Kate Upton does The Beverly Hills Hotel

I’m back from New York, invigorated, inspired, and ready to rock….after the holiday weekend. ;o) Until then, how about a little L.A. glam eye-candy to kick-start the summer sizzle:

Hope you have a hot weekend! Can’t believe it’s already summer.

I love summer.

Photographs by Terry Richardson for Harper’s Bazaar

Please welcome Gaby from The Vault Files!

The Vault Files is one of my favorite reads because Gaby totally gets me. I’m just in awe of her styling — chic, pretty, yet modern and fashion forward. It’s often like she is reading my mind before I’m aware of it myself. I’m not joking! Take a look at the below…currently in awe… 

Hi Small Shop readers! This is Gaby from The Vault Files thrilled to be guest posting on Erika’s fabulous blog. You all know how talented and great she is so you sure understand how honored I feel to be here today, right?

If there’s a look I love it would be one that is both feminine and edgy. I love these two opposites together, I think they balance each other perfectly, and I love the fact that you can be both feminine and edgy at the same time. So today, I wanted to share with you some pieces and looks to get inspired by.

The easiest way (and my favorite) to achieve this look is by simply throwing a leather jacket over a flowy silk dress. That’s it. Of course, there are more ways to achieve this look, like pairing cute bow ballerinas with leather leggings; or an ethereal looking silk top with a leather skirt. It’s just a matter of adding edge to a delicate outfit, and sometimes just doing the opposite. And just because you can’t get more girly than with pink I thought that all those feminine pieces were perfect to easily achieve this look, don’t you think?

What about you? Do you like this look? Here are some great looks for inspiration:

Credits:

Edgy pieces: All Saints Pace Leather Jacket / Steve Madden Studlyy loafers / Cushnie et Ochs Leather skirt / Michael Michael Kors Rock N Roll Bootie / 3.1 Phillip Lim Leather Boxing Shorts / Topshop Triangle & Spike Studs / Zara Studded Bowling Bag / Asos Spike Stretch Bracelet / Madewell Perfect Leather Belt / C Wonder Signature Stud Bangle

Feminine pieces: H&M Lace shorts / See by Chloé Silk Dress With Pleat Detail / Alexander McQueen Silk-chiffon pussy-bow blouse /  J.Crew Lula Bow Ballet Flats / Sia Dimitriadi Laburnum Skirt / Topshop Limited Edition Halter Pleat Maxi Dress

Looks: Cat Deely by Vanessa Scali for Lucky Magazine / Zoe Kuiper by Hannah Almassi / Madewell via Refinery 29 / Cupcakes & Cashmere / Hanneli Mustaparta /  Wit & Delight / Cupcakes & Cashmere / Chictopia

* Thanks so much for having me Erika!

Sharing bits of Hawaii in two places today!

It’s funny to be greeting you in such a way from the Big Apple, but I’m guest posting for two lovely ladies today and I chose Hawaii as my topic for both. Please check out:

“A Hawaiian-Inspired Bedroom” on The NOW Stylebook
Trying to get some of my yearning for Hawaii out of my system! (NOT working.)

“Details with small shop” on The House of Earnest
I’m sharing a few ways I’ve incorporated Hawaii into my home. You may be surprised?

And on this same topic, did you know that famed decorator Michael S. Smith did a house in Hawaii? I love the way he mixed just the right amount of tropical details with classic American pieces:

And really, this house could be anywhere, yah?

I’ll be back in CA tomorrow, but for now, enjoying my time in the city…

Images from Elle Decor

Client does this design house right!

I know I’m always going on and on about how great my clients are, but fact is, they are. I especially love when I get to make updates to pieces I’ve done for them, and see what they’ve been up to lately. I just had to share this absolutely adorable boy’s room from client Finnian’s Moon Interiors for the 2012 D.C. Design House:

Two headboards: love!

Pattern mixing perfection.

I’m obsessed with the deer head, of course!

Striped walls in the subtlest tones.

We’re all dying over this chair (and the upholstered legs)!

Textural goodness.

Bookshelf tree: brilliant!

More textures and detail, oh my!

I need to ask her what fabric this is, don’t I?

Finnian’s Moon now has a blog: (nursery) rhyme & reason! Get juicy details on the inspiration for this room and the process behind it’s creation!

And speaking of amazing clients, I’m off to Tamra of ever swoon‘s big launch party tonight! I heart her like nobody’s business, so I’m thrilled I can be here in NYC to support her and, duh, dance ’til dawn!

Photography by James R. Salomon

Business & Pleasure

Happy Monday everyone! I’m off to New York today — hurrah! It’s been a long 2-1/2 years since I’ve been back and I could not be more excited! I was able to pack my schedule full of fun events and a few of my faves:

The timing was right, and I’m just giddy that I have this rare opportunity to get out there.

Many thanks to my awesomely supportive husband for playing single parent for 4 days!

More to come…

Are you bold enough?

I’m packing for my NYC trip next week (yay!) and realized, I’m taking quite a few bold, bright solid separates. I’m digging the way when mixed with black, brights toughen up. 

Or maybe it’s the leather and stilettos.

At any rate, I’ll be taking fuchsia, cobalt, red and acid green as of now! Funny that I don’t feel like it’s my personality as a whole, but come to think of it: black, gold, spikes…loving it all right now. Look at me, all tuff ‘n stuff. ;0)

Have a great weekend!

Model: Julia Bijoch. Photographer: Michal Kar and Maciej Piórko. Styling: Maja Naskretska. Beauty: Sylwia Rakowska. For Glamour Poland May 2012.

Please welcome Anna from A Newfound Treasure!

I’m in AWE of Anna! Her blog is beautiful and her taste is just what the style doctor ordered. And to top it all off, I can’t get over what she created for us today! Is she not fabulous??

Hi! I’m Anna from A Newfound Treasure, a blog covering predominantly fashion and interior decorating. I was so honored when Erika asked me to guest post. She is seriously one of my very favorites, EVER. I love everything about her and her blog, and once I saw her beautiful home tour a few months back, my girl crush was confirmed. SO needless to say, I am ecstatic to have this opportunity.

Today, I am sharing a couple of (what I find to be) necessities for every home. No matter what your style may be, I believe that these elements aid in creating a well-balanced home:

2. Art. I love abstract art and believe that every home needs at least 1 large canvas of original artwork on display. A plain canvas can be found at a very reasonable price and is a great DIY opportunity. After all, if it’s abstract art you’re doing, can you really mess up? I recently painted a canvas inspired by a Cocoa & Hearts piece, and I think it turned out great!

3. Rugs. They change everything! Having at least 1 incredible rug is an essential item in every home, in my opinion. Simply layering rugs can be a total game changer in a room. I’m currently swooning over the colorful rugs in Amber’s Shoppe.

4. Books. You can never have too many design focused coffee table books. Having a few stacks on tables throughout your home is a must! There is something so inviting about having a few books out… they’re sure to inspire and make your guests feel at home. My favorites are Domino, Design*Sponge at Home, and Black & White.

5. Candles. They can set the mood and make a home smell incredible — what’s not to love? Plus, they are a wonderful gift idea for hosts, so if you don’t already do so, buy 2: keep 1, give 1.

6. Storage. Baskets have been key in creating additional storage in well-lived in spaces throughout our home. Whether filled with firewood, blankets, or toys, a basket can be the perfect remedy to a storage issue without being a total eyesore….

Anna, you’re adorable — girl crush is mutual!

A two-fer Wednesday…

“Still Life with Lemons” by Matisse, 1943

I’m doing my “Design Under the Influence” column over at La Dolce Vita today on the Gertrude Stein Salon, featured in the Woody Allen movie Midnight in Paris. When I decided to do the post I had no idea that The Met currently has an extensive exhibit on the Stein Collection (focusing on early Matisse and Picasso) — I will definitely be checking it out next week when I’m in NYC!

AND… I’m participating in Sadie + Stella’s “Favorite Room Feature” where I am sharing some of my favorite details of my daughter’s room! It’s hard to believe she is 3 now, but it’s fun that her room is growing with her. A recent addition:

“Studies in Pink & Orange #2″ by Leighton Brechtel, 2011

(A sense of humor is a good thing.)

Happy hump day!

Talent Supreme

Last week in my “The E List” post, I included an Oscar de la Renta perfume ad created by renown fashion illustrator David Downton. Not only does the talented Mr. Downton have a gorgeous website that you must visit, but a book Masters of Fashion Illustration that I must get, AND a blog on Vogue.uk that you must check out.

He does commissions for a variety of prestigious, high-end clients like The V&A & Chanel:

And on his blog, he treats us to his personal passions:

(Be sure to check out his portraits too.)

So great, right? I could stare at his work all day. Well ok, especially if it involves Jon Hamm. ;o)

And I wanted to say a quick thank you for all of your support yesterday! I got an overwhelming response through tweets, emails, comments and I have to say, you are all so amazingly sweet. But the fact that some women shared with me their own experiences regarding infertility made the post totally worth it for me. I felt so alone during that time — it was the absolute worst. But we made it! Don’t give up. And feel free to vent, share, ask away. xo

Images from DavidDownton.com and Vogue.uk

Group Post

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day yesterday! My husband scored major points. He is not the most romantic guy in the world — a tradeoff I usually don’t mind because he is really a good guy, my rock. But I’m not going to lie and say I don’t wish that he was more romantic and spontaneously thoughtful….an admission that I suppose is my first as part of the “movement” of sorts amongst bloggers to be more transparent with our readers, so that you all can see that our lives aren’t necessarily as pretty as they may appear to be. I was honored to be asked to participate, although honestly, I don’t think my admissions are all that earth-shattering! But here we go…

1. WELL-READ? It takes me months to read a book because I fall asleep after a few pages. I’ve never read a Jane Austen novel…honestly, I don’t plan to.
2. GOURMANDE? I rarely cook. We buy a lot of easy-make dishes (that my husband will often make too). Then he and I will eat in front of the TV, at 9pm.
3. VISION OF HEALTH? Despite my best efforts, I only make it to the gym twice a month, if I’m lucky. I drink wine most nights than not. I love coffee.
4. UBER COOL CHIC? I am not the spontaneous or adventurous type. Backpacking, camping, river rafting, rock climbing, sky diving, last-minute travel — all sounds really cool, sometimes wish I could be that girl. But even Vegas scares me.
5. UNSELFISH PARENT? I’ve had four knee surgeries (two at 15, then in 2006 and 2008), all from soccer. So I will be one of those parents that won’t let my kid play certain sports. Worse, I just don’t want to spend my weekends, vacations, precious free time or hard-earned income on a sport I don’t care to watch.
6. WELL-ROUNDED, WELL-VERSED? I’ve signed up for some really great classes in the past — watercolor painting, tennis, horseback riding, Italian — and then only made it to a few of the sessions.
7. A FAB D.I.Y.-ER? I have 4 half-finished canvasses in the garage.
8. EASY, PERFECT LIFE? I had three miscarriages before having my daughter. The first was a huge blow  — went in on a Wednesday for my 12-week appt. (oblivious), and by Friday I was in the OR for a D&C. I cried every day for months, mostly in the shower so I wouldn’t worry my husband.
9. EFFORTLESS APPEARANCE? I’d guess that I’m about 50% gray (I get my hair colored every 3-4 weeks). I have really sensitive skin, and a lot of wrinkles.
10. YOUNG & ACCOMPLISHED? Last year, I went to my 20-year high school reunion.

* * *

In case you’re wondering, this all started with a post by Jess. Then Ez decided to continue it, and invited a group of fellow bloggers to join her. Here are the bloggers participating today in this second wave:

Cassie: Coco + Kelley / Christine: Court & Hudson / Caitlin: Sacramento Street / Roxy: My Cup of Te / Crystal: Blog / Meg: MIMI+MEG / Ashlina: The Decorista / Katie: Modern Eve / Erin: Apartment 34 / Erica: Design Blahg / Victoria: Vmac & Cheese / Christine: Miles to Style / Franki: Life in a Venti Cup  / Sue: The Zhush / Erika: Radiant Republic / Gabrielle: Savvy Home / Monika: The Doctor’s Closet / Naomi: Design Manifest /Tobe: Because It’s Awesome / Becca: {extra}ordinary wonders / Lynzy: Sparkling Footsteps / Hitha: Hitha On The Go / Sarah: Note To Self / Liz: So Much To Smile About / Sarah: Blogstar / Alissa: The Goods Design / Jessie: Style & Pepper / AV: Long Distance Loving/ Maggie: Maggie Rose Blog / Nicole: The City Girl In Me / Priscilla: The Best Laid Plans / Jen: Concrete Jungle DC / Janelle: Food Fashion Fitness / Natalie: East Coast Chic

A big thank you to Meg of MIMI+MEG for pulling this together!

And I do hope at least one of my admissions speaks to you. ;o)

Let’s have a great week!