My Rental: One Year Anniversary

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of my move into my beloved little rental. This place has truly become home away from home (my hometown and family are in Waterloo) and I'm so grateful to have this little corner of the world to come home to after a long day in the city.

My space has evolved and changed a lot since I got the keys, and I thought it might be fun to take a look back at all the changes.

Here what the space looked like before I moved all of my stuff in:

Next a look at the first phase of decorating, before the real 'layering' process had really taken place. This is how my room looked for a long time and I loved it! It was so minimal, crisp and fresh.

And here is how it looks today. I'm so proud and in love with how it looks. And that rug. That rug is everything.

 I have learned so much since moving here...and I'm not just talking in school.  It has easily been the hardest and the best year of my life simultaneously. This is cheesy, but as much as my room has evolved over the last 12 months, I have evolved more. I've learned to rely on myself. I am becoming the woman that I always wanted to be.

Cheers to another wonderful year with all of you. You are all a big part of my life and I love you all!

My Wild Side: Leopard Pants

Took my new leopard pants out for a spin this weekend and they are my new favourite clothing item.
They are so comfortable and stylish, I may never take them off!

Black Tee / Leopard pants / Lucite Clutch / Gold Chain Necklace (similar)  / Shoes (old)

 I also got my lucite clutch, and am LOVING it. You can see I've already gotten some wear and tear out of it. I'm still trying to get the hang of this outfit post thing, but they are so much fun!
How do you show YOUR wild side? We've all got one...
xox

Brass Handrail Love

 Firstly, it's September... Is anyone else in denial like me? Summer went by way too fast this year.

I love the look of a brass staircase. It's dramatic, show stopping, and the ultimate in glamorous.
I don't think I would ever do it in my own home, but I can lust over it in others' spaces, no?

Tory Burch Flagship Boutique on Madison Ave via This is Glamorous

Kelly Wearstler via Elle Decor

Kelly Wearstler via Elle Decor

Greg Natalie via Desire to Inspire

 You guys know I'm all over the art deco element.
So tell me, would you, could you? Are you drooling too?

Kitchens on the Brain - High Gloss White

Hi loves! I've got a mean case of kitchens on the brain. I'm guessing it's partly due to my brother's current kitchen renovation....but MOSTLY due to my new kitchen designer position which I will be starting in two weeks! I'm looking forward to giving clients their dream kitchens.

In preparation for my new job, I've been thinking about styles of kitchens that differ from my own go-to preferred style of classic white shaker cabinetry. Today, I'm getting inspired by a more modern take on kitchen cabinets: high gloss white.

via Style at Home

 ^ I love Style at Home editor Erin McLaughlin's high gloss kitchen because it is the perfect balance of contemporary and traditional.

via Vogue

Toronto Condo via Comfree.com

via Apartment Therapy

I'm sort of loving the simplicity of these cabinets and the way they reflect the light. I bet they'd be easy to wipe down too!

Are you guys fans of high gloss cabinets!?
Have a great long weekend!!

Look For Less - Lucite Clutch

Honestly, I haven't been this excited about a fashion find in a long time. I've been covetting a lucite clutch for many months now, but the price tag of the ones I've seen made me think it was never going to happen. I even considered DIYing my own, a la Stripes and Sequins, but never got around to it.

But loves, Forever 21 has come through again with the ultimate save:

forever 21 / charlotte olympia

Now that's what I call a deal! (Am I the only one who things it's crazy to spend a grand on a small plastic box?...no matter how gorgeous it may be?). 
And now, some lucite clutch inspiration - because I can't get enough!

via NY Mag

via trendy taste

via flyover fashion

via New York fashion hunter

via Stripes and Sequins

 You're welcome :)

Watercolor Wednesday: My Coffee Table

This week, I was inspired by my very own space! I think it's because I can't get enough of my new zebra. He is too perfect. Enjoy xo

Black, White and Gold Prints

Lately I've been craving black, white and gold. A quick and easy way to incorporate this chic and glamorous look into your space is with art prints, so I've rounded up some great options for you to check out!

Chanel print via i see noise / wishbone via gilded mint / Non & Oui via Made by Girl
Non, je ne rerette rien via Sarah and Bendrix / Leopards via the aestate / Let Love guide your Life via SS Print Shop

 Imagine a gallery wall done entirely in this scheme? Amazing.

Vintage Ginger Jar

I am completely smitten with ginger jars! Historically, ginger jars were used to hold provisions such as ginger, salt, and oil. Today, especially in the Western world, ginger jars are usually used as decorative accessories. They are an adorable little chinoiserie element that can be incorporated into almost any room. We all know the stately blue and white jars (which look especially good in multiples), but the other day when I was at the antique store I found this little yellow, mint and red beauty:

For only $13, this little treasure came home with me!
It's little items like these that truly make a space feel special.
Do you have any ginger jars? Can anybody tell me what the chinese character means?

Neutral Nurseries

We are used to seeing nurseries with lots of colour - afterall, it is good for baby's stimulation. But lately I've been inspired by neutral nurseries - meaning gender neutral AND colour neutral. Baby's toys are colorful enough, why not let the space be calm and relaxing?
From the images below, you will see that neutral nurseries create a classic, timeless feel:

via

via

via a well dressed home

 And of course this roundup wouldn't be complete without a shout out to my blog crush Christine and the beautiful nursery she created for her son, Jasper. (It's featured in this month's Style at Home)!

via Bijou and Boheme

I'm over at Baby Cafe today with my own neutral nursery moodboard!

 Head on over to Baby Cafe for the sources and styling tips!

Would you consider going neutral in the nursery?

xox

Project Pimp my Dollhouse & Some Big News

Happy Monday everyone! Is it weird that I love Mondays? (Probably because it is my only day each week with no school or work...does it even count?)
 Today I'm so excited to be over at Kim's fabulous blog, The Green Room Interiors, participating in her fun series, 'Pimp my Dollhouse'. Basically Kim asked a few of us here in blogland to each create a design board for the living/dining room in her own place, which she calls the dollhouse. Today is my day to share what I've created! The main guideline was that we had to incorporate the following elements:

 I mean with these as starting points, you can already tell the room is going to be amazing!
To see what I designed, head on over to Kim's Blog!

 I also have some very exciting news to share with all of you!
 On Saturday I found out that I got a new part time position as a KITCHEN DESIGNER for a particular hardware store that we bloggers absolutely adore. I have worked with this company for the past 8 months in the flooring and decor department, but this new position is much more in line with my career aspirations.
I couldn't be more thrilled, it is an excellent opportunity for me while I complete my degree and I can't wait to take on some clients and start designing!

Lastly, it's time to pick a winner for the $50 Minted Giveaway!
Congratulations to another Kim, who said "If I won, I would spend the money on one of the beautiful art prints, like The Peony Bottle! :)".

Hope you all have a great week! xox