FASHION: Blues

Hi everyone! This is Adri of Adri's World. I'm very happy to be here with my first contributing post to MADE BY GIRL. Let's get started, shall we?
 

Although we are still in deep summer weather, I wanted to introduce you to a color that made almost all the runway shows for this upcoming Fall season—from Valentino and Gucci to Chanel and Prada. Blue, in all it's shades and beauty! 

 

I've begun to see blue in boutiques here in NYC and I'm loving that it's made it's way back! Blue is one of those colors that looks great paired with any hue. Wear it with denim in different shades or make a bold statement with black and white.

Those Dolce & Gabbana striped sunglasses, a cobalt blue silk top from Madewell paired with denim and that Rebecca Minkoff bag and you are ready for a day of fun! How about adding a touch of color to any outfit with those Zara sandals and that amazing House of Harlow necklace or maybe just a pop of color with an Electric Blue Dior manicure!

I think I'm ready to add more blue to my wardrobe! How about you, is blue a color for you?

1.dolce & gabbana sunglasses, 2.house of harlow necklace, 3.zara sandals, 4.dior nail polish, 5.madewell silk cami, 6.rebecca minkoff bag

-post by adri

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DESIGN: MONOGRAM BEDDING

Hi lovelies!  Sam here, from The Peak of Tres Chic, back for another lovely dose of decor!

My fiance and I are beginning to register for our March 2014 nuptials (so exciting!) and one thing that's definitely on our list is new bedding.  I have always loved a good monogram, and have been loving all the monogrammed bedding popping up:

{Leontine Linens}

{Eric Cohler}

{La Dolce Vita}

{Lonny Mag}

{Lynn Morgan Design}

{Atlanta Homes}

Leontine Linens is a luxury monogram bedding company and the stuff my dreams are made of.  Unfortunately, it would break my bank to order a few pillow cases!  An affordable and chic alternative is Garnett Hill.  They have many pretty duvet covers and sheet sets that can be custom monogrammed for you.  Here are a few of my other favorite bedding options:

Shop Monograms:

1.) Monogram Pillow Navy Linen $100/ 2.) Standard Sham Monogram Pillow $88/3.) Scalloped Duvet Cover $416/4.) Garnett Hill Standard Sateen Sheet Set with Monogram Personalization $50/ 5.) Monogrammed White Pillow $80/6.) 2 Matouk Monogrammed Pillow Cases $55.90

Do you love monograms as much as I do?  Would you ever monogram your bedding?

-post by samantha penner

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DIY: Trim Wrap Bracelet

Hi, it's Stephanie from Henry Happened back with another DIY. I did tell you I loved bracelets, right? Well, I wasn't lying! Read on for the tutorial on how to make the easiest wrap bracelet ever. These DIY bracelets are great for teenagers!

  

 Have you ever roamed the trim section at JoAnns? No?! Well, you might be surprised at the selection of ribbon, lace, and even fur trim you can find. The bright colors of this trim called to me (yes, it even has studs!) so naturally I found a way to make it into a simple wrapped bracelet. 

 

What you'll need for your own wrap bracelet:

• About 1/2 a yard of whatever trim you like. Go with a neon studded one or try a Greek key, floral or Baroque pattern. I'm telling ya - there's a ton to choose from!
• Sticky back Velcro
• Scissors

 

First, measure your wrist with the trim. I like a 3 wrap bracelet but position it how you like it on your arm and then cut the length. 

 

Then take the Velcro and cut a piece to fit the size of your trim. 

  

Attach the sticky side to each end of the trim, and, voila!, you are done. The Velcro closure is a bit of a miracle because I can never manage to get my bracelets on with one hand. Please tell me I'm not the only one? 

 

Wear the bracelets on their own or make a couple and stack them together.

  

What kind of bracelet stack are you planning to wear this spring?

-post and images by stephanie gerber

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Food: Coconut & Peanut Butter Date Truffles

Hey guys! Its Teann from Teann Ingram Photography. Do you ever have days where you need a pick-me-up snack? Those mid afternoon yawns are such a drag. Most turn to coffee or pop to awaken the mind but I find I feel way better when I eat something instead. These Date Truffles are just the snack to keep your mind going till the end of the work day! 

They are super easy to make and you can add any type of flavoring you want, plus they are all natural and made without sugar and with only a few ingredients :) Below are the recipes for Coconut Date Truffles and Peanut Butter Date Truffles. If you're not a date person, not to worry, all you taste is the goodness of coconut and peanut butter. Yum!

Coconut Truffles - (Makes about 6)

2 cup of dates, pitted

1/4 cup of Almonds, roughly chopped

1/4 cup coconut oil

1 1/2 shredded coconut, unsweetened

1. Start by quickly going through the dates making sure there are no pits left. Even if you buy them already pitted, there are sometimes pieces of the pit hiding. This quick step will save your food processor blade :)

2. Place the dates into the food processor and process until the dates form a large ball. Tear the dates into smaller pieces and add the coconut oil, shredded coconut and almonds. Pulse until combined. You can also use your hands to knead the coconut oil, coconut and almonds together with the dates.

3. Here you can either form truffles or bars. Whichever you prefer :)

Peanut Butter Truffles - (Makes about 6)

2 cup of dates, pitted

1/4 cup of almonds, roughly chopped

1/2 cup natural peanut butter, crunchy

1. Start by quickly going through the dates making sure there are no pits left. Even if you buy them already pitted, there are sometimes pieces of the pit hiding. This quick step will save your food processor blade :)

2. Place the dates into the food processor and process until the dates form a large ball. Tear the dates into small pieces and add the peanut butter and almonds. Pulse until combined. You can also use your hands to knead the peanut butter and almonds together with the dates.

3. Here you can either form truffles or bars. Whichever you prefer :)

-post by teann ingram

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Design: Coastal Accents

Hi MadebyGirl readers!  It's Sam from The Peak of Tres Chic here, back for another decor post.  Around this time of year, I begin dreaming of summer.  The warm weather, lying by the pool, beach vacations, and evening soirees occupy my mind and help me get through these last few cold months of winter.  Needless to say, my mind has been focused on all-things-coastal, especially beach-inspired interiors:

{Munger Interiors}

{Coastal Living}

{Lonny Mag}

{Lonny Mag}

I am so delighted to see so many fabulous coastal accents in stores lately!  Here are a few of my favorites:

Shop This Board:

1.) Large Pink Sea Fan $38/2.) Jamie Young Mother of Pearl Table Lamp $299/3.) Phi Seaweed Starfish Hook Pillow $48/4.) Jayson Home Cabebe Shell Dish $44 .) European Seltzer Bottles $80/6.) Chunky Coral on Glass Base $50

Are you ready for warmer weather like me?  Any beach vacations planned?

-post by samantha penner

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Fashion: Emerald Green

Hi everyone!  Kat here from With Love From, Kat. Today's post is all about the Pantone color of the year; Emerald.  Emerald is a color of love, beauty, and prosperity.  

I adore this color because it looks good against every skin tone and every hair color.  I don't own nearly enough emerald so after I finished this post I ordered #3 and #7!  I'm excited to start wearing these pieces because they are season-less and can be dressed up or dressed down. 

 Which pieces are your favorite?

1.  Michael Kors clutch

2.  Alexander McQueen scarf

3.  Kendra Scott earrings

4.  BCBG blazer

5.  Alice and Olivia heels

6. Joie blouse

7.  Gerard Yosca necklace

-post by Kat Tanita

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Steal Her Style

Hi everyone! It's Carlinn here from Superficialgirls and today I am going to show you how to steal some Fashion Week style!

New York fashion week has gone by in a flurry of snow and gorgeous outfits and even a blizzard couldn't keep the stylish crowd from the shows! I especially love this bright yellow look that Nicole from Gary Pepper wore. It stood out so well with the snow behind it and it is definitely a change from the darker shades you usually see in fashion when the weather is cold.

A cute DIY way to mimic her fruit sweater is to use any one you have already and buy a fruit applique to iron on to it. Its a great way to save money and stay on trend!

1. Camilla & Marc trousers
2. White collar shirt from Topshop
3. Asos pointed white heels
4. Pear applique from Embroidery delight
5. Christopher Kon clutch
6. J. Crew Tippi sweater
7. Yellow coat from Farfetch


-post by carlinn

 

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Design: In Red

What better way to start off the month than by pulling together some of my favorite Valentine themed decor for you all?! Hi everyone, Katie here once again from H2 Design. When I think of Valentine's Day, I envision lots of roses, hearts, and of course, the color of love; RED! So... let's get started!

1 - LOVE rules without rules poster / 2 - LOVE pillow / 3 - ROSE porcelain candlestick / 4 - live LOVE pillow / 5 - saarinen-style armchair with RED seat / 6 - RED smeg refrigerator / 7 - pyrite HEART / 8 - RED trimmed vermelho dinnerware / 9 - ROSE scroll rug / 10 - RED tripod table/floor lamp / 11 - OLIVE EWE print

And don't forget all of the fantastic LOVE themed art over at Jen's shop. This is her specialty! My picks are GOLD LIPS and LOVE LANGUAGES. Don't miss out!

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Emerald Green is IN

Hi everyone, Katie here from H2 Design. And yes, by now we all know that emerald is supposedly the color of the year. But I have to admit... I wasn't completely sold on the idea immediately. 

So to help persuade myself, I gathered together some examples of successful spaces that use the trending emerald in varying doses; as an allover color (WOW!), in moderation through key anchor pieces, and as a refreshing accent.

Miles Redd via House Beautiful.

Matthew Bees via House Beautiful.

Okay... I think this plush emerald sofa (pictured above) may be calling my name?!

Nickey Kehoe. Photography Amy Neusinger.

Nathan Turner.

House to Home.

I'm personally more comfortable with the latter; decorating with emerald in moderation. How do you all feel about the color of the year? Yay or nay?

Below I've pulled together some fun emerald toned accents to sprinkle throughout your homes...

1 - Emerald Vase, Terrain / 2 - Amazon Moss, Benjamin Moore / 3 - Emerald City, Liza Hathaway Matthews / 4 - Esme Glass Lamp, Stray Dog Designs / 5 - fabric / 6 - D.L. Rhein Basket Weave Pillow, Zinc Door / 7 - Zebra Pillow, Dwell Studio / 8 - Sanitraner Print, Anthropologie / 8 - Emerald, Glassy Baby

-post by katie hackworth

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Design: Christmas at Target

Drew back, sharing with you a little Christmas time decor. I know all of you have been surrounded by advertisements of the Target and Neiman Marcus collection! I even bet some of you got up super early to dash into the store to grab some of your favorite items from some of the most well known fashion and design experts! 

These are just a few of my favorites from the collection, as well as some other Target pieces that will go quite nice with your other items. 

No Target in your city? Head online and get them before they're gone!

1) Frame

2) Glitter Reindeer

3) Pom Pillow

4) Trinket Box

5) Snow Globe

6) Glasses

7) Letter Opener

8) Dinner Set

9) Antler Glass Bowl

10) Ornaments

-post by drew humphries

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Fashion: Chunky Knits

Hey! Its Casie Mace from Whipped Style blog! This lone inspiration image from The Mod Rockers has sparked an impressive obsession with chunky knits for me. Chunky knits are such a great way to add a texture to your look that's as chic as it is cozy. And trust me, they're oh-so-cozy. 

Now that we're in true fall weather & heading into Winter soon, I'm crazy excited to bundle up with some knits! You certainly can't beat a piece that's perfect with some boyfriend jeans and pointy pumps, leather leggings or… loungy sweatpants! 

   

1. Echo Fringed Knit Scarf 2. T BY Alexander Wang Acid-wash chunky-knit wool sweater 3. Top Shop Knitted Button Cable Jumper 4. Rvca Cozy Beat Sweater 5. Topshop Marled Sweater Infinity Scarf 6. Textured Fingerless Cashmere Gloves

-post by casie mace

 

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Decor: Soft Glamour

Hi everyone! It's Amanda. I was so inspired by Jen's NYC closet awhile back I thought I'd style a room with a soft glamour feel. I'm sure I speak for most when I say, I wish I had a huge walk-in closet! 

Lucky for those that do! But if you have that extra space.. what better way to add all your favorite pinks, blush and peach tones in a single dream room! (especially when you don't live alone) It's like the perfect girl cave - only extra chic.

via Traditional Home

via Lonny Mag

1 New York Print | 2 Ethel Armchair | 3 Peaks and Valleys Wallpaper - Midnight | 4 Feather Headdress Wall Decor | 5 Non Je Regrette Rien Print | 6 Side Table | 7 Ramio-Velvet Pillow | 8 Reactive Glass Lamp | 9 Muse Bowl | 10 NARS Acapulco Candle | 11 Black Lacquer Commode | 12 Fendi Baguette Book | 13 Moss Cobble Balls

-post by amanda dietz

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Decor: small space ideas

Hi guys! Drew's back! I've been inspired by Jen's recent moving news & thought I would show you a perfect little living space that would fit her small-living needs in the big city. 

Alvhem Makleri has the PERFECT space to get your ideas rolling for small living quarter ideas. Think lots of white with creative storage units, shelving and touches of color added throughout the space in decor.

Having a SMALL space definitely doesn't mean it can't be functional and stylish! Take a look at these rooms and you'll see how creative and innovative they really get!

                  

Here are a few key items you can look for and purchase when looking to decorate for a small, but design-worthy apartment or living space:

1) Z Gallerie Magazine Tote
2) Anthropologie Hook
3) Urban Outfitters Case
4) Addonovo Sectional

5) Ikea Shelving Unit

6) Dash and Albert Rug

7) Z Gallerie Kitchen Table & Chairs

-post by drew humphries

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