Season-less Style, A Home Refresh & Dreaming of France
March is unexpectedly shaping up to be quite a busy month! I'm throwing a birthday party here on March 13 for my oldest daughter, who is turning 40. How and when did that happen? I don't know…but what I do know is that I'm busy making plans!
One of the odd things I love most about throwing a party is that it forces me to get this house in order…inside and out. I have a few projects going on inside that won't be ready in time, but there is still definitely some sprucing up to do! When I feel this way, I start to get rid of things…I clean out closets, drawers, you name it, nothing is safe! Last night I hauled out about three large garbage bags full of clothing and started on the bathroom drawers and cabinets. There is something about a good purge that makes everything feel new again, and I think it also brings a bit of clarity when things feel chaotic.
I'm continuing today to get everything cleaned out, and then I'll make my grocery list and start organizing for next Friday! I'm serving my famous Smoked Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette, Sliced Beef Tenderloin, Nonnie's (my mom's) Potato Salad (recipe coming), a huge charcuterie board, and some desserts I'm purchasing. The weather looks like it will be quite cool that day, so we'll have a fire outside and it should be a really beautiful night! There's quite a bit of sprucing to do outside as well, and I'll start working on that this weekend. Don't worry…Baldy has a large to-do list, because I certainly can't do this all on my own! I'll keep you posted on that.
I have a surprise happening on March 23 that I can't really talk about yet but I will say it involves Vahan Jewelry and I am very excited. And then on the 24th, my designer is photographing our home for her website, which is a whole thing in itself! She'll actually be helping me spruce up for the party too, and she has such a good eye that I know it'll all come together beautifully.
Creating a home that's organized yet lived in, beautiful yet approachable, is important to me. I want our home to be a reflection of our lives as we've lived them and also a nod to what's coming. A home should be a living and breathing thing and it takes a great deal of care to make it that way. It's the place that shields us and serves as a haven for our family, and I am so honored that we get to open the doors of this historic home to friends and family to celebrate our daughter's 40th birthday.
I never really start writing a blog post with the intention of writing a literal book, but sometimes it just happens…
In addition to the bigger decor projects such as wallpaper, new upholstery, and the like…I'm tackling a few smaller projects like redoing the mantles and bookshelves. These kinds of projects don’t take long at all and give me instant gratification…and sometimes, they make the whole room look new again. I tend to do this more in the spring and fall, and of course over the holidays. It's the perfect example of how a home can be living and changing constantly! A new mirror or accessory, a fresh pillow, a coffee table book, or a beautiful Murano glass bowl can make a whole room feel refreshed and updated.
On another note, one of the things I've been thinking about lately is season-less style. Well-made sweaters, classic button-ups, jewelry that instantly elevates even the most basic look, and a few fun accessories that add personality…these are the secrets to a successful wardrobe!
The outfits featured in these collages are perfect examples of exactly that…jeans and blouses you can wear now with a sweater draped over the shoulder and booties, and later without the sweater paired with sandals or loafers; skirts that work beautifully with both boots and sandals, with short-sleeve tops or cozy sweaters depending on the weather; and of course, double denim, which works in different iterations no matter the season. Brochu Walker is one of my go-to brands for sweaters, skirts, and blouses that work from season to season and are made to last. I reach for these well made, elevated basics again and again! You also know I'm a denim girl through and through, and my favorite brands right now are Frame Denim and Mother Denim…and you know I love the Beverly Skinny Flare jeans from Veronica Beard.
A couple of nights ago, I tried on every single pair of jeans I own and organized them by style and color. Surprisingly enough, I kept most of them and felt as if I had a whole new wardrobe. I think we all get into ruts where we wear the same things over and over again!
And then…I came across some pictures from different trips to Paris and Provence, and now I can't stop dreaming about going back. I want to have a different kind of trip this time…one that involves wandering through markets, long lunches, my favorite museums, taking pictures of everything, and time to sit and journal. And of course a little shopping, but maybe this time it'll be for vintage finds. I've even been thinking about how wonderful it would be to go alone for a few days so that I completely lose myself and do exactly as I please. Does anyone else think that sounds wonderful? I'm also wondering if Baldy would join me after I've had some time to myself! There is just so much to take in, and my mind is craving some quiet reflection in a beautiful place. We shall see!
After 20ish years of wearing Jo Malone Cologne, I’m changing things up a bit! I’m loving the Dries Van Noten fragrances that I discovered while I was in New York over the holidays. These fragrances are bold and unusual and I’m drawn to the more masculine which is typical, although I’m particularly drawn to the Crazy Basil scent which smells just like fresh basil…so fresh and nice! I also just ordered the Vanilla Camouflage which is a bit out of the box for me but we can’t stay the same forever!
As I’ve gotten older, even though I’ve always loved handmade and vintage items, particularly in the past year, I’m drawn to them more and more. I want to support local small, women owned businesses, local farmers and buy items that have personality and are not mass produced. That is one of the reasons I’m so drawn to shoes from The Office of Angela Scott, bags from Coastal Clutch and jewelry from Julie Miles. When you wear these things, you can be guaranteed that you won’t see yourself walking down the street!
March has a way of sneaking up on you, doesn't it? One minute you're putting away the last of the holiday decor and the next you're planning a 40th birthday party, dreaming of Paris, and trying on every pair of jeans you own at midnight. I wouldn't have it any other way. This is the season of life I'm in…full, a little chaotic, deeply meaningful, and honestly, pretty beautiful. Thanks for being here for all of it. I'll keep you posted!
~XOXO Suzanne