Favorites Friday: April

April showers sure helped bring the Mayflowers, and what a weird midwestern April we had (in St. Louis, you sort of expect the unexpected)!  Although we enjoy different things about each season, we're so excited to welcome the fun, spring colors and nice weather...Here are our top ten from April!

Ann's Top Ten:

1. My color combo for April is a bright orange and cobalt blue. I have a lot of orange accents in my home, and I love it! Secondly, there's nothing more refreshing than cobalt blue and being that the two hues are opposite each other on the color wheel, it's a no fail.

 

2. This chaise is exquisite! This is by far my favorite furniture item that came through the store this month. The finish on the wood trim is incredible, the nailhead trim, the pleating with the button detail and contrasting fabric. This piece says "wow"!

3. I'm totally loving this ring, I snagged it up at Modern Vintage Decor. Versatility must be one of my favorite words, it will go with anything.

4. There is something amazing about a simple leather strappy heel. Simple yet sexy. These will go with anything. Pair them with cute shorts and sparkly top for a night out on the town, with a breezy dress or even white linen pants.

5. If this doesn't make you wish you had a rooftop space, I don't know what will. I found this on Houzz and it was done by C. Marie Inc. Everything in this space is working for me. The built in flower boxes are fun, the flowers can bring an unlimited amount of color. The loungers for some reading or sunbathing and a little eating area too. The outdoor rug brings some warmth and pattern and makes the entire space cohesive. The trellis and lighting creates a little romantic area, can you imagine it at night?! I give it a 10.

6. I'm probably a little biased but the best event I attended was my daughter's first birthday party. We hosted at our house and the weather was decent and there was good food and lots of cake!

 

7. This would be the outfit I wish I had in my closet this month, it is super cute. The bright colors are great, and I love the bow.

8. Check out these decanters that we got in this month, the pattern is fun and the colors are nice and neutral. They can easily be dressed up or down.

9. Okay, one place I can't wait to take my little girl on a family vacation is Disney's new Fantasyland. Yes, she got her first Disney movie for her birthday, not that she cared at all, but my niece loved watching Cinderella. At the end they had a little bit about Fantasyland in Disney World, how fun! Some of the classics become a real place to walk through, see and feel the castle from Beauty and the Beast, have dinner in the grand hall, go to Dumbo's circus and much more. I think it'd be magical for anyone. She has to be old enough to remember it though, so we shall wait and I can start growing a new arm and leg to pay for it too! Haha!

10. Finally, there is nothing like family.  In April, my youngest sister had her senior show and will be graduating from a graphic design program in May. She had her portfolio and a few projects on display, so we took a little road trip and saw her work, I must say I am very impressed. She has already won an award for some if her work and I didn't even know it! I'm very proud of her. Congratulations Marie! (She also shares a birthday with my daughter, Happy Birthday Marie)!

Allison's Top Ten:

1.  My favorite piece of furniture that we got in this month was this beautiful bedboard entry cabinet by Ballard Design.  It has hanging space, storage space, all in one welcoming space-saving design. 

 



2.  I'm a fan of oversized mirrors...and when you add a fun, funky color to any mirror, you immediately have my attention.  This drew me in because I'm obsessed with the purple and the richness of the walls...a future home must-have!

 

3.  Room envy.  Prints, Dior, color, neutrals, textures...I want this.

4.  I'm kind of obsessed with this beautiful artwork by Leigh Viner.  It's modern, chic, and classic all at once...just stunning.

5.  My favorite accessory that we've had in store this month is this baseball cap.  Floral, sequins, pretty colors...I can't get over how feminine without being TOO feminine it is...This cap is definitely something I would wear even if I was having a really good hair day.  Throw it on with jeans, a basic tee, some cute jewelry and you're good to go.

 

6.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE mixing prints.  This look I absolutely adore...stripes and floral.  Yes.  I mean, seriously, how awesome does she look?

 





7.  This model screams "I need to be poolside with a Tom Collins in hand".  The ultimate retro-chic California-cool babe.  The black and white, major jewelry, oversized sunnies...I feel like this ensemble is a must for my San Diego escape.

 

8.  I came across this quote by Dr. Seuss that I 110% agree with.  I couldn't agree with him more.  Everyone is unique in their own individual ways and think some people try too hard trying to "fit in" or "be normal" rather than embrace who they truly are.



9.  My favorite DIY I came across this month was this tutorial for glitter ombre nails.  Although it was a bit messy for a first-timer, it was so incredibly easy, so I will definitely be doing this again soon.

10.  Paloma Faith.  The first time I had heard of her, she was being interviewed on a favorite TV show of mine, Chelsea Lately.  I instantly became obsessed with her personality and checked her music out as soon as the episode ended.  Instant fan...she's like all of my favorite female musical crushes rolled in to one.

 

 

Photo credits: Songofstyle.blogspot, lolobu.com, fabuloushomeblog.com, houseofturquoise.com, Pinterest, disneyworld.com, Houzz

Favorites Friday: March

Happy April, ya'll! Since it's the first Friday, you know what that means...time for another Favorites Friday! We know you're excited. So sit back, relax, and enjoy Ann and Allison's favorites from March.


Ann's Top Ten:
Man! These months are flying by, March was busy for me and my family so there are a lot of great this to choose from. Here are my top ten for March:

1. The absolute best event I attended this month was the Bon Jovi concert. I am a product of the 80's and was born the same year the band formed, therefore so appropriate that I attend, and besides who ISN'T "living on a prayer". Cheese, cheese, cheese, sorry, I couldn't help it!

 

 

2. My biggest accomplishment for March, I ran the 5 miles for the St. Patty's run downtown. Whew! My time wasn't far off from my pre-baby days either, and that I am proud of!

 

3. My favorite piece of furniture to hit the floors this month was this end table/nightstand. A great example of a redo done well!

4. The best piece of jewelry I added to my collection was from Premier Designs, this is the Leila necklace, it goes with just about everything! Love it!

5. My pick for shoes this month are these dusty purple Badgley Mischka strappy heels with a multi-layered fabric flower. Very fun!

6. My husband and I were lucky enough to have a date night and in our wait for a table we wandered around in Brentwood and I must say, I.O. Metro does it right. Their displays are awesome and their product is dead on. They have the perfect blend of "cool" and "this would totally work in your home" feel. Here is one item I would totally have in my home. It could be in a bedroom, foyer, an accent in just about any room.

7. Maybe it's just the new, fresh, fun, spring items coming out, but I loved SO many things in the most recent Ballard Designs catalog. From adorable chevron totes to indoor outdoor rugs, to lighting! Love it all! Her is just a sampling, I could go on and on...

 

 

 

 

 

8. A new product that I came across, Mariposa Home candles. I found them right next door at Modern Vintage Decor, I also got one of their bath bombs and I'm sure I'll love it as much as the candle. They burn so evenly and nice and fragrant and are soy and handmade.

 

9. The best recipe that came via Pinterest, was a crockpot spinach and artichoke dip. Yummy! It was a hit and NO leftovers, so I will need to double it next time. Try it out.

10. I'll combine my color combo with my outfit since I'm on ten already! Hopefully this nice weather is here to stay, and we can wear something like this. Inspired by sunshine and blue skies, here is my coral and teal!

Photo credits: Ballard Designs, BudgetSavvyDiva.com, Pinterest


Allison's Top Ten:
1.  Alright, so I may be a bit of a thrifting enthusiast.  I've really come to hate buying new things at regular price, so resale has become my favorite way to shop.  There's something about the excitement, the surprise when you find something you love, and better yet, the hunt for an amazing deal.  My friends at Women's Closet Exchange had posted a photo of this GORGEOUS pink dress I spent a day and a half absolutely drooling over...went to try it on, and it unfortunately was a size too big...bummed out, my friends at Clique (the young adult version of WCE) came to my rescue...and I ended up leaving with more than I had anticipated.  My most favorite resale purchase this month was of course these amazzzingggg, sassy shoes by Wild Pair.  When the shoe fits, you HAVE to buy it, right?!  Especially when they're a perfect color, funky and different, studded platform heels....

.....yep.  Shoes deserve to be loved, too.

2.  I swore to myself at the beginning of this year, that I was going to do things I've been wanting to do forever...without letting other people get in the way, stop me or distract me from what I really wanted...So, this may come as a surprise to many, but the furthest west I've ever been was to Vegas...and that was when I was a newbie 21-year-old.  Obviously, I've been dyyyiingggg to make it to California, so the biggest accomplishment for me this month was officially booking my summer trip to San Diego with two of my close girlfriends.  Ahh...San Diego, roadtrip to LA...and the BEST part, I'll be spending my birthday on the West Coast.  July can't come soon enough.

 

 

3.  “I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try.”

4.  Back to my friends down at Women's Closet Exchange...My favorite "Best Announcement" this month was the OFFICIAL news release of their reality TV show "Resale Royalty" airing on Style Network on May 12th produced by the one and only, Rachel Zoe...Needless to say, I almost passed out when I found out she is the producer.  Check your times and be sure to tune in! Here's a sneak peek of what's to come:

5.  Favorite songs this month-Trouble Maker by Olly Murs feat. Flo Rida
I love the beat, it's catchy and a perfect song to listen/dance to while getting ready for a girls' night out...

Oh, Marina and the Diamonds...another song I CAN NOT get enough of is "How to be a Heartbreaker"...if you like it, check out the rest of her music...

6.  A look I am LOVING right now:  The Flower Crowns.  I went on a mad search one day trying to get my hands on one of these suckers with no luck...and the only ones I came across were upwards of $100 online at Urban Outfitters (which obviously wouldn't arrive at my doorstep within a few hours for my Friday night outing)...So, I went on over to Pinterest and found a great Flower Crown DIY tuitorial.



Here's my flower crown...I must say, it drew quite a bit of attention and I got a ton of compliments  :)

7.
Dear Future Fiance, 
Please take note...

This stunning jewelry line I came across:  Le Vian.  All of the jewelry is absolutely breathtaking and I love the unique designs that make a statement all on their own.

I just about died and went to heaven when I spotted this stunning ring:

...but with a price tag of $13,250...what girl wouldn't?

 

 

 

 8.  Rolo Cookies...Probably some of the best cookies I've made in a LONG time...Not only are they absolutely delish, but they were incredibly easy to make!  I highly recommend them.  Recipe here

 

 9.  I'm a huge coffee addict...so here are a few coffee-lover things I got a kick out of...

...yep, pup.  That's how I feel every morning.

 

10.  Last but not least...STLFW was in March, so there were a ton of fun events to attend.  One I attended was the "Steampunked Fashion Show" hosted by South Broadway Art Project.  Their mission is to teach young people and adults how to enhance their own lives and community through art.  They offer art and fashion design programs, which I thought was pretty cool.  The Steampunked Fashion Show featured the young fashion designers from the South Broadway Art Project...so, these kids designed and created their own incredible fashions and then modeled them.  Awesome and cute is by far an understatement as to how this show was.  Here are some pics:

This pin was in my goody bag   :)

My friend, Acasia, and I at the show.