dreaming in black & white

August 15, 2017

For years I would respond “black” when anyone asked me my favorite color. Of course, as a former art student, I know black is not actually a color! Nonetheless, I do love black and I have always enjoyed incorporating black and white into my wardrobe, my decor, and even…into my garden.

As a black lover, it has been exciting for me to see so many black and white influences of late. Today, I am sharing of few of my current favorite black and white inspirations…like these adorable black and white face pots (above) from Anthropologie! Don’t you want them all?!

Here are a few more Anthropologie home decor items – the (jungle dreams) wallpaper and the lamp below. The beautifully simple clock is from Target.

This inspiring black and white bathroom is from Pottery Barn…

Black and white patterned pillows are showing up everywhere and this cool pouf is from Anthro…

This super hip couch is available at West Elm…

This black and white peel and stick wallpaper from Target doesn’t need to be used for the walls – how about covering books on a bookshelf or some old photo albums with faded covers…instant update! The pendant lamp is available at Crate & Barrel and looks so super with any decor. The decorative camel figurine is another idea for a Target item that can add an instant black and white update!

The first complete set of dishes I owned was solid black and I still have a soft spot for black dishware. I think this matte black batter bowl from Crate & Barrel is super chic!

These zig zag totes from Crate & Barrel add so personality to a linen closet and black and white check dish towels are a staple in my kitchen! The spreaders from Anthro go beautifully with wood or marble – an easy way to change the look of your current cheeseboard!

Of course, black and white is showing up in wearable items as well. Wouldn’t you love this dress and earrings from Anthro for your Labor Day picnic? The cool loafers are currently on clearance at Banana Republic.

Speaking of shoes…have you seen the Anna Rifle Keds? SO cool! Here is a pair in black.

Want a pretty way to add a little black and white to your day? Pack a lunch in one of these beautiful botanical print bags from Paper Source. You can even add a little contrast to the bag by sealing it with one of these cool washi tapes – the 3 pack is from Paper Source, the bottom one is available at Target.

If none of these black and white ideas appeal to you, you can always pick up some chalkboard paint and some chalk – try using the paint on something unique!

I hope I have inspired you to incorporate some new black and white accents into your life!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Note: The photos in this post are from the websites of the respective stores selling the items.

no comments

diy home office on a budget

July 14, 2017

Change can be sad. As much as I enjoy a good redo, I was hesitant to change my daughter’s childhood bedroom. When she was young, I had put together a Polynesian themed bedroom for her that was filled with mahogany furniture and burgundy and gold bedding colors – all reminiscent of her favorite family trip to Florida.

When the room became empty, I decided to make it my home office. I started with an empty room, a soiled wall-to-wall carpet and some old dusty paper lantern light fixtures.

For Friday field trip today, a peek at the beginning of this new home office!

I painted the two-toned gold walls with a greige color neutral. I used a Behr custom mix from Home Depot – very close to their color Aged Beige. The ceiling was painted white as well as all the trim. What a great fresh start…except for the soiled rug, of course.

From there, I chose a desk first. I found a nice, simple writing desk at Target and purchased it during one of their huge sales when they offered free shipping. The desk has nice lines and would fit my computer comfortably. After assembling it, the only change I made was to the knobs – I replaced the ones provided with a pair in brushed gold. The desk chair was a previous diy…click here to see the before and after.

During the same Target sale when I acquired the desk, I also ordered a simple, gold toned floor lamp. The room already has a trio of paper lanterns (that required a heavy cleaning – I just couldn’t bear to get rid of them!).

I also added a second piece of renovated furniture I refinished years ago – a standing piece I use to store my photograph albums – the nondigital variety.

I covered the one window in the room with a $17. Roman shade that I ordered from JC Penney. How do they even sell them that cheap!?

Since the carpet in that room was SO trashed – my daughter did a number on it – and ignoring it didn’t seem to help, I opted to cover it. My budget did not allow for a complete floor renovation and since the room is so small, it wasn’t hard to find an area rug to cover most of it. I chose a circle shaped, natural fiber rug in a driftwood color from Ballard Designs. They were having a 25% off sale with free shipping – perfect!

Now the fun part of adding the accessories! I purchased all the decorative items at HomeGoods, including a gorgeous canvas that is a world map in greiges and metallic gold! I love this piece!

I still have work to do in the room – in scraps of free time I have a gallery wall to complete – I am in the midst of framing some favorite old photographs as well as hanging a white board calendar and an old doily made by my grandmother.

It does give me satisfaction to know there is still some of the old bedroom when you look hard enough – like the telltale signs of an old pet hamster gnawing on the carpet or pieces of memorabilia that haven’t been removed from the walk-in closet! In an odd way, this helps make the room that much more comforting…a perfect new office!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope I may have inspired you to think about redoing or updating a room!

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

no comments

mugs for days

July 7, 2017

Recently, I found myself in a salon in a part of Connecticut I never frequent. I visited the most gorgeous spot, called All Dolled Up, in Southington, Connecticut. The owner certainly channeled her inner Kate Spade when she created the beautiful black and white with pops of green décor.

Just to check out the drool-worthy interior with its fabulous attention to detail is worth a visit, but the shop offers so much more…wonderful services offered by talented (as well as beautiful – Jen, the owner, actually looks like Kate Spade!) women.

Today’s Friday field trip is a very specific piece of the décor in this fabulous spot – the coffee station!

After this post, you will definitely want to revamp the beverage area in your own place!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope today’s post will inspire you to create your own beautiful coffee station, doll up the one you have…or, maybe just inspire you to replace those old coffee mugs! Have a wonderful weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things…like drinking from a coffee mug with a sassy saying! Jackie xo

4 comments

something old, something borrowed

July 4, 2017

When a wedding dress has been used for two generations and isn’t in good enough shape to sustain a third, how can it be incorporated into a third-generation wedding?

This was a recent project for me. I accomplished this beautifully with help from my ‘go to’ for sewing projects – Ralph & Martha!

The idea was to use the bride’s grandmother’s vintage dress to create a special piece to use in her wedding. The dress had been worn by the bride’s grandmother as well as the bride’s mom and aunt. Determined to help the bride use the dress in a special way, my collaboration with Ralph & Martha resulted in a heart constructed from the grandmother’s wedding dress. Special care was given to use some of the trim – the bride’s favorite part of her grandmother’s dress.

The crowning detail was the inclusion of the three wedding dates embroidered onto the finished piece – the bride’s grandmother’s wedding date, the bride’s mother’s wedding date, and the bride’s wedding date. Attaching the heart to her dress, the bride ensured her grandmother’s dress was worn by all three generations!

The heart (something old) was attached to the dress with a diamond pin the bride’s grandfather gave her grandmother (something borrowed) before they were married. Now deceased, the bride’s grandfather was remembered in a special way on her wedding day with the addition of the pin.

Isn’t this a beautiful remembrance for a beautiful day! After the wedding, the heart can be framed as a lasting keepsake.

I hope this has inspired you in some way to create a special remembrance of your own!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie xo

4 comments

the breakers palm beach ocean views

May 19, 2017

The best part of Palm Beach? THE BEACH!

Start with the Palm Beach sunrise…each day unique!

Here in Connecticut the weather has been more like Palm Beach than typical New England – in the 90’s and humid! So, it is the perfect day to imagine relaxing by the ocean in Florida! Sit back and enjoy Friday field trip today – Palm Beach – Breakers style! Enjoy!

Hanging out at Palm Beach at The Breakers is the best, isn’t it? Thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a fabulous weekend! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie xo

no comments

a little bit of lilly

May 5, 2017

I promised some Palm Beach flavor in the month of May!

Palm Beach is the birthplace of the Lilly Pulitzer style and no visit to Palm Beach would be complete without a visit to a Lilly Pulitzer store!

The way the historic story goes is that Lillian McKim eloped with Peter Pulitzer and moved to the fabulous resort destination, Palm Beach, when Lilly was just in her 20’s.

She opened a juice stand off Worth Avenue, squeezing the juice for all her famous friends.

Needing to camouflage the colorful juice stains (occupational hazard when you are a juice squeezer!) on her clothing, Lilly created a brightly printed, easy shift dress to work in…the start of all things Lilly!

The bright, fun details pictured here were taken in the Lilly store located at the iconic Breakers hotel in Palm Beach.

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

no comments

palm beach style

May 2, 2017

You know how I love a good theme! Currently, it is all about Palm Beach! Today, I am sharing a glimpse of a super cool project I created with Ralph & Martha.

For a gal that is all about neutrals, embracing Palm Beach – in all its pink and green glory – has been a big departure from my usual color palette! But, what a fun time I have had immersing myself in all things Palm Beach!

For this specific project, I chose some fabrics and ribbons to create some key chain gifts. So fun!

The construction part was all Ralph & Martha and they are such professionals (and perfectionists), I knew my end result would be fabulous!

Aren’t they great! I think we nailed the Palm Beach vibe! ;) Think about what great wedding favors these could make for a summer celebration!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

no comments

may book giveaway!

April 28, 2017

Since I have immersed myself in the Palm Beach culture of late, my book giveaway this month is a little different. Instead of a book, I am giving away a Palm Beach inspired prize package!

The winner of this month’s giveaway will receive this Palm Beach inspired collection of gifts! The basket includes a scarf, a drink hugger, a cosmetic bag, a key chain, and a jewel box. As usual, the winner will be chosen at random from comments I receive in response to this post. Good luck!

Congratulations to Amber, the winner chosen at random, of the April giveaway book, Fire Pit Cooking by Vanessa Bante. This book is sure to inspire some fireside meals! Thanks to everyone who entered. To read more about the book, click here.

Instagram users, read on!

The May Instagram challenge will follow the Palm Beach theme! Let’s share photos inspired by the Palm Beach lifestyle! Channel your inner Lilly Pulitzer and post a Palm Beach inspired photo using the hashtag #pleasuregram! And, be sure to check out May’s posts for some Palm Beach fun!

Thanks for stopping by. Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

10 comments

jewelry display diy

April 18, 2017

Today I was styling some jewelry. I was being resourceful and using anything I could find that was readily available – household items, found items from outdoors, etc.

It occurred to me what a great item a clipboard can be to showcase jewelry. For such a ridiculously inexpensive, utilitarian object – it can really show a whole lot of style!

If you are putting together a display of your jewelry on your dresser or in a walk-in closet, consider using one or more clipboards. One clipboard can be displayed on a stand on it’s own or several can be displayed this way in a group. Or, several clipboards can be hung on a wall for a display of multiple pieces.

I created this super easy display piece in about 3 minutes. I grabbed some paint and sprayed the metal of the clipboard. There was only one can of spray paint handy and it happened to be off-white…if I had my choice, I would have used something more reminiscent of rust, but I used what I had. I rubbed a little metallic paint I found hanging around onto the cream paint – just so it wouldn’t look too perfect. Then, I used a page from an old book as the background for the display of the jewelry piece – first ripping the edges of the paper to give it a little character.

Super easy – right? A series of statement necklaces on clipboards would make cool wall decor. And, there are so many different ways to provide a background. Think about fabrics, book pages, wrapping paper, old photos, etc.

I hope I have inspired you to use a clipboard as a display piece. Have fun experimenting!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

no comments

anthropologie westport

April 7, 2017

Today, on Friday field trip, these photos from the reopened Anthropologie in Westport, Connecticut are sure to inspire!

Anthropologie Westport pleasure in simple things blog 025

A homage to the former occupant of the building…the Westport YMCA.

The new store, located in the middle of town, is larger than the former location on the Post Road with plenty of room for some exciting surprises – like a section of wedding merchandise from sister store BHLDN (one of the 15 nationwide)!