Creative Spark: Matthew Kavan Brooks

I am obsessed with the artwork of Matthew Kavan Brooks.  These works and more are available on Society 6, in several print sizes as well as other goodies like tees, hoodies and iphone cases.  The only problem is deciding which one I want...

   

Decisions, decisions.

The It List-January 27

Happy Friday ladies!

Enjoy these great links this weekend...

• suze wears clothes brings us words of inspiration each and every Sunday. I love this week's installment, especially this colorful quote on joy! (find suze wears clothes on twitter!)
• gs lillian found these adorable "spike" necklaces at Target... pop on by her blog to see what other fun pieces she found - including a few that are perfect for Valentine's Day! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• my soul is the sky is back with another great hair tutorial - this one, the 'bohemian side braids' look great on her and have inspired me to try a similar style! (find my soul is the sky on twitter!)
• what the frock recreates an outfit featuring a neon skirt, a cozy sweater and an unusual hem-line.  Sound like fun? It is! (find what the frock on twitter!)
• live a lot goes for the all black outfit.  Do you ever fall back on this simple outfit formula? It happens to be one of my favorites! Check out her look!
• rachael really looks stunning in stripes and faux fur.  Then she adds red wellies and a pearl necklace for the win! (find rachael really on twitter!)
• free to be stacia lee is hosting a giveaway for a gorgeous amethyst necklace. Stop by her blog to enter! (find free to be stacia lee on twitter!)
• here & now sports the perfect weekend outfit and looks fabulous doing it!  Especially since she had just run a 5K that day!  You go girl! 
• fabulously average is rocking what she calls "the new neutrals" - and I couldn't agree with her more, they totally are!  What are the "new neutrals"? You'll have to stop by her blog to find out! (find fabulously average on twitter!)
• behind the dressing room door has the perfect accessory for cold winter days - a bold and colorful scarf!  See how she styled it! (find behind the dressing room door on twitter!)
• the capital barbie tracks down some absolute darling bowed-tops. I love how feminine and flirty these tops are! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style takes this mint green maxi dress and styles it three ways that are perfect for late winter into spring! It's so versatile! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• a fashion fixation introduces us to a new online shop called Vestique - have you heard of it? I love their bold and colorful selection, like this blazer! (find a fashion fixation on twitter!)
• the tiemann girls are showing off their gorgeous taupe finds from Target!  Taupe never looked so good ladies! (find the tiemann girls on twitter!)
• stay in the lines makes homemade oreo cookies.  I think I know how I'll be spending a cold, winter Saturday in my near future - baking and eating these! (find stay in the lines on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by Jill of good life - for information on how you can be involved, click here!

Ebook Review: Design Demystified by Maggie Rose Interiors + Special Bonus Offer!

My dear friend Maggie of Maggie Rose Interiors just released a new ebook this week titled "Design Demystified", and let me tell you, it absolutely lives up to it's name! I am so excited to share this with you guys because I know you will love it, and it will become something that you can turn to again and again when making design decisions for your home.

In the ebook Maggie shares over 90 tips in these main areas of design:

Furniture

Space Planning

Textiles

Layering

Details

Her attention to detail is what really blew me away with all these tips.  Where as I see a room and think, "Now that's a pretty room",  Maggie sees and identifies all the details that help make the room look so pretty in the first place.

For example, I see a zebra rug in a room and think "that looks good there". In "Design Demystified" Maggie gives us the design background as to why it looks good there:

Now it makes much more sense and I would know how and where to use one properly in my space.  You can only imagine the nuggets of wisdom she imparts with over 90 individual tips (14 pages) like this!

Another thing that I found useful about the ebook is that the majority of the tips can be applied to your home right away, without having to buy anything new!  I plan on pouring over them again this weekend and putting more than a few into place in my own home.  

You can get your copy of "Design Demystified" right here, available for immediate download, for only $14.  As a bonus, the first 5 readers to order a copy will be sent a free copy of Maggie's first ebook "101 Things to Put In Apothecary Jars".  Simply enter "Sweetie Pie Style" in the notes to seller section when checking out on Paypal and Maggie will send it your way.

As Maggie says in her ebook, "Design doesn't have to be a mystery...so happy decorating!"

images via "Design Demystified"

Work It Wednesday: Mint Green Maxi Dress

I saw this mint dress from Old Navy online and new that it would be perfect for my next Work It Wednesday post.  It is right on trend with Spring pastels, yet with the length, you can add lots of layers to be able to wear it now while it is still chilly outside.

denim jacket, shoes, scarf, earrings, clutch

lipstick, ring, shoes, blazer

lace top, blazer, shoes, bracelet

This might be my favorite WIW so far!

On The Hunt: Comfy Reading Chair

Who:  Reader Kirsten

What: A comfy reading chair

How: Under $750, not white, cream or leather, and with arms.

I just love a comfy reading chair to curl up in, and don't think a home is complete without at least one! Here are 9 I found according to the criteria.  Kirsten, many of these come in different fabric choices, so if you see one you like, make sure to click through the link to view all available options.

1. Sage Morgan Chair, World Market, $200

2. Hibiscus Wing Chair, Pier 1, $330

3. Carmen Chair, Pier 1, $550

4. Baldwin Chair, World Market, $386

5.  Kenter Club Chair, Home Decorators, $449

6. Abbie Armchair, Pier 1, $500

7. Martine Armchair, Home Decorators, $400

8. Rosalie Armchair, Pier 1, $400

9. Velvet Luxe Chair, World Market, $225

The It List-January 20

Happy Friday!  

Take some time to warm up this weekend and check out these awesome links!

• gs lillian says "yes" to the sweater skirt.  She seriously rocks this look and has me wanting a sweater skirt for myself! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• rachael, really makes "four eyes" look impossibly chic. Go check out her new glasses and fabulous  red shoes! (find rachael, really on twitter!)
• the tiemann girls are crushing on Essie's new spring nail colors!  And because they are loving them so much they are giving some away!  Check out their little giveaway.
• suze wears clothes is winter-chic, which is a common theme here today! I love her cozy winter look! (find suze wears clothes on twitter!)
• fabulously average is rocking one of my favorite dresses (which happens to be on super sale right now!) while in Florida.  This look is gorgeous on her! (find fabulously average on twitter!)
• free to be stacia lee is keeping warm in bright pink! I love bold colors like this for winter, it makes the grey days bearable!
• my soul is the sky found the perfect red lipstick!  Find out where she bought it and see how it looks on her (hint: very pretty!). (find my soul is the sky on twitter!)
• the capital barbie is crushing on grape-hues.  And how fabulous is this handbag in purple? You will love the price too! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• what the frock has a fun celebrity copycat look featuring Kristen Bell. I love this outfit for Valentines or a fun date night! (find what the frock on twitter!)
• live a lot has another fun winter look - she went without tights, but if it's cooler where you are, just add tights!  Check out her look. 
• here and now is sporting winter white! I absolutely love this look if you have the guts to pull it off - I'm glad here and now reminded me how fun this is! (find here and now on twitter!)
• behind the dressing room door takes us into the dressing room again for another fun "try on" session. I am loving this unique top that is long in the back and short in the front! Cute! (find behind the dressing room door on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style found these super fun crocheted flats from The Sak that are so bright and fun for spring!  Check out more styles on her blog as well. (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• a fashion fixation is rocking one of my favorite trends that was here and then gone and is now back! Boyfriend jeans.  Check out how she styles them! (find a fashion fixation on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life, for information on how you can be involved - click here!

Spring Fashion Wish List

Why not look ahead to Spring already? The stores certainly are, bathing suits and tanks are already popping up on the racks.  I'm not even trying to think about bathing suits (hello absent from the gym for 3 months), but I am thinking about all the color I would like to add to my wardrobe.  Because that is what it is all about this Spring!

These will add a fun pop to any outfit!

 top left, bottom left, middle, right

You can never really have enough.  

Left, right.

Still lusting over a green bag. 

Top, middle, bottom.

I'm going to brave them!

 left, middle, right.

What are you coveting for Spring?

Interior Infatuation: Nursery Love

No. I'm not pregnant.  But my husband is starting to pester me about having another. Oy! It makes me more nervous now that I am the ripe ol' age of 30.  Back when I was 24 and pregnant with my first I was so young and naive, I never worried too much through my pregnancy.  Now I know I would be worried over every little thing.  And I don't know if I am up for that.  We'll see.  Anyway, I mentioned I am planning a shower for one of my best friends, which is going to be this Saturday.  So I am knee deep in baby stuff and it had me thinking about sweet little nurseries.  They really are one of my favorite rooms.  It's a shame that they are so temporary.

Source: thebooandtheboy.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Love the polka dots and color of the cribs.

Source: nestdesignstudioblog.blogspot.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Sweet and a bit modern.

Source: projectnursery.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Seahorse!

Source: gracehiltondesign.blogspot.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Love the bookshelves.

Source: amyfurstenau.blogspot.com via Jackie on Pinterest

This whole room is amaze. I love that it thinks outside the box by putting the crib smack dab in the middle of the room.

Any sweet readers of mine pregnant right now?  Give me all your deets: boy or girl? Names? Due dates?  Let's have a little discussion in the comments!

Work It Wednesday: Printed Blouse

I adore a nice, billowy printed blouse.  Mainly for the fun punch they bring to an outfit, but also because they are a necessity on days when you had one too many mozzarella cheese sticks from Jack In The Box.  A tight-fitted tee ain't none of my business on those days.  That happens to you too, right? Right?!

top, cardigan, jeans, purse, flats, polish

top, watch, pants, purse, bracelet, shoes

top, necklace, pants, shoes

Sweet Obsessions: New Crochet Shoes from The Sak!

When I saw in People StyleWatch mag that The Sak has come out with a brand new line of shoes, I was like "wha??" then I was like "cool!" then I was like" oh, I need those coral boat shoes!!"

Aren't they just perfect for Spring!? And fairly reasonable at $59!

The two other shoes they have available at the moment are cute too:

Great cork wedges and a fun neon striped flat!

While we are at it, might as well pick out the perfect new tote for Spring too, right?

The top coral cross-body packs quite the punch, but the white leather tote with camel strap has my heart.  Get the perfect little crocheted cosmetic pouch to toss in and you are good to go!