NWA Dream Home in House Beautiful

I came across this editorial a few days ago from a previous House Beautiful magazine and it reminded me that A) we have some seriously talented designers in our neck of the woods and B) we have some seriously amazing homes too. Designed by Tobi Fairley, from OUR VERY OWN Natural State (she hails from Little Rock) this drop-dead gorgeous home is actually in Fayetteville!  And truth be told, I'm dying to see it in person!  And, well, If we're letting all of our secrets out here, I'm so curious to know what the owners are like.  I hope that's not totally weird but I can only imagine how interesting they would be!    I'm actually blushing right now..  Since I don't know whose home this is, I'm just going to imagine that it's a couple who enjoys traveling to new and exciting places where they stay at finer hotels and resorts, not just because they can, but because they appreciate the small but defining details that set them apart from ordinary hotels (hello, they hired Tobi Fairley to decorate their house).  I imagine that they actually sit in the lobby having a cocktail marveling at the architectural and design sophistication around them, and lastly, she has collected every Elle Decor issue since she was a little girl.    Enough of this wondering, let's enjoy some photos:

Every time I look at this living room, it makes me smile.  What a beautiful layered upon layered blue palette that just oozes sophistication.  The painting is the perfect anchor to the room and I love those purple shaggy pillows!

I drool over every Marjorie Skouras chandelier that I come across and this one is no different.  They come in so many pretty colors and I love that Tobi chose a simple table to highlight details like the striped floors, the patterned Oly chairs, and obvs, the chandelier.

The Fiance has a two-story entry like this and I don't know if I have enough courage to do a graphic wallpaper like this.  (Repeat after me: You can do it.  You can do it.  You can do it.)

That banquette is b-a-n-a-n-a-s

One of these days, I'm going to have Venetian glass lamps just. like. these.

And I saved the best for pretty blue last.  The Master Suite.  Ann Gish bedding, Barbara Barry wallpaper, Julian Chichester sunburst mirror, blue, blue and more blue.  I'm going to be swimming in blue today...

So peeps, if you happen to know who's house this is, please don't tell them I'm completely obsessed with it.  I'd be terribly embarrassed and would like to keep some dignity, just in case they stop by the store.  However, you're free to tell them that I'd love it if they'd stop by the store.  So that I could meet them in person. 

I'm going to quit geeking out and get some work done.

Happy Monday!

Betsy

Fashion Friday: Goodie Two Shoes

I want to pimp these skittles like no other this summer...  

Top photo: Manolo Blahnik via ShoeRazzi

Bottom Photo: Christian Dior via Fashioncitizen

Have a faaahhbulous weekend pretties!

Betsy

New Container with Commentary

Good morning everyone!

It has been quite a hectic last few days as we just received our second container!  Remember Tuesday morning when it began pouring down rain?  Yeah, that's when the truck pulled in..  Despite being so cold and drenched (because being cold and wet are the ONLY two things that put my panties in a wad) and The Fiance being OUT OF TOWN, Ashley and I managed to unload the truck, check it all in, and begin unpacking each piece!  I'm sure you're wondering how two girls could've possibly unloaded an entire semi truck full of furniture, but we eat our Wheaties, okay?  Fine, we hired two burly dudes to help us out..  It was like unwrapping Christmas presents all day except using box cutters and a dolly!  

I'll be serious now, or at least not over-exagerate the events of the last two days, we had a ball completely resetting the store and it felt like a giant jigsaw puzzle trying to place each and every piece.  We still have quite a bit of "fluffing" and picture hanging to do but all in all, everything's in it's place and looks amazing.  I'm so proud of the store and for Ashley's creative skills (and patience as she dealt with a stressed-out owner) but it all came together so fluidly and effortlessly (at least that's what I'm going to let y'all think).  Each piece is more beautiful than I remember from our trip to Asia where we picked them all out.  As we set each piece in it's place, I couldn't help but admire the details and craftsmanship that went into making them what they are today.  It takes a special set of skills to make furniture that can withstand 150 years of wear and tear.  Here are a few snapshots that I edited on my now outdated iPad 1 to spruce up the pics a bit.  Enjoy!

(these red chests come in a pair and are too cute for words!!)

Fashion Friday: Color Block

I've had so much fun following the fashion shows that took place in New York, London, and Paris in the past few weeks, even if they were a tad disappointing.   It has certainly helped me hone in on what looks I'll incorporate into my overall wardrobe and which trends I'm just going to let fly right past me (ie. the gorilla arms I mentioned last week..BARF!).  But alas, spring is here and I can't wait to add bold colors into my usual staples!  So without further ado, check out a few of my favs-

1- Asos Palm Print Crop Tank $35.86

2- Missoni Zigzag Hat- Net-A-Porter $495

3- DVF runway SS2011

4- MM6 by Maison Martin Margiela  Jersey Dress from Intermix $160

5-We Are Owls Cashmere Scarf from Lola boutique $175

6-Orange Computer Case (I'm using it as a clutch!) from Asos $35.86

6-Lourdes flower bib necklace from Charm and Chain $97

7-Colorblock earrings from Charm and Chain 

8-Splendid Top from Net-A-Porter $44

9- Platform Sandals from Asos $170

10- Emilio Pucci wrap coverup from Net-A-Porter $450

The We Are Owls scarf I mentioned are available in own of our very own boutiques in NWA!  Lola Boutique has several colors and patterns (click here) and I saw them myself just a few days ago--believe me, they are SO SOFT and luxurious, I can't wait to wrap one around my neck for the next few months!

Have a lovely weekend!
XOXO betsy

The Heart of the Household

I'm a fanatic about kitchens.  For me, they're the hub of the household and function not only as a place to prepare and share meals, but as the gathering spot at any time of the day.  A few days a week, you'll find me in front of my laptop at the kitchen table.  Not in a home office or a living room or in the dining room, but right smack in the middle of it all.  It's certainly not the most comfortable place for me to perch, but I like being in the heart of the home where all of the activity takes place.  Growing up, I was lucky enough to have Miss Nell cooking at our house once a week.  She was a heavy-set African American woman with deep southern roots who made the best fried pies this side of the Mississippi.  I'll never forget Miss Nell in my momma's kitchen, teaching me how to make split pea soup or how to fry chicken.  She had so many stories to tell and always had a few little ears to tell them to.  Just as it is today in my own home, the kitchen in my family's home was the heart of our household and the inspiration for so many fond memories that I have today.  Maybe that's why I'm such a fanatic about kitchens--I know they're the starting point for memories that I'll have for years to come.  Here are a few of my favs:

This sink blows me a way--I've never seen anything quite like it!

Miles Redd's amazing black lacquered kitchen with mirrored backsplash

Tracery Interiors Kitchen

Isn't this hood amazing!  It still feels cold, they could've chosen warmer accessories to make the space feel more comfortable.

Martha Stewart designed kitchen.  I'm drooling over that expresso machine!

The kitchen above is from Ikea--can you believe that?!

Summerour Architects

Glorious Gowns

I promised I wouldn't turn this into a wedding blog but I couldn't help but post these gorgeous gowns.  They're just stunning and put me in such a lovely mood.  When I look at them, it makes me think of how romantic and dreamy weddings are and how much I'm enjoying the wedding planning process.  The end result is sweet, lovely, and makes me giddy at the thought of spending the rest of my life with this man.

  Images via Pininterest and Net-A-Porter

Have a dreamy day :)

Betsy

Spring Rooms and Earthquakes (huh?)

Good morning lovelies,

If I wasn't so completely exhausted last night, I could've sworn that I felt an earthquake?  I know everyone else felt one Sunday night and can't figure out if I was dreaming or if it was real.  Weird!  Anyhoo, take a looksee at some gorgeous Spring-inspired rooms below-

Images via House and Home

This last one might be my fave.  If I had a dream home, it would consist of white walls with bold art and accessories along with an open floor plan and tons of natural light.  I would've thought that artwork and accessories all within the same color family would be boring in an otherwise colorless room, but instead this looks fresh and cohesive.  And I can't imagine a white sofa in any other way than slipcovered.  My friends just drink too much red wine..

Have a blessed day!
Betsy