OMG! Alicia B. Designs has moved!

Yes, I've moved!  Its been a nice stay here on Blogger but I'm off to a new location, better looking, and more posts!

Get at me HERE.  

Alicia B. Designs

Duck, Duck, Uncle Goose

Remember playing with wooden blocks when you were younger?  I grew up with a great set of blocks but have you seen the toys kids have these days?  Everything has a button or a battery, right?  Well blocks just got cool again--Uncle Goose!  Uncle Goose sent me a set of their House Industries set of Big and Tall blocks for me to play with and decorate with.  They have tons of other patterns too, check them out HERE.

Not your ordinary blocks, huh?  They each have the numbers and letters from the House fonts archive. 

What is better than building a little tower with all these fun patterns? Nothing. 

A. B. C

The colors are really fun: green, orange, and black make for some really great buildings.  

I know my nephew, Teddy, would love these blocks.  They are handmade in Grand Rapids, MI, which is a huge plus (yay America) since everything is made in China these days.  The company was started in the CEO's garage!  These are great also for bookcase display or a little moment in a tray/ on a coffee table.  The possibilities are endless and good looking, too.  Thanks so much to Uncle Goose for these magnificent works of art.

Alicia B. 

An old trend that I love--Ombre

Double height ombre=double amazing. Also, ombre chandelier?  

I know ombre was cool about a year ago with hair, clothing, etc. but I love it in an interior.  I saw tons of accessories and furniture when ombre was hot hot hot but didn't see much of it installed. I am working on a friend's Living Room and she picked (so excited!) an ombre fabric for her living room drapery and I can't wait to see it come to life.  It's a really great way to bring subtle pattern or color into a room.  

David Collins (still amazing) nailed the ombre with the color at the top and the white/light part at the bottom. 

These gorgeous and fun colored ombre draperies are from Romo Black--The grey ones are the ones that I've picked for my friend.  

I just threw this one in for fun.  Ombre tiles are pretty hot too. I've seen a lot with little mosaic tiles but this one is bold yet subtle and a great color. 

This bright and cheery ombre is from BHG.  It really makes this light colored room quite happy and colorful!

Like I said, I know this was all the rage like a year ago but I really don't care (so don't think I just caught on).  I think trends like this (and ikat and animal print) keep going--just because the Kardashians don't have ombre hair anymore doesn't mean I don't still love an ombre panel.  What about you?  Are you still feelin' ombre?  All these can be found on my Pinterest by searching Ombre.  

Alicia B. 

Longitude & Gratitude

Gratitude--My husband planning my birthday party and this REDIC good cake!

As you may know, I just turned 30.  I know.  In my 20s, I used to freak out that I was too old whenever I'd have a birthday, but now that my 20's are behind me and I'm 30...IT'S AWESOME!!  I was fortunate enough to have most of my favorite people with me and my younger sister gave me these gorgeous bracelets that I wanted to share with you. They are called Longitude & Gratitude Surf Bracelets by jewelry designer Laura Lobdell and they are handmade silk scarves with different beaches and nautical locations on them and fastened with a shell. OBSESSED. 

This is my freckle covered arm with my awesome Surf Bracelets.  

See the longitude and latitude locations?  

They are meant to be worn a few at a time--so fun!

I love the name too, Longitude & Gratitude.  I am very grateful for my awesome life as a 30 year old and for my sweet sister for these bracelets!  Thanks for keeping me cool.  Laura Lobdell's store is located in Manhattan at 183 1/8th West 10th--get at it!  What are you all up to this weekend in the searing heat?  If you're up in Litchfield area in CT, check out gallery night in Lakeville--the Fran Gormley show in particular! It should not be missed.  

Alicia B. 

Looking for Art? Palette Earth is your answer

Wondering where I'll be this weekend?  Well, I'm going up to the Northwest Corner of CT to check out Fran Gormley's photography show at the White Gallery in Lakeville.  I am familiar with her work through my job and its so different from any other photography I've ever seen.

Fran Gormley, though afraid of heights, goes up in a helicopter and photographs the earth.

Are these not breathtaking?  The shot of deep blue is so stunning. 

I love the movement in this photograph. 

She does no color alterations on her photographs.  This green is so pretty and serene. 

Though I love the color ones but this neutral one is gorgeous.  The texture is so vivid. 

What do you all think?  I am just so drawn to these because they are not what you usually see in arial shots of the earth.  They appear like an abstract painting in some of them.  I'm also just blown away that this is what an ocean looks like, or a dessert, or a river looks like from above.  I'm really looking forward to the show this Saturday--check out The White Gallery for more information.  Also, take a look at Fran Gormley's website to see more of her beautiful work. 

Alicia B. 

Happy Birthday America!

I'm a super patriotic person and I love Summer so the 4th of July is a great holiday for me.  My sister and husband and I are going to Coney Island (I know, right.  Never been.) to see the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.  It's going to be very crazy, chaotic, and nothing is more patriotic than an eating contest.  I feel like all of Coney Island looks like one big Instagram picture--is that accurate?  Let's get our red white and blue on. 

I got a mani/pedi today but I didn't get these patriotic beauties. 

A casual and awesome outfit from J. Crew.  I plan on wearing a blue and white striped shirt with white jeans tomorrow. Maybe a red headband or coral necklace...

I suppose this is a famous ferris wheel on Coney Island??  Patriotic colors!  From HERE.  

Blue and white wallpaper and a red door.  Perfection. 

If you're looking for a good and non-cheesy way to decorate, try a flag! Simple and inexpensive. 

I'm quite excited to witness this hot dog eating contest and maybe even try a Nathan's Famous hot dog?  Maybe, lets not push it. I hope you all have a fantastic 4th of July and celebrate out amazing country.  Have a fun with family and friends and get your red white and blue on!

Alicia B.