What I Wore: July-August 2015

August 16, 2015August 21, 20153 Comments

Slouchy Lounge Tee: Aerie

Blue Pants: Target

Asymmetrical Graphic Dot Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Watercolor Floral Dress: Lily Rose, Kohl’s (Juniors)

Floral Sketch Blouse: Express

Jogging Pants: Aerie

Blossom Shoes: BCBG via TJ Maxx

We had an “Inaugural Ball” event at work celebrating the Grand Opening of our Washington Building, so I thought it was appropriate to wear this flashy dress. Obviously if it was a real ball, I would have wanted this in a mermaid gown 🙂

Silver Sequin Shift Dress: Forever21…so so old!

Isn’t this asymmetrical peplum so darn cute?! The fabric is heavier, so it gives a lovely silhouette. I know peplum’s aren’t new, but I’m having a slight obsession this summer. I can’t get enough!

Black Peplum Top: Bebe via Greene Street Consignment

Leopard Sling-backs: Anne Klein via Greene Street Consignment

Striped Skirt: H&M Outlet

This photo makes this look a little frumpy, but in real life, it looked beach-sophisticated…I think…

Maxi Skirt: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

All of the colors in this watercolor blouse makes it go with so many skirts. I love versatility 🙂

Watercolor Blouse: Ann Taylor Factory

Red Pencil Skirt: Target

I love this dress, so pretty and so easy. I especially love the hint of lavender, which is made better when paired with my lilac Clare Cardi from J Crew Factory.

Watercolor Floral Stretch Dress: , Kohl’s (Juniors)

I just LOVE this new blazer. So chic, so cheap!!!

Black Drape Blazer: Jessica Simpson via Greene Street Consignment

Striped High-Lo Top: H.I.P., Nordstrom (Juniors)

Ankle Pants: Target (sadly, these are the only black pants that I’m squeezing into lately…)

Strappy Shoes: Calvin Klein via Marshall’s

See what I mean about the peplum…in love ❤

Peplum Top: Bebe

This layered set of chain necklaces were a birthday gift from my beautiful friend Aisling and her sister Deirdre. Thanks, Girls! And these lightweight draped pants are the perfect bottoms for pairing with slimmer fitting tops and growing thighs 🙂

Chains: Dynamite

Drapey Pants: JOE B, Kohl’s (Juniors)

Striped Wrap Top: Ann Taylor Factory

Tomato Red A-Line Skirt: Banana Republic Factory

I just wore this last night to my cousin’s wedding! Don’t worry, I wore heels (not the ones in the background…) This was taken after I got home!

Black Swingy Dress: Express

Necklace: J Crew Factory. Thanks, Ash!

I just wore this sassy romper to brunch today with my darling friend, Sarah. It’s been sitting in my closet for years and today felt like the perfect summer day to take it for a spin.

Leopard Romper: Charlotte Russe, so so old!

Black Belt: from another dress…

*Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming post about the adventure that us “Sarahs” got ourselves into after brunch. Hint: It includes shopping!

On The Hunt: Metallic Cowhide Rug

July 30, 2015July 30, 2015Leave a comment

I bought this cowhide rug from Cowhide Imports a few months ago for work:

It’s silver metallic on a beige cowhide. You can see a snippet of it in action here!

I would prefer this one from Cowhide Imports, which is gold on beige…

They’re both on sale right now for $599. That’s still pretty steep…

So, I did a little digging and found this one on RugsUSA. It’s crazily on sale from $1,299 down to $389.70 using the code ‘SUMMER70’.

I am a little confused though, because the image shows a silver metallic on a grayish hide, while the description says “Metallic on Beige”…that deserves a call to the company.

I found this one from Cowhide Outlet and it’s only $325, but I can’t tell if the hide is white or beige…white is too stark for me. I just love tans and ivories! Why am I such a fan of beige when I’m an interior designer? #beigequeen

I found several other companies, but nothing was really cheaper…

Amazon

Cowhides International

eBay

eCowhides

Even my trusty Wayfair source only offered me one option, and it’s too expensive…

If anyone has any luck finding a metallic cowhide that’s closer to $200 (that could be a sale price or with a coupon code), let me know!

Window Shopping: Part 3

July 24, 2015Leave a comment

Are you ready? This is the last part in our Window Shopping series. These last images were taken at a variety of different stores.

First up, Arhaus in the KOP Mall in King of Prussia, PA:

Isn’t this garden “bungalow” so beautiful?! It reminds me of Terrain in Glen Mills!

They also had this tufted velvet headboard

Next, is Dwelling in Manayunk, PA. I’ve passed by this store SO many times, but it took me 9 years to actually go inside! I’m glad I did, they have some excellent treasures!

This console is d-i-v-i-n-e. If it wasn’t sold, I would have seriously considered it as a replacement to my IKEA TV stand. You know, as in, just checking the price, and then continuing my search, because it probably would be too much 😦

See these gilded log lamps? Love ’em.

And finally, Restoration Hardware Outlet at the Philadelphia Premium Outlets in Limerick, PA.

I bought this last piece for work. We haven’t used it yet, but I’ll take a photo for you once it’s installed!

Thanks for following along with my shopping trips! I love sharing the pretty things I find!

Click for Part 1 and Part 2!

Window Shopping: Part 2

July 22, 20151 Comment

In the second part of this series, I visited HomeGoods in Collegeville, PA. This place had tons of good stuff too. Have a look!

These pretty blue chairs would look so perfect at my dining table, against my blue curtains!

I just have to ask, “Where are those fabulous things from? Restoration Hardware or HomeGoods??” These linen, nailhead, and rope treats would be the perfect affordable pieces for an expensive look.

2 rope mirror photos in one!

This headboard!!! *swoon!*

Speaking of headboards, this capiz shell “art” would be perfect behind a twin bed.

These global inspired pieces are so eclectic. I couldn’t help but imagine a fun, bright, quirky space where these things could live together!

And one more global piece that would be perfect with the cafe set from Part 1!

It’s hard to see, but it’s a GIANT Eiffel Tower. I don’t really like it (maybe for a little girl’s room), but it was so outrageous, I had to post it.

And I had to post this too, in keeping with the outrageous/hideous theme…

How are they even allowed to sell NEW stuff like this?! It should be a crime.

To end things on a good note, check out these trays. This first one is acrylic. And the red velvety coral is so fun!

But THIS. This marble and gold tray was so pretty. AND it was $19.99. What?! So, you know what happened…

🙂

Window Shopping: Part 1

July 20, 2015July 22, 20152 Comments

You KNOW I can’t help myself when it comes to lusting after beautiful things. I mean, that’s what I’m made to do. So, in true Huntress fashion, I spied some beauties while on a HomeGoods run for work. I snapped a few photos specifically to share with you. This will be a 3 part series, since there was so much goodness to share! #homegoodshappy

First up, these 2 fabulous “trunk” dressers. This travel theme seems so collected, like it was picked up on several trips abroad…*sigh* The lower one is actually red, even though it’s coming up pink (I’d prefer it in pink, obviously!)

Next, animal inspired decor. These hide and antler treasures are just enough “rustic raw” to tone down a really girly glam space.

These desks were so clean-lined. They reminded me of something that West Elm would be selling…Look for Less! See how the first one has a built-in shelving system? It looks like it should be outdoors.

Since the summertime always connotes BBQs and laid-back festivities, I thought this extra large American flag was the perfect summer accent.

This wooden wall art looked like it would be the perfect piece to repurpose as a summer headboard!

And now, for some patterns. This random ikat-esque floral chair was calling out to me. Like so “grandma”, that it could pass as modern. You know what I mean, right? Just for use in one corner of an eclectic room.

This patterned mirror was so earthy with that punchy teal. How perfectly unexpected!

And this little bistro set was so Frenchy with that woven aqua and creamy white pattern. I want to go to Paris!

These glam urchin accents and gold table with stone top looked like the perfect exclamation points for anyone’s home!

And these final gems had a wonderful natural quality that reminds me of the beach 🙂

All of these pretties were found at St. David’s HomeGoods in Radnor, PA.

On The Hunt: J Crew Factory Herringbone Vest

July 16, 2015July 16, 2015Leave a comment

source

I’m sorry, but I had to indulge in this little nugget of information before I shared it with you…but here it is!!!

THE J. CREW FACTORY HERRINGBONE VEST IS BACK IN STOCK!!!!!!! They are actually calling it “Factory Novelty Quilted Puffer Vest”, Item: 02533, Color: Steely Grey

And obviously, I had to get one. It was justified, since I had a gift card from Meg (and John)!

The wonderful news occurred this afternoon when I saw an Instagram friend of mine post about it.

2:28pm: I see Instagram post about herringbone vest

2:29pm: I triple-check the Factory website to make sure it’s really happening

3:05pm: I had to tell someone about this!

2:29-6:37pm: Cannot calm down until that vest is purchased, using my gift card, which happened to be at home!

6:38pm: Purchased!

Read this post, and this one, and this one to hear about my cray cray obsession with this elusive beast 🙂

On The Hunt: In the Same Vein

July 10, 2015July 17, 2015Leave a comment

I love marble. Who doesn’t? I dream about one day having a kitchen with the most beautiful marble countertops…where I could host grand dinner parties…with dancing…and lots and lots of wine. But then I realize that means I will have to clean up immediately, so nothing stains. Who wants to play maid at their own dinner party? Not me. So here’s what I have found on my search for the most perfect alternative to marble…in no particular order:

1. Cambria: Torquay Torquay has been a longtime favorite of mine. It doesn’t look exactly like marble, but the subtle veining makes it so elegant. Especially when it is paired with classic subway tile, shiny fixtures, and glam cabinet pulls. Check out some installation photos:

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2. Caesarstone: 5131 Calacatta Nuvo

5131 caesarstone calacatta nuvo

This is so realistic, that it truly is a great marble doppelgänger. The pros are obviously that it’s quartz, but the cons are that the slab is the same pattern repeated, so if you have multiple slabs, you may end up seeing the “repeat”. But put it in a small area, and you’ve got it made!

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3. QuartzMasters: QM 9281 Calacutta Borghini. (this is not a spelling error, it it how it is spelled on their site…)

This might be my favorite option, because it just looks so darn real! I’m not sure of the pricing, but I have a feeling that you would buy this for the maintenance vs. trying to save money. You can see why. I actually saw samples of this in person at a design show in NYC this spring. I have to say, it is stunning. Another “pro” is that it is so large, that to see a “repeat” pattern would be vey difficult. This make sit appear the most like natural stone!

Bad News: They don’t have any good installation shots on their site

Good News: They have several other realistic marble options too!

4. Fiandre: Calacatta Maximum

I found this one on another blog. I’m having a hard time being really sure about what this actually us…the blog said it was ceramic, but the actual site doesn’t really specify…it looks pretty darn good to me.

There’s lots and lots and lots of other blogs that cover this topic, so I don’t consider this post “finished”. It’s just meant to highlight products that I have seen and thought were good marble alternatives!

Working Girl

July 6, 2015July 17, 20153 Comments

Remember this post and then this one? Well, I have some more photos of some of the work I have been doing at Presidential City 🙂

This luxurious 2 bedroom penthouse is home to “Brad and his daughter, Ava”. I made it very masculine and sensual, while also letting Ava’s room be the girly, glamorous sparkle to this Bachelor Pad.

This feminine apartment is a 1 bedroom penthouse made for “Vivienne”. She is a successful working gal with plenty of money to lavish herself with the finer things in life…

What I Wore: Birthday Month 2015

July 4, 2015Leave a comment

Watercolor Blouse: Banana Republic Factory

Black Knit Top: Forever21 Essentials

Leopard Necklace: J Crew Factory (a birthday gift from my darling friend, Meg!) We bonded on this post 🙂
Sparkly Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Aqua Blouse: Kohl’s, Candies

Pink Blouse: Express, similar

Happy Birthday, Lovely! This fabulous City Studio junior’s dress was purchased at Macy’s on a spontaneous trip to Manhattan with Iron Man. It’s not sold online, but check in stores!

*You know I don’t talk too much about my personal life on my style blog, but I will say that I hope I mention Iron Man in more future posts 🙂

Navy Top: J Crew Factory, a gift from my friend, Ashley.

Jewel Candy Necklace: J Crew Factory, ALSO a gift from Ashley! (and her hubs Patrick) It’s so sweet, I just want to eat it! Similar

Scalloped Pink Shirts: So cute, right?!?! Monteau Los Angeles via TJ Maxx

Pink Crossbody: Francesca’s, a gift from my best gal, Sue! Similar

And because I loved that outfit SO much, I morphed it into this for work…

Shoes: Nine West Outlet, old

Floral Dress: Macy’s, Speechless (another Manhattan find…)

With a pair of my favorite Sisters at the Taylor Swift concert!!!

Lace Blouse: Charlotte Russe

Denim: Target

Lace Short Extenders: Grace and Lace, Shorties

Black Drapey Pants: Joe B via Kohl’s

Geode Necklace: A gift from Barb!! Etsy, via shopgreyweather. SO beautiful, right?! It’s on a 32″ rose gold chain and goes with just about everything. Lovely 🙂

Pink Blazer: Charlotte Russe

Striped Dress: Monteau Los Angeles via TJ Maxx

And just because this is so ridiculous, I had to include this photo of me wearing a “real” blanket scarf

These next few outfits seem to be early July favorites as you can see from last year’s post…

Lavender Cardigan: J Crew, Clare Cardigan

Skirt: Banana Republic FactoryRed Cardigan: J Crew, Clare Cardigan

Polka Dotted Skirt: Banana Republic FactorySkirt: Banana Republic Factory

And in the spirit of Independence Day, and supporting the financial independence of women everywhere, here are all of the sales I found:

J Crew Factory is having a 50% of EVERYTHING sale, and then ANOTHER 20% off of selected items. Use the code “HOTSALE”.

J Crew is having a 40-60% off final sale items. Use the code “LONGWEEKEND”.

Charming Charlie has a 4th of July sale, Buy 2, Get 1 Free.

Seasonal Switch-Out

June 9, 20151 Comment

Some people just don’t understand the decorating dilemmas that one is faced with when your fun, bright, colorful curtains just aren’t going with Fall and Christmastime decor! The solution is my annual Seasonal Switch-Out! Take a look for yourself!

BEFORE: AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Chevron Curtains: Crate&Barrel, Teramo Panels

Blue Floral Curtains: IKEA, Stockholm Blad Panels (not available anymore) similar, similar

My opinion is that the chevron curtains are good ANY time of the year, but it’s always fun to switch things up!