Put on a Skirt!

I am so sorry that I have been so lax in my posting. I think I finally have the hang of the internship after this first week … so look forward to tons of posts to come!

I would say that much of the chaos that has lead to me not posting has been trying to get myself moved in at W’s apt. Where as I am not one of those girls with loads of clothes and shoes, W is (well, a boy that is). We have had quite the struggle getting my things to fit into his apartment. And then last night, while I was cursing the depth of the drawers in his antique dresser, it dawned on me … the man has absolutely no storage. Well, yes, he has a closet, and of course one small dresser and a desk … but there isn’t a single bookshelf in the whole apartment! It’s not so much that I am struggling to find a place to put clothes, its that I’m struggling to find a place to put “things.” Like a jewelry box, my second pair of sunglasses, the little box filled with my business cards, my camera. You know, all those “things” that need little drawers and little shelves so that they can be put away!?! Well I am struggling for that space … however, I may have solved the problem.
Now, now, now, I know what you all are thinking… ugh lacquered life!–that girl has had too much time off … but please, you all know me better than that. This All Purpose Shelf Table from Wisteria is $149, and has a great little nook for putting “stuff.” 
 
This beveled glass top, also at Wisteria, is $79. 
Add this chic $99 belgian linen table cloth, and voila! 


A cute table that can be used to store all of those really annoying little things that have nowhere to go!  Now I know what you’re thinking … $149 +$79 + $99 = $327. I have not struck it rich either, do not worry. But I have a thought … 
Jefferson Driftwood linen at Calico Corners, $23.99/yard = $48
Arrow Fastener Mini Glue Gun at Home Depot = $4.97 … which brings the grand total to $93, to have a chic entry way table! Now, granted I did not factor in a beveled glass top, b/c I don’t think you need it, and you will have to hem the edges of the fabric, but other than that, you should be able to make an amazing little side table or entry way table for storing all sorts of good stuff!
  
Photos courtesy of Grant K. Gibson “the Blog”  
You could even add some grosgrain trim with your glue gun, like Grant Gibson did in his San Francisco Apartment. In his apartment he uses a table and skirt to hide things underneath … a little differently than my bookcase scheme, but in a similar vein! The moral of this story is that there is absolutely nothing that a good table skirt cannot hide. Period. 

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The People Ride in a Hole in the Ground …

Back from Charleston, and done in Philadelphia … for the summer. So excited to be back in NYC, my favorite city of all, for four months of heaven. Well, I will be doing a required internship for my masters degree, but at least I’m in THE city. 
Recently, my friends at Chic Coles blogged about the opening of an additional branch of HB Home here in NYC. I have loved the Westport store for many moons, and I even persuaded W to buy a couch there. 
Being back in NYC for a full four months, I am really excited that the new location is on the corner of 74th and Lex,  just a few blocks from W’s apartment, and across the street from Vivolo … one of my favorite UES takeout spots.
I have recently learned that their 74th and Lexington location is not the only new location that they are opening. Word on the street is that the now “chain” store will be opening an additional location on Main Street in East Hampton. Just in time for summer. This will put the store’s locations up to 4–two in CT and two in NY.  
Although most of the items are not in my current price range, it is a great place to check out for design inspiration. They have great upholstered furniture, as well as throw pillows and decorative accessories. If you live on the Upper East Side, or are planning a long and arduous “journey” out to “the Hamptons” this summer, I would suggest you check out HB Home–its a real treat, and worth the journey uptown, or out east. 

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Porch Life

Hey all. I’m back! Finished with finals and my first year of graduate school. What a relief! Thanks for bearing with my while I have been studying away for the past two weeks. The minute I finished my finals on Friday, I got on an airplane to come down to Charleston–the absolute best place to decompress. Two of W and I’s dearest friends were married over the weekend, and the wedding was beautiful–Congrats C & K! 

As I have been in Charleston over the weekend, I have been thinking a lot about sun rooms. The weather here in Charleston has been so gorgeous over the weekend, however, sometimes when the wind is blowing from the north, the sun doesn’t feel as warm. I keep thinking how great it would be to curl up with a book in a room thats wall to wall windows. I love the windows in this kitchen, can’t you just see curling up on that couch in the sun? 
How about a meal on a sun porch like this? I just love the banquette seating with all the pillows. What’s great about this, is that you can get that outdoor feeling on sunny and rainy days. 
I have shown this picture before–I just love this sun porch on Martha’s Vineyard. The blue and white colors, the bamboo and rattan furniture, its beautiful. A great place to spend time on those windy Vineyard days. 
I love the rustic feeling of this sun porch in Napa Valley. 
This sun room in Greenwich has a really “finished” feeling, and feels less like and extension of the outdoors–more of a morning room. However, I can just feel the warmth of the sun on that banquette seating. 
Another picture that you all have seen before. I think this is one of my favorite porches. I love the painted floors, french doors, and screens. The furniture is also just perfect for the space. 
Finally, talk about cozy! How about a sleeping porch? 

Photos courtesy of HouseBeautiful.com

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