Colorful showers

It is extremely important to start your day with energy. I personally am attempting to cut back on my caffeine and therefore am depending on my morning shower to provide that eye-opening jolt. Being I live in a dark loft in a foggy city, it was important for my new morning ritual to be full of color. Luckily in my rented space I can paint and so I chose a bright turquoise blue, accented with red and white.

But for many, painting is not an option and many bathrooms have not been updated since they were built. So often I see bathrooms full of drab color. It pains me to think most people start their day with pea green.

But don't worry for those of you who can't legally paint, there are an array of shower curtains online that exude personality, style, and brighten your morning. My personal favorite is this Blue Chain Curtain from Sprout Home.

I love how the bold chain print has a vintage Palm Beachy-feel and the blue is vibrant and fresh . And did I mention the price......$33.00! It is a steal.

Dish This

I love the combination of black and white on most anything, especially for my home. The chic color duo compliments many colors and makes a statement. Recently while looking for a new set of dinner plates, I stumbled upon the new silhouette series by Thomas Paul.

Thomas Paul is known for placing bold graphics on everyday objects. These playful cameo plates can be used as desert plates or my personal choice - Wall Art! In order to hang, take a trip to the hardware store and ask for plate hangars- then position each plate horizontally along a wall in order to make the space seem longer.


For more thomas paul go to: www.velocityartanddesign.com

Precious Tresure

Back when I did not share my precious findings, not even with my imaginary friends, this jewelry designer would be part of the “I won’t tell you where I bought this even under torture” inventory. Let’s say that, after checking out her pieces, I truly believe that you are going to be very careful about spreading her name: Stephanie Owens, the designer behind the brand Elizabeth Cole.

Elizabeth Cole is a collection of intricately designed costume jewelry, to be worn alone or layered and looped with fine jewelry and other costume pieces. All in gold, gold and more gold. Besides going crazy for the collection's signature chain necklaces, I fell head over heels for this amazing Gordian Knot bracelet ($293).

Ok, ok, maybe you’ve already heard about her. Some celebrities are already fans and there are some Bloomingdales that carry a very small inventory of her pieces, but who in the world is able to find anything in those cramped jewelry cases?? So here it goes: you can buy her jewelry directly from her website AND she updates it with seasonal designs that you will not want to miss. www.elizabethcolejewelry.com.

Luminaire

It must be a southern thing........... but I love lamps. A table lamp can not only be a piece of art, it can illuminate a corner and create an unexpected cozy ambiance. It can be challenging to find a unique and modern table lamp with out breaking the bank, especially if you have good taste.

After painting my bedroom a beautiful oker yellow, I began a fervent search for an eye-catching all white lamp. After looking high and low, I found the Octagonal Lamp from
West Elm.


The all white hue paired with the strong architectural detail provides a bold impact suitable for shabby chic or ultra mod. A pair of these will create the perfect lighting in your home and look interesting with any style decor.

Hot Wax

Candles are essential for creating ambiance in your home. However, I personally am not fond of large glass cylinders, often allergic to the over-vanilla fragrance and hate a waxy mess.

Soultion: Citizen-Citzen - an up-and-coming design company that challenges the standards in beauty and design.

Candle #1 by Fredrikson Stallard combines a tapered candle and it's ornate holder all-in-one. This fresh take on a classical object exemplifies the limitless capabilities in modern design and removes the notion of the expected functionality of the object.

I love to place Candle #1 on the edge of my tub or replace boring votives for fabulous party decor.

www.citizen-citizen.com - available in red, black or white

Greetings from Brazil

Every time I go back home (yes, Brazilian, thanks!) I am anxious to see what is new in fashion and where fellow style ‘finders’ are placing their bets – or should I say their feet? Again and again, no one can live without jelly shoes by Melissa.

Melissa has been a part of the Brazilian culture for the past 25 years and now ... finally ... the rest of the world is getting to know her. The original much-loved jelly shoe comes in all shapes, colors and styles. The brand’s design partners, including Alexandre Herchcovitch, the Campana Brothers, Judy Blame, and others, brought international recognition and many, many fans - I am a HUGE one!

I particularly love these two: the Indie Purple (top) and Judy Blame’s button heel (bottom). Completely different jelly styles, and perfect for someone like me – if I cannot change my hair color to match my mood I can definitely change my shoes!

Although the Brazilian website does not ship internationally, the Australian website does and they are pretty good in calling you back with shipping costs and details. I just ordered from them, since I could no longer find these styles in my size in Brazil, and so far so good. Find these and other styles at www.melissaaustralia.com.au.

Laying Tile

It is impossible to find a cool rug that doesn't cost a fortune. Last year Crate & Barrel launched a modern affordable line of products called CB2.com. They produce everything from dinner ware to textiles. Their most innovative and affordable products are the FLOR™ carpet tiles, available in an array of colors and patterns.

My pick is the "Amazing lace" tiles, for $11.95 each. I love the brilliant mix of modern and vintage design coupled with the ability to interchange the tile pattern or size of the rug.

A wise investment indeed!

Modern Snapshot

It is so challenging to find amazing modern art on a budget, especially photography. Then there was Pottery Barn....Teen. By far my favorite new find, PBteen.com now allows shoppers to upload their own photograph or image and in 2-3 weeks receive the image on a 4' x 6' canvas.

A large photograph is the perfect way to make your space more dramatic and artistic.

go to:
pbteen.com

Budget Red Carpet

Ahhhh the Oscars, how I do love to rate the runway. One of the most striking numbers to hit this year's red carpet was the precious canary dress designed by Olivier Theyskins for Reese Witherspoon. The flattering shape coupled with the brilliant hue is chic, sexy, and confident.

While searching for the "perfect" dress to wear to a formal wedding in the middle of the desert, I discovered a very close copy of Reese's selection......but for less than a third of the price. With subtle accessories and a colorful pump, this dress is perfect for a spring wedding, fabulous party, or resort get away.

to buy:
http://edressme.com/dresses11807.html#