26 Mar 2015

7 Tips On How To Give Your Wardrobe & Home A Spring Refresh
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When it comes to spring, I love giving my apartment and wardrobe a little refresh. The changing of seasons I think is the perfect time to re-evaluate both your wardrobe and space.

I quickly run out of space here in New York which at this point allows me to evaluate if I really need to hold on to a piece of clothing or pillow for a whole new season.

I’ve always said one of the best things about living in New York is that you (literally) cannot hold on to things for too long. Today I’m sharing 7 Tips On How To Give Your Wardrobe and Home A Spring Refresh with Seven Daugthers!

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Denim Shirt // Fur Vest // Julie Vos Necklace

1. If you don’t wear it/use it – pitch it: I have to admit, this one can be tough. Especially when it comes to my wardrobe! There are pieces in my closet I still love and “could” always wear one day, but I have learned that it’s best to donate or sell vs. holding on to it for another few months. When it comes to my apartment, space is limited – I mean, li-mi-ted. I have about 5 pillows too many, and they more often times sit in a basket rather than sitting pretty on my bed. Such a good example that it’s time-to-go.

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2. Reserve 5 minutes a day to clean/pitch: Spring cleaning can be quite overwhelming, especially if you have a lot to do. Whenever I clean out my wardrobe, it can take hours. What personally has helped me the most to tackle both my wardrobe and apartment is dedicating five minutes a day to “pitch.” I recommend setting aside a piece or two that you think you can part with as you get dressed everyday. So when the time comes to do the major re-haul, it won’t seem as overwhelming.

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3. Update your pillows: Winter can certainly drag on which can affect your view on your space. One of the easiest ways to give your home/apartment a little refresh is updating your pillowcases. Take a peek below at my favorite throw pillows under $25 dollars.

4. Rearrange: You guys…Rearranging is one of the best things you can do for a spring refresh! A few weeks ago I bought the Kallax book shelf from Ikea. After putting it together, I wasn’t sure exactly where I wanted it. Therefore, I rearranged my room for about 2 hours. I can’t tell you how much better I felt after moving a few key pieces around!

5. Pick up flowers: The month of March can be tough. We get a taste of warm weather for two days then it’s right back to 30’s degree and snow – the worst!! Picking up fresh flowers is one of the easiest and fastest ways to give your home signs of spring.

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6. Re-think closet staples: When giving your wardrobe a spring update, be sure to re-think how you can wear the staples. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost pitched this versatile denim shirt I’m wearing below from Anthropologie. It just takes a new layering piece like my fur vest to throw on top that makes me love the denim shirt again.

7. Celebrate your spring refresh with a glass of Seven Daughters Wine: My favorite tip of them all, of course. What’s better then celebrating your days of hard work then with a glass of Seven Daughters wine? My go-to favorite for spring is Seven Daughters Crisp White Winemaker’s Blend. Add a little soda water for a delicious spritzer!

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Bekka Palmer Photography

*This post is brought to you as a part of my collaboration with Seven Daughters wine as part of their Savvy Seven. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support lauren-nelson.com!

25 Mar 2015

Coffee Talk With Amanda Gluck of Fashionable Hostess
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Today’s coffee talk feature is one of my favorite blogger friends and hostess with the mostess, Amanda Gluck of Fashionable Hostess! From her must-have decor tips and tricks to what’s on her bar cart, get to know Amanda below!

 

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Name: Amanda Gluck

Neighborhood: Flatiron, New York

Website: FashionableHostess.com

Let’s Chat Home Decor

What is one piece of furniture or artwork you can’t live without? 

I actually have two pieces of artwork in my home that I absolutely LOVE. One is my Poolside Gossip by Slim Aarons  {I have always loved the coffee table books so was thrilled to finally make the purchase} and the second is a photograph by Stepahanie Vovas. I was actually first introduced to her work via a Style Me Pretty House Tour and since then became obsessed with her work. The piece I bought from her was the largest print she’s sold to date spanning 42”x 72”!

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What was one item you were most excited about purchasing? 

The white container store shelving for my dining room. Not only are they practical for storage {I use them to store 75% of my glassware and crystal} but they are lightweight, easy to assemble, look super chic, and were totally inexpensive. People assume they are a version of Jonathan Adler – so seriously sick find!

Go-to Bedding:

My bedding duvet is from Restoration Hardware, my quilt is Bloomingdales private label and the pillows are a mix of Safavieh, West Elm and Homegoods. I actually love swapping out my pillows seasonally, gives the room a whole new feel.

On Your Bar Cart:

My go-to Champagne flutes, the Juliska Amalia flutes paired with Veuve Cliquot or Rosé Santa Margherita Prosecco for the gals,  then Bacarrat crystal lowball glasses with Bulleit Bourbon for the guys {yes, guys are much more enjoyable after a hard drink… just kidding honey!}. Then I always have fresh flowers, linen cocktail napkins, and a Diptyque candle.

Must-Have Coffee Table Books:

Slim Aarons Poolside Gossip, CZ Guest American Style Icon, The PDT Cocktail Book.

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Top Three Interior Design Tips and Tricks:

I was featured on Style Me Pretty for my “Modern Home Décor Tips”.

What’s on your night stand:

A vase of fresh flowers {right now I am obsessed with ranunculus}, a Waterford crystal ring dish, a picture frame of my two adorable babies Reese and Brooks, a Diptyque candle, and a glass of water {I get so thirsty in the middle of the night!}.

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Paint Color of Choice:

White. Always. White.

Favorite Candle:

Diptyque Vanille

Your style in three words:

Chic. Modern. Sophistictaed.

Let’s Chat Travel

Favorite Vacation Spot To-Date:

Miami – It’s where I am from but who doesn’t love a warm weather vacation?! Sunshine so you load up on your Vitamin D, short denim shorts, lots of outdoor activities, a cold glass of Rosé wine at sunset… what more could we need?

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Next Destination?

Aspen, Colorado next week actually… follow me on Insatgram. We used to go to Aspen every summer for vacation but I never went in the winter time so I have no idea how to ski! I guess that just means extra time spent in the spa and shopping, boo hoo!

If you could go anywhere in a moment’s notice, where would it be?

Mikonos, Greece

Favorite Hotel:

Gansevoort Turks & Caicos

African Safari or Beach Getaway?  Beach Getaway

Cocktail of Choice on Vacation: Champagne or Rosé wine

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Let’s Chat Beauty

Top Three Beauty Products:

Tan Towels because I am scary when I am pale, Flower Mascara because it makes you look like you have fake lashes – not kidding, Kerastase Flexible Hold Hairspray  because I have more fly-away’s than anyone I know… what the heck!

Face Mask of Choice:

Bliss Triple Oxygen Mask. It’s my go-to before events or even date night. Put it on for 5 minutes and let it foam up, rinse with ice cold water and you look like you are well-rested and glowy!

Go-To Nail Polish Color:

Essie Ballet Slippers. Always.

The Best Eye Cream You’ve Ever Used:

To be honest, my kids have been waking up so early lately no eye cream is cutting it… suggestions?!

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Favorite Spring Lipstick:

Chanel Gloss #179

Let’s Chat New York

It’s date night, where are you? We love to invite a few couples over and have double or triple date night at home. Endless wine, lingering at the table for hours, it’s the best. Plus I am the FH, I have to live up to the hype! If not at home… Catch in the Meatpacking District or Atlantic Grill on the Upper West Side.

Ultimate Sunday Brunch: When you have kids you don’t really do ultimate brunches anymore…

Local Hidden Gem: L & W Oyster Bar … great seafood and oysters with a cozy vibe.

Go-to Furniture Shop: Ahhhh so many and SUCH  mix of highs and lows!! I love Modani, ABC Carpet & Home, Overstock.com, Safavieh, Restoration Hardware, Lillian August, TUI Lifestyle.

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Keep up-to-date with Amanda on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest!

24 Mar 2015

10 Stripe Tops I’m Loving
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 You know I love a good stripe so here are ten I have on my radar.

23 Mar 2015

What To Pack For Europe In March
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Happy Monday, friends!

Hope you had a great weekend and that you’re staying well caffeinated this morning.

I am heading to London and Paris so soon! In anticipation of my trip, I wanted to share a few key items I’ll be packing. March and April can be a hard time of year to travel when it comes to your wardrobe – you never really know what kind of weather you are going to get!

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The forecast is estimating high 50’s and low 60’s for both London and Paris with a chance of rain. SO what the hell is a girl to wear?

Here is what I plan on including in my suitcase:

1. Passport: First and foremost, you need your passport (duh), but there are so many cute passport cases I’m currently loving. Insert This Jonathan Adler colorful case (also obsessed with this one) or this calf-hair passport case from J.Crew.

2. Comfortable Shoes: I will most certainly be packing comfortable shoes. Tennis shoes to be exact. I recently picked up the Nike ‘Free 5.0’ Running shoe I have been seeing everywhere. Good thing they are trending right now because I can get used to this.

3. Backpack: Visiting major touristy areas will require a cute backpack – particularly this one.

4. White Denim: When it comes to denim, of course I have my classic washes but I will also be including a few different white pairs. A relaxed wash from Rag and Bone (make sure to always size down in Rag and Bone) and a more fitted pair from AG. I also love a good distressed pair like these from Frame Denim.

5. Casual Blazer: I’m a huge fan of blazers mostly because I’m a freeze baby. Blazers are a good alternative to a heavy sweater and are a great layering piece. I have two of J.Crew’s Schoolboy blazer in navy and black.

6. Light Spring Sweaters: Because this time of year is questionable when it comes to temps, light spring sweaters are a must. I’ve been loving pastels (blush pink), white, camel and grey sweaters for this time of year.

7. A Classic Trench Coat: I bought my first camel trench coat about 4 years ago and I continue to bring it out every spring and fall. A classic trench like this one from BCBG is great for rain or shine.

8. Cross Body Bag: When traveling, it’s essential to carry a cross-body bag so you’re hands are free to take instas.

9. All of the Stripes: When in Paris, wear all of the stripes.

Artesano Polo Hat in Natural and Black // Quilted Backpack // Jonathan Adler Passport Holder // BCBG Trench // Rib-stitch Sweater // ‘Molly’ Crossbody Bag // Nikes ‘Free 5.0 14’ Running Shoe // Frame Distressed White Denim // J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Navy // Stripe Shirt