BATHROOM RENO: IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

I'll start by saying this past year has been a bit of a whirlwind.  My husband and I bought a house (woohoo) and renovated it.  I don't think either of us realized the number of decisions we would have to be make and the amount of time a project of this magnitude takes. Special thanks to my mom for stepping in as our project manager!  Regardless, we're finally at the end of all the work and we are both so happy with all the decisions that were made.

I want to introduce you to one of my favorite parts of our home--my bathroom.  Initially we weren't going to do the bathrooms because the previous homeowners (the original homeowners might I add) had "updated" them and with a little paint on both the walls and the vanity it could easily have worked out for the time being.  Home renovation tip number one... When you buy a home built in the 50's and then no one maintains the plumbing for sixty years, it's going to need to be updated.  Needless to say it turned into a bigger project than we first thought.

Since we were forced to address renovating the bathrooms I knew I wanted something really cute and girly with some type of pattern.  I found this image on Pinterest and I couldn't get it out of my mind.  As it turns out hexagon tiles don't come in sheets in that pattern and so the amount of work needed to make my dream a reality was just too unrealistic.  And I want to tell you that I'm not ashamed (not even a little bit) that I was unable to handle the answer of "no" on this one.  So I kept looking and found this image and was finally able to get the previous idea out of my head.  That's when I found myself at another "no."  That tile is crazy expensive and has to be special ordered, turns out I have expensive taste, who knew (alright, so not that shocking).  I ended up finding these beautiful blue painted tiles that work perfectly as a tile rug and filled the rest of the floor with penny tiles to create this classically elegant tile floor.  It worked out better than expected and combined both of my Pinterest inspirations.

Since I wanted my bathroom to be very feminine I went with these crystal knobs we found from Hickory Hardware.  I love how they pop on the dark vanity and help to create a classic, vintage feel.  The elegance of the crystal knobs contrasted with the dark wood vanity creates just the right amount of drama.  And the way it all plays off the floor tiles turned out amazing.  Since it's a small space, all we had to do to finish the look was add some personality to the space by adding a few fun accessories.  The picture of my husband and I at are wedding is one of my favorites so I wanted it somewhere I could see it on a daily basis.  The painting is a piece I picked up years ago on a trip to Italy and it fits perfectly in this space.  Check out the before and after photos below and let me know what you think!


BEFORE:

AFTER: 

Knobs c/o Hickory Hardware // WestElm Shower Curtain // Home Depot Mirror

CRASH AND BURN

Free People Top, similar // F21 Shorts, similar // J.Crew Mules // Madewell Bag // Ray-Ban Sunglasses // Marc Jacobs Watch 

So it seems as though it's shorts weather now which creates two problems for me.  First is that my legs don't even have the slightest tan and the second is that my knees are bruised beyond recognition.  The first could be an easy fix, hello spray tan!  But the second is more of a personality trait problem because I tend to be pretty clumsy.  This time however, it was not fully my fault!  You see we had friends over this past weekend and somehow the drinks were flowing (obviously) and the dancing started (mistake number one).  For some reason my husband and I thought it was a great idea to do a running jump ice-skating style (mistake number two).  We crashed and burned big time on the hardwood floors and my knees are the proof of our epic fail.

I suppose it could be worse and bare legs could be only just a dream!  

SWITCHED UP

J.Crew Beanie // J.Crew Scarf // J.Crew Cardigan // Old Navy Jeans // Nine West Boots

We've been having some pretty amazing Spring weather here the last few weeks and then yesterday, BOOM, 90 degrees.  It hopefully won't stay like that for long, but I am most definitely not ready for it to be that hot.  These pictures are a nice reminder of what it was like to layer and feel the cold breeze on my skin.  Something I'm sure some of you would rather not be a part of anymore.  

Needless to say, this will likely be the last post from me sporting heavy layering.

SPRING FLOW

Zara Cardigan // J.Crew Dress, Similar // J.Crew Belt // J.Crew Mules // Madewell Bag

This is always a funny time of year to me.  After months of wishing for the cold to show it's face in Southern California, I finally welcome the warmth with open arms.  While everyone else is hoping for the warm spring weather, I am finally embracing the higher temperatures that never really left this part of the country.  I'm pulling out some of last years favorites already without the discomfort of my outfit not quite matching the season.

I'm pretty sure this spring and summer will be all about flowy pieces for me.  I'm loving the long cardigan paired with the maxi dress.  And these mules!  I just couldn't say no, they're my early spring splurge and I know they will constantly find their way to my feet!

MIXED EMOTIONS

J.Crew Coat, Similar // J.Crew Jeans // J.O.A. Sweater // J.Crew Boots, Similar // Madewell Bag // J.Crew Scarf

Oh boy, after wishing to live in the snow for so many years I finally got a glimpse of what that might look like.  My husband and I went to visit my father-in-law in Rhode Island last week and did we get the timing right as far as snow is concerned.  We were there during the blizzard and it was COLD! (at least for this California girl).  I applaud all you lady bloggers (and dudes) for your dedication to get pictures despite the low temps.  These photos were a bit rushed considering our freezing hands.  I definitely have a new found respect for all you cold climate peeps!

I will say though, it was fun to play dress up for the colder weather.  I don't think I've done much necessary layering all season so actually needing this blanket scarf, coat and thick sweater was a little out of the ordinary for me.  These were taken the day we left and it really was the most beautiful day.  Nothing quite beats heaps of snow on the ground with only clear skies in sight!

SPRING PREVIEW

Piperlime Dress c/o // Piperlime Shirt c/o // J.Crew Flats // Marc Jacobs Watch // Madewell Bag 

So, remember when I used to update this blog?  It's ok, I don't either.  Despite the major break, the weather was more than perfect over the weekend and called for a peek at spring. And like usual, there will be lots of white, lace and dresses going on around here.  I just can't help myself when it comes to white in lace or eyelet, and who could blame me? 

Check out Piperlime for more inspiration and #momentsofchic.