You may have wondered where I’ve been recently. Well, I packed up the RV and stopped by the Not Quite “It” Girls for a guest post all about seasonal decor that can be left out long after the eggnog buzz has worn off. Many thanks to Katie, Ashley and Lauren for letting me share some of my winter-weather favorites … don’t worry, I’m not staying as long as Cousin Eddie.
Wishing you all a very merry and bright holiday from MB@TR!
I love Christmas. It’s not quite Halloween yet, but I can barely contain my excitement.
Did I merrily skip into my local West Elm when I saw its winter wonderland window displays on a balmy day last week? Did my heart flutter when I got Crate and Barrel’s email saying its holiday book was finally here? Have I longingly stroked the box of Christmas decorations as I reached for sweaters in the back of my closet? YES.
I understand “Jingle Bells” playing before Black Friday is pushing it, and I’m not quite sure why red and green cupcake mix is already on the shelves. But as someone who loves home decor, I just don’t see the harm in being able to buy a wreath in October.There are plenty of people who take to Facebook ranting about Christmas ornaments one aisle over from Halloween costumes at Target. What’s next, Anita Miller? Celebrating Christmas on a day in September when you know it won’t be commercialized?
To me, it makes sense for home decor stores to start selling holiday decorations well before the holiday arrives. I personally like to get started early and make the most wonderful time of the year last a little longer. Just because I’m buying new stockings today doesn’t mean they’ll line the mantle tomorrow. I just want to make sure all the good stuff doesn’t clear out come the post-Thanksgiving rush. Besides, they wouldn’t be selling holiday decor now if people weren’t buying it.
It all comes down to tradition and what makes the holidays “the holidays” for you and yours. If you want to slog out to the middle of nowhere to chop down a tree on Christmas Eve, I salute you (and encourage you to remember a saw). If you want to put up two Christmas trees the second weekend in November, go for it. (I’m looking at you, Dad.)
So let me be the first to say, “Have yourself a merry little Christmas.” And to all you holiday decorating scrooges out there? Bah, humbug.
If you’ve visited MB@TR before, you may remember my ultimate vacation is an African safari. But unlike Ron Swanson, I don’t want to aim for the animals—I just want to bask in their majestic splendor while “The Circle of Life” blares from the jeep’s tape deck. (I actually cried during the Broadway version but now I’m getting off-track and emotional. Let’s discuss why I’ve brought you here today.)
Z Gallerie has a pack of white, resin beasts ($49.95 – $249.95) that are the perfect way to pay homage to these noble creatures without dropping them with an elephant gun. In a post from May, I shared Cardboard Safari’s animal trophies. While I still love their fun, playful feel, the Z Gallerie animals are a bit more grown-up, don’t you think?
In my own bedroom, I went with the smaller matte moose, rhino, ram, gazelle and deer. I’m torn because I like the symmetry the similar sizes provide, yet it looks like I couldn’t bag a full-grown moose since it’s not as true-to-scale as the others. If you really want to show your design hunting prowess, Z Gallerie offers larger moose and stag options, at 31″ and 39″ respectively. These glossy, lacquered heads make a bold statement over a couch, fireplace or entryway. (There’s also a mid-size giraffe available.) Whether you choose five smaller mounts or one large one, you’ll be out around $250 so it’s all about whichever look you like best. I chose to keep the white mounts on a white wall, but think they’d look particularly striking on a bold color like hunter green or chartreuse.
So if you’re not handy with a rifle, no need to think up excuses. These taxidermy trophies ship right to your door.
Photo credit: Z Gallerie
There are a lot of great options out there, but I love the throwback quality of West Elm’s Mid-Century Nightstand ($249). The slim, angled legs and geometric face are just retro enough for a midcentury modern look that fits perfectly into any eclectic space. The sturdy storage boasts solid wood construction, and just two pieces make for quick and easy assembly.
The nightstand comes in white and acacia veneer, but best retains its vintage vibe with the wood finish. And at 24” high, it’s a good reminder to measure your bed first if you have a low bed frame to make sure the nightstand doesn’t tower over you. (You need to be able to reach the snooze button.) This item is sold in stores, so you can save on shipping if you’re close to a brick-and-mortar West Elm.
While I don’t know if I’d quite agree with the product’s description of “roomy” drawers, it’s undoubtedly nice to have a bit of bedside storage. I now have easy access to my phone charger, Kindle, a season of 30 Rock and small stash of cheddar for when I’m workin’ on my night cheese.
Photo credit: West Elm
My least favorite home decor item to shop for is usually bedding. I’m not sure if it’s the idea of my comforter, sheets and pillow cases crammed into a too-convenient bag or the endless throw pillows shown in bedding set photos, but it bums me out.
So when I came across Anthropologie’s Isleta series (regularly $78 – $468; currently on sale for $58.50 – $351) a few months back, it was love at first sight. (Like love, love.) The earthy texture of the linen is complemented by “arid desert hues,” and the embroidered, geometric arrow pattern gives a subtle nod to the Southwest. Anthro usually offers shabby chic florals and frills, but this bedding is great for his and her tastes. The website shows the bedding paired with crisp white sheets, but you can also go for a soft coral color for added warmth.
While I was originally hit with a bit of sticker shock, good things come to those who wait: Anthro’s bedding is currently 25% off! The duvet cover, bedskirt and shams will still cost a pretty penny, but your boudoir will be just that: pretty. You can help offset the cost by picking up a fairly inexpensive duvet in down or a feather alternative.
Isleta may just accomplish something my mom never could … getting me to make my bed.
Photo credit: Anthropologie
Oh hai. I haven’t posted in a while as I’ve been on a summer vacation of sorts! In the past month, I’ve been more places than Johnny Cash. (And he’s been everywhere, man.) But I’m getting back into a groove even Stella couldn’t handle, so I had to share my latest find.
Hot off the presses, the 2012 fall catalog from Gus* boasts some pretty boss couches. My current infatuation is the new Adelaide Sofa (regularly $1,999; currently on sale for $1,599). I’m in the market for a new couch and wanted to go for a midcentury look that still feels modern and comfortable. That’s where Adelaide comes in.
At 84″ wide, it’s long enough to stretch out and relax or invite Don Draper over to, er … watch “Mad Men.” The retro tapered legs are eco-friendly and FSC-certified to support the responsible management of forests. I stopped by a dealer to check out fabric samples, and am choosing the Muskoka Shale over the über-soft Cashmere Carbon for a truly 60s ad agency office look.
An honorable mention goes to the Atwood Sofa in the brilliant blue Muskoka Surf fabric, which gives the traditional, tufted design a contemporary feel.
Toronto-based Gus* is having a Summer Sale, with 20% off sectionals, sofas, sleepers, chairs and ottomans for a limited time (sources say ’til Aug. 19). While you can’t order directly from the site, Gus* offers a handy map to help you locate local retailers. Most shipping and handling fees seem to run around $99—not bad, eh?
So if any of the Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce men (i.e., Roger or Don) would like to come over for cocktails, Adelaide and I will be waiting.
Photo credit: Gus*
Next week marks one of my favorite holidays—Independence Day! The quintessential summer celebration is a time when Americans break out the fireworks and fire up the grill. If you’re throwing a bash, there’s more to patriotic party supplies than red, white and blue Solo cups. Yet it can be tricky when so much Americana is a bit too country craft for this American girl.
But that Yankee Doodle Dandy Jonathan Adler is at it again, offering a fun, mod take on star-spangled serveware. The George Washington Divided Tray ($48) is sure to be the pièce de résistance at your Fourth of July cookout. The broad stripes and bright stars complement a retro chic font that says U.S.A. all the way. The nice people at JA also put out a matching serving tray and serving spoon/fork to round out your presidential set.
Here’s to a dazzling Fourth filled with family, friends, food and lots of firecrackers!
Photo credit: Jonathan Adler
My dad’s ‘stache was legendary. Grown out since his “wild” college days (we’re still trying to fact check that claim), the facial hair that made him big man on campus was older than my brother and me growing up. In his delusions of grandeur mind he looked like a young Mark Spitz. So you can imagine my shock when he decided to shave it off on a whim. My first reaction was horror, followed by the realization that he had a surprisingly small upper lip.
To celebrate Father’s Day and manly, mustachioed men everywhere, I found these soup strainer-inspired gifts. So whether he rocks a handlebar, walrus or The Groucho, here’s to swell dads everywhere.
Photo credit:
1. Mustache Magnet, MustacheStuff.com ($10.95)
2. Salvador Vase, Jonathan Adler ($98)
3. Gold Moustache Glasses, Bouf ($23.57 each)
4. Mustache Poet, Magnetic Poetry ($11.95)
5. Brass Muse Bottle Opener, Jonathan Adler ($98)
6. The Moustache Grower’s Guide, fredflare.com ($10.95)
7. Mustache Shaped Flask, Urban Outfitters ($18)
8. Great Moustaches Mug, Paper Source ($12.95)
9. Dad’s Mug, fredflare.com ($14)
10. Mustache Pillow Cover, Anyarwot Designs on Etsy ($18)
It’s not every day a girl kicks up her heels for reigning 60 years. This weekend Brits will be celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee!
To commemorate this royal engagement, I came across some lovely souvenirs fit for a queen. From cute cushions to an ever-so-British tea towel, these regal mementos are the perfect way to welcome her Majesty into your home. There’s even a solar-powered figurine that captures Queen Elizabeth’s ladylike, wrist-flicking wave when put in sunlight.
There’s no better time to celebrate the Queen. Because diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
Photo credit:
1. Union Jack Bunting, Osborn & William (£19.99, $30.81)
2. Diamond Jubilee Throw Pillow for Queen Elizabeth – Unicorn and Lion in Navy, Jan Constantine ($186)
3. Red, White and Blue Queen Cushion, Karen Hilton Designs on Etsy ($59)
4. God Save the Queen Extra Large Rectangular Tin, Liberty London (£16.50, $25.37)
5. Solar Queen Jubilee Edition, Kikkerland ($25)
6. Diamond Jubilee Platinum Mug, We Love British (£19.95, $30.73)
7. Queen’s Jubilee 2012 Tea Towel, Oliver Bonas ($19.35)
It’s June! The air is filled with love, wedding bells chiming and the sounds of taffeta rustling as bridesmaids begrudgingly slip on hideous matching dresses. Sigh.
Blushing brides-to-be looking for unique home accents should add this light to their registries (and Pinterest wedding boards). Leitmotiv’s Just Married Bundle Lamp ($213.92) is perfect for lovebirds moving into their new nest. The light’s namesake is from its resemblance to cans hanging from newlyweds’ bumper for good luck as they drive off to wedded bliss.
The contemporary pendant light is made of seven white metal cans hanging from 55″ red hardwired cords. It also comes in silver ($214.82), which more closely resembles real tin cans.
Do I promise to love and cherish this light from this day forward? I do.
Photo credit: Leitmotiv
