Home for the holidays....

Here's some holiday loveliness on this dreary day in Boston. I'm a 'real greens' kind of girl but I do love a beautiful flocked tree. Even the fake ones can be gorgeous! Courtesy of Pink Peonies. I'm off to put the finishing touches on the magical room we decorated at a historic estate in town. (The Daniel Webster Estate) The gala is Friday night and the Show-house opens on Saturday, December 3rd and runs through December 11th. If you live locally, you should swing by and check us out!! More info here. I'll also be sharing sneak peeks of the room on my insta account! xx

#GivingTuesday

I know I discuss "what we all have" and "my wish lists on Shelter". I love beautiful "things" as much as anyone else but I also recognize the importance of giving back and thinking of those who are less fortunate. There are a number of organizations to help and many will match your donation today. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become known as "the international day of giving". I love this concept and can't think of a better way to spread cheer this holiday season than to donate to a wonderful cause. There are far too many helpful organizations to list but here are a few that I love. I feel education is a huge component in helping people. I also choose a child to give to
locally. 

The Hunger Project 

FIRSTBOOK.ORG

I have a newly made friend (through a great friend - her venture) who is incredibly talented. She started her own business a while back, Cece DuPraz. If you're anything like me, you can appreciate the personalized touch of a monogram. Marion does a beautiful job, her designs and attention to detail speaks for itself. I'm also a firm believer in supporting small business owners. Marion is also giving back this holiday season. ( just be sure to place your orders before December 1st to guarantee delivery by Christmas.) 

Gift Guide - for the young at heart

Here's a little cyber love on this beautiful Monday morning. There are still so many great buys out there today, grab them while you can! Today, I'm sharing my picks for the woman who's not faint of heart. She is daring, stylish and a trend setter. I'm about to order myself and daughter some roller skates for Christmas! 

Roller skate//Loeffler bag//pompom hat//kittyflat//ring//lip balm - addicted //the"it" bag//leopard coat - purchase provides one school uniform for a child in Africa, love this company//necklace - on my list - 40% off!

BLACK FRIDAY - Steals and Deals

IT'S HERE! Can you believe the holiday season is upon us?? I think we could all use a little cheer. 

I hope your Thanksgiving was fabulous. I am grateful for so many things, including YOU, my amazing blog readers and design clients!! xx 

Now, let's get shopping, shall we?? My sis is surveying the store deets this a.m. and texting them over and I've got the www covered. 
I'm rounding up the best deals for everyone on your list. Here are my favorites today!! Eek!!

BLACK FRIDAY SALES 2016

Here's a list of amazing deals .....

3.1 Phillip Lim // 60% off handbags

Ann Taylor - 50% off Entire Store - Code: Celebrate 

Banana Republic // 50% off 5 regular-priced items Sitewide

Barneys New York // 40% off Sitewide

BaubleBar // 30% off purchases - loving statement earrings like these.

Cole Haan // 40% off Sitewide - for him, this and these. 

Furbish Studio // 20% off site wide

Happy Socks - 40% off entire site

Minted // 15% off no minimum, 20% off $150+ on holiday

Neiman Marcus // Up to 40% off + free shipping - they have beautiful holiday dresses 

Shopbop // Spend $200+, get 15% off; Spend $500+, get 20% off; Spend $800+, get 25% off

Urban Outfitters - Apparel buy one get one 50% off 

J. Crew - 40% off entire store - The coats are fab!!

Tuckernuck: 20% off everything

Amazon: has black Friday deals

Here are some of favorites: 

Statement earring//Tartan Clutch//Tortoise clutch//Peplum Top (to wear to the Nutcracker)//Black Bag//pompom hat//pom pom ornament//fish belt//mensboot//quilt//dayplanner

Love the look - Thanksgiving day

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!! This day kicks off the season of zero rules for me! I know, sounds bad, but I'm okay with dealing with the consequences later. I eat too much, drink too much, spend too much and laugh a ton for the next six weeks or so! Reality will set in mid-January but for now I'll be celebrating over here. I'll be back tomorrow with a gratitude post and on Friday with a gift guide full of spectacular deals!! Enjoy your busy day. I appreciate you all stopping by Shelter...

A fitted waist or anything tight are off limits for me tomorrow! I've already warned my brother in law and boyfriend that I'd rather skip the political banter on Thanksgiving day.
Cheers and good luck with all your Turkey day prep work. xoxo 

Here's what I'll be wearing at the dining table...Also Shopbop is having an incredible sale as is J.Crew. J.Crew is having 40% off their entire site....now that's reason to celebrate.......


STEWART PLAID BUTTONUP//EARRING//PANT//SWEATER//SNAKESKINLOAFER (these look awesome on)/STUBBS&WOOTTONSLIPPER//

Cottage Love #51

I am drawn to homes with a sense of history. I think that's why I'm particularly fond of my "cottage love" series. Most of the abode's featured are older, have a beautiful back story and more often than not, equally fun renovation tales. Today's cottage has such a lovely, welcoming design inside and out. 

The former 1880's YWCA camp located in Northern California is owned by Blythe and Mark Harris. Blythe is the founder of the wildly successful jewlery company, Stella and Dot. The couple hired interior designer, Rita Konig along with architect, Gil Schafer to help with the project. I'm adoring the attention to detail. The more I study the spaces, the more I'm drawn in. Gil and Rita embraced the imperfections of the house and spent three years finishing the project. I thought this cottage was the perfect choice to kick off the holiday week! I'm working on a design for a farm house located in Texas, i'd be lying if I didn't say this entire home has my wheels turning with inspiration!! To read more visit Elle Decor. 

Shelter Loves...

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Happy Friyay! I'm looking forward to a relaxing (yeah right) weekend home with my children! I have a list of tasks to accomplish, we'll see how that goes... Here's what is on the radar this week!

1. & 5.  Okay, I'm loving this long and short printed bohemian dress trend. Here's another beauty by Ulla Johnson. The one pictured is avail here.  I used to have the coolest long printed dress by Joie and then it simply disappeared?? How does that happen?? Maybe, I left it at the dry cleaner?? No idea, but it was sweet!!

2. I would love a command central in my kitch. I may devise my own with a cute little table and tack board I have.

3.  My skin gets so dry in the fall and winter. I LOVE this face oil. It's soothing and hydrating and restores my skin. I mix it with my daily skin cream, just check out the reviews and purchase here.

4. YES, YES, YES... Work, relationships, design, basically everything!!


6. Check out this stunning, naturally styled Thanksgiving table. The cool collab featured Jenni Kayne, Carly de Castro and Bash Please. See it all here!

Cheers to an uncomplicated weekend my friends! xxx

The cheese/charcuterie breakdown...

Good afternoon loves, well the holiday season is officially here. (Thanksgiving kicks it off for me) This year I've decided to let nothing stand in the way of my family and I having a fabulous season. (not even stress!) I love to cook, eat and entertain. A beautifully assembled cheese/charcuterie board is always a hit. Bon Appetit provides a nice summary of how to get it right..as do these gorgeous snap shots. I approach cooking in a similar fashion, as I do my designs, the key is balancing opposites and mixing an array of textures and flavors. Fix, Feast and Flair also provides a wonderful visual 101 on perfecting the cheese/meat platter.

Via: Fix, Feast, Flair - a wonderful site if you are a foodie!

An olive oil and bread bar is also a great idea!

A few small plates, the items below, and a shopping list of delicious cheese options, fruit, spreads, olives and meats are all you will need to design your own beautiful cheese/charcuterie board! Bon Appetit!

1//2 - I am a big fan of these handmade boards//3//4//5//6//

Shelter Loves

Last Friday got away from me and I ran out of daylight yesterday. (Did you catch the super moon?)

Today I'm sharing last week's LOVES. I've been pinning and tagging like crazy lately. My gift guides begin next week, so be on the look out for an array of goodies and beautiful ideas!!

Here's what recently caught my eye:

1. It's no secret that I love and collect jewelry. I too, use bowls and hooks to keep most of my pieces exposed but I think I need to up my game! I have some favorites that need more attention but they are not on display. Gen from Pencil and Paper Co.'s closet is impressive. I adore her (their) style.

2. These booties by M. Gemi! They are disappearing. The velvet is precious, I would live in the them, the block heel is perfect. Super high heels are not practical for me everyday.

3. Exposed brass zippers on pillows. (because good design is all about the details)

4. We miss you Maya.

5. Hayley Mitchell's face paintings are so fun and colorful, no two are the same. Purchase one at Jamie's pop-up shop. 

6. Lizzie Fortunado fringe earrings - The  black and blush are adorable.

7. Sometimes a simple delicate piece of jewelry is all you need. This bracelet by is a great everyday staple. From Moonstone Magic. 

8. Grace Kelly - need I say more?

Love the look - Tis The Season - a selection of holiday staples

With the holiday season fast approaching, I have gifts, parties and a holiday show-house on my brain. This is not an outfit per se but a selection of some of my favorite looks to mix and match with your existing wardrobe. Sometimes, I just need one or two pieces to pull together a charming look! As you may recall, last Christmas, was not my best. I'm looking forward to making this year fun, festive and full of peace! xo

earrings//feather jacket//plaidtop//goldclutch//heels - these are 40%!!//skirt

Cottage Love #49

I'm going to need to find a real doozy for #50!! I tend to shy away from political opinions here on the Shelter blog but let's just say I needed to post something calm, cool and collected today..because this world is anything but. I'll leave it at that.

This sweet cottage located in Nantucket (one of my favorite spots on planet earth) cottage by designer Kara Mann is all those fabulous adjectives listed above and more. The clean, crisp design would be a warm welcome after a long day at the beach. You may even want to take a peeky-poo (holy hell I sound like a mother) at Kara's picks on OKL and also her furniture line for Baker. Keep it kind and classy America. I am choosing love over fear and will continue to teach my children to embrace diversity and have hope. xo

Color Crush - November

I keep coming back to this beautiful, rich marine blue shade. I've decided it's officially Shelter's color of the month.  My pins are surely a sign of where my heart is. The perfect hue somewhere between royal, navy and turquoise, marine blue mixes perfectly with fall tones such as ochre, gold, nutmeg and burnt orange.

I'm even contemplating some stripes in this sultry shade around my home! (or should I say design laboratory)

TABLE//NECKLACE//CARD CASE

Shelter Loves...

It's been a long, hectic week. I am having flashbacks of new born baby exhaustion lately. One or sometimes both of my kiddos have been venturing into my room and even bed every night! I keep telling myself when they are teenagers I'll be welcoming these memories. I'm hoping I can save my insanity and sneak in a run before I have to jet to the bus stop to pick them up! I hope you're week has been wonderful......
Interior Designers and most of us creative types never really stop thinking about work. (I'm sure this is true for most professions) I should put down my phone more and chill out, but I find my brain and fingers wondering to Pinterest to pin away on a "secret" board for a client or personal project. Here's what's on my pin page this week: 

1. Classic, clean, modern style. Giorgia Tordini is a current fave of mine. 
2. I adore crisp, colorful bedrooms that children can grow with. Leslee Mitchell is a super talented photographer. She sells her photos along with some pretty cool vintage stamp prints like the one pictured here via her website. 
3. How fun are these little studs? Purchase here. 
4. Atticus quotes are genius.
5. I've been spying ballet leggings around. I think they speak to the little girl in me. I envision them paired with pretty flats and a cozy oversized sweater.
6. French Fashion house: Celine creates some of the most gorgeous, timeless clothing around. This classic "vintage" Celine bag caught my eye this week. Deep burgundy can be mixed with almost any color..white, black, tan, olive, navy...you name it. 
7. I was thrilled to learn Christopher Spitzmiller's amazing handcrafted lamps (pieces of artwork, really? will soon be available through Visual Comfort.  I'm psyched about this collaboration. 

Love the look

With gift giving and the holiday season just around the corner I was giddy to see Shopbop's "SURPRISE" three day sale this week. I have a number of events coming up and will need some sassy holiday looks! I've rounded up some faves for your viewing pleasure. Happy Shopping and cheers to Thursday!! xxx woot woot. 

1//2//3//4//5//6//7//8//9//10//11//12//13//14//15

Shelter + Ace Hardware + A DIY

The piece before 

Most of us LOVE a good before and after! I'm here to share a goodie with you today. Last week my assistant, Lindsey, (who rocks by the way) and I transformed her television credenza. The RH piece had good bones but she wanted to update and brighten her family room. We had the kids help out with the vignette part of the painting project. It was a fun way to spend a sunny, Thursday afternoon in October and the kids had a blast. The result? Well let's take a look. You can also see the entire process on Ace Hardware's Instagram account

Here we all are painting, spraying and gilding pumpkins. Because, anything gilded looks better!

I'm teaching Emerson the tricks of the trade early. She loved using Amy Howard at Home's lacquer finish gloss. (Honestly, this paint is amazing)

Here I am styling the vignette. I had a number of readers ask me about my booties. Find them here, they are super comfy and work with so many outfits!!

A detail shot of Amy Howard's lacquer gloss finish! It looks incredible on furniture!!!

Ta da!!! It's amazing what you can do with a little elbow grease and a few cans of paint. The credenza is painted Clark+Kensington's - chalk white and the inside is painted a deep shade called - balmy night. 

Here are the products we used. They are all available at your neighborhood Ace Hardware.