My Home Office Reno

Things are really starting to take shape in the home office reno department. My mom and I have been shopping for my desk, chair, and other accessories to help the space pop. I'm really going for it in the color department, something that will make my office a cheerful space on a daily basis. I purchased the paint over the weekend and can't wait to start putting it on the wall. But before all that, my dad has been working on some minor wall repair. We had a leak from my husband's shower last year and it did a little damage to the corner of the wall. Nothing big, but enough to get it fixed. And after that, it will be time to paint. I'm so excited!!

Remember back to the photo of the space in my den that I'm going to make my office?

Well, I thought I would share a little more insight into my current working conditions so you can see why I'm in need of an "office". My den is long and narrow, but bright and homey. However, the space where I work isn't really all that conducive to working. Here is the other half of the room from where I will eventually work.

This is my current desk! It's my coffee table. And as you can see, it's really a large piece of furniture that allows me to spread all of my stuff out and really dig into work. Did you hear the sarcasm dripping out of that statement?

And don't you love my computer stand? The floor is the perfect place to print from, right?

So you can see why I need a space of my own? This isn't an office. This isn't a motivational place to get my juices flowing. This is a place where I lose focus. Where I get lost. And I can't wait to move over to a place that gets me excited!

Here is a glance into the colors of my space. I'm in love!

As for the wall color, you all know I'm dying to have a gray room, so I'm going with a gray accent wall. I love the color of my nails, Essie Petal Pushers, and it was a bit of inspiration when choosing a color! However, I decided it might be a little dark for the room, so I went with Winter Solstice. Love!

And that's it! My home office space, color scheme, and wall color. Again, it's taking shape, from a visual standpoint, and it will start taking muscle shape this week! Stay tuned for more updates!

Happy Monday!

A Day with McKinley

Poncho: Tahari (cute option/60% off), T-Neck: Kohls; Jeans: Loft (similar); Sneakers: Converse;

Hat: J.Crew; Scarf: My Mom Made; All Jewelry: Stella & Dot; Lip Color: NARS Shanghai Express

Yesterday McKinley and I took total advantage of a January day that reached the upper 50s! We spent four hours at the zoo and enjoyed every minute of it. The animals were out in full force and some were out to play! And it was so quiet. There were several families out, but we never seemed crowded at any of the exhibits. McKinley and I were able to spend time where we wanted, discussed the animals he had questions about, and just spent quality time with one another on a truly beautiful day. It was simply the best day! 

Because the day started out in the low 40s, I went with tons of layers! I am literally wearing three tops! A long sleeved white tee, a cashmere turtleneck, and the wool striped poncho. I added the long scarf at the last minute and so glad I did! I was comfortably warm all day! I love the pop of color with the burgundy hat and sneaker. And let's be honest, just because I was at the zoo doesn't mean I can't be chic, so I added my new chandalier earrings and leather bracelet from the new Stella & Dot spring line. Aren't they fab?

The Sweater: Before and After

   

Happy Friday, Fashionista's! I hope you have a grand weekend planned. See you all back here next week!

Another Leap

Sweatshirt: Made by Me; Chambray Shirt: J.Crew Factory (similar); Jeans: Loft (similar);

 Booties: Sole Society (c/o similar); Scarf: My Mom Made; Shades: Target; 

Necklace: Stella & Dot

I made another Leap sweatshirt and I think I like the layout of this one better. And the gold against the gray really pops. Still working out the kinks, but I love where this is going. I already have the white one in my Etsy boutique. Tell all your friends who are ready to take that Leap this year!

It was freezing this weekend and I couldn't leave home without long-johns and an extra large scarf! All things that kept me warm while braving the elements or just staying inside the house! I love denim on denim when I can break it up. Still not a huge fan of just the two piece together. I'm working on overcoming that fear this year! Baby steps, right?

Speaking of baby steps, can we talk about these booties for a minute? I have lived in them all fall and winter. So comfy and the perfect heel height. This one is almost sold out, but here is a really cute option!

The Sweatshirts

      

 

I can't believe it's Monday again! A busy week is ahead for this mama, but I'm ready to tackle my to-do lists and grow, grow, grow! Hope you're having a great morning!

XOXO!

Home Office Inspiration

Last week I blogged about how I wanted to create a small home office in a very small space in our den. I haven't stopped thinking about it and now I have my mom thinking about it too! She loved the accent wall paint color and the writing desks, her favorite was the one from Target, and is ready to help me tackle the project. Maybe after the first of the year. We could all use a stir-crazy project, right?

In the meantime, I've started looking at the decor of the space. My inspiration is the photo from Home Goods that I found on Instagram. Isn't the space gorgeous? I love the dark navy wall and the punch of colors! So cheery and so chic! And, as it turns out, my parents have an antique yellow cabinet that I've always had my eye on! It would look great and be the perfect place to store catalogs, papers, and other items you don't really want out and about for clutter. One piece down!

As for the chair in my space, I'm thinking something along the lines of an accent chair instead of an actual desk chair. First off, the space isn't really an office, and I think an arm-less chair would be more cohesive with the rest of the decor in the den. The thing I need to keep in mind, is that it needs to be tall enough for me to actually sit comfortably at the desk. If I could find something from an estate sale or antique store and reupholster in the fabrics I posted last week, that would be ideal! If not, I'm loving the ones below.

  

1/2/3/4/5/6/7

Now, when looking at the photo and my picks for some pieces I think would be a good fit for me, I know the pink chair looks completely out of place, but I happen to love it! I don't know what's gotten into me as I've gotten older. I've never really been drawn to pink, but this bubble gum piece is darling!

As for the starburst mirrors, I have always wanted one! In my little nook in our living room, just behind our front door, I have this antique wash table with a wooden oval mirror above that. I would love to replace it with a starburst version, but my little office would look perfect with one as well! And, it would be specific to me. Oh, and the little table lamp is so cute! I love the legs. Such a unique piece for such a special space!

What do you think? Is it taking shape in your mind? It is in mine! I honestly think this could be the one place in my house that I can finally call mine! Sure, I've decorated the rest of my house based on my own personal style, but I've always kept my husband in mind. But now, this little area could be all for me!

If you were creating a space like this, what would you use? Would you go with a pink chair or starburst mirror? I think you should! 

Photo courtesy of Home Good's Instagram page!

Wednesday Wants - A Home Office

I am trying to start a business. I'm not sure I've really talked about it here, but about a month ago I signed up to be a Stylist with Stella & Dot. It's the perfect business for me at this point in my life. I want to work, need to work, but I don't want to work in an office building where I'm there 8:00-5:00. I want to set my own hours, work when I want to work/can work, and make money while doing so. With Stella & Dot, you do just that. And, within the two months, I've been fairly successful. At least in my eyes I have.

But one can't really have a business without a space to conduct it. I could work out of a coffee shop while McKinley's in school, but that's not really efficient. I would be spending money on coffee when I could have my own brewed coffee at home. And I'm such a people watcher, I would probably spend all my time doing just that! I'm not going to rent space to work in because I'm not at a point where I can spent that kind of money. And, sitting on my couch in the den and working from my wicker coffee table isn't all that great either. It gets the job done for now, but I need a space that I can call mine and spread things out when needed. And, I could really use an office for my blog as well. It's a two fold office!

We don't have an extra bedroom in which I can turn into an office, so I'm thinking of working with a small space in our den. I would still be a part of the day to day life. In sight of McKinley when he needed me, could have on my TV for that background noise I need on a daily basis (I don't really watch it, it's just there for noise), and it's really all the space I need for the time being. 

    

So here's what I'm thinking of doing over here. Taking out the two chairs and bookcase and place those in storage. If we were to ever move, they would be needed in the next house and I love them too much to part with them. I would paint the back wall an accent color like Durango from Benjamin Moore. I've always wanted a gray room and the color would compliment the Antique White we have in the rest of the room. And, I think having an accent wall would help define the space. From there, I would start building the office with furniture that compliments the rest of the room. Here's what I've come up with. I started with the desk as that's the focal part of the office and where most things get accomplished.

 

1/2/3/4/5

I checked out a couple of new interior sites like One Kings Lane and Joss and Main and I like what I saw! I looked at my favorite designs like Mid Century Modern and Shaker, but I also looked at a few glam pieces like number five! I mean, what girl doesn't a full on mirrored writing desk. Oh, and that's what I chose, writing desks. I didn't feel like I needed a huge desk within my small space. I love all of these.

My color pallette will probably run in the reds, but I do love yellow! I've always wanted a gray and yellow room so who knows. These swatches are from Joann's and they're gorgeous!

So what do you think of my ideas? Do you have a home office or looking for a space within your home to create one? Let's go on this journey together! There are so many things to address from here!

A Blogger Meetup

 Coat: Ann Taylor (similar); Jumpsuit: BCBG (similar); Heels: Pour la Victiore (similar);

Handbag: MbyMJ; Bracelets: Fossel/Ralph Lauren; Necklace: Ann Taylor

Last night was a girls night out and it has been way too long!! It was a fun little gathering of local bloggers to chat about what inspires us, what we're excited about, and what we're struggling with as bloggers. We sipped cocktails, laughed, shared our thoughts, exchanged advice, and I made a hopeful new friend! I love it when that happens.

Around 4:30, I was still in my mom clothes. You know, my standard boyfriend jeans, a sweater, and sneakers. I didn't have on any makeup and I was literally half asleep on the couch with McKinley. I was so close to backing out, but forced myself off the couch! Because I showered the night before, all I really needed to do was shave my legs, rewash my face, and apply some makeup. Oh, I find something to wear! I didn't want to wear jeans, again I had been in them all day, but it was chilly out yesterday so a dress felt too sheer. I remembered this jumpsuit and prayed that it 1) wasn't wrinkled, and 2) still fit! Like Goldilocks, it was just right!

Coat: Ann Taylor (similar); Jumpsuit: BCBG (similar); Heels: Pour la Victiore (similar);

Handbag: MbyMJ; Bracelets: Fossel/Ralph Lauren; Necklace: Ann Taylor

I love when a look comes together at the very last minute! While pulling out the jumpsuit, I noticed my pink and gray animal print heels. Perfect! A hint of pink from my new bag and the bold pink of the coat brought it all together! See what happens when you shop from your closet? 

As always, see something you need? Want it now? Shop the links!!

My New Look

 Denim Jacket: Ralph Lauren (similar); Top: Loft (similar); Joggers: JCPenney; 

Sneakers: Adidas via DSW (fun option); Shade: MbyMJ; Earrings: Silpada; Necklace: Silpada

These joggers have been worn way more than they've been photographed. I love them! This is an errand day look, a look that I've been sporting more and more lately, and I'm becoming more comfortable with that. I used to think that I wasn't being a very good fashion blogger because I wasn't dressing up everyday, or taking outfit pics daily, but I've come to terms that this is my look and I need to share it!

My trusty denim jacket truly goes with everything! A striped top, colorful sneakers, and fun jewels just add to the overall look. And when you're running errands, comfort is key, and that's just what this look is!

The Joggers: Before and After

    

 

 Denim Jacket: Ralph Lauren (similar); Top: Loft (similar); Joggers: JCPenney; 

Sneakers: Adidas via DSW (fun option); Shade: MbyMJ; Earrings: Silpada; Necklace: Silpada

 What are you wearing these days when running errands? Let's share style notes!

As always, see something like? Need it now? Shop the links!!

The Final Rose

Sweatshirt: Old Navy (similar here under $10); Tank: Target (similar here); Cords: Loft (similar here); 

Sneakers: Target; Shades: Ulta

Last night was the finale of The Bachelor and I met up with my girlfriend for an evening of wine, chocolate, and rocking sweet baby girls to sleep. It was perfection! So what does one wear to the finale viewing? A Heart and Soul sweatshirt! Because you know they love each other heart and soul and that it's totally going to work! Spoiler Alert: I wish Chris and Whitney a lifetime of happiness!

I know I said I wasn't going to wear gray now that I'm all about spring, but I did wear pale pink cords and neutral sneakers! Oh, and pink lips and silver aviators! I am totally rocking spring if you look close. But again, when you're watching the final rose of the season, you have to go into it with all the love!

The Sweatshirt: Before and After

 

 

Sweatshirt: Old Navy (similar here under $10); Tank: Target (similar here); Cords: Loft (similar here); 

Sneakers: Target; Shades: Ulta 

If you watched this installment of The Bachelor, who were you rooting for and did she win? Let's discuss!

 

As always, see something you like? Need it now? Shop the links!

 

Last of Winter

 Sweater: Piperlime (similar here under $50); Jeans: Loft (similar here 40% off); 

Boots: Ivanka Trump (similar here); Handbag: Pour la Victoire (similar here under $50); 

Shades: MbyMJ; Lip Color: MAC Dubonette

This past weekend was the most spring like weekend we've had in, well, since last spring! And we made use of it. I cleaned out the garage for six hours on Friday and most of the day Saturday! To say the least, outfit pics were non-existent! Trust me, you didn't want to see those looks! And yesterday's look was super cute, we spent the day at the zoo, but I spent the day with my guys and didn't think of capturing photos. 

These were taken last week and I'm calling it my "Last of Winter" look! I'm so optimistic that spring has finally sprung that I'm not going to allow myself to look back. Light weight wool may be worn, but in bright or pastel colors only! Gone are the days of black and gray, unless it's in the form of a cute black sundress! But if I'm closing the door on winter, I'm so glad it was in this. One of my favorites!

The Sweater: Before and After

 

 

 

Sweater: Piperlime (similar here under $50); Jeans: Loft (similar here 40% off); 

Boots: Ivanka Trump (similar here); Handbag: Pour la Victoire (similar here under $50); 

Shades: MbyMJ; Lip Color: MAC Dubonette

What pieces are you looking forward to storing for spring? I am definitely ready to pack up heavy sweaters and boots! Booties are a different story. They go with so many more things, like shorts and cute dresses! Let's discuss!

Happy Monday!

As always, see something you like? Need it now? Shop the links!