Clutter Control

basket // tray

tray // basket

I did more shopping this week then I've done all winter. And, now I'm feeling the urge to purge a lot of my old stuff.  Maybe it's cabin fever or spring cleaning a bit early, but I'm ready to start taming some of the chaos spilling from every cabinet, drawer and closet around here.

And it's not just my stuff... We've got sports gear, cleats, old toys and school projects on every surface (or so it seems that way to me).  This weekend my goal to is to start the paring down process. As a little extra motivation, stylish sea grass baskets from Target to store what can't be parted with and lovely little trays from J.Crew,  to keep life's little favorite things close.

Spring and Summer Shoes

leopard espadrilles | cap toe espadrilles | leather sandals

suede nude wedges | embellished sandals | d'orsay pointed flats | metallic low wedges

From a fashion perspective, the best thing about winter for me would have to be getting to wear boots...wedges, flats, heels, motorcycle, ankle, rain and snow...I love my boots.  But after this winter, this never ending vortex of a snow day after snow day winter, I'm good.  I'm officially over boot season.

Yesterday I instagramed a pair of new sandals that I can not wait to wear and then I also blogged about this pair of leopard espadrilles...currently on their way to me now.  Everywhere I look I'm tempted by a fun sandal or a cute flat.  Speaking of cute flats, I just bought this very budget friendly d'orsay flat from Old Navy, a great way to figure out if this style is really for me.  Are you yearning for some new shoe options too?

Spring Sale Stalking

I just happened to click over to ShopBop in order to order to replenish my favorite t-shirts (as mine are now a few years old and looking more shabby than chic) and was so excited to see that they are holding one of their big sale events. Here are the details: Spend More & Save More! Includes All Full-Priced & SALE Items Spend $250+ & Save 20% Spend $500+ & Save 25% Spend $1000+ & Save 30% Enter Code BIGEVENT14 at Checkout. Offer ends Thursday, February 27, 2014, at 11:59 PM PST

In addition to a few new t-shirts, I also managed to scoop a pair of these cute leopard espadrilles that I'd been stalking and this pink Joie Masha top (love the Masha tops!) I've still got my eye on quite a few more things, as you see if you scroll through below:

And, just a quick reminder, Shopbop isn't the online store with a great deal going on...my own little store, zhush.com, is currently holding customer appreciation day...check out the details here to save twenty percent off on all purchases, today only!

Customer Appreciation Day!

Book Review: An Invitation To The Garden By Michael Devine

When the nice people over at Rizzoli Publishing asked if I'd like to review an advance copy of
An Invitation to the Garden: Seasonal Entertaining Outdoors by Michael Devine, I happily accepted. I've been a fan of Michael Devine's colorful design work for years.  Once this book arrived I was pleasantly surprised to see that in addition to an abundance of inspirational ideas for outdoor entertaining and beautiful photography, I was also getting a very creative cook book as well.  With fifty mouthwatering recipes included, I know I'll be turning to this chic book for entertaining tips this spring.  As Charlotte Moss wrote in the the forward here, you can "delight in all things Devine"...and that's exactly what I intend to do! Now if spring would only hurry up and get here!

 *I received a free copy of An Invitation to the Garden from the publisher, but this did not influence my opinions here, which are and always will be my own.

Everything Is Awesome

If you have a young Lego loving child in your home, then perhaps you too are familiar with the "Everything Is Awesome" theme song from The Lego Movie.  It's one of those little jingles that just gets stuck in your head. all. day. long... But, it was also very much my thought bubble when I clicked over to New York Cottages and Gardens to see the latest Tilton Fenwick project, (after first getting a sneak peek with the image above, on Tilton Fenwick's Instagram feed) this weekend.  Everything from the fabulous wallpaper choices to the ebullient use of color and the amazing artwork is in fact awesome! Not to mention the very idea of a downtown Manhattan space like this one...

Monday's P.O.P.

purple party pagoda

Image via:

An Invitation to the Garden: Seasonal Entertaining Outdoorsby Michael Devine

Spring Wishlist

one | two | three | four 

five | six | seven

I had a bit of time to kill in between meetings in New York last week...just enough to literally dash through the big three: Bergdorf's, Barneys and Saks.  Seeing all the new spring clothes, beauty items and accessories (even just briefly) was enough to start my mental wish list for spring in earnest.  These are just a few of the highlights...

Inspired By Alex Papachristidies

The weather in New York has been so awful. One snow day after another dreary snow day, my cabin fever is officially at an all time high.  In an effort to cheer myself up, I took to the internet for some online inspiration.

I'm loving all these glamorous and traditional New York City spaces designed by Alex Papachristidies.  I see plenty of great ideas here for my own interiors and even for the direction of my shop.  What's been inspiring you lately?

On Wednesdays We Wear Pink

At the beginning of fall, I impulsively purchased this pink coat from Club Monaco, (which is of course on major sale right now!) and wore it exactly twice, before this miserable winter descended upon us, forcing me to venture out only in gigantic hooded puffer coats. 

Now that the calendar is telling us that spring is near (let's hope!) I'm planning on taking my pale pink coat out again...eventually.  Inspired by all the great street style featuring bold shots of pink, it's obvious that this cheerful color is perfect for transitioning my tired winter weary wardrobe into spring. I'm planning on adding a few more pink pieces to my closet, like this adorable knit cap (also dramatically reduced) and these jaunty pink sneakers (they're already in my cart).  More pink picks featured below!

Monogram Etiquette

One of the most frequently asked questions we get over at zhush.com concerns the correct order in which to place the letters of a monogram.  This is not surprising, since our monogram items, particularly these pillow shams (seen here and below) are one of our most popular items.

While you can always order monograms in any order or style you see fit (making these items truly personal in every sense of the word) when ordering monograms for a gift, people often want to do what is considered correct.  Below is a quick reference guide of what's considered proper monogram etiquette.

 necklace | phone case | cuffs 

mugs | pillow | note pad

GIFTS FOR COUPLES: When ordering for a married or "soon to be" married couple, the correct order is the Bride's first initial, the first letter of the couple's Surname, and then the Groom's first initial.

For example, the monogram on this pillow could be for this couple: Alice and Bob Walters.

GIFTS FOR WOMEN: Typically, when ordering a gift with a three initial monogram, the first letter of the Surname goes in the middle.  The first initial of the woman's first name goes first and the first letter of the woman's middle name OR maiden name goes last.  This seems to confuse people the most, and we always ask that you enter the initials in the order that you wish to see them, as we will not alter this order once placed.

For example, the monogram on this key chain could be for Kelly Marie Smith OR Kelly Monroe Smith.

GIFTS FOR MEN: When ordering for men, it's best to consider the size and shape of the  monogram.  Many people prefer initials for men to appear in the same order as the actual name.  However, when a three initial monogram also contains a middle initial that is visually larger in the middle, it is correct to use the man's surname in the middle as well. 

For example, this phone case would be for Michael Brian Gilligan.

GIFTS FOR CHILDREN:  When ordering monogram gifts for children, the same rules apply as for the adults.  Gifts for children, both boys and girls, traditionally follow the first, last and middle initial order. 

For example, the monogram on this stroller blanket would be for Layla Hannah Robinson.

First image credits: photo of Sarah Crawford's home featuring our monogram shams as photographed by White Loft Studio for Style Me Pretty.

Peeking Into Designer's Homes

This winter has been brutal so far, while the days might be getting longer, it doesn't quite feel that way yet, in fact, while February might be the shortest month, it really feels like the longest. Right now I'm craving bright colors, flowers and bold and sunny design statements (not to mention island resorts).  It's no wonder that I fell instantly in love with the upper east side apartment of Brett Heyman, currently featured on Vogue.com.  Brett is the founder and creative director of Edie Parker, a fabulously creative line of glittery acrylic clutches (I've had my eye on this one for quite some time!) Brett's apartment is as cheerful and stylish as the accessory line she started would suggest...have a look and let me know if you love this burst of spring time style as much as I do.

Shop the look here:

Monday's P.O.P.

palatial purple

Image via: Alex Papachristidis