Obsession Du Jour: Sawyer | Berson

The triple threat design firm (architecture, interiors, landscape) of Sawyer | Berson is my latest obsession, and with good reason.  Covering all my favorite local stomping grounds (Upper East Side, Greenwich Village, The Hamptons, just to name a few) with their impeccable taste and creations, it's easy to see why I'm so fixated on this talented team, and I'm sure you will be too!

Monday's P.O.P.

plummy purples

Image via: Grant K. Gibson

Dress shopping anxiety

I know a lot of my friends do not feel that dress shopping is as awful as bathing suit shopping, but for me it absolutely ranks right up there. I also know that I sound a bit dramatic about this, but after spending over three hours in a department store this week (with the world's most patient saleslady) only to walk away empty handed, I'm feeling a bit deflated about the whole experience. 

We have roughly four dressy occasions on the calendar already this spring and I really need to get at least two new dresses, but shopping for them is bringing to light all my personal body image issues (not to mention the realization that you can actually see the pounds I put on this winter when I take off my coat!)  So, rather than risk wasting even more time and another dressing room melt down, I've decided to comb my favorite online shops, have all the dresses shipped to me, try them on in my softly lit house, along with my heels (and my spanx) and literally keep calm and little black dress on...

If your body issues are anything like mine, you'll appreciate this round up of "bra friendly", not too short, not too tight and nothing shiny, selection of cocktail dresses I've created below.  I'd love any feedback on some flattering dresses, I'm all about feeling comfortable, since it's really the only way to look great in my book!

Top image via: Caroline Daily

{new series} Divine Details: Nailhead Trim

Hello, I'm Katy Byrne from DBK: Designs By Katy. Sue's blog was one of the first ones I started reading, so I'm excited to begin as a contributor for her new series: Divine Details. It's sounds cliche, but it's true, design is in the details. Ever wonder why you love an interiors shot, or what makes one room better than another? Chances are, it's the detail work.

To begin our discussion I'm going to talk about nail heads. Want to know what I love about the first shot? The nail-head trim. Adding nail heads to a piece can turn the ordinary into extraordinary. One thing you may not consider when buying furnishings is how many choices went into that piece of furniture. It may have several fabrics. The legs (or any exposed wood work) has various finish options that were also carefully chosen. Finally, many manufacturer's offer additional finishing touches, like nail head trim. You can go large or small. Nail heads also provide a DIY opportunity to turn that old console into something amazing. Most local workrooms carry nail heads. Pick up your favorite finish, a hammer, and get creative! Next time you're buying furniture, ask what additional options they offer. Chances are, it's a great opportunity for beautiful trim!

Thanks for having me, Sue! Be sure to check out my blog:Designs By Katy and remember, it's all in the details!

Images Via: Phoebe Howard, Miles Redd, Marlien Rentmeester, Navy Dining, House of Turquoise

Go Navy!

1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7. 

The more navy pieces I add to my closet, the more I want!  I used to only wear my navy tops with white jeans, but the past few seasons I've come to love the look of navy paired with black and even navy with denim.  These are a few of the chic navy pieces I've currently got my eye on...(luckily Shopbop is having another one of it's major 25% off everything events, use code INTHEFAMILY14, offer ends 4/17.) Is there a specific color catching your eye these days?

PS: Today's the last day to take advantage of the sale going on at zhush!

New Arrivals and a Spring Sale!

new arrivals

As I scramble to get my taxes filed in time, get our act together for the second night of Passover, rustle up some Easter baskets for the weekend and sort out all our new arrivals here at zhush...I wanted to make sure you all know about our "tax relief" sale going on right now through tomorrow! 

Take 15% off everything in the store (with promo code: April15) including sale items and all our fabulous new arrivals (like these colorful notepads and this chic phone case, two of my faves!) Why not scoop up all the gifts you know you're going to need this season...Mother's Day, Graduation, Teacher Gifts, etc. Happy Spring everyone!

Luxury Redefined

It was Lonny Magazine that introduced me to the masculine elegance of Ryan Korban's interiors, I've been a big fan ever since.  Ryan's work is not the easiest to stalk, so I'm very excited about his new book, Luxury Redefined, which will be released tomorrow, April 15th! I've just ordered my copy, and can not wait to get it. There are so many great interior design books coming out this spring, which ones are you most excited about?

Images via: Architectural Digest; The Fashionistyle