Winning Pixie

Kate Winslet has debuted a new 'do, and I'm a fan.

Absolutely stunning.

Hmm, wonder what made her do it?

Well, it is the highest form of flattery. Bold, brave, confident are a few of the words I would use to describe a woman rocking a pixie haircut. Society as a whole may not love a woman with a typically boy-ish coif. But I for one think it's awesome and love a little androgyny.

It helps that Kate Winslet is absolutely gorgeous and can pull off short or long, red, blonde or brunette...but maybe not blue...

Sorry, Clementine!

It's almost like a right of passage for many stars. They play with it for a little and then are back to their long, luscious locks. Here are some celebrities who have made it last and done it best:

Ginnifer Goodwin

Carey Mulligan

Emma Watson. Gorgeous, dahling!

And special nod must be given to the women who started it all. Is there really nothing new under the sun?

Twiggy

Mia

Tempted? ;)

Bachelor Pad: Take 2

Option one was well received, but a second choice has been requested. Fine by me, I had fun making a few minor tweaks to what may have been too much city for a boy living in the country. Again, all the items are from IKEA because when you're on a budget, it's all about using what's accessible. And if you're not into rummaging through antique shops or garage sailing and are looking for a quicker fix, then IKEA is probably the way to go.

Decorating is a process, and to some it is an intimidating one. But look at it as an opportunity to make your place somewhere you can't wait to come home to. I am constantly adding and subtracting based on my mood or things that inspire me, I like to think of the home as a sanctuary; an escape from the crazies of everyday life! 'Cuz there's a lot of 'em.

Back to the room! Although it is a little more difficult to find pieces that embody a more rustic aesthetic since IKEA is known for their contemporary furniture, it can be accomplished. With this look I was going for natural colors and played off the subjects of the black and white photos. My brother lives in Portland where there a beautiful tall trees, lush green forests, and clean flowing rivers....ahhh! Wish I was there.

Now keep in mind that this is a guy's apartment, so less is more. I basically just swapped color palettes, but it's amazing how that can totally shift the feeling of a room:

Never Too Late, to Honor What's Great

My recent discovery of an amazing designer has made me feel all giddy inside. And although I came across him about a month ago when I saw his collection for New York Fashion Week, he is beyond worth sharing about today. If I had to predict, I would say that this guy is here to stay and will have many fashion weeks to come...I mean, let the pure beauty speak for itself:

Vintage inspired, but with a modern edge; it doesn't get much better in my eyes.

Cashmere double-breasted coat? Check, please!

Sigh.

Timeless sophistication without being excessive; chic in every sense of the word.

Gordon graduated from Central St. Martins University of Art and Design in London where alumni include Stella McCartney and the late Alexander McQueen. He went on to hone his skills under Tom Ford and Oscar de la Renta, who's jealous? This man is destined to be an icon. Needless to say, I cannot wait to see what he sends down the runway next!

See Wes Gordon's full collection here and check out his website here.

Meanwhile, I'll be breaking my piggy bank for one of those coats.

Surprise, Surprise!

Surprise, Surprise! Alright, so I haven't kept up with blogging like I wanted to, although I did keep up with reading many other blogs and my love for home design is bigger and better than ever. And I'm back because I guess I feel like I have something to share.

So, for the first time I started thinking how I would design a space that wasn't for me. Usually, I walk into a room and think how I might rearrange things or incorporate things into it that I would love or would make me most comfortable. I've also thought about how I would design a space for a family one day. Or, I'll see a photo in a magazine or one of my favorite design blogs and see it through the lens of how I m

ay edit it to make it my own.

My brother is looking to spice up his life and make his stinky apartment (no offense) into a swanky bachelor pad. He's on the right track and has picked up some good staples from the local IKEA; the infamous LACK coffee table and matching TV console (which I incorporated in my design scheme), but I thought I'd map out a visual of what the place may look like at its fullest potential. I wish I had pictures of the before, but here is what the grand reveal will look something like...

All items are from IKEA and very affordable, cost is always one of my main concerns. Second surprise of the day: it does not take a ton of money to have a nice place to live! Anyone can do it.

I stuck with clean, modern lines-but with a little curve in the side table- and then added in some good texture- tweed sofa, shaggy carpet- and a much needed splash of color- I think the bright orange and punch of blue in the carpet off set each other nicely. The patterned pillows mix things up a bit with their almost-tribal theme.

My brother mentioned wanting to hang some black and white photos that I took, so I thought a more earthy theme would go nicely with the overall modernness of the other pieces.

For paint colors, it's best to stick to cool neutrals and nothing too bold, there's enough going on everywhere else. The standing paper lamp sort of wraps things up in what I like to call a simple (but fun) midcentury day in the city park with Ansel Adams, ya like?

This was a lot of fun to dream up, and even more fun to try to figure out what my brother would feel most comfortable coming home to everyday...maybe I'll tackle his bedroom next. Watch out, other family members!

P.S. Is it weird that I sort of hope he hates it so I can go back to the drawing board?

-Janet