Gilty

 Have you ever seen a product and been inspired to make your own version of it?  Of course you have--many design bloggers like to try their hand at making things themselves.  We are a creative bunch. As you may know, I have always been inspired by Diane Von Furstenberg.  She's just simply fabulous and her brand is always coming out with new designs for clothing as well as home goods for me to wish I had.  

 I spotted these beautiful salad bowls when I was registering for my wedding but went with the classic plain wooden bowl instead. I haven't been able to get them out of my head even 9 months after my wedding.  

Anyway, my project started with a completely plain Jane wooden tray that I picked up at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market.  I found Martha Stewart gold paint at Home Depot and some blue painter's tape and taped off the area in some jazzy zebra style stripes. 

Here is the Martha Stewart Metallic Paint.  I chose Golden Pearl but there are a few other metallic colors if you are looking for a different finish. 

Once the tape was down, the painting started.  I did about 3 coats of it so that it looked thick and rich.

Taking the tape off (slowly) after the paint had dried was the most fun part. 

All the tape is off and the gold is shiny and fabulous!

I painted the sides too so that the paint extended over the edge. Little Touches. Little Details. 

I'm not sure what I'll use it for yet.  For a month it was sitting on the counter holding my spices but now that it's so pretty, I might just use it for parties as a serving tray.  Bar tray? My last step that I have yet to complete is to put a varnish on it to protect the gold paint and to just finish it off.  What do you all think??

Alicia B.

Diane Von Furstenburg literally does everything.

As you may know, I am a huge admirer of Diane Von Furstenburg. I think that she's a remarkable person and had done a lot in the world of fashion and as a woman. My sister gave me her autobiography for my birthday and I read her incredible story. She grew up in very favorable circumstances, knew the right people etc, but she didn't squander all that--she used these things to her advantage and built an empire.


It all started with her classic little wrap dress back in the 70's and now the wrap dress has become an icon. It's great because it's easy to wear and looks great on all body types--this is exactly why DVF loved it so much.

First of all, I love a good library and this one is exquisite. The fact that it requires ladders makes me want to climb up them and get all Beauty and the Beast on them.

Nothing is more inspirational than a designers office. Especially when she's wearing a wrap dress. The rug is incredible, right?

Oh look, another desk. I'd love a large table (and a design studio) like this for fabrics and clients' projects.

I think my heart is about to explode. Animal print rug? Globe on a stand? Trunk? Lip print?

Now shes gone and made all my dreams come true and come out with a home collection. I was invited (she called me up and told me i HAD to be there but I couldn't make it because of school) to the launch at Bloomingdales--did anybody go? I'm completely enamored with her collection and love nearly everything. I even registered for some items for my wedding!!

If you've registered anywhere lately, it is SLIM PICKINGS for cute napkin rings. These, however are ridiculously cute. They are perfectly summery and would be great on a fresh warm tablescape.

There is also a serious lack of attractive salad bowls out in the world right now. I love the rich dark color of the wood and the edgy gold accent. Gorgeous.

And oh, BEDDING. My favorite thing. Some girl like shoes; I like duvets. The Butterfly Duvet is on sale right now for $149!

I love this girly watercolor inspired duvet. Such a pretty color palette on Rainbow Garden Duvet.

What do you all think about her collection? I think we all know what I think. I just find DVF so inspirational. She too went through a lot of difficulties in her personal life and her career. I'm so glad that she's back and expanding her brand. At Fashion's Night Out a few months ago, my fiance and I dropped by her store and saw her and then Anna Wintour and she walked right by me! It. Was. Life. Changing.

UPDATE: Here is an amazing article courtesy of Raina!

Alicia B.