style+saveur | a guide to living chic

I've Moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:08:00 +0000

After much debate, I have moved on to a new blog - Living Chic in Brooklyn. You can now find me at http://livingchicinbrooklyn.com

I hope you join me in my new blog journey.

xoxo

This week why don't you ...

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:58:00 +0000

{via DineOutIrene.com}

Fall will officially begin on Friday, but Fall weather has already arrived here in NYC. While many people are mourning Summer's departure, I'm ecstatic. This is by far my favorite season ... mainly for the fashion, but also because I won't be a hot, sweaty mess when I get out of the subway. I also feel more inspired to get out and do something, like one of these events happening this week:

See: Tickets went on sale this week for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York City Center. Performances don't begin until November 30th, but do yourself a favor and get your tickets now before all the best shows (and seats!) are gone.

Eat: 80% of the local farmers who supply NYC greenmarkets were adversely affected by Hurrican Irene, with 10% of them reporting a loss of 70 to 100% of their harvest. Chefs and restaurants around the city will participate in Dine Out Irene on Sept 25th, donating 10% of that day's sales to aid those farmers. You can reserve a table can via OpenTable.com.

Do: The Feast of San Gennaro is an annual MUST do in NYC. Take to the streets of Little Italy now through September 25th for entertainment, yummy Italian street food and of course the annual cannoli eating contest.

Shop: New season items at ASOS are 20% off in honor of London Fashion Week. Visit the site now and enter code 'SHOPLFW' at checkout to get your savings.

Have any additions for this list? Tell me in the comments!

This week why don't you is a weekly s+s feature spotlighting culture, entertainment and local NYC events/businesses you should see, hear, shop, eat or do. If you have an item you would like included in this list please send an email to StyleSaveur@gmail.com for review.

Inspired by ... NYFW Street Style Looks

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Like every fashionable girl, I've been glued to my computer/iPhone absorbing all the information I possibly can regarding New York Fashion Week. I pretty much love everything about NYFW - the excitement of the runway shows, the discovery of a new talent and the impeccable style of the fashion mavens attending the shows. The looks off the runway are just as fascinating as the Spring/Summer 2012 collections being shown in the tents, perhaps more so since you can actually buy/wear them right now. Here are some of the street style looks I'm loving from the ladies at the tents:

Eva Chen - Beauty Director, Teen Vogue
{via Vogue}

Lisa Marie McComb - Stylist, Visual Therapy
{via The Cut}

Caroline Cissa - Executive Fashion Director, TANK
{via The Cut}

Amanda Weiner - Senior Fashion Editor, GOTHAM
{via The Cut}

Taylor Sterling - Founder, Glitter Guide
{via The Cut}

Joan Smalls - Model
{via Harper's Bazaar}

Katie Ciepluch and Morgan Wendelborn - Shopbop
{via Harper's Bazaar}

{via Vogue}

What have been some of your favorite street style looks from this season?

This week why don't you ...

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:00:00 +0000

GOODNESS pop-up restaurant housed at Ed's Chowder House on the Upper West Side
Photo Credit: Abe Shaw

If you didn't realize we're in the midst of New York Fashion Week then I might have to take your pulse. Throughout the week fashion devotees will be traipsing all over town viewing Spring/Summer 2012 fashions from top brands and up & coming designers. If you're not able to catch a cab in Manhattan, this is why. Here are some fashionable NYC happenings to add to your calendar for the week if you're not heading to the tents or need a place to escape the madness:

Eat: Full service NYFW pop-up restaurant GOODNESS from Lancome model Elettra Wiedemann, which features locally sourced, healthy appetizers, entrees and desserts prepared by a few of NYC's top chefs. GOODNESS is open daily from 7am - 3pm for breakfast in the space typically used by Ed's Chowder House, directly across the street from the tents at Lincoln Center, through Sept 14th. Featured chefs include Nick Wilbur of Fat Radish, Christopher Randell of Whitehall, Rob Newton of Seersucker and Ed Brown of Ed's Chowder House. Reservations can be made via the GOODNESS website or Gilt City.

See: NYFW runway shows from the comfort of your desk, couch, bed via livestreams on YouTube's Live Runway and First Comes Fashion.

Shop: Buy the street style looks seen on the fashion glitterati attending NYFW through American Express Street Seen, in partnership with Style.com and Net-A-Porter. Visit Style.com daily for top street style looks from the tents, as shot by Tommy Ton, and the opportunity to "shop the look" and recreate your favorite outfit (I'm eyeing a red skinnies/plaid button down pairing.) Added bonus - American Express Cardmembers get $100 off any $500 purchase from Net-A-Porter.

Do: Travel out to the Long Island wine country for Food & Wine's Harvest East End Festival Tasting on Saturday, Sept 17th. Join East End wineries, restaurants, farmers and food artisans in celebrating all things wine and food from the area - taste wine from 28 different local winemakers and eat locally sourced dishes from 18 different East End restaurants. Tickets are $125 and benefit three local East End charities.

Words of Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 20:23:00 +0000

{via}

As we all head out to take advantage of the last official weekend of Summer, remember that every day is a celebration and the fun doesn't end on Tuesday.

xoxo
- neahle ize`

PS: I'll be back to my regular posting schedule next week. Just in time for Fashion Week!

Style Moments | Ciara in NYC, August 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:55:00 +0000

Ciara exiting her hotel in New York City over the weekend (pre-Irene obviously.)

Photo Credit: InStyle.com

Ciara's style doesn't typically catch my eye, but this look is so pitch perfect that I had to anoint it an s+s Style Moment. This was selected as InStyle.com's Look of the Day on August 27th and I couldn't agree more ... in an Equipment blouse, Rag & Bone leather leggings, Christian Louboutin heels and a Givenchy bag, Ciara is the epitome of effortless chic.

Her subtle yet luxe accessories - hoop earrings, slightly oversized watch, and statement shades - are just right for her casual look. And don't let me get started on her hair! I love the soft waves and the bold blonde highlights (this picture is coming with me this weekend to Ted Gibson.)

What do you think dolls? Is it a worthy Style Moment? Tell me in the comments!

Lust of the Week | DANNIJO Court Pendant Necklace

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:17:00 +0000

Photo Credit: DANNIJO

Reading my daily email from WHOWHATWEAR on Tuesday introduced me to the fabulous Court pendant necklace from ultra stylish jewelry brand DANNIJO. As soon as I saw it I immediately knew it would be my lust of the week.

The handmade pendant is shown in onyx, magenta and clear Swarovski stones (it also comes in deep umber, fiery orange opal and clear stone) and is a beautiful yet understated accessory. I can see this working extremely well with a menswear inspired outfit, which is why it first caught my eye.

The pendant retails for $320 and can be purchased via the DANNIJO website. If you're looking for a less expensive option, Ann Taylor has a few versions of their own that are just as stylish and have price tags well under $100.

This woman's work ...

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:24:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Habitually Chic

Hi dollface! I'm in the middle of a very busy period at work so unfortunately posts will be limited. Don't worry, I'll be back to my regularly scheduled posting routine after Labor Day. In the meantime you can always follow me on tumblr where I share chic moments from my daily life or on Pinterest to see what's inspiring me today.

Hope you're taking the time to enjoy the absolutely amazing weather we're having in New York City this week. I so wish I was on vacation so that I could spend all my time outside. I'd love to hear what you're up to so please tell me in the comments!

xoxo
- neahle ize`

This week why don't you ...

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:04:00 +0000

'This week why don't you' is a weekly s+s feature spotlighting culture, entertainment and local NYC events/businesses you should see, hear, shop, eat or do. If you have an item you would like included in this list please send an email to StyleSaveur@gmail.com for review.

Dekalb Market Shops in Fort Greene, Brooykln
Photo Credit: Trendpool

It's the last full week of August and it'll be Fall before you know it. Take time this week to enjoy some last minute summer activities before the temperatures begin to drop.

Eat: Newly opened restaurant Tertulia featuring food from Spain, helmed by former Boqueria chef and Iron Chef America contestant Seamus Mullen
See: Rosemary's Baby at Movies with a View in Brooklyn Bridge Park on Thursday August 25th
Shop: Dekalb Market in Fort Greene Brooklyn for handmade goods and local food products
Do: Skip the wait and throw a brunch themed party with these tips from DailyCandy

Have any additions for this list? Tell me in the comments!

Words of Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:26:00 +0000

via Everything Fab

This weekend get out and live life ... explore a new neighborhood, do something you always dreamed of doing, discover something you never knew was there. The couch will still be there tomorrow. :)

xoxo

- neahle ize`

Lust of the Week | Sam Edelman Alvin Slipper Flats in Leopard

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:02:00 +0000

I went shopping with my sister on Tuesday at Bloomingdale's in SOHO. Neither of us can pass up a sale so first stop was the shoe department for the end of season sale (scored an amazing deal on two pairs of sandals and will share those later.) Fall shoes were already on display and we couldn't help but plan some future purchases. Both of us adored these Sam Edelman Alvin Smoking Slipper Flats - I went for the leopard print and she loved an all gray snakeskin. Can't stop thinking about (and planning outfits for) this shoe, which means I have to take a trip back to Bloomies to pick them up asap. Can't wait to pair them with these red skinnies from ASOS Curve.

What do you think dolls, chic or not? Tell me in the comments!

Inspired by ... The Cocktail Cart Cache

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:33:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Atlanta Home & Lifestyle

By now I certain you're all aware of my obsession with bar carts. Now that I've found the perfect cart for my apartment, I need to determine my ideal setup. I know I'll be using my vintage Dorothy Thorpe glasses and a round sliver tray I purchased from CB2, but what else? Once again Society Social has come to my rescue thanks to their Cocktail Cart Cache board on Pinterest. Roxy, founder of Society Social, is seriously trying to start a cocktail cart movement and I'm completely on board.

Photo Credit: Ivy & Piper

Photo Credit: High Gloss Magazine

Photo Credit: Lonny

Photo Credit: Just Say Maux

Photo Credit: Desire to Inspire

Reading List | Stylish Living Guide Books

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:15:00 +0000

As evidenced by this blog, I truly believe that Style is a way of life. Some women are lucky enough to have been born with the "chic" gene ... I am not one of those women. I have to work at crafting my stylish life and rely on expert advice to help make the best decisions for me (and inspire posts for this blog.) Most of this advice comes from books written about living in style and I wanted to share my favorites with you. So here is a list of my favorite books for guiding and inspiring a life of style, all of which are actually on my bookshelf:

Beautylicious!: The Black Girl's Guide to the Fabulous Life| one of my favorite books, and provides guidance on everything from hair care to self esteem for the fabulous black girl

In Style Style 101: What Every Stylish Woman Should Know| tons of tips on beauty, fashion, home decor and entertaining

The Bombshell Manual of Style| if you ever dreamed of being Marilyn Monroe or Ava Gardner, this book teaches you how

In Style: Instant Style (Your Season-By-Season Guide for Work and Weekend) | no trends or gimmicks just great tips for building an ideal wardrobe for every season

Do you have any books that must be added to this list? Let me know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which give the author a commission when you click and purchase something from that link. When you shop through an affiliate link on style+saveur, you help support the blog's growth and development. Affiliations will never influence the content, topics or posts made on s+s.

This week why don't you ...

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:47:00 +0000

Bird boutique in Cobble Hill Brooklyn
Photo Credit: PaperMag

It's going to be a rainy week here in New York and we've already hit record rainfall. I prefer to avoid looking like a wet, muddy mess so this week's list of happenings is focused on what you can do indoors.

See: The season premiere of What Not to Wear tomorrow night (August 16th) on TLC at 9pm (I love Stacy and Clinton)
Do: Start planning your Fashion's Night Out itinerary by visiting the just launched site.
Eat: Seasonal ice cream flavors made by local experts at New Amsterdam Market at the South Street Seaport on Sunday August 21st (a covered outdoor market so it counts!)
Shop: The end of summer sale at Brooklyn boutique Bird (all locations) where you can find Rachel Comey blouses and Current/Elliot denim for up to 75% off. Sale ends on Aug 24th

Have any events to add to this list? Let me know in the comments!

Words of Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:45:00 +0000

As you countdown the hours to freedom from the office, remember this:

{via Wild & Precious}

You already have everything in you to achieve the dream, you just have to do it! Use this weekend to take the first step. That's what I did and I'm not looking back.

xoxo
- neahle ize`

Lust of the Week | Society Social Stanton Bar Cart

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:42:00 +0000

I have been obsessing over bar carts. Seriously. Every other photo on the Pinterest board for my apartment is a picture of a bar cart or some form of bar vignette. I've been searching for a stylish and affordable option for my apartment for a couple of months now with no luck. Enter Society Social and their Stanton Bar Cart.

Photo Credit: The Glitter Guide

Society Social is a new line of home goods dedicated to the celebration of life and the joy of entertaining at home. They're goal is to provide products that help us girls "live sparkly." The line includes several options for bar carts in varying colors, but the Stanton is so my cup of tea and would be the perfect addition to my living room.

I know I'll be one of the first to visit Society Social's website next week to purchase the Stanton Bar Cart. You can view the company's magalog online now via the website to discover the rest of the line including the Dinner Party dining table (a genius folding table that seats six) and the very glam Hostess Gown.

Are you just as obsessed as I am? Have you heard about Society Social? Tell me in the comments!

5 Fall Items to Buy (and Wear) Now

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:01:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Anthropologie

With September magazines already on newsstands (and in my mailbox) I have visions of Fall clothes dancing in my head. Fall is by far my favorite fashion season and I can't wait to shop for new trends to freshen up my wardrobe. When it comes to seasonal shopping I generally start by purchasing things I can wear now and transition into the new season. Here are five items I'm coveting for Fall that I can start wearing right away:

A pair of Red pants: wide leg or denim skinnies? Decisions, decisions.
Leopard print cardigan, which I can wear in my freezing office
Ladylike silk top to wear with jeans or cropped trousers
An oversized envelope clutch in a bright color
A jewel-toned sheath dress, perfect for work

What items have you already bought for Fall? Tell me in the comments!

This week why don't you ...

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 02:35:00 +0000

The Brisket Taquito at Cafe de La Esquina via GrubStreet

We're already into the second week of August and it seems as though Summer is quickly slipping away. While many summer festivals have come to a close there are still plenty of things to do in New York:

Eat: Mexican street food at the La Esquina outpost in Williamsburg, which soft opens starting Monday, 8/8
Do: Book a nail or waxing appointment at Polish Bar of Brooklyn (Clinton Hill or Prospect Heights locations) and receive $5 off in celebration of their 5th Anniversary
Hear: Jay Z and Kanye's hotly anticipated Watch the Throne album drops Tuesday, 8/9
See: The movie adaptation of New York Times bestseller The Help, which opens on Friday, 8/12
Shop: Vintage Furniture and Decorative Accessories on sale at One Kings Lane starting Saturday, 8/13

Have any additions for this list? Tell me in the comments!

Sunday Reading | Links We Love

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Flickr

I've always believed Sunday Mornings were made for quiet breakfasts at home with a jazz soundtrack playing in the background. This morning I'm dusting off my record player (yes I still have vinyl albums), putting on some luxurious loungewear, baking a spinach cheese strata and enjoying some "me" time.

As you settle in for your ideal Sunday, make sure to grab your iPad and check out these lovely links:

Introduction to amazing floral designer and stylist Amy Merrick
An ingenious idea for a fabulous home mail center
Tips on achieving the glowy skin, pink lip look + products!
Tasty Brunch Recipes - Honey Maple Granola and Almond & Cocount Muesli
Outfit inspiration for wearing fancy pants

And here are some posts from s+s you may have missed:

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Favorite Things

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Bodum Bistro Thermo Jug purchased on Rue La La (this color no longer available.)

Lately I've been cheating on fashion with furniture ... or more accurately home decor since furniture isn't quite in my budget at the moment. The more beautiful items I bring into my home, the closer I get to the laid-back vintage glam apartment I've been dreaming of. Here are a few recent purchases:

Lemon Drop lidded jar purchased from Modern Chic Home. It fits perfectly

on the window ledge I'm using for display in my living room.

Agate Geode bookends purchased on eBay. Perfect fit for my bookcase,

but I think I need another set!

Silhouette Magnets also purchased from Modern Chic Home (no longer
available, but I'll keep my eye out in case they become available again!)

Words of Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:45:00 +0000

We've made it through the work week (which was brutal for me) and the weekend is mere hours away. As you get ready to leave the office behind, I wanted to leave you with some words of wisdom ...

Photo courtesy of it's designed

Remember to enjoy every moment you create, no matter how mundane you may think it is.

Happy weekend!

xoxo
- neahle ize`

Recipe | Spinach Cheese Strata

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:27:00 +0000

I have close to 50 cookbooks at home. Seriously. For some reason I have a thing for cookbooks and buy them often for inspiration or simply because they're pretty to look at. I will admit that that it's on the rarest of occasions that I actually attempt making recipes from those cookbooks. As I mentioned before, I generally don't have the time to cook or shop for ingredients and often order in or cook the same meals over and over again.

Spinach Cheese Strata
Recipe and Photo Credit: Annie's Eats

After a conversation with and some encouragement from a very dear friend of mine, I've decided to attempt at least one new recipe each weekend. This weekend I've decided to treat myself to a luxuriously lazy Sunday morning at home and will bake this Spinach Cheese Strata for brunch. I was introduced to this recipe by sugarpie project on Pinterest, which in turn led me to the wonderful Annie's Eats food blog where I found the full recipe. The genius of the recipe is you do the prep the night before and bake it in the morning, which means my Sunday morning will still be easy.

Here's the recipe:

Spinach and Cheese Strata from Annie's Eats
Ingredients:
3 tbsp. unsalted butter
1½ cups onion, finely chopped
2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 tsp. salt, divided
½ tsp. pepper, divided
Dash freshly grated nutmeg
8 cups cubed French or Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
6 oz. coarsely grated Gruyere (about 2 cups)
2 oz. finely grated Parmesan (about 2/3 cup)
9 large eggs
2¾ cup milk

Directions:
Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions to the pan and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add ½ teaspoon of the salt, ¼ teaspoon of the pepper, and the nutmeg, and continue to cook for 1 minute more. Stir in the spinach, remove from the heat and set aside.

Butter the inside of a 2½-3 quart baking dish. Layer the bottom of the dish with one third of the bread cubes. Top with one third of the spinach mixture and one third of each of the cheeses. Repeat these layers twice more with the bread, spinach and cheese.

In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, milk, the remaining ½ teaspoon of the salt and ¼ teaspoon of the pepper. Whisk together until blended. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and spinach layered in the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 8 hours or up to 1 day.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Bake uncovered until puffed, golden brown and cooked through, 45-55 minutes. Let stand at least 5 minutes before serving.

I'll let you all know how it goes on twitter. If you decide to try this recipe as well, please let me know how it turns out in the comments!

Lust of the Week | Clare Vivier La Pochette Clutch

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:45:00 +0000

I've been obsessed with this Clare Vivier clutch since I came across it in a Neon & Neutral spread on The Glitter Guide. This is the perfect clutch for the remaining days of summer, reflecting the color-blocking trend in undyed natural leather with a silk screen hot pink strip. My cobalt blue maxi dress is screaming for this, as is my Little White Dress.

Clare Vivier's La Pochette retails for $104 and also comes in a green stripe, blue stripe, orange leather or black/green/blue pebbled leather. Definitely on my must buy list!

What do you think dolls? Isn't it adorable?!? Let me know what you think in the comments!

You might also enjoy:

Haute Table | Vino Vino Wine Bar

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Haute Table is a regular feature on s+s that showcases where to eat or drink now. It focuses on local New York restaurants and bars, but will occasionally spotlight places I've visited while traveling. I only write about places I have actually visited and would recommend to a friend.

My friends have to drag me to nightclubs, but I'm ALWAYS up for a good wine bar. Something about wine and cheese plates I guess. I discovered Vino Vino Wine Bar from a deal they offered on Living Social at the beginning of the summer. I immediately purchased the voucher and made plans to check it out with my sister. We weren't disappointed and now Vino Vino is on my list of go to places for an evening out.

Photo Credit: Nathaniel J Oliver Photograpy

Vino Vino offers a variety of wine from California, Italy, France, Greece and a host of other countries. Wines are served mainly by the glass and cost around $6 - $20. The bar also hosts a 1/2 off happy hour daily from 5pm to 7pm, where all bottles of wine are 50% off! For those of you who don't drink wine, they also serve craft beers and soft drinks.

Aside from the extensive selection of wine, Vino Vino also serves a menu of artisanal cheeses, cured meats and small plates. I highly recommend the Pan a la Catalana (you may need two) and the Mixto antipasto plate.

The best part about this particular wine bar? The adjacent store, Maslow 6, sells all of the wines served in the bar so you can take home your favorite!

Vino Vino Wine Bar and Maslow 6 Wine Shop
211 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013
212.925.8510

Know of any other wine bars that are a must visit? Let me know in the comments!

Lessons I've Learned from Styling my Home

noreply@blogger.com (Neahle Izé) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:45:00 +0000

If you've been following me via my personal Twitter handle or on tumblr, you know that I'm in full home decoration mode. I've lived in my apartment for over a year and have never gotten around to making it a home ... my home. At times I was uninspired, overly inspired, distracted or overwhelmed with the whole thing. I'd look at the well put together homes of other bloggers - Nicole of SoHauteStyle, Erika of small shop studio, Kelly of the glamourai - and think to myself "I'll never be able to pull that off," before pushing it to the bottom of my To Do list yet again. Needless to say, it's been a drama-filled 15 months and I still haven't gotten it together.

Where I spend most days lately, at my coffee table surrounded by home inspiration.

Having made the decision to call this place home for another two years, I've dedicated myself to finishing the job before the holiday entertaining season begins. It's not an easy process, but I'm committed. Here are three things I've learned since beginning this process that have prevented me from pulling my hair out and giving up again:

Personal Style is Evolutionary. My style today is worlds away from what I liked the day I moved in. I've gone from being a modern minimalist to laid-back vintage glam. They are wildly different and therefore some of the furniture I purchased last year doesn't fit within my new vision. There is nothing wrong with this and no need to feel bad about no longer liking that well-made chest of drawers. It's OK to get rid of it and replace it with something more your style.

Pinterest is a God-send! Thank the Heaven's for whomever created Pinterest. It really has been super helpful in organizing inspirations and crystallizing the vision for my home. I have several past issues of Domino magazine (as evidenced in the above photo) with tabbed pages, design books with bookmarks, dog-eared catalogs, photos ripped from other home magazines or printed from Apartment Therapy ... basically inspiration overload. My Pinterest boards have allowed me to separate what I really want to do with my apartment from looks I'd envision for my dream house. Now I have clips of the things I actually plan on doing separated from the "one day" options. Note: Pinterest is an invitation only site.

Tackle Rooms Individually in Stages. Everyone knows the inspirational quote "If you fail to plan you plan to fail." I'm also convinced I have a mild case of AADD (I took an online quiz and scored 89 ... eek!) and need blinders to make me focus. When I started a few weeks ago I began doing little things in every room - a knick knack here, sheets there, reorganize over there. Yes there was progress, but it didn't really feel like much was getting done because each room was still incomplete. I've changed my approach and now have individual projects - the dining area, the laundry closet, the bathroom, etc - that I'll work on each weekend. By tackling and completing these projects in stages, I'll have a stronger sense of accomplishment. First up will be the closet in my entryway.

I'd love to hear your stories and any tips/advice you may have. Tell me in the comments!