Striped Wall McGee

A friend slash client of mine told me the other day that she has this small hallway in her apartment that she wanted to paint navy blue. I LOVED the idea but suggested that she really do something fun and paint vertical stripes. She loves nautical style and I THINK she took to the idea. In any case it would be a really fun project. Let's check out the competition.

This is obviously wallpaper but i LOVE the effect. Also the bedframe is stunning.

I like the wide stripe. It's simple and graphic against the saw horse style desk situation.

I would never do this in a master bedroom, but in a guest bedroom it would be fun and special. Also a great idea with that type of ceiling--it increases the ceiling height.

This is perfection for a small space. The alternating stripe expands the small space. From AT.

I LOVE how the stripe extends to the ceiling. The light stripe is fun and accentuated the height of the ceiling. From Lamps Plus.

I will totes let you know how it goes with my friend. I know the project will be labor intensive but it could be really fun. It's a small space and the perfect moment for a crazy decorating adventure. BTW all these pics are from pinterest (thank youuuu) except for the last one.

Alicia B.

Happy 2012

J. Crew, you're perfect.

I'm not going to lie when I say that I'm excited for 2012. I love the idea of a fresh start even though New Years is a huge cliche. I know that any day you can make a fresh start but now I have an excuse. I do not care for making new years resolutions because they only point out that anything that you did in the past year was a huge mistake and that you screwed up an entire 365 days. I like to think more positively.

I'm going to set 3 goals: 1, think more positively. Seems easy right?

2, do more yoga; I really would like to learn how to relax more. On a beach preferably.

3, See a Broadway show!

I think these are really fun and actually attainable goals. If I don't meet them, that's okay. WHAT are your New Years Resolutions? Anything fun? On a POSITIVE note, even though 2011 left me extremely stressed out, I married the love of my life so I am very thankful for that. I know, awwww.


Alicia B.

One Stop for Last Minute Gifts

I have your answer for a last minute gift: DVF. I was strolling through the Meatpacking district yesterday after our office Christmas lunch and went into DVF. As per usual, I found about 400 things I wanted but 0 that I should be buying for myself right before Christmas. These are practical but super chic ideas; no hipster bearded hats here (sorry those are hideous).

I picked this up and opened it and fell in love. I want this Raffia clutch.

I love this shade of green and this cute flirty lopsided heart belt buckle. Get me one.

I was totally blown away by their travel accessories. Luggage, ipad and computer cases etc. ALL good looking and nicely designed--typical. Look at that fun red interior!

A travel adapter in a zipper case with a tassel? Just amazing design. Only 98 dollars.

I would LITERALLY buy a $500 iphone to see this phrase every day. Only $28!!

I love a good old fashioned key holder too. Apparently this is for coins but I would link my keys to this. You would NEVER have to scrounge around your purse looking for it.

And also, WHO would like to buy this for me for New Years Eve? Thanks!!

These are great gifts, right? Perfect for a (high end) stocking stuffer or the 8th day of Channukah. Anyhoo, we are off to CT for Christmas for my first Christmas with my new husband! I'm so excited to be sharing my favorite holiday with him. Have a happy holiday, Merry Christmas, eat tons of cookies, give and receive graciously, and enjoy time with your friends and family.

Alicia B.

Tree Topper Inspiration

Hi! I'm back! My husband and I went to Ireland and then things got busy. Anyway, we bought our first Christmas Tree together and though it's small, it's beautiful. I realized that we don't have a tree topper! I know, scandal. I grew up with a Santa and Rudoph on top of our tree and didn't realize how tacky it was until a few years ago, but we've had it forever and I feel like it would be a crime to change it.


This is our tree and I tied a pretty red and green ribbon on the top. I've tried to find a great tree topper but all I have found is tacky and scary. Yes, I made the world's smallest blue tartan tree skirt.

Here is a non denominational tree topper: a snowflake. It doesn't really feel like Christmas though but I appreciate the nod to winter. Canadian House and Home.

A nest! This tree is all about birds and nature with the nest as the topper and cardinal and pine cone ornaments. From Country Living.

Gold and blue color themed trees are pretty in concept but look a bit contrived in real life. I like the gold star on the top though--simple. Also from CL.

Oh look, another blue and gold tree. This one from Martha is covered entirely in glass ball ornaments (I had to retype that 3 times) and is topped with another gold star. I love the star on the top--thanks Martha!

This one is more my style. Just tie a bow of this fun upholstery ribbon on the top of the tree for a rustic and original DIY look. From Better Homes & Gardens.

Last but not least is the magnificent tree with a peacock on top. I just said PEACOCK. This tree is OTT--over. The. Top. Bananas. I love the idea of this but I don't know how one would find a mini faux peacock to put on a tree. HERE.

So, my husband wants to buy us a nice tree topper but I love the tartan red and green bow. I would love a star or an angel though so we shall see. What do you use on your tree?


Alicia B.

Happy Thanksgiving!

There are so many things to be thankful for this year. My husband and I will be celebrating our first Thanksgiving as a married couple, alone, as my entire family seems to have fled to the midwest or can't leave the midwest. I will be sure to take lots of pictures of our first Thanksgiving.

Eddie Ross. Tasteful Abundance.

Anyway, I'm thankful for a lot of things: My husband, my (expanding--no, not me!!!) family, my health, my friends, stuffing and pie, interior design, the Christmas season, and so many other things that you would get bored. What are you thankful for?


Alicia B.

Glad for Plaid.

One of the many things I love about Autumn and Winter is that there is more plaid to be seen. I mean flannel, tartan, and plaid. Whenever I see it it looks cozy and warm and makes me feel like cashmere is wrapped around my heart. I recently had to shop for a client's Colorado house and saw tons of great tartan plaids. Very inspiring and festive.

I would love a day bed like the one here. This looks like a very relaxed sitting room--I guess my little loveseat will have to do for now with brown windowpane plaid.

What a great office. Betsy Burnham in LA has a fantastic workspace with a ton of books and a green tartan pillow! Pillows are versatile and you can change them out when summer comes and you want something lighter.

This is from Hank Azaria's house in AD and the drapery is Sandra Jordan! She had the best line of plaids but I can't seem to find them online. What a cozy office meeting room...for poker games.

As I used to work in a lighting showroom, I loved to see which fabrics designer's used on lampshades. These are very seasonal and the great thing about lampshades is that you can switch them depending on the season! From Living etc.

Ahhh, my favorite house in Newport RI. John Peixinhos's home is a constant inspiration to me. This is such a simple entry and I love the plaid next to the elegantly worn oriental rug. From HB.

Autumnal tablescape! I love the lavender and maize plaid blanket used as a table cloth here. Great idea.

Speaking of tablescapes, Eddie Ross designed this gorgeous Thanksgiving table. This is making me even more excited for Thanksgiving. The unexpected and non traditional Thanksgiving colors make this table really stand out.

Plaid, plaid, plaid and a little dog. Preppy and British looking, yes?

Are you going to add some plaid to your home this fall/winter? When in doubt, you can just add a pillow or a tablecloth. In the image above, the pillow is a green silk pillow with a huge plaid ribbon tied around it. That would be great decoration for a holiday party. Can't wait to decorate for our first holiday party!

Alicia B.