Crate & Barrel and West Elm are back in my good graces.

Let me define that: Crate & Barrel has never actually been in my good graces. I've always thought of Crate & Barrel as chunky dark wood furniture and primary colored fabrics (ick). They seem to be making a comeback with a softer look with great textiles and a little more style. As for West Elm I think they got caught up in the whole Parsons style everything and lost sight of...everything. Both companies are getting my attention lately--do you want to see why?

West Elm is now doing fabric by the yard. I love this print, the paisley, and a fun ikat that they're doing. Very pretty only $30 per yard.

I'm lukewarm on chalkboard paint--I think it's being over used. BUT, I love this desk lamp. You know I love color...and yellow, so this industrial task lamp is perfect for me!

This grey weathered wood is so hot right now. I approve of this Cucina Sideboard from Crate and Barrel. It has a nice wine rack in it and looks like it has actual character put into it.

I am looking to spruce up my bedding and duvet situation and this is pretty, yellow, and light feeling. Definitely on my list! From West Elm: Bazaar Duvet Cover.

A client of mine almost bought this chair: the Carly. I appreciate the grey wood and not dark wood used in this chair and the feminine fabric. Put a bird on it?

I don't know if I would use this in my apartment myself but I think the open but geometric feeling to it is wonderful. It doesn't have to be chunky to be geometric. This is the Display Coffee Table from West Elm.

As a traditionalist at heart, I love this Windsor Chair. It's a fun modern twist on a classic style chair. I wonder how comfortable this is. Good work West Elm!

Not that this is a competition (even though everything is...), I think West Elm is coming out on top. They're brought a ton of character to their line while Crate and Barrel is bringing in a little bit of a soft feminine flair although I think they need to commit to it much more. What do you all think?

Alicia B.

Striped? Solid? or Patterns? So many Choices!

OY. Sorry Horchow, but you're scaring me. Yuck.

I love buying new sheets, so I've been on a mad hunt for the perfect sheet-set. This means, affordable, good quality, and good looking. All of the sheets I have now are solid (pink) or white with a pink embroidered stripe from the late Hold Everything. Tear. Anyway, I've had my eye on some cute blue flowered patterned sheets. I haven't had patterned sheets since I was a girl and they were flannel with little pink roses (I think) and it's time to bring them back. Here is a mini guide to some fun/luxurious bedding; some striped, some solid, and most patterned.

If you're going to go with a solid sheet, you had better go with something high end. Sheets of Egyptian cotton? YUP. These are 100% cotton sateen from Frette--the Doppio Ajour Bedset. And guess what? They're on sale starting for $450!


Or, if you have a soul or a conscience or something, you could go for eco friendly bedding at Cuddle Down. I think they have more affordable eco/organic bedding at Target or The Company Store.

A menswear inspired stripe for this Ralph Lauren bedding. Cole Brook Stripe and they're on sale too! These look quite comfortable; like those button down cotton menswear pj's!

Classic Ralph Lauren dark but cozy looking patterned sheets. Cote D'Azure.

Imagine yourself in these...OMG how soft and luxurious! Sferra Flores Jacquard bedding made in ...Italy. YUM.

These are fun yet delicate looking sheets from Schweitzer Linen. Schweitzer Linen is probably my ultimate goal in bedding. Their stores are so pretty with nice clean white lace sheets and pillows....These are Ascot in Sorbet color.

I like the trellis-y pattern on these from Gumps. Or maybe it was the huge pillows that caught my eye...whichever. Lulu DK Bedding HERE.

These caught my eye at Crate and Barrel and I believe they are on sale too! I love this pattern--super busy and fun and they're Marimekko! There are a few other variations, too.

What sort of bedding are you drawn to? I'm sort of straying from the hotel style bedding. The clean and crisp feeling of it is wonderful but lately I'm drawn to a busier pattern. Something about it feels super cozy.

Alicia B.

Trimming the Tree Alicia B. Style

Martha Stewart tree.

Trimming the tree is one of my favorite things to prepare for Christmas. My sisters and I take turns putting up ornaments to make sure that everyone gets an equal amount (or someone ends up crying or hitting each other). It's like a storybook Christmas (It really is.) This year however, I am forced to be a workaholic and work on Christmas Eve so my family will decorate the tree without me (dagger to my heart). My favorite ornaments have a history or are the ones that I have made over the years; a giant construction paper Santa that is not easy on the eyes, Mary and Joseph made out wooden spoons, etc. I also love the vintage ones that my parents grew up with, too. They are so beautiful. Here are some fun cute ornaments I found...I guess I have to live vicariously through my blog. Sigh.

A German tradition (though we are not German) is to hide the green pickle in the tree branches. My younger sister hides it every year and we are caught searching for it for way too long. This one from Oriental Trading Company for $4.99. Also can get them at Crate and Barrel.

How cute is the little Squirrel Nutkin from Conran Shop? For $19.50.

Pretty and makes a beautiful noise; these bells from Vivaterra for $24.00.

Surprisingly cute Sock Monkey Ornaments from Gumps. Set of 4 for $24.99

Faux Fur mink coat Ornaments from Ballard Design. Set of Six for $12.00! If only I had one in life size, and not faux. Ahhh.

Classic vintage ornament from Etsy seller JunkyardGypsy. $20 for four boxes! I love these vintage ones mixed in with regular ornaments. They add such a beautiful, festive, and traditional look.

Mini Munchkin Mice from Crate and Barrel for 17.95. Oh. God. These mice in hats are KILLING ME with cute.

Adorable Cabin Ornament from Anthropologie for $12.60 I keep seeing these fabric ornaments and I'm loving them.

Well, looking on the bright side, I won't be there to get in fights with my sisters and I still get to hear my father read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Tear.


Alicia B.