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:

1. Plants. Bring the outdoors into your home with a beautiful live plant. Now, I have what I would consider to be the black thumb of death, but I am currently in want of a giant fig tree for my living room. I just think they are so beautiful. How hard can it be to keep those things alive? If a tree seems intimidating, snip some fresh blooms from your yard and throw them in a vase. It’s amazing how much some “life” can change a space.

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….

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!

And other things I learned…

The main reason I was so excited to go to the #LuckyFABB conference is because I really wanted to learn more about social media and SEO for myself and my clients. Of course I was thrilled to have the chance to mingle with editors and other bloggers, but I honestly felt like I was there as an ambassador for my clients — how can I provide them with an edge over the competition? With this thought, I wanted to share a bit with you too, for those interested! I furiously typed away during these two presentations…such great info!

There are many items I am not doing myself! Need to get on it.

Next up, a closing presentation by Randi Zuckerberg — a self-proclaimed Silicon Valley geek that I secretly want to be BFFs with:

* * *

A few more notes:

Bloggers apparently have a TON of influence!
Retailers and fashion designers are taking note, and figuring out ways in which they can connect with the consumer through bloggers. Shopbop for example, changed the gray background of their product/model shots to white…for BLOGGERS. Another example: J Brand owner Jess Rudes mentioned that a huge contributing factor in the popularity of their colored jeans: BLOGGERS.

If you’re putting on an event/conference:
DO provide a live twitter and Instagram feed both at the event (on a large screen), and on your website. DO display both in your event literature and on a large screen the names, titles, companies, websites, and twitter handles of each speaker.

DON’T: have someone on your “Entrepeneur” panel who stole the “entrepreneurial” idea when my client went to her four years ago to partner on it. (Yep, this chic even went behind my client’s back, leased the space they were looking at, and hired her own branding company.) You guys have no idea how hard it was for me not to call her out.

If you’re at an event/conference (and don’t know anyone):
DO talk up the people sitting next to you. I met so many wonderful women (like the fab gals of Fashionably Bombed!) who are bright, stylish, hard-working, and new blog friends.

DON’T: close yourself off and act like you’re too good to be there. You never know who you’ll meet! I saw a lone woman taking her own photo and went up to her to ask if she wanted me to take it for her. Turns out it was actress Shiva Rose – beautiful and really sweet! She ended up interviewing me for a segment on KTLA 5. You just never know….

 * * *

Sorry for the long post! I wanted to be sure to get it all in for easy referencing!

To all you moms out there, hope you get to relax on Sunday and feel celebrated!

Please welcome Rachel of Little Bits of Lovely!

Well. I really am quite speechless when it comes to Rachel’s blog, Little Bits of Lovely. I don’t think I even need to say much because the below just exemplifies it for me. I will say that I’ve been considering going black/white in my office, and these boards confirmed it for me! Goosebumps people, goosebumps…

Hi there Small Shop Studio readers! It’s Rachel here from Little Bits of Lovely + I’m honoured to be here today guest posting on Erika’s fabulous blog about the versatility of one of my favourite colour palettes: Black + White.

What I love about this palette is that depending on how you style it you can end up with two completely different looks, each exuding it’s own unique personality.

Three different styles I’m particularly drawn to are Glamorous, Modern Eclectic + Minimalistic…

{glam.or.ous}

A glamourous space is always charmingly or fascinatingly attractive, especially in a mysterious or magical way.

Sources : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

{mod.ern ec·lec·tic}

A style that is not limited to any one idea or preconception; it is rather, distinctively comprised of elements from various sources.

Sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 

{min·i·mal·istic}

An approach defined by only decorating with a bare minimum of what is necessary.

Sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Which of these most closely aligns with your personal style? I like to think I’m a combination of all three, but I do tend to lean more towards glamorous!

Thank you for having me today Erika!

Having a deco moment…

I walked into Target the other day, and spotted this blush/tropical green goodness of a dress (No. 2). Since I haven’t stopped thinking about it — and had to include it in another edition of the E list — I clearly need to go back and get it.

1. Pier 1 mirrored nightstand, $249.99  2. The Webster at Target dress, $42.99  3. Oscar de la Renta “Live in Love” perfume, $98  4. Malachite bangle, $12  5. Tropical pillow cover, $40  6. DVF snakeskin clutch, $360 7. Michelle Armas acrylic on canvas, $200  8. Flamingo matches, $4  9. Charlie by Matthew Zink bikini, $215  10. Chloe Cirse sunglasses, $330  11. Loeffler Randall raffia wedge sandals, $375

And clearly I’m not over the light pink.

Happy hump day!

Channeling Sophia Loren…

 I should have mentioned in my Love Story post last week that we honeymooned in Italy. And if I had to pick a favorite city from that trip, it would have to be Venice. It was a bit surreal, too pretty and car-free, that it definitely felt like a movie set. Seeing this spread from Elle Mexico made me first, fondly remember this beautiful city, and second, wish I had a better travel wardrobe (then and now)!

Ah Venice, when will I return?

Are you in love with Venice too?

Model: Viktorija. Photographer: Santiago Ruisenor. Fashion editor: Pamela Ocampo. Makeup artist: Giovanni Lovine. Hairstylist: Dora Roberti.

If you’ve been following along for a while, you know I kinda get into throwing a shower (see vintage chic shower and orange/gray shower, par exemple). This time I get to help with a bridal shower for my sister-in-law, and since I am a co-maid/matron of honor, you KNOW I had to bring it. Thankfully, the other bridesmaids have been really cool about letting me run with it — great timing too, as I was definitely feeling creatively drained last week with that retreat, conference, and two big deadlines. This was just what I needed to get those juices flowing again!

Since her wedding will be at the Nixon Library, and she’s going for a slightly 60′s retro theme (dusty aqua/champagne/white/gold), I chose to use her aqua and add a fun, mod, citrus color scheme. I found my inspiration in the “Citrus Fruits” print by Rifle Paper Co. — aren’t the colors amazing?

From there, everything came together:

• We are already doing a Mimosa Bar (with grapefruit and orange juices), so why not add a signature cocktail? Perhaps something like the above, or in the lime-mint-basil department?
• The dress and styling by Trina Turk could not be more perfect. Definitely “of the period” without being too kitschy, right?
• I highly doubt our budget will allow for such amazing floral arrangements as these, so perhaps peachy/coral flowers and lemons in vases? Citrus = chic, colorful, and cheap!
• Can’t get over how darling this vintage fabric garland is (found here)! I think it adds just enough whimsy.
• One of the bridesmaids is making cake pops (yum!) and I thought how cute would a tag “He popped the question!” be? 
• Another bridesmaid will be making sugar cookie favors (the best ever!)…design to be revealed.

Other touches:

• Music – Bossa Nova, Rat Pack, Pink Martini, 60′s cocktail party…def.
• Napkins – a Target find, but of course!
• Mrs. tumbler – she’ll never lose her glass, and we’ll never leave it empty.
• Lawn Flamingos – ok people, really excited about these. I have a little surprise for these two love birds. ;o)

Other details need to remain a secret, on the off chance the bride sees this beforehand!

And if anyone knows where I can find a party tablecloth in that dusty aqua (tough color!), I will be forever grateful!

more inspiration and sources on my pin board

Boho, Family Style

One of the fun parts of my job is when I get to search the web for inspiration for clients. I came across the home of Emma Reddington of Marion House Book, and I couldn’t believe all of these images were from the same house! What great taste, and really, what lovely photography too.

(And now we know all about Bertoia chairs, right?)

I love the progression of the rooms over time. You MUST check out the before and afters on House and Home, too. Shocked. Should give us all hope.

Happy Friday!