Barn Lighting

Happy Monday! WE CLOSE ON OUR HOUSE TOMORROW! And yes, that definitely necessitated all caps for sure. Only 6 weeks late, not too bad right? ;) So I am now officially in full-on planning mode. I have decided to whip my office into shape while some of the other not-so-fun stuff is getting done (driveway...) and then we will start on the basement/drinking room. I officially have the first paint sample up! 

While I was busy sourcing products all weekend, I came across this amazing site with cool barn lighting for a great price. I am thinking about using a couple of the sconces in dark green and am pretty excited about it. 

How perfect would one of the last two be over the sink in a kitchen? Let me answer that for you. Perfect.

The It List

• Rachel's Look Book shares with us her summer "go-to" items that are fit for running errands or lunch with the girls! Cute! (find Rachel's Look Book on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation is walking on the wild side with her fashion choices lately and it's paying off! She looks fabulous in her new red pants! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• Ash 'N' Fashn is gearing up for the start of the Olympics with an adorable graphic tee! Perfect for watching the opening ceremonies tonight! (find Ash N' Fashn on Twitter!) 
• Pink Margarita Pearl looks gorgeous in a neutral outfit - head over to find out how she uses a hint of shimmer to keep the look interesting!
• Urban Frill is wearing her own version of the primary colors and knocked it out of the park! And she thought she had nothing to wear! (find Urban Frill on Twitter!)
• Here & Now mixes masculine and feminine for a layered summer look! Pop over to see how she pulls it off! (find Here & Now on Twitter!)
• Fabulously Average is taking style cues from Betty Draper while sporting an updated vintage look complete with a pink lace skirt! Love! (find Fabulously Average on Twitter!)
• Runaway Style is channeling her inner free spirt with lace and pastels - a beautiful nod to the 60s!
• the Queen City Style is shopping her own closet and trying out a new combination she has never thought of! Head over to see the unlikely pair! (find The Queen City Style on Twitter!)
• Olive and an Arrow goes Aztec with an amazing pair of shorts! She pairs it with a top that has an unexpected twist - go check it out! (find Olive and an Arrow on Twitter!)
• 100 Inspirations recreates a casual Rosie Huntington look for under  $115! It involves boots and shorts - a must see!
• Second Street East is sharing a little office inspiration with us, which will be her future workspace. One hint - pink and yellow! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
• Lipstick & Lollies pairs a neutral top with some pops of color! Don't forget to check out her fun hair accessory! 
• Sweetie Pie Style runs us through this fall's shoe trends! Be careful because you will want every. single. pair. (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second St. East.

 For more information on how you can be involved - click here

Second and Dahlia's Style Steals

Hi! Sorry I have been slacking a little this week. Lots going on with some big plans - can't wait to share with you guys. Until then, how gorgeous is this pretty blue bedroom? I have been thinking about going black on the walls in mine but this is definitely making me reconsider! Seriously pretty! And how about that outfit that Jessica put together. Kind of dying over it! 

Dress / Necklace / Shoes / Clutch

Bed / Bedding / Table / Lamp / Flamingo Pillow / Chevron Pillow / Art

Pink and Yellow Pink and Yellow

You know, like black and yellow by Wiz Khalifa? Random fact - I went to high school with him. Crazy, right? Anyhow I have been gathering inspiration for my office, which I will begin working on as soon as we close (realllly hoping for Friday) and I have landed on pink and yellow. I can have as much fun (and pink!) in this room as I want since it is solely mine and I intend to do just that! There are still some blank holes in the board as I haven't nailed everything done yet but I am pretty excited in the direction it is going.

BTW- that weird table picture is what seems to be a $20 burlwood table from Craiglist. I found it yesterday and think I will be calling on it today. It has metal legs that I could go gold with, which sounds pretty fabulous! 

The It List!

• Rachel's Look Book is showing us some European flair by recreating outfits she saw while across the pond! A must see! (find Rachel's Look Book on Twitter!)
• Crazy Style Love is in full-on "ladies who lunch" mode with a pretty pastel look. Monochromatic at its best! (find Crazy Style Love on Twitter!)
• 100 Inspirations recreates a casual Jessica Alba look complete with mint jeans and pink loafers. Head over to find out where to get the goods - all for under $140!
• High Heeled Style is having a polka party with her fun top! Paired with green accents and a pencil skirt, it makes for an office look that is sure to stand out! (find High Heeled Style on Twitter!)
• Ash 'N' Fashn loves the classic combination of red and blue together long after Independence Day! Head over to see how she pairs blue with a little red dress! (find Ash N' Fashn on Twitter!) 
• Pink Margarita Pearl remind us how important accessories are to our look! Pop over to see how she turned an all black outfit into something special with a few key pieces!
• Urban Frill goes red-hot while pairing a long, flowy vest with her usual work attire for an unexpected twist to business causal! So cute! (find Urban Frill on Twitter!)
• Here & Now is sporting a little drop-hem number that is reminiscent of the 20s. A seriously sassy look for date night! (find Here & Now on Twitter!)
• Fabulously Average shares with us her "Tall Girls Guide to the Mini." Head over to see how she puts her rules to use! (find Fabulously Average on Twitter!)
• Runaway Style is letting her shorts take center stage in this California cool look that is ready for any warm weather you can throw at it! Love those shorts!
• The Queen City Style has discovered something all you fashionistas need... a running dress! Yes, a running dress! Go check it out! (find The Queen City Style on Twitter!)
• Olive and an Arrow is channeling Jess from "New girl" with her adorable polka dot number! I'd say she wears it better than Zooey, what do you think?? (find Olive and an Arrow on Twitter!)
• Second Street East is letting her hair down with a geometric skirt and denim top - a fun look to brighten the day! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
• Sweetie Pie Style looks ahead to cooler weather with Madewell's fall preview. Head over for tips on how to predict fashion trends for next season! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second St. East.

 For more information on how you can be involved - click here

Second and Dahlia's Style Steals

Today Jessica and I are totally crushing on this Grant Gibson pretty. Loving all of the pretty details and the masculine feel. Definitely how I envision Adam's office going, though I am sure he would never let me put a nude bottom of a man in there. Here's for hoping! Anyway, I love the necklace that Jessica chose and that tortoise table is just BEGGING to be a DIY! 

Skirt / Top / Necklace / Clutch / Shoes

Settee / Bookshelf / Garden Stool / Table / Pillow / Mirror / Painting

Say Cheese

If you are looking to add a little personality to your space on the cheap, there is no better way than throwing up a vintage portrait. They add tons of character and can change the entire mood of a room. 

I am still kind of dying over the portrait in this Lonny living room. And not to mention that the designer found it from a street vendor for next to nothing! I think I need it. 

But in order to tide my over until it shows up on my doorstep, I have found some other fun vintage portraits that will do the trick!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

What do you think? Are you on the portrait bandwagon?

Outfit To Room

Hi! A few things - First of all, my hair is down. You can go ahead and tell someone today that you witnessed a miracle! It hasn't been down in a while so I decided it was time to "take inventory" and see what I was working with. Second this dress is another not-so-new piece I found in the move. I remember wearing it to a wedding shower, so at least three years! I tied up a little denim top over it, which seems to be my "go-to" move these days. I hope you had a good weekend!

Dress - French Connection / Shirt - Madewell / Shoes - Off Broadway

Bowl / Art / Sofa / Lamp / Table / Bowl

The It List

• Rachel's Look Book thinks beyond the khakis for an adorable golf outing look! The cutest one on the course for sure! (find Rachel's Look Book on Twitter!)
• Melificent shows us her favorite nail polish color to add a pep to her step! Head over to see which bright she is gushing over! (find Melificent on Twitter!)
• Crazy Style Love pairs sequins and suede for a luxe combination ready for day or night! So fun! (find Crazy Style Love on Twitter!)
• Sigh...Gush...Gasp brings extreme couponing to the fashion world and is sporting an outfit that cost her less than $10! Impressive!  (find Sigh...Gush...Gasp on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation mixes things up with varying hues of blue! A monochromatic look that is perfect for summer! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• High Heeled Style is sporting red white and blue to extend her patriotism beyond the Fourth! Don't miss her fabulous shoes! (find High Heeled Style on Twitter!)
• Ash 'N' Fashn is rocking a flower headband for a boho fairy vibe that is straight out of the 70's. Seriously cute! (find Ash N' Fashn on Twitter!) 
• Pink Margarita Pearl has been doing some bargain shopping and shows us her latest find! Pop over to see her amazing deal!
• Urban Frill is looking ladylike in pink and green and discovering the true meaning to the saying "beauty is pain!" (find Urban Frill on Twitter!)
• Here & Now upgraded her usual white shirt for a peplum tank! Perfect for a more polished summer BBQ outfit! (find Here & Now on Twitter!)
• Fabulously Average is in love with her new top - sheer, metallic and peplum makes for an amazing ladies' night look! (find Fabulously Average on Twitter!)
• Runaway Style declared her love for polka dots with a flowy blouse! You'll never guess where she found it! 
• Second Street East found some of her "vintage" F21 pieces while moving and shows us that even those can make it through the years! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
• Sweetie Pie Style shares her tips and tricks for styling the newly popular denim vest! Head over to see what she pairs it with! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second St. East.

 For more information on how you can be involved - click here

Second and Dahlia's Style Steals

It's Thursday! Made it through an event I have been planning at work so feeling a little lighter today. I'd say this room and outfit combo is a good way to start winding down the week.  Kind of obsessing over those shoes that Jessica found and the yellow and silver chair needs to find a way into my house!! Do you have a favorite piece?

Dress / Clutch / Shoes / Necklace / Bracelet

Table / Cowhide / Painting / Chair / Vase

Hump Day Happy Hour with Ampersand Design Studio

Well hello Second Street East-ers!! I'm Morgan, one half of Ampersand Design Studio, and I am thrilled to be here hosting a little happy hour just for you! I'm dreaming of an über-colorful, super-bright, summery backyard party with this raspberry beer cocktail as the main event!! Won't you all come on over and join me?!

Come on out to the back porch and make yourselves at home in this Hans Wegner chair! To shade my face,  I'll be wearing these sunnies but you might need to bring a pair as well, because I'll be sporting this blinding, glam cocktail ring! I'll be happily serving up these Raspberry Beer Cocktails,stirred with some fresh lemon and raspberries on this fab aqua tray! It's 5:00 o'clock somewhere, right? Let's get this party started!

Ok, ok....just in case you can't join me today,  here's the recipe to make them for yourselves (courtesty of A Cup of Mai):

Raspberry Beer Cocktail
Ingredients
1 cup of fresh raspberries or frozen
4 bottles of corona (12oz) beer, chilled 
1 container frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate, thawed or pink lemonade
1/2 cup good quality vodka
Garnish: lemon slices, or raspberries.
adapted from Southern Living

Method
In a large container stir together the  first 4 ingredients. Serve over ice.
Garnish with raspberries.
To make ahead, stir together lemonade concentrate and vodka in a large container.    Stir in raspberries and beer just before serving. Garnish, if desired.

Isn't Morgan the cutest?! She is seriously one of those people that I feel like I have known for years! Definitely going to have to have a raspberry beer cocktail with her in person since she is only a few miles away!! Cheers!

Outfit to Room

The only good thing about moving is discovering old clothes that I forgot I had! This top and skirt are what I like to call vintage Forever 21. If a F21"piece" makes it more than two years, it should be dubbed vintage from now on. Deal? I discovered some other stuff while moving... like I hoard specific things like spices, lotion, wood chips and oats. It's a little ridiculous.  

Oh yes, and this is a little sneak peak of the new house. A second story deck... pretty snazzy, huh?

Top - Vintage F21 / Skirt - Vintage F21 / Belt - Target / Shoes - Target

Rug / Chairs / Chandelier / Table / Centerpiece

Wood Tile

Guys! We have practically unpacked the entire house! Adam's parents were in town and it was the most productive weekend ever. This means I can get back to making pillows. Oh, and in case you were wondering - we still don't own the house yet...

With all of this waiting, I have had a lot of time to brainstorm on projects for the house (probably a little too much!). Since we are doing the basement first (the drinking & TV room), I need to nail down some flooring..that was a pretty good pun! I had originally thought we would do some type of laminate or engineered flooring but I am a little worried about Sassy the lab and her "claws" on the floor. I was in Lowe's over the weekend and came across some wood ceramic tile, which I had seen before but forgotten about. Do any of you have experience with this? Have it in your own house or have seen it in a friend's?

Source

Source

I think it will warm up the space nicely while being water and dog friendly.

Thoughts? Opinions? Warnings?

Second and Dahlia's Style Steals

Happy post fourth! I am still a little sluggish after all of yersterday's activities but it isn't time for a red white and blue detox just yet! Jessica and I were feeling patriotic when we found this room and knew it was the perfect inspiration for this week! Kind of dying over the coral necklace she found!!

Jumper / Shoes / Necklace / Scarf / Clutch

Fabric for Curtains / Rug / Fabric for Benches / Pillow / Art / Table

Red White and Blue

Happy Fourth, friends! Heading to the pool today and then dinner and fireworks tonight! I wouldn't mind coming home to this fourth-ready room from Coastal Living tonight for a little slumber :)

Have a wonderful day!

The One

I have found the perfect rug for the bedroom! Thank you, Rugs USA, for offering a nice alternative to the vintage Beni Ourain rugs. 

I am going to do 2 5 x 7's to make a 10 x 14 since our bedroom is pretty large. Even if there "JULY75" discount code is a marketing gimmick, it feels pretty good to go from $1366 to $340. 

Oh and did I mention that the walls are going black in the bedroom? Well, not until we officially own it, but after that - black it is!

Things to Remember

Happy Monday! First a little update on the house - we are having to start all over with a new mortgage company. Fixing all 52 things that were on the inspection report just wasn't really an option at this point. So we are looking at three-ish weeks at this point? Dying to share plans and pictures with you guys! 

On to the post! I have been saving some images from instagram (mine and others) lately of noteworthy things I want to remember. A little tour, shall we?

1. The tile in this photo (especially the floor) and the outfit isn't too bad either! (via Tulip Louise Instagram)

2. Snapped a photo of this home's curb appeal in our new neighborhood. Very similar setup to our new home and love the paint/entry that they have done. Need ours to look a little more like this.

3. Need to find a recipe for this jalepeno dill (I think?) shrimp. (via Modern Eve Instagram)

4. Loving these Serena and Lily chairs... want to find somewhere to use them! (via Amber Interiors Instagram)

5. Thinking I should try this new Silk Fruit and Protein drink.. (via Dirty Laundry Instagram)

6. Loving the lime green and purple plants in a planter I snapped a photo of. Must recreate! 

7. A Dr. Oz smoothie that needs trying.

Where have y'all been finding inspiration lately?