coco+kelley

LOVE IS IN THE HOUSE.

2012-02-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

Imagine that instead of decorating just the table for Valentine's Day (one vase of flowers, anyone?) that you spread the love and infused pinks, reds and a serious heart motif into every room of the house!? Well, that's exactly what designer Jennifer Brouwer did with this client's home - and the result is surprisingly fun, fresh and not even close to tacky.

The trick to doing this well is simply swapping out a few elements in your existing home with pieces that pack a punch like a huge heart welcome rug! The white lamps were given a little makeover with cutout hearts - easily removed after the holiday.

I love the living room space because these elements so obviously work outside of Valentine's Day.

I mean - that ottoman - shut UP! The biggest additions here were a Burberry inspired accent wall and heart artwork. Too over the top for you? Just leave the palette to speak for itself. A few red throw pillows get the message across, and matte black walls are as sexy as they are sophisticated... all year round.

My favorite area (no surprise!) is the dining room! The walls received a pink and cream zebra treatment for fun, and the ceiling coated in red paper. An Ikea pendant gets an extra fun detail with heart stickers placed in the middle of each 'flower'. Of course, if you don't have a lacquered red table, a red tablecloth will do just fine. Maybe some pink pillows on your chairs?

And finally - the girls' room. Seriously, if I were a 5-year-old and walked into this room, I would FREAK. OUT. As Jenn put it, "This idea goes far beyond heart shape sandwiches in the lunch box."

Again, some easy to replicate details make all the difference. No need to reupholster the headboard when it's simply painted on! And, pretty little hearts placed randomly in the lighting fixture make a big impact. If you're like me and a bit of a cynic when it comes to this holiday, the least you can do is spread the love to your little ones and make their day with some of these fun touches!

What do you think? Are you inspired to add an extra dose of pink and red or some heart-shaped elements to your home for Valentine's Day?

*photography by donna griffith. design by jennifer brouwer interior design

FOODIE FASHIONISTA: SURVIVAL GUIDE

2012-02-08T14:07:00.000-08:00

Hello dear readers - Crissie, from Chicasaurus-Rex here! Guess what? It's Fashion Week again... This year I am juggling a new job, a new blog and a few shows to cover... (I'm pretty excited about it, actually!) But I'm also loading up on vitamin packed fruits and veggies so I can stay happy and healthy all week long.

The easiest way to do that? Green smoothies! I like making mine with: a. Orange Juice, b. Bananas, c. Kale, d. Pears, a squirt of honey and a little almond milk (my sister swaps out the pears for blueberries and yogurt for milk - also delish!) Being your resident Foodie Fashionista, no food is complete without an outfit to accompany it, so I bring you the Fashion Week Survival Outfit (inspired by the Fashion Week Survival Smoothie):

1. print + faux fur, 2. a bold blouse, 3. bright flats, 4. a stylish iphone case, 5. a mint green peplum skirt

Do you have a favorite green smoothie?

xo, Crissie

VINTAGE + DOTTY

2012-02-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

I have a new obsession with vintage magazine covers...

I especially love the illustrated ones, as we don't see much of that these days - they provide so much graphic design inspiration! I'd love to start collecting them physically to frame for my walls. It'd be so fun to have a theme (like all dots!) to tie them together.

ELEMENTS OF ROMANCE

2012-02-07T13:55:00.000-08:00

I promised lots of lovely Valentine's inspired posts this week... but I'm not one for standard holiday fare, so I started scouring for inspiration over the weekend and found it in the form of this shoot by Toby Knott for Glass Magazine...

Layers of my favorite berry pinks and reds with tons of nudes lend a sophisticated palette while elements of lace, satin, sequins and tulle amp up the feminine factor and the romance.

To recreate, just mix these beautiful textures - satin, lace, floral print, sequins and mesh - into your own fabulous Valentine's Day ensemble! I'm also thinking the images may serve as inspiration for my Valentine's Day tabletop... do you have anything fun planned yet?

*1. satin blouse alexa chung for madewell, 2. lace bustier norma kamali 3. floral j.crew skirt 4. sequin scarf ban.do 5. mesh heels guiseppe zanotti

INTERIORS TO INSPIRE: JOLT OF COLOR

2012-02-07T05:38:00.000-08:00

It's time to wake up winter with a jolt of color! Maggie here from Maggie Rose Interiors with a home that leaves no color behind. Jewel tones and animal prints combine, but the effect is anything but sultry or sleazy. It is playful and fun, tempered by neutral tone floors and walls, and oversized black and white art.

In the living room, white walls provide a blank slate for loads of plush bright fabrics and animal prints. A jumble of colors mix seamlessly - I spy fuchsia, pear green, turquoise, and goldenrod. Using lamps in pairs lends a little symmetry and structure, and the oversized portraits make use of the high ceilings. Little martini tables dot the room. See that bullion fringe on the skirted table? I'm predicting that it's poised to make a big comeback.

The dining room may appear to have a completely different look on first glance (that gingham!), but several of the elements are repeated: pairs of lamps, more pear green, bullion fringe, large portrait art, and animal print are all here. Granted the mix of pattern has been taken up (a slightly crazy) notch, but I am in love with those red leather dining chairs surrounding the circular table.

The study is dark and moody with its lacquered chocolate walls. The wild colors are toned down, but we still have our pear green and animal print in one. Petite wall sconces replace the pairs of table lamps, but topiaries on the fireplace still add some symmetry. Round little tables are more flexible than a traditional coffee table.

So how can we get the look?

With an infusion of color, of course! A fuchsia arm chair pairs will with a yellow side table while a neutral sofa (with bullion fringe!) mingles with gorgeous vintage leopard stools. We get our jolt of turquoise with a patterned pillow, and a black and white print would look amazing framed. We'll lacquer our walls with chocolate brown (Benjamin Moore "Night Horizon") and splurge on a set of traditional dining chairs upholstered in a pop of red (animal print, for good measure). And of course, it wouldn't be complete without a pair of green lamps.

*room images via architectural digest

SO BERRY NICE

2012-02-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

I've decided to no longer be such a brat about Valentine's Day this year since being chastised for my cynical ways last week. Instead, I'm embracing the chance to revel in plenty of rich reds and pinks...

... including these yummy berry tones! I think I'll treat myself to some sparkles, shoes... and definitely bunches of flowers! So excuse me if this week takes a little turn for the girly around here (what else is new?) but I'm gonna get in the mood for love... even if it's just my love of color!

*images via tumblr, jenny packham ss09

HAPPY (GOLDEN) WEEKEND!

2012-02-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited that my girl Bri is heading up to Seattle this weekend for blogshop!! In her honor... let's make it a very golden yellow weekend (it's her favorite color)...

The sun is shining and it's Friday!! Be happy people! PS - that collage of artwork above? Screaming for me to DIY it for the apartment. I think I'm gonna have to try it... in shades of green!

Enjoy a fabulous weekend!

*images here and here

OBSESSED: THE PERFECT SPRING BOOTIE

2012-02-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

I think we all know I'm a huge fan of classic black and white. I also happen to love anything linen. And if I can't put it in my house, then you bet your bootie I'm going to wear it!

(Get it? Bootie? I know. I'm hilarious.) How fun are the striped soles?? The piping makes it perfection.

*white linen bootie by alejandra g.

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: VALENTINE'S CRAFTERNOON

2012-02-02T06:14:00.000-08:00

Bonjour mes chéris! Camille Styles here, and with Valentine's Day less than two weeks away, it's time to start thinking about how we're going to demonstrate our affections...

Why not invite the girls for an afternoon of sweets, bubbly and bonding over Valentine's crafting in requisite shades of scarlet and rose? Break out the scissors, glue, sequins, pipe cleaners, glitter, paint, washi tape and rubber stamps, and let the creative juices flow as you craft some cards to put a smile on your sweetie's (or bestie's!) face. A few little lovelies to make this party come to life:

1. heart matches 2. heart shaped balloons, Mignon 3. XO s'mores, Williams-Sonoma 4. Shakespear's Love Sonnets, Terrain 5. baker's twine, whisker graphics 6. pink doily, etsy 7. heart milk cubes, A Subtle Revelry. inspiration image: Martha Stewart

A HEAVENLY HALL...

2012-02-01T14:31:00.000-08:00

Peering down this hallway reminds me exactly of my entryway (of which there really is none, really... just a hall).

I've got a print all ready to hang just like they have on the right, and have pretty much determined that my desk will be situated right where that table is. My question for you... do you think the bookshelves and the long hall of artwork on the left is too much? Or does it give it that collected, cozy library feel? I have a pair of bookshelves coming that I was considering putting in that very spot! And how about those x-benches? Hmm... I think I must have a pair in my home. It needs to happen!

*image via pinterest. original source unknown

GET THE LOOK :: CRUSHING ON VELVET

2012-02-01T05:09:00.000-08:00

Hi ladies! Cristina here with my latest style crush, a textile that looks as luxurious as it feels - velvet! A fun alternative to your well-worn winter staples (step away from your wool cardi), it happens to drape beautifully in everything from blazers to dresses and my favorite, the wide leg trouser.

Skinny jeans are my go-to pant of choice on cold days when skirts aren't an option, but sometimes a girl needs room to move (and breathe!) and for those days I propose a wide-legged trouser!

The best feature of these velvet trousers has gotta be that they feel like pajamas but look fashion week worthy. A perfect marriage of comfort and style that is oh-so-rare. Because the velvet itself has an eye-catching sheen, I paired these pants with all neutral colors, so as not to compete with our statement piece. When styling a neutral look I like play with texture to keep things interesting, so I chose a mesh knit sweater and a faux fur scarf.

Now that I've discovered this gem I don't know that I'll ever fully return to my skinnies!
If only I could find a stiletto this comfortable...

xoxo Cristina

*images via: alltheprettybirds, vanessajackman
*resources: sunglasses, scarf, sweater, purse, shoes, pants

THIS ONES FOR THE GIRLS (OR BOYS WHO LIKE PINK)

2012-01-31T15:02:00.000-08:00

Since we're in the mood for color today, I figure I'd paint a picture of a perfectly femme home - where there is no fear of pink - from a few current and past favorites...

The kitchen will be spared layers of vibrant paint, but we'll begin with a subtle hit of color in the tablecloth. A healthy dose of fuchsia and indigo in ikat? The perfect way to set the tone...

In the living room? Fresh whites and pinks abound! Modern lines keep things from getting too girly, but who could resist a feminine chandelier?

The bedroom gets a brave boost of color, adding aqua walls and berry toned drapes!

Where else to go full-saturation than the den? An exotic and intoxicating escape, to be sure! Can you imagine such color in your own home? How bold would you go?

*images via art-decoration, tumblr (source unknown), house beautiful, art-decoration

PINK+RED=KAPOW!

2012-01-31T07:55:00.000-08:00

I'm totally digging on the pink+red combo lately, as I know are many of you. It has absolutely nothing to do with a mushy little heart-filled holiday coming up, and everything to do with looks like this...

I'm ready for some color that packs a big punch to usher us into spring - how about you?? I especially love the addition of nude to the colorful duo. That ombre-inspired pattern on the other two dresses also caught my eye in this collection from Margarita Saplala, whose designs are new to me. The color combo is so different - totally doing it for me.

ON MY WAY HOME...

2012-01-30T08:09:00.000-08:00

Kinda wishing I had a pair of unicorns in my hallway to greet me upon arrival...

Because who wouldn't love that!? Wishing you all a magical week (unicorns and rainbows and all that good stuff). I'll be in the air all day, but will have plenty to share tomorrow when I'm back home sweet home!

*image via oscarprgirl

OFF AGAIN...

2012-01-27T06:54:00.000-08:00

I'm off to Toronto this weekend to join some friends in speaking at the Canadian Design Blogger Meetup and I can't wait to meet some of these gals!

Even luckier, my entire dad's side of the family lives in Toronto, so I'll be meeting up with all my Italian relatives, which means I should come home about 10 lbs heavier.

Next week, I'll be sharing more of my time at Alt as so many of you have requested. Until then... Au Revoir!!

*imaga via fash 'n chips

ROOM OF THE WEEK 1.26

2012-01-26T13:46:00.000-08:00

Because the sun is shining and I'm tricking myself into thinking that spring must be just around the corner... I'm totally feeling this room:

I remember falling for Veronica Beard's feminine Hamptons home (featured in Elle Decor) because of the incredible use of pattern and color in every room (something I'd be brave enough only to try in a second, seasonal house), but I had forgotten how fresh the dining area was. I love the huge driftwood table paired with slightly formal seating, punctuated with assorted cushions. But the peachy walls that drift from the living room through the dining area and all the way into the kitchen are definitely the most bold element here and what makes this space really stand out. It's certainly not overly complicated, just light and playful... exactly the mood I'm today!

FOODIE FASHIONISTA: GIRLY GLAM

2012-01-26T05:08:00.000-08:00

Hello, hello! Crissie, from Chicasaurus-Rex here! Lately I've found myself crazy about pastels. Pale pinks, mint greens, baby blues - loving them all! So when I spotted this dreamy looking cocktail I knew I had to make an outfit for it. Glittery, girly and glamorous - the perfect look for a girls night out!

dress // pin // necklace // shoes // clutch // drink

Can you handle this much pink? And how would you rock it?

xo,Crissie

FOXY LADY

2012-01-25T13:50:00.000-08:00

I'm the kinda girl who puts studs in my earlobes and forgets about them for weeks. So I like them to be a little bit interesting. I mean, diamonds are great and all, but these are pretty awesome...

Plus, hello? They're green! Adding to the wishlist... now.

*earrings by elizabeth and james available at nordstrom. pssst... there's also a killer ring

INTERIORS TO INSPIRE: RELAXED TRADITIONAL

2012-01-25T05:07:00.000-08:00

Ladies + Gents - You may remember a little series we had around here called Interiors to Inspire - a tour of an inspiring home complete with a little 'how to get the look' section. (Because really, what good is inspiration without a little instruction?). Well, I'm excited to announce that we're bringing it back with a new contributor, Maggie from Maggie Rose Interiors. She's a fellow Seattle girl who knows how to balance chic with attainable, so I'm counting on her to bring you lots of fabulous spaces and options! Welcome to her first post!

Hi everyone, Maggie here from Maggie Rose Interiors. Right now I'm loving a wash of white paired with beachy naturals and a few glamorous touches. In the cold of winter, is there anything better than dreaming of a home that exudes the warmth and breeziness of summer? I think not! And this home has plenty of that on all fronts.

Here you can see all of the elements of home in play. A mixture of beachy rattan, simple (not sloppy!) white upholstery, blue and white ceramics, and fresh greenery. I love that the dark armoire provides a visual balance and keeps the room from being too airy.

In the entry we can see that the tall dark shape is repeated by painting the door black. Here the furniture is traditional and elegant. And there are those blue and white ceramics again! Even the weathered columns have the look of worn rope - a perfect transitional detail.

Such a fresh, white kitchen! While the background is neutral, here we see those pops of blue and white, a dark but casual piece in the director's chair (love that for relaxed dining!), and the addition of a soft striped rug.

Let's see how we can get a similar look:

Inspired by the relaxed naturals, we revisit the common elements we saw above, keeping the upholstery fresh and white, bringing in some vintage rattan, and balancing the breeziness with a darker and more formal piece, like this secretary desk. A blue and white garden stool brings in the ceramic element, a director's chair is easy extra seating in a pinch, and a houseplant adds a fresh green touch. Borrow the striped rug from the kitchen and it pulls the whole look together.

*images from house veautiful via kerrisdale design.

RE:INSPIRED

2012-01-24T16:03:00.000-08:00

On the heels of today's post, I feel a need to surround myself with things that are going to jumpstart my motivation. But I don't think my inspiration board is big enough...

I need a whole dang wall! Such a dream! Right now I divide my teeny board into overall inspiration and client projects, with a little space along the bottom for personal stuff (like photos and invitations to events). This is like... quadruple that space. I've got to figure out a way to replicate it (even if it is on a smaller scale) in my home!

*image by william waldron for elle decor

MY (VERY MINI) ALT RECAP

2012-01-24T05:03:00.000-08:00

I'm not gonna lie kids - I'm still quite tuckered out from last week's antics at Alt Summit. It was inspiring, exhausting, a bit overwhelming, and quite worth it... but maybe not for the reasons you'd expect.

As someone who has been blogging for nearly five (eeek!) years, it's hard for many ideas you hear at conferences like these to feel new. Especially if you're the type who makes an effort to reach out and have continuous conversations with others about blogging, business, strategy, technology, social media, marketing and branding. (Which will be my first tip to those of you who didn't attend - if you're not having these conversations - do it.)

But if there was one thing I needed to hear, it went something like this:

As my life has been more and more consumed with to-do lists and travels and always feeling like I've got to be ahead of the game, the less I actually feel like I'm getting anything done. I put off big ideas because so many small ones need to happen first. I stop myself from moving forward on things because I feel like they have to be perfect.

So as I sat there listening to Jordan, Kelly, Nicole and Maggie - a group of women I have great respect for - speak about their own blogs and experiences on their panel, the one thing that stuck with me was this: Don't put off good ideas. Don't be afraid to try new things and fail. Don't wait until they're perfect. JUST. DO. IT.

Whaaaaat? That it? Yes. That's it. I mean, hiring an intern or two might be extremely helpful, but seriously, I need to just DO things. To avoid measuring myself against others, to remember that my own voice is what got me here, and to stop letting my never-ending inbox overwhelm my brain.

Moral of the story: Nobody else is going to do it all for you, but the nice thing is we all have hundreds (maybe even thousands?) of people that are going to be there to support and push us to get there. While the design blog community has definitely changed and grown in the past five years, one thing I realized this past weekend is that it's still a community of people who wants to see each other succeed.

Of course, there were lots of other little tidbits I got out of the conference, and I'll be sharing some resources and ideas from my own panel later this week, but for now, I'm motivated! Which means... I'm outta here. I've got some things to get done today!

*images via art department, and then she saved, musings in femininity, and pinterest

INTERGALACTIC STYLE

2012-01-23T05:09:00.000-08:00

When I start pulling ideas for my pages at Rue there are always a few trends that stick out - but only one makes the cut. If you dipped into our latest issue over the weekend, then you know that this month's motif was High Shine - but these two were close contenders... and they happen to make a perfect pair!

Stars and iridescents are everywhere right now, and they happen to compliment each other quite nicely don't you think? I especially like how a little black makes the look more sophisticated too. So instead of those denim cutoffs, try a pair of classic pants and layer on those galactic accessories!

*image via stockholm streetstyle
*resources: earrings, clutch, blouse, necklace, skirt, collar, cuff, and polish

FEELIN' THE LOVE...

2012-01-20T15:54:00.001-08:00

I just finished my presentation at Alt Summit, and I'm so looking forward to celebrating tonight with so many amazing, talented gals (and a few awesome guys) during my last evening in Salt Lake City. I came into this conference having no idea what to expect, and I'm coming away with so much I can't even put it into words yet...

Let's just call it a renewed appreciation for some serious blogger love. Next week, I'll be writing up a little recap to share with you all, but for now, I'm kicking up my heels, putting on some sparkles, and enjoying the rest of my time here!

Have a fabulous weekend! And to all the bloggers at Alt, thank you and travel safe!!

*image via lonny

WHITEOUT

2012-01-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

Can we talk about how excited I am for tonight's Winter Wonderland party tonight at Alt? Or, as I've been calling it - The Whiteout...

Let's hope it's the only kind of whiteout we get while we're in chilly Salt Lake City. You can bet I'll be reporting on everyone's ensembles next week!

*image via jacklyn paige

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: BERRIES + BRUNCH

2012-01-19T05:43:00.000-08:00

Good morning, sunshine! Camille Styles here, and lately I'm loving the idea of starting the day surrounded by a table of friends and fabulous food...

Today's inspiration board is a vision in blue and white: all the makings for a petit déjeuner featuring blueberries in every luscious bite. A classic china pattern sets the motif for this gathering, with swirly calligraphy and delicate florals throughout. Invite a few pals to join you in starting the day right, with blueberry-studded pancakes, waffles, muffins and yogurt.

Greet guests with mimosas and gorgeous white orchids spilling from blue and white vessels... barefoot, of course!

Make pancakes party-worthy by whipping up my berry-peach compote, perfect for topping a towering stack of pancakes or waffles.

White plates, cornflower blue napkins and café au lait bowls create a chic yet laid-back breakfast table. Set out garnishes, syrup and juice down the center so they'll be within easy reach for guests.

Mound warm croissants and blueberry muffins on tiered cake stands for a striking centerpiece. Unripe blueberries make a pretty garnish. Check out some other breakfast tables to die for here...and hope you all make time to start the day on a yummy note this weekend!

*images: {row 1} china, kristi schiffman; menu, rebecca thuss; stilettos, jose villa; bouquet, martha stewart{Row 2} escort cards & desserts, martha stewart; tissue decor, rebecca thuss; ruffly hat, shana faust {row 3} baby, rebecca thuss; invitation suite, austin press; parasol & favors, martha stewart. aerin lauder, pancakes, table, muffins