring the drink to your lips. And the taste of the mocha will linger after each drink. This would also be heavenly topped off with whipped cream and more cinna-sugar sprinkled on top.

I'm so relieved that this vanilla roast won't go to waste!

P.S. If you haven't already... check out my coffee bar diy project featured in Cook & College magazine. I revamped old jars into cute coffee canisters using chalkboard paint. Pretty crafty, eh eh? ;)

Domino Returns | Breaking News

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:21:00 +0000

So picture this: 10:00 this morning. Sitting in front of the computer at my new job in magazine customer service. Reading through the magazine industry news announcements. And a familiar, much-beloved, six-letter name jumps out at me.

I gasp. Several co-workers snap to my attention, wondering what in the world is the matter and truly concerned. I'm immediately floating above their heads on cloud nine because Condé Nast is reviving Domino. Yes, I said Domino! And yes, I said revive! As in bring back!

I was a dedicated Domino reader back in the day. When the publication ceased, I died a little inside. When I moved off to college and misplaced my collection of Domino issues, I experienced a panic attack followed by months of moping depression. When I found those glossy beauties packed away at my parents' house, I jumped up and down and up and down and squeaked giddily with excitement.

Seriously, Domino has my heart. When I'm feeling uninspired, I flip through the lovely pages of cool, chic, lovely design. When I've had my heartbroken or fought with the boyfriend, Domino is always there for me with a bowl of ice cream and bag of potato chips. To say I adore Domino is a complete and blasphemous understatement.

I hope that clues you in a little to my utter devotion to this ceased magazine. And hopefully you'll better understand why I'm so ecstatic over the fact that Condé Nast is bringing Domino back with a special edition called Quick Fixes. It'll be available on newstands only from April 17 through July 16. (And then another so-far-unnamed special edition will be released in the fall!)

You know how avid readers stake out bookstores in anticipation of being one of the first to buy a newly released book? (Harry Potter or Twilight, anyone?) Well those vampire-loving teenie-boppers have nothing on me. Rest assured that by the time April 17 rolls around, I'll be the over-caffeinated girl camping out to be the first to get my greedy little fingers on an issue (or two...or, let's be honest... ten) of Domino Quick Fixes.

Hallelujah! Can I get an "Amen!"?

Disclaimer: Yes, I'm aware of the fact that I harbor an unnatural fetish for magazines. Yes, I should be on an episode of TLC's Hoarders. Yes, I refuse to go on that show because I know my glossy little pretties would be the first to go cover-first into the dumpster. Yes, if you have the same problem I'd love to start a support group with you. ;)

Thank you, AdWeek for breaking the news to me!

Thank you, Domino for coming back to me after all of these years! Muah!

I Love Valentines

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Cupid-haters, consider yourselves warned. I'm not about to apologize for what I'm going to say... I LOVE Valentine's Day! Always have, always will. Why? Well... 1) I'm biased because my birthday falls the day before and I've associated February 13 and 14 as a two-day celebration of cake and chocolate. 2) I adore pink and red paired together. It should be done more often. But alas, some people cringe at the color combo because it reminds them of Valentine's Day! *sigh*

Most of all, I love Valentine's Day because I've never sunk to the low level of dedicating it only to lovers. For all of you Valentine-bashers who blaspheme February 14th as "Singles' Awareness Day," I'm sad for you. (Disclaimer: I've had my fair share of single Valentine's Days... but they were wonderful days just the same!) Valentine's Day for me is about sharing all the love you have for friends, family, and possibly a significant other. Of course it's best to give that love and appreciation all year round! But it's way more fun to dedicate a whole day to love, too!

Here are some lovely ways to spoil your Valentine with a little extra love this February 14th.

If your Valentine is a boyfriend...

Free: Using whatever you have in your fridge or cupboards, whip up an impromptu dinner for your guy. Make a heart-shaped pizza, delicious pasta, or even breakfast for dinner. (Who doesn't love pancakes for supper?!) Afterward, pop in a movie you both love. Curl up and enjoy a quiet evening together and a break from busy schedules.

Cheap: Between your bf's classes or during his workday, surprise him with his favorite warm beverage. Be it bold, black coffee or a rich lattee or even some hot cocoa with marshmellows, your gift will warm him up as he sips... and your gesture will warm his heart!

Moderate: If he takes you out for a Valentine's dinner, pay for his meal. Or you go off to a movie after dinner, offer to pick up the cost of the movie tickets. Sharing the cost of a date shakes up tradition a little and you both will appreciate the share.

Splurge: So you've been dating a while... maybe you want to get that special someone something special. Opt for something timeless like a nice watch. Or something thoughtful that complements one of his hobbies. For example---a handsome leather journal for the writer, tickets to a concert for the music lover, a jersey for the sports fanatic.

If your Valentine is a friend or family member:

Free: With school, work, and hectic schedules, it's easy to lose touch with your best friend or sister. Set aside Valentine's Day for the special lady in your life. Bake something yummy and tune into HGTV for a cozy, low key girls-night-in flipping through magazines and catching up.

Cheap: Get your group of gal pals together. Hit the store for the biggest box of assorted chocolates you can find. Grab some cheap champagne or wine. Split the cost between the bunch of you. And pop in your favorite chick flicks (with a box of tissues nearby) for a fabulous evening of laughter, tears, and chocolate.

Moderate: Two words: girl date. Dinner and a movie with the girls is always a good time. Get dressed up just for the heck of it. Make dinner together or go out to eat at a favorite restaurant. Catch a flick later on or grab drinks. Girl dates are the best.

Splurge: Two words: spa day. Need I say more?

If your Valentine is you:

Free: Unplug and unwind. Plan ahead so that your Valentine's Day evening is totally free. No homework, no responsibilities, no obligations. Now think about what you've been dying to do but haven't gotten around to. (No chores allowed. That rules out laundry, cleaning, etc.) Perhaps you haven't picked up a novel to read for pleasure forever. Maybe you have a list of diy-projects to do. Or you want to get caught up on the last five episodes of Downton Abbey. Dedicate the whole evening to doing whatever you want to do, guilt-free.

Cheap: Treat yourself to a simple pleasure on the cheap. A small box of chocolates. A cheap bottle of wine. A deliciously frothy coffee drink. A new nail polish. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to spend the $10. Buy it and savor it.

Moderate: Get your hair done. With Spring looming on the horizon (yes, it's coming!) February is an ideal time to perk up your look. On the cheap end, get a cut to freshen up your locks. If you have a few extra bucks to spend, get your hair styled or dyed, too.

Splurge: There are too many ways I could think of splurging on myself! Buy yourself a nice piece of jewelry you've been drooling over for months. Get a complete makeover. Go on a shopping spree. Go on a mini-roadtrip to the next town over to explore the antique stores and clothing boutiques. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner.

There's no reason not to enjoy Valentine's Day to the fullest in all its pink-and-red-and-hearts-all-over glory. With your fabulous friends and loving family, being single is no excuse. Lovely Undergrad will happily be your Valentine!

Have a lovely day of love this week!

Serena's Room | Gossip Girl Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:35:00 +0000

I'm sure many of you can join in on me with this: Gossip Girl is one of my favorite guilty pleasures. (It's like the only show I actually tweet about while watching!) So I was delighted when several of you lovely readers requested that I feature some GG-inspired decor boards. Let's kick off with Serena!

Upper East Side "It" girl Serena has it all: super model looks, a closet full of designer fashion, lotsa money, and a posh pad to top it all off. As lavish as her bedroom could be, Serena's sense of decor style is refreshingly low key. While the room is full of expensive goods, there's no frill or frou-frou in sight. Her design taste is fuss-free luxury. A sleek, modern credenza stands in place of a dresser. Strewn across its top are sundry girly items: glass bottles, cosmetics, framed pictures, candles. A tall table lamp lights up the wallpaper's spherical flowers, which mimic the headboard's spots. A big print of a close-up, glittery eye hangs above the console.

Creamy neutrals and vintage patterns like damask give the room a classy, refined theme while gilt metallics and unexpected polka dots give the space a youthful kick. The lower half of the wall behind Serena's bed is an over-sized, statement-making headboard. Upholstered in an ivory and gold spotted fabric, the pattern is both classic and playful. Glitzy pillows add shimmer to the sleeping space. Ornate side tables flank the bed, accented with "barely there" glass ghost lamps. To the left, a curvy settee upholstered in teal and gold damask puts on elegant airs. At the foot of the bed, a minimalist bench keeps track of a young woman's favorite things: shoes and magazines.

Here's a close-up look at one of Serena's gorgeous bedside tables. The elaborate gold-on-ivory carving is oh-so-very Versailles. The transparent glass lamp disappears into the polka dot backdrop.

Dying for Serena's effortlessly chic balance of glamor and youth? Here's a Lovely Undergrad take on the space...

Theme: Stick to a mostly neutral color scheme, focusing on creamy ivory and decadent vanilla shades. Use the off-whites all over the room, especially on large surfaces: walls, bedding, curtains. Pale gold curtain panels are ideal. Add a bit of subdued color by using light blue and/or turquoise throughout the room, like Serena did with her lamp and settee. I also threw in this ivory and light blue rug because its dahlia polka dots would be a perfect stand in for Serena's headboard and/or wallpaper. Since you probably won't be able to put up wallpaper in your apartment or dorm, I came up with a creative solution for a backdrop similar to Serena's wallpaper by hanging gold dahlia placemats all over the wall.

Bed: A simple upholstered headboard will most closely resemble Serena's. If you have the time, money, and resources at your disposal, have it upholstered in a fabric similar to her metallic polka dots. Dress the bed in whites and beiges, adding sequined pillows for that perfect pinch of sparkle. (I love these gold spotted pillows since they're so reminiscent of Serena's headboard!) When it comes to the nightstands, the overall idea is more important than finding exact replicas of those ornate side tables. I went with a spindly, gold-legged, glass-topped side table. Accessorize it with your favorite magazines, a metallic picture frame, and a lamp with a clear glass base. At the foot of the bed, place a simple bench with clean lines. Tuck shoes underneath; stack fashion magazines and books on top.

Etc. Furniture: For a sleek credenza like Serena's, check out anywhere from antique stores to Goodwill for Mid-Century Modern consoles and buffets. Prop the top with a turquoise-based lamp, eclectic glass bottles, and picture frames. Then, hang up a fashion-y print as art. While Serena's antique settee is to-die-for, it'd be a rare beauty to track down and take up valuable space in college dwellings. Instead, find a chair with the same feminine feel. Personally, I'd go with a Louis ghost chair because 1) the transparency echoes the glass lamps on Serena's nightstands, and 2) I have an unhealthy obsession with Louis ghost chairs.

What do you think? I don't know about you, but I'm all ready to move into Serena's ultra luxurious space!

What does your coffee drink say about you?

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:10:00 +0000

by Loku.

Here's an infographic for all of us coffee drinkers out there. Thanks to my love of cafe au laits, I find myself falling into the Europhile category, which I really can't argue with. Cafe breves aren't on the list... but I'm thinking it wouldn't alter my result much. Mmmm, coffee! I want to know what your favorite drink is and what category you fall under!

Life Schedule Under Construction

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:01:00 +0000

Unlimited internet access, cupcakes, and coffee? I couldn't argue with that!

I'm dropping in to apologize for the unusual lapse in posting. My schedule is currently under construction. My prime creative/blogging
times have been replaced with sleepy time. I'm not taking classes this semester due to some personal/financial reasons, but that doesn't make me any less busy! Juggling a new job and some new developments for Lovely Undergrad... my schedule is under construction. I'm still (yes, still!) get settled in at my new apartment---unpacking (cringe), organizing, decorating. I've got some exciting news coming your way relating to Lovely Undergrad. Plus, I've been attempting to maintain what's become a lame excuse for a social life. (You know you're growing up when you'd rather curl up with a spot of tea and the latest episode of Downton Abbey than leave the apartment to do anything.)

But I'm shifting things around and learning to set time aside especially for blogging. (Even if that entails getting up an extra hour earlier in the morning---gasp!) Rest assured that some lovely things are heading your way. What lovely stuff? Well... New television and movie decor boards requested by readers like you! Romantic ramblings-on about Midnight in Paris and my newest Downton Abbey obsession! Mucho inspiring posts! And a very special surprise coming soonly!

So, my pretties, please stay tuned! :)

And in the meantime, leave a comment telling me a little about yourself/your blog! xoxo

Oh! And please enter this giveaway to win $50! All you gotta do is show me what you'd wear to your dream internship interview. ;) So far we only have one entry. And while I'm sure she'd love to win that $50 by default, I'd like to see what all you ladies would wear to a big interview!!

Chevron Chic Dining Room on a College Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Chevron. I love to love it. And so does Tehrene of Love Twenty. While trolling her blog, the above photo caught my eye as it had hers. "I would love this to be my future dining room," she wrote, but then went on to say that "the rug, let alone anything else in the room, is completely over my budget." Turns out she got her chevron fix by picking up some super lovely pillows at Target. But this dreamy dining room inspired me to create a look for less.

And voila!

My "look for less" version is tailored for unique need college students face when decorating an apartment, including budget restrictions and a shortage of space. I've broken down my How-To for this space with products you can "buy" and projects you can "DIY."

Table

Buy: Ikea's MELLTORP Dining Table in white possesses the the same sleek lines as the parsons table in the inspiration room. But measuring in at about 30 wide by 30 deep, it's a smaller scale version perfect for tight apartment spaces. Plus, the top is melamine. (Say what? Melamine is scratch resistance, moisture proof, and easy to clean.) Oh, and it costs just $49.99.

DIY: If you're a real handy-gal in the garage (or have a dad who is), a parsons table can be built. Otherwise, scavenge garage sales and thrift stores for a simple table that you can makeover with a few coats of white paint.)

Chairs

Buy: While the butterfly chairs in the inspiration room are indeed gorgeous with their feminine curves, a pair of chairs from Ikea might give those butterflies a run for their money. These URBAN Chairs come in that same great shade of robin's egg blue. Lightweight and stackable, they are ideal for moving or just making space in the apartment. And they get bonus points for being suitable for outdoor use as well. It'll cost you $39.99 for one of the URBANs.

DIY: The chairs in the inspiration room have a slightly retro feel. Conduct a search. Thrift stores, antique shops, garage sales, Craigslist... look high and low for a pair of retro chairs of your own. Even if what you find isn't the right color, you can make it work with some paint or re-upholstery. (See Frugal Home Designs make a retro chair feel modern.)

Curtains

Buy: The inspiration room's windows are draped in classic white sheers. What does that mean for us undergrads? Easy peasy! You can buy floor-length white sheers just about anywhere... but it's all about the thrill of the bargain hunt! Sure, Wal-Mart and Target will give you a great deal on panels. But take a look at places like Hobby Lobby, Lowes, and dollar stores where you might snatch these babies up for a mere $3 to $5 a panel.

DIY: Option 1, pick up some sheer white fabric from the local craft store and get sewing. (If you're a seamstress like that.) Option 2, put some old white twin bedsheets to good use. Follow this simple tutorial to convert bedsheets into curtain panels. I'm dying to try it!

Shelves

Buy: Simple floating- and moulding-style shelves can be had nearly anywhere. Start with Target and branch out from there. Be sure not to neglect the hardware stores and craft/hobby stores. Along with the super-cheap curtain panels, killer deals on shelving are also lurking.

DIY: Buy pieces of unfinished moulding that you can stain yourself. (Young House Love built their own floating shelves.)

Pendant

Buy: As college students, we likely don't have the option to swap out ugly apartment lights for gorgeous modern pendant lamps like the one in our inspiration room. But in the off chance that you can (or choose to wholeheartedly surrender your security deposit), the CB2 pendant in my "look for less" room will set you back about $60.

DIY: This totally depends on the type of lighting fixture in your place, but it may be possibe for you to attach a big, plain white lampshade to your ceiling or existing light just to get a similar look. (Jesse from Just Flew the Coop attached a lantern over her ceiling lamp.)

Chevron Rug

Buy: Ooooh, that black and white chevron! It's the bold, sassy, yet refined pattern that really steals the show in the inspiration room. First, search online. Since it's a classic black and white, it won't be as difficult to track down as a more offbeat color combo. I stumbled across this one for a mere $47 on Overstock.com.

DIY: Betcha didn't think I'd have a project for the rug. Welp, here it is. Yes, you can paint chevron onto a plain rug. This is definitely on my to-do-it-yourself list.

Accessories

Buy: Now to accessorize! The inspiration keeps things simple and sweet. Display the favorite magazines in all their glossy glory on the floating/moulding shelves. Frame a small black and white photo in a thick-bordered frame. Hit up the local antique shop or thrift store and you'll surely find a white vase (or ceramic pitcher like the inspiration room's) for under $10. Fill it with pretty pink flowers---fresh if you can!---or some silk/fake ones from a local craft store.

DIY: Make flowers yourself using coffee filters!

We're all on tight college budgets. And even though all of the things in this room can be had at a cheaper-than-the-inspiration price, chances are if you you buy it all you'll still be pushing your budget to the limit. If you have money to spare, invest it in some of the larger pieces. If you need to be more careful with your spending, find the balance between what you buy and what you DIY. If you're living on ramen, you might have to get a little more creative and crafty. But glamorous looks can be had for less!

Chalk It Up... My DIY Coffee Bar Project

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:43:00 +0000

Happy Tuesday! I have a DIY project for you! All you need is some old candle jars, chalkboard paint, and your favorite coffee roast. I turned several old candle jars and containers into chalkboard-chic canisters to store ground coffee, tea bags, sugar, creamer, and even syrup. (But this project would be perfect for organizing office supplies or even bathroom items like cotton balls and swabs.)

For photos and how-to, you'll have to check out my Crafty Kitchenette feature in College & Cook Magazine. (It's the first issue!)

I've embedded it here for your convenience... (And wouldja look at that?! It felt open right to my project!)

C&C is an entirely student-run food magazine. The first issue is full of mouthwatering pictures, college friendly recipes, and the lowdown on making 5-minute mug cakes! Check out College & Cook Magazine's now!

Snapshots of Simple Pleasures

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Above: This is how I spent this past Friday afternoon. I live within walking distance of the coziest little coffee shop, Cafe Milo. I trot down on a regular basis to sink into an antique chair and enjoy a big cup of light roast coffee near the warmth of a fire. It's a lovely place.

When I was little, one of my grandmas gave me this funky piece of costume jewelry. Ornate gold and pink gems frame a really glittery center rectangle. I've probably had this ring for twelve years... and I love as much today as the day I received it. As a girl, I thought it was totally something a princess would wear. Today, I love it for its unique, vintage, costumey feel. It's probably not worth much at all, but to me it's priceless. :)

I'm trying to take more pictures of the little details in life: my simplest pleasures. Hopefully I'll get around to sharing them here on the blog more often.

Do you have a favorite coffee shop or treasured piece of jewelry?

Valentine's Day Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Blame it on Pinterest, but I'm already in the Valentine's Day mood. Whether you're single, crushing, or involved... there's no excuse for not taking some cues from Cupid when it comes to dressing up in the lovey-dovey spirit. The above fashion board is all about pink. I threw out the bold, garish shade of pink you often see throughout February and replaced it with the perfect blushing hue.
The pale mauve dress with its long lace sleeves, slight A-line skirt, and waist-cinching brown belt would look darling with a pair of over-the-knee boots and pocket-watch necklace A flirty, ruffly pink blouse would look oh-so-flirty with a pair of dark, slimming bootcut jeans---especially with crimson accessories thrown in. Lastly, I couldn't get over this romantic dress, especially with glitzy-toed heels and a classic bag. With blush, go big or go home. Give your face a glowing radiance with natural pink blush. Paint your nails to match ballerina slippers. A light rosy lipstick completes your lovely look.

The color I want to focus on for Valentine's Day is a neutral hue you'll want to eat up: chocolate brown! For a cozy couple hours at the coffee shop, get inspired by chocolate-covered cherries... put on a casual ensemble of skinny jeans, a brown long-sleeved tee, red scarf, and brown leather biker boots, accessorized with a bold ring and cute cross-body bag. The second outfit is reminiscent of the fluffy, delicious nougat center of beloved candy bars. Take the light brown lace dress to class by dressing it down with darker oxfords and a handsome bag. Lastly, we dive into caramel-filled chocolate. This deep brown tunic is sinfully sweet for a night out on the town when paired with milk chocolate pumps and a caramelly clutch. Warm up winter with a golden glow on your face: bronzer, neutral eye shadow, and gold-flecked lips. Cappuccino-hued nail polish will look delicious on your fingertips, might I add.

You know I wouldn't write a Valentine's Day fashion post without getting some red in there. And who doesn't feel sexy in a little red dress? For this board, I found a little red dress for every occasion. The first is a flowy, pleated, cherry-hued frock. It looks perfectly ladylike with peach, vintagey pumps, a coral clutch, and pearls---perhaps for a candlelit dinner? Strapless, formfitting, and red hot, the second dress is ideal for dressing up with glittery chandelier earrings, a satin clutch, and lavender heels for a more fancy affair. Finally, this short-sleeve dress is ready for the office. Keep it professional and chic with a classic watch, classy purse, and spectator-pump-inspired flats. Since you're wearing a bold color, go easy on the makeup and skip the red lipstick. Instead, go au natural with the cosmetics---putting on a little nude lipstick and a lot of thickening mascara for some sultry eyes. Paint your nails a pale, shimmery metallic.

Ok, tell me! What is your ideal Valentine's Day date? And which of these ensembles is your favorite?

Beautiful Laptop Skins

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

While you can't go wrong with classic and classy black... my lovely new HP laptop keeps dinging me for a makeover. I stumbled across Society 6 and immediately knew I'd come to the right place. The only drawback is that there are sooo many options! We're talking thousands! I rounded up a few of my faves, but I only skimmed through 50 of the 1,391 pages of options. Did you really think I was exaggerating when I said thousands? Anyway, isn't that laptop skin lovely?
The hopeless romantic in me likes to think that if I were to sit with my laptop (covered in that skin) in the library, some random passerby who was struggling with a major life decision would be inspired to... well, "choose happiness." (I know, I know... I'm corny.)

...Or I could hide between this falling row of books. I love the colors and patterns. And they're worn just the right amount. Charming, right?

I might consider this one because it combines two of my favorite things: bokeh and old street lamps.

I'm not sure what exactly it is about this one that I love. Something about it (the lace? the bow? the hands?) is just graceful, inspiring, and haunting. It could Jane Eyre for all we know. Or it could be a modern fashonista.

Or maybe I'll go with this scenic stunner with the giraffe.

Society 6's plethora of laptop skins are all a flat $30 each. Plus, most of the images used in on the laptop skins can also be purchased as art prints, framed art prints, or stretched canvases. (Perfect for dorm decor, no?)

This got me thinking... what if everyone decorated their laptop with a skin? What would the cute boy in your lecture class put on his laptop? What would your artsy friend stick on to her macbook? I think it's such a great way to express your interests and personality. These could make for great gifts, too!

What would you want on your laptop?

Delightful Pastels in Germany

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:09:00 +0000

I just have to gush over this pretty flat in Germany. The dweller, Kathrin, is a software designer who lives here with her boyfriend Max and four bunnies. She has an eye for lovely decor and a self-proclaimed "huge weakness for old furniture, which I love to paint in order to give it a second life." (Sound like my kind of girl!) She blogs about her life and home at WhereYourHeartIs.net/en/. Let's take a tour of her beautiful apartment, shall we?

First of all, the bedroom! Pictured above, it's a fresh white space that showcases a very colorful granny square quilt. I love the vintage chandelier hanging up above. The window lets in tons of light--very bright and airy for a small room.

I love love love love love (yes, love times five) the wallpaper. It's ultra feminine, especially when paired with the pretty pink curtains. Fresh flowers on the chest of drawers seem to blend right in, as if growing out of the wallpaper.

In the living room sits this chic, heather gray sofa. Accented with a colorful, granny square quilt and lots of floral patterned pillows, it's definitely a cozy place to curl up. I'm also quite crazy about the bright red cabinet. In a space with so much white and pastels, the red color definitely makes a statement.

On the other end of the living room (before the wallpaper went up) sat a sunny yellow armoire. Being a little extra tall, I imagine that cute white coffee table would be ideal for setting a laptop on to blog or even some snacks while indulging in tv.

One of the things I really have to applaud Kathrin for is how she styles shelves. She creates the sweetest vignettes! These shelves host charming floral tins, perfumes, printed boxes and cups for makeup, number prints, and a vintage candlestick holder. Sometimes having necessities like makeup and soap within view can look cluttered... but on these shelves they just look lovely.

If I thought I was crazy about the pretty floral wallpaper in the living room, take that times ten and you'll have how much I adore the kitchen wallpaper. It's a similar pattern and color scheme, but features cute little birds mixed in with the branches. (I'm such a sucker for cute little birds.)

Tall, slim canisters compliment the clean, modern lines of the apartment... while their colorful lids add to the charm. A simple clock, kitschy cardboard doll, and fabulous artwork dress up the wall above the backsplash. Kathrin keeps her oft-needed kitchen tools handy---a pale blue colander, turquoise scissors, light wood utensils, and sweetly patterned oven mitts... all so pretty!

Back to another delightful shelf display. On the gorgeous wood counter top are adorable pastel containers, a scale, blender, and coffee mugs. Floral mugs, colorful lidded jars, baby blue bowls, and an unexpected bunny statue occupy the shelves above.

I saved my favorite shelf for last. Everything in this vignette has such great color and pattern! From the stripped candelabra, polka dotted tea kettle, and Orla Keily radio to the spiral designed bowl, colorful cutting board, and cute little canisters.

All photos in this post belong to Kathrin of where your heart is. She has many more photos of her pretty home, adorable projects, yummy food, and super cute bunnies. So head over to her photostream and be prepared to be smitten. You should also check out her blog (in English) here: whereyourheartis.net/en or (in German) whereyourheartis.net.

One Futon, Five Ways | Studio Style

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

It's the piece of furniture we love to hate: the futon. But since we college students are often short on space and low on money, this bed-slash-couch monster is often a necessary evil... especially in studios and efficiencies. Lately, there are some handsome futon options appearing on the market. It's more likely that your futon resembles the one above. These pieces cause many a decor woe, but stylishly integrating a futon into your apartment is not a lost cause. Don't give up! Just check out these five futon makeovers for inspiration:

Option #1: Elegant Luxe

That's right. I just used elegant and luxe to describe a futon. To get this look, bring on the glam. Satin curtains in a neutral shade like beige have just enough sheen to catch the light. A simple floor lamp with a shiny lampshade provides light without taking up much floor space. At the other end of the futon, a small chest of drawers will keep clutter at bay. Top it off with a lovely lamp in a beautiful color. On the futon, dress it to the nines with posh pillows--velvet, satin, glitter, the works. Adhere a large scrap of damask wallpaper to a large canvas for statement-making wall art. Keep your bedding nearby but outta sight using a storage bench that also offers extra seating. Use small, easy to move tables in lieu of a bulky, heavy coffee table. And makeover a dining chair with paint for a pretty side chair. Who knew the futon could look so fabulous?

Option #2: Urban Industrial

If your taste leans toward the handsome, masculine end of the decor spectrum... this look is ideal for you! Start by hanging some gray curtains--bonus points if they have a steely sheen to them. For artwork, hang a trendy subway sign or black and white photograph. On one end of the futon, use an industrial cart on wheels as a side table to hold books and a lamp with a metallic base. On the other end, opt for a telescope-style floor lamp. As far as pillows go, anything black and white or burlap that features cool illustrations or typography will complement the decor well. Keep bedding in a large wicker ottoman that doubles as a coffee table. And a nicely worn-in leather chair handsomely completes the scheme.

Option #3: Exotic Comforts

Give your space an indulgent, worldly vibe. Rich red curtain panels instantly warm up a room. Skip the art and hang an ornate shutter or metalworking as art instead. A curvy modern floor lamp blends in while giving feminine curves. Pick Moroccan-inspired pillows for the futon, aiming for hues of red, orange, and gold woven in elaborate patterns. A sleek, lightweight dark wood coffee table is the perfect place to display beautiful colored glass vases. Keep bedding in an antique trunk painted to look like something the ancient Greeks might have used. Incorporate Arabian-esque accessories like a Taj Mahal-like birdcage. Poufs make for great extra seating.

Option #4: Girly Eclectic

Whether you have your own place or rent with other females, your college years are the perfect time to really decorate like a girl. (Once you're dwelling with a live-in bf or married to a hubby... your man might strongly oppose so much pink.) So draw inspiration from your Barbie-playing days by dousing your space in hot pink. Hot pink curtains make the ultra-feminine statement right away. Repeat the fabulous color in flowers, pillows, and accessories like a lamp. To balance out (or amplify) the pretty pink, bring in another hue like fresh neon green. I used a lime-hued stump on one end of the futon as a side table... and a simple modern wood table on the other end. Bring together the pink and lime with other colors using multi-patterned pillows. An ornate mirror over lends its luxurious spirit to the room, while its surface reflects light and opens up the space. A large storage ottoman is perfect for storing your bedding. And a funky Mid-Century Modern chair adds retro flair.

Option #5: Royal Drama

Flood your space with the sovereign shade of rich purple to get this look. Start with the curtains, going for heavy panels ripe with juicy plum color. Repeat the shade on an upholstered storage ottoman that you can keep bedding inside. Bonus points if you can find a metallic purple lamp as gorgeous as the one here. For the rest of the room, go for classic black! Black artwork, black floor lamp, elegant black side table, black magazine holder, black chair, and black mirror. Onyx can be so dark and romantic when used in the right way. To really bring out the royal inspiration, decorate the futon with throw pillows that feature members of the royal court. This futon would be the perfect place to curl up and watch The Tudors or The Other Boleyn Girl!

What makeover would you most like to give your futon?

Winter Office Style Contest | Win $50

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:20:00 +0000

It's that time of year again... internship searches, career fairs, and hopefully some interviews. You only get one chance to make a fabulous first impression. You want your interview attire (and workplace fashion in general) to convey how professional you are while still showing off your personality. Not sure where to start when it comes to putting together a get-up that says, "Hire Me!"? Check out this infographic:

Now comes the fun part! Lovely Undergrad wants YOU to come up with a Winter Office Style worthy of an interview and internship. And the best outfit's creator wins a $50 visa gift card!

Rules + How to Enter:

1. Read the above infographic for wardrobe tips.

2. Think of your dream internship.

Think about what you would wear if you

scored a winter interview for that internship.

3. Using Polyvore, (or any program of your choice...
even Paint!), create an outfit set showcasing what

you would wear to your dream internship interview.

4. Blog about your outfit! In your post, include

an image of your set and write about your dream

internship, how the outfit follows the infographic's

advice, and why you would wear the outfit to an interview.

5. For one entry, submit your link (below) to this post.

Simply click on the "Add Your Link" button and follow

the directions. Then, leave a comment on this post

including your name, email address, and another link

to your blog post featuring your outfit.

(Important: Entries that don't include a valid email address will be disqualified.

If you're worried about bots, spell out the words "at" and"dot" or putting [ ]'s around them.)

6. For an extra entry, tweet about this contest or share

it on Facebook. Let Lovely Undergrad know you did this by

tweeting @LovelyUndergrad or leaving a comment on

Lovely Undergrad's Facebook wall.

7. This contest is open to contestants 18 and older,

living in the United States. One entry per contestant.

8. You can vote for the outfits you like. A winner will not

be selected solely based on votes. Lovely Undergrad

will choose a winner, taking into consideration number

of votes, quality of the outfit, practicality, creativity,

style, and even things like thriftiness.

9. Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm February 22, 2012.

10. A winner be announced on the blog

and notified by email on February 23, 2012.

Got all that?! Lovely Undergrad can't wait to see all of the pretty, professional Winter Office Style outfits you lovelies come up with! If you have questions or need clarification about the contest, please feel free to send an email.

Disregard my entry below. I'm not entering, of course, I just wanted to make sure the link tool worked. :)

This giveaway sponsored by Adecco USA who is running a “New Year, New You” contest through the end of January 2012. Check out the Adecco Facebook page for more details, and find out how you could win daily prizes throughout January 2012! One grand prize winner will receive a new interview suit, a new laptop and career counseling!

Winter Weaknesses

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:17:00 +0000

Now that the snow is here to stay in Iowa... I suppose it's time to share my weaknesses this winter. Here's what's getting me through the frigid days and frozen nights...

1. Malaia Perfume by Hollister Co. This summery scent, while reminiscent of sun-drenched days of seasons past, has floral tones just sheer enough and woodsy tones just warm enough to make it one of my favorite fragrances to wear in the chillier months. Plus, I love its subtle pink color, modern glass bottle, and vintage-like atomizer. And... it simply smells reeeeally good!

2. Gaudy Rings. I've always had a thing for ornate vintage costume jewelry. I blame it on both grandmas for giving me their discarded, bejeweled pieces. I remember wearing my giant, glittery gold ring or big cameo ring back in high school. One teacher chuckled and said, "You and your gaudy rings." Let's just say I'm thrilled to not be the only one flashing these costume-y jewels! Forget the mall. The best rings are hiding at your local antique and vintage stores for about five bucks a pop. ;)

3. Pocket-watch necklaces. Here I go placing the blame again... my fascination with pocket-watches is owed to Alice and Wonderland, specifically the white rabbit. I had a stuffed animal of him when I was little. My favorite part of him? His plastic gold pocket-watch. I. Was. Obsessed. Now... I wear my own pocket-watch inspired necklace with almost every outfit. I. Am. Obsessed.

4. Pink-tinted Softlips. In the Midwest, winter days' below-freezing temps and brisk winds can cause serious damage to lips. So a chapstick that keeps them moist, healthy, happy... and pretty is definitely a winner in my books. Right now, my go-to stick is a slightly shimmery, pink-tinted tube of Softlips. (And it tastes delish.)

5. Biker Boots. This is a trend I never thought I'd jump on, but they've grown on me. Then I got two pairs for Christmas---a brown pair from Grandma (she has a great eye for style!) and a grayish pair I picked up at a post-Christmas sale for a thrifty ten bucks. A little past my riding-boot kick, I'm still experimenting with these babies. So far, I'm loving them skinny jeans or leggings and ultra-feminine tops with lace details.

6. Bronze Mercury Glass. I'm a sucker for mercury glass. It makes me swoon. (Why can't there be mercury glass jewelry, eyeglasses, etc.?!) Anyway... I'm seriously in love with this chocolatey bronze spin on the classic silver mercury glass. I scored a few votive cups on clearance at Target recently and the gorgeous golden glow they cast around is beautiful!

7. Lemon Lavender. My gorgeous votive cups wouldn't be complete without a wonderful fragrance, would they?! I'm a loyal fan of Yankee Candle Company. While my fall months were full of delicious baked-goods scents, I wanted something different once the new year began. Something clean and fresh. Something that gets me excited for the upcoming Spring, without being too floral or sunshiney. My mom musta read my mind. She gave me some Lemon Lavender votive candles and they're perfect! The lavender color is so pretty and the fragrance is divine.

8. Coffee. How could I go a season without babbling on about my love affair with coffee? In the past month I've learned how to whip up lattes and a number of other coffee drinks. And my new apartment is literally fifty steps away from a lovely little coffee shop. Oh, how I love coffee!

Leave a comment with your top three (or eight!) Winter Weaknesses!

Five Decorating Ideas for a Brick and Blue Room

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

What's my hands-down, all-time favorite email to receive? Your decorating questions! I absolutely love coming up with personalized decor inspiration for you, lovely readers. I recently received an email from lovely Niamh, who said...

"I don't live in a dorm as I still have a year and a half of high school left before I start university. I would love it if you could give me some decorating tips as I am redecorating my room. It looks like it's for a 6-year-old! I have a white chest of drawers and bed. I got Graham & Brown brick-style wallpaper. And I'm painting my room a turquoise blue color. But I don't know what else to do and you always have great ideas. I'd love it if you could help. :)"

While Niamh is still a ways away from dorm life, I was instantly excited to take on the project! Niamh faces a problem many of us do, whether we're living at home with the 'rents or renting a room in a house... making a space feel age appropriate!

I tracked down images of the Graham & Brown wallpaper Niamh will be putting up---it'd a beautiful wallpaper that gives the illusion of exposed brick. Then, I looked up the pretty shade of turquoise blue she'll be painting. Going off of the photos she sent me of her current room, I found a metal daybed, desk and chair, dresser, bookcase and armoire that closely resemble what she has now. I'm all for working with what you have!

I was so inspired by the brick wallpaper and lovely blue that I couldn't just come up with one inspiration board! So I created five... :)

Option #1: Feminine Elegance

My first decorating scheme for Niamh's room centers on the glamor that every girl craves and the romance no girl can resist. Instead of bombarding the space with color, I focused on really playing up the beautiful blue. With this turquoise as the headliner, I expanded the color scheme to include the crisp white of her furniture and toasty browns of her brick wallpaper and armoire. I kept the curtains, bed linens, and lampshades creamy vanilla in color. Luxurious pillows--one flaunting unexpected chevron--liven up the daybed. The artwork, whether abstract or floral, picks up on the shades of blue. I thought it'd be a cute accent to include a small round nightstand painted to match the walls. A round ottoman, upholstered in cream and turquoise fabric, pulls the colors together and serves triple duty as footrest, side table, and extra seating. I included reflective accessories throughout the room to up the glam factor, such as a chandelier, beveled glass vase, and mirror-finish picture frame.

Option #2: Vintage Charm

My second idea for the room sparked off of my love for pairing robin's egg blue with bold crimson. It makes for a playful yet refined color combination. For the curtains, I selected simple panels in a shade barely lighter than the walls. I kept the bedding neutral again and spiced it up with pretty floral pillows that featured red and blue accents. Brown vintage suitcases stacked on top of each other make a perfect nightstand, especially when topped off with a vibrant red lamp. An old metal chair gets new life painted red. And if Niamh would be willing to work a little DIY magic, I think her white dresser would look amazing with a coat of scarlet-hued paint. Varied red accessories and artwork give the room personality and spunk.

Option #3: Eclectic Esthetic

You know I can't resist a good dose of eclecticism. ;) The brick wallpaper immediately brought to mind some of my favorite coffee houses and their cozy, eclectic vibes. While I wanted the room to be colorful, I didn't want a random array of colors. I started with a fresh lemon-lime hue that contrasted well with the brick while complimenting the turquoise---then I used it on the chair, nightstand, and clock face. Feeling the need for a little metal, I picked slightly iridescent gray panels. I repeated that with an industrial floor lamp, galvanized metal trash can, and super shiny silver lamp base. Splashes of orange--on the lampshade, artwork, and accessories--warm up the room a bit. I liked included rather curious accessories... tall orange feather rather than flowers in a vase on the dresser, a Grecian-style bust, vintage artwork, a faux bear rug, and book posters. Also, the pillows on the bed depict an octopus and mermaid---love 'em! Definitely a cozy, interesting room to curl up with a cuppa coffee, no?

Option #4: Girly Cheer

Sometimes you want your room to grow up just a little... just enough to retain some of its carefree, youthful attitude. That's what this grouping is all about. I went with a color scheme of turquoise, hot pink, and bright yellow. Pink because it's ultra girly. Yellow because it's ultra cheerful. The pink comes in on the curtains, artwork, fresh flowers, and an adorable owl pillow. The yellow gets a little more spotlight since its lighter. So it appears on the lamp base, desk lamp, rug, throw pillow, and furniture. I thought it'd be fun for Niamh to swap out her white desk chair for an antique store find painted yellow. A round nightstand, also painted yellow, would be darling. Simple, colorful, and fresh-faced... what's not to love about this room?

Option #5: Literary Chic

Lastly, I took a "novel" approach to Niamh's room, since she mentioned in her email that she's a bit of a bookworm (like me!). I went with a neutral-heavy black-white-and-cream scheme. Several accessories in the room give off a vintage schoolhouse feel--the lamp base, desk lamp, and metal message board. I went black curtains that really stand out against the brick wallpaper. A wicker nightstand adds nice texture to the room, while a metal cafe chair painted black would look right at home under the desk... especially with a black vintage typewriter! For artwork, I kept with the neutral, word-loving theme by picking two-tone cream and charcoal prints that feature words rather than pictures. Similarly, typographic pillows decorate the daybed. I added some warm color to the room with an antique oriental rug that features subtle sage greens, dark reds, and rusty corals.

Niamh, I hope you are richly inspired by my five ideas for your bedroom! (Please send photos when you complete your redecorating---I'd love to share 'em on the blog.)

To the rest of you, I love love love doing these personalized decor boards. So send your decorating questions (and pictures) to lovelyundergrad@live.com.

Making the Most of Tall Windows | Design Shuffle

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Hi! I’m Joanna, a writer for Design Shuffle, a premier interior design portal for interior designers to share their work and design enthusiasts to enjoy. I love my job. I get to spend each day finding the most beautiful interior designs and sharing them with blog readers like you. Thanks to Lovely Undergrad for allowing me to share today! Finding the best treatment for tall windows can seem daunting and overwhelming. Sometimes, it just takes a few decorating ideas taken from other rooms to find the perfect window treatments for your own space. We’ve gathered together several rooms with eclectic and classic styles.

Sometimes the best window treatment option for tall windows is no window treatment at all. The natural light floods through this apartment making it bright and cheerful.

Simple white panels at this transom window blends with the walls creating a nice soft canvas for the room’s furnishings.

A tall potted tree acts as a window treatment offering protection against high glare when reading or working.

Simple panels in a neutral fabric on a tall window create a lovely backdrop for the bed. Panels are carried through to the French doors, giving this bedroom design a seamless look.

A simple louvered treatment on these tall windows gives protection against harsh sunlight and adds an element of interest to the room.

Potted plants and accessories set on window ledges create a focal point and draw the eye to the outdoors.

A dreamy dressing room gets the royal treatment at the windows with a soft blue fabric. A sheer is added to block excess light so the desk can be used. Does this room inspire any interior design ideas?

Bathroom ideas are flourishing in this design. Large shades are easily maneuvered from open to closed when this bathroom is in use. The patterned wallpaper blends beautifully with the shades, giving the walls a seamless look. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 Tall windows do wonders for your home! Check out even more inspiration at Design Shuffle where you'll find out brand new interior design guide and connect with Boston interior designers and more!

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Thanks, Joanna for the inspiration!

For all the girls who read...

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

As a girl who reads, writes, and has indulged in a love affair with the written word since I was first able to put letters together... I fell in love with this passage by Rosemarie Urquico. And since I know so many of you lovely readers are bookworms and writers yourselves, I'm sure you'll appreciate the following, too:

A Girl You Should Date

by Rosemarie Urquico

Date a girl who reads. Date a girl who spends her money on books instead of clothes. She has problems with closet space because she has too many books. Date a girl who has a list of books she wants to read, who has had a library card since she was twelve.

Find a girl who reads. You’ll know that she does because she will always have an unread book in her bag. She’s the one lovingly looking over the shelves in the bookstore, the one who quietly cries out when she finds the book she wants. You see the weird chick sniffing the pages of an old book in a second hand book shop? That’s the reader. They can never resist smelling the pages, especially when they are yellow.

She’s the girl reading while waiting in that coffee shop down the street. If you take a peek at her mug, the non-dairy creamer is floating on top because she’s kind of engrossed already. Lost in a world of the author’s making. Sit down. She might give you a glare, as most girls who read do not like to be interrupted. Ask her if she likes the book.

Buy her another cup of coffee.

Let her know what you really think of Murakami. See if she got through the first chapter of Fellowship. Understand that if she says she understood James Joyce’s Ulysses she’s just saying that to sound intelligent. Ask her if she loves Alice or she would like to be Alice.

It’s easy to date a girl who reads. Give her books for her birthday, for Christmas and for anniversaries. Give her the gift of words, in poetry, in song. Give her Neruda, Pound, Sexton, Cummings. Let her know that you understand that words are love. Understand that she knows the difference between books and reality but by god, she’s going to try to make her life a little like her favorite book. It will never be your fault if she does.

She has to give it a shot somehow.

Lie to her. If she understands syntax, she will understand your need to lie. Behind words are other things: motivation, value, nuance, dialogue. It will not be the end of the world.

Fail her. Because a girl who reads knows that failure always leads up to the climax. Because girls who understand that all things will come to end. That you can always write a sequel. That you can begin again and again and still be the hero. That life is meant to have a villain or two.

Why be frightened of everything that you are not? Girls who read understand that people, like characters, develop. Except in the Twilight series.

If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are.

You will propose on a hot air balloon. Or during a rock concert. Or very casually next time she’s sick. Over Skype.

You will smile so hard you will wonder why your heart hasn’t burst and bled out all over your chest yet. You will write the story of your lives, have kids with strange names and even stranger tastes. She will introduce your children to the Cat in the Hat and Aslan, maybe in the same day. You will walk the winters of your old age together and she will recite Keats under her breath while you shake the snow off your boots.

Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads.

Or better yet, date a girl who writes.

Selene's Room | Underworld

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:00:00 +0000

The only vampire movie series I've really gotten into is Underworld. I love Kate Beckinsale! And since I have a hot date with my guy tonight to see Underworld: Awakening... I couldn't help but put together a decor board of what I would imagine Selene's room to be like. Drenched in black. Gothic furniture. Ultra femme fatale. I'm particularly smitten with the black chandelier, bed, and chair. What do you think? Would you revamp your room in this style? (Re-vamp... haha... couldn't resist!)

Alison's Room Bonus | Pretty Little Liars Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Surprise! Surprise! One last post in this series... Alison's room!

You know Alison as the very popular and very cruel friend (or is it frenemy?) of Hanna, Emily, Aria, and Spencer. Alison's room is a definite princess room. Think pink, feminine, and luxe.

We don't see a whole lot of Alison's room on the series, but from a few glimpses inside we can tell that it is full of pale pink, luxurious furniture, and shiny accents.

Here's the moodboard I created inspired by the peeks I saw of Alison's space...

Take feminine to the highest level you possibly can. Imagine what a modern princess might like... and go from there. Victorian and antique furniture is ideal. Look for tufted chairs, elaborate beds, curvy tables, and rich details. You can't overdo the sparkle--include shiny silver and glittery gold. Frame some pink floral wallpaper as art. Go for ruffled pink pillows on the bed. And something tells me Alison would've approved of a chandelier...

London Calling | Inspired by the British

noreply@blogger.com (Lovely Undergrad Jessica Hansen) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:10:00 +0000

I was definitely feeling a little UK love today when I entered the Poshtots Children's Bedroom Challenge on Olioboard. (Head over and vote for my entry, pretty please!)
Even though I designed the set for a kid's room--specifically a sophisticated little British girl--I thought it was a perfect inspiration board to also share here on LU.

The room began as an empty exposed brick space with beautiful hardwood floors. The major inspiration piece was the "Up, Up, and Away" pillow. And since I love how bold red complements pale blue, my color scheme was set. I threw in an aged ivory tone for a neutral. The bed is a simple corner daybed, which I dressed with red sheets and an assortment of pillows featuring map prints and floral patterns. What better nightstand for a travel-inspired room than a vintage suitcase on legs? A big dresser painted robin's egg blue steels the show with a red mirror hung overhead. An ivory and red desk is decked out with a map, lamp, and old books... with a galvanized can nearby for trash. I threw Brit-love all over the place--the rug, a cute little boat accessory, and an art print. On one window I hung solid red curtain panels, while I went with a fun floral panel for the window nearest the bed.

I've always wanted to go to London... and looking at this room makes me want to go all the more!

What do you think? Head over to Olioboard now to vote for my entry or submit your own!!