The best is yet to come..

I had every intention of a post today but I ran out of time..Packing my kid's gear to go skiing is a feat in itself! We are heading up North and trying to avoid driving into a Nor'easter so I've got to scoot. I'll be back to share the lessons I learned in 2016 early next week. I think we are all looking forward to a bright and cheerful 2017! Wishing you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! I'm looking forward to sharing the year ahead with you! Keep shining and stay safe. Thank you for all your support and for continually reading my blog! I appreciate each and every one of you.....xoxo

I believe this! We have to....

Holiday hangover refresh

I hope you had a wonderful holiday! I don't know about you but I was seriously spent yesterday. I did what was long over due and pretty much unplugged, ate junk food and watched movies with my boyfriend. It was a much needed lazy day. Today is a different story. I have organization and clean up on my mind. I enjoy dreaming about fresh starts and new beginnings with a new year. I'm starting with my closet and jewelry and hope to move onto all my children's books. In my home, if it's too hidden it does not get used and although I don't love clutter I do need to store things both outside of and behind closed doors..here is what I'm thinking. (I don't have space for a clothing rack but I love this idea for a dressing room, I just did the same for a client guest room in Texas)

I am creating a reading corner for my daughter and plan to order these or something similar. 

Love the look - Christmas Eve

How has this day arrived already? I'm guessing you are hustling around like a crazy person too. I'm putting the finishing touches on my gift list and holiday outfits today. My family isn't too formal, but I still love a reason to look chic but cozy on Christmas Eve. I need to leave room for plenty of munchies and a few glasses of bubbly so comfort is key.

I'm all over deep emerald lately. Here is my look for this Christmas Eve. What will you be wearing?

Earring/Faux fur - yes please/ this blouse (look at the pretty back detail below)//I swear by this lip sheer - all the colors are great//clutch//adorable shoe//tuxedo pant!!

These are pretty too and at 50% off a steal, they would pair well with all black or white!!!

Holidays at Home - Aerin Lauder

I've long admired entrepreneur, socialite and tastemaker, Aerin Lauder's sense of style. Yes, it helps to be an heiress of a makeup empire and have the budget to create beautiful homes and interiors, but that does not stop me from admiring them. 

I hope you are finishing up your final holiday details and have a chance to relax in peace this holiday season. I am off to run a few errands before baking cookies with my children this afternoon but first let's take a peek back at Aerin's beautifully decorated homes during Christmas.

The 2007 House and Garden shoot

I'm am heading to Vermont next week for some much needed r and r and hopefully some skiing. I love this entire table setting. Her Aspen ski home is one of my favorites. I have featured it in the past on Shelter. 

A table-scape in The Hamptons

Daniel Webster Estate - Holiday Showhouse

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to transform a room at a local historic estate into an "enchanted dream" bedroom for a little girl. My concept was to create a magical space that a young child would dream of awaking to on Christmas morning. This was all "pretend" for the holiday show house, of course. The Christmas tour was open for one week and was a great success, fun experience and my way to give back to the community. 
My daughter, Emerson, has requested all of the white animals I purchased for her room. (I don't blame her).  Please feel free to contact me for any sources and Shelter is also available to decorate your home next holiday season if you'd like!! (We also made all of the holiday flower arrangements) I created the design on a budget and had to retain the antique furniture that was existing in the space. I trucked in all of the other goodies and used a mix of vintage and new items. The room looked magical at night because I had lots of little white lights. I'll share a peek from my iphone of the candy station I had set up in the glass cabinet. Thank you to my Mom, Dad, Matty and Lindsey for all of your help on this project!! My Mom can make a bow like nobody's business!!!  Also, a huge thank you and big hugs to all of my blog followers who made the trip out to enjoy the Christmas tour. It was a pleasure to meet you! Photos by: Patti Anne Photography. 

** I have have included some of the sources in the comments section. Some of my Instagram readers asked about the bench as well. This is something I can have made for you in any velvet color. Please inquire for a quote if interested. Thanks!!!

Here is a shot of the room before I started:

Daniel Webster Estate

Gift Guide - ideas for under $100

Hello, hello! Today I'm sharing my last gift guide for this holiday season. If ordered today or tomorrow, your gift will still arrive in time for Christmas! I've included something for everyone and these gifts are available for under $100! Sites such as J.Crew and Banana Republic are having 40% off most items on their site!

For her:  sweater- I love this, necklace - with the 40% off, clutch - this one is $135 but a number of others are only $69, swell bottle
For him: belt, button down
Boys: headphones, shirt, boots
Girls: purse, sweater
Pets: dog bed
Hostess: candle and glasses

Cozy down

It's a stay in, cozy down kind of night here in Boston! I finished off some work today, which included selecting bedding and designing quilts for a client, now I'm going to snuggle with my kids and watch Elf in their pillow fort! Stay warm! xxx

Shelter Loves...

It's beginning to look and "feel" a lot like Christmas. I'm having dreams of a winter wonderland and cozy moments indoors. I'm not sure where this month went but I've still got some running around to do. I've vowed not to be up until 2 am wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve this year! Here's what I've been dreaming about lately:

1. What a simple, but clever idea??
2. This mountain bunk room, in a Montana ski home is perfection. Via: Elle Decor. 
3. I basically repeat this (using the word butt instead of ass) to my little nuggets every morning. In other words: try your hardest and always be kind.
4.  I'm slightly addicted to the coziness of wearing faux fur. This vest is adorable. I ordered a similar one weeks ago, I'm wondering why it hasn't arrived yet??
5. Obsessed with this new wallpaper from Thibaut. I have a sample on the way to a client.
6. Winter white fashion gets my vote this holiday season.
7. This entire stove/copper situation is bananas. 

A few other worthy notes:

** Be sure to check out Twine and Twig's holiday sale. Receive 20% your purchase through 12.21...You'll see me wearing this gorgeous necklace with my winter white frocks this holiday season. 

** Ummm, I really hope Santa brings me this entire outfit - specifically that polka dot blazer!!! All their pink choices are fabulous too!!!

** More great winter white!!

KEEP COZY THIS WEEKEND - XO 

Love the Look - Casual Holiday

'Tis the season to be jolly! This time of year can be stressful but I hope you all have time to enjoy a little holiday cheer! I have an event tomorrow that isn't too dressy, most of my wardrobe at this point can bridge the two worlds, my things are someplace between dressy and casual but can go either direction with the switch of my accessories and jewelry! Here's the perfect look for a holiday get together or even dinner with friends! xx

1. A cheery top. Here is the version shown and another less expensive option.
2. Statement earrings - The look of the season for sure!!
3. A gold clutch. I love all of Clare's bags Santa!
4. Cute heel - the newer chunky heels are fun and a bit more practical.
5. Fitted faux leather pants 
6. Lip gloss - this is my FAVORITE gloss. It's not sticky!!

Gift Guide - for the home

This month is flying by at lightening speed but there is still time to purchase online for the holidays! I've done a good majority of my shopping online this year and it's definitely made my life easier! Here is my round-up of gifts to give for the home. ** these gift ideas are all under $100

Vintage Glasses
Decorative Mirror - they have an adorable collection of these from West Elm, purchase one or the entire set!
Serving set - you all know how I feel about tortoise motifs/finishes and entertaining!
Needle point pillow - I like interiors that are sophisticated but not too serious. This would make a fun edition to your home or the perfect gift.
Venezia - Tessa Kiros has an array of cook books and travel logs of her trips around the world. Each are beautiful. She is a new favorite of mine. Provence to Pondicherry is being released this Spring.
Seeing Double bar towel
Candles with a light scent
The World Is Your Oyster - Sometimes I need to be reminded of this. I may have to get this print for my home.
Throw- a staple at my home and they make a wonderful gift.
A beautiful horn frame 

Gift Guide - Lindsey's favorites

Hey all! TGIF. I hope you had a great week! Mine was productive on the work and holiday shopping front. I'm trying to be super organized this year and so far it's working and reducing my holiday stress! I even sent my Christmas cards out already..woot woot.

Today my design associate Lindsey is sharing her wonderful holiday gift picks! Lindsey joined Shelter back in May and has been an amazing addition to the firm! Thanks for all your hard work and positive energy Lindsey! xx

Hi, Lindsey here. I'm so excited to share my holiday wish list on Shelter today.

It’s that time of the year again! I must say I have a huge soft spot for Christmas and with two little ones it makes it even more magical. Here are some of my favorites for this season….

I love to entertain and seem to host most of the holidays for the families (which is great!) these candle sticks are a must for my dining room table! See them here.  How gorgeous are these fringe cocktail napkins? They pair perfectly with a festive cocktail!

You can never have too many thank you cards, especially during the holidays. I always grab extras when I see  unique styles. These, from Tiny Prints are very witty! 

Between indulging on treats and the holiday stress, yoga is a must! This mint color Mala of amazonite beads, will help you find inner calm and peace (which we all know is totally needed!)   And the Alo Yoga bomber jacket will keep you cozy on your way to class.  

You can never have too many accessories (my husband may beg to differ!)  this clutch would look perfect with any outfit, and its color “Ibiza Sunset” couldn’t be any cuter.  June & Juniper has the most gorgeous jewelry. I love, adore and drool over their pieces. They are unique and classic wrapped in a little package.  Any of these earrings are a must! 

During a trip to Charleston last spring I stumbled upon Teil Duncan, her art work is amazing, and full of color and interesting designs.  She recently teamed up with Crate and Barrel which is even more convenient if you’re looking for a framed piece to spruce up your space.  

In the kitch.

I was searching the House Beautiful website (and the entire web) because I wanted to share Catherine Olasky's (her firm pays great attention to design details, something I aim to achieve in my work) daughter's precious bedroom with you all. I will snap it and share myself if need be. It's in this month's issue of House Beautiful. Her entire home is traditional with a modern twist and is gorgeous. Here is the cover shot. How adorable is her daughter, Louisa?

Instead I stumbled across this very "holiday" appropriate kitchen design. The deep black cabinets are both stunning and a bit daring but it all just works so well, especially with the unexpected deep red cabinet color in the pantry. I love a bit of a risk in design, it usually pays off and sets your home and design apart from the rest!

This range and hood are gorgeous and black pair beautifully with large brass pulls! The kitchen is by designer, Jim Dove. 

 Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo was used on the counter - it has the look of natural marble with less maintenance.  

Gift Guide for little girlies

So I can't lie, having a six year old daughter is usually pretty fun. (yes, there are moments when she makes me want to pull my hair out) but Christmas shopping? FUN! I am holding onto these years, still sleepless at times, but I know how quickly they pass. Here are my selections for little girls. I'll be buying a number of these for Emerson and my niece!

Down coat
These prints by Kelli Murray are precious
Necklace
Slippers - Emmi asked for slippers
Tea Shirt - THIS is adorable and unique
Bunny doll 
Bean Bag
Art kit - my children love to create art
Ferdinand - Classic books make a wonderful gift
Princess wand
Unicorn tape dispenser - No idea if your kids are obsessed with tape (and bandaids) but mine are.

'Tis the Season...

for this warm, cheery, cherry hue......

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