CHEERS TO THE WEEKEND

Don't be too chic to have a good time!  Cocktails and tapas for me and a girlfriend tonight!

Megan Hess

 

Enjoy your weekend!

D Leigh Gray

COCKTAIL DRESS PLEASE

With respect to Herve Leger, who says that a cocktail dress has to be tight to be sexy.  These hot summer nights have me panting for something more breezy. 

So, Philip Armstrong saved the day with this effortless, but oh so chic little number that does the do.  It would surely hug my curves supporting the confidence that I already have and adding just a bit more; kinda like a cherry on top. 

Now to be completely honest, this dress is from last year's collection. Sorry!! So use it and the following as "Chic Inspiration" for your next cocktail event.  Buck the "tight"!  The rest of these dresses are insanely chic.  They are out of season, but I am on the hunt!  FYI, Philip Armstrong hails from Liverpool.......IKR!

                  



Seriously?!  There are no words right now!  Simple, chic, sophisticated.......I LUV IT!

Until tomorrow!

D Leigh Gray



SOFT TO THE TOUCH

What can I say.........I am just so inspired by this lush piece of elegance. 

And the winner is, SmithBoyd Interiors of Atlanta, Georgia.  Michel Boyd has created a soft and plush living area that is pastel without the easter egg and regal without the stuffiness.  My eyes just dance around the room from element to element.  There are definitely inspiring ideas to take from this space to make work in your home.  Take note of the collage of mirrors, the color combination,  and also how the modern light fixture compliments the traditional elements.  Manifique!  Thanks Michel, let's do it again soon!

So, what do you think?  Please share your thoughts!

Until tomorrow.......

 D Leigh Gray

SEPTEMBER ISSUE = FASHION ORGASM

The September Issues are out! The covers are great and you need to get your copies yesterday!  Are you hungry for some delicious fashion goodies?  Tons of fashion awaits you in these glorious issues that have calculatingly been filled to the brim with insane fashion for the fall season.   Fall is my ABSOLUTE  favorite season of the year.  The best clothes come alive during this time of year and this year is no exception.  So whether you have the bucks to slap down on high-end fashion, or if you simply use these great hubs of fashion inspiration for just that, pick up your copies and savor the hysteria of “The September Issues”.

I am so amped for fall and all the magnificent fashion!  Tell me what you're ready for!

Until tomorrow.......

D Leigh Gray

 

Subscribe via email or via Facebook for a reminder to view "FRIDAY'S FABULOUS FIVE" !

It just so happens that today's "Friday's Fabulous Five" make-up a super cute outfit.  That definitely won't always be the case.  None-the-less, the pieces make for the perfect summer party/cocktails outfit.  Let's call it "Summer's Edge".  This chic but comfortable look will have all eyes on you as you enjoy the night away.

1. Gucci Sunglasses $280 - The cream colored sunglasses compliment the light colored top; keeping it easy breezy.
2. Faux Python Cuff $25 - This yellow cuff adds contrast of color and texture.
3. Stella McCartney $895 - The off-white top is perfect for summer with the sophisticated air hole pattern to assist with the sweltering heat.  Soft and dainty.
4. Alice & Olivia Leather Shorts $396 - Edgy red leather shorts takes us from nice to naughty.  Enough said.
5. Burberry Wedge Sandals $1,595 - What a great pair of wedges!  Either color will do. so chic and sexy with the tie at the ankle. (I hear angels!)

Use these great pieces to "inspire" your fashion for the rest of this summer. 

So, until next Friday for the next "Friday's Fabulous Five"

NO JUNGLE GYM BUT I'M FEELING PLAYFUL!

I'm in such a playful mood right now!  So it is perfectly fitting that this foyer makes for such a glam, but playful entryway!  It has to be the combination of fresh flowers, textured wallpaper, stripe fabric, and Abe Lincoln! LOL! Gotta love the sense of humor!

Try this technique by decorating a foyer or some other area of your home with chic decor then frame a playful, but coordinating print or two.  Sounds like a super easy DIY project!



Don't be overly serious today.  Allow yourself to be playful!

Friday's Fabulous Five starts tomorrow!

So, until tomorrow.......

D Leigh Gray

COFFEE TABLE CHIC

Ok, good folks I’m back!  I did a bit of planning and forecasting and I am ready to go……………..enjoy the post.

What’s on your coffee table?  Do you still display fanned magazines?  Do you have absolutely nothing on your coffee table because your toddler won’t leave anything you put there alone? Or, do you have the matchy, matchy stuff that came with your living room set? 

I imagine a very chic styled coffee table to have a few great coffee table books, a small, but full flower arrangement, a heavy weight, and something with mirror or glass.  But what would be for me and my personal style.  I hope the pictures below give you a few ideas of ways to make your coffee table chic.

I definitely understand that sometimes, you have to choose function over design; especially when kid safety is the concern.  However, for the rest of you, take some time and remove the 90's and 80's coffee table decor.

Until next time.......

D Leigh Gray

TAKING A DAY.........

Just gonna take a day maybe two to reflect on some things that are apparently blocking my creative flow.  Nothing too major (I hope!).

Until then.......

D Leigh Gray

BANQUETTE ANYONE?

Show of hands, if you love banquette seating like I do.  I just think that they are so cozy and complimentary to closeness with family and friends. 

So when you look up banquette, it says something about an upholstered bench, but I think it should simply say “Cozy”.  Whether built-in or free standing, they are fantabulous!

I definitely want to put one somewhere in my house, so I’m considering the kitchenette area……………..we’ll have to see, but for now enjoy the bevy of banquettes.

I'm definitely feeling inspired!  I wonder if I can I build one myself?  I'll let you know what I decide.

Until tomorrow.......

D Leigh Gray

For Credit Click Image

YELLOW FEVER

I want to paint something!  I came across this gorgeous yellow desk that was surely a thrift find.  The paint job is superb!  They had to have used a spray paint machine.  If you recall, I'm creating a new look for my home office and I am just getty over this desk.  While, I'm pretty sure that I don't want to paint my desk yellow (I think!), I am still very inspired by the actual desk and the quality of the paint job.  Note to self, "Acquire spray paint machine".

This desk should really be in my office, but I digress.

Until tomorrow.......

D Leigh Gray

OLYMPICS INSPIRED

I personally would take any medal or better yet, all of them.  Let’s even add a fourth medal……..copper…….lol!  Get inspired by the medals of the Olympics and mix it up!  Have fun and add gold, silver, bronze, and copper mix accessories to spice it up!

Just metal crazy and soo much fun!  I have a couple of pieces I'm ready to whip out!

Until  tomorrow…….

D Leigh Gray

Click image for credit

"SUMMER CHIC" DONE RIGHT!!

Who says “Summer Chic” has to be a dress?

I live in the South and it is super hot and super humid.  Now I love maxi dresses way more than the next woman, but today I’m feeling more laid back.  A bit “French”, if I say so myself.   This is my summer chic for the weekend and I’m sticking to it.  Okay, so minus the belt.  But, with a pair of heels and dainty accessories, and fresh-faced make-up……………….now, I’m sticking to it!

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Hip, hip hooray for more chic summer shorts!

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Whew, it's safe to say, chic summer shorts done right! 

Happy Friday!

D Leigh Gray

Credit (1,  2,  3,  4,  5 )

WANNA KNOW HOW TO GET A "DESIGNER LOOK" IN YOUR LIVING SPACE?

Want more of a designer look , but you live in cookie cutter apartment or home.  Let’s discuss this issue regarding your living room/area, shall we?  If you’re wanting your space to feel more cozy, more glam, more designer then you’ll want to master the art of personalizing and layering.  Ok, so maybe not master, but become really familiar with these techniques for a more cohesive look.  A little research never hurt anybody.
If you’re renting however, you’ll really want to consult with management to be clear on the limitations of your lease.  This space is not owned by you, so the final say will not be yours. 

Personalizing items in your cookie-cutter is the first way to lose some of the starkness that come with these box type spaces.  Some of first things we did after moving into our cookie-cutter was paint the walls, change linoleum tile to ceramic tile in the kitchen and bathrooms, replace all cheap hardware, and then replace all the cheap light fixtures, inside and out. 

Now, the décor ……..so of course, you’ll start with your base layer which includes selecting the correct size furniture and its’ placement (this assuming that you have the walls painted or covered, lighting installed, and flooring that you prefer).  Next, there is selection and placement of rugs, coffee tables, end tables, sofa tables, desks, chairs, bar carts and entertainment pieces.  These first two steps are simply laying the foundation for everything else.  These placements don’t have to be final, but you will now have a clear starting point.  There will be plenty of time for editing.  Even designers, change the plan or they’ll rework things that didn’t quite play out as they had plan.  A good designer usually has a plan, so you should also.  The next layer will include window coverings, lamps, baskets, wall art, stools, and pillows.  Lastly, you want to finish the space with trays, coffee table books, décor accessories, fresh flowers or plants, and throws.  Texture variation plays an important role in layering and creating ambiance and atmosphere.  I’m not trying to get too serious here, but I do want you to be able to see how this process can benefit you or someone you know. 

With all these things comes “function”.  One can’t simply dwell on “the pretty”.  Always keep in mind how you, your family, and friends use the space.  You can store DVD’s in a wicker basket or lacquered box.  A trunk under a sofa/console table can store blankets, throws and toys.
 
With the pics below, visualize how the personalization and layering process works.

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Now, can’t you see yourself creating a chic and functional living area?  I’ll be honest, not a ton of pictures of great design with cookie-cutter homes……..sorry!

However, to expand on this topic further stay tuned for future posts such as:  Creating Fabulous Foyers, Mixing Textures, Update that cookie-cutter fireplace

Other ideas to personalize:  Add wall sconces, Replace frame less mirrors in the bathroom, Add closet systems, Move away from "matchy, matchy furniture"

Until tomorrow.......

D Leigh Gray

Credits:  1 ElleDecor  2 Firstsense  3 Houzz  4 Decoratingblog.net   5 Jan Showers