Blonder Ambitions

Category: Lists

  • HOW TO – DECORATE A BOOKCASE

    HOW TO – DECORATE A BOOKCASE

    My bookcase has been a constant saga of reorganization and frustration {see here and here for the journey}… it was cute, but it wasn’t quite right.  So I decided to take a day and revamp the shelving decor.  Read on and you can learn how to take some ordinary shelving and make it something all your own.

    So, my bookcase was ooooookay {yawn}… but it wasn’t there yet.  I had already saved this bookcase from being sent to the dump {it used to be a horrible brown spotty wood color… I painted it glossy white and papered the back with a pink and white damask print}.  If it was worth saving, then it should be worth filling properly.  As I do with every design project for my company {if you’re curious about what I do, click here}, I start with an Inspiration Board {which is basically a collection of images that inspire me and helps collect my thoughts and direct my ultimate design vision}.


    *images courtesy of elements of style, the zhush, all things chic, and favim

    After looking at my Inspiration Board for design direction on my bookcase project, I started laying out all of my necessary decor items… namely books, framed photos, and miscellaneous knick-knacks/pretty things/sentimental items.

    The final step in the process is arranging all of the items so that they are aesthetically pleasing.  This involves a bit of trial and error and a lot of walking back and forth {so you can see what your arrangement looks like from different areas in the room}.  My final product {I am in love with it} looks like this…

  • CURRENT OBSESSION – ORANGE CRUSH

    CURRENT OBSESSION – ORANGE CRUSH

    Maybe it’s all of the fresh bright oranges that are covering the trees in my backyard.  Maybe it’s all of the orange flowers that have been spilling over the buckets at the local farmer’s market.  Maybe it’s the fact that summer {yes, the best season of all is on it’s way…} reminds me of orange soda {i don’t know why… it just does}.  Whatever it is… I have developed a serious affinity for the color orange.  It’s underutilized… so it’s the perfect opportunity to snag something in a tangerine hue and stand out from the crowd.

    1. Manolo Blahnik Raffia Peep Toe Sandal $765
    2. D.L. & Co. Mini Apple Orange $25
    3. Valextra Medium S Line Top Handle Bag $2260
    4. NARS Multiple Tint – Turks & Caicos $39
    5. D/M Beauty is Boring Tee $75
    6. Anna and Boy Abstract Floral Bikini $195
    7. Opening Ceremony Cross Hatch Dress $920
    8. Lanvin Espadrille Wedge $550
    9. Sandra Dini Oval Drop Earrings $1085

  • FABULOUS EVENT – THE PERFECT GIRLS’ WEEKEND

    FABULOUS EVENT – THE PERFECT GIRLS’ WEEKEND

    If you read my packing article earlier this week {found here}, you may have wondered exactly what I was packing for… I was packing for a girls’ weekend.  There is a common misconception that a girls’ weekend has to be all about boys and partying {and, yes, that can be a fun weekend…}, but what can be even more fabulous {and refined} is a more relaxed version of that weekend… a weekend of sunshine, food, poolside cocktails, shows, and treating yourself {or being treated} like a princess.  Another positive: instead of ending the weekend exhausted and hungover {a sad side-effect of the boy-chasing shot-pounding girls’ weekend}, you end the weekend refreshed, tan, and utterly pampered.

  • FABULOUS FOUR – SUMMER SAFARI

    FABULOUS FOUR – SUMMER SAFARI

    Safari influenced fashion is something you should try…right now {you can see an example of it here}.  Tan is commonly misrepresented as a “boring” color… I am utterly adamant about the fact that tan is not boring… it serves as the perfect base for embellishment and individuality.  Tan/beige/pebble {whatever you want to call the color!} is polished, refined, and universally flattering.  Give the tan base a bit of personality with some ruffles, a statement cuff or pendant necklace, a cinched silhouette, or some leopard print.  Look at you now, kitten… rarr.

  • HOW TO – PACK FOR A WARM WEEKEND

    HOW TO – PACK FOR A WARM WEEKEND

    Going away for a three-day weekend… especially someplace warm… is always something to look forward to.  Packing for it? Not so much.  There is very little about this article that is glamorous {except for the fact that I’m packing for a long weekend in Palm Springs}… but this is a practical skill you should master.  You’ll need outfits for the pool, daytime shopping/outings, nighttime dinners/going-out, working out {if you’re like me and view exercise as relaxing}, and sleeping.  Follow the step-by-step packing guide below and you’ll never feel overwhelmed by packing again {no need to stress before a vacation!}.

  • FABULOUS FOUR – SANTA BARBARA SUMMER

    FABULOUS FOUR – SANTA BARBARA SUMMER

    Though summer doesn’t technically begin until June 21, the summer in Santa Barbara always feels like it begins a bit earlier… with the longer days, the warmer weather, and the abundance of international tourists… I feel like my summer {and the summer of numerous other Santa Barbarians} has already begun.  Summer is when the grill is king {or queen}… when State Street becomes a spectacle worth beholding… when fragrant flowers like peonies and sweet peas {not to mention the intoxicatingly fragrant evening blooms like gardenia and jasmine} begin to fill the farmer’s market and gardens all throughout town… and when I buy myself a new notebook in which to scrawl thoughts while lounging on the beach.  Welcome to a very Santa Barbara summer.