Monday, November 24, 2014

Want It, Need It




Have you guys seen Kate Spade's art print collection? It's a Facebook exclusive and I mean really, what girl doesn't dream of living in a Kate Spade store? And while we're on the subject the video for their holiday collection is full of all the quirky cuteness you'd expect. I think I'm now an Anna Kendrick fan and in need of sparkly mary janes. 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Business Babe: Keep



I had never heard of Keep until Lindsay of Hattan Home had brought it to my attention that she was getting some traffic from people "Keeping" her products on the site. I checked it out and was hooked! Sorta of like Pinterest but without the dead ends and recipes.... things you can actually buy! A shopaholic like myself's dream come true. Learn more about Dria Murphy of Keep below: 

When was Keep started and where did the inspiration come from?

Keep started in October of 2013 and wanted to create a place to discover and buy the latest trends in fashion, home decor, accessories and design. Keep's community noes unites the best products from across all e-commerce into a beautiful showcase of trending, unique and fabulous finds!

What is the Keep OneCart and how many different companies can we currently find on Keep?

The Keep OneCart - the first and only multi-store, web-wide shopping cart - we make shopping dangerously easy! Buy items you discover on Keep - or from any store on the Internet - with Keep’s OneCart.  When you enter your personal information once, you never need it again, on any site, ever! Buy any products from any store, anywhere, all in one order.  Really! There are over 40,000 online stores and over 775,000 products currently on Keep!

Any new and exciting plans we should keep on eye out for?

Keep is ready for Holiday '14, with programs in place to insure that shoppers need no other app than Keep for all their holiday shopping.  Exclusive offers with 40+ retailers Cyber Monday Marathon programming + Implementation of Pay + more!

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

#OOTD




Photography by Haley Cairo (and handbag borrowed from)

So fun fact: I actually have two degrees. Over achiever, I know. The first obviously being communications with a focus in PR and the second being fashion merchandising, both from Immaculata. Oh and a minor in French, but who's counting. I highly recommend if you're interested in this fashion/lifestyle realm of PR to dual major. While I cursed under my breath during all those sewing and flat pattern making classes I now look back and can see how valuable the skills are. Due to them I  know how my clients products are made, why they might cost more than their competitors and have a greater appreciation for fashion. 

During one of those sweatshop working apparel construction classes we had to make oxford shirts. It was probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life...props to you designers out there. It may not be perfect, Sister Denise will be the first to tell you that. Other side note: I went to a Catholic university and was taught by nuns. Yes, even some fashion courses. Back to what I was saying though.... it's not the best shirt but it's my favorite. I love the fabric, buttons and fit but mostly the hours I put into it. 

Monday, November 17, 2014

Want It, Need It


Eberjay PJs, Self Portrait Dress, Trouve Pants, Joes Jeans, Camilyn Beth Top, Tory Burch Bag, Mara Hoffman Shoes, Elizabeth & James Sweater, Trina Turk Dress, Darci Henry Blush      

I don't know about you but I've had Taylor Swift's new album on repeat for the past two weeks. Seriously, I'm listening to it even as I type this. Are you a T Swift fan too? What's your favorite song? I can't even decide, the album is just that good.

Anyways, I don't have anywhere to wear any of these Self Portrait dresses but their girly lace and peekaboo features remind me of the country turned pop superstar. Wouldn't you say? Want. Need.

Friday, November 14, 2014

Patricias Palace: Living Room











Photography by Haley Cairo

Welcome to my home! Or as I call it on Instagram #PatriciasPalace. I bought my home almost a year and half ago but have only been living in it 1 year come March. As some of you know it was a "fixer upper" so to speak. That's an understatement. I've replaced the siding, roof, all the windows, floor, 95% of the drywall, knocked down walls and oh so much more. 

Here's a sneak peek into the semi final living room. I am replacing the rug, cowhide chairs and adding curtains but you get the idea. I'm so happy with it all though as it truly feels like a palace to me and perfectly reflects my style. Shout out to all of my family and friends who helped in every bit!

Let me know if you'd like to see where individual pieces are from although I'll warn you some were DIYd or passed down and updated. 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Business Babe: Hattan Home

Here's a not so secret, secret... Mrs Hattan Home (Lindsay) is one of my favorite humans ever. And I'm not just saying that because she's a Piqued PR client or because I'm mildly obsessed with her store and buy way too much from it. She's genuinely a kind hearted business babe. Who's down to earth, not catty with a killer eye for decor and accessories. Also, I kinda love the fact that she was an actress, turned foot model (yes, that's for real) then interior decorator/ organizer before finally creating Hattan Home. Before I spill all of her secrets, read below to find out more...

You lived in NYC for 10 years as an actress, how did you transition to owning your own online decor shop?

Moving to NYC was the easiest decision I ever made.  What they don't tell you is that leaving is impossibly difficult and utterly heartbreaking.  My now husband joined the Coast Guard in 2011 and got stationed in Delaware.  So I essentially had to choose either NYC and acting, or the love of my life.  True to form LOVE WON!  After major soul searching, i knew I wanted to open a home decor shop. Since we'll be moving around a lot, I decided to live my dream now and not wait for the perfect storefront or circumstances to come.  Hattan Home came to me like a bolt of lightening and is definitely a blessing from above.

The name "Hattan Home" really ties back to your time in NYC, what does it mean to you? Why do you feel it was important to incorporate this into your shop's name.

I simply adore the word Manhattan, if I had to leave I wanted a way to have it always be a part of me. ( If we ever start a family one of my kids will have the middle name Manhattan!)  Manhattan is all energy, and color, a smorgeousboard of inspiration, Hattan Home is too!

What are the attributes your merchandise must have in order to qualify as Hattan Home approved?

Well these days I will buy pretty much anything gold or acrylic because it's gorgeous and it sells.  Quality is very important, I read an article from Jonathan Adler where he said he only wanted to make heirloom quality pieces that relatives would fight over when you die.  I'm definitely moving in that direction.  I adore contrast, hot pink, gold foil, bold color, luxurious stationary, and often I source from vendors in Australia because I love to have items that other shops aren't offering.

What are a few of your favorite home decor items on the website right now?  

Hands down my favorite items are the Mrs. Darcy pillows and the Bonnie and Neil pillows.  These Aussie designers just nail it on color, pattern, uniqueness, and quality.  The turkish towels are fabulous in all seasons and can be used as tablecloths, bath towels, kitchen towels, and hand towels.  All the candles smell impossibly delicious, and the matches are some of the cutest that have ever existed!

What is one accent piece of home decor that you feel can liven up any room? 

A gold or silver metallic pouf like the ones we sell in the shop!  It adds energy, shine, and versatility.  Other favorites are sheepskin rugs and giant mirrors, preferably reflecting light from a window.  Candles, fresh flowers, and impeccable housekeeping are a must as well!


Tuesday, November 11, 2014

#OOTD








Photography by Haley Cairo

Sorry for the picture overload on this post but if you didn't know already, I'm obsessed with my dog. Fur reals, crazy dog lady status over here. Another thing I'm obsessed with? This Southern Proper hat from Tuckernuck. It actually surprises me how much I wear baseball caps lately as I'm basically the opposite of sporty. However, it's a great way to hide a bad hair day or just finish off a casual look.