She's Here!

Completely in love! Be back soon! Xo

The Look For Less : Restoration Hardware's Aviator Chair

When it comes to 'the look for less,' I'm pretty picky. I'm not one to buy clothing or bags/shoes that 'look like the real deal,' because I'd rather just have the real thing, don't you think? However, there are certain items - like home accessories, that I'm all for! With furniture, you have to be careful and pay attention to detail, quality, and overall look of the product. Everyday pieces (sofa, bed, etc) should be investment pieces while accent tables, chairs, and accessories can easily be mixed and matched. 

I have been searching for a runner...literally looked ev-er-y-where, and can't find the perfect rug for our entryway...any suggestions? Today, I was browsing Overstock, when I stumbled upon this chair - it looks exactly like the Restoration Hardware 'Aviator' chair for a fraction of the price. While it's not my style, it would be a great addition to a little boys room, or a man's office, and had to share it with you all. 

Accelerator Chair

Aviator Chair

Pretty good, don't you think?

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend! 

Sneak Peek: Roman Shade Install

Our roman shades have finally been completed, and were installed today! A little 'sneak peek' for you this afternoon, with more photos on the way - I promise. I am totally in love with the way they turned out - couldn't be happier!

Here were the shades/kitchen BEFORE: 

 PROGRESS: 

And again (to get the 'full effect')...AFTER:

What do you think of the shades? 

Summer Days...Drifting Away

Well, not really...but I sort of  sincerely wish they were. Fall is my favorite season, and it's one of the things I miss most about living in Chicago. There's nothing better than throwing on a pair of boots, a wool jacket, and warm scarf and walking to Starbucks for a pumpkin spice latte, am I right? Lusting for fall has made me realize how much I adore the clothing the season brings. I am hoping for a cooler fall this year in Orange County, so I can throw on one of these looks and walk take a quick drive to Starbucks. (Also lusting for city living - the grass is always greener, no?)

all images above via 

Vera Wang 

Isabel Marant

Folk

Emilio Pucci 

Are you ready for fall? 

The RealReal::Consignment Paradise

I love discovering new treasures...the latest is a site called 'The RealReal.' Have you heard of it? This site specializes in high-end consignment. I am not a big fan of consignment stores, because I feel like I'm just not good at finding the 'hidden gems.' I swear my sister-in-law could be a professional consignment shopper - she is always finding high end items...me? Not so lucky - I couldn't even find an ugly sweater at Goodwill last Christmas. Pathetic, huh? 

However, The RealReal is something I can work with! It is set up much like 'Gilt,' but all of the items have been consigned - many of them look brand new, some still have the tags. It's not just 'so so' stuff - they have everything from LV luggage, to Chanel bags, to Rolex watches. This.is.the.real.deal. Here are a few items I am loving.

Be sure to check out their site for all of the amazing deals! 

My Weekend & Sweet Potato and Quinoa Chili

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Ours was busy, busy, busy as we are trying to get as much as possible done in the new house before my due date (NEXT WEEKEND!). Our kitchen is finally up and running (not completely finished yet, so I am going to hold off on sharing it with you all)...but finished enough for me to cook - thank goodness! After 2 weeks of eating out for every meal, I am so excited to get back in the kitchen.

I made a delicious (and vegan - for those of you who are) chili recipe I came across on Pinterest. I am not vegan, but this was to-die-for! My hubs enjoyed it so much, he ate the leftovers for lunch on Saturday. It's a great recipe for fall, super simple, and sure to impress - not to mention extra healthy!

I used half cannellini beans and half black beans (recipe calls for all black), because I wanted to have more than one variety...plus black beans aren't my favorite after a bad experience in Costa Rica (that's a story for another time). If you wanted to add meat to your dish, shredded chicken would be a great! You can find the full recipe here.

Here is a (extremely low quality - sorry) "39 Weeks" photo...I'll try to take another this week that is a bit better. Any day now! For the most part, I am feeling great...the most annoying thing at this point is trying to find 'what to wear.' I am so sick of my dresses...can't wait to wear normal clothes again! Anyone else ever feel that way? 

We purchased a few new items for our home this weekend...

My new desk (!) - on sale at Pottery Barn right now...(looks much larger in person than online) 

These pillows I randomly spotted at IKEA - always a great deal, and the fabric is very thick with a nice, zipped closure. Impressive for IKEA...the worst store on the planet (if your husband refuses to go with you, and you are 39 weeks pregnant - lol). It has been requested that I return 90% of the items I found...great. 

Remember when I posted about an upholstered headboard? We decided to BUY - and I couldn't be happier about that decision. I really do not feel like taking on a project of that size (we have a king) is a great idea right now (or ever). It may be fun for a kid's room or guest room in the future, but for now...I've left it to the professionals. We ended up going with the Raleigh bed from Pottery Barn - we had to special order the fabric, so now...it's a waiting game. I can't wait to see the finished product! 

Did you do anything exciting this weekend? 

Happy Friday!

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Have a fabulous weekend! 

Accessorized Abode

I'm not sure what it is about moving, but every time I turn the key to a new home...I want to start over and buy everything NEW (especially with this move)! Do you know what I mean? However, when I bring myself out of dreamland and back to reality, I know this isn't an option. Instead of repurchasing an entire house, I focus on new accessories (which can easily add up, if you're not careful!). It's amazing how much of an impact accessories make in a space. Here a few goodies I'm considering adding to my home, you like? 

Have a great day, loves! 

Update According to my Camera Roll

Hello everyone! I know I've been MIA the past few days - sorry! We have been so busy with the BIG move. We are finally moved in, and (for the most part) unpacked...what a relief! I still have a ton on my 'to do' list, but am feeling good about the progress thus far. A huge thanks to my hubby, who has done 95% of the work along the way - as I am not much help at 38 weeks pregnant! He even coordinated my closet, cleaned out all of my handbags (a big job), and bought organizers for all of my accessories - what  a guy! I promise I'll be back very soon to share some exciting updates and photos of the house, but for now...a little life (and some 'house') update via my iPhone.

My gorgeous (first) nephew...Graham Reid

Remember when I posted about my glider? It's finally here - and I LOVE it! 

Unpacking and Organizing 

Reminiscing...looking through an old photo book 

Ready for the big move!

So glad this is over! 

The nursery has been repainted, and I am so happy with the result! The photos don't show the 'true' colors, but it's the perfect coraly pink! Hooray for no more NEON salmon! 

A much needed break from unpacking! 

Progress - still working on these. 

Stressful times wouldn't be complete without a trip to Sprinkes, right? 

Hope your week is going well! 

How Strapping!

I love photography - so much that I invested in  asked for a great camera for my birthday last year. After doing a lot of research (mostly asking photography friends), I decided on the Canon EOS 7D. I'm not sure it was the BEST idea...I feel like I could have started off with something a bit more 'beginner,' but I've had so much fun exploring this camera (I really need to take a class, but I'm pretty good at 'self teaching' - I think?). Go BIG or go home, right?

I want to start using this camera more often, but it's SO big and heavy, making it a chore to tote around, and take with me on a day-to-day basis (which is why most of my photos on the blog are from my iPhone - how sad!). Another reason the camera is difficult to grab on my way out the door, is due to the fact that: IT HAS NO STRAP! The camera came with a strap, but I had someone else put it on for me (tip: don't ever do this), and it was not connected correctly. One night, my poor mother picked up the camera by the strap and it fell to the ground (cement). Luckily, nothing was broken (great, study camera), but it made me realize I need to get a functional strap ASAP. I think it will be easier to use, and I will want to take it with me more often. 

Upon searching for a new strap, I came across so many fab options - who knew?! Not me! 

Here are a few of my favorites: 

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Which one should I get?