Finer Design Details: Shiplap

As we delve further and further into our house hunt, I'm dreaming of decor...big time.  And while I'm still defining my style, one thing is for sure, there will be shiplap in my future.  Shiplap is a type of board most commonly used in outdoor buildings thanks to it's ability to form a tight seal against the elements.  However, when added to the interior of a space, it instantly gives it a polished, yet informal feel that I can't resist.  It's a bit coastal, bit farmhouse and 100% chic.  Here are a few shots that are inspiring me:

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-MC-

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Palm Springs

Maybe I've watched one too many episodes of The Golden Girls, but I have a serious soft spot for the Palm Frond Print.  Fun and sunny with just the right amount of whimsy, this poppy print adds a certain wink to otherwise streamlined basics.  

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-MC-

Friday Finds

This week has positively flown by!  It's starting to actually feel like spring, and I'm thrilled to finally put away (for real this time!) my winter coat.  Here is what I've been obsessed with this week:

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- Pound Cakes are arguably the little black dress of the cake world.  Dress them up with strawberries and heavy cream or go purist and plain.  Ether way they are delicious every-single-time.   Check this out for more ways to style this culinary classic.  I'm drooling over this one!

- One of my good friends recently purchased her first home, and I'm dying to see it!  I love the idea of giving more than just a standard bottle of wine or flowers.  This housewarming gift is perfection.  

- T Magazine is always a pleasure to read, and this recent story from the Men's Fashion issue by Andrew O'Hagan was so well-written, so on-point, so everything, I had to read it aloud to Mr. C., who wholeheartedly concurred.  Everything Mr. O'Hagan writes is pure pleasure.

- I've always appreciated a good hat, but thus far, my wear has been limited to the beach and the slopes.  I'm lusting after this one and dreaming of all the places I could wear it.  

-Just discovered this gorgeous instagram account, and it's making me want all grey everything.  

Happy Weekend!

-MC-

Style Edit: Made in the Suede

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Leather is amazing.  It's incredibly chic, sexy and a modern classic in it's own right, but this spring I'm lusting over it's temperamental sister, suede.  Easily nicked or stained, it's completely impractical, especially in these sweet nuetral hues, but it's that delicate nature that really makes it special.  Like leather, suede instantly infuses extra sizzle to even the most basic pieces.  A white cotton crew neck tank or a pair jeans could work with any of these (minus the skirt, of course).  Not ready to fully commit to one of these Halton Heritage pieces?  All you need in a simple suede clutch (Clare V. has some beautiful ones) to effortlessly dip into the 70's trend.

-MC-

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Hello, April

March is the toughest month to get through.  You think March, Spring!  But lo and beyond, March comes in like a lion and stays that way the whole time. That is why I'm so excited for a fresh a fresh month and a fresh start.  Here's what I'm excited about for this month:

-Punchy Hues.  Bold lipstick - check.  Bright pedicure - check.  This color is in current rotation.  

- Bare Legs.  Once you go bare, you can't go back.  And what better way to show off a newly nude leg than this skirt or this dress.

-Chic Reads.  This book is currently on my nightstand.  

-Brunching.  There is just something about warm weather than makes brunches all the more fun.  I'm currently on a pop-over kick, and I'll be trying these treats out for Easter (wish me luck!).

What are you looking forward to this month?

-MC-

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Mask Monday

Today was such a Monday.  Spring still seems miles away and after a crazy day filled with rude strangers, a jelly bean binge, late night conference calls and a house-hunting standstill, I was ready for some relaxation.  And a face mask was just the thing.   Today's weapon of choice, Philosphy's Purity Made Simple Deep Clean Mask.

 Promising a spa-like glow in 60 seconds, I was intrigued. It was just the sort of time commitment I could afford.  According to the directions, you are to massage a bit into clean, dry skin and then wash it off when the formula transitions from clear to white. True to it's promise, the creamy formula glides on, without any hint of exfoliation beads. It gave my ultra-sensitive skin a slight tingle (which I'm chocking up to it's deep cleaning powers) and then removed effortlessly.  It left my skin clean and fresh without being stripped and was the perfect base for applying my night serums.  I love that it is gentle enough that it can be used daily, and I can definitely see this mask working it's way into the rotation!

Have you tried it yet? 

-MC-

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Farmhouse Fresh

I wouldn't ever say that my style is country, Southern belle, sure, but never country.  When I think country, I envision barnyard animals and kitch, but lately I've been having a major fixation with farmhouse style (probably because I've been binge-watch the show I mentioned here), especially in the kitchen.  White, glass-paned cabinets, shiplap everything and the shining glory of a farmhouse kitchen, big farmhouse sinks.  Literally cannot. get. enough.  And since my apartment has a stainless steel number, I'll continue dreaming of these beauties:

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-MC-

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Happy St. Patrick's Day

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Spring Showers

Every once in a while I love a nice rainy day.  It forces you inside and under the covers and is the perfect excuse get cozy and lazy.  Today's soft drizzle is effectively removing the last bits of snow and has me dreaming of spring.  Each season Mr. C and I create a list of sights we'd like to see, date spots we'd like to try, and things we'd like to do.  Here are just a few things that I'm looking forward to once spring officially gets going:

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- Picnics.  I'm slightly obsessed with picnics, and this past Christmas I got the best picnic basket ever!  (Similar one here)  I'm so excited to head to Central Park or upstate with this beauty in tote.

- Baking inspiration.  I'm always on the hunt for a new recipe, and I try to create a few "Food Goals" for things I might be intimidated to try.  Currently topping the list - croissants,  these biscuits, and soft pretzels.  Bring on the gluten!

- Tennis - I haven't played, or even attempted to play, in years, but I'd love to pick up a racket again.  

-Polo Match - I've been dying to go to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic forever.  Hopefully we can get tickets this year.  I have my hat all ready to go.

-Spring Sites - Living in an apartment, I'm a bit starved for flowers.  I'd love to get my floral fix at The Orchid Show. 

What's on your Spring to-do list?

-MC-

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Friday Finds

This last week has truly been a whirlwind of events, crazy weather and travel.  After a super speedy trip to the West coast (more on that later), I'm dreaming of sunny days ahead.  Here are a few finds to tide us over until Spring officially arrives.

- March means Irish Soda Bread.  Check this out to see if your favorite version is a true classic. 

- One my favorite childhood movies, The Sound of Music, just celebrated its 50th anniversary.  While, of course, the singing is the star of the show, I always loved the incredible homes and grounds where the movie takes place, and the rolling hills surrounded by the Austrian Alps, feels very spring-y to me.  Check this out for a glimpse into the movie's incredible filming location. This one is my favorite, and this is a close second!

- I can't wait to host an Easter Brunch for the table top decor alone.  Swooning over this tablescape, ok, and these sweet guys too. 

- Nothing says warm weather like a cold glass of iced tea.  Today we're taking advantage of a few hours of sunshine to make sun tea.  This step-by-step makes nailing the proportions super easy.  

- I couldn't be more excited about the Spring Suede movement.  Need some inspiration?  Check this out.

Happy Weekend!

-MC-

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