Thursday, December 8, 2011

Dance your troubles away...

The color of the year for 2011 was Honeysuckle, a lovely pink shade that lead me to deem 2011 the Year of Me! Pantone described Honeysuckle as a color that " encouraged us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor." Well it really worked out well for me and 2011 has brought many changes in my life, so I was a bit sad that  Honeysuckle was on its was out.

Lately I have been feeling a bit torn, especially about this blog- I love it, it has been my constant creative outlet for awhile now, but these days I feel like I have a few too many balls in the air and not enough time or brain power to formulate a post that I felt good about. Then this morning I logged on to see the announcement of the 2012 color of the year and I instantly knew what to do!

2012 is the year of Tangerine Tango (Pantone 17-1463)
"Tangerine Tango , a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward"
It's not an entire surprise or that far out of left field as Tangerine Tango was named one of the top colors in the Spring Fashion trend report
But regardless, it is good pick! Orange has been gaining ground in all fields of fashion from cosmetics to home decor and every little bit in-between The executive director of Pantone says it best when she describes it:" Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and the adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy."

So 2012, here we come! and channeling the spirit of Tangerine Tango I am going to recharge and move forward...over the next few weeks I plan to change up the format of this blog, so that Therapy by Charlotte can continue to be a source of inspiration and a creative outlet that works for me and my schedule.

No pressure Tangerine Tango, but 2011 was pretty awesome- you have some big pink shoes to fill, but I feel good and think we may be able to work together and make 2012 the Year of Me part deux!

To all of you who read my post and overlook my misspellings and poor grammar I say a huge Thank you! I'm not going anywhere, just having a makeover- I hope you will still check in and see what is inspiring me
Stay tuned
xoxo








Thursday, November 17, 2011

Maturity is that time...



"Maturity is that time when the mirrors in our minds
turn to windows and instead of seeing the reflection of ourselves we see others."
-Unknown

I have long been a fan of Burberry; my very first pair of "big girl" sunglasses were Burberry, my very favorite purse is my Burberry, my wellies are Burberry, I dream of one day owning the Neiman Marcus Burberry edition British taxi cab... you can see where I am going. To me there is nothing more iconic and British chic than Burberry- from their perfumes to their plaid. But this year they have left me scratching my head a bit with their Burberry Prosum rain cape.

Made of polyurethane and trimmed in patent leather, it is a chic way to not hide your outfit in the rain. It's cute, but at almost $1,300 I can't wrap my head around it...polyurethane! I thought perhaps they had invented some new genius material to use to justify the cost...nope! But none the less they can do no wrong in my eyes, I still kind of love it! 
It's like a window to your outfit! and like all windows- you want to make sure it is accompanied by proper dressing!
Drapes mounted as high as possible help draw the eye up and make a room feel taller

Layering textures isn't just for your bed and sofa; natural fiber blinds paired with fabric drapes makes a stunning statement

Got a big window and can't decide on one fabric? mix things up and create a statement with a collection of curtains

Curtains can add a pop of color and trimmings on them can help set the tone of the room, like these preppy chic curtains

Even a sheer helps the ambiance of the room, it doesn't inhibit the light coming in but it softens it and gives you some privacy 

Window treatments are essential in room where you are eating, can you imagine trying to have brunch with a blinding sun in your eyes.

When I got into the design world I ignored window treatment for the first few years but then I embraced them and I love them, they make a room and can add so much from drama to safety to ambiance- you need window treatments. But what I encounter most is the age old question of how long they should be.

Rule #1 don't do short drapes
Now don't get me wrong- this is an adorable nursery, I am assuming there is some fear of strangulation as to why they are cropped, instead of shorty drapes opt for a roman shade.
Consider fashion for a moment... if you are old enough to be furnishing a home, you are too old for cropped shirts, so no midriff and no shorty drapes.

Rule #2 as long as they are the appropriate length there are no hard and fast rules, only preference

 Floor Length drapes are classic, they brush the floor. They give a clean and tailored feel and are easy to clean around. However, if you have an old home that is charming enough to have uneven floors- this is not for you, you will never be able to get them all even with the floor so save yourself the agony of hemming till your fingers fall off and go longer.

Trouser Length drapes are "breaking the floor" they just rest on the floor. It is a soft and relaxed look that is extremely forgiving of any imperfections in your floor. Some people worry that by sitting on the floor (we are talking and inch or 2 of fabric) they will get dirty easily- harsh truth time, if that is your concern then perhaps you should get better acquainted with your swiffer sweeper... As long as you keep a clean home you shouldn't worry about the drapes.

Puddle Length drapes are over the top romantic, they scream luxe! It's not for everyone because it is more formal but done correctly it can be quite beautiful. So there is a bit more reason for concern on puddled drapes with concern to cleaning, namely because you can easily suck them up in the vacuum if you aren't careful (I can't tell you how many times I have had to repair drapes for clients because of this) but also if you have lovely molding at the floor level then you better make sure they are clean. the puddle will draw attention to baseboards (my favorite place to skimp on cleaning) and as long as they are in good shape this is a plus. Puddled drapes also need consideration on the fabric selection- make sure your choose a fabric that will puddle nicely like a silk, it it is too stiff a fabric it will just look funny.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Hello?? Time, where did you go?

I have no clue where the time has gone that my last post was about Halloween!!!
just a guess??? actually wonder if they make one for pintrest...
But in honor of all the twi-hearts out there that are fired up for Breaking Dawn part 1 I draw my inspiration form this charming image I found on pintrest
hehehe- I love this!

Glitter Wallpaper...might be a smidge over the top but I'm sure there is a perfect place for it somewhere..

mod-sparkles with a faceted faucet

subtle champagne sparkles for every part of you life

possible eye make-up for the Breaking Dawn premier??? very ode to Edward!
Yes- I'm team Edward and proud of it!

Glass and Acrylic add sparkles without being girlie

Chrome table legs shine and shimmer on a lacquered floor

mirrors bounce around light and against darker shades add a ton of sparkle

Can you tell I love this table? 

Sparkle up you Turkey day with glittered pumpkins... very Martha!

toss in a throw pillow... just tell him it is a holiday decoration but never pack it back up!

Swarovski sets the bar on sparkles!!! love the contrast of the sleek modern shapes of their pendants and the drama of the crystals!


Thursday, October 27, 2011

Halloween's just an excuse for girls to dress like sluts...

So when I first heard that we had to dress up for a Halloween party this weekend I had fears of getting suckered into wearing something along the lines of a bunny costume...my bunny days are long gone! I didn't totally blow off my mom's suggestion of Marilyn Monroe but then which of her many men would the boyfriend be???


So after hours of scouring the internet for creative ideas and a visit to the Halloween store I presented him with a list of costumes I would be willing to wear. I tried to be creative including thing like going as Chrome and FireFox (for the record I thought this is what he would have chosen and was getting excited about buying silver leggings) or a bee and beekeeper(ala Martha Stewart), I was also secretly hopping we could do PeeWee and Dottie. But like any true Barbie fan I threw in Barbie and Ken because I am still obsessed with Barbie and because there is a hysterical Ken costume out this year. And what do you know... I have the best boyfriend ever because he has agreed to wear plastic hair and go as Ken! Now to convince my dear sweet sissy that she will never again wear that hot pink bridesmaid dress hanging in her closet- because really Barbie looks much better in her signature color of Pink! in fact who or what space doesn't look better with a pop of pink???
Boring facades are awoken with hot pink shutters


The other Queen of Pink! Betsy Johnson is a woman by my own heart!


Pops of pink work in every style and add a touch whimsy and romance at the same time


Kelly Wearstler is fearless when it comes to pink! 




Aghh, Pink!!!! Everything is better in Pink!
See Sissy- Barbie really needs a pink dress, not black! 
I have no fear of rocking the pink but here's hoping I can pull off being blonde for a night!


Monday, October 24, 2011

I've waited till the last possible moment...

It's that time of year again, and I've waited till the last possible moment to decide on a Halloween costume and what to do with my pumpkin.. I still haven't had inspiration strike on the costume but I have found plenty of inspiring pumpkins this year!
Demure painted Colonial pumpkins will flow beautifully into Thanksgiving

I think these little guys are adorable!

Owls will also hang around perfectly for Fall not just Halloween!

Cutesy pumpkin totem with no carving needed is perfect for squirrel infested areas 

The modern pumpkin

Beiber Fever- still going strong! actually this one really creeps me out!


Pumpkin turned Oasis for floral pumpkins- Love!


Maybe the mice would deter the squirrels...

Preppy pumpkins!

I love the simplicity of these although I doubt I could carve that mouth so tiny!

Lilly Pumpkins!!

Angry Birds! this one's for you Dad!!

glittery ghost pumpkin- how very chic!


Glitter pumpkins- I would do this in a heart beat!

not the best picture but they are different shades of pink!

Perfect for Fall tables!

pumpkins turned toad stools! all they need is a garden gnome!

Break out your modge podge!

I did this look last year and I still love it, very simple and elegant



whatever you decide- have fun with it! Happy carving, or painting, or bedazzeling or  what ever you decide!

Now for the costume....