Mallory's Summer Fashion Favorites

Well, this started out being a birthday wish list post, BUT since I've found so many of the items running on great sales, I've already acquired most of them (...and my birthday isn't until the 11th-whoops)!

So I'll call it a Summer Favorites List instead and share all of the items details and links favorite with you guys!  You know... in case online shopping is your thing too.  My husband says it's like Christmas day every day at our house because I'm always shopping online.  He can thank me later for saving him gas money ;)

ONE // These Coral Tassel Earrings will make a statement with any outfit (even a simple tee), and they are the perfect color for summer!

TWO // I purchased a black flutter sleeve shirt from BR in this exact same style this spring and get compliments on it every time I wear it.  I decided to add one more to my closet, this time in a fun pattern Flutter Sleeve Plaid Shirt.

THREE // I have a pair of snakeskin sandals I bought a few summers ago and have worn them out to the point of them coming apart.  I loved them so much because they went with everything (great for trips when you need to pack less!). I couldn't find another exact pair but these Snakeskin Sandals will be a great substitute.

FOUR // I spotted these adorable Fringe Sandals on a recent trip to Target (for almond milk and baby swim diapers--isn't that how it goes?)  I did a quick try-on and instantly knew I wanted them!  Great price for a knock-off look.

FIVE // I ordered this Large Tweed Pouch when BR was having a 40% off all sale promotion going on.  It's large, hence the name, and has a lot of cute colors in it.  The fringe down the side is just icing to the cake.  It'll be a great purse for a dinner out, and I've already got it in my suitcase for an upcoming trip!

SIX // My current gold watch is 8 years old and needs another new battery so I decided to see what other options were out there.  I somehow came upon this Gold Watch, and I love the large face and sleek design.

SEVEN // I ordered this Chambray Off The Shoulder Top in my first TJMaxx online shopping experience.  When you can't get to the store, get to the internet :) It looks so cute with white jeans, and you can't beat the $20 price tag!

EIGHT // I purchased this Embroidered Off The Shoulder Top at the same time and love the fun colors and embroidery.  It is a juniors top so I ordered up a size for a little extra length.  It was a little more than I usually like to spend on a TJMaxx top, but I couldn't resist the fun pattern for summer! 

So there you have it--my summer favorites.  Enjoy! I know I will!

What is your entryway saying about you?

The entryway of your home sets the tone for what visitors will expect the rest of your home to be like. It is your home's first impression. Even if you do not have a grand foyer, you can create a defined entrance packed with style in a small space as well as being a functional place to store your keys and mail. Here are a few elements to consider when creating a welcoming foyer:

Mirror

Mirrors are great to use in a foyer. Not only do they provide a chance to look yourself over before greeting your guest, but they also help bounce light and add depth.

Soft Lighting

Another nice element to have is a lamp. A lamp’s soft lighting gives a welcoming glow and makes the space feel inviting.

Greenery

We at 3A are big into adding a bit of greenery to our designs. Greenery brings life to a space and also adds color and texture. 

Storage

In the grouping we put together for you below, the chest of drawers is great for storing keys, mail, and dog leashes; anything that you need to access easily before walking out the door. If you use a console without any drawers, small tabletop baskets or bowls work great too.

If you love the look of the foyer grouping below, click on the links to re-create it in your home.

glass vase // vases // mirror (sold out, similar here) // lamp // chest // rug

 Here are a couple more entryways we put together recently for two of our E-Design clients.

If you need more ideas on creating an entrance space within a small footprint check out this blog post we did on small entrances or let us help you with our affordable E-Design service.

Baby Girl Nursery

Inspiration comes from everywhere.  Truly.  Jessica and I will see something and be instantly inspired to design a room around it....a fabric, a piece of artwork, a pillow...maybe even a clutch.  More on that coming up.

On a recent client tile shopping trip, Jessica commented on a bracelet I was wearing. I told her it was from a great company called Noonday Collection.  The purpose of this post is not to talk about them, but I believe their mission, along with the missions of several other companies I love (and maybe need to do a post about soon), is too valuable not to share.  Here's a brief summary of their mission from their website:

"We partner with talented artisan entrepreneurs to make a difference in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. By developing artisan businesses through fair trade, we empower them to grow sustainably and to create dignified jobs for people who need them. Together we’re building a flourishing world where children are cherished, women are empowered, people have jobs and we are connected."

If that's not something Jessica and I can get behind, I don't know what is!

Now back to the clutch.  After said shopping trip, I sent Jessica a link to the Noonday Collection website knowing she would love the rest of their beautiful jewelry and accessories as well. And while there, I couldn't help but peruse it again myself.  Which is how I found this pretty little clutch, the Zardozi (currently on sale too!), the inspiration.

I saw it and immediately thought "Oh I would love to design a nursery around this!"  And so I did...

curtains // lamp // glider // pendant // accent table // acrylic frames // etagere
 // dresser // crib (sold out, similar here) // pillow 1 // pillow 2 // pillow 3 // bedding

With creamy walls, the gray velvet curtains bring so much warmth and softness to the space (And they're blackout, a baby must. Right?) The mix of patterns, textures and metals (yes, you can do that and should!) create a layered look where minimal accessories are needed to finish off the space.  I always say light fixtures can make or break a room, and I think this one definitely makes it!  Besides, all rooms need a little brass in them :)

These nursery designs are giving me baby fever!  And since Jessica and I are done having some of our own, we need to design some rooms for your babies!  Send them on!  Nurseries and children's rooms are our favorite rooms to design.

Until the next inspiration hits...

Best White Paint Colors

One of the things we get asked about most often is paint colors, specifically our favorite neutrals.  So we're going to do a mini upcoming series on our favorite whites and grays.

Let's start with the whites.  You think that white is just white...until you get to the paint aisle and stare at those tiny 2" paint squares and see a ton of different variations until your eyes cross and you have no idea which is which.  Which is why we're here to help!

Let's walk you through our favorites.

China White

This one is a warm, off-white perfect for a tranquil setting.  Its warm tones are very calming and welcoming and will look great in just about any room.
 

Swiss Coffee

This is another one in Benjamin Moore's Off-White Collection.  It has warm undertones with slight hints of green as you can see in the image below.

Cloud Nine

This is another soft white with slight hints of gray.  It's enough of a subtle change from standard white trim while still being a blank slate for any room.

Wind's Breath

One of the darkest in our selection, this off-white paint has neutral undertones in the brown family. 

Design by Kate Roos Design

Simply White

There is a reason this was named Color of the Year a couple of years back.  It looks good on cabinetry, walls, really anywhere in house.  It's not too gray and not too yellow, simply white.  Pun intended.

Design by Studio McGee

White Dove

Here's another warm white with less yellow undertones.  It's classic and warm without too much pigmentation.

We hope that helps you narrow it down some!  Until next time!

Cognac Leather

At 3A we love adding natural textures to our designs. Whether it is a jute rug, woven baskets, or an upholstered leather piece, it adds interest and warmth to a space. One of my favorite natural materials that is a hot right now, is cognac leather. It is rich in color yet neutral enough to go with just about any design scheme.  Not to mention, it is great material with kids as it can be easily wiped clean.

A recent e-design we completed, which we incorporated cognac leather pillows.

Here are a few inspirational rooms that have included a little cognac leather, along with, a few items to help you achieve the look at home.

Via

CB2 Roadhouse Bar Stool

Via

Via

Pottery Barn Jake Leather Sofa

Via

Via

RH Tufted Ottoman

Via

Via

West Elm Mid-Century Bed

Via

Via

Pottery Barn Leather Pillow

Until next time!

Resolve to Love Where You Live

According to U.S. News, approximately 80% of New Year's resolutions fail by the second week of February.  But what if that didn't have to be the case?  What if you made a resolution that would not only better your life but also the lives of your family and friends and all who enter your home? 

80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February.

Okay, maybe that sounds a little deep, but it's something we firmly believe.  What if you made a resolution to finally tackle that room you've been putting off?  Or that wall that you've stared at for over a year and still can't decide what color to paint it?  Having a beautiful home isn't just about the aesthetics but more the quality of life it brings.  As designer Laura Nelson put it,

“I realized what an emotional effect it has on people to change their surroundings, to give them a space that speaks to them and improves their day-to-day life.”

So what's holding you back? 

Money.  That's what we often hear.  But when you think about it, investing in your home only requires a small investment but yields big results. 

For those that just need a little guidance or a few finishing touches, our A La Carte Package is perfect.  And it starts at $125--that's about what you'd spend on a meal out for two.  Our full room E-Designs start at $750.  Let's think about what else we spend hundreds of dollars on without blinking an eye and the length of that investment.  

When you look at the money issue that way, it seems like a no-brainer, right? Our E-design services can be enjoyed for years to come. Your home is where you spend the majority of your time aside from your workplace.  Why not enjoy it?  Why not sit down on your sofa and look around and like what you see?  Why not leave your master bedroom door open because you're not afraid of a guest looking in?

Whether it's starting from scratch--from paint colors to hard finishes to lighting, we've helped clients starting out with only blue prints and walked them through the entire design process.  Or maybe you just need an extra pair of eyes (in our case, two) to help bring your Pinterest board vision to life.  We are here to listen to your needs, wants and ideas and put our years of experience to work to make your room, your home truly yours. 

So let's stop being the 80% and start making resolutions that will actually change our lives for the better.  Resolve to love where you live.  We'd love to help you get started!