Fur Better

Ann Taylor has fluffy and adorable fur pillows ($78; anntaylor.com). YOU ARE WELCOME.

[photo cred here]

Hit the Lights

Hi, I'm Susi, a blogger for Arcadian Lighting, where I write about design and lighting ideas and inspiration for the home. I love visiting blogs like Mellow Fever as a guest blogger. My post today is about 8 fashionable apartments. Small on space but not on style, these apartments are chic and fashionable. What makes a space fashionable for you? Floor, furniture, light fixtures, decorative accessories--each can make a stylish contribution. Enjoy!

Clean, modern lines make this open apartment feel fashionable and chic. Vintage and contemporary pieces mix together, just like in fashion, to create a cool living space.

I love this dining area that is bordered by a bookcase. Combining a dining room and library can give an apartment a fabulous chic pied a terre feeling. Eclectic finds make the space feel personal.

This chic apartment living room seamlessly combines living and home office areas into one fabulous apartment. A mix of furniture styles, crisp artwork, and clean lines make the space fashionable.

When the view out the window is spectacular, the décor of the apartment should be downplayed to avoid competition. The neutral décor of this fashionable living room manages to still be stunning, without competing with the skyline.

In fashion, black never goes out of style. In decorating, black is a bold statement on walls. Here, the kitchen and dining spaces are joined by the color black, expanding both spaces. The simple pendant light picks up that black theme.

For an apartment that is big on style but small on space, low profile seating is a good idea. Backless and simple take up less space than big, bulky pieces. I love the gallery wall.

Lovely elaborate “gates” separate the living room from the hall in this gorgeous apartment. A light pastel palette gives the apartment a fashionable, feminine style.

Beautiful ceiling lights set the stage for gorgeous art and furniture in this fashionable apartment. The dark chocolate walls recede, making the space feel larger.Wouldn't you love to come home to one of these fashionable apartments? Stop by Arcadian Lighting's blog for even more stylish ideas and decorating inspirations!

(Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

The Glass Doorknob

About three weeks ago, I stole something.

I stole a doorknob from a frat house. It was a pretty glass doorknob that most definitely did not belong in a hazy crowd of boys, so I slipped it into my purse and bolted. Now, I own this gorgeous doorknob and am trying to figure out what to do with it. I can't use it in a door because I'm actually not that handy. Plus, I think I'd need another doorknob for that. So. About the stray doorknob.

Things I could do with this lone doorknob:

1. Use it as a cork in the bottle of week-old Prosecco in my fridge.

2. Talk someone who IS handy into mounting it on a wall as a towel hanger.

3. Do something creative and DIY with it, but forget to glue a part so that it falls to pieces. Loudly. In the middle of the night. (This has happened before, most often with Christmas decorations).

4. Leave it where it is on my desk and be mildly irked that it's not serving a purpose.

What would you do with a spare, vintage-looking doorknob?

[photo cred here and there]

Floral Surroundings

For some reason, I've always considered wallpaper to be a little antiquated, something that peeled on the edges and paled in comparison to the bold color of paints. This might be because my parents literally stripped all of the wallpaper from our house a few years ago. Not that I'm pointing any fingers. (But I am).

Not anymore! I was researching Cynthia Rowley (naturally) and came across this wallpaper she designed for her apartment. I liked it. We fell in love. (It may not have been mutual...). Then, I found the floral paper (beneath)—it's just so perfect for a little girl's room. Florals with a graphic touch don't have the saccharine or even stuffy feel of the traditional patterns.

I'm jonesing for this quirky, graphic floral wallpaper from Flavor Paper (below):

When I get my own apartment and/or do not rent and/or have an expendable budget, playful floral walls will be mine. And there will be flowers everywhere. Obviously. And a Philippe Starck Louis Ghost armchair. Did I mention an expendable budget will have happened by this point?


[photo cred to Elle Decor and here]

Venus in Fur

In a cruel twist, one of my best friends has achieved my dream: a chandelier in the bathroom. This is in addition to high ceilings, a bay window and a kitchen with legitimate counter space (as opposed to a cart wedged up against the sink). How? She lives in a wonderful old building in Lincoln Park, Chicago. If her apartment were available in NYC, I'd have to sell my foot on the black market to afford it.

Just because trappings (har har) of luxury aren't built into my apartment here doesn't mean I can't fake them with warm, cozy textures like fur and fleece. Like so:

You never know just how tempting it is to turn that fur vest into a pillowcase until you catch a picture like the above. Not so crafty (or really attached to your fur vest)? Here are two terribly tempting options:

I love the Target pillow on the left for its a) price, and b) neutral color, but the Anthropologie throw on the right has just taken me to dinner and a movie before leaving me on the doorstep with just a peck on the cheek. I need you, flouncy fleece throw. I think we would be great together with a cup of tea and a chilly, drizzly morning. And let's be honest: it's not as though my IRA is going to keep me warm at night.

[photo cred here]

Neat Or Naughty

Are you neat...or not? I line up my pencils and have everything in my room just so, whether it be parallel or color-coordinated or arranged in height order. Ever since I've moved to NYC, though, my apartment is so clean that it looks sterile. I kind of want to leave a drawer open and scatter jewelry across my hybrid desk/dresser. On the other hand, I wouldn't be able to sleep if my perfumes weren't arranged by their top notes. (Yep). (Top notes). (Yep).

What would you suggest? I can't decide whether I want to turn my room into a really pretty, feminine pigsty or leave it the way it is and paint the wall or something.


[photo cred here and there]

Missoni Magic

Full disclosure: I'm far more excited for the Missoni for Target dishware than the clothing. Give. Me. Those. Mugs. And those trays! They're the exact things I need to spice up my very new and very white apartment. I want to buy a million and put them everywhere, just to make the place look lived-in and cozy. I wouldn't even keep them in cabinets.

I also adore this pillow—it's such a cute, 70s-esque riff off the classic Missoni weave. And the wine case would make a chic but inexpensive hostess gift. Just pop a bottle of Chianti in there and you're set. Wallet, be prepared!

(photo credit here)

Temporary tattoos!

These days, I'm smitten with all the clever tattoos out there, but I'm too wussy to get a permanent one. So I was THRILLED to discover tatt.ly, a new online shop offering awesome, designy temporary tattoos.

Which would you wear?

Paris Chic

I have such a massive crush on Erin Fetherston's Manhattan apartment...if only mine resembled this! I used it as an inspiration for my room and have an intricate curlicue vanity, white ruffled curtains and a pink ruffled (I couldn't help it) bedspread. Pictures will be coming soon, I promise!

[photo cred to Claiborne Swanson Frank for Vogue]

What's your secret to a great bed?

Many people I know are smitten with their beds, but I've never loved the beds I've had. My beds have just felt like places to sleep (and/or lie awake obsessing about something random:). So, I'd love to ask: What's the secret? Flannel sheets? Two pillows per person? Or something more abstract, like banning work from the bedroom or having a nightstand full of favorite books?

We're giving our bedroom a makeover, so I'd love to hear any tips!

(Photos by Richard Powers and Cassandra)

Father's Day gift guide

My darlings, I'd love to share a Father's Day gift guide in honor of all the amazing dads out there. First up: The exact sunglasses that worked for Steve McQueen, $310.
Duluth backpack, $135. (Get 10% off with the discount code THANKSDAD)
Dog collar bottle opener, $20. Now he can teach the dog to fetch a beer!
Wooden tie (for real), $34.
Two lobsters delivered to his door, $35.
Kiehl's Facial Fuel with sunscreen, $35, because you feel protective of him, too.
A sticker to make his iPhone look like a Leica camera, $9.
Artwork for his house, $20-$50. (P.S. I love the description of this boxing print.)
Lego Falling Water, $99.99, to make him feel like a kid again.
BBQ Fish basket, $18, for grilling perfectly crispy fish on the deck.
Desk blotter with twelve of his all-time favorite family photos, $29.99.
Chocolate sardines, $9.95, straight from France.
Striped camera strap, $138.
Bike glow safety light, $19, for midnight rides.
Luggage tag to inspire wanderlust.
A note telling him how much you love him, $4.50, since that's what he really wants anyway.

What are you going to get your dad? xo

P.S. More gift ideas for guys...

(Wooden tie via Honestly WTF; chocolates via Refinery 29)

Popsicle molds

Today, New York is going to reach a whopping 98 degrees, so we're going to stay inside, crank up the AC and make popsicles. How fun are these sailboat, rocket and castle molds? You're never too old. :)

(Via Refinery 29)

Lighthouse carafe

Last night, I snuck out for a pedicure and read the newest Real Simple in my massage chair. In the issue, I stumbled upon this adorable lighthouse carafe! How cute would it be for summer entertaining?

Wedding cake toppers

The new shop Lil' Cake Toppers launched today. Aren't the custom cake toppers adorable? I love that she represents different ethnicities and backgrounds. xo

P.S. My sister wore a sari at her wedding!

Greeting cards

These graphic greeting cards look just like old-school quilts.

(Via Design is Mine)

Annoying words

When Kurt Andersen took over as editor of New York Magazine, he wrote a list of all the words he found annoying and told his staff not to use them during his tenure. They made me laugh out loud.

Do you agree with this list? What other words do you find annoying? (I hate triangulate and moist:)

(Via Swissmiss, via The New York Times)

Guest Post: Tomboy traveler

Sometimes the best part of traveling comes when the plan falls apart. I have a handful of crazy travel stories—from being temporarily trapped on a Swiss ski lift for hours during a wind storm, to being stranded at the Cairo International Airport for days. These experiences have taught me to pack smart while staying true to my style, knowing "adventure" may be lurking. Here are some items you can pack with you on your next one!

1. Lavender Essential Oil. I don't wear perfume, but I am a major fan of essential oils. Lavender is ideal for traveling because it calms, treats minor cuts or bites, helps induce sleep, and can act as a room fragrance. Plus, the bottles are always TSA-friendly.

2. Striped Linen Bandana. Easily packed and exceptionally versatile, bandanas always seem to come in handy when on an adventure.

3. Straw Hat. Practical and fashionable. This hat goes with everything in my closet—from bikinis to cocktail dresses.

4. Swatch Originals "New Gent." This is a great travel watch, because not only is it affordable and inconspicuous, but it's rubber—you don't have to take it off in the security line or the ocean, and I love an men's-sized watch on a woman.

5. Madewell Perfect Chambray Shirt. I know these shirts have been covered every way to Sunday, but they are so great and can be dressed up with a skirt or worn simply as a beach cover-up.

6. Bass Slip-on Saddle Shoes. I wore these in grade school and now I wear them wherever I travel. They're easy on and off, comfortable and really smart looking with shorts, jeans and trousers.

7. The Gentlewoman Magazine. Required tomboy reading!

8. Trussardi iPad Case. Hardcore luxury.

9. Tampico Cotton Tote. This French brand is so simple, functional and chic. The top zipper and detachable shoulder strap are key for travel.

-- By Lizzie Garrett from Tomboy Style

Guest Post: Kate's Parisian wish list

After I read Entre Nous: A Woman's Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl, my interest in French culture turned from adoration to obsession. One of the many qualities I love about French women is that they slowly collect iconic pieces and keep them forever. So, I'm relentlessly ridding my wardrobe and home of pieces that don't hold much meaning to me. But here are a few objects on my love-for-a-lifetime list...

1. Milly cotton-voile dress. I'm crazy about the bright bold colors and full skirt.

2. Gold lamp and tumblers: I'm on a huge gold kick right now, expecially in sleek, modern forms.

3. The book Parisian Chic, A Style Guide by model Ines de la Fressange.

4. Chloe Ballerina Flats. There's something so timeless about these simple black flats.

-- By Kate from Wit & Delight

Guest Post: Bri's summer inspiration

Her hair is short, her stripes are bright, her style is effortless. Doesn't she make you want to dive head first into summer?

Shoes; sunglasses; glasses; bowl; scarf.

-- By Bri Emery from Designlovefest

Wine bottle labels

Pinhole Press just launched a new wedding section, and I'm crazy about these photo wine labels. Just think of all the funny possibilities for parties and gifts! As Alex would say, "The mind boggles."