[Mr. Goodwill Hunting]

so guess what happened...

2012-05-26T08:02:00.001-04:00

after 3 years of fighting the lebron james hairline i decided to go bald, permanently.

i rarely blog actual photos of me, but i do share quite a bit on INSTAGRAM and TWITTER.

the truth is, a receding hairline is big issue for a number of brothers. there are all kinds of small tricks that can help disguise it. i've done a few and have been able to mask it. however, after 2 weeks straight in a row of my barber being unavailable, i decided to shave it all off. first of all, not being able going to get my hair cut is not cool. if i do get it cut from a different barber it is a high probability that my tape line will be jacked up. a messed up tape line can really make things awkward. the other thing is that when i travel or speak at various events, i like to have a fresh look. this does not always happen because i am not always able to get an appointment when i need it. sooooooo going bald works on a number of levels for me.

all in all, i am okay with it.

thursday morning i attended the annual cornerstone luncheon, held by goodwill industries of the southern piedmont. there were so many inspiring stories of how people's lives were touch by the community partnerships of goodwill.

i was really moved by the story of a young lady who said she was incarcerated for 18 months because of fraudulent activities performed by her former employer. she said she had no clue such corruption was happening at the place she worked. she had to leave her four children and ended up with a criminal record and quite the story to tell.

what you don't know can hurt you.

i was so moved, touched and inspired.

i think the room of about 700 attendees were moved as well as she received an immediate standing ovation for telling her story. i am quite sure there were some tissue being passed around.

the luncheon was emceed by my client, turned friend, ms. erica bryant anchor woman for wsoc tv channel 9 news. i had a small speaking role, which led ms.erica to think i can do voice overs. truthfully, because i talk a lot...i've always wanted to do it.

a special thank you to holly cooper (pictured above) for the personal invitation to attend this years luncheon as well as the opportunity to have a small part in their presentation to their sponsors and partners. holly rocks. seriously. you will see.

my thrift shopping buddy kim (picutred in purple) was also at the luncheon and yea we hit up the thrift stores afterwards. we did a lot of good talking about the landscape of design bloggers. funny stuff.

well i hope you guys have an amazing memorial day weekend.

if you are having a cook-out don't forget to invite your friendly designer...me!!

its a wedding!!!

2012-05-25T14:12:00.001-04:00

hahaha! nope, not mine...

a groom contacted a few weeks ago and asked me if i would style him for his wedding. i said yes.

this is the visual he sent me (left) and this is what i sent him (right).

i paired a vintage grey pinstripe suit with a custom astor and black shirt, a thomas pink tie and my custom flower lapel pin. i really like this look and honestly, i may even wear it. lol

congratulations to the couple!

thursday's thrift tip

2012-05-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

i have no idea why i rarely put my own tips into play. every time i go to a particular thrift store for clothes, i never have my measuring tape. this particular store does not have a dressing room and often the jacket of a suit may fit, but the pants are right tight and i cant do anything with it. if i had my measuring tape i could easily measure the waist and the inseam and make a decision of whether i can wear it or not. women don't really have an issue with no dressing rooms as they can wear spandex and try clothes on in the aisle.

ain't mad at that.

if you are trying to decorate your home, a random measuring tape in your car or bag is essential. the worst thing is to buy an amazing piece at a great price and one it doesn't fit in your car (if you haven't a truck) or two you get it home and it just doesn't fit the space. often there are no refunds on furniture bought from second hand stores.

i would add that a brightly colored or a fun measuring tape will help you keep track of it...maybe.

so remember having a measuring tape on hand at all times can save you time, and money.

POP-UP Shop!!!

2012-05-23T11:25:00.002-04:00

i am definitely excited to be hosting my first pop-up shop in brooklyn new york. to RSVP for this event visit this POST. to see some of the amazing pieces click HERE.

New York!!

2012-05-23T08:46:00.001-04:00

i am really excited to be back in new york, this time brooklyn. this time i am having a pop-up shop in brookyln with EXCLUSIVE vintage pieces from my own wardrobe that i will be offering.

please RSVP to the address listed if you would like to come out and shop some exclusive pieces.

if you would like to set up a DESIGN CONSULTATION while i am in the city the day of june 6th and june 7th please email mr.goodwillhunting@gmail.com to book an appointment. i can only do a few, so make sure its yours!!!

i will see you in New York in 2 weeks!

from the weekend...

2012-05-21T07:16:00.000-04:00

hey everyone!

i hope you had an amazing weekend.

here is a little bit of what my iPhone captured.

i popped my head into lowe's this weekend and saw this display of gelato inspired colors from valspar. i guess this hits home because i used valspar on all of my makeovers for the nate berkus show.

while thrifting i came across this grade school over-head projector. these are perfect for transferring large decals to a wall, creating a mural, or even tracing your company's logo onto a wall for a grand opening or party.

this definitely reminds me of the projector screen i used in this makeover.

i finished the fourth flower lapel pin that i have added to my summer nautical collection. you can purchase them HERE if you would like to.

my all time favorite meal, is a bowl of buttery grits along with it's accompaniment. i can seriously have this 3 times a day and will be quite alright.

i came across these tartan curtain panels this weekend. they were only $4.99 for the pair and $2.49 for the one. the good part is that they are fully lined and looks to be professionally made. the bad part is that they are too short for the window i wanted to use. now i have to find something to do with them. any suggestions?

speaking of tartan, these rugby loafers i purchased from ebay, finally arrived. i bought them pre-owned. bad idea as they are a bit small. if you would like to purchase or bid on them they are listed HERE.

for the better part of the weekend, mr. benjamin was asleep beside me while i worked on a few projects.

so how was your weekend?

PINteresting...

2012-05-18T11:18:00.001-04:00

well everyone i hope you had an amazing week.

mine wasn't too shabby. i enjoyed all of your kind response to this post.

before you hit the weekend here are 10 interesting pins (PINteresting) from my PINTEREST boards.

have a safe weekend everybody!

p.s. the latest little guy is mr. benjamin when he was a baby on his first snow day. i did not put in in the sweater...a friend did. lol

DETAILS: outdoor space from Nate

2012-05-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

did you see the outdoor space makeover i did on the nate berkus show yesterday? we actually filmed the makeover earlier this year, but it was saved until may. they actually gave me the date, but the date i wrote down was a saturday. so i apologize for not giving the heads up.

if you missed the show, you can click the above video to watch the reveal segment.

i actually blogged about the makeover earlier this year and you can check out more photos HERE.

i will come back on tomorrow to give some tips and answer a few questions about the makeover...as much as i can.

for $3.13...you can do this

2012-05-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

as i child i remember my mother going to piece goods, the salvage shop and a few other places and my sister and i would flip through wallpaper sample books. im not sure what it was, but the colors and patterns were always of interest to me.

fast forward many years later and here i am discovering a wallpaper book for $3.13 since wallpaper is not readily used in mainstream design anymore, it seems as if wallpaper sample books are either hard to come by, are already dismantled and redistributed or a bit pricey on the interwebs. so imagine my surprise when i came three wallpaper books.

i flipped through all of them and saw a lot of flowers, toile and children. not my design style. at all.

when i got to the last sample book, there were tartan (plaid) sheets. score. as long as there was two or more sheets it was a win. to my surprise there were 11, including a few vintage maps.

if you have been following me for any length of time, you will know that i advocate buying frames second hand. hence the reason for THIS post. i wouldn't spend more than $10 on a frame in a thrift store. if it costs more than $10 you can easily go to wal-mart, target, or any craft store and buy them full price or at a discounted price. remember that. don't get hood winked.

after i pulled one of my frames out, i went online and printed this silhouette of a terrier, since mr. benjamin is a silky terrier.

after cutting it out , i spray painted the matting gold and placed the image atop the paper and ...

here we are. a simple easy project that costs less than $3. this project is actually one of my favorite inexpensive decorative updates to the home because a number of updates i see floating around are very female oriented. not mad at it, just not for me.

wall paper books are great because the pages are oversized and can normally fit a number of modest sized frames. i often find that attempting to frame pages from books always leave a little room on either side and i hate having to do extra for a simple project.

of course you could visit the interwebs and make a search for old wallpaper sample books and pick up one that has a few samples you like. as with anything, this project can be amended to fit any design scheme.

i was so fortunate that this find, was great for a small update in my space.
i have intentions of framing the others, but i dont want to mess up the wallpaper samples just yet.

from the weekend...

2012-05-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

i hope you guys had an amazing mother's day weekend. i did. i spent the whole weekend with mom.

mom and me (and dad and then my sister and her children arrived later...lol) went for brunch on saturday.

mom is the diva...we all know it. she wanted me to let you ladies know that her shoes were faux snake's skin. no. i didnt know. i thought they were lace. lol.

of course we went thrifting together. saw this sign and stopped because i thought my sight was failing. then i laughed and realized thrift stores that aren't so glossy have some of the best finds...ever.

quite naturally, my niece, saw this little pocketbook and wanted it. mom said if she put it down dont worry about it. ha! she carried this lil pocketbook throughout the whole store, so i bought it. grandma says she is going to keep it and give it to her on her 18th birthday. LOL.
sunday we went to church and this is what i wore. a vintage double breasted suit, with a ralph lauren shirt and a vintage tie. my spectators are by mezlans. since my mother is still with me my flower lapel pin was appropriate.

for mother's day i gave mom THIS. sigh.
it was all worth it when we visited my eldest aunt and she started going through all of these gospel LPs. there are some old songs that arent really popular enough to make it to mp3s. when i saw how excited mom was as she went through the stack from my aunt, i knew it was a good gift.

as always i have been updating the SHOP with a number of unique pieces and they have been finding great homes. if you haven't done so, please lock my SITE into your rss feed, or in any other way that you stay updated with new inventory.

that was my weekend. what great things did you do over the mother's day weekend?

you can catch me here...

2012-05-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

happy saturday everyone!
it took me a while to join twitter. really. i didnt see the point. im slow at being active on all of the social media platforms, although i sign up so i wont feel left out.

i have recently joined instagram. yerp. since most of you guys (ladies really) seem to be more into design ideas rather than my style, i primarily use instagram for personal style. occasionally, i will post interior design musing, but on instagram...no one really cares.

still getting the hang of it, but if you want a peep into my random world of style instagram is where you can find me.

what to do with all of those frames...

2012-05-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

happy friday everyone. hope you had an amazing week.

there were a few bumps and bruises for me this week, while at the same time some really amazing things came together.

after this POST i figured i should at least show you a few various ways to reuse frames.

if you happen to find a lot of frames that are all the same size a gallery wall is an excellent way to use them. groupings allow for a much greater impact than just a single piece.

if you have a collection of frames, more than likely they won't be the same size, width or shape, but they can all speak the same language if you paint them the same color.

i just came across this image last night. not sure how i missed this one, but its another way to make frames speak the same language.

there are so many various applications for using blank frames. these are just a few that i like.
**all images are via my pinterest page**

any favorites?
what are some ways you use vintage, thrifted or store bought frames in your own space?

this make me happy...

2012-05-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

this makes me happy.

$10 vs $550 (thoughts?)

2012-05-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

when i set my mind on a thing, i do all i can to make it a reality. i am working on a special project and need to get cracking on redoing my chairs. from this POST you will know that i received a fabric sample in the mail. with the price point being $299-$550, the option to use it is not so much an option.

while blog hopping yesterday i came across a scarf with zebras and a red back ground. hmmmm...

i started typing some keywords into the interweb and came across the menagerie zebra fabric. i liked it. i especially like the $10 price point give or take a few dollars here and there, depending on where it is ordered from. it's cotton and is 45 inches wide which isn't the widest, but it's still enough for the application i want to use it for.

the scalamandre zebra fabric is $550 a yard. not for budget decorators. i came across a seller on ebay that offered it at $299 a yard...with a minimum of 3 yards ordered. that's how they getcha! the scalmandre zebras are obviously bigger with movement and the fabric is a cotton and linen blend and is printed.

i haven't ordered a sample of the first fabric so i cant really compare weight. if i were simply going to make pillows then the heavier fabric would work.

but if i am simply going to accentuate the backs of chairs would the weight really matter?
there are obvious differences between the $10 fabric and the $550. which do you think is better by mere appearance?

over the weekend...

2012-05-07T15:37:00.000-04:00

did you have a great weekend?

i had an amazing time in fayetteville, nc at the independent artisans festival. i am so grateful for them having me.

i took a few photos on my important camera, but editing them is time consuming so here are some iPhone shots of my weekend.

i really do need to actively seek an assistant so that i can get some quality shots of the places i go as well as keep my organized. i keep telling myself that, but my level of trust wont allow me to break down and do it. its coming. its coming.

i saw this suit at the independent artisans market. i really wanted it. of course it was a bit small. sigh

i picked this briefcase up for $2.98 this weekend. such a great buy. i can afford the hermes birkin and other stuff, but a classic vintage case that no one else has...is right up my alley.

one of the vendors d'ramont had these bracelets for sale. i've seen them around of a few arms and i've been intending to get into some more casuals clothing for the summer. i don't have a lot, but i think these would be quite interesting. i may even do some bracelets of my own.

i got crafty over the weekend and made a few flower lapel pins. these are not new or trendy. just forgotten. so part of this group 's responsibility is to bring back classic style as we help to serve our community.

i hope the rest of your monday is exciting. i will see you later on this week.

meet me at IAM (details inside)

2012-05-04T10:02:00.002-04:00

the chair project: fabric choice #1

2012-05-03T06:00:00.001-04:00

well as most of you know from this blog POST that i have new chairs. which means there is a chair project in the works.

i pinned THIS image to my pinterest board, as one the fabrics i want to redo my chairs in. after i pinned the image, robin from gilded manor was so gracious and offered to send me a sample of the fabric. of course i could not and would not say no.

it finally arrived the other day. i may or may not have been stalking my mailbox.

i have been pining after the scalamandre zebra fabric in the masai red colorway ever since i saw it in the form of wallpaper. this print in the form of a textile is probably my number one fabric choice, because it encompasses two of my favorite design elements, the color red and black and white stripes. pairing this $450 a yard of fabric next to a $6.99 a yard fabric from ikea does put things into perspective.

the fabric is beautiful. hands down.

however.

the red is not a vibrant red as i thought it would be and the black looks brown when placed side-by-side against the ikea fabric. that slight difference can make a huge difference sometimes. with this fabric going for $450 a yard, i think i would have to be in a state of "i cant live without it" before i make that type of invest. oh yea and a place that i actually own and not rent.

my last reservation is that i dont think the whole zebra will fit on the back (where i want it to go).

i am not totally putting it out of my mind, cuz i do love it.

if you happen to come across this fabric at an outlet or you can get it waaaay cheaper than $450, i'd be interesting in working with you.

i have started a waiting list as i more than likely will not keep all of these chairs. if you are interested in reserving a chair or two or three or four or more, email me and let me know (mr.goodwillhunting@gmail.com).

THRIFT TIP: buy now

2012-05-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

for some unknown reason i think i am a party planner. i try to channel my colin cowie every now and then.i think well thought out parties or quick, but tasteful get together is the fabric of memories.

i prefer long gracious sit down meals around the table, rather than a wham bam thank you ma'am cocktail party. i enjoy conversation. the food doesn't have to be extraordinary (although it would be nice), but the gathering of people is what it is all about.

(source)

the holidays are coming up. seriously they will be here before you know it. i think sit down meals are customary for families or groups of people that know each other. sip and bites type deals seem to be for companies or business that just wants to do a lil summin summin for the holidays.

if you are going to have a sit down dinner in your home, you should start buying the necessary items now to avoid major costs during the hectic season.

(source)

cowie noted in his article that when he considered have an intimate dinner for his partner's birthday, he only invited the 16 people. the maximum number of people his dining table could accommodate, without having to rent anything. brilliant. if you are lucky enough you can often come across a grouping of matching chairs at a reasonable price that you can buy and store for dinners and special occasions.

(source)

i prefer matching chairs at a dinner table. it brings cohesion and elegance to a dining experience. im not into whimsy. if you cannot find matching chairs, this dining set is a perfect example of how to achieve a cohesive look. this designer simply painting all the wood the same and used the same upholstery fabric for the seats. while the chairs are not the same, they are a single unit in design and i like that.

(source)

when search for chairs try to look for chairs that are on within your budget. finding chairs that $10 or less each and can be restyled at a minimum cost is perfect. if you buy them now you can start redoing them ever so often in preparation for the holidays. if you arent quite ready for a diy project, but still want to have a great look on a budget the above look is quite beautiful. i know i said i don't like the mixed-matched look, this one is an exception. all of the chairs have the same neutral color story. i am sure this look can be achieve with some persistent visits to the flea market, garage sales or a thrift store.

even if you don't have a large dinning room to host a dinner party, you can move a few pieces around and host a sit down dinner in your living room or the largest room in your space. if you are renting, like me, and are unable to make significant changes to the space, like me, then adding personality to pieces of furniture will create a custom look for your guest to enjoy.

start planning now for a sit down meal with friends. find some inexpensive chairs and give them a facelift. when the season comes around you will be way ahead of the mad rush.

i apologize...

2012-05-01T20:00:00.000-04:00

(click for video)

i am always honored when segments like the one above airs on television. they are so fun to do and they are a lot of hard work. i get so many emails from new and old followers asking about some of the finishes and products.the truth is, the segments aren't long enough to show the whole process of a furniture makeover. to recreate one of those looks for my blog would be time consuming as well as costly.

so i apologize for being unable to do a tutorial or recreate the process seen on my segments. i blogged about the above show HERE. most of these makeovers are projects you can tackle on your own.

if i happen to come across a similar tutorial done by someone else, i will be sure to pass it along here.

i do appreciate it when each of you watch and share your feedback. it means a lot to me.

im a cover boy...look inside!!

2012-04-30T18:42:00.001-04:00

i have been waiting for a while to blog about this major milestone in my life. if you remember from here i was named one of charlotte's 25 most stylish people by charlotte style magazine. then i was name one of the top 5 most stylish people in charlotte. which meant i would be on the cover!! this has been a great year of press for me and the brand.

check out my style profile in charlotte style magazine right HERE (its a lot less blurry).

sneak peek at client's master bedroom

2012-04-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

i was contacted a few months to help couple spruce up their master bedroom. they already had a bedroom set and bed linens, but it was missing a few finishes touches.

so i popped in to help.

but this week we made it to the finish line and here are a few snapshoots i took with my iPhone.

i will be back later on with more well lit photos.

THRIFT TIP: dont you walk away from me...

2012-04-28T07:43:00.000-04:00

there are a few moments times i have walked away from items contemplating whether i should buy them or not.

remember THIS? yea i walked away until i was scolded by a friend.

i actually left the store and came back at THESE. crazy i know.

(source)

lynda, walked away from these 4 chairs priced at $9.99.

of course she couldnt stop thinking about them and went back for them. i surely would have seeing that the above chairs from restoration hardware are priced at $99 each. that's a 90% savings.

(source)

now i am sure my friend dayka, did not walk away from this. its a very good vintage replica of the eames lounger. she knows how to spot an amazing piece.

when you are out thrifting, there are some finds you just cant walk away from because you know finding them again, at a great price is nearly impossible. if you cant stop thinking about it and you love it, buy it. your investment will pay off every time you walk by it in your home.

so tell me,

have you ever walked away from an amazing piece and then started have the woozy tummy feeling because you really ~~needed~~ wanted it?

its happening right NOW!!!!!

2012-04-27T00:01:00.000-04:00

my joss and main curated sale is going on right now!

click HERE to see all of the amazing pieces!

you WON'T believe what i found...yesterday

2012-04-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

yea. i almost passed out. 12 louis style chairs. just sitting there.

new fabric. new paint. remove the arms perhaps.

these chairs may be the start of my new furniture line OR they may be perfect for a private dinner party in june...

hmmmmm...

client's bedroom: BEFORE and AFTER

2012-04-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

a real life bedroom is a process. unlike my television makeovers, i cant blink and make things happen overnight. so click HERE too see how it all started.

we started HERE. then we found ourselves HERE. and celebrated HERE. whew. after coming across THESE, the home stretch was in view.

and this is the finished product. a big difference from where we started and where it is now.

the bed is a special piece because it belonged to mom, wsoc anchor woman, erica bryant.

special thanks to charlotte style magazine for featuring my client's bedroom in their upcoming issue, HERE. my amazing friend ariene bethea did an amazing job with the story.

if you need help with a bedroom makeover, please visit the hire me tab for additional information.

photo credits: glen burke photography