Three's A Crowd

I have had the pleasure of working with Healing Spaces a charity that funds new rooms for children with serious medical problems. On my latest adventure we had a wonderful family with multiple medical issues and . I had to come up with a way to keep the peace and function of a room for three. Three girls three sisters three spaces. The youngest daughter was in elementary, the middle high school, and the oldest in college. I care about every child and every family I work with but this family touched my heart in unique way. When i asked them what they loved, wanted, needed i was met with an unexpected design element: Japan. They wanted a Japanese inspired zen room mixed with their other passion: Anime. Here is the result.

BEFORE:

Challenge #1: The room housed three twin beds set up in an U shape with the head of one bed butting up against the foot of another, the walls were in bad need of repair and paint. Plus storage.

Challenge#2: They had no privacy. One daughter had vision in only one eye and the lack of lighting in the room made it hard for her to read or study.

Challenge #3: Storage. There was one closet for three girls. This caused the most of the girl's stress

Challenge#4: The older brother was only separated by a white shelving unit wedged into a door frame he took advantage of this fact to terrorize as all brothers do.

First order of business was to define my plan and inspiration: below are my look board images...

This wonderful couple helped me with the calligraphy xoxo

Here are the After shots:

I choose a wall color in a soothing neutral: "Peace and Happiness" a lavender that wasn't too pink or purple... not too boring or girlie. The paint we used was Benjamin Moore's Natura paint: it goes on with no chemical smell and the containers are recyclable.

Each sister got there own closet section and wall mounted bed side lamp. To futher add light we used spot lights above the wardrobe.and a large lamp on top of the dresser.

I attached room dividers to the mask the bed and to create personal spaces for each of the girls. Now they can lay in the bed and have privacy.

A few details: I put a bonsai tree on the dresser, gave the sister a beautiful blue kimono, framed Japanese newspaper and hung over the door. A wall sized calligraphy mural of the character "Love" took up entry wall space. I added a bamboo bench, a fun crochet floor poof, a full collection of anime "plushies", multiple colorful lanterns added to the youthful zen aesthetic.

As far as storage I put in a 6 drawer dresser, a 3 part wardrobe system(which walled out the beloved brother), and wall mounted cabinets for additional storage. All that was left was to add a coat of paint and decor to change the existing closet into a private computer/TV station...viewable from each of the beds . The laptop was given by Healing Spaces.

Healing Spaces is always looking for volunteers to help create spaces for these wonderful families if you are interested please contact Healing Spaces

My September Issue

Falling Down



I had to close my window last night because the air was too cold....and as I laid down in bed and snuggled under my cover i dreamily said to myself...:"This freakin' Sucks!" I Love summer, but alas it is starting to dim and fall is creeping in like old 90's R&B stars. But fall and winter does come with one upswing...FALL FASHION. So I have put together a wish-list for the season...I mean if we must put on more clothing it might as well be fabulous.

First up is a classic: the Camel Coat

When i think of this staple I remember walking arm and arm with my father and his how soft the arm of his camel dress coat felt. A well cut camel coat, dress, or blazer leaves me with a classy taste in my mouth. If you are going to invest in any piece this winter make it a camel coat in good quality. It will last you forever and it will never go out of style.

LEATHER: It makes my heart beat!!!!!!! and now they have finally created the wearable leather legging: One half stretchy material and one half cow. (Check out www.danier.com) This year my search continues for the perfect leather jacket...I'll let you know if it surfaces.
As far as leather pants and garments...respect the skin. Leather has its own personality: it can shrink stretch, smell, or crack. Ask for the storage and cleaning instructions when you purchase.

I have never been the biggest fan of men in leather pants but i don't mind a little leather trim . I love these trousers they are edgy and still masculine.

A GOOD FIT: Pay for tailoring. I am a big sample, bargain hunter, second hand, thrift store shopper and sometimes just because because my outfit of the moment fits me in the hips I may be swimming in at the waist or the look is cut but the hem needs to be raised or lowered. If you don't know how to adjust these things yourself spend the $10 (pants, shirts, skirt) to $50 (suits) bucks and have it altered. You'll look better in it... there is nothing more refined than a good fit.

Fall is the season of the accessory. I love the layered look of a vest a Windsor and jacket, full scarves with texture and of course a statement bag.

Layer it up. Fall doesn't come all at once it eeks in so layer up this way you can shed a layer if it gets too warm or add on when the sun sets. One thing to remember is no to lose your shape. I you are going heavy on the top define your waist with a belt or balance a heavy layering on the top with slim line pants.

I love this type of casual layering for men. A cardigan over a print top with Clark's or kicks...yummy

Some of the pieces I have selected have come from THE ROW the Olsen twins new line. I absolutely love their concept of femininity. It is not overt or conservative it is beautiful. They blend comfort, class, shape, and taste to create clothes for a confident, bad-ass woman. I would wear every piece.

FUR real? Nope. Finally fake fur no longer looks like the sad matted coat on your first teddy bear. Designers are pushing the faux stuff this fall and its looking good. A long fur vest is a necessity this season layer it under a utility jacket or over a knit.

When i was in high school my best friend was enlightening me on how to choice the right guy...I cant remember any of what she said except for one thing...look at his shoes are they clean are they stylish but tasteful...HILARIOUS. Probably shallow but i must admit when i meet a man i cannot help but glance at his shoes.LOL These will keep you moving in the right direction.

Rag & Bone collaboration with Timberland

Here are two man bags (that i would borrow) these are utilitarian enough that you can carry anything and that will not get you the "Is he carry a purse?" looks

These are the picks my piggies are craving!!!! Ladies let me know if you agree.

Now for the Big Girl Bags....

Happy Hunting...xoxooxoxoxoxoxoxo