Charm City Style - Rock Candy

After the gorgeous day we had yesterday, I was expecting slightly warmer temperatures when I headed into the studio this AM.  It has turned out to be a very busy day, (which is why this post is a little tardy), however lately I have been loving brights (for day and night!).  Pairing them with softer neutrals gives them a nice balance, and a quick handbag change takes this into evening with ease.  I picked up this necklace a few weeks ago (also seen here), and it reminds me of the Taj Mahal's beautiful, white marble walls. It was the perfect statement piece to my simple, workday wardrobe.  

Banana Republic wide-leg linen pants, silk blouse from F21, Foley & Corinna handbag, 

Sitwell trench coat, Nine West platform pumps, necklace and earrings found at Loehman's

One Year in the Studio!

In celebration of our one-year anniversary in our Baltimore based design studio, we put together a small soiree to celebrate.  Our interns {Katie (in red), Lauren (in blue) and Nikki (in green)} took the reigns on this fun project, and arrived Tuesday morning (Starbuck's in hand!) armed with a helium tank (yes, a small, pink tank), balloons, cupcakes, and plenty of confetti!

Here's a behind-the-scenes look...prepping for the party!

The girls and I had a blast styling the studio (inspiration for the shoot found here) and playing a little dress up to boot. Didn't receive our email blast today and want to be on our mailing list? Sign up here!

Have a great weekend!
xSB

Charm City Style - A Walk in the Park

Despite today's rainy day weather, we have had quite a few perfectly sunny days over the course of the past few weeks.  The tulips and the azaleas are in full bloom and stepping out of my apartment into the garden each morning is such a treat.  My peonies are also budding, and this morning I counted nine blooms on the four bushes I planted just last year.  Last week, between client meetings, I made a quick afternoon stop here for a few, quiet moments in the sun.

Blouse (vintage), AE Denim from Anthropologie, Foley & Cornina handbag, BCBG heels, Michael Kors watch, jewelry from Sassanova, vintage, J.Crew, Stella & Dot, earrings House of Harlow

San Fran in Instagram

INSPIRATION is everywhere and my trip to San Francisco was certainly no exception.  From the Golden Gate bridge (the decorator in me was interested to learn it is painted "international orange") to Pebble Beach, reverse planking on Lombard's (very hilly) and infamously crooked street, countless margaritas, a few colorful street personalities, delicious dessert in Sonoma at "The Girl & The Fig," followed by a red eye return to Charm City...

   

...I couldn't have had a better time.  Now, delighted to be back in the design studio with lots of exciting projects on tap, plus a little research on where to travel next!

xSB

Live Colorfully

Just back in town from a great weekend in San Francisco (this photo was taken on the streets of the colorful Haight Ashbury neighborhood), and thought it was the perfect sentiment for today...as we (all three interns are on tap!) prep the studio for our anniversary photo shoot!

Check back later this week for a few behind-the-scenes...
xSB and Team

Interior Inspiration - F is for...

...F U R!  

Perfect for today's chilly temperatures here in Maryland, a fuzzy rug, pillow or throw bring a cozy feel to almost any space.  The texture adds visual interest (whether real or faux) and fur is always luxe.  Here are a few of the rooms that inspired, yes, our interns!

Do you sport this trend in your living space?  My bedroom is layered with oversized furry pillows and a cozy throw; perfect for curling up with a cup of hot tea, the new issue of House Beautiful (which arrived in the mail today!), and my pretty kitty, Bronte (named after the author of Jane Erye).  

Guess you know what I'll be doing later tonight...but first, this!

xSB

*image sources 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

The Friday 5

I can't believe that yet another week has just flown on by.  I have had many highlights and in preparation for the launch of my new website I had a portrait session on Tuesday with Jennifer Hughes (one of the most talented photographer's I know), and I have to say the light in her new the studio was.just.magic. 

From Jen's studio (with only a quick change of pants and shoes!), I packed up the car and headed straight to the Four Seasons Baltimore for an afternoon committee meeting...followed by lots of laughs with our newest intern, Lauren (from Towson Univeristy).  This was her second day on the job and she is a welcome addition to our design team!

We also met with on of our favorite brides of the year this week, and the design is really coming together.  We are loving the linen selection especially, and the color palette of champage and plum, mixed with metallics, is going to be the perfect canvas for overflowing floral arrangements of azelea colored garden roses, lavendar, dusty miller and flirty ferns.  So pretty.!

This is the storyboard (our intern Katie has taken the lead on this project!) was created for next week's photo shoot in the office.  We are celebrating our one year anniversary in the design studio and are having a little internal soiree...yes, balloons and cupcakes are involved.   

More details to follow next week...

And, last night I arrived safely in San Francisco, checked in here, and was up bright an early for a full day in the city.  Have a great weekend and mark your calendar for this event hosted by the Baltimore Fashion Alliance on Monday evening.  I will be back in town and the event MC!

xSB

San Francisco Bound

Believe it or not, I have travelled (and lived) all over the world from Germany to South Korea, but I have never been to the city of San Francisco.  I have always wanted to see the Golden Gate Bridge in person, Pier 39, Union Station (and the list goes on and on).  So, just a few weeks ago, I decided to just.do.it.  I finally booked the trip and today I am getting on a plane and heading to sunny California!  That being said, I had to give a little thought to my travel essentials...

...comfy jeans paired with a striped tee; the perfect base layer under my leather jacket and scarf (in case it gets chilly on the plane, I always pack this cozy accessory).  One bag (with nothing to check) and I am all set! Anything you think I MUST see while I am in town?  I'll be there this afternoon through the weekend...

Excited! 

xSB

Spring Showers

When I woke up this morning the pansies in my garden were standing straight up...

...delighted by the light rain that had been sprinkled on them overnight.  With showers in the forecast all day today, I know I needed to prepare for slightly cooler temperatures ahead.  The trench and patterned scarf (both wardrobe staples) kept me dry on the way into the studio, and the cardigan (which reminds me of the ones my father used to wear and I would "borrow") will keep me cozy here at my desk.  Lots of client appointments on tap today (and all three interns in the office at once!) so the statement jewelry and shoes...a must.

Happy Wednesday!
xSB

Fashion Awards MD

On June 9, 2012 Fashion Awards Maryland will host their annual awards ceremony and (I am excited to announce that) Stephanie Bradshaw has been nominated in the category for "Best Clothing Stylist."
There will be two awards ceremonies, one held at 4:00 PM and the second at 7:30 PM (I will be in attendance at the 4 o'clock show!) in The Kay Theatre Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland College Park. 

Voting runs March 30th - May 31st, and I encourage you to support your favorite local designers, models, and all other emerging talent in the industry.  For more information, or to purchase tickets for this event, visit the FAMD website...AND I thank you in advance for your continued support.  

Click HERE to VOTE, pretty please... 

xSB

*A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the Pediatric Oncology Department at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, providing fashionable head wraps and clothing to young cancer patients.  Guest presenters include Miss Maryland Teen USA 2012 Stephanie Chervenkov and Miss Maryland USA 2012 Nana Meriweather.

Room of the Week - A Bright Idea

For the past few weeks I have been knee deep picking paint colors for clients, and am always drawn to rooms that take a risk.  This room really caught my eye, and I think I fell in love with its simplicity...tall ceilings with gorgeous molding, all white walls, and just a touch of well placed paint.

I am also huge fan of all white bedding (with the option to switch around the accent pillows), and the only change I would make would be to add a piece of art (or two!).  The molding above the bed makes an instant frame and gives the illusion of a headboard.  I too am considering a little painting of my own (in the bedroom), and am still searching for the perfect color mint...something that reminds me of a cool sorbet but is still warm and fresh. Like any of these?  Suggestions most welcome...

Happy Monday!

xSB