PFM Obsession: Bathroom Pendant Lighting

I'm officially on the house-renovation-train and not getting off until things are finished. And by finished, I mean that walls are closed up, floors are cleaned up, we have a place to sleep, and at least one bathroom completed. I would especially love it if our home smelled beautiful again (and not like sewage, thank you very much Sandy). This doesn't seem like too much to ask, right? The good news is that we are well on our way with the reconstruction...my hubby and I might be able to move back home before the New Year. High on our to-do list this weekend is to pick out pendant lighting for over the bathroom sink. Under regular circumstances, I totally enjoy the whole design process, but when it's rushed like this how can you not feel a bit of pressure to make the best decisions? So take a look- any opinions will be very happily accepted. The home design inspiration just keeps a-flowing over on our Pinterest boards. xoxo Becca

Ok y'all, here's the color plan for the main floor bath: charcoal walls (Benjamin Moore- Racoon Fur) with yellow and/or deep blue accents. Our tile is picked and ready to go...white subway for the frameless shower walls, and marble hex on the floors. We chose chrome cross-handled faucets and showerhead from Moen (Weymouth). The sink (pedestal?) and mirror will be chosen last, depending on how much space we end up with after the shower is finished. We already have this Kohler medicine cabinet so we will definitely make it work in either in this bathroom or the one in the basement. 

1. Regina Andrew Antique Mercury Glass Candy Dish Pendant is both vintage and feminine.

2. Regina Andrew Cage Pendant pulls off industrial yet soft.

3. Glass Bulb Pendant, it's a classic.

4. West Elm Industrial Pendant is glamorous and still simple. 

5. Lafitte Pendant- ooh bubble glass. Just not sure about the white cord.

6. Pelle Bubble Chandelier would only happen in my dreams!

7. Capiz Pendant- I love the texture.

8. In Orbit Pendant, known as "hip vintage"

9. Meridian Pendant Lamp has a vintage-modern look.

10. Roost Berlin Pendant Light is another clear glass option with vintage style.

So many lovely options, but I have to choose just one. Are any of you currently in the middle of designing or renovating a bathroom? 

Design Lust: Vintage Style Bathrooms

(Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

 When things get difficult, don't give up! It's truly been an amazing thing to see all of my neighbors pull together and support each other in the aftermath of the hurricane. Long Beach was hit very hard, but we are staying strong and will rebuild better than ever. 

On a lighter note, there seems to be a few rooms in my house that I now unexpectedly get to rebuild. Let's be real...of course I'm not thrilled that we just moved in 1 1/2 years ago and plenty of the work that we did has to be redone...but shall we have a look on the bright side? Due to our trouble with Sandy, my husband and I are able to start fresh and tap into what I absolutely love doing- interior design! 

Our first project: the bathrooms. We originally didn't do anything to the two bathrooms in our house other than a coat of paint after moving in. Fast-forward to now...due to flooding our entire finished basement (including the bathroom) had to be gutted down to the studs. The one on the main floor is getting a total remodel. I'm turning my negative thoughts into positive ones by fantasizing about having a beautiful vintage style bathroom where I can finally take a steaming hot bath and relax in peace and quiet. All I will have to do is light some candles...and breathe. Here are some of my recent inspirations that I've been collecting to get the bathroom reno process started.

My ideal bathroom is vintage-inspired and would stay true to the aesthetics of our 1920s bungalow. I imagine it with white subway tile, marble hex tile on the floor, and perhaps a wall-mounted sink. I'm obsessive about choosing paint color so white tile is a (classic) no-brainer! Both bathrooms are super small and will have to remain so...which means it will take some smart (and quick) decisions to increase storage and save as much space as possible. I'm looking forward to documenting each room throughout the house that we remodel, while also re-defining how we use the space. Although my in-laws are generously letting us stay with them as long as needed, my husband and I are feeling the time crunch to get the renovations completed. We can't wait to get back into our own home. What's your idea of the perfect bathroom remodel? I'd love to know if you're making any plans that you want to share. xoxo Becca

Daily Outfit: Gone Baby Gone

This is one of my favorite outfits of the entire summer...maybe it's the bold print, my fuss-free waves, the silhouette...or it could be that it was worn for a night spent with good friends at a beautiful wedding. All's I know is, this dress was the very first thing that caught my eye at Banana Republic, and although I continued shopping and tried on a few different styles I just couldn't let this one go. 

How do you rationalize leaving the store with two dresses when you're on a tight budget? Well you can hem 'n haw about it...put it on hold and take a breather (you may realize you don't want it after all)...or look for advice from your friend who graciously spent her time watching you try on said dresses. What about all of the above? When all else fails, consider the cost per wear. Take a peek at the price tag and then get real with yourself about its versatility. How many times will you actually wear this piece- weekly, monthly, or yearly? Is it work-appropriate and can it also transition into evening? Do you already have multiple events on the calendar that will call for a look like this one and can you change it up successfully by adding a blazer or different accessories? 

The summer's gone baby, gone. To me it was time well spent. And I'm taking the dress with me into fall! What was your favorite summer look? xoxo Becca

(Vintage Sequin Applique Hairclip- MavenFresh, Printed Silk Dress- Banana Republic similar, Necklace- Luanne's, Bracelet- Vintage, Kelin Sandals- ShoeMint, Antique Gold Clutch- Sample Sale)

PFM Obsession: Jemima Kirke

I followed the entire first season of HBO's Girls and was struck by Jessa's sharp wit and free-spirited attitude...but as each episode flew by I found myself completely swooning over her vintage-chic wardrobe. I love finding out that in real-life, Jemima Kirke's personal style inspired her bohemian character's look. 

 Her signature style revolves around mermaid hairdos, drapey kimonos, floral prints, felt hats, bold peep-toes, and matte lips...with a bit of velvet, feathers, and leather mixed in. I did a little research and was thrilled to realize that Jessa's outfits are actually a combination of vintage pieces and Jemima's own wardrobe. This girl blends effortless, eclectic, and feminine into one charming package...and her lovely British accent is perfection. It can't hurt that Jemima's mom owns a vintage store in NYC called Geminola...ooh I feel a major shopping trip coming up! 

Costume designer Jenn Rogien and creator Lena Dunham take the outfit reins for all four girls on the show and I admire that they stay true to the situation surrounding each character. I'm really looking forward next season to see more of Jessa's inspiring looks. You might have heard the rumor that this series is dubbed the new Sex & the City...but the fashion is definitely much more attainable. We are talking Zara, H&M, J.Crew, Anthro, and the Brooklyn Flea...not Manolo Blahnik, Dior, Lanvin, and Ralph Lauren. 

Check out Jemima's website...in addition to being an actor, a mother (and my latest style icon!) she is also an artist who creates beautiful paintings. If you are obsessing along with me, here are some pieces to get you started on re-creating her look for the fall season. xoxo Becca

1. Glistened Fedora, 2. H&M Biker Jacket, 3. Zippered Feather Earrings, 4. The Edge of Girly Top, 5. Ilia Beauty Lipstick in Wild Child, 6. As a Matter of Flat in Leopard, 7. Devaki Maxi Dress, 8. H&M Patterned Pants, 9. Scandi Top Knot, 10. Ombre Aztec Playsuit, 11. Floral Print Kimono, 12. Moonlight Lagoon Open Toe Heels

Daily Outifit: Disco Plum

did you ever wonder what it was like to be part of the disco era?  i have!! from the music to the fashion, i've always been drawn to it.  the pics i've seen from this time in fashion always makes me wish i grew up then.  everyone dressed to the nines!!  it was a time when glamour wasn't reserved for special occasions -- it was a way of life!  i especially loved the accessories from that time period - fabulous earrings, scarves galore, statement hats and killer footwear.  despite the fact that i am a baby of the late '70s, i still feel like that fashion courses through my veins.  

my outfit today is totally '70s disco inspired.  my vintage purple leather goes perfectly with my flare jeans.  (i guess fashion was also feeling nostalgic because both flare jeans and scarves made a resurgence on runways recently.)   my super glam accessories brought the look together and kept it modern vintage.  i feel like these pics could have been taken back in 1977!

(Vintage Purple leather mini trench - Winlet, Beige top - Zara, Flare jeans - Citizens of Humanity, Grey patent clogs - Maguba, Animal print scarf - gift, Shoulder Sweeper Chandelier earrings - MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: An Ode to Mimi

 

 

 

 

   My grandmother Mimi is one special lady. Not only is she loving, beautiful, refined, and brilliant, she was one heck of a fashionista in her day! It makes perfect sense that I have such an obsession with fashion. And did I mention that we happen to be the same size?! This dress came straight from the wondrous vintage collection of Mimi. I love playing with color and couldn't wait to create a color-blocked look (or ensemble, as Mimi would say with a French accent) with subtly printed tights and leopard...and more leopard!

Now at 91 years old Mimi doesn't always remember what she ate for breakfast, but you better believe that she keeps 4 closets in her house organized by season and type. I have cherished memories of days spent playing dress-up in her closet when I was young, and it seems that things haven't changed much! I'm fortunate that she is so eager to share not only her wardrobe, but her stories and memories with me. She's definitely my own personal style icon.

Mimi in 1947, (4 months pregnant with my mom) alongside my handsome grandpa. Everytime I see this picture I admire the way she has her tie-waist blouse layered effortlessly over her dress. Notice how she's holding her gloves with her clutch and has a flower in her hair (so chic!)

Enjoy the holidays and be sure to spend some quality time with your loved ones!!! We'll be back on Monday!

xoxo Becca

(Tangerine Dress- Vintage, Turtleneck- J.Crew, Leopard Belt- Anthropologie, Patterned Tights- Spanx, Leopard Booties- Aldo, Pineapple Drops- MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Feminine Fashion + Festivities Part Deux

Becca always makes me laugh!!!

i love baby showers!! this shower was especially sweet because of who it was for: Becca's bestie!  i'm not sure exactly what it is about showers that i love so much... it's probably all the cute little things that the mom-to-be gets as gifts or the fun in seeing her face when they receive a Mavenmini item!  either way, it was the perfect reason for dressing up!

it might have been the event that inspired the soft palette that both Becca and i chose as inspiration for our outfits.  i chose to don this cute mini dress from  Forever 21; the bubble hem works perfectly over leggings.  my vintage leather jacket is another great addition.  i love to throw in leather items to spice things up!  the MF fascinator with peacock feathers and over-sized sunglasses added to the retro vibe but my copper chain earrings added a lil bit of rocker chic!  even more spice!! :)

keeping with this season's resurgence of jewel-tone coats, my J. Crew jacket is the superb way to top it all off.  did i mention that i've had it for 2 years??  just goes to show, even when you don't care to be on trend, good style is timeless!

P.S. Don't forget to enter to win our Freebie!!

( Double Cloth Marie Coat - J.Crew, Pale pink bubble-hem dress - Forever 21, Taupe leather jacket - Winlet - Maven ReFreshed, Leggings in Mud - American Apparel, Ash Wedges - Franco Sarto, Over-sized Sunglasses and Studded watch - Marc by Marc Jacobs,  Flower puff pin barrette, Chained to Copper earrings and Leather Belt Tie - MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Vintage Glam

these boots were made for walking!

Becca and i were both feeling vintage-y.  it's uncanny how many times we come to work to find that we have done something similar or worn exactly the same thing (almost an entire outfit once!!).  i guess that's why one of our co-workers calls us the bobbsey twins lol.

like u may have read before, i have been having fun re-discovering things in my wardrobe.  this dress is another one of my infamous vintage finds and it is still going strong.  it's so true that the little black dress is timeless; with it's retro pleating, this dress is a hit for every decade!  i glammed up the look with my gold shoulder sweeper chandeliers and fire red lips. then, just in case you thought i had gone soft, i threw on my killer biker boots to remind you who's boss lol.  they are the perfect addition to make this outfit contemporary.

another one of my co-workers asked me where the party was but, sometimes all you need is a party of one to give you a reason to dress up and feel pretty!

(Vintage pleated black dress and leather chain belt- Maven ReFreshed, Black leggings - Tarik NuClothes, Charcoal Grey boots -  Fergie (Nordstrom's Rack), Copper bracelets - Tasha West,, Watch - Toy Watch, Shoulder Sweeper Chandeliers in 24kt - MavenFresh) 

Daily Outfit: Forever Boho

Leopard, zebra, and snake... oh my! Animal prints are back with a vengeance. When I came across this crazy-fun vintage python-print bodysuit... I swooned. And then I started thinking up various outfits in my head... this time around I wanted to complete the '70s look with my high waist flared jeans. I added a little juice with my electric blue tunic vest. Inspired by style icon Anita Pallenberg, (who definitely had that rock & roll boho-chic look down pat) I figured loose waves and heavy bangs were in order. Had to add that dash of rocker sass with some glam statement earrings!

I always come back to the bohemian look, I'm simply not a sweater and pearls kind of girl.

(Silence & Noise Jeans- Urban Outfitters, Vintage Python Bodysuit- MavenReFreshed, Mink Pink Tunic Vest- Tobi, Clog Booties- Madewell, Chandelier Earrings- MavenFresh, Bracelet- Vintage)

Daily Outfit: Fur and Floral, Please

When I spotted this faux fur vest on eBay, it was love at first sight. Since then it's become my winter staple. Funny thing is that it's actually from Forever 21, but it never did catch my eye in-store. I paired it with this tie-neck vintage floral dress for a soft ladylike look that was a little bit 70's inspired. When I first got my hands on this dress it had an awkward below-knee length. I thought it would be much more flattering if the dress was shorter. A few minutes on the sewing machine and voila- it's a perfect length for me that does not take away from that vintage quirkiness which I adore. And it was an opportunity to rock my plum tights- yay!

Sometimes a touch of floral and fur is the way to go.

(Forever 21 Fur Vest- eBay, Vintage Floral Tie-Neck Dress- Maven ReFreshed, Skinny Studded Belt- Target, Purple Tights- Urban Outfitters, Headband- Anthropologie, Gold Twigs & Berries Earrings- MavenFresh, High Heel Ankle Boots- Zara)