coco+kelley

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

OBSESSION: DELICIOUSLY DESIGNED BOWLS

2012-01-18T11:35:00.000-08:00

As someone who is constantly entertaining, I'm always sure to have little nibbles on hand for unexpected guests or girls nights. And the only thing that might make my obsession with almonds and olives even strong, might be these Fornasetti bowls...

Not to mention they'd be a perfect (albeit indulgent) gift for your favorite hostess. I think I'd use the peanuts one for my spare change.

*bowls available at barneys.com

GET THE LOOK :: FROM SUMMER TO WINTER

2012-01-18T05:01:00.000-08:00

Hello m'dears, Cristina here! We're well into January and the excitement of the holiday season has passed -- so I can officially say that I am over winter! These days you might find me staring longingly into my closet at summer dresses... so let's see how to take a summer look and make it winter appropriate!

Flowing, airy maxi skirts were a summer staple last season, and perfectly dressed up a basic white tee. For winter take that same skirt and pair it with knits and boots! If we're going to invest in a piece of clothing, then it better be multi-functional, am I right?

Keep your pins warm with some fleece lined tights, then embrace the winter weather by accessorizing with ear muffs and gloves (fingerless of course, so as not to cover up your manicure!).

And if you fell for the glittery gold everything over the holidays, add some of that to the look too! No use letting that gold clutch gather dust until next New Year's. Last but not least, my favorite way to add an edge to any ensemble - biker boots!

Which pieces in your wardrobe do you wear through summer and winter?

*resources: sweater, earmuffs, gloves, nail polish, skirt, clutch, boots
*images via: stockholmstreetstyle, celebrityfashion, luckymag, hanneli, madisonlosangeles, netaporter, modcloth, americanapparel, zara, asos

RUE OUTTAKES: FRESH + BRIGHT!

2012-01-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

All the homes in our January issue of Rue (out today!) are beautiful on so many levels, but the whitewashed Chicago home of Danielle Moss has such an aesthetic appeal to me. Such a fresh and bright feeling throughout the entire space!!

And tons of beautifully styled moments.

So many, in fact, we couldn't fit them all in the issue! Thank goodness for outtake posts, right?

Because nobody should miss out on that adorable pup, or that beautiful bar cart turned nightstand. If you haven't perused the new issue yet, please do. It's a very fresh issue if I do say so myself! And, as always, we love to hear what you think.
*photography by Stoffer Photography forRue Magazine

AND, I'M SPENT.

2012-01-17T05:18:00.000-08:00

The amount of focus and non-stop work that goes into producing every issue of Rue never fails to amaze me. Or wipe me out. There's an unspoken understanding between those of us who have fallen into (or pursued) the opportunity to help build these online mags - it's exhausting but rewarding when you hit that final upload button...

So, excuse me while we put the finishing touches on and then go pass out for a bit. And, don't worry, I'll have some gorgeous outtakes to share with you when I awake in a bit!

*image by nicole bentley

COUNTING DOWN TO ALT!

2012-01-16T14:54:00.000-08:00

Last year, I remember feeling so disappointed around this time that I wasn't attending Alt Summit. I vowed then and there that I would get myself to this widely talked and tweeted about conference, and now it's almost here!!

Tonight as I'm catching up on some z's (after some serious crunch time for Rue) I'll be dreaming of a few pieces I wish I were packing with me for this little adventure. Like these furry headphones dreamed up by Oscar de la Renta's collaboration with Beats By Dre (possibly the coolest combo of people ever?), a stunner of a hot pink dress by Michael Kors, and a perfectly adorable card case studded with hearts...

*image by zhang jingna for elle singapore

HERE WE GO AGAIN...!

2012-01-13T08:41:00.000-08:00

And so it begins... a week of crazy is ahead of me as I head off to LA to wrap up the next issue of Rue (due out on Tuesday if all goes accordingly!) then straight from all-nighters of work to all-nighters of play at Alt Summit starting Wednesday!

Needless to say, packing for this trip should be interesting. I'm off to play in front of the mirror and stuff my suitcase silly! Have a fabulous weekend for me!

*image by Marcus Lawett, source Residence via emma's design blogg

ROOM OF THE WEEK 1.12

2012-01-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

The first Room of the Week of the new year! I've been saving up some goodies - all very different in style - and can't wait to share them with you over the next month! But today's space is doing double (or maybe triple?) duty as a dining room, office, and living area, which is why I love it...

While there is certainly a lot going one here, I don't get a feeling of the space being overly cluttered... just a lot of fun detail! The dining area is definitely the centerpiece of the room with the most original pieces and that bold chandelier, but the black and white palette allows everything to work well together, and for the fun artwork to really stand out. The television being mounted up high means you don't have to design the space around it - something I've been struggling with a bit in my own apartment. And lastly, let's talk about creative use of space in those wall areas between the windows! Perfect.

The feel is very neo-classic and and I have to say I really love it. The only piece I might add is a small, thin rug under the dining space to ground it just a bit. Oh, and maybe a sofa... which I'm guessing is somewhere around here...?

What do you think!?

*space photographed by erik piasecki

FOODIE FASHIONISTA: SWEET+CHIC

2012-01-12T05:20:00.000-08:00

Hello readers! Crissie from Chicasaurus-Rex here to share another delightful food and fashion pairing with you. This week I'm playing with pretty pastels (they're on-trend for Spring, get ready gals!), and punchy accents. I love this mix of soft colors and neutrals... plus figs and prosciutto? Yes please!

shoes / clutch / dress / necklace

photos

Will you be embracing pastels this Spring?? Or sticking with the fluorescent trend?

xox,Crissie

WINTERIZING

2012-01-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

The winter weather in Seattle this season has been insanely good to us - tons of sunshine, mild temps, and barely any evenings where I've had to break out the big puffy coat. But this morning there was a sharper chill in the air, and as I peeked at my iphone forecast through sleepy eyes, I sighed. 30 degrees. Winter is definitely here.

So I'm collecting inspiration to get me through the next two (or three) chilly months ahead... pale winter skin and all. With trips to Salt Lake City, Toronto, New York and Iceland planned, I think I'm going to need it!

While we're on the topic... have any of you been to Iceland? I'm dying for tips for this getaway - a girl's weekend and not at all work related (yippee!).

*images blair getz mezibov

COLLECTIVE

2012-01-11T09:55:00.000-08:00

When I moved into my new apartment, I vowed to get rid of all my little knicknacks. You know, pretty little pieces you pick up on a whim that have very little purpose? My life is overflowing with them... I always tell myself I need them for styling shoots (which is true) but after a while it just becomes excess.

The fact that so many random pretties are filling up my cupboards may be why I've never really thought about collecting anything else...

But then I see moments like these, and I think...

Maybe just one little corner on the bookshelf? A window sill? Surely that couldn't hurt...

Do you collect anything? How or where you display your pieces?

*images via frank features, bottles by carina seth andersson, boxes unknown, bottles via AD

TRENDWATCH: FLURO + PASTELS

2012-01-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed a few posts I've had now about my love for pastels. I'm a neutral sort of girl, so it should come as no surprise that I enjoy softer colors, especially paired with a hit of strong black. But the style that's so very right now is toning down those florescents we've seen (for one too many seasons if you ask me) with (surprise surprise!) pastels...

And this room is the perfect example of how I like my pops of color - in little accents and pieces of art that stand out enough to make a statement but don't steal all the attention. So I decided to break it down for all of us to figure out how we'll be getting the look this spring for our wardrobes and our homes.

Colored denim will no doubt prevail again this summer, but I like the idea of investing in some greys and browns, and taking more risks on the accessories... which makes even more sense when designing a room and investing in furniture!

Not all of us are born designers, but when you dissect a well-designed space (or well-designed ensemble for that matter) you begin to see how all the elements work together and can come up with a foolproof formula to execute it yourself. How do you think I get dressed in the morning!?

*resources: image via nuevo estilo; tom binns necklace, tank, denim and heels all topshop, belt asos; chair layla grayce, lilac shag at rugs usa, art by megan whitmarsh, tray at west elm, pouf at pieces inc

BARELY THERE + BOLD

2012-01-10T05:37:00.000-08:00

I'm not one for bold earrings on an everyday basis. I usually stick to pretty little studs for my t-shirt and jeans days, but these beauties are so easy breezy (despite their size), I think I could pop them on with just about anything...

I like the idea of them being barely there, but still bold. And those hearts are callin' my name...

*so many styles. check them all out at by boe

DESIGN DISTRACTIONS

2012-01-09T15:33:00.000-08:00

Well, hello new year. You're already kicking my ass into gear with some serious deadlines and projects. At least they include lots of fun things...

Like picking out poufs (I snagged that perfect kelly green one for the bedroom!)

Choosing fabric and paint options (the fabric for a little bench seat, the paint for two stools... If i can ever decide!).

And debating rugs (I think this little one would be perfect under my desk).

So, if things seem a little quiet around here, now you know why! Trying to wrap up all the design on my apartment so we can shoot it and share it! (Yay!). Many more updates to come in the next few months as it all comes together. I cannot wait for it to be done!

WAKE-UP CALL

2012-01-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I've had a hard time getting up these dark winter mornings. Perhaps if my bathroom looked like this - with a hit of color and pattern as strong as my coffee - I'd be a little more bright eyed?

Totally love the way this wallpaper transformed what could have been a very basic black and white bathroom, don't you? And the fact that it's only a half way makes it a little easier to digest... especially on an early Monday morning...

*images: maya brenner's home via glitter guide ; wallpaper' lush' by mary kysar