Hello Pretty Gift

A few weeks ago Anne Book from the blog Signature Style posted about a little collaboration amongst bloggers where she invited readers to participate in decorating two different style homes via pinterest.  The two different types of homes were a Chicago Loft and a Georgetown Vintage.  The goal was to have different bloggers all pin their ideas for these two homes to the boards.

Here are a few of my choices for the Georgetown Vintage

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Source: Uploaded by user via hellolover on Pinterest

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Here are some of my Chicago Loft pins

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Anne surprised us by picking two winners, whose prizes were some beautiful, personalized stationary by Sugar B Studio.  I was one of the lucky winners and, Becca, from {extra} ordinary wonders was the other.  Here are photos of the stationary that we received.  Mine was the Lincoln Park version (which happens to be the neighborhood both Anne and I live in).

This little collaboration was so much fun and it's so great to see the different ideas people share for each space.  I would definitely recommend stopping by Signature Style today as Anne is posting boards for each type of space using the images that were pinned.  And if you are someone getting married soon or just someone who loves looking at beautiful weddings, stop by her website for some beautiful inspiration.

Thanks to Anne & Kari for the fun pinning and for the great stationary!

West Elm, Etsy & Bloggers

This past Saturday I attended this little event at West Elm.  Every time I visit this store I always love it because I just feel like they have so many things to look at in there, I never tire of it.  Saturday multiplied that exponentially!  There were cute little snacks, yummy beverages, and lots of great etsy vendors.  I wanted to share a few of my favorites.

This first vendor, Silly Buddy, was right next to the entrance of the store.  They make bow tie collars for dogs and I was in love!  I have two pooches and although I am not a fan of putting my dogs in clothes or accessories I thought these were just too cute, sadly both my dogs are females so my husband said bow ties were a no go.  Bummer.

Next up, some really amazing art from my heart beats art (I love that name!).  This first one completely reminds me of those marbled papers we all love.

Source: etsy.com via hellolover on Pinterest

Here's a flamingo.

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Which reminds me of these pieces from here:

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Last, but certainly not least was this amazing jewelry source, Allison Mooney.  The actual designer/maker of the jewelry wasn't present because she had just given birth the night before!  But her pieces and her family that was  running her table definitely made up for her absence.  Check out my favorite items from her.

Source: etsy.com via hellolover on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via hellolover on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via hellolover on Pinterest

Aren't these necklaces amazing?!

I want to send a big thank you to Alaina of Live Creating Yourself  and the Everygirl for making this all come together.  I was lucky enough to run into her in the store and she was just as sweet and wonderful in person as she seems on her blog!

Hello Heejun

I'm not sure how many of you watch American Idol, but I'm a loyal fan each year.  This year has brought my absolute favorite contestant ever!  He is a very talented singer and performer, but most of all, he is hilarious.  I am literally laughing aloud every time they interview him.  So if you haven't been following this season.  Here is my new favorite TV guy, Heejun.

I hope you love him as much as me.

Wedding Wednesdays: BHLDN Chicago

Last week I attended the grand opening of the BHLDN's Chicago store.  I was so excited to see this space and it definitely lived up to my hopes.  There is so much to see here that I cannot wait to go back to go through the whole shop again.  Here is a little photo tour.

The lower level (where you enter) is filled with bridesmaid and party dresses.  This floor is saturated in color - in a very good way!

There is a beautiful staircase that takes you to the upper level which is filled with wedding dresses and accessories. 

Details like the lights in this photo and that wall covered in mini shutters were everywhere. 

Here are the dressing areas.  I really wish I had snapped a shot of the individual doors.  They are a glossy white with a giant brass knob in the center of the door.

I think my favorite part of this visit was getting to see the items I've been ogling at online for a year in person.  The detail in the dresses, accessories and jewelry is really amazing. 

 Look at the beading detail on this bolero.

The ruffles here were too gorgeous and I adored all the brass rods.

Headpieces

Tucked in a back corner of the upper level was a cozy room filled with their decor items.

A whole wall of paper straws!

To top it all off they had beautifully served snacks by Truffleberry Market being passed around.

And they even had a silhouette artist tucked away in the lingerie area!

If you visit Chicago or are a local bride, I would definitely recommend checking this store out.  You could literally be lost in here for hours!

Happy Tuesday

So, it's a little late in the day for a mocha.  But when I ordered my coffee this morning I also got a little visual treat.

I am very loyal to my Starbucks but having the time to go to the small coffee shop on my corner definitely has its perks!

Wedding Wednesday: BHLDN

This post is mostly for those lucky readers located here in Chicago where BHLDN will be opening it's second store.  The big day is none other than Valentine's Day and I can not what to see what this place holds.  There are so many products on their site that I adore and to be able to see many of them in person is going to be such a treat.  For more information or to make an appointment go here.