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Luckily we just missed the snow for this photo, but I sure am happy I have my pink, extra-thick and fluffy socks on under those boots now. Layers (dress shirt, sweater, blazer, scarf, tights and said socks) are the key for this perpetually cold girl. I also keep warm by consuming copious amounts of tea, and apparently today, eating leftover stale chocolate from Christmas. Cheers and stay cozy!
This past weekend, I attended the Deer Creek Wedding Show with a client whose wedding decor I am helping with. It was great to learn about the many wonderful local businesses out there, and see some friendly faces (like Mint Floral and her beautiful arrangements). Durham Region certainly has some creative entrepreneurs. One company in particular stood out to me for it's beautiful booth. Cocoa Lane Sweeterie is a Brooklin-based bakery, with an absolutely gorgeous feminine aesthetic. Pinterest worthy to say the least--I mean how cute is that set up?!
Happy 2015! I don't know about you, but I am very excited about the year ahead--it just has a good ring to it. Part of making "this the best year yet" cliché come true, is creating resolutions you can actually achieve. So for this odd number year, I have deiced to set three goals, with enticing incentives to keep me on track.
1. Write more hand-written notes. Everyone loves to get mail (that's not a bill or junk), and it is a surefire way to bring a smile to a friend's face. This one will be easy to accomplish with the beautiful stationary designed and created by my sister Haley!
2. Read more. I love to read, but as we all know life can get in the way. So this new stack of yummy-smelling (new book smell--you know you love it!) books is sure to keep my nose in the pages.
3. Host more dinner parties. I try every year to get into cooking, and I just can't find the enthusiasm for it. However, I do love to host, so this seems like a good incentive to get into the kitchen. It's also a great excuse to bring out these fun champagne glasses (thanks Tess!).
What will you resolve to do this year?
It sounds strange, but I was worried about having too much time off this holiday. I thought it would be hard adjusting from busy bee mode, to relaxation vibes. So I decided I needed to accomplish something. Then it hit me. I could get caught up on Downton Abbey before the new season starts in January. Ever since this fateful decision, things have been a blur. I am officially in a Holidaze, and I could not be more content. So, I thought I would share my TV Binging essentials. What series are captivating you this holiday?
Sincere regards, Lady Chloe Rose McPherson ;)
Although I try to do my own manicures most of the time, Tess and I decided to splurge and go for the real deal, just in time for Christmas. After getting sucked into a deep Pinterest "Holiday Nail" vortex, I started to spot some trends--I decided on the "Christmas threw up on my nails" gold glitter look, while Tess went the more subtle "soft pink with one sparkly nail" route. Tis the season for glitz and glam after all!
GOLD GLITTER
DEEP PLUM
GRADIENT GLITTER
METALLICS
MATTE BLACK
ONE SPARKLE NAIL
I have always felt like I won the family jackpot so to speak. Both my immediate family and both sides of my extended family love to hang out with each other whenever we get the chance. Disclaimer: we are not perfect by any means, but genuinely liking each other is definitely a rare blessing, and one that I really am grateful for. When my cousin Joanna texted me the other day, she said she had an idea for a blog post--the importance of traditions. We had recently been chatting about the stress of the holidays and the effort we put into the gifts we picked out, the cookies we baked, the party planning, etc. etc. etc. and did it all matter? Did anyone care? But the truth is, it did. The act of carrying out our unique family events are one of (many) reasons, our families were close. It was because of the love and planning our Nana Vaxvick put into organizing our Boxing Day extravaganzas, and the many preparations my Grandma McPherson did to host our Christmas sleepovers, that made our Christmas memories so beautiful. It perhaps takes age and sometimes loss, to really understand the importance of those traditions, but remembering the real meaning of Christmas and why we do all we do, is what matters most. So thank you to my Mom for carrying on our McPherson Christmas sleepover, and for helping Joanna who now graciously hosts our Vaxvick Boxing Day. Here's looking forward to a Christmas rooted in the tradition of spending time with the ones we love.
This holiday season, I am crushing on the Charlie Brown Christmas tree (the designer version of course!). As much I love a good ole' fashioned real-pine tree, I know there are people out there (myself included) that don't have the space or ability for the classic Christmas staple. Which is why the smaller, "free-spirited" trees I have been seeing a lot of are so appealing. They are way more fun, and leave plenty of floor space for those holiday dance parties ;) Decorated or bare, lit up or natural, in baskets, or on counters, the options seem to be limitless for the smaller trees. I will be sure to share some snaps of my decorated mini-tree soon, and let me know how you will be decorating this season!
Check out my Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Board here, and see all of my pins, here.
We're making our lists and checking them twice, and with Christmas officially 5 weeks away, it's time to start adding some checkmarks next to those to-dos! From ornaments, to gifts and stocking stuffers, the Penney & Co. stores have you covered. Check out my Christmas blog posts for Pineapple Street, Sweet Violet and Penney & Co., and see some of my favourite things below.
Pineapple Street
Sweet Violet
Penney & Co.
What better time to share what's in my closest for the Winter Season, than on this perfect snow-globe afternoon. After pulling out my warm clothes from storage, I realized a lot of my staples were old and worn. The zipper on my main jacket was broken, my black boots were looking tired. It was time for a refresh. So I hit a few of my favourite stores and came away with some great pieces, perfect for layering and mix and matching. Check out my finds below, and let me know what you will be wearing to stay warm and stylish this chilly season!
Staying warm and being fashionable are not always synonymous, which is why I love this In Season trend. The over-sized plaid scarf is the perfect way to beat the Canadian cold and maintain your fashionista status. This Fall through Winter accessory is appropriate for all ages--A brighter hued plaid is a fresh take for a young girl and a classic red and navy plaid is an elegant statement for the more mature woman. Add a bold red lip for extra style points!
This scarf doesn't have to be worn with just your jacket, try it over your sweater--both formal and casual.
Check out my In Season - Plaid Scarf Board here and see all of my Pins here.
Wednesday wisdom! This is such an important reminder, especially for us girls, who I think tend to be harder on ourselves. This was recently true for me when I forgot something at work (so insignificant I can't recall what it was anymore) and said something along the lines of "how stupid of me." I didn't even realize I had said it out loud, before a very wise man said to me, "you shouldn't speak to yourself like that." I was taken aback. He was right. I would never talk to another co-worker, friend or loved one that way, so why do I think it's okay to speak to myself like that? Your internal (and sometimes external in my case!) dialogue to yourself really does shape your confidence and self-worth. So my goal for the Fall season is to start being kinder to myself. I hope you will join me!
Leopard is no longer synonymous with the cougars of the Real Housewives. The classic animal print is this season's go-to pattern. It works best in small doses--think belt, scarf, clutch, heels--but if you're brave enough, why not wear it as a jacket or skirt? And if you're really feeling adventurous, try mixing your prints--leopard and stripes are a fresh combo.
Check out my In Season - Leopard Board here and see all of my Pins here.
A new crop of flowers have arrived at Pineapple Street, just in time for creating your Thanksgiving table centre piece or grabbing your hostess gift! Sold by the stem--you can create your own arrangement, or have them arranged for you. How perfectly Fall are those orange Daisies?
Burnt oranges and deep hues of red are quintessentially Fall. However, I thought it would be fun to look outside the norm and find inspiration in these non-traditional Thanksgiving tables capes. After all--purples, greens, blues and golds might be better suited to your home's pre-existing decor and china. Working with what you already have, will create a more cohesive and complimentary table design.
Check out my Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Decor Board here, and see all of my Pins here.
I am excited to once again be apart of the Station Gallery's Holiday House Tour. This charitable event allows you to step inside some of Durham's most beautiful homes, decorated for the holidays by local designers. Michael Penney will be lending his talents to a gorgeous Tudor-style home on Connaught Street in Oshawa. So grab your girlfriends and get ready to be inspired!
Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased online here. Looking forward to seeing you there!
This season I have been seeing a lot of what the fashion bloggers are calling "oxblood." Personally, I have been interpreting the trend by pairing burgundy Gap skinnies with leopard flats and neutral tops--I think it is an easy way to wear the deep hue. However, I am also loving oxblood as nail polish and outerwear, as seen below.
Checkout my In Season - Oxblood board here, and see all of Pinterest boards here.
Just because... today feels like the most picture-perfect Fall day, and Pineapple Street is Autumn ready!
Make sure to check out Whitby Heritage Day this Saturday, Sept. 20.
This weekend, I decided to tackle my entryway. My summer hanging baskets and pots were dead, my door mat was sad and the interior and exterior door paint was chipped and faded. It was time for a Fall refresh! For roughly $200, I was pretty pleased with my mini-makeover.
Credits: Paint, Mums and urns from Lowes; Door Mat from Target; Mailbox and wreath from HomeSense.
Does the school schedule ever officially leave your brain? Like clockwork, August 1st rolled around, and I immediately started to fret--the Summer is almost over; I haven't been to the beach; I don't have a tan; I didn't paint that old dresser. Then comes Labour Day--I woke up in a sweat after I dreamt I was lost in an old school looking for my "office."
The positive? September still feels like the start to a new year, without the stress of actually having to go back to school. So after reading this blog post, I decided to fully embrace Fall--I have been brainstorming and planning some exciting workshops and events at Penney & Co.; I went shopping, finding some (many) fall wardrobe essentials; I've started getting up earlier to exercise before work; and I am planning a spa getaway with my girlfriends. So instead of thinking of September as the evil and imminent prelude to school and the winter season, I am trying my best see it as an excuse to start fresh.
What are you doing to fight the end-of-Summer blues?
It seems wood has gone by the wayside in terms of kitchen design. In its place, painted cabinets and islands in tones of grey, blue and green.
Coloured bottom cabinets and neutral upper cabinets are a fresh alternative to coloured kitchens.
And of course, who doesn't love a statement island?
Check out my Painted Kitchen Cabinets and Island Board here, and see all of my pins here (Chloe Rose).