Tag Archives: style

Combining Your Indoor And Outdoor Space Cohesively

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Combining Your Indoor And Outdoor Space Cohesively

Indoor-outdoor spaces have become much more popular in recent years. Homeowners have stopped seeing their interiors and exteriors as separate realms and now want to meld them together in a way that creates a sense of harmony.

Achieving this, however, is a little more complicated than you might think. It’s not just a matter of getting some sliding doors and removing the ledge (although that helps). You also have to consider a host of additional factors, many of which aren’t immediately apparent.

So what are the tricks for successfully linking your indoor and outdoor spaces in a way that makes sense? Read on to find out!

Keep The Same Flooring Inside And Out:

If you look at photographs of the homes that most successfully link their indoor and outdoor spaces, you immediately notice something – the flooring is the same. Choosing to use the same floors inside and out creates a sense of continuity that you don’t get if you have different options inside and outside the house. Ideally, you want the wall separating the two spaces to feel more like an optional screen than a barrier.

Add A Canopy:

When people think of outdoor spaces, they don’t necessarily mean areas where they go to expose themselves to wind and rain. Most of the time, they want somewhere that they can enjoy the outdoors but without any of the downsides.

Here is where a patio cover company can help. You can get a roof that keeps the sun and rain off of your head but, at the same time, allows you to feel more like a part of your outdoor space. After all, there’s no point letting your garden go to waste.

Get Rid Of The Wall:

Walls are barriers that separate your indoor and outdoor spaces irrevocably. When there’s a load of masonry in the way, no amount of matching flooring or canopies will bridge the gulf. Fortunately, while getting rid of the wall might sound like an extreme measure, it is actually quite achievable with modern approaches available today.

A lot of homeowners opt for bi-folding doors. These are doors that have several hinges and fold up against themselves as they fold away. When completely drawn, there is an ample space which connects the interior to the exterior, making the transition more seamless.

Of course, custom bi-folding doors connected to a steel surround are expensive, so you could choose French doors too. This latter style, installed with the help of a company specializing in Aluminium Door Installations, offers you an option that is more energy efficient but doesn’t sacrifice the style that you want to achieve.The trick here, though, is to raise your patio so that it is the same height as your interior floor AND get rid of any lip or threshold at the bottom of the door. When everything is the same height, it makes more visual sense and helps to bring the interior and exterior of your home together.

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Love this!

Design The Spaces As One:

When it comes to indoor-outdoor spaces, you want to banish the idea that they are separate right from the design phase. Creating a complex that spans both the interior and exterior of your home creates a mindset that allows you to generate greater integration automatically. When you use this method, the outcome is far more harmonious. Like in this Pixabay picture:

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Creating a cohesive transition from your indoor to outdoor space has never been easier with the tips above!

Hot Topic Hair Accessory Haul

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Hot Topic Hair Accessory Haul

Hi! It is no secret that I love hair accessories. From cute clips and scrunchies to barrettes and headbands, there is nothing better to add a healthy dose of adorable to your OOTDs. I, personally, am at a crossroads with my hair as I am torn between growing it out or just chopping it off, yet again. So, while I make this decision, I have been addicted to buying hair accessories to keep me in love with my hair even though I am not thrilled with it.

While shopping a sale at a Hot Topic near me that is closing, I couldn’t say no to some darling Disney inspired hair bling to spice up my do. And, hopefully, they will keep me feeling confident until I can *finally* make it to the hair salon on Friday. Check it out:

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I have loved the idea of hair chopsticks for forever but never saw any in a store until my shopping trip over the weekend. There is something so elegant but insanely trendy about hair sticks and, although I’ll be sporting bedazzled feathers, my mind always goes to a boss babe in the office throwing her hair into a bun and sticking pencils into it. Too. Cute. I have been wearing my hair up more often now that it’s getting longer and I can definitely see myself popping these babies in next time I’m too lazy to do my hair… Which is often. -___-

I have ALSO always loved the idea of hair cuffs like the Maleficent inspired raven one seen above. Once upon a time, I used to have two cuffs in blue and brown with a lovely, earthy pattern on them. Of course, I have no idea where they are now but, I have been on the hunt for something similar since delving into the hair accessory worm hole. I am so obsessed with the one I found because it is the edgy update that I’ve been waiting for since the cuffs I had in grade school. And, what’s wrong with wanting to channel your inner Angelina Jolie as Maleficent? Case in point.

The amethyst hair fork was kind of an impulse purchase. I can honestly say that I have no clue how to style my hair with it but the directions say to tuck a ponytail into it or something and that could be cute?! I’m sure I’ll figure it out but, if not, that’s what YouTube tutorials are for, amiright? 😀

There is nothing like some fun new hair accessories to shake the countdown to your hair cut blues and I think these pretty goodies from Hot Topic definitely did the trick!

Where do you like to shop for hair accessories? Does anyone know how to use a hair fork?! I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Lisa & Lucy Zip Up Top

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New Lisa & Lucy Zip Up Top

Howdy! My last item from my haul at EmLeigh’s and Mama B’s during my Valentine’s Day weekend in Marietta is a fairly simple black top by Lisa & Lucy. Now, normally, simple isn’t really my thing. I love pieces that pop and make an immediate statement and my new top does do that but in a more elegant, high fashion way, which is what sold me. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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I’m not really sure what word to use to describe this top other than a top but it definitely fits like a more structured poncho. Underneath the sleek black line of velvet down the middle is a zipper that allows you to wear it as an actual top or you could wear it open with a cute crop or long sleeved sweater on underneath.

I love the severity of this Lisa & Lucy number because I can totally imagine it on the headmistress of a posh school but I can also see it being worn on the runway. While trying my new top on in the store, I wore it open with a silky cami on underneath. Although I thought this piece looked stunning zipped up, I liked how you could see my figure with it unzipped because the thicker material somewhat camouflages that.

I am a huge fan of layering pieces that you can throw on to immediately spice up an outfit and that’s why my new top came home with me. This Lisa & Lucy pseudo poncho takes a basic skinny jeans and T-shirt OOTD and turns it into a look you could sport for evening drinks with your friends. It also adds an air of high fashion when paired over a dress or skirt, which I am really looking forward to rocking!

How would you style this shirt? How would you describe your personal style? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Umgee USA Poncho

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New Umgee USA Poncho

Hi! A very cool part of shopping at EmLeigh’s and Mama B’s in Marietta, Ohio was that it also had a few racks of consignment clothing along with their selection of brand new items. It was in the consignment rack that my eyes locked on a stunning denim blue and cream colored poncho by Umgee USA. Normally, something like that wouldn’t be my immediate choice to try on, but I was so enamored by the macrame style detailing that I just had to give it a shot. And, I’m glad I did because it obviously ended up coming home with me! Check it out:

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Everything about my new poncho is so unique and that’s why I am itching to wear it once the spring weather hits. From the paisley pattern and fringe at the bottom to the macrame detailing on the collar and sleeves, this poncho screams all things 1970s. And, as an avid fan of That 70’s Show and all of the amazing fashion in it, I was beyond excited to welcome it into my wardrobe.

I cannot wait to pair this poncho with sweet denim shorts as soon as the warm weather strikes. I also think that it would look absolutely charming with an A-line mini skirt and some platform heels. No matter how I style my Umgee USA poncho, I know that it will make a statement… A bold statement that only costed me FIVE BUCKS! You just can’t beat that!

Do you have a favorite consignment shop in your area? Which decade of fashion most inspires you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Hayden Los Angeles Maxi Dress

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New Hayden Los Angeles Maxi Dress

Hello! These past two days you got to see the gorgeous jewelry that I got from EmLeigh’s and Mama B’s in Marietta, Ohio. Now, it’s time to introduce all of you to the lovely new pieces that I added to my wardrobe for surprisingly cheap (I think I paid forty dollars for three things). It was honestly one of the best shopping experiences I’ve had in a while. Exploring a new store in a new city with the love of my life was such a treat and I cannot wait to wear all of my purchases, like the one below:

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I have recently been trying to add more dresses to my collection because all of the ones in my closet are old as dirt. There are some that I still have kept around from my PacSun days over five years ago and they definitely look it. So, I was very happy to find this pretty little floral number for a whole fifteen dollars, because my dress hunt has been quite unsuccessful until now.

I absolutely love the white piping on this dress, the buttons going all the way down the front, and the way the colorful flowers pop against the navy base. The one hundred percent polyester material keeps the dress lightweight and breathable despite its length and, depending on how it’s styled, it could easily be worn for at least three seasons.

Of course, I’ll be wearing my new dress in its true form of, well, a dress. But, in the fitting room at EmLeigh’s and Mama B’s, I undid the buttons and had it on as a duster over my jeans and cami, which also looked very cute. I can picture myself wearing this dress belted with a killer pair of heels but I also predict that I’ll be throwing it on as a duster to spice up a more basic outfit very often!

How do you style maxi dresses? Is there anything that you’re trying to add more of to your wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Accessory Story: Bling Bling Earrings Edition

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Accessory Story: Bling Bling Earrings Edition

Howdy! During my Valentine’s Day weekend in Marietta with my boyfriend, Johnny, he humored me by letting me shop in a darling boutique called EmLeigh’s and Mama B’s. Despite him looking like the “miserable husbands of Instagram” who fall asleep at the mall while their wives shop, I know he had a good time too. In fact, he’s just as big of an enabler as when I’m shopping with my mom or sister! Haha, such an angel!

I went a little earring crazy during my boutique bonanza but it’s not like I’m going to be able to shop in that store again any time soon so it was totally worth it. You saw my cool cross earrings yesterday and now check out two more super blingy pairs:

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While I was checking out, the square pair of earrings with the Mardi Gras chic colors was sitting in a basket marked five dollars. I immediately tossed them in my pile and began taking a closer look at the jewelry in the store after realizing that their selection was going to be just as good as their clothes (Which you’ll begin seeing tomorrow!).

My boyfriend and I both loved the unique square earrings and the cross ones but we both decided that the glittery light pink lightning bolts were a must. At the same time, we said that it was like David Bowie and you’re not going to not purchase something like David Bowie!

I am so enamored with both of these pairs of earrings because of their colors. I definitely don’t own anything in the festive shades of the square pair or the glam rock pink of the lightning bolts. Each pair is going to make an eye popping statement and I’m looking forward to wearing all of the pretty new babes that I added to my jewelry collection. 😀

Do you own anything that reminds you of a celebrity or musician? What is the most unique pair of earrings you own? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Accessory Story: Cross To Bear Earrings Edition

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Accessory Story: Cross To Bear Earrings Edition

Hi! While shopping in Marietta during Valentine’s Day weekend, I went a little crazy at a boutique with the adorably Southern name of EmLeigh’s and Mama B’s. This Francesca’s style store is in the process of going completely online so do be sure to check it out because they had the most gorgeous clothes and accessories for insanely good prices. Not only did I get three beautiful new clothing pieces but I ended up with a ton of earrings too, including these lovely cross shaped numbers:

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Despite not being religious in the slightest, I have always had a panache for cross shaped accessories. I love rosaries and dangly cross earrings and you can almost always catch me rocking my signature black pair. I am a huge fan of the bling and when I saw my new cross earrings bedazzled in black and white gems I just couldn’t choose which color I wanted… So I got both, lol. Whoops! 😉

I am a firm believer in accessories being able to completely change an outfit, which makes me partial to chunky necklaces and dramatic beads. But, I am particularly fond of earrings because of how they pop against my short-ish, choppy, red hair. I love being able to see the light hit the gemstones or shiny metallic hues and it puts complete focus on your pretty face.

Not only do these earrings make a bold statement but they will look absolutely dazzling come summer time when the sunlight makes the crystals dance. EmLeigh’s and Mama B’s was such a charming little shop and I can’t wait to share the rest of my haul with all of you!

What is your favorite boutique? What is your favorite kind of accessory? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

If The Shoe Fits: Fringe Finds Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Fringe Finds Edition

Hello! During my Valentine’s Day weekend in Marietta, I did a fair bit of shopping… No surprise there! My boyfriend, Johnny, and I wandered into the Noah’s Arc Thrift Shop in Parkersburg, West Virginia and I found the most fabulous pair of black fringe cowboy boots I have ever seen in my life. And the real miracle? The boots are a size five and a half and I’m a six! Praise be to he. Anyways, take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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While Johnny and I were browsing and my eyes locked on these bad boys by Dingo, my heart literally stopped. Then, I was filled with the overwhelming disappointment that the boots of my dreams were one half size too small. I had no intention of trying them on, because I figured that they wouldn’t fit. But, Johnny encouraged me to give them a shot anyways and by some divine intervention, they fit… albeit a little tight! 😉

I have never owned a pair of cowboy boots before and never had a desire too because they aren’t my style in the slightest. But, if you throw some black fringe on a shiny black background and a bad ass shape, how do you expect me to refuse?! These are the most punk rock cowboy boots I’ve ever seen and it only seems fitting that they should now belong to me.

Had these shoes been less loved, I highly doubt that they would have been able to fit me comfortably. But, the previous owner obviously wore them a lot because they were nice and broken in. These boots are going to look so fierce with short shorts and peeking out beneath maxi skirts this summer and I am one hundred and fifty percent ready for it!

How do you style cowboy boots? What has been your latest thrift store find? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Picking The Best Bridesmaid Dress For Your Wedding Party

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Picking The Best Bridesmaid Dress For Your Wedding Party

Hello everyone!! A few months ago, I was asked to be a bridesmaid in my best friend, Lea’s, wedding. I am so excited for her big day in October and this month, we are going to David’s Bridal to do some shopping for the bridesmaid dresses. Ah, the bridesmaid dress. Notorious for making some girls look heinous and others phenomenal. This creates massive eye sores in the photographs and just might make your BFFs bitter for years to come. So, to avoid these complications, here is a quick guide to making sure all of your bridal party looks amazing on your big day:

Choosing a universally flattering color for your bridesmaid dresses is probably the most important thing you can do to ensure that all of your ladies are looking fly. Now is not the time to bust out the hot pinks, lime greens, or highlighter yellows. Rather, stick with soft hues, which will make the bridesmaids not have to work hard to pull it off. Pale pinks are an especially pretty option and is just about as universally flattering as it gets. If you’re having a wedding later in the year and want something a bit darker, navy blue and oxblood are also safe choices to implement!

The next key thing that you can do to keep your bridesmaids looking their best is to use a universally flattering shape for the dress. I promise, your bridesmaids aren’t going to outshine you and you will still look like the HBIC of your girl gang. But, I can also promise that none of the ladies in your girl gang want to be stuck in a dumpy dress all day. The beauty of your girl gang is that all of them are made up of different shapes and sizes. If you are not having your bridesmaids wear dresses in a different style but same color, then it is imperative that the shape you pick makes each girl feel comfortable. I find that maxi or tea length dresses are especially flattering because those tend to not be skin tight, which is not everyone’s cup of tea! Keep things flowy but elegant for the best results on each bridesmaid’s body.

If you are going this route for your bridesmaids, make sure that you provide a guide line for the lengths you would prefer them in. It’s going to look very awkward in your pictures if there’s one girl in a mini dress among the rest of your bridesmaids in something longer. If you let your expectations be known to your girls, they can still pick out a dress more specific to their body type while being mindful of your vision for your wedding.

Same Dress All Around:

If you want all of your bridesmaids in uniform dresses, that’s your prerogative and neither way is wrong. However, let your bridesmaids have some fun by choosing their own shoes or accessories to wear with the dress. This will keep your bridesmaids feeling spicy without straying from the path of what you have in mind. And, what girl doesn’t love shoe shopping?!

Remember:

If you have a specific vision for your bridesmaids, that is okay! Regardless of if they are in love with the dress or not. However, a little prezzie goes a long way to sweeten the deal of a dress that isn’t the fan favorite. You could get your bridesmaids a token of your appreciation with matching jewelry, comfy bridesmaid pajamas to lounge and sip mimosas in before the big event, or a gift basket with wine and chocolate. At the end of the day, it’s your day and your bridesmaids are there to support you no matter the dress!

Use the tips above to keep all of your bridesmaids looking like the belle of the ball on your big day!

What is the best bridesmaid dress you have ever worn? How about the worst? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

French Rooster Mini Haul

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French Rooster Mini Haul

Hello! One of my clients absolutely loves going to the Harville Flea Market, which is a treasured gem in the somewhat rural area of my neck of the woods. When it’s warm out, the gigantic parking lot is jam packed full of people peddling their goods from antiques and knick knacks to fresh produce and homemade bath and body care. Then, there is an indoor part of the flea market with actual stores set up, including French Rooster, which was added last year.

French Rooster is a cute Francesca’s style boutique with darling clothes, accessories, and trinkets. Despite it being a little too Jesus based for my liking, I ended up with two cami style tops that I am really happy with! Check it out:

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Out of all of my wonderful clothes in my wardrobe, I don’t own any cami tops. I find this unfortunate, because they are such a classic staple, but I just could never find any that weren’t plain boring. These camis by Mittoshop both caught my eye because they were sexy with the lace detailing but still oh so sweet thanks to the flowy fabric. I thought that both of these tops would be perfect for Valentine’s Day weekend with my beau and many date nights to come.

Of course, the lace is gorgeous and purchasing the black cami was a no brainer. But, I am particularly fond of the oyster hued top. I love the lace detail down the front and this cami is designed with an extra piece of fabric on the inside middle so that it isn’t too revealing. As a bustier gal, I was worried that these tops would look more raunchy on me than classic but, because they are not skin tight, I can get away with it while still feeling sexy and confident with my body.

I can picture myself tucking the black cami into my Valentine’s Day themed skirt with a sharp blazer over it for date night on Friday. However, I am more looking forward to pairing one of the tops with short shorts, combat boots, my tattoos out in full glory, and frilly socks come summer time for a girly punk OOTD that emulates my style perfectly!

How do you dress for your body type? Where do you cross the line between sexy and sleazy? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah