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Budget Beauty

As much as I love putting together super swankified spaces, the truth is - most of us can't afford it. So I wanted to see how awesome a room I could build, keeping budget in mind. Sourcing from mostly Ikea, Target, Overstock, Lamps Plus, and Wicker Emporium, this is what I came up with:

And guess how much it costs? UNDER $2000! For an entire room. Including large-scale furniture. Most nice couches cost more than this entire room. What do you think? Would you live here?

Couch, Chairs, Bookcase, Black & White Pillows - IKEA

Coffee table - Wicker Emporium

Geometric side table, Round side table, Floor lamp, Curtains - Target

Rug - Overstock

Table lamp - Lamps Plus

Art, Gold Pillow - Society6

Vase (actually a candle holder) - H&M

Seasonal Attire

I've had these moccasins for at least three years and I wear them - at most - 3 times a year, which is a bit ridiculous given how much I love them. Unfortunately, suede boots aren't particularly practical in a frequently-damp coastal city. Luckily, last Saturday presented a crisp and sunny Fall day, perfect for moccasin-wearing.

American Eagle jeans; Gap sweater (old; similar here); Gap coat (old; similar here); Aldo scarf; Minnetonka moccasins; Roots Edie bag in Tribe leather; Ray-Ban New Wayfarer sunnies

Photos by my darling delightful photographer sister, Michelle.

Linking up to Lauren's Style Sessions.

Green Thumb

I moved a few new friends into our place this weekend...

I've been wanting a Fiddle Leaf Fig for AGES. They're really hard to find around here but I stumbled upon one this weekend and immediately snatched it up. 

Isn't it gorgeous?! 

My undergrad roommates are probably laughing right now, given how many plants I managed to neglect to the point of extinction back then. But I've changed! I've kept an orchid alive for almost THREE months. I'm practically Mother Nature. 

To take advantage of my newfound green thumb, I also picked up this little Pothos for the top of the liquor locker. 

I wanted something that would eventually trail down the side of the locker AND something resilient because that spot gets very little light. I'm not sure if this variety of Pothos will do well there, but I'm hopeful. I couldn't resist the pretty variegated leaves.

They both still need pots but I have a few ideas of what I'd like to use. So, any tips on keeping these beauties alive? I've heard that you have to water them or something. Plants are SO needy.

Flashback

IN MY HEAD:

ON MY MIND:

A friend sent me this link, and I'm in LOVE with this teensy tiny space.

Fall trends I'm coveting:

Tartan from Ashley.

Burgundy from Rachel.

Camel from Julia.

Acid from Krystin.

IN MY LINE OF SIGHT:

My favourite part of Nocturne last weekend.

Isn't this such a beautiful sight?! Sigh... We finished our first batch of wine ;)

Visited and LOVED new gastropub, The Stubborn Goat.

Improvised an outfit when the outfit I packed was missing a few key pieces.

And lastly. Sadly. THIS happened. RIP little one. I wonder if this means I can finally justify a gold iPhone...

Have a great weekend!

Danger. Zombies. Run.

With the exception of Christmas, I'm not usually much for holiday decorations. Halloween, Easter, Valentine's Day, "Fall" in general - I'd really rather not. I find that, for the most part, seasonal decorations are ridiculously overpriced for how long they're used and often really tacky, which detracts from the decor you worked so hard to achieve. I know, I sound like such an uptight grinch, haha. And when I have kids, I'll probably change my tune completely. But for now... not my thing. So imagine my surprise when I spent my Tuesday evening constructing a life-size zombie. See, the boyfriend's work was doing a little Halloween decorating competition... and I do love a competition ;) And much to my surprise, it was actually pretty dang fun to make. And I think he looks awesome. But I'm still not decorating my house.

 

Sweet Dreams ;)

Fit for a Feast

Moving on from last week's office plan, I thought I would share some ideas I have for our dining room. This room is not first on the priority list, so the plan obviously could change between now and implementation - but here's what I'm thinking right now:

We'd reuse the current dining table, but sand it down and stain it a darker colour - likely Jacobean by Minwax. We'd also make use of the dresser and lamp from my bedroom as a makeshift sideboard/entry console. We'd add in a set of industrial metal chairs. Target has an awesome version very similar to these Marais chairs but significantly more affordable. An oversized leaning floor mirror would help the space feel larger, a brightly patterned rug would hide stains and add some personality, and a neutral grey stripe curtain would add softness and depth. A work-of-art chandelier and my absolute favourite Eye Poetry Photography would finish things off. 

Click on the mood board for individual sources.

Terribly Important Decisions

It's about that time of year. The time when we trade our fun flats, handsome heels, and sweet sandals for something slightly less elegant but absolutely necessary if you live in this part of the world: the winter boot. For many years, I've been an Ugg (or some facsimile) girl. Not the most elegant of boots, but oh-so-comfortable. This year, though. This year I decided that I was going to be an ADULT. I was going to buy actual GROWN-UP winter boots. But then I realized that I actually have no idea what grown-up winter boots entail. I mean, I don't want them to be ugly. They may not be the classiest of footwear but a girl can still want to look good, right?

Initially, I was absolutely certain that I wanted Sorels. After all, I'm going to be walking to and from work this winter and the streets of Halifax get slushy. I need something that can withstand the gunk. But then I tried them on. And while I think they're totally cute on other people... I kinda hated the way they looked on me.

So I veered back towards Uggs. Why fix what isn't broke, right? But then the boyfriend reminded me that I'm back in Halifax now - where winters are mostly slush. And the whole reason I wanted Sorels was for the waterproofness - not one of Ugg's key features. So, I went back to the drawing board.

And then... then there were Hunters. Rainboots, yes. But rainboots that have co-ordinating liners to make them warm and cozy. Repellant to the rain and slush. Cozy enough for serious windchill. And in an array of super fun colours. Plus, they're a classic and will last for years... So... what do you think? Have I justified purchasing $200+ rubber boots? I mean... LOOK HOW CUTE THEY ARE:

Ring True

I'm sharing a mini guest bedroom update today, courtesy of the boyfriend's handy skills. If you read this post, you may remember that he built one of the bedside tables we're going to use in the guest room. At that point, the table was constructed and stained Minwax's Provincial but we hadn't yet attached the drawer hardware. It looked a little something like this:

Last weekend we popped out to Lee Valley and after being ridiculously overwhelmed by the sheer number of hardware options, we eventually decided on a cast brass ring pull. 

Inexpensive, but with a classic look and character-filled finish. 

I love the way it looks with the lines and finish of the side table. Classic, simple, and charming.

Have you done any mini updates lately?

Flashback

IN MY HEAD:

ON MY MIND:

A girl after my own heart. All black, red lips.

Minus the heels, this outfit has pretty much been my go-to lately. Of course, my leggings are Target instead of Helmut Lang, but whatever ;)

This wrap-around sweater is just the kind of thing I want for winter. Now if only I could find it in grey...

And THIS. This is pretty much the most amazing weekend getaway EVER.

IN MY LINE OF SIGHT:

Celebrated some pretty exciting news with my bestie last weekend!

 Another thing I like about Fall - permission to turn on the fireplace!

 And doing a little office day-dreaming at Target...

That's it for me! If you're in Hali, make sure you hit up Nocturne tomorrow night! Last year was my first year and I can't wait to check out what's in store this year!

Pop Explosion

Halifax Pop Explosion is next week. I've never been. Not going to lie - I really only bought a wristband to be a good girlfriend... but then I listened to a bunch of the artists, and now I'm SUPER excited to go. 

Here are a few shows I'm looking forward to:

Is anyone else going?

Workspace Priority

One of our first priorities when I move in is to create a functional office that we can both use. We plan to convert a room that is currently being used for storage. My design direction has changed approximately seven million times over the past few weeks but this is what I'm thinking right now.

We'd like to have a space to be creative and sketch things out - I'm thinking a chalkboard wall. The boyfriend is considering a whiteboard wall. We shall see... I'd also like to DIY a bookcase like this one from Amber to hold all my design tomes and our other assorted paraphernalia. As for a desk, we're planning to use my current desk for the moment, but given that there's a decent chance we'll want to use the space simultaneously, we might have to eventually switch it out for a larger table, like the one pictured. A pair of chairs, a lamp the boyfriend already owns, some quirky accessories (that footed brass piece is a pencil holder!), and graphic yet monochromatic textiles should finish things up! 

What do you think? Is this a space you could get creative in?
Click on mood board for individual sources.

Sartorial Selections

What I'm craving right now:

Images via Pinterest

Thankful

It's Thanksgiving here in Canada and I have so much to be thankful for this year. 

The past 12 months have been a whirlwind, full of excitement, surprises, so much happiness, and of course, a healthy amount of stress. The experiences I've had over the past year-and-a-half have taught me so much about who I really am and who I want to be. The stress, fear, and emotional roller coaster that was last summer were a necessary step towards finding that place that just feels right. For that, I'm so grateful. And grateful for my family, who have supported me unquestioningly throughout this entire process and made it possible for me to follow my heart. For my friends, who have never wavered, even when I'm sure my ideas seemed nuts, and made me laugh when I wanted to cry. For this city, which has always felt like the only place that truly fits. And for my love, who is thoughtful, supportive, intelligent, interesting, and pretty much the best thing to ever happen to me. So. Thankful. 

It's been a good year, you guys. Here's to many more. xo

Flashback

IN MY HEAD:

ON MY MIND:

Maple Ginger Rice Pudding - yes, please.

Serious cool factor. All that concrete?!

Neutral perfection in the new Domino, via Erin.

Want EVERYTHING on Whitney's wishlist.

Loving Julia's leather-on-leather look. Now if only I could justify the purchase of that jacket...

IN MY LINE OF SIGHT:

Waterfront lunch hour fish n' chips fill.

 Pumpkin-spotting at Getaway Farms

 ALPACA-SPOTTING at Willowbank Farms! (And being chased by small humans, poor thing.)

 Oh, you know... just unpacking a few things I haven't seen in A YEAR! So exciting.

And a "leather" legging - striped shirt - gold polkadot - leopard print outfit, complete with my new Renegade bracelet. I like pattern.

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend to all my fellow Canadians! I've got a jam-packed weekend planned with a visit from my bestie, and multiple family dinners. Putting on my stretchy pants NOW.

Best in Design Books

I have a confession. It's not a very secret confession if you've ever looked at my bookshelf. I have a serious addiction to design books. I LOVE them. They're both content and form in one - chock full of images that inspire and a decor item in and of themselves. I love the look of an array of hardcover books arranged artfully on a bookcase.

via

But I'm just as drawn to neatly stacked books on a table.

via

On a side table.

via

IN a side table.

via

Propping up accessories.

via

And if you have a particularly gorgeous book, why not leave it open for everyone to admire?

via

Of course, you don't have to stick to design books - those are just my preference. Photography, fashion, interesting people - whatever works for you. 

A few of my favourite design tomes:

Domino by Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello, & Dara Caponigro. A classic collection of bits from everyone's favourite design mag.

Design Sponge at Home by Grace Bonney. Projects, interiors, and just general fun from the much loved decor site.

Good Bones, Great Pieces by Suzanne and Lauren McGrath. This mother-daughter duo list the seven essential pieces that will be with you until you die (all beautifully illustrated).

The Perfectly Imperfect Home by Deborah Needleman. Gorgeous illustrations accompany the musings of the former Domino editor.

Decorate by Holly Becker of Decor8 fame. Lots of great ideas, great rooms, and why they work.

Have a favourite I missed? Let me know! I'm always looking to add something new to my Amazon wish list ;)

Be Our Guest

As some of you may know, I'm in the process of moving all of my earthly possessions out of my parent's house (more on that here), so that I can cohabitate with the boyfriend. VERY exciting stuff. In addition to the exciting lovey-dovey romance and rainbows aspect of this new development, there's also the super exciting EIGHT new rooms to design aspect! I'll be sharing details of the process as I go, but to start, I thought I'd share the mood board I've created for our soon-to-be guest bedroom (affectionately known as 'the ironing room' at present). My bestie and her beau are coming this weekend and crashing with us on Friday night - making this room a priority. Although it won't reach this point by the weekend (Sorry, E!) - this is the direction I think we're heading. 

The headboard and throw are from my current bedroom and the curtains were ones we planned to use in the upstairs living room before we changed our minds. Rug is Overstock, pillows and clock are Indigo (pillows here and here), lamps are Target, curtain rod is Sears, art is Eye Poetry Photography, and coasters are Anthropologie.  Although not in the mood board, these are the two side tables we plan to use. This one, constructed by the boyfriend (Isn't he handy?!):

Just in need of a drawer pull and some styling.

And this one, which is a much-loved remnant from my single girl apartment:

So what do you think? Want to come stay for a visit?
Note: The boyfriend is now concerned that people may actually want to come for a visit.