Style: Sail de Chine

I apologize for not posting yesterday and the sub-par posts last week.  I have a really good excuse, promise... My big boy missed the school week due to pneumonia, my baby was in the hospital with dehydration and I had the worst case of  bronchitis you have ever heard.  I am happy to report the kids are healthy!  Additionally, I would like to welcome myself back to the land of the living.  Last week kicked my you-know-what!  Yesterday was my first official day back to "work", so the to-do list is long. My husband and mother took over my duties while I recovered - I can't thank them enough!!!  Bye-bye germs; hello Spring!

So, let's get right down to it... Covet du Jour: Seaside Chinoiserie Chic (if that's such a thing...)

I've been searching for a way to incorporate the Chinoiserie (pronounced "Sheen-waz-er-ee") look into our family room.  An assortment of blue and white porcelain, blanc de chine, books and photographs furnish the built-ins.  Hung on the walls are nautical inspired art (I grew up sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, boats remind me of my dad, and my husband approves, so a nod to the sea is an essential element of the room).  It's been a struggle to unify the two looks, but this sitting room by Meg Braff is pure genius!  After drooling over the pictures for quite some time, I realized a few simple additions will tie my whole family room together.   I'm thinking curtains, in addition to the plantation shutters already on the windows, a ginger jar lamp, and possibly a few accessories... and presto,  my family room will be a vision in Seaside Chinoiserie Chic -the perfect compromise!

Photos via House Beautiful 

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Life's a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!"  - Auntie Mame

Style: Preppy Chic

Maybe it's my former life as a private school girl or my DC roots, but I never tire of the preppy chic look.  Over the decades this classic and colorful style continues to stay current and fresh while staying true to it's foundation.  I've also noticed that I am always drawn to the more "conservative" characters in movies, television, and books.  Perhaps it's that I can relate to some of their neuroses and love of pearls...  Two of my favorite preppy chic characters are Charlotte York and Blair Waldorf.

 Here are a few interiors designed with the preppy chic fundamentals in mind.  

Rios Clementi Hale Studios & Domique Vorillion Photography

Black and white awning strips and Kelly green are a killer combination.  If this were my porch, you would find me here sipping cocktails, while the kids play croquette on the lawn.  

It looks like Kate Spade dressed this room, by Hamilton Design Associates.  SO fun!

A playful space, denoting the dwellers don't take themselves to seriously.  Hamilton Design Associates 

Perfect bedroom for an Irish Princess like me.  Thanks HGTV.

Lilly Pulitzer Home Collection - Coming this Summer! (but not soon enough)

Lilly Pulitzer Home Collection featured in House Beautiful.  I've seen pictures from last fall's High Point Market and - I am not exaggerating - I would take any and all pieces! Click here to see more.

The built-ins in this family room, by Brown Designs, are brilliant!

Anything monogrammed - Love ALL the monograms from Leontine Linens! 

Some of my go to's to achieve a preppy look are Kate Spade, Milly and J. Crew.  Recently, another designer caught my eye... 

Elizabeth McKay

Elizabeth McKay

Now are you feeling in the mood to slip on a headband or dig your signet ring out of your jewelery box?

Cheers!

Elizabeth

“People ask how can a Jewish kid from the Bronx do preppy clothes? Does it have to do with class and money? It has to do with dreams.” - Ralph Lauren

Style: Equestrian Chic

I love discovering a space that summons emotions and my imagination carries me away.  One such space is an equestrian coach house from StyleAtHome.com .  I am obsessed - I've already used one of the article's images in my Nook Notions posts.  The coach house is the perfect country retreat.  I imagine every detail from outfits to mode of transportation. (I would load up my Grand Wagoner to escape the city)

Take a look at some of my favorite equestrian chic interiors:

Love the arch of the door and musical notes

What's not to love about this space?  Love the bench, dogs, nesting tables, the hearth and mantle, the woodwork, the floors... 

Love the color of the built-ins, the chair, the legs of the desk.

All the interiors above from Style at Home 

Ralph Lauren - Love the green and the wall hooks

Elle Decor  - To dine surrounded by great stories!  

Country Living 

Windsor Smith

You can't go wrong with this classic look in your home or wardrobe.  Here are some equestrian chic CDJ's:

Equestrian Style Book

Barbara Cosgrove Horse Head Lamps

Orange Herringbone Pillow 

Barbour Jacket

Baker Leather Club Chair

Throw 

"Pippa" Console

Bit Drawer Pulls 

Burberry Denim Blazer 

Horseshoe Wall Hook

Gucci Sunglasses

"The Sally" Satchel 

Frye Riding Boots

Sermo pre Equus Book

Hermes "Puzzle" Scarf 

Door Knocker 

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"When you are on a great horse, you have the best seat you will ever have." - Winston Churchill