Weekend Picture Book

Hold Please

Hello strangers! I do beg your pardon as I've been running around like a mad woman preparing for the Society Social launch. The t's must dotted, the i's must be crossed, (like mad I tell you!) and everything else polished from A to Z! I'll be back before too long, but for now I've left you with some eye candy from the shoot and a most exciting announcement straight from Mrs.Lilien herself! I'll be back before too long in full Cup of Te force- hold on to your highballs ;)

Want to play while I'm away? Join me on Twitter or Facebook! I would love to meet you!

Today's Mantra

Cocktail O'Clock

This past weekend, my dearest friend Kristin hosted one our signature bff "family dinners" at her beautiful new home. I was given the responsibility of concocting the cocktail of the evening. I'm just coming off my English Mojito kick (let's be serious, I will never be off a mojito kick ;), so I thought I'd entertain another refreshing cucumbrous creation perfect for summer's soaring temps! Martha Stewart's Cucumber Ginger Fizz was sparkly, unpretentious, and most importantly cheers inducing!

For the full recipe, see Society Social's Vault of Tasty Tipples.

Coffee Table Chic

WSJ Online

Elle & The Coveteur | Home of jewelry designer Laura Freedman

Do you put your prettiest things on display? I say there's really no point in having them if you don't, which is why I love Rita Konig's tips on styling, but not over styling your coffee table chic!  Here are her 5 quick tips for zhushing up this living room staple: 1. Stack big books 2. Vary shapes 3. Get one good candle 4. Striking ashtray 5. Form tableaux.

Easy peasy stylish, right? Click here to read the full article! 

Today's Mantra

{Cade Martin Photography}

Weekend Picture Book

You Pick, I Buy

One of my most favorite spaces by the women, Amanda and Jolene, at Domicile ID

Have you visited the One Kings Lane Tastemaker sales yet? There's something very reassuring and secretly delightful about shopping a sale that has been curated by the most stylish in the industry! The TradHome Domicile Interior Design sale is going on now, and I can see why these talented ladies are so successful. They have a major eye for uniquities (I'm not sure that's a word, but we're going to make it one) and stand out pieces that will make you want to break out the plastic in a flash!

Amanda and Jolene have impressive experience ranging from Kelly Wearstler to Gensler. To learn more about Domicile ID and to see the rest of this most fabulous space, click here.

Today's Mantra

{The Glitter Guide Tumblr}

Pinning Lately: Blake Goes Bardot

I want to dress and feel this glamorous everyday.  That may seem entirely ridiculous, but wouldn't it be fun?

{Society Social's "Dress to Mingle" Pin board}

390 Square Feet Fabulous

"We designated an entrance simply by painting a small outlined square just inside the front door," Kaihoi says.

"The velvet-covered banquette serves as plush seating at the dining table" as well as seating for the living area. The dining table seems to be a folding table that is stowed away when meal time is over.

The floor was painted to mimic a rug and the bookshelf custom built to accommodate tight quarters.

Although clever, this trundle bed, (yes, somehow 3 people manage to share this mini space) must do a number on this couple’s sex life. No. Thank. You.  Just sayin’.

I have quite the collection of House Beautifuls, but my favorites are the issues that feature small spaces and gi-normous style! It's truly amazing the innovation, resourcefulness, and design that can fit into nothing more than a shoebox. The photos above are from a previous issue, just 390 square feet, which I went back to after I finished picking my jaw up off the floor in awe of the latest July/August issue that features Brooklyn fabulous in 295 square feet. It ain't no joke.

Do you think you could sacrifice your space for big city living? I know my answer ;)

{East Village Home of Designer David Kaihoi | House Beautiful}

Today's Mantra

I've been down on myself. I feel like a cow. I've avoided the pool like the plague. It was 100 degrees yesterday, and I wore boyfriend jeans and a long sleeve button up. It's been hard to stick to my fitness routine with all the new happenings lately, not to mention a totally new one and unrelated to SS, as of yesterday. Mae West and sparkly things make me feel better.

{Baubles of Emily Maynard, Founder of Elva Fields | Photographed by Jessie Kriech-Higdon for Matchbook Mag}

Millinery Marvelous

Geometric Obsession

It never fails, fabric appointment after fabric appointment, I undoubtedly grab for glam geometrics and pattern plays. I love the consistency of such designs, and as Kelly Wearstler explains, how they evoke movement and balance at the same time. What fills your home? Soft florals? Stripes? Solids?

Today's Mantra

{Vogue Casa: Mimi Weddell | Photographed by Tim Walker}

Polka Dots & Cigarettes

Simone d'Aillencourt in Charm 1957

This may be unbelievably ignorant, and maybe we can attribute this to the fact that I have been obsessed and so inspired by the 50's and 60's lately, but she makes me believe smoking, not to mention those circus-sized polka dots, is très très chic.  A lady exuding such je ne sais quoi, how can you hold it against her?

{VintageVogue Flickr}

Pretty Package

Light spirits, dark spirits, liqueurs galore- they are all necessary for a well-stocked bar.  But when you have a penchant for surrounding yourself with absolutely beautiful things is vodka really vodka when it's packaged without a keen eye for design? How beautiful can your bar cart really be when atop sits Aristocrat or Burnetts? (gag. How did I ever make it through college?) I like pretty things, and I do not discriminate for anything, that includes my cocktails!

Do you tend to develop crushes on lovely packaging? If you do, you really must check out this blog "Lovely Package" that Society Social's stylist introduced me too last week!

Today's Mantra

Cocktail O'Clock

Frankly, it's hotter than hell here. The south's humidity is brutal and the heat index is dancing along the line of 100. There really is no good reason to do much other than sit and try to avoid sweating. I'd also say sipping on a refreshing cocktail falls under hotter than hell activities. What do y'all think about a sweet tea mojito? ;)

For the recipe, see Society Social's Vault of Tasty Tipples! 

The Cocktail Cart Cache

To see more of Ruthie Sommer's fabulous home, click here.

Lisa's cocktail station is within perfect reach of the dinner table! See more at Lonny.

The latest Lonny went live yesterday, and it was so lovely to have a leisurely afternoon to linger over my cup of joe while perusing through the beautiful and always inspiring spreads. I was even more delighted when I discovered the bar carts and cocktail concocting stations in the homes of Ruthie Sommers and Amazon.com style editor, Lisa Statslulewicz, whose residence Lonny lended its style expertise.  Maybe one day my little baby bar carts will be featured somewhere so stylish? I suppose one can dream! :)

To see more bar cart beautiful, see Society Social's Cocktail Cart Cache.  

Today's Mantra

On the Road Again

The Society Social shoot wrapped yesterday evening, and I'm now in the process of packing up all my baubles and bar carts! We have 9 or so hours in a ridiculously large moving truck in which I will probably resort to entertaining myself by singing into a water bottle and making funny, most likely delirious, videos. Sitting still is not my specialty! What do you do to entertain yourself on road trips? Help!

{Kate Spade}

Society Social Shoot Behind the Scenes



Kim of Eat.Sleep.Wear. getting all dolled up by Beke! Such a pleasure and honor to work with you both!



Amy of Styled Creative. Ask her about her sultry look. It's killer. Beke was insane. She helped us rock out the 60's look!

 

Holy insane. Kelly Wearstler's Imperial Trellis wallpaper and Moda Botanica's fabulous creations at the amazing home of Mona Ross Berman who was so gracious to let us invade!



And Mr.Woodley. I'm in love.

Just a few from the Society Social shoot. It was pretty amazing- to be surrounded by so many talented women (and man ;), to see what you've poured so much of yourself into transform into something much bigger than your wildest dreams. I still don't think I've processed the past two days! An incredible amount I'm grateful for and a team that would rival your highest expectations!

So much more to come. Follow Society Social on Facebook or Twitter if you'd like to keep up :)