IRONIES

By now you may realize I have an obsession with OLY STUDIO. After all, I spent a hefty amount to buy my ivory mohair upholstered OLY bed, (retails for $6600+) and I have no regrets. This is not a company that designs the same old english arm sofa you can find anywhere else, their designs are unique with attention to details that are unexpected. So you can imagine my excitement when I finally had the chance to visit their sister company showroom IRONIES. Incorporating great textures, and the use of exotic materials.. Ironies did not disappoint.

-S

The hand applied shell details are amazing up close.

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GOLD CONVERT

I was once a standard polished silver only kind of gal. But in the last 5 years something has changed in me. The first sign, I bought an everyday two tone classic watch. Next thing I know I'm buying more gold jewelry and the more I mix metals the better. While just browsing my Pinterest pins I realize that out of the first 10 pins, 6 of them contain gold content! I'm gonna go out on a limb now and say that I'm a gold lover. Addicted! Okay, there I said it. I'm a gold digger :P

Jennifer Lawerence looks insane in this gold number!

I wouldn't mind leaving my drawers open if I had this liner staring back at me...

Lucite and Gold Backgammon table 

Made Goods Table. I <3 you! 

Gold and lucite hardware 

YSL slingbacks. What's a girl to do to get her hands on these???

All images from Pinterest

DOS CAMINOS RESTAURANT NYC

On our trip to the D&D building last monday, Steph and I stopped for lunch at an amazing Mexican restaurant, Dos Caminos, at 50th Street and 3rd Avenue. Fortunately, it was a warm sunny day, so we sat outside admiring the ombre stripes on the facade of the building. There was just something about this whole restaurant design that really spoke volumes to the whole flavor of the restaurant. Like the design and the food, the whole message even, were so in sync. It really gives me that modern yet spicy latin vibe. You can bank on the fact that Steph and I will be inspired by those ombre stripes in the future!

A closer view of the stripes from my seat...

Recommendations: Try the roasted plantain empanadas. It's like nothing I have ever tasted before. Kind of spicy sweet. Delish!

CANDICE OLSEN: TV DESIGN PERSONALITY EXTRAORDINAIRE

The other day I waltzed in to Staples just trying to get another one of my fabulous hand rendered drawings scanned, when a professional gentleman approached me about my superb work. I gave him my card but didn't think much of it. A couple phone calls later, turns out he's an engineer working on a major renovation for his own home in need of some serious design services for his entire home. No doubt, we are the right duo for the job, and really looking forward to the challenge. 

Not only are we ecstatic about the opportunity, but we loved that the couple looked to designer, Candice Olsen for inspiration. It is no secret that Candice Olsen has one of the best (if not THE best) interior design shows on television. Her transitional style is just the right balance of function and style, with earth tones and eclectic materials to boot. Surely, we will be able to follow Candice's lead without hesitation. 

All images via Candice Olsen Design 

SCHUMACHER'S NEST COLLECTION

On our journey to the D&D building in Manhattan this past Monday, Steph and I stumbled upon this extraordinary wallpaper by Schumacher. It's made entirely of real hand applied feathers, and will cost you only a measly several 1,000 dollars for JUST ONE panel. They even gave me a sliver of a sample, which was probably $200 worth of a panel. Well, I happen to think its a splurge worth trying for a small alcove on a feature wall. But let's be honest, only the rich of the very very rich will be able to sport this in their own nests.

BE HAPPY WITH THE CLOTHES YOU ALREADY OWN

I have been holding on to items in my closet that I haven't worn in over 4 or 5 years. I have some sort of emotional attachment to things, I convince myself I'm going to fit in the same clothes I wore back in high school. I'm not sure if I can get away with tight fitting sweaters that show of my belly anymore (damn my obsession with Britney Spears!)

About a year ago I starting pulling things I absolutely could not see myself wearing out in public again. If I knew it was no longer age appropriate I threw it in a pile. I then started pulling things I knew I didn't feel comfortable in anymore. If you have to suck in your stomach for it to look decent, toss it. I may start the night off with a flat stomach, but a drink or two later I can feel bloated, not to mention after appetizers and dinner!

I wish It were easier for me to just get rid off everything all at once, but I have to slowly psych myself that its okay to let go of the past. I ended up filling 4 large shopping bags of clothing to donate. Now my wardrobe feels much more functional than before, it takes me half the time to get ready and I don't run into an old top and feel bad about not being able to fit into it.

The best way to approach my spring closet cleaning is by asking myself "would I buy this today?" If I have to think about it or if I hesitate, I'm going to throw it in a pile. Then I'm going to take everything thats left and find a really good tailor, so I can finally wear all those pants and great blazers I have been dying to wear.

And this is how I will feel getting dressed everyday from now on.

-S

CUSTOM HEADBOARD

I've been toying with the idea of getting a custom headboard lately and I'm torn between whether I want to do something with smooth and fluid edges or perhaps a bit curvier. Plain fabric or crazy pattern? I'm really not sure yet, but I know that my trip to the D&D building next week should help supply the answer. 

Somethings I do know are that I'd like the headboard to be dramatically high and perhaps sport some kind of nailheads. I really love the shape of this headboard below, its very low key, which is not very me but I'm thinking a luxurious fabric could really punch it up.

A bit more fun and dramatic, this shape would look great in my bedroom. 

Interesting nailhead detail! Hmmmmm... The possibilities are endless!

All images via Pinterest