Paper Crown

I read the May Issue of Glamour earlier this week and of course, the lovely Lauren Conrad was on front. I have always been fond of her soft, romantic style but as I read her interview I realized how established this 26 year old woman has become. With her numerous books, websites, and three clothing lines this girl has got to be busy!

Lauren happened to have a book signing down the street from where I work, so I stopped in to meet her last night. She was very sweet and had the cutest bubble skirt on! I am now wishing I had asked who made it however chances are it is from one of her own collections. I have to find it!

I recently discovered a relatively new line of hers called Paper Crown. Paper Crown is a bit more upscale than her Kohl's line but as I peaked through the site I found some gorgeous pieces! I love that she has stayed so true to her own soft, romantic, style in this collection and I love that this 26 year old has built such an amazing conglomerate of businesses for herself! A business woman I can aspire to be like someday. Some of my favorite pieces from the Paper Crown Spring Look Book below!

All images via Paper Crown

Check out her entire website here

XO

DIY Decoration Inspriations-By Lea Placek, Designer

Happy Wednesday to you all. Lea here, to share some great DIY projects! I have recently become overtaken by ideas of DIY Decorating Grandeur! Perhaps it's the "Nesting" effect being 32 weeks preggers has me, or perhaps it is just enabled by my addiction to Pinterest! Either way,  I am super excited about a ton of projects I think I can get done before "Baby P" arrives (please note, this is totally unrealistic by the way, but still fun to think about!)
I want to share with you a few of the really easy, moderate, and more advanced projects I have added to my list of "must-try's"...

This is a french writing desk I found on the curb, someones trash become my treasure! (sorry for the lack of "before" pictures) I washed it with dish soap first to remove all the cob webs and dirt, then sanded any sharp edges for splinters. I used good old Benjamin Moore house paint (Grey Owl) with a small sponge roller and a gold metallic craft acrylic for the desk's edge.

A painted a French writing desk for the nursery! Next on the list is an ornate large oval frame (painted in antique white) for over the desk, with either a cork board or mirror.
(My dog Bozzy approves of the new look)

DIY Home Decorating: Weekend projects, tips and tricks that fit your budget!

Kathy Burns-Millyar

Kilz Primer is key for all your painting projects, and if you choose to use spray, Krylon is tops, hundreds of colors and metallics!

cute decor idea with wine corks and succulants I saw on Pinterest, from www.theyallhateus.com

How to distress your cabinets and furniture on www.southernliving.com

Hardware Hooks found on tipjunkie.com 

source Flax & Spindle submitted her quick tutorial on how to make a coat hook rack.

This is a great idea, cereal boxes, some craft paper or stationary, and Modge Podge, so easy!

how to on www.thesitsgirls.com

Paper Orb Chandeliers-Unbelievably beautiful but an advanced project! Inspired by Anthropologie's  Rhododendron Chandelier.  

DesignSponge.com, created by Heather Jennings of Poppy Haus.

Love the Restoration Hardware $3000 birdcage chandelier, Yeah, me too. Want to drop that kind of coin on a light fixture, NO THANKS! On Allthingsthrifty.com they show you how to DIY your own knock-off, rope cord and all. You have got to see this blog!

*Note this is a very advanced project*

Shabby Chic Lavender Hall console, Love the choice of unexpected color! I did mine in blah-blah-black, so this is going on my re-do list next!

One of the coolest finds yet, Fabric spray, the how to found on www.apinterestaddict.com

DIY Subway sigs, lots of examples of www.drivenbydecor.com, 

source Lil Boo Blue

Antique Teal painted chest from www.DesignSponge.com

Pretty simple tools for above chest project.

Hope this inspires the do-it-yourselfer in you! Post and share your projects with us! 

Lusting Lately: Day at the Beach

It is usually this time of year that B and I get together with a few other couples and take a beach vacation. The only problem this year is that everyone is very busy with work, or for most of my friends(excluding B and I) pregnancies, and new babies, so no plans have been put in place thus far. This however hasn't stopped me from lusting over some must have beach essentials!

Wanitng this L Space swim suit. I love the fringed top!

Beautiful Chiffon Poncho

A big floppy hat

This yellow sandal

 A great Towel. Can't get enough yellow!

Gucci Oversized sunnies

This Micheal Kors Carry All Tote

Any beach essentials you guys are lusting over lately?

XO

Winner of Jem Earring Giveaway

I am happy to announce that Sara Abel is the winner of the Jem earring giveaway! Thank you all who entered! Congrats, Sara and enjoy your earrings!

XO

Grey and White

Today, my afternoon was spent at my dear friend, Lea's interior design store. You may be familiar with Lea from her amazing design guest posts she shares with us every Wednesday. As I have mentioned before, B and I have been meaning to find the time to redecorate our living room. With a little nudge in the right direction, we are now getting around to it, so I of course will be needing Lea's expertise.

I had an idea of what I wanted the color scheme to be prior to going in today. Grey, white, peacock, and maybe a splash of yellow. After glancing through the store I am certain that these are the colors I want. I was automatically drawn to these shades and couldn't resist snapping a few shots of my favorites. Have any of you recently redecorated any rooms in your homes? If so, what color schemes did you end up going with? Would love to hear from you!



Gorgeous couch! However not ideal for me, B, and a golden retriever.

A potential chair.

This will be the grey fabric we use for our couch.



I am in love with this! These are definitely the winners for our accent chairs!

Couldn't resist these little horse sculptures. Such a fun table accessory!

Another chair option. I think this would be great next to our grey couch!

Realizing I love grey and white even when it comes to my wardrobe!
Cheap Monday Grey Jean, Similar Forever 21 Top, Charles David Sandal, Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 Purse
XO

Sunday Stroll

I hope you all have enjoyed your weekend! Mine was fairly low key. The boyfriend and I started it out with no plans in tack which is kind of nice for a change. We ended up having a great date night on Friday that included dinner and a movie at my favorite theater, Ipic. We wined and dined and saw a very funny movie (American Reunion.) Our weekend wrapped up with a lovely dinner with friends and a nice Sunday stroll in the park. What were some highlights of your weekend?

Our Sunday stroll

Diesel jeans, old but similar here/Blaque Label Jacket/Rachel Roy Shoe/Gucci Bag, similar here/ Forever 21 top, similar here/ Jem Earrings, coming soon to The Jem Boutique

Have a great week everyone!

XO

Jem Earring Giveaway!

I am excited to announce that we have added earrings to our selection of merchandise at The Jem Boutique! In honor of our new product, we will be giving away a pair of our new gorgeous earrings to one lucky winner!

To enter, simply write a comment on this post below or send me an email at morgan@thejemboutique.com. In addition, all participants are eligible to receive a coupon code for 25% off to The Jem Boutique. I will be selecting someone by random on Monday afternoon, so hurry and enter!

Good luck!


Here they are! The Purple Passion Earrings you are entering to win!

Looking forward to choosing a winner! You will LOVE these!

XO