Hi everyone! I'm happy to announce that I have more good news for my readers!  The lovely Mandy from Waiting on Martha made me a guest curator for the month of October!! There are so many fabulous items at the shop, I couldn't wait to share them with you!! I'm including my top picks in this post, but check out my CURATED list here.

The good news? Waiting on Martha is offering 15% off ALL ITEMS until October 10th!! Just use the code: MADEBYGIRL15 at checkout.  Happy shopping!

https://sexygirlspic79.blogspot.com/2013/10/waiting-on-martha.html

Hey everyone - I hope you like the new "less cluttered, more fashion-forward" MBG blog! It's been a long time coming & we finally got around to it. I wanted a more editorial-sophisticated look with much bigger pictures, I think you will enjoy what's to come!

On another note, I walked into FLAIR not long ago & wanted to write about it, BUT totally forgot the name of the store. A few months later, I came across it online & was so excited!!  Not going to lie, it's pricey, but if you're the type (like me) that likes to invest in 2-3 key decor items, it's def the place to shop. The store offers unique home furnishings, decoration and gifts.  Mostly European and American vintage furnishings and accessories mixed with their own exclusive designs. You're going to die - but.....as a gift for my mid-August BIRTHDAY,  I got myself this cross-studded vase - see below. What a beauty no??!!?!?! Picking it up today. Woooo hoooo!!


FLAIR is also in Florence, Milan & Rome - so Europeans visiting my blog, now have a chic spot to visit.

 -images via FLAIR



https://sexygirlspic79.blogspot.com/2013/08/flair-nyc.html

My ideal home D-E-C-O-R would be described as "GLAM". 

Even though my own apartment is headed in that direction, my home office still could use some major help! In the meanwhile I put together a list of some home decor pieces that will definitely bring some GLAM into your space. I decided to challenge myself & pick everything out from one shop -  Clayton Gray Home. They have a large selection of items - but these are by far my favorites! I'd love to know,

...are you into glamorous spaces? Is it your style?

lonny mag 

 elle decor

 

 

- Furniture via Clayton Gray Home



https://sexygirlspic79.blogspot.com/2013/07/glamorous-spaces.html

The newest Jonathan Adler catalog came in the mail today & it ROCKS. He's got all these cool brass home decor items & my favorite (by far) is this Etagere from the Jacques Collection. Unreal. If I had the BIG bucks, I'd probably buy it now...

Anyway, truth be told, GOLD is still VERY MUCH in. 

 

So, have you seen the Spring 2013 catalog yet? Which is your favorite Jonathan Adler item?

-images via jonathan adler




https://sexygirlspic79.blogspot.com/2013/03/i-diggin-jonathan-adler.html

Ankasa is a super cool home decor store here in New York City. I remember always walking past it but had never ventured inside. I guess it was mostly at night time, so it was closed. Anyhow, there are two locations, one on the Upper East Side & the other in Soho. The Soho location is much bigger but they're both equally gorgeous!!!

I was LUCKY enough to be invited to shoot the store & all the new home accessories they launched this season! My favorites are all the sequin skulls & lips - aren't they cute?  When you enter Ankasa, you'll notice some unique wall art, an array of exclusive products including pillows, bedding, furniture, lighting, wall art and accessories. Lots to see!

The Ankasa brand is run by Sachin & Babi, a talented design team who is sought after in the design industry for their couture handmade embroideries & unique textiles. If you're a New Yorker or just visiting, this store is a must-see!

Shooting the shop.

 

I even took my mom along while I was shooting - she loved the store - I bought her one of the white croc keychains, which I also have. Isn't she sweet?

-images by jen ramos




https://sexygirlspic79.blogspot.com/2013/02/ankasa.html

Drew back, sharing with you a little Christmas time decor. I know all of you have been surrounded by advertisements of the Target and Neiman Marcus collection! I even bet some of you got up super early to dash into the store to grab some of your favorite items from some of the most well known fashion and design experts! 

These are just a few of my favorites from the collection, as well as some other Target pieces that will go quite nice with your other items. 

No Target in your city? Head online and get them before they're gone!

1) Frame

2) Glitter Reindeer

3) Pom Pillow

4) Trinket Box

5) Snow Globe

6) Glasses

7) Letter Opener

8) Dinner Set

9) Antler Glass Bowl

10) Ornaments

-post by drew humphries

https://sexygirlspic79.blogspot.com/2012/12/design-christmas-at-target.html

Thanks to one of my readers, Janice for doing these quick mock ups of the sofa color-candidates!

It turns out the color I FINALLY selected yesterday is discontinued!! Just my luck! So, now I'm more confused than ever! 

If you think you have a good sense of design, PLEASE take the poll to your right & help me choose which color you the think will go best with the rug, daybed, lamps & python benches. 

  Thank you so much! Can't wait to see what you decide.

Light gray

medium gray

charcoal gray

And below with my artwork, which may be included in the living room somewhere:

light gray

charcoal

 

Thank you Janice.





https://sexygirlspic79.blogspot.com/2012/11/which-sofa-color.html

I remember the first time I bought succulents for my patio area - back when we lived in Las Vegas. They looked amazing - but needless to say they didn't last.  I realized quickly I just DON'T HAVE A GREEN THUMB!! We all know someone who has a green thumb, and secretly wish our plants could look like theirs. I recall that feeling & trying my hardest to make it happen, but again, fail. 

That's where Waterstone Succulents comes in - these are modern succulent sculptures that will NOT die! They also make for great centerpieces at home & even in weddings! I'm dying for one of the gold ones, I can see placing it on a tray next to my jewelry. 

If you're feeling a bit more daring, designer & creator Michelle Weddle also makes them in hot pink! Are you thinking the same as me? Where were these when I got married?? 

Which one do you like best?? Can you see yourself using this versus a real succulent in your home??

-images via waterstone succulents

https://sexygirlspic79.blogspot.com/2012/08/waterstone-succulents-genius.html

Friday is here & I'm so glad and hope to relax a bit, but first I'd like to tell you about a little shop I came across called, Parker & Rain. They offer a variety of interesting & colorful trays for the home. Trays are great for organizing...don't you think??

Tips for using trays effectively would be:

Place them in entryways - there you can place the small items you bring in from outside, such as keys, sunglasses and so on. 

Use trays for perfumes -  This is a fantastic way to keep all my perfumes in one spot. It gives me a full display so I could see what I want to spray on.

Add your jewelry items in them- this is also something I'd recommend if you don't have a ton of jewelry and can easily be displayed. The key is to place each piece of jewelry in a way that each piece can be seen. Sort of like in a jewelry store. Get the picture?

I have a total of 3 trays in my current place, and each one has a different use, but definitely helps keep things organized & in place. These ones are fun & would surely add interest to any area of your home!  

Parker & Rain is offering 20% to MadeByGirl readers - just use the discount code: MADEBYGIRL

 

How else do you use trays in your home??

https://sexygirlspic79.blogspot.com/2012/07/parker-rain-trays.html