Amanda Nisbet to the Rescue

I came across this incredible one-day makeover on House Beautiful last night and was super excited to find that the designer behind it all was Amanda Nisbet.  Amanda is one of my favorite designers.  She has an exceptional eye, knows how to use color in a space and will never shy away from statement pieces.  Check out this incredible makeover.

BEFORE

AMANDA SHOPPING FOR THE ROOM

PUTTING THE ROOM TOGETHER

AFTER

How incredible is that result, especially since she did it in 9 hours?!?  I love how Amanda neutralized the room with the sandy beige color on the walls.  And that headboard is unreal!  The lanterns flanking the desk add a stunning architectural element to the room.  And the topiary in the corner adds a perfect touch of green.  The room went from dark and crowded to functional, bright and airy.  LOVE IT!

-MLL 

Emmy's Fashion Police

I hope that those of you who tuned in for the 62nd Annual Emmy Awards were as entertained as I was with Jimmy Fallon as host.  I absolutely loved the opener, especially since Tina Fey and John Hamm were part of the Glee Club.  And what about the farewell songs Jimmy did for 24, Law & Order and Lost... definitely had a laugh or two.  As with most award shows, I found myself growing bored towards the end.  I was however, in front of the TV early to tune in for some great red carpet action.  Here are my best and worst dressed picks from the night.

BEST

Sofia Vergara

Kyra Sedgwick

Lea Michele

Claire Danes

Eva Longoria

 
WORST

January Jones

Tina Fey

Mindy Kaling

Anna Paquin

 
What did you think?

-MLL

*Images courtesy of MTV and TVSquad

Reinventing a Classic

You might recognize this image from my Pretty in Pink post earlier this week.

I absolutely looooooooove these sofas.  They are an incredible statement piece for the space.  The symmetry in the room is also really appealing to me.  Typically to have something like this custom made, you have to have a pretty large budget.  I started thinking about how I could accomplish this look working with a smaller budget.  

First, start with this sofa, which has removable cushion covers...

We actually have this couch and it is a terrific value.  Next, choose some fabric that appeals to you.  Some options that I like (going along with the pink theme)...

C

CHIPPER

FLORAL

LINKS

Finally, create simple slip covers for the cushions by using the white ones as a guide.  If you aren't savvy with a sewing machine, try to find a friend who is.  This can be so simple since you already know the exact size the covers need to be.  If you really don't know anyone, look around for a local upholsterer who would do it at a low price.

It is possible that I might be trying this with our existing couch and of course, if I do, you will get to see the process and end result.  

Have a great weekend!

-MLL

Fashion For Fall

I am in love with the weather that we have right now in Wisconsin (yes, we moved all the way from San Fran...).  The sun has been shining, but there is still a sweet breeze.  Perfect for transitional outfits, moving beyond sundresses but not yet ready for our wool blazers.  I created a set below with my pick of a few fall items.  Some (or most) of them are out of my budget but it's always fun to dream...

Things For Fall by Attention to Detail featuring skinny leg jeans

Women - novelty - Houndstooth bomber - J.Crew
$70 - jcrew.com
Black tops »

White Rosie Bow Skinny Denim
$130 - metroparkusa.com
Skinny leg jeans »

Womens's Madewell_Shop_By_Category - SHOES & BOOTS - The Biker Boot -...
$230 - madewell.com
Boots »

Marc by Marc Jacobs Francesca leather tote
$530 - net-a-porter.com
Leather handbag »

Gold coloured ion plated bangle strap watch
90 GBP - debenhams.com
Kenneth cole watches »

Mulberry Loopy leopard-print twill scarf
$250 - net-a-porter.com
Mulberry scarves »

-MLL

Rue Magazine!

I've got some exciting news for those of you out there who are Lonny lovers.  In less than a month, another fantastic online design mag will join the ranks.  Rue Magazine is set to debut on September 16th and I personally cannot wait to have another resource to sink my teeth into.  Check out this article which will give you a behind the scenes look.

Can't wait for more...

-MLL

Utilitarian Franchise

A few weeks back I had the opportunity to attend the San Francisco Craft Fair with a dear friend of mine.  The fair was by far the largest craft event I've ever been to or even imagined.  There were so many vendors that it was hard to make sense of anything and it was truthfully a little overwhelming.  There were, however, a couple of vendors that really stood out to me, one being this incredible pillow store, Utilitarian Franchise.  I was pretty bummed out because we were nearing the end of the fair and they were pretty cleared out.  Plus, I couldn't make a decision on a pillow considering we were moving soon and I had (still have, but we are finally looking today!) no idea what our new space will look like.  Thankfully, Utilitarian Franchise has an Etsy Shop, so once I need new throw pillows, I can order online - and so can you!  I am gravitating more towards the sea/animal life printed pillows, but they have a lot of quirky designs too...

-MLL