11.22.2010

CREATE: If These Walls Could Talk

Wall paper. It's unique, vintage, contemporary, elegant, dramatic, whimsical, and I love it! It's one of my favorite decor elements!

Check out these styles from FlavorPaper.com:




Wall paper has come a long way since busy, bland and boring, fruit and flower patterns. There are even removable options for renters or people like myself, who are not ready to commit or are unwilling to succumb to the time consuming process of installation and removal of said "pretty papers."




I've been on the hunt for removal wall paper for my living room, which is in desperate need of  a boost. I came across Tempaper.com during my last cyber-stalking, I mean cyber-shopping session. They have colorful, retro prints and patterns that, according to the website, won't ruin your walls or paint. The prices weren't too bad either, and that's very important because wall paper can get pricey. I've seen rolls with prices $200, and unless you live in a shoe box or maybe a New York City studio, 1 roll won't get you too far.

I requested samples from Tempaper.com last Friday and received my packet today. I was hoping to get a variety of their patterns and colors because I wanted to see them all in person and on my wall, unbeknownst to me they only send you 1 sample per $4 order. So I'll have to work on sampling the other patterns later.


Sherwin Williams also offers temporary options. They have a variety of amazing patterns that I love but I've heard some buzz on blogs that makes me the "take down" may not be as "effortless" as the website claims. Take a look at the Easy Change collections here.

I'm determined to find a colorful, fix for my semi-chocolate walls so I'll keep you posted on my finds and of course post the final results of my crafty project. In the meantime, feel free to share any "wall dressing" ideas you have or other resources for temporary wall paper. If you've tried temporary wall paper and loved it or hated it please feel free to share your experience.

11.20.2010

INSPIRE: Weekend Inspiration from Will Smith

 "The man who thinks he can and the man who thinks he can't are both right."
I watched this clip of Will Smith discussing his work ethic, positive energy, defeating fear and success. It really spoke to me and reinforced many of the concepts and ideas I believe are sometimes the difference between those who achieve and excel and those who don't.



One of the "keys" to success or beliefs Smith subscribes to is the belief that he CAN do anything. In my home, as a child the word "can't" was not allowed to be used, especially in front of my father. He believed that there was no room for this word and that the minute it was spoken doors would be closed and opportunities would be missed. Of course, when I was 11 none of this made sense and I just counted it as another one of my father's annoying and over restrictive rules.

As an adult looking back and having the knowledge of an adult woman I see that my father was planting seeds of success in his children. My siblings I are all college graduates, with varying higher degrees. We all are on a quest for success in our respective crafts whether that be photography or law.

More after the Jump...

11.17.2010

EATs: Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar

Last night I business partner and I got together at Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar. The "meetup" was of dual purposes. First, a meeting of the minds to touch base, brainstorm and offer continued encouragement on our respective individual projects as well a consultation with a potential (now landed) client for Melange Concepts, our event planning company.


When Nae and I meet up we always try to choose new places as a venue scouting method. Ayza was a new and pleasant experience for us both. Located on 31st between Broadway and 5th Avenue, Ayza is a French inspired wine bar boasting over 90 selections of wines and champagnes. The ambiance here is elegant but the decor is modern and casual-the interior was designed by architect, Richard Bloch of the prestigious, Le Bernardin fame (a little tidbit for the design enthusiasts out there) Ayza is small, but cozy, sexy and romantic, if you're in the market for a "date spot."  There is heated/covered seating outdoors if you want to brave the low temps for a "side of people watching" while you sip.




The menu hosts a variety of surprisingly tasty tapas style appetizers, soups, salads and entrees which I'm sure pair well with wine. I had the sauteed garlic shrimp which was served on a bed of finely chopped pineapple a an order of hummus and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Unfortunately, I was so enthralled I completely neglected to take pictures of my meal.

Check out the Ayza Facebook page for Fall deals and promotions. Currently, being promoted is an offer for  FREE Glass of  Wine when you "Like."  There's nothing like a good glass of "liquid relaxation" after a long day!

Enjoy

11.12.2010

TurnKey Design by Tui Lifestyle


Interior designer to stars like Shakira and Francis Ford Coppola, interior designer, Tui Pranich has recently launched Tui Lifestyle. A "turnkey" style design company. Clients can choose from a variety of design packages that suit your style: Lux, Elegant, Sophisticated, Glamorous, Innovative, or a Custome package. You can  have your diggs completely upgraded in just 72 hours. Packages include everything from furniture and electronics to linens and hangers, and start around $10,000. Tui Lifestyle is the design solution for the "design deficient!"

11.10.2010

COMING SOON! Behind the Scenes w/ Shoe Designer Zack Lo


Zack Lo, designer behind the eponymous shoe line, will be chatting with Whatlookslikecrazy.com this month! Want to know where he gets inspiration? Curious about the shoe business? Email your questions to wllc.hello@gmail.com and they may appear and be answered in the upcoming interview!

11.09.2010

{STYL'D} Behind the Brand: The Ladies of Lionette Designs by Noa Sade

Earlier this week I mentioned that I made a "spur of the moment" jewelry purchase from Lionette designs by Noa Sade. I really like this collection so I'm excited to be able to offer WLLC readers the "behind the brand" scoop!



I first became familiar with Lionette last month. I met Vanessa at the Professional Girls Night Out event. Her fervent passion for her company and product was one of the things I remember most about the encounter-that and the 4 sales (mine included) she made that night!

Lionette designs by Noa Sade is bold, exotic and enchanting, not unlike the two exceptional women at the helm of this flourishing brand. Vanessa Lee, who deals with Sales and Marketing, and Noa Sade, who handles Design/Product Development and Branding, were gracious enough to allow me to interview them about the success they've achieved since launching their brand in 2009, their partnership and the inspiration for the upcoming collection.

                                                                       Vanessa Lee

Noa Sade

Check-in with the ladies of Lionette designs by Noa Sade and get details on the special WLLC discount! After the BREAK...

11.08.2010

WKND in Pics: WORK | EAT | SHOP

Hope you guys enjoyed your weekend! Here in the NYC area temps dipped to a chilling 40 degrees in the evenings, and from what I've experienced living in the Northeast, the cooler the temperatures, the more people want to shop!

I spent most of my weekend indoors-drafting, reading and designing. Despite the huge sacrifice and damper grad school has put on my social calendar I really am excited about the opportunities these new skill will bring. A friend of mine has already asked me to do the layout and floor plan for the new bathroom she plans to install. I thought I'd share a few pictures of projects I'm working on since design is a really large part of my life and something I'm very passionate about. Feel free to comment or ask questions!

Besides the epic homework session, I managed to sneak out for dinner at Sky Thai in Jersey City and do a little shopping at Nordstrom Rack and the Bloomingdales outlet in Paramus, NJ.

WORK

Floor Plans for the cooking school I'm designing from a space that was once a furniture showroom:



EAT 

Sky Thai in Jersey City has excellent Thai Food and they're located in the Paulus Hook area near the Hudson River so you can walk and view the skyline when the weather is nice. They're Thai Tea is one of their notable menu items. I had Drunken Noodles with Mok Duck or Seitan (vegan pretein) which I'd never eaten at restaurant before. Let's just say if I could have Seitan prepared like that all the time I could easily transition into Vegetarianism! In addition to the food, the space is well appointed with Asian inspired decor and a modern lounge feel.

Price: Affordable ($$) about $25/person 







SHOP 
A few Fall Tops from Nordstrom Rack and Loehmann's.



11.05.2010

{STYL'D}: A "Wild" New Accessory Delivered To My Doorstep

Don't you love it when you get a package from UPS or FedEX? Even if you already know what it is, the rush of adrenaline I get when I'm tearing into a box shipped especially for me is definitely one of my favorite things! That's me. One of my favorite things is receiving surprise mail. Wait, let me clarify.
I really enjoy getting surprise "fun mail" from people I know or places I've shopped, not surprise bill mail or "hate mail" as my Dad calls it!

This week I received my latest purchase. A custom made "Madonna" necklace by Lionette NY in green. Created and designed by Noa Sade, it's beautiful and simple, yet striking.  I love that it's adjustable and can be worn in different ways, so I feel like I'm getting 2 necklaces in 1.
 
Of course, I consider this a "wardrobe investment," though my accountant would strongly disagree. I've heard and honestly believe best way to update your wardrobe, when you're trying not to blow your budget is with accessories and pops of color, and, jewelry is an accessory, right!?  I think that this chic, bauble will add a little polish to my Fall/Winter looks! What do you think?



The motto for the brand is "woman untamed." I always feel "fully dressed" when I'm wearing heels! I can't lie, I've definitely succumb to wearing flats more these days. I haven't been able to resist all those cool, cute and might I add comfy boots and ballet flats, but I have to say that when I really want that "WOW factor" I break out those heels! It's kind of amazing what a few inches can do. I walk taller. I feel more polished and confident, and super sexy. Now if designers could figure out how to make heels more comfortable without loosing the elements of style-we'd all have the best of both worlds, right? :)

  • What brands or items do you own that make you feel more daring, or "untamed" when you wear them?
  • Do you feel more confident in animal prints, walk taller in red? 
  • Never leave home without those heels because they make you feel more regal and statuesque?
I'd love to hear from you!
Remember to stay tuned for the upcoming Profile with the lovely ladies of Lionette NY here on WLLC!

11.04.2010

{STYL'D}: DIY Fabric Statement Necklace

This week I went a little "cray-cray" with a DIY project and made this funky, chic fabric necklace.
Inspired by Erica Domeseck, over at Psimadethis.com, and a colorful, African print dress I purchased at a flea market, I fashioned this inventive new neck piece! Do you like??


Want to create your own Statement Necklaces? Get the "How To" details after the Jump!

Style Your Home With One Click

Looking for a chic bed to spice up your bedroom? Want to see the latest in foil wall paper offerings? Thinking about doing a DIY overhaul on limited funds? Look no further than Mydeco.com!




Start your search MyDeco.com! I recently saw this site in a DailyCandy.com write up and was amazed at all the design and decoration information. Mydeco.com compiles furniture, accessories, houseware bedding and more  from thousands of sites, like Target.com and Dwell.com, and presents these stylish finds in one convenient location!


  • Shop for decor products in various styles and price points
  • Get access to Creative Tools: 3D Room Design, Moodboards, or do a 3D Design of your room
  • Find out about trends, DIY tips, and decorating news on the MyDeco.com Blog
  • Find Inspiration for creating your "dream space"


11.02.2010

PSA-Election Day

Happy Election Day!







  • Unsatisfied with the allocation of school funds? Then VOTE.
  • Want to see more change in Local and State Governments? Then VOTE.
  • Don't like what's happening with your tax dollars? Then VOTE.

Change in government starts on the local level. Every election counts. Earn your right to complain. 
Get Out and VOTE!