Brass Etagere Score

I have always been so enamored with brass etageres. I used to search the web for hours picking out my favorite one. It was always this beautiful, but out of budget, Worcester from Arteriors. We were almost ready to pull the trigger on this lucite and brass etagere from Jonathan Adler until we realized it was much too short. The space we needed to fill in our bedroom is quite long and very tall so the piece had to fit a few requirements. Back to the drawing board. It had been about a year of searching for an etagere with the right look, size, and price. I pride myself on my ability to find the perfect piece at the right price but sometimes you just have to know when to throw the towel in.

About a year later I was chatting with my friend Sally who told me I had to check out Scout Design Studio. I instantly followed them on Instagram and became obsessed with their daily posts. Everything they received or posted about was perfect. From bar carts to chairs, to tables and rugs, it was all amazing. I decided to take a trip into the store and was instantly pleased. I took a walk around the store and stopped at a brass etagere. The poor thing looked straight out of the 70’s (and in the worst way possible) but it had potential. Through all the dust and wood I definitely saw its potential. It was also the exact measurements I had been looking for a year before. Totally serendipitous. Since it was a piece in need of TLC or a definite make-over the sweet owner told me he would sell it to me for $150. I swear I couldn’t believe my ears. Even if I hated the piece I could find it in my heart to love anything for $150! Never in my wildest dreams did I believe I could find an etagere for that price. Better news was yet to come – they would take off the wood and paint the etagere right there in the store. I debated with doing a really cool lacquer color on top but ended up doing a gold that would match the brass. I was in designer heaven!

Two weeks later the piece arrived at my front door. I was both nervous and excited to see what the outcome of my total transformation would be. Total shock! Not only had they matched the gold paint but you couldn’t even tell it was paint! I was blown away by their ability to completely make this piece look new. I am so excited to start styling the piece (that post to follow) but for now I am basking in my incredible find! I guess patience does pay off in the end!

Floral Dress

Zara Floral Print dress, Vintage St. John cardigan, Zara TRF Wraparound heels, Gap Straw clutch (similar), Ray Ban Wayfarer sunnies (now on sale)

Sally – “I am really into color lately.”
Me- “Me too. It is a new development but I can’t get enough of it.”
Sally- “That is so not like you.”
Me- “Tell me about it.”

This conversation happened yesterday between Sally and myself while shopping at the most amazing Dallas boutique, Canary. You all know I am a girl of basic neutrals but lately I am all about a good color. It might be that every time I wear it I get showered with compliments from the hubby who is really tired of seeing black or that I am super pale and feel like a color makes me look tanner. Whatever it is, I am loving color. Prints are always a little trendy to me so I try to stay away from them but I couldn’t resist a good floral. I do think this spring it is all about feminine pieces. If you are like me and have a closet full of neutrals then picking up a spring dress (be it floral, lace, pastel, or so on) should be on your list of ‘things to do.’ If you are scared to wear the all over floral by itself, throw on a solid colored blazer (like I did above) or get one like this Parker dress with a solid paneling throughout the dress to break up the pattern. It is a more subtle approach to the all over floral and helps stay within your comfort zone.

:: Shop more floral dresses below ::

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How To :: Lavender Hair

I have always been big into experimenting with my hair. I still remember in Junior High I tried to do a new hairstyle every week. One week I remember doing the Britney Spears combover and another week I remember braiding strands of my hair all over my head and unravelling them in the morning to get chunky waves. Not so cute now but very cool back then. And how could I forget high school? I am not joking when I say I once made my mom glue in black extensions (think Christina in her dirty faze) and ended up wearing them around for at least a week. After that little stint I decided I wanted to be platinum blonde and after a few months of that I added red – which turned pink – and so on and so on. Whether I was cutting it short or growing it really long, dying it or adding extensions I have always had fun with it. You just can’t take hair too seriously. My philosophy – it will always grow back.

When I first saw a few bloggers and celebs rocking a lavender look I was so inspired. It has been far too long since I have done anything fun with my air and I had the itch. Knowing I am now 26 and married, changing your look and getting away with it isn’t as easy as it once was. When you are younger you can always just blame it on, “I am young and this is just a faze,” but when you are older, no excuses. To make sure I was dedicated to this look I decided to try out a very temporary but easy method – Shimmer Lights. I have used this for YEARS to keep my blonde bright but after a trip to the hair salon she told me if I left it on for a while it would turn purple. The.wheels.were.turning. She was definitely warning me to only leave it on a few seconds but she didn’t know who she was talking to. At last I could try my lavender hair.

Since I have had it in my hair I have had numerous people ask how I did it. So my lady friends, here it is! After washing my hair in the shower I towel dried it and then took some of the shampoo and conditioner in my hand. I sectioned off a few of my front pieces (under sides and bangs) and lathered the mixture on. I actually used tin foil to hold it in place, as I learned the hard way the first time that this stuff runs everywhere, and then left it on for about an hour. Take it out, rinse, and voila! The key to this sticking is having the white blonde hair. If your hair is brown or more of a brassy blonde it won’t hold as well.

I hope this inspires you to do something fun with your hair! If you love the lavender I suggest going to get it permanently done like I am doing next week. Shimmer Lights is amazing but it doesn’t last very long. Perfect for all of you who just want something for the weekend.

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*** As if the secrets of lavender wasn’t enough – Today is the day!!! Yes, THAT day! Shopbop friends and family sale! 25% off site wide when you enter INTHEFAMILY14. I already did my damage and bought this BB Dakota tunic (posted about yesterday), this beautiful day to night Rory Beca dress, and these aviators I have been crushing on for years!!! Very basic pieces that can be worn lots of ways!

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