Sea Shells by the Seashore

Having just returned from vacationing in beautiful Hawaii I was re-energized and inspired by the sun, sand and of course, surf.  There is something so very special about Hawaii that one can't really explain in words, it's more of a feeling.  It wasn't my first time visiting the islands and I sure hope that it won't be my last!  There is such a natural beauty to Oahu and the ever changing landscape is truly amazing, especially considering that the island is only 71 km long and 48 km wide - roughly more than double the size of Toronto.  It shouldn't go without saying that each of the Hawaiian islands lends their own individual beauty and inspiration with the rolling hills and lava fields of the Big Island (Hawaii); to the lush tropical forests of Kauai; there is truly something for everyone on the islands.

To help us get into that island state-of-mind I have selected tropical-themed articles for the home.  Items that can be easily introduced to help bring you closer to the sea because even if we can't go to Hawaii, we can certainly try to bring Hawaii to us!

 

As you can see there are various items that range from stately to whimsical, there are some that resemble sea glass and others that have a more nautical flair to them.  If you have a true love-affair with the sea/tropics I have also included wallpaper patterns to make a bold statement in your home - perhaps in a powder room or an office.  There are patterns for your bed, your walls and even your floors - with that octopus rug.  Some items are throw-backs to a former time with the beach-stripe baskets and others are truly modern - the sleek lamp with grasscloth shade.  No matter which way you choose to embrace island life in your home, make sure that it creates a sense of calm.

Happy Shopping!

Courtesy of:
Anthropologie
Crate and Barrel
West Elm
IKEA

High vs. Low - Dresses

Often I am asked where ladies can go to purchase lower priced items that resemble their designer counterparts.  I am thrilled to have this question asked because there are so many clothing shops that have items which mimic the runways, so you really don't have to go far and search high and low for these items.  In some cases, the "knock-offs" look almost identical, if not better than their haute couture cousins.  I'll be taking a look at the high's versus the low's in the world of fashion starting with dresses.  I've selected a few dresses in various categories to show you how easily you can achieve that high-fashion look for less. I've decided to opt for the mid-range versus low-range prices because not everyone has a caviar budget.  You will find in some cases the dresses are almost identical, others are a spin-off, some are fancy and others casual, but all-in-all the look you want to emulate can be achieved, even if you use a bit of your own imagination.  

Here are the high's and low's for dresses:

As you can see from the dress options above, some of the lower priced options look just as good (if not better) than their higher priced doubles.  Now I'm not saying that one should avoid shopping for high end merchandise, but if you can avoid it why not ;)

P.S. BCBG and Anthropologie are listed in US funds.

Happy Shopping!

Courtesy of:
Anthropologie
BCBG
Banana Republic
The Gap
Old Navy
Forever 21
H&M

Falling Flat

Feeling rather uninspired by the current collection of everyday flatware I own, I looked into the available options and found it hard to make a decision as they were all fantastic in their own way.  Personally, I'm thinking of a more eclectic approach by mixing two sets together, but no matter what you choose, make sure that you have fun and select a pattern (or two) that inspire you and your place settings.  Here are a few I selected, but be rest assured the options are endless:

I don't which sets to pick, these are all so much fun!!  Since I already own formal flatware with a square edge, I am going to stay away from an everyday set that resembles those, but am looking forward to mixing and matching some everyday flatware patterns for my home.  Hope these sets inspire you on your next purchase!

Happy Shopping!

Courtesy of:
Crate and Barrel
West Elm
Pier 1
Anthropologie
IKEA