AphroChic

The AphroChic Blog Has Moved

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 03:06:00 +0000

After seven years, we have a new address! Check out our new website at www.aphrochic.com and blog at http://www.aphrochic.com/blogs/blog.

And The Winner Is...

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Congratulations MS CANDY!!! You have won a set of beautiful Arcadia planters from Wayfair. Please email aphrochic{at}me.com with your full name and address for the planters to be mailed to you. These are going to look beautiful in your garden!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered. The winner was chosen using Random.org, and the results are below. And thank you so much to Wayfair for sponsoring a fantastic giveaway! See more of the beautiful home decor items they have to offer at Wayfair.com >

Fashion: Made In America

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Philadelphia is a music town, and I love that about my city. I am really looking forward to attending the Made In America Festival next week on the Parkway. Bringing together some amazing artists including Beyonce, Solange, Emile Sande, Kendrick Lamar, and more, it's going to be two days of fun! As thrilled as I am about the music, I'm also excited about what to wear to America's hottest music fest this summer. Here are a few pieces that are perfect for Made In America.

The bars on this tee look like piano keys. It's casual, graphic and perfect for a day at a festival.

An outdoor music fest calls for a sporty, chic hat.

To rock modern Americana style, I love the idea of going with jewelry that's blue and white with a punch of coral.

Backpacks are back in style! This one is super chic and will hold water bottles, snacks and everything needed for a day at a festival.

These cute flats will last all day long.

Ear plugs are a necessity and these come in their own cute case.

Check out more of my Made In America style over at Keep, and be sure to follow AphroChic on Instagram and Twitter as we post live from the Made In America Festival on Sunday, September 1st.

Beaded Beauty: Yoruba Chairs

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 04:00:00 +0000

It was a little over two years ago when I visited a designer's apartment and for the first time saw a beaded Yoruba chair. Thousands of beads were intricately placed upon the armchair frame to create the most beautiful patterns. I was immediately enthralled and wanted to learn more.

Yoruba chairs hail from Nigeria, and were traditionally used by the kings and queens of the Yoruba tribe. Essentially throne chairs, they are truly luxurious pieces. No two are alike as each chair is handmade using thousands of tiny beads.

The shapes and colorways that appear in each design are exquisite. These chairs would be a bright and colorful addition to any interior, and are sure to add a cultural touch.

The geometric patterns also lend to modern spaces. I love this chair featuring repetitive diamond shapes, reminiscent of the kuba pattern featured in our The Beat wallpaper. You can find these unique armchairs online at sites like eBay and 1st Dibs. Have fun exploring!

{Image 1 / 2 / 3 / 4}

Glam Pieces at H&M Home

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 04:00:00 +0000

H&M Home has finally come to the United States! The collection is beautiful, full of glamorous accent pieces. Blooming curtains, copper pillows, and metallic candleholders are all part of a collection that you are sure to covet for years to come.

This sequin cushion cover comes in a range of colors from copper and silver to black.

Floral curtains are scattered throughout the collection. In oversized blooms, the look is clean and modern.

A mix of metallic candleholders is sure to provide a nice glow on Fall evenings. The hurricanes also feature some beautiful, delicate patterns.

Shop the complete collection over at H&M >

Wayfair Urban Garden Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 04:00:00 +0000

I may be a city girl now, but I'm originally from the country. Growing up, I was surrounded by green - fields, farms, and lots and lots of trees. Now an urban dweller, I still long for green spaces, and love the idea of creating a small garden with today's modern hanging planters. That's why I partnered with Wayfair to host a giveaway where one lucky reader will win a set of these beautiful Arcadia planters to create their own green space.

A set of round planters would look amazing in the backyard. I love the idea of placing a collection of four or five on a fence.

You can also bring these planters indoors, creating a living wall inside your interior.

To enter, simply place your name in the comment section. One reader will be chosen at random. Enter by Friday, August 23rd at 11:59pm. Good luck!

*This contest is only open to US residents. One reader will win a set of five Arcadia planters valued at $49.95.

Original Art: Kelvin Okafor

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Bryan and I are in Washington DC right now visiting family, and yesterday we decided to take in some sites and visited The National Portrait Gallery. It's one of those places that I can visit again and again to see what's new in modern portraiture. After visiting the museum, I felt inspired to share with you the work of Kelvin Okafor. A modern portraitist, Kelvin takes graphite to paper creating striking works that are so crisp they read like black and white photographs. Each piece has a soul to it, as if you are looking right into the eyes of the person he has illustrated. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from Kelvin's portfolio.

You can explore more works, including prints for sale on Kelvin's website right here > Enjoy!

The Lamps Plus Color Plus Look Book

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 04:00:00 +0000

You all know how much I love color. You can see it in every piece of home decor we offer at AphroChic. I embrace it, especially those bright shades that just make you smile. And so I was excited to talk about color in Lamps Plus' latest look book for the Color Plus Lighting Collection. I was honored to be among a group of some fabulous tastemakers, discussing my favorite lamp from the Color Plus collection. You can see it below:

Isn't that berry shade just delicious?! Check out more from the stunning Color Plus Lighting Collection over at Lamps Plus. Enjoy!

Summer Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 13:34:00 +0000

Summer vacation has arrived for us! We are traveling to Washington DC for a family vacation with our niece. To say we're excited is an understatement. I will return to the blog in mid-August with an awesome giveaway. Until then follow our vacation adventures on Instagram: www.instagram.com/aphrochic.

Decorating With Metallics

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Designer Alexander Lamont is a master when it comes to metallics. The British designer creates pieces that add that special glow to an interior. A look at his recent collection, and I fell in love with pieces gilded in gold, bronze and brass. These accessories have a soft glow that will make any room shine.

This water-lily mirror is a stunning work of art. The soft patina gives a bit of a metallic glow.

I have never seen votives so luxurious. These small bowls have been painted with a rich gold interior. With a black outer shell the look is very modern and sophisticated.

Twisted wood has been cast in bronze to create this unique vessel. A richly organic piece, I would love to feature this on a dining room table or living room mantel.

For more metallic inspiration check out our Color Crush: Metallics Pinterest board >

The Week In Review: 7.19.13

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 04:00:00 +0000

I wanted to dedicate this space today to the Trayvon Martin Foundation. In a time of such grief, it's important to do something positive. I encourage us all to get engaged, and do something big or small, whatever your time permits, to make a difference. Trayvon Martin Foundation >

The image above is by artist Tuxxon. I discovered it in a great blog post featuring 25 pieces of art dedicated to Trayvon. You can explore them all right here >

Have a safe and beautiful weekend.

Stunning Moroccan Courtyards

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 04:00:00 +0000

For luxurious outdoor living, I am incredibly inspired by Moroccan courtyards. The intricate tiles, deep colors, and cozy seating make them the perfect spot to enjoy life in the great outdoors.

In this all-white courtyard, Moroccan wedding blankets have been draped over daybeds to create the perfect resting spot.

Navy blue and white tiles lead up to a cozy little nook that you can read and relax in.

An elaborate outdoor courtyard is framed by dramatic archways with yellow and orange tiles.

Moroccan courtyards offer the perfect mix of color, pattern and relaxed global style that I just love.

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House Tour: Madeline Weinrib's Home In The Hamptons

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 04:00:00 +0000

I am so inspired by the work of textile designer Madeline Weinrib. I guess that's why images of her homes have appeared here many times on the blog. Today, I want to bring you along with me to take a look inside her Bridgehampton home. A perfect summer getaway, Weinrib's country home is modern, sophisticated, and filled with the beautiful patterns you would expect.

In this seating area, chairs upholstered in Weinrib's fabrics are absolutely stunning. I love the use of pattern on big pieces like side chairs.

In the bedroom, the upholstered headboard is everything! It is a beautiful focal point that sets the tone for the entire room.

A mix of chairs keeps the dining room cool and cozy. Pattern appears again in the upholstery on the wood dining chairs.

And this may be the cutest bar ever! A Chinese cabinet topped with a tray of favorite wines and spirits is stunning.

You can view more of Madeline's beautiful Hamptons home at Hamptons Cottages & Gardens online >

{Images via Hamptons Cottages & Gardens}

Celebrating 35

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 04:02:00 +0000

I am such a kid when it comes to my birthday. I LOVE it!!! Every year I have a birthday countdown, and enjoy celebrating the gift that this life is. This year is very special, since I'm turning 35. I remember when people used to cringe at announcing they were in the their mid-30s, but I want to celebrate it. I feel so much more confident in my 30s, and feel like I'm at a point in my life where I'm watching my dreams come true. Here's to a year of making dreams come true!!!

{Image via The Petit Cadeau}

Modern Rustic Design at Organic Modernism

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 04:57:00 +0000

Whenever I'm in Chelsea, I like to pop into Organic Modernism. It's a beautiful furniture store dedicated to modern furnishings with a rustic twist.

I love the mix of finishes that can be found perusing the store. Last time I was there I wanted to bring this beautiful brass and walnut Peacock 3 cabinet home. It's so glamorous!

Many of their furnishings sport a little bling. For instance, check out the front legs on this Alma Brass chair.

Their sofas also sport metallic details. I love the sexy brass legs on this maroon Cleveland sofa.

You can explore the complete collection of modern, rustic pieces at Organic Modernism. Next time you're in New York I recommend stopping in at one of their locations. They have lots of beautiful pieces to explore.

Original Art: Olga Melamory Larionova

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 17:00:00 +0000

This pencil drawing by Russian artist Olga Melamory Larionova is absolutely stunning. If you are in search of art that inspires, be sure to view Larionova's diverse portfolio of illustrations. Olga Melamory Larionova >

Water Dreams at Axor

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 04:00:00 +0000

One of the things that attracts me to modern design is the amazing innovation. Modern designers are constantly thinking about how to see the things we live with daily in a whole new light. That is exactly what's being done at Axor. In an attempt to break down the barriers between the bathroom and living space, they have developed two groundbreaking installations.

Nendo is a water lamp, transforming the typical shower into an intriguing living area that you can bathe beneath. Fascinating.

And Front takes a look at the pathways of water. I would love a shower like this. Its sculptural shape makes it a true work of art. Don't you think?

I truly love when art and design become one, and that is definitely happening with these fascinating installations by the Axor brand. Explore more products from Axor here >

AphroChic Juju Wallpaper Featured in House Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Have you seen the latest issue of House Beautiful? It's full of beautiful design and lots of pattern, including our Juju Blue and Green Wallpaper! Check out the free-hand design created for us by Samantha Hahn.

Thank you so much to House Beautiful and Market Editor, Orli Ben-Dor for the feature! Juju Blue and Green can be purchased at Graham & Brown >

No Sleep Till Brooklyn

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Brooklyn is by far one of my favorite cities, and I love the style of Brooklyn homes. Recently, The New York Times provided a look inside the Cobble Hill home of Mike D of the Beastie Boys. The 160 year old, 3,200 square foot space, has been updated as a family home perfect for Diamond, his wife, and their two sons.

The home is filled with fantastic local art. The piece above the record player is by Brooklyn artist Keltie Ferris.

The paintings above the mantel are by musician Kim Gordon.

In the dining room, the chandelier by Tord Boontje is the perfect accent piece.

Glassware is on display in the kitchen. The shelf is by Brooklyn company, ESP Metal Crafts.

In the bedroom, the couple has created a serene retreat. The wood beams are a nice architectural detail.

Timorous Beasties wallpaper is featured in the bedroom.

In the bathroom, a black clawfoot tub is the ultimate luxury item.

And I love the bathroom cabinet. The teal hardware is so pretty and unexpected.

You can view the full house tour right here >

{Images from The New York Times}

July 4th Sale at AphroChic!

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Today only, save 15% off all items in the AphroChic shop. Shop our holiday sale >

Red, White and Blue Style

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Trying to figure out what to wear for all of today's Independence Day festivities? I love the idea of working a little red, white and blue into your wardrobe, in classic American style. A vintage red blouse with some jeans will look fantastic at all of the barbecues you're planning to go to.

Denim never goes out of style, so try wearing it from head to toe. I love this look!

If you're like me, you'll be wearing a skirt to keep cool. Pair it with a red and white blouse for a patriotic look.

Go casual with a button down and bootcut jeans.

Or slip on your favorite blue dress to celebrate America's birthday.

Whatever you wear, have a Happy 4th!

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Meet Amber Koonce, AphroChic Graphic Design Intern

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 16:00:00 +0000

Today we are thrilled to welcome our newest intern, Amber Koonce. Amber is a graphic designer based here in Philadelphia, PA. She recently graduated in May from Moore College of Art & Design, with a BFA in Graphic Design. Amber aspires to be a Creative Director of her own magazine publication, Thrive, that showcases young and determined artists. Aside from graphic design, she loves music, food, art and hanging out with friends and family. We are so happy to have her join us as a graphic design intern this summer. She'll be working on materials for the book tour, which we can't wait to reveal to you later this year. Be sure to check out her website. She is a true talent.

Host an Independence Day White Party

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 04:00:00 +0000

This Independence Day think outside of the typical red, white and blue box, and host a chic white party for friends and family. Here are a few of my favorite pieces for a sophisticated white party that exudes a casual July 4th feel.

Serve dinner and dessert using pieces by Virginia Sin. Her porcelain paper plates are fantastic pieces for an upscale barbecue. And ice cream and sorbet can be served in her porcelain ice cream cones. Aren't they adorable?

For a star-spangled feel, these paper straws are perfect. With gold or silver stars they will add a bit of Americana to the white party theme.

Roost Market Baskets are perfect for serving fruit, veggies and other small bites. These bone china pieces are chic, yet casual.

To light up the evening use this beautiful bag of light. String bags on a fence, or use them to light a walkway for ambiance. And for your own fireworks, pick up some sparklers for guests to light at the end of the night.

See more of my favorite items for the perfect Independence White Party on Keep >

AphroChic, Homesessive & Penske!!!

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 16:20:00 +0000

It's a very exciting day here on the AphroChic blog. We are celebrating the launch of my first video series, as a spokesperson for Homesessive and Penske!!! In May I told you that I was heading to Nashville to tape a series. Well, today it is live on the Penske Truck Rental Channel. I am providing tips in a 4-part series on how to have the best move possible. You can play all of the embedded videos in this post.

Throughout the two days of shooting, I learned so much. And even picked up some moving tips that I am going to use the next time we relocate.

Taping this first series has been a dream come true. It was so much fun. I got to work with a great crew and my wonderful husband who helped me immensely.

Check out the entire series on the Penske Truck Rental Channel and please leave a comment to let me know what you think. Enjoy!

The Week In Review: 6.28.13

noreply@blogger.com (AphroChic) — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 04:00:00 +0000

This weekend I invite you to focus on one thing you've always dreamed of pursuing, and work to make it happen. Make your dreams come true. Happy weekend!