GIFT GUIDE | VALENTINES DAY

I adore anything pink and Valentine's Day is the perfect holiday to celebrate this happy color.  I hope you enjoy shopping with this gift guide I put together.  Such adorable things for the ladies in your life.  

1.  Personalized Bedding, Napkins or guest towels.

Leontine linens is the epitome of chic.  Their coloring and monogram styling are just beautiful.  I would love that bottom pink number in my guest bathroom.

2.  Heart Jammies 

Roberta Roller Rabbit has the most comfortable, Pima Cotton PJ's you'll ever touch.  How obsessed would you be with your husband if he got matching, pink heart pajamas for you and your little one?  The perfect gift.

3.  A sweet pink friend

Pottery Barn Kids has the most adorable little doll.  Dressed in pink and white stripes, it is a great gift for your little one to cuddle with while eating a delicious heart cookie on Valentines Day.

4.  A Bright Fedora

Net-A-Porte updates a classic with this fun ribbon.  I usually wear solid bathing suits or bikini's on the beach so this would be a great accent.  

5.  Stationary

Parker Thatch nails it with this adorable elephant note card.  A fun gift for someone any age.

6.  Mini Resort Wear

Minnow Swim is my new go to for Georgia's swimwear.  The ruffles are so adorable on her chubby little body and the neutral palette is classic and perfect.  The above is my absolute favorite that she will be wearing all summer long.

7.  Earrings

Rebecca de Ravenel's drop earrings are still a go to of mine, even though they have been around for a while now.  I always try to scoop them up on sale through Moda when I can.  This color is pretty and will be great for spring wedding season and summer cocktails.

xx

VIOLET REVISITED

I wish I had a picture of my bedroom as a child.  It was a Mario Buatta-esque full canopy bed in purple chintz with matching chaise, framed by purple painted walls.  Denise even had a matching dress made for my favorite doll which sat on my perfectly purple, mini french desk chair.  It was a bedroom fit for a little princess and I was obsessed with it.  As an adult I never thought of incorporating this color into our work until recently.  Inspired by a few new clients we started envisioning a way to create sophisticated, feminine flair that wasn't pink.  Now we have two beautiful, chic rooms in this palette that we cannot wait to share.  Paired with gray or a lime green, it is an absolutely beautiful color.   Here are a few ways to incorporate this color in a minimal, subtle way..

Paint your walls!

This bathroom in one of Aerin Lauder's homes is absolutely beautiful.  The lavender walls are almost white - the paint is muted down to the perfect shade.    Paired with dull brass fixtures and a classic venetian mirror, this bath is simply elegant.  Paint is easy and inexpensive to change, especially in a smaller space.  This is the perfect, non comital way to add a pop of color in your home. 

On your windows!

How fun is the above dining room?   The lavender panels are an amazing accent paired with traditional gracie wallpaper.  Using a color like purple on your windows adds a punch of unexpected color.

Accessorize!

Lacquered boxes or porcelain is an easy way to add an on trend color to any room in your home.  Spice up your bedside or living room end tables with a pop of purple.  

As an accent fabric!

We love an ikat... especially a colorful one.  If you don't see yourself fully upholstering a chair in a colorful fabric, throw pillows are an easy way to add color.  The above living room by Ashely Whitaker is a great example of such.

xo

Missy

SOUTHERN CHARM STYLE

Given that tonight is the premier of our favorite reality tv show, I thought I would dedicate today's designer notes to one of the most beautiful, Charleston.  The architectural history in downtown Charleston is the reason why it is considered one of the most charming cities in America.  One glance down any unique alleyway will bring a smile to your face.  Each home has a special characteristic, a bold color, a beautiful window box accented by tropical palmetto trees.  The streets are filled with numerous architectural styles from Federal to Victorian.  Even the occasional Greek Revival.  A common style is called the Charleston Single House.  It is uncommon in that it is narrower street side than at it's side.  It is the perfect style for the cities long, narrow lots.   One look at any of the above pictures and you realize that Charleston is an absolute. precious. gem.

Top 5 spots to check out in Charleston for the interior design obsessed:

1.  George C. Birlant & Company
 Specializing in gorgeous English antiques.

2.  Fritz Porter
A collection of unique antiques, mixed with modern pieces.

3.   Indigo Market
They have a slew of palm beach regency pieces - aka bamboo galore.

4.  Charleston Revisions
For a more mid century modern style - this store is your forte. 

5.  Hagan Fine Art Ga& Studio
Beautiful artwork by up and coming designers.

Lastly, we can't talk about Charleston without discussing the queen bee herself, Patricia Astchul. The above photos, featured in architectural digest, show her ridiculously fantastic home.  Decorated by our buddy Mario Buatta this Charleston estate is the definition of Southern Chic.  The rooms are filled with ornate detail - patterns are mixed and colors are bold.   It is over the top, loud and amazing - just like Patricia herself. 

If you haven't already, grab your martini and check out this season of Southern Charm - tonight on Bravo at 9pm.  If you are Southern Style obsessed like myself you will absolutely adore it.

xo 

m