Charm City Style - More Spots

Yesterday the weather in Charm City was beyond beautiful and believe it or not close to 60 degrees.
I had a lunch meeting with fellow industry colleagues right on the harbor and it couldn't have been a better day to be outside.  From there a few quick stops before returning to the studio to continue prepping
for one of three commercial interior projects currently in development.
Sneak peek here at what I have been working on...

Tahari blazer, F21 leopard blouse, Simply Vera by Vera Wang wide leg denim, Charles David patent leather pumps, Aqua Madonna handbag, jewelry-vintage pendant, Sassanova, Michael Kors,
Tory Burch sunglasses, "Wicked" by Essie nails 

Charm City Style - Playful Pattern

I made a quick trip to pick up the mail today, received this, and couldn't be more delighted!  This playful printed dress (which I think would make fun wallpaper too) paired with patterned tights was just what I needed to be inspired all day long.  I love the fringe detail and my soft leather messenger bag 

is a recent gift from Santa.

 Zara fringe dress, Tahari tights, Cole Hahn boots, Sabina NY handbag, jewelry Michael Kors, Sassanova, vintage medallion and long, gold chain, cuff (gift), scarf DVF

TO DO 2012

A few years ago, I started writing down my New Year's "Resolutions" and then posting them to one of my many inspiration boards ("happy boards" to those that know me best).  I peek at my list each of the 365 days (366 this year!) and my handwritten list serves as a reminder of my daily commitment to excellence and moving forward in positive ways.  Last year was a big year for me and the business.  One year ago this month I opened the studio (here), hired a design assistant over the summer, and took on more creative projects than ever.  This year, I hope to continue growing and expanding in new and exciting ways.  Here's what is on my TO DO List for 2012:

1. Bookend the year in travel, one for community and one for pleasure, 2. read more books, 3. spend more time outside, especially (here) with my favorite Morgan mare, 4. drink more water (carried over from my 2011 list), 5. entertain more often and more intimately, 6. take bigger "steps", 7. be present, AND 8. take a few (more) BIG risks...

   

In an effort to push myself (and my team) to new heights of creativity in interiors and events especially, I hope you too will be INSPIRED to dream BIG, create beautiful things, and give us your feedback from time to time on our journey.

Happy Everything 2012!
xo,
stephanie


Image 1 weheartit.com, 2 and 10 google, 3, 6, 8 pinterest, 4, 5, 7, 9 designer's own

Charm City Style - First Snow

It just started snowing about an hour ago here in Charm City and I couldn't be more excited for the first official SNOW!  It has been quite warm this month so a flurry or two is (finally) a welcome sign of winter.  I decided to grab my camera, run right outside the studio (literally), 

and capture a snowflake or two...

Romeo & Juliet Couture skirt, Hue tights, MRKT (Italy) suede booties, Zara blouse,

cluster of vintage brooches, sweater and scarf F21, jewelry SAKS Fifth Ave

Charm City Style - Polka Dot Pairing

The weather was still unseasonably warm last week in Maryland (it has since dropped 30 degrees) so I was able to leave the house without the need for a heavy top layer.  This cropped jacket was another find on my quick trip to NYC last Monday...paired with these playful polka dots it was the perfect outfit for last minute holiday shopping followed by a little party hopping.

Cropped jacket F21, Caviar polka dot blouse, zebra print belt from Target, James Jeans, 

handbag (Italy), Tory Burch aviator sunglasses, Charles David patent leather pumps, 

jewelry Michael Kors, Sassanova, Loehman's

Charm City Style - Seeing Spots

I have had this skirt for a few years now and always seem to pull it out in December.  I love the weight of the fabric and find that leopard always seems to be on trend regardless of the season.  Paired with textured tights, a pair of studded pumps and these sparkly necklaces (I bought two of the same design and put them on together), I thought it was the perfect balance of edgy and fun. 

Anne Klein sunglasses, Grace pencil skirt, blouse by Mossimo for Target, J.Crew leopard belt, Tahari tights, Steve Madden gladiator pumps, United Colors of Benetton jacket, necklaces and hoop earrings found at Nordstrom, patent leather clutch found at Loehman's

Weekend Retreat

After such a crazy week of parties and projects, I hope to be doing a little of this today...mixed in with some holiday (gift) wrapping of course.

    

                                                                                                                         *Photos sourced on Pinterest

Doesn't snuggling up here look like the perfect place for a weekend retreat?  Hope you're enjoying your weekend...

xo, 

stephanie

Charm City Style - Black Friday

On rainy (translation: "bad hair") days the good ol' hat trick works every time.  It is a bit

overcast in Charm City so I went for the classic NYC uniform of all black mixed with 

a tiny print for good measure.  

 

Sequined hat from Barney's, beaded top XXI, AG denim "The Stevie Ankle", Mango motorcycle jacket, 

Diba leopard print booties (found at DSW), cashmere scarf and gold/rhinestone pendant 

from Saks Fifth Ave, handbag (Italy), "Fishnet Stockings" by Essie nails  

Charm City Style - Turquoise Tuesday

The temperatures have definitely cooled off here in Charm City, but with a sunny day like this it is hard not to enjoy the crisp weather.  I have had this fur jacket for years and thought it was the perfect addition to my feather print blouse paired with a bright pop of turquoise as an added accessory.

Banana Republic pin striped trousers, blouse (found at TJMaxx), fur from Arden B., Foley & Corinna handbag, leather and gold braclets from H&M, Michael Kors watch, Stella & Dot bangles, turquoise earrings (found at Loehman's), necklace from Sassanova, J.Crew boots

Charm City Style - All that Glitters

Starting the week off with a Monday full of meetings, a visit with my friends at Fleur de Lis Florist, followed by the first of five holiday parties this week.  This glittery shift took me from day to night with ease and is tres chic to boot. Gotta dash...Looking forward to seeing industry friends in an hour!

Tahari shift dress and tights, gold starburst necklace (found at Marshall's), MRKT suede booties (Italy), 

Stella & Dot bangles, Essie's "Fishnet Stockings" on nails

The Friday 5

With our December newsletter out the door (you can peek at it here), a "To Do" list a mile long, and events every night of next week, I seem to have been inspired by all things holiday...

The white Christmas tree in my studio decorated this week using all the craft supplies I had left over from previous events over the course of this past year.  I am especially fond of these pretty paint swatches (now ornaments)...still hanging around from our Valentine's Day mailing.

My new favorite "red" for holiday nails, Essie's "Fishnet Stockings" found here.

The gorgeous linen I will be using for a corporate holiday event next weekend.

Our fun holiday cards that just arrived this week!  

The gorgeous faces of the member models, local boutique owners and staff that helped pull together the Annual Baltimore Country Club Fashion Show last Friday. 

Have a great weekend!

xo,

stephanie

Style Guide: Holiday Dressing for Every Occasion

'Tis the season for an endless calendar of events and parties and figuring out what to wear for each occasion can be a challenge.  Never fear, I've taken the guess work out of holiday dressing with three perfect party looks in a fun, classic palette of black and gold. 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6

With a holiday event every night of the week next week, I'll be ready for each. What will you be wearing?

xo, 

stephanie

GAT Beauty Buzz - Pucker Up For Holiday Reds

What's the single best way to punch up your party look this holiday season?  That's right, 

a little RED never hurt anyone.  Go ahead and try on one of our favorites!

1. Nars Jungle Red, $24

2. Clinique Different Lipstick - Angel Red, $14.50

3. MAC Ruby Woo, $15
4.  YSL Rouge Pur Couture, $30
5.  Dior Blazing Red, $30

What's your favorite holiday RED?  
We want to know...

Charm City Style - Chevron Chic

I have had these high waisted trousers in my closet for a few years now and I seem to always pull them out when I get a new, printed blouse.  This fun chevron patterned piece however, I have had for months (I wore it here too) and thought it would be fun to pair with one of my all time favorite vintage finds...this dramatic gold necklace which I wear often with both dresses and denim.

Banana Republic trousers, J.Crew tall boots, blouse found at Marshall's, vintage necklace, 

Michael Kors watch, Stella & Dot bangles, coat Benetton, Aqua Madonna handbag, 

gold hoop earrings from Nordstrom