Lavender for Fall

I am a fan of lavender at any time of year but during fall, I think it can be so perfect.  It isn't as expected as all the warm toasty colors but I feel it is softer and still cozy looking.  A lavender coat is on the top of my list and I've wanted a lavender sofa for a long time.

Lavender for Fall by rebecca-iverson featuring a velvet couch

Well, I had a great weekend with my family and today I have lots of chores to do and errands to run.  My daughter wants a wolf costume for Halloween, so I'll be working on that with my mom today.  

I hope your day is great!

Inspired by Art: Sophisticated Rural

The massive online auction site invaluable.com is a great source for design inspiration.  A room inspired by a piece of their artwork is an excited idea.  I love to design but I especially love a creative challenge: I chose a piece I loved from their site and created a space around it.  Oh happy day!  

Sophisticated Rural by rebecca-iverson 

I chose a beautiful oil painting entitled Karouev/Dan Farm (auctioned October 21st here).  I had a difficult time choosing a favorite work of art because, let me tell you, there are so many.  I didn't choose this particular piece because it was expensive.  The starting bid is only $70 but what do I care, it's gorgeous and makes me happy to look at it.  Also, I knew it would be the starting point for one gorgeous room.  

The first element I chose to go along with my painting is the rug.  I love that the geometric design mimics the roof-lines in the painting.  I also like the high contrast and almost quilt-like design.  The painting pre-determined that the space would involve contemporary country design elements and this rug looks a bit like a quilt.  I believe a simple blue sofa is perfect on this rug and in this space.

I next envisioned grass-cloth wallpaper that would cover the bottom portion of the wall divided by a chair rail.  Above the chair rail would be painted a soft gray-blue that would be a continuation of sky from the painting.  I love the combination of the earthy and warm grass-cloth and the soft airy blue above.  Just like the painting.  

The curtain fabric is a soft tonal silk check.  I like the traditional country pattern for this space but the silk fabric is a sophisticated juxtaposition to the textural grass cloth.  Also, the soft colors help the pattern keep out of competition with the rug.  

I brought in a touch of green with the beautiful lamps.  I wanted a hit of green but not too much.  

The Chippendale chairs would face the couch and they reinforce the natural and casual theme but keep it up to date with their strong line.  Because the grass-cloth has multiple shades of brown I was able to use a few different wood tones:  The chairs and the side tables are different wood tones but they are both in the grass-cloth and the painting.  

To finish off the space, a white branchy chandelier would hang over an ottoman or coffee table.  I like that it is light in effect and wouldn't compete with the other elements, but it is still a strong statement.

I hope you love this painting and the room it inspired as much as I do! There are so many paintings over on Invaluable.com's site available here. There are literally hundreds of fantastic pieces ranging greatly in price. Let me know what you think and be sure to go bid on this painting if you are interested.

Favorite Beauty Products

Favorite Beauty Products by rebecca-iverson featuring a curling mascara

I don't talk too much about beauty products unless they are really, really good.  These are so good that they deserve to be shared.  I received a sample of Urban Decay eye primer (Eden) as a gift with purchase and now I can't live without it!  The same goes with the Living Proof line of hair products.  I use almost everything from the volume line and love them.  Everything here is fantastic!  

I would love to know what products you can't live without.

Color Inspiration: Shades of Blackberry

pinterest

When I think of the best crossover inspiration from summer to fall, I think of blackberries.  They are gorgeous and in season right now but their color foreshadows the changing season.  The color is beautifully dramatic and a bit old world.  

4betterhome.com

vintageandchicblog.com

pinimg.com

centsationalgirl.com

bossycolor.com

columbiacountymag.com

shades of blackberry by rebecca-iverson featuring modern home decor

I will definitely be incorporating this rich shade into my life now with blackberry nail polish and a few accents for my home.  

What do you think?  Are you loving it?

Summer to Fall

Summer to Fall by rebecca-iverson featuring patent leather shoes

As we enter August I am thinking of my purchases in terms of longevity for Fall months as well.  Here are the items I think will work well now and layered for the colder weather (which I love).  

I am off to San Diego with my family for the next 3 days.  Lori will be there too so I look forward to seeing her more often!  Yay for the dog days of summer! 

What I Want: Copper

H M small item storage, $17 / H M metal box, $6.83 / H M frame, $14

I am loving these copper pieces from H&M. And what's more- I'm loving the prices on their home goods! I hope you are having a fantastic Wednesday!

Summer Whites

C. Wonder

One Top, Three Ways

Earlier this month, Rebecca did a post on Esther Williams and crop tops.  I was inspired, and hear it is, almost a month later, and I am still loving the look and the idea of a crop top for summer.  The look just screams vintage glam to me (when it is done right, that is).  I found this crop top and fell in love with its gorgeous print and colors, and I think it would be such a fun piece for summer vacation.  It would look gorgeous paired with a long black maxi skirt (although I think you could also pair it with a green calf length, pleated skirt and look great, too).  To change up the look, you could pair it with a fun pair of cigarette pants (I am forever buying black cigarette pants; they are a closet staple for me).  You could also throw the top on with a pair of black shorts for another fun, easy look.

River Island crop top, $20 / Topshop jersey knit maxi skirt / High waisted short shorts / Topshop black cigarette pants


So what do you think?  Will you be sporting a crop top (and a halter one, to boot) this summer?

Embroidered Chambray Dress

I want to say thank you to those of you who wished me luck with my recent interview!  It went very well and it made my heart warm to hear from you:)
After such a stressful time, I'm turning to my latest fashion obsession for a reward.  I realize that in most parts of the world spring has barely come but here we had an early spring so I'm already thinking summer.  Nothing says summer better than a chambray dress.  Add some beautiful white embroidery to it and you have the perfect staple piece of the season.  I can also see it paired with white jeans and worn as a tunic or as a bathing suit cover up.

Embroidered Chambray Dress by rebecca-iverson featuring a blue bohemian dress

Don't these have the perfect Mexicana/bohemian vibe to them?  My brain and my dream wardrobe are already on vacation.  

Enjoy the rest of your week!

A Beautiful Way to Blow Your Tax Return

So tax time has come and gone, and that means tax returns are being deposited into checking accounts all across America. I know a lot of people find tax time stressful, but then you start to hear stories about little splurges that area being made thanks to said tax returns.  I must admit that I splurged on a new purse (I went ahead and bought this Dooney & Bourke), and I've been spending a little more while shopping than I normally would.  Considering I want to replace the  flooring in my house this summer, I had better put the big spending on the back burner.
But if you've finally found yourself with a little extra cash in your account, why not treat yourself?  Go on.  Just please make sure to come back here and tell me about it, so that I can live vicariously through you!

Michael Kors floral pleated dress / Michael Kors sweater / Michael Kors sweater / Burberry coat / Donna Karan nightgown / Barbara Casasola black straight skirt / Burberry stripe pencil skirt / Dolce Gabbana cami / Michael kors shorts / Dolce Gabbana panty / Kate spade handbag / Kate Spade studded handbag / Burberry black shawl

I hope that you are having a fantastic Monday!

What I Want/Need: Dooney & Bourke

Dooney & Bourke: Florentine Medium Mail Bag

I have been in the market for a new purse for a little while now. I need something that will travel well, and something that I will feel safe traveling with (I can be a bit of a worrier when the two of us traveled). Because of this, I have been keeping an eye out toward cross body bags. I found one at T.J. Maxx, in black, that I purchased, but then I was looking at the new issue of InStyle, I spotted this beautiful bag and fell in love with it, and when I hunted it down (I hate when  magazines don't give more specific information about featured items), I found that it was on sale!  For the month of April, it is 25% off.  I need to bite the bullet and buy it, but I am having a hard time justifying another large (for me) purchase since I just spent a chunk of change at Loft.  I like that the color, and like that it will go with black or navy.
I can't believe it is already Thursday!  Tomorrow we are taking our 5th graders on a field trip to the Ronald Reagan Library.  (We do this every spring with our classes, and it's such a great experience!)  Saturday is my good friend Jaime's daughter's 1st birthday, so we will be partying it up kiddie-style.  Other than that, we have no real plans.  Maybe I should do chores?  How about you?  What are you up to this weekend?


 

Loft Spring Choices

Sunday night, as the weekend was winding down and I was watching Midnight in Paris (and maybe one or ten episodes of House), I happened to be checking my email when I noticed that Loft was having a sale.  I hopped on over to see what was what.  I may have gone a little crazy, but my justification is that it was all on sale, and I need new pieces for spring and summer.

                                          1)Black romper/ 2) V neck cami/  3)Long skirt/
                          4) Modern Skinny Jeans in Rinse Wash 5)Stripe Garden Floral Scarf

I've been looking to tweak my wardrobe, and to only add pieces that will work together and with other pieces that I already have.  Plus, I've been wanting a romper like that for quite some time now, but I can never find one that actually fits (long torso).  I'm hoping this one will work, or else back it will go.  The camisole is not a style I would usually wear (not a spaghetti strap kind of girl), but I figure with a cardigan or a chambray shirt over it, it should work.
The jeans are a style that I already have, so I know the fit works, and I am need of a dark wash that I can dress up or down.  The scarf (I was back on the site and I am kind of regretting not buying this one instead) is something I will definitely use and it will add color to my shifting-to-black-and-white wardrobe.  I also picked up a navy blue sweater.  (Because a girl can always use a navy blue sweater!)
So I got all of this for 40% off, (there's that beautiful justification again), and then, Wham!  The sale ended last night.  But... they are having another sale, again 40% off with the code 4peeps.
I'm not sure how long this one lasts, but I hope you find something you like!

Esther Williams Inspires The Crop Top and Skirt

A few weekends ago I caught an old Esther Williams flick on AMC called, The Thrill of a Romance (1945), also with Van Johnson.  It was such a fun movie and Williams looked amazing; especially in this little crop-top and skirt number.  I usually wouldn't be a fan of these tops, but paired with a lady-like skirt (and perhaps only showing a sliver of skin) I think they can look stunning for the proper occasion.

Esther Williams Inspires The Crop Top and Skirt by rebecca-iverson on Polyvore

What do you think?  Would you try this look?

Today promises to be especially gorgeous outside and I plan to get some outdoor work done and fling the windows open wide!  

I have an opportunity to possibly get a job at a local college and I need to prepare myself for the interview--in the event that they call me.  

It's going to be a busy yet fulfilling day!

Loving:The Floral Skirt

If there is one thing (okay, maybe two) on my spring wish list, it is a floral pencil skirt.  I love how fresh and vibrant so many of the options are right now.  I also adore how I am seeing them paired lately; in more casual/cool combinations of t-shirts, stripes and leather.  Also, there are so many affordable options that I'm sure to find one I love for a price that won't make it impossible for me to get a few other things I have been eyeing.  

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The Floral Skirt- Spring 2014 by rebecca-iverson featuring high waisted skirts

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!  I'm, unfortunately, having to say goodbye to a couple of dear friends tonight.  They are moving out of state.  While I am thrilled for them I have been deferring all the tears.  

Adieu for now!

Top 7 Sephora Picks

Sunday Riley moisturizing mask / Fresh lip treatment / Living proof haircare / Urban Decay beauty product / Clinique paraben free lipstick / MAKE UP FOR EVER pencil eye liner / Pink Sugar Body Mousse

Happy Thursday! Today I thought I'd share a handful of my favorite products from Sephora.
 First up is my new favorite hair product, from Living Proof.  I got this as a sample and fell in love with it the first time I used it.  A dime sized amount goes a long way, and does a lot to add texture and body to hair.
Second is Almost Lipstick from Clinique in Black Honey.  I have been using this stuff for as long as I can remember; it's my go to color, and I am pretty sure it is universally flattering.  It looks really dark in the tube, but goes on the perfect shade.
Third up is my favorite eye liner, by Make Up Forever.  This pencil has staying power, smudges beautifully (if you want it to), and lasts all day.
Good Genes is another sample I got from Sephora and fell in love with.  It is ridiculously priced, and not something I would normally splurge on, but one of my Valentine's Day presents was a gift card from my guy, and there's enough left on it to make this one last purchase.
Urban Decay's make-up setting spray is also a newer purchase; it helps control shine and it sets your make-up pretty nicely.  This product makes me want to start trying other face mists- any suggestions?
Fresh's Sugar lip gloss in rose is also a favorite- who doesn't love this subtle coral color that looks good on everyone whose ever tried it?!
Last up is a find that I got at Marshalls- we got it a small tub of it for under $5 and my daughter loves it.  It is a really good lotion, and it smells really good.  Like makes me want cotton candy and gummy bears good.  And even though we found it at Marshall's, it's available at Sephora.
So those are just some of the products that I am loving right now, all from Sephora.  Some are long time faves, and some are new discoveries.
Any of your favorites on my list?  Any new discoveries or good old stand-bys that I should know about?

Let's Hear it for the Boys

Brock Chambray Bow Tie / Tech Oxford Travel Kit - JackSpade / Off Scot Free Card - JackSpade

These are some of my top picks from Jack Spade (many on sale) that I would not only mind getting for my guy, but then possibly, maybe, eventually stealing from him.  Except for maybe the bow tie, but I think I would even wear that.
I hope you are having a fantastic week.  I am so glad it is Wednesday; grades are done and finalized, we are in a really fun part of a project in my history class, and spring break is right around the corner.
Hallelujah!

What We Got: ZARA Shoes

Yesterday we went shopping for the Cat's birthday. A stop at Brandy Melville was on the list, as were macarons (check and check). We also managed to hit quite a few other stores, including a Zara. While it, sadly, did not have a children's section for the Cat, we both managed to walk out of there with a brand new pair of shoes. We think they'll be perfect for Paris this summer. I had a hard time choosing between the black and the tan, but after trying them on, and listening to my teenage daughter dictate which were more practical, I went with the lighter pair, as did she.

Zara flat sandals / Zara leather shoes

I hope your Monday is off to a great start.  I am missing that little old hour that we lost yesterday, especially since grades are due and I have an after school meeting today.  Looks like I'll be burning the midnight oil.
Wish me luck!

Good News, Spring Shoes!

Ah, Spring.  Today we are having a bit of rain which I'm thrilled about.  Everything is turning green and blooming so the rain will help it along.  It needs all the help growing it can get out here.  

I am in the mood to buy spring shoes.  The ones I'm mostly interested in are sleek, modern and neutral but I also have a craving to have one pair in a fun girly pattern to kick a simple outfit up a notch.

Good New, Spring Shoes! by desertgirls featuring ballet flats

J.Crew pumps / J Crew loafer / J Crew ballet flat / Lara Sandal | Banana Republic / Peggy Gold-Heel Pump | Banana Republic

Which would you choose?