Shorely Chic

What Do You Think?

2012-02-17T08:44:00.000-05:00

Morning Lovelies! I have a favor of you today. I would like to show you something and ask you a couple questions:

Do you like this image? If so, what types of accessories would you like to see it on? Would you like it in other colors? Different patterns on the border?

Would love to hear your thoughts :)

FASHION WEEK - JASON WU - BRIZO

2012-02-16T13:25:00.001-05:00

Oh, where to begin...I'll start with being picked up from work in a black suburban like I was a celebrity and driven into NYC to a tres chic hotel in Chelsea called the Eventi. I checked in, dolled up into some cocktail gear and headed down to the welcome reception to meet the 18 others of Brizo's "Blogger 19", as well as the Brizo family who invited us on this fashion week/social media/design/faucet extravaganza.

Thursday was Brizo day where we talked all about the design process behind making the world's most luxurious and fashionable faucets (yes, we drank the Brizo Kool Aid, and loved every last drop). For the second part of the day we were given the chance to critique the faucets, do you think we liked that??

cool, right? At the end of the day, the uber generous Brizo hosts thought we should have a Brizo faucet of our own with the smart touch technology (touch on and off)!!

We had the choice of these fine beauties:

I still haven't selected mine, which do you like??? I'm leaning towards the second...

Thursday night we had a grand old time at cooking fresh pasta and drinking wine at Sur La Table:

heading in with Lisa Ferguson of Decor Mentor and Gretchen Aubuchon of Fashion & Decor (coming soon!)

me with Jill Seidner of Jill Seidner Interior Design & Material Girls blog writer!

Following a champagne brunch on Friday, we were taken by limo to the Jason Wu fashion show - can we say amazing?!

the golden ticket to Jason Wu

The show was by far one of the coolest experiences I've ever had - to be at the first of show of fashion week, at Jason Wu and to see his very personal collection representing his heritage with Taiwanese military influences was spectacular and incredibly inspiring. There was loud music, smoke, gorgeous models, amazing clothes, and celebrities everywhere. I could go on and on but overall the 10 minutes that the show lasted were some of the most entertaining and memorable of my life.

THEN, yes there's more, we had a private cocktail party at the MBE penthouse WITH Jason!

Lisa of Decor Mentor, Amy of ABCD Designs, Jason Wu, Shorely Chic, and Jennifer Duchene

The Brizo ladies!

The Blogger 19!

Erika Ward of BluLabel Bungalow, Niki of Single Bubble Pop, Shane Inman of The Inman Company, me, and Shay Geyer of IBB Design

Jason at the Q&A

A huge thank you to Brizo for hosting such an incredible and insightful week in New York City - memories were made that we will never forget and you've inspired and moved each and everyone of us.

To the Blogger 19 and to Brizo!

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS - TYRA'S ESSAY

2012-02-15T08:43:00.000-05:00

Total randomness alert:

Ya'll (as if I'm from the south), Brian and I are completely obsessed with Friday Night Lights these days. We had never watched a full season and since we were all done with madmen we were feeling the void on our weekday nights - big time (married life - eek!).

The other night was the end of Season 3 when the Panthers go to State and SPOILER: lose. It was kind of a downer but at one point during the show Tyra reads her college essay to Landry and I was so touched by it:

"Two years ago, I was afraid of wanting anything. I figured wanting would lead to trying and trying would lead to failure. But now I find I can't stop wanting. I want to fly somewhere on first class. I want to travel to Europe on a business trip. I want to get invited to the White House. I want to learn about the world. I want to surprise myself. I want to be important. I want to be the best person I can be. I want to define myself instead of having others define me. I want to win and have people be happy for me. I want to lose and get over it. I want to not be afraid of the unknown. I want to grow up and be generous and big hearted, the way people have been with me. I want an interesting and surprising life. It's not that I think I'm going to get all these things, I just want the possibility of getting them. College represents possibility. The possibility that things are going to change. I can't wait."

After hearing it I told Brian I had to put it up on the blog and so here you go :) I warned you it was random!

oh, hey Tim..

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2012-02-14T07:57:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day Beautiful Ones :)

{source}

I hope today you share your love with all those who make your life happy and full.

I love you Brian, Jack, Mom, Dad, Teddy, Grandma, my extended family of friends (too many to list but you know who you are), and my Shorely Chic family including each and every one of you who reads and comments on this blog. You all mean the world to me and I am so lucky to have the fullest heart and soul from all your love.

Hugs & Kisses, Liz

and some other randomness from my new Instagram account:

sweet Brian sent me two dozen roses to work, had to share this pretty photo I took

and my sweet little Jack, licking his chops on a walk :)

MUNGER INTERIORS

2012-02-13T06:14:00.000-05:00

I am back from an amazing week in New York City spent with 18 other bloggers turned friends for Fashion Week with Brizo. The experience was so overwhelming and inspiring and while I work on that post, I wanted to give you a little something nice from Munger Interiors for your Monday.

these pillows got me - Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa fabric - yumminess

how cute for a guest room?

How perfect is this coastal home? The neutral backdrop and pops of color from all the accessories is really what gets me, and all of the horizontal wall paneling.

This is the kind of lived in home I love to see!

What do you think?

Radiant Republic's Warm Weather Getaway!!

2012-02-10T08:44:00.001-05:00

Hello! I’m Erika from Radiant Republic and I was ecstatic when Liz invited me as a guest today while she is away at New York Fashion Week (Lucky Liz!). Shorely Chic is one of my very favorite blogs because it perfectly encapsulates the coastal vibe that, as a fellow New Englander, I dearly love. And it’s so nice to meet all of you!

I’m writing from Aspen and am having a ball skiing and après-ing this week. I adore winter activities and the ethereal backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Still, I jones for warmer temperatures this time of year. When resort lines hit stores, my warm-weather lust only intensifies. I would love to get away to Barbados or the Seychelles and sip a frosty afternoon treat from a coconut. I would lounge on the beach with a book, snorkel in the crystal blue waters, and dance the night away to a steel drum band. Doesn’t it sound like paradise? And I would pack these for my trip to the islands. I’m dying over these limited-edition Elizabeth and James leopard sunnies. Aren’t you?

1. Shop Bop Limited Edition Leopard Fairfax Sunglasses

2. Shop Bop Sharize Coverup

3. Sailor Girl Demi Top

4. Shop Bop Shaka Knot Bracelet

5.s Kenny Scharf for Jack Rogers

What’s your dream warm-weather getaway?

Welcome Chic Coastal Living

2012-02-09T08:16:00.000-05:00

Morning All! I am pleased to introduce today's guest blogger, Desiree from Chic Coastal Living blog:

Hello Shorely Chic readers! It's a pleasure for me to be guest blogging here today since, Liz and I both share a love for chic coastal living. With spring and summer just around the corner, I thought it would be appropriate to take a look back at some of my favorite spaces...all beachy of course! Blue and white have always been on the top of my list for design and fashion during these seasons.

Here are some ideas in coordinating what you wear with your surroundings...

Thank you Liz for inviting me over to your coastal abode! I hope you're having a great time during NYC Fashion Week!
XO,
Desiree

above interior/exterior design images
this/that
What I'm Loving Now

MUSIC LOVE Bahamas - Barchords

2012-02-08T13:57:00.002-05:00

I'm such a lover of Jack Johnson and have missed him dearly on the music scene since his last album, but I was ecstatic to see him on facebook promoting a new band under his record label, Bahamas.

Jack's music transports me to a happy place, like the beach, and this band kind of has the same effect. I sampled a couple tracks from their newest album Bar Chords and am hooked.

If you love Jack, if you miss Jack, check these guys out - I promise you won't be disappointed :)

FLAMINGO FUN

2012-02-07T08:29:00.002-05:00

Morning!! I wanted to share with you a notecard I designed last night that will be part of the new and improved Shorely Chic Collection coming late Spring/early Summer:

isn't it pretty?

BRIZO FASHION WEEK

2012-02-06T08:27:00.006-05:00

Good Morning Everyone! I'm SO excited for this week as it will be my first fashion week ever!! Brizo, the luxury brand of faucets, has invited 19 "elite designers, architects, and savvy writers" {me?!? really?!?} for a three day design focused fashion week event. We have a packed agenda and will be attending the Jason Wu show followed by a private cocktail party with the designer where will be able to sit down and talk to him about his new collections. I'm also so excited to have three days to bond with some of my favorite bloggers and designers in the country.

Check out the agenda!

Thank you to Brizo for this incredible opportunity!!

Now, what to pack...

Happy Sunday and Some Things...

2012-02-05T10:17:00.001-05:00

Hi ya'll, just popping in to say a quick hello and to send you over to Adore Magazine's latest issue - it's great!!

{images taken from the lovely pages of Adore}

Brian and I are off to our neighbor's 5th birthday party and then a little shopping because yours truly is going to fashion week this week courtesy of Brizo!!! I'm dragging him to Greenwich Avenue and plan on hitting my favorites, TOGS, Madewell, Urban Outfitters, Tory B, Theory, and J.Crew - I mean what in the heck do you wear to fashion week?!

Oh, and PS, it was my mom's birthday last night and I made this delicious chocolate cake from one of my new favorite blogs, Camille Styles, and it was such a huge hit!!! I definitely suggest giving it a try:

so yummy

annnddddd {!!!!!} I gave my mom a new Shorely Chic iphone cover (coming soon!!)

Happy Sunday Everyone, oh, it's Super Bowl isn't it?

MY NEW CARRIE DUNHAM CLUTCH

2012-02-03T07:39:00.001-05:00

I'm so excited for my new Carrie Dunham clutch I picked up at the NYIGF I had to share! I met Carrie a few times at various shows around Connecticut and I was so happy to see her at the show doing amazing and surrounded by so many new collections. Carrie's bags are so unique in that they come "naked" in various materials and tones, and then you buy covers to dress them up. I absolutely could not resist this one:

I'm trying to convince her to do a giveaway on the site, so stay tuned!! In the meantime, you can check out more of her bags and covers here.

BELLA MANCINI DESIGN

2012-02-02T07:47:00.003-05:00

I fell in love with Bella Mancini's Greenport, LI family beach home described by her as, "beachy, airy yet cozy and comfortable vibe that lends itself to casual entertaining with friends and family". I couldn't come up with a better description:

I LOVE grasscloth in a foyer

All it takes for a nice kitchen (in my opinion) carrera marble countertops, white cabinets, nickel/chrome pulls, stainless appliances, dark hardwood floors, bamboo shades, subway tile backsplash, and fresh flowers :) And if you have fun color appliances like turquoise kitchen aid, put it on display.

totally dreamy out here...

how eclectic and fun!! Love how her style really comes out here...

can we say charming? The hula girl is such a nice touch, makes it cool!

I want a teepee

love how this bedroom is so tranquil, could put you right to sleep

photos via Bella Mancini Design

BELOVED BOWS

2012-01-31T08:11:00.001-05:00

I have a serious obsession with bows lately - I think they make every article of clothing look adorable and flirty, which we certainly need during these gray winter months, don't you think?

Here are my top picks as of late:

They don't have it in my size but this Asos Pussy Bow Dress in Navy could not be more ME!!

This shirt is a MUST from Top Shop

A little late in the season but how cute are these Top Shop Furry Bow Earmuffs

Cute BFF gift - Kate Spade Bow Bangle

I just bought this Asos Aqua Shell Top with Bow Sleeves !!

Aqua Bow Belt (yes, I have an obsession with aqua, too)

Darling Pintuck Bow Shell Top

not sure I'm on the maxi skirt train yet, but if I were this Light Pink Bow Maxi Skirt would do it for me

and I officially need this Tory Metallic Bow Cuff

Splurge Alert - this Salvatore Farragamo Vera Bow Clutch is TO DIE

And there you have it! How do you feel about bows?

NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL GIFT FAIR COASTAL EDITION

2012-01-30T08:45:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, Brian and I went to the New York International Gift Fair (isn't he such a sweetie for coming with?) at the Javits Center in NYC. I LOVE the NYIGF to see what's new in the market and meeting all of the designers behind home's most coveted brands. This trip was a little different as we were both looking at the market in a different way - against the backdrop of the product line I am in the midst developing (Spring/Summer 2012 launch).

I was so inspired and enjoyed so much the goodies everywhere, check them out:

I loved these handmade nautical wall hangings (which were HUGE) from Dolan Geiman all made from recycled materials:

Pretty California Chic pottery by RS handmade

I loved the color combo's and shapes (above)

Pretty beach rock art by Funk Rock Designs:

Ortolan handmade:

I forget whose sunburst this was but how cool!!

Me and Stacy of Dunes & Duchess

aren't the colors FAB?!

the new chairs!!

The graffiti wall :)

Onto Karen Robertson:

heaven...

onto Nate Ricketts Design:

And Jamie Dietrich:

Oceanna Arts:

I have vintage bathing suits waiting to be framed!! This was just the inspiration I needed :)

cute whale ad urchin from HomArt

ombre pillow!! (roost?)

Vintage Art Prints:

And last this giant shell mirror (unfortunately I don't have the brand, if anyone knows please let us know!)

I hope you enjoyed my tour of the handmade and at home sections of the NYIGF!! I'll be going back Wednesday for more :)

BUSINESS CARDS

2012-01-27T08:19:00.002-05:00

**Update** Here they are with the gold spray paint!! Such a simple project, just place a rock on the top card after stacking them as perfectly as you can, and spray the sides :)

Brian reminded me yesterday that I should print up some more business cards as we are headed into the city for the New York International Gift Show this weekend.

I decided it was time to revamp them and came up with this:

just added a white border to that box:

there, I think that looks better.

I thought chevron would look cute but I feel like everyone has that so I went with these muted aqua ikat dots with a bold coral text. I'll be doing a little DIY with them once they are printed to give them a nice light gold edge which I learned last night from Camille Styles.

to be honest, I'm not sure they are 100% what I want but I'm in a time crunch so they will have to do for this weekend. Do you have any suggestions?

And don't forget to enter to win the nautical knot ombre bracelet! I'll be picking a winner tonight at 5:00 PM EST

NAUTICAL OMBRE BRACELET GIVEAWAY BY NANOUKIKO

2012-01-26T08:17:00.000-05:00

**Update** The lucky winner is Danielle from Finding Silver Pennies Blog! Thank you all so much for entering, and stay tuned for new giveaways!

I had such an overwhelming response when I posted the NANOUKIKO ombre nautical knot bracelets with at least three of my personal friends making purchases and some of my facebook and twitter followers, I thought it would be fitting to host a giveaway on the blog!

Owner Natacha was excited about the idea, too, and will be sending the extra bracelet along with mine to send to the lucky winner!!

It will look so chic paired with a simple gold bangle or even stacked for a dramatic effect with your favorite chunky gold watch!

I'm such a sucker for pretty packaging:

To enter:

1. Visit Nanoukiko's shop and leave a comment below (one entry)

2. become a fan of Nanoukiko on facebook (two entries)

3. tweet OR facebook a link to this giveaway (three entries)

copy link: http://shorelychic.blogspot.com/2012/01/nautical-ombre-bracelet-giveaway-by.html

4. become a follower of Shorely Chic on facebook, twitter, OR this blog (four entries)

Winner chosen tomorrow at 5:00 PM EST!

Good Luck, Shorlies :)

ETSY LOVE - NANOUKIKO

2012-01-24T13:37:00.000-05:00

These awesome ombre nautical knot bracelets on Etsy are my latest obsession - I purchased the coral and white one this morning and can not wait until it comes in the mail!

aren't they chic??

You can purchase here

DIY Seashell Shadowbox

2012-01-23T08:19:00.006-05:00

I wanted to share with you one of my all time favorite projects which I think turn out so beautiful for not a lot of skill or time, and are some of my best sellers on Etsy.

The process is very simple and just takes a little bit of planning in terms of what you want your background to be and which shells you want to use for your composition.

I used leftover Kravet grasscloth wallpaper, scallop shells and pieces of broken coral, along with faux pearls to go inside the scallops. The shadowbox is from IKEA, and for the low cost ($20) I don't think you can beat the look.

If you haven't figured it out yet, all you do is cut the grasscloth (or any leftover wallpaper or patterned of your choice) to size, arrange your shells, and hot glue! I suggest using a lot of glue to ensure the shells won't go anywhere over time. Sign your name on the bottom right of the mat, and viola:

I sold these in a set of two and can't wait to see how the look hanging up in my customer's home :)

Snow Day!!

2012-01-21T10:02:00.006-05:00

Someone was excited to find 4 inches of snow in his backyard!

Isn't he a cutie??

Brian and I are headed up to Okemo for the night for a little fun in the snow ourselves,

see you all Monday and enjoy the weekend!

OMBRE DREAMS

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Ombre n. A French term meaning "shaded." Usually a multicolored stripe, with colors graduating from light to dark.

I'm so obsessed with ombre lately, well ombre and stripes. I want ombre everything especially in shades of blue and coral. At first I thought ombre only related to hair, but then I learned of all these great home decor and fashion items and I'm into it.

does LC not have the best hair ever? jealous...

Ombre hair works especially well for brunettes like me who let their highlights *sometimes* go a little too long :)

pretty ombre napkins from onewed.com

pretty ombre stationery via Etsy

ombre lampshade via Pinterest - how pretty would this be in a white washed beach house?

ombre pillow via Etsy

LOVE via Pinterest

I have these bentwood chairs - I'll be ombre'ing those...

Unbeknownst to me I registered for ombre, via the Le Crueset Caribbean collection:

Martha has some DIY ombre projects (from 2008 - guess I'm a little late on this trend)

Are you an ombre fan?

VINTAGE BY THE SHORE ON ETSY

2012-01-18T08:28:00.003-05:00

I can't tell you how excited I was to find mixed media and digital artist Cynthia from Vintage by the Shore on Etsy. Her vintage beach-inspired art is so unique and beautiful, I can't wait to start buying these images up for my clients when she returns from vacation.

I think they would like pretty in a set of 12, 3 rows of 4, above a console in a dining room OR built into the walls like this:

via Diana Sawicki

Vintage by the Shore is on vacation but will return in February. In the meantime, get your picks ready!

Beachy Glam at the Golden Globes

2012-01-16T08:35:00.003-05:00

My favorite part of the Golden Globes, like most all women, is to watch the red carpet and look at all the pretty dresses hear who everyone is wearing. I have to say my favorite this year was Heidi Klum for her "au naturale" beachy glam look and pop jewelry:

I love everything about this look, her hair is the perfect beach blonde and down in a sort of casual way parted in the middle, she has the perfect tan, not too much makeup so we can tell she is definitely a natural beauty, and the gorgeous body-hugging Calvin Klein number in peach fits her like a dream - that back {!! no words!!}. Her bold turquoise necklace and ring by Lorrain Schwartz finishes off the look and gives it just the right pop of color.

Who was your favorite this year!?

ADOPT JILL

2012-01-14T10:03:00.001-05:00

Morning Everyone! I got an email last night from the woman who we adopted our Jack from in Tennessee who asked if I could spread the word on Jill - a new pup she took into her home who was abandoned with her brothers and sisters in a field.

She is an adorable thing, and if she turns out anything like Jack you will be the luckiest doggie parents in the world, next to us of course :)

She is fixed and has all her shots. She will be transported to Connecticut and can be picked up from you here :)

Please email me at liz@shorelychic.com if you are interested.

TB'S NAUTICAL CHIC BRACELETS

2012-01-12T08:29:00.002-05:00

I decided yesterday If I had to wear three brands it would be Tory Burch, J. Crew, and Kate Spade for her adorable accessories.

My latest obsession is Tory's collection of this chic nautical rope bracelets, aren't they so perfect?

you can buy them here for $95 a pop