Blonder Ambitions

Category: Design

  • How To: Make Your Own Vintage Headband

    I was obsessed with a certain Grecian headband (found here)… I was looking at one of my jewelry boxes and it was brimming with my late grandmother’s brooches.  I thought to myself… “Why not make your own one-of-a-kind headband?”  So I did.  I grabbed some thick satin ivory ribbon and then fastened the brooches to the ribbon.  I tied the whole think in my hair and was (very!) pleased with the result.  You may not have a ton of vintage jewelry lying around… So head to a thrift store and buy a bunch.  Go classic or garish.

  • Hey, A Girl Can Dream…

    I may not be able to afford an entire living room from one of my interior design obsessions… Jayson Home & Garden (yet)… but that won’t stop me from trying.  I mixed and matched a few pieces to put together a compilation of my ideal living room.  Feminine enough, yet rustic.  Refined, yet comfortable.  Chic, yet timeless.  And just enough quirky elements to give the room some character.  I’m sure my idea of an ideal living room will change daily (like my other style choices)… but that’s a chance I’m willing to take.

  • How To: Make a Display Board

    I was facing a conundrum commonly faced by young accessory laden women… I didn’t know where to put all of my necklaces.  I had the standard jewelry box solution covered… But there were some long, dramatic necklaces that were too pretty to be put away.  And so my jewelry board was born.

    Simply purchase a cork board (I got mine from Michael’s) and paint the wooden trim whatever color tickles your fancy.  I like white.  Then, lay the board down and find some paper with a repeating pattern.  Cover the board with it.  Next, cover the paper with a layer of lace.  To secure the paper and the lace to the cork board, use white thumbtacks.  I also decided to adorn the corner of my board with paper flowers (Martha Stewart makes some great ones).  To create the hooks for my necklaces, I used tiny finishing nails and hammered them into the cork board at a slight upward angle.  Voila! Jewelry on display.

  • Christmas Decor for the Girls

    Who says Christmas has to be all red and green and holly-jolly? Not me!  I threw a little Cupcakes and Champagne party for my best friends before we went out for a night on the town.  I stuck with vintage lace, preppy blue and white striped fabric, hot pink satin ribbon, candles, and lots of glitter and sequins.  Jazzy Christmas music (Eartha Kitt, Ella Fitgerald, Louis Armstrong) played in the background.  The Christmas Tree I had decorated earlier served as a focal point.  The holiday cards and gifts that I had made for them doubled as place cards.  Overall, it was beyond a wonderful night… One of the best nights I’ve had with my best friends.

    ♥ We had so much fun that we couldn’t even sit still for a picture ♥

  • How To: Decorate a Christmas Tree

    I know that “designer” style Christmas trees are a big thing right now… And I always have people asking me how I put together my (very girly) Christmas tree each year.  So here’s a little “How To” to help you get that fabulous Christmas tree that you deserve…  And, go way over the top.  It is the holidays, after all.

    ♥ First, lay out all of your ornaments so you know exactly what you’re working with ♥

    ♥ Next, light your Christmas tree (mine had pre-strung lights) so you know exactly where to put your decor.  Start by placing your ribbon… I used hot pink and antique pink wired ribbon.  Wired ribbon is easiest to work with because it holds its shape ♥

    ♥ Then, embellish your tree with branches and flowers… It adds something extra and makes your tree appear to have been professionally decorated ♥

    ♥ Add your largest ornaments… Usually bulbs.  I love mixing bulbs with a matte finish with bulbs covered in glitter.  Chic and unexpected… Add your large decorative ornaments next ♥

    ♥ Make sure some of your ornaments are personal and fun.  Marilyn Monroe is one of my icons ♥

    ♥ Add your tree topper and… voila!… a very custom, very chic, and very personal Christmas tree ♥

    ♥ Merry Christmas ♥

  • Room Lust – Office

    Mind you, my office is in a nook… So I need high impact and lots of organization in a small space.  Currently, the nook is in a state of flux and in desperate need of being redesigned.

    I have what I need at this point (a million zebra print pens, my 27″ iMac, a vintage chalkboard, and always always always a crystal vase with pink roses from the local Farmer’s Market)… But I want it to be perfect as this is where I spend most of my workday.  I think that wallpaper and a few bold statement pieces are the perfect solution.

    1. Simply Shabby Chic Classic Computer Desk $269.99
    Simple with a ton of space. Perfect for working on my blog… and my book(s).
    2. Simply Shabby Chic Crystal Candlestick Table Lamp $44.99
    Perfect for providing light (and sparkle) into the wee small hours of the morning… when I do my best work.
    3. Paeonia Wallpaper $148
    Color, design, and impact. Great for making a tiny space pop.
    4. Bird and Floral Print Slipper Chair $299.99
    I’ve never been a big believer in the standard ergonomic desk chair. Give me something cozy and a fabric with some personality.
    5. Doily Rug $598
    Adorable way to define your space. And the correct space in which to use a circular rug.
    6. Monogrammed Mug, Missus “K” $3.95
    Don’t let anyone steal your coffee mug.
    7. Provencal Biscuit Canister $28
    Do something unexpected by hiding your pens in a jar intended for the kitchen.
    8. Costume Jewlry Magnets $32
    I have a metal filing cabinet that I painted an antique white next to my desk.  These feminine magnets could be used on the metal surface in a stylish way.
    9. Tocca Boed Candles – Cleopatra $36
    Scent can be really inspiring.  Especially a scent named Cleopatra (I mean, come on, sex goddess and woman ruler).
    10. Flowering Twig Pencil $5
    With a pencil this pretty, there is no excuse to jot down your thoughts.