Emily Henderson's Blog, page 106

November 19, 2022

I Went To The Mall, Tried On A Million Things And Here’s What I Loved (And Bought)

Shopping can be hard. Knowing what is actually good online can be harder. So this year I thought it would be fun/useful to take you to the mall and physically try on all the things – the staples and the current cult favorite pieces in an attempt to recommend affordable (and some not) pieces I really love. You see, I’m full up with stuff and I don’t really want to recommend anything I haven’t tried or seen in person, nor do I want to do the buy-online-ship-and-return waste cycle just for a blog post. So I went with the intent to not buy a thing, but as you’ll see there were a few things that were just extremely good. So here are my favorite things from the mall, in 2022. Shout out to Washington Square:)

Also before I go into it you need to know I kissed a lot of frogs. I tried on so many clothes. I didn’t want to body shame myself or design shame a store so I’m not showing you all the stuff out there that sucks in fit, style, and quality. That’s all to say, what made it is because it’s legit good.

*A holiday gift guide statement – we can’t be all things to all people at all times, so we are curating our gift guides differently this year. Everyone shops/consumes differently based on their location, budget, needs, and wants. We truly want to give ideas, with an editor’s eye and be a service to all in an attempt to help you find stuff you will actually use/love long term – regardless of budget. This shopping post (and a couple of others this coming week) are for those shopping the big sale weekend at larger retailers, but we have many others with small businesses, gift kit ideas, thoughtful gifts, and of course my favorite things (still working on it). If you don’t like shopping at big box stores, skip this post and come back again – there will hopefully be one for you 🙂

My Mall Outfit: Jacket (similar) | Denim Shirt | Jeans | Boots | Bag

J. Crew

I tried on a ton of different pieces here and many were mediocre, TBH, but then I asked a salesperson what were the most popular and she pointed me towards these three things:

Magic Rinse™ Relaxed Crewneck Sweatshirt

I’ve been wearing The Great for 8 years (since it started I think) and have some of the OG sweatshirts but always nice to find more affordable versions. J. Crew’s slouchy sweatshirts are so good because the seaming (a diagonal) makes the right drape shape – it allows space near the tummy, but cuts in near the armpit with a wide neckline. These details are crucial to a good slouchy sweatshirt that looks cool and not frumpy. I wish these came in more colors (the cream is good and red is great for the holidays but I would love an off-black, a stripe, a heathered gray, etc). The fit is excellent. I’m wearing an XS here but could have sized up to an S (so it’s a bit oversized but not crazy oversized).

Quilted S herpa Fleece Half-Zip Pullover

It is very good. If I didn’t have enough fleeces already I would have absolutely bought this o n e. We all agreed it was VERY VERY GOOD.

Tissue Turtleneck In Stripe

Admittedly I’m not selling it in this photo, but it’s a perfect layering piece. When the salesperson told me that these were cult favorites I tried it on and was sold. These are so thin but forgiving (maybe because of the pattern) – it didn’t even really show my bra strap. Not too tight or constricting totally breathable and kinda just felt like an undershirt, but since it’s a turtleneck you get that cute pattern at the neck and sleeves. PERFECT for layering under sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets, and coats. I wish they made them in every stripe possible.

9″ V intage Slim-Straight Jean In Daisy Wash

Jeans. SOLD. As you know I have a short torso and big boobs so I can’t do the high-waisted mom thing which I know is “in”. These remind me of my Rag and Bone boyfriend jeans but with the 40% off, these were $70 versus the usual $225 (when did that become normal?). Such a good fit without holes, not crazy low-waisted (a 9” inseam), and didn’t cut in but sculpted a bit. On my trip to Thanksgiving, these were the only jeans I brought. BIG FAN.

Nordstrom – ClothesJaro Plaid Wool Blend Jacket

Like I need another one but once I put it on all of us were like, “oh that’s good and so you”. I asked Brian for it for Christmas because I feel too guilty adding another shacket to my collection (and this one was expensive which I didn’t realize until I tried it on – whoops). But this one is SO GOOD!!! The cut is excellent. It’s lined and falls well in a non-stiff yet structured way. And obviously, that plaid has Emily-Farm-Henderson written all over it. Again, I didn’t get it but it might be under the tree if Brian actually reads his texts from me:)

Plaid Coat

The thing about trench coats is that you can leave the house looking cool while wearing something really basic underneath. No secret that I love a plaid coat (I’ve been wearing this Madewell one every time I leave the house lately – over sweats! I look so pulled together but secretly wearing athleisure!). This coat is GREAT. Had I not had that Madewell one I probably would have bought it. The plaid is cool without looking bathrobe-y. This one is a bit oversized (it’s a medium because they didn’t have a small). Pockets. Great collar. Just a solid investment IMHO.

Oversized Mixed Media Faux Shearling Jacket

I know that this is what is cool and in – super oversized, sherpa, etc. If someone gave it to me I’d be psyched but I think I felt a bit silly in it. Kaitlin (our photographer who has with me but has a younger/cooler style) loved it hard. So I think it’s for a younger demo. We both agreed that the white isn’t the best for kids and that you must know it adds bulk – which is “in” right now but just not my thing. Anyway, it’s a splurge but we liked it enough to show you.

Abrazo Half Zip Fleece Jacket

YES. So many yeses. If you are in the fleece market this is a GREAT one. It’s a mid-weight (not thick like some NorthFace but not cheap and thin). The color blocking is great.

Arena Fleece Cropped Pullover

We all really liked the color blocking on this one, too. It felt cheaper, TBH, but I think on sale it could be a good gift for a Gen Z gal. Again, good shape and colors.

Breton Stripe Henley Cashmere Sweater

She’s good, boxy, with slight bell sleeves, extremely cozy and soft. If I were in the market for a new classic sweater this would be IT. They didn’t have a small in store so I’m wearing a medium here which is slightly too big so it seems like it runs true to size. Big fan.

Lucca Cable Knit Quarter Zip Organic Cotton Sweater

In my mind, this looked way better on me haha. If you have a lady in your life that is picky, this is a great classic quarter zip that is thin enough to layer over (again, not bulky) but warm in itself. Target has a pretty awesome version right now, too.

Mayslie Coated Ankle Straight Leg Pants

On the other hand…These pants clocked in as one of the things I didn’t “need” but couldn’t not get. The shape of the leg. The finish of the fabric (waxed so a bit shiny but in a high-end way). They fit low on hips and those large rectangular pockets ALWAYS play with the eye and reduce the size of your stomach and hips (if you are into that). The structure of the leg is wonderful – not tight, but tailored. These were expensive so I’m hoping that they are on a Black Friday sale. I couldn’t not get them and am excited to wear them when I need to look like I know my style and care (in a comfortable casual way, of course).

The Roller High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

Yeah, we agreed these are awesome, cool, comfortable, and with volume in the right place. They are Mother jeans, which if you don’t know specialize in a specific level/chemistry of stretch making them far more comfortable while still keeping you retained.

I’m a low-waisted gal myself, but I could totally see dressing these up or down and looking cool.

Anna Crewneck T-Shirt

Kaitlin picked this out for her but I tried it on and was like “oh shoot”. This is a GREAT t-shirt and I thought it was going to be one of those annoying $120 shirts, so was happy it was $59 (not on sale yet). Yes, that’s still a lot but the cut, fit, fabric and wash are really good. The cuffed sleeves are great for those of us a little self-conscious about our upper arms (it flares out giving the illusion of a smaller arm) and the wash doesn’t wash me out! Pure black cotton often just makes me look extremely extra pale, but this wash doesn’t. Thank you, Kaitlin! And yes I bought it.

Nordstrom – Shoes

Nordstrom was at first none too pleased with us taking photos so I had to be really brief and sneaky. I asked Kaitlin and Emily M. what shoes were “in” so they divided and brought them all to me.

Lug Sole Chelsea Boot

This style is obviously everywhere and we love them – plus I think they are PNW-friendly. This pair itself was comfortable, and cool, with a not-too-tight (but still tight) ankle.

City Montreal Sneaker

We all really like the colors of these sneakers but since I also have these and these from Madewell I didn’t need them. But they would be perfect for an elevated “super causal” look:)

Brex™ Waterproof Chelsea Boot (On The Ground, Second From The Left)

If my bootie collection weren’t still deep I would have absolutely bought these and part of me still might. These are so much cooler than what I have had for years, can be dressed up and down, add instant edge and youth, and still feel like me. Gosh, I’m convincing myself right now that I should own them (fun fact, to assuage my consumer guilt my sister is selling all my clothes on Poshmark right now, saving for a house for her and her two boys – head over there to see it). These are awesome and would still be great in rain or snow. Shoot. I need them.

Hayle Platform Chelsea Boot (On The Ground, Third From The Left)

The famous Steve Madden boots that were sold out last year and now I see why. These give height, are chunky but so comfortable, and tuck in REALLY NICE with the cloth ankle. So good. Tried to convince myself I needed them but I love my new Madewells that are also waterproof and have a heel. These are just a bit more edgy and cool.

Creepers Wallaby Platform Loafer

OOF. These are so dope. I’m a huge Ganni fan so I wasn’t surprised that I loved these.

I want these very bad and am hoping that Brian will buy them on Black Friday/Cyber Monday should they be on sale. DEAR LORD, they make you look cool, even if you are wearing sweats. Does my farm life need them? Nope! Which is why I didn’t buy them for myself. But would I be bummed if they showed up under the tree? NO, I WOULD BE VERY EXCITED. It’s not like they’re delicate velvet ballet flats. These souls can handle some rain. But I just feel cool in them, and feel like they actually work great into my lifestyle and capsule wardrobe. We, of course, found more affordable versions out there because these are crazy expensive – check out these and these.

Corbin Platform Loafer Mule

I think the platinum loafer mule combo is a pretty darn great one. These were VERY cute.

Oversized Quilted Jacket

This had a really good shape (sorry hard to see with my pose) and flares out with the front and back longer than the sides (in a good way – like tails).

This came in a couple of different colors and is a cute affordable gift for sure.

Coat

Never not trying on a plaid coat. This is great – a bit bulkier than the Rails one above, but for those who like the bulky oversized look we got you.

Abercrombie & FitchCurve Love Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jean

Ok, these are the famous Abercrombie jeans everyone is talking about (I hear). I absolutely get it but they aren’t for me. As a 43-year-old mom, I don’t think that mom jeans are doing me any favors. I do, however, understand why these are cool for the younger crowd. The shape of the leg, the stiffness of the side seam, the height of the inseam, the length – it’s all cool. I think if you have a Gen Z daughter they’d likely love these. As you know the 90s are very back and cool – just some of us may not want to revisit it.

Tailored Wide Leg Pants

These pants are famous and now I TOTALLY SEE WHY. A flowy trouser is in and my lifestyle doesn’t really warrant needing this, but these are just so comfortable. They have light elastic in the back which you can’t see, making your butt kinda pop out in a really good way. They fit and then flare out. The front pleats are super flattering (sorry – so hard to see here – just check the site for detailed photos). Excellent, excellent, excellent.

Let me know if you are into this type of fashion shopping/review post in the comments (no need to say that you hate this post, y’all) and if so I’ll go back and do a second one – this mall didn’t have Anthro, Urban, Madewell, or Zara – but I’d be happy to play dress up again 🙂 And stay tuned for Brian’s post very very soon…Off to get a Cinnabon:)

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

The post I Went To The Mall, Tried On A Million Things And Here’s What I Loved (And Bought) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

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Published on November 19, 2022 01:00

November 18, 2022

The Matching Family Holiday Pajamas We Love + One That We Bought This Year

HO HO HO & HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Today we’re gonna chat about my favorite topic probably ever: matching family pajamas!! I LOVE a good pajama set for the holidays, but I love forcing my family to match even more. So if you’re in the same boat, I’ve compiled some of our favorites that range from cute to a little ridiculous (in a great way). Let’s lean into the holiday season, folks. HERE WE GO!

First, I just wanted to begin by saying, yes, I have already picked out some matching pajamas for this year and I will give you my review. Also, I want to preface with the fact that matching PJs are a COVETED item during the holidays and sell out FAST, so I did my best to find mostly affordable options that are still available and will get to you before December 🙂 When buying PJs for an entire family this stuff can really rack up so I did my best to find the most affordable options for everyone!!

THE PJS I BOUGHT AND MY REVIEW

The pajamas I have for this year are these which are awesome because they have A TON of options for under $30 and they’re all in stock (at least right now!!) I know everyone has a different idea of what’s comfortable PJ-wise, so these are great because there are button-downs, nightgowns, and PJ bottoms with comfy tees, so everyone can find something they like (there are even some for the dog which is hilarious). I also thought it was cute that the guy’s button-down PJs have a red lining and the women’s PJs have a white lining. It’s matching but that sweet detail makes life easy when sorting through them in the wash!! In terms of quality, I was impressed given the fact that they were $30. They’re fairly thick and are a flannel material which is comfortable to lounge in but if you’re a hot sleeper maybe not the best to sleep in (this was directed toward me as I am a very hot sleeper, so these might just be for Christmas eve/morning with the family). In terms of sizing, I would recommend sizing UP for women (I’m a 4/6 and the size chart said I should be a small but the medium was much more comfortable), but for men it seemed to be fairly true to size. The waistband is stretchy so there is some wiggle room in sizes! And that is my full review of the holiday PJs I have, now let’s get to some of the other cuties on the market!!

1. SleepytimePJs Christmas Family Matching Plaid Flannel Pajama Pj Sets: This is the set that I have and just reviewed above…it’s really great for the price!!
2. Santa Baby Embroidered X-Mas Crewneck Sweatshirt: If your family is less into the matching PJ energy and wants to do a matching sweatshirt instead, I found this incredibly cute option that I’m also considering purchasing this year (can you tell I love the holidays???)
3. Plaid Pajama Set: Old Navy has so many great and affordable matching options and I LOVE that in this photo they match but aren’t exactly all the same. But if you do want everyone to be in the same look they have all those options too.
4. Womens Long-sleeve Cotton Poplin Pajama Set + Mens Long-sleeve Cotton Poplin Pajama Set + Kids Long-sleeve Cotton Poplin Pajama Set: These are on the pricier side but are so pretty and classic!
5. Green Family’s Christmas Pajama Set: Incredibly festive and I feel like this type of PJ is usually super comfortable.
6. Hanukkah Buffalo Check Matching Family Pajamas: How cute are these Hanukkah PJs?! Hanna Andersson has lots of Hanukkah options too:)
7. Black and White Buffalo Check Set: Classic and nice that they don’t scream holiday (if you’re into that. ha)
8. Scandi Snowflake Matching Family Pajamas: So pretty! This company is where Em buys lots of Birdie’s dresses and raves about the quality and they have SO many options to choose from.
9. Family Matching Tartan Flannel Pajamas: Can matching pajamas look elegant? Well, these ones are. A little pricy but definitely look high-end.
10. Reindeer Family Matching One Piece Pajamas: When I mentioned “ridiculous” in the opening paragraph I bet you could guess which one I was chatting about. Let’s give it up for the most hilarious of the bunch! Fun fact – I used to perform as a dancing reindeer in a tree lighting show when I was in high school so I most certainly considered buying these (my family said no and I can’t blame them).
11. Striped Pajama Set: These just look so jolly, right?!
12. Family Green Plaid Pajamas: If you’re more into a soft color look these are a really great choice that’s still festive:)

Now, if you’re looking for PJs just for yourself, or you want to look through more options, let’s talk through a few of Em’s favorites and where she buys pajamas:

SOFT NOTCH COLLAR PAJAMA SET, $22

photo by veronica crawford | from 8 pajamas to wear all winter longEm’s Review:

“PJs are not where I splurge in life so I’ve been wearing Target’s matching sets for years. I actually usually buy two of the same so in case I misplace a top or bottom, I’m covered.

Comfort: 10/10. Feels like you are wearing nothing, in a good way.
Cuteness: YEP. I feel cute, and because the shorts are pretty short, Brian really likes these, too. The shorts are boxy which is good, they don’t cling and are really loose. They drape really nicely, are roomy but not too boxy, and come in so many colors.
Affordability: At $22 for the set, you honestly can’t regret it in any way. The two sets I bought two years ago from Target are just now starting to pill, but I still opt for them in the summer. This model is better.”

Hanna Andersson Pajamas, $34+

photo by veronica crawford | from 8 pajamas to wear all winter longEm’s Review:

“While the version of this PJ set is slightly different this year I couldn’t talk PJs without mentioning Hanna Andersson. They specialize in pajamas so you’d expect them to do it right and they do.

Comfort: Another 10/10. They are comfy and lightweight but still warm. I think it’s hard to find a thicker fabric that is also very comfortable and breathable but these are it. Even though they’re more fitted, they don’t cling to places they shouldn’t.

Cuteness: The henley and long John styles are more playful and whimsical than a boxier model. It does NOT feel tight at the waist and THIS IS KEY. Pajamas that cut in at the waist and give you an uncomfortable muffin top while you sleep are doing the opposite job it should. I’ve discovered that you want a light elastic waist, with a drawstring to go tighter if you desire.

Affordability: $68 for the set. These are more expensive than many below, true. I just love them and have found that myself (and Brian and the kids) opt to wear them ALL THE TIME. They just make us happy. The first pair that I had years ago was gifted from the company or else I might not have splurged initially, not realizing why they are worth it, but over the years they are the pair that I splurge on for myself. I still wear the green set, and two years later, they absolutely hold up.”

Gap Pajamas, $20+

photo by veronica crawford | from 8 pajamas to wear all winter longEm’s Review:

“I haven’t shopped at the Gap in a while but Arlyn said these got great reviews so I tried them and they are a hell YES.

Comfort: They are so thin and drape so so so so well. No cutting in, no clinging to places it shouldn’t. Just EXTREME comfort and breathability. I’m literally wearing them right now as I opted for them to sleep in last night. I had a late dinner with a friend and came home and rummaged around JUST for these if that tells you anything. Brian woke up and was like “what are you doing?” and I replied, “sorry! pajama hunting!” These are super lightweight so great if you run hot at night but still want pants and long sleeves.

Cuteness: I feel super cute in these. I have room around the waist and it doesn’t cling to my bra strap. They are just GOOD.

Affordability: $77 for the set and worth every penny. I just got them so I don’t know how they wear over time, so if anyone else has more long-term experience with these, please leave in the comments.”

If you wanna see more of Em’s pajama post review it’s all here!

That’s all for today as we know you guys are probably overloaded with turkey day planning, but just wanted to say happy (almost) holidays and hope this guide helps you get your family PJs before it’s too late! And let me know if you purchase the matching PJs I have –– it’ll be an EHD family matching pajama cult!!! I love it. So merry!! xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Our Scandinavian (And Easy, Mess-Free) Holiday Living Room Reveal + How I Finally Figured Out My Biggest Styling Problem… And Solved It

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Published on November 18, 2022 01:00

November 17, 2022

The Current State Of The Farmhouse Family/TV Room – What We Are Troubleshooting, Confused By, And Debating…

Welcome to the coziest room in the house, and while it’s far from finished it checks a lot of the boxes that we needed – an extremely comfortable and large-scale sectional, big enough for all of us + our pups (don’t judge, we let our dogs on our sofa with us), a big ole Frame TV, and a cozy fireplace for the darker colder months. But stylistically it has a long way to go before we will be done with it. I’m stuck in here, TBH, and I’ve GOT to start making some headway. We aren’t shooting some of these final rooms until May but we all know that time flies these days and lead times are long. I hate rushing, but I also do want to be forced to make some decisions. So today it’s all things family room.

But first, where we came from…

This room was part of the 1960s addition to the original farmhouse. It might be hard to see where it is in the house so here are the floorplans of how it was when we bought the house, and where we are now.

Process – Choosing The Paint Color

We paneled this room with a 12″ custom run bead board that ARCIFORM expertly designed and installed. Sorry if I’m a broken record here, but we always wanted to paint it (we thought) so it was installed in poplar which is not a good stain-grade wood and if I could go back in time right now I might have done it in white oak so we could just have stained wood walls – which would have cost a lot more and might not have been worth it. But now it’s painted so it is what it is.

There was a lot of indecision at the end in the paint color, which isn’t where I thrive TBH. Green! Blue! Rose! I still don’t know!!!

We thought we wanted Privileged Green SW 6193 (a really good dark green) but at the last minute, I was worried it would be too dark and changed the color to Ponder SW 7079 which I felt pretty strongly about at the time. It’s a really, really pretty soft and warm gray that definitely brings cozy vibes. I wrote a whole post about choosing a moody paint color for this room, and while I love the color I’m not convinced it was the right choice for this room with this sectional. Some days we really like it and are like, “let’s make this work” and other days I wish I could snap my fingers and try all these different colors to see if just changing the color would help the design a lot. Somedays it’s gray and cozy and other days it looks really purple. I’m super frustrated with myself right now and generally feeling full of self-doubt (which might be in conjunction with SAD, I’m realizing) so thus being “stuck.”

The Family Room Today

So here we are today and before you judge too hard there is a lot still to be done, obviously, so I’ll walk you through it.

We added the bench/hearth to add storage and keep the fireplace and the TV near the same height. We hired Nate from Dinihanian Design Build to customize it and he did an excellent job. We kept it simple with a little bead around the drawers for some decorative detail then added large Rejuvenation Massey Pulls. Originally we were going to add a piece of stone on top since the fireplace is sitting on it, but then realized that we didn’t need to. Since it’s gas, it’s fine to be on wood. We were honestly done spending money and adding the stone top would have cost about $2k – in materials, but mostly fabrication and installation. We had already donated the leftover soapstone to The Rebuilding Center and it wasn’t going to be long enough anyway (there would be a big seam which I was ok with). But now, I kinda wish we had done the stone. I’ve thought about doing a cushion but we just don’t need it and the kids use that surface to play. We can still do the stone but it means they have to take off the fireplace, redo the flu design, install the stone, and then re-install the fireplace. That doesn’t sound worth it to me right now. The fireplace is this little gas stove from Vermont Castings, the Stardance Direct Vent Gas Stove and it’s pretty awesome. We just started using it last week for some extra warmth and ambiance, and I think it’s helping my mood on the rainier days. The ceiling light is from Rejuvenation and we faced the bulbs upward which creates a little nice ambiance. The orange glow of the bulbs with the gold inside sometimes makes the wall color look really purple (which we knew would happen but definitely more than we thought). The wall color is beautiful, and the sofa color is awesome, but the rug is absolutely wrong with both. I’m not totally convinced that I like the sofa color with the wall color but keep reeling about how I’m going to proceed.

The sectional is from Rejuvenation and it’s extremely comfortable and cozy. The fabric is a performance velvet and that last chaise seat is big enough for me and both kids (see below for scale – I’m so tiny in it!). The coffee table I’ve had forever (from Anthropologie and sadly out of stock again) and it might end up living in the living room but it works well in here. I think something visually lighter would be better (maybe some round nesting tables?). It’s just very big and bulky in here, but not big enough for the living room so we’ll see. The rug is from the kids shared bedroom in LA (sadly unavailable) and really doesn’t work in here with the sofa and the wall color. It’s a great rug though and EXTREMELY forgiving because of the small organic pattern with a lot of color variation (dogs barfed on it the other day and after we spot-cleaned it we couldn’t find the spot at all). It’s not crazy cozy (as it’s woven not pulled) so we have our thick memory foam rug pad underneath it which makes it super cushy. But all in all, the color is just off for in here.

Time To Choose A Rug?? Will It Tie The Room Together?

This is why I always like to choose paint color LAST, but when you are remodeling all at once (a blessing and a curse) you don’t get to live in it before you paint. Sometimes I wish I had just had them prime the whole house and then we paint room by room, but they spent weeks prepping the walls, screening everything off with plastic, taping off every window and trim piece – so it would be such a waste of prep time to have them do that twice. In a perfect world, we would lock down the fabric and rug colors first because Sherwin-Williams has infinite paint colors. So we are working a bit backward now and that’s okay, but it’s just harder.

So the game plan as of this very second is to see if the right rug and art can tie together the pretty paint color and the pretty sofa color. Repainting this room is a whole thing since it’s all wood paneling including the ceiling and the fireplace hearth/bench. It would likely cost $2,500 (at least) and take 2-3 days and we can’t be in here when it’s done (and it’s a pass-through room which makes it hard to tape off and live with). And since we love the color itself we are going to try to work with it first, knowing that if it doesn’t work we’ll give ourselves permission to repaint it in a couple of years. But what that means is that we have to choose a rug that A. works with the sofa and wall color right now and B. A rug we love with the sofa regardless should we decide to change the wall color. We don’t want to box ourselves in even further – so this rug needs to allow flexibility.

We started collecting samples – some of these are companies who reached out wanting to partner on this room, and others we reached out to or bought samples. There are a million more we could choose from obviously, but laying these all out is super helpful to start comparing and seeing what works.

Here’s what is important to us:

Comfy and cozy, but doesn’t need to be crazy plush (and we fear that popcorn and small legos would get stuck in it and be annoying to clean). So some of the deeper piles are gorgeous but might not work in here. We need it to be “forgiving” without being too bold and busy. That means enough color or texture variation to hide symptoms of our lifestyle – i.e. dirt from dog paws, general kid/life traffic, dog hair, Cheeto fingers, etc. Some of the lighter ones could work – I’ve had the Masinissa and the checkered one from Dash & Albert before and are so forgiving, but yes a darker rug will be more forgiving and likely work better for our lifestyle (the mud in the winter is a thing, at least until the landscaping gets done…but still).

We ordered samples from Ashley Stark Home (they are so gorgeous but might be too high a pile for a family room), Enkay (which are where two of the top choices are from right now), and Dash & Albert (a long-time great resource). Not all companies have samples which makes it a bit harder to decide remotely, but I might order more from Rejuvenation, Serena and Lily, Loloi Rugs, and Lulu and Georgia. Also, I could go for a pattern if it’s dark tones or go for a woven one if the colors are so perfect (thus foregoing the coziness of a pulled plush rug).

A. Raksha Rug | B. Desi Rug | C. Aziza Rug (Ice) | D. Sukri Rug | E. Aziza Rug (Fog)

These are the top 5 rugs we like. I like the tonal ones with the rug, but Brian is less into that look and he might be right. I also love the lighter one on the right as it has both the sofa and the wall tones in it – but I worry that it’s too light. I haven’t dived into the vintage Persian rug world yet either (or the new styles of them) as that wasn’t originally the art direction that I wanted for this house (remember when I was all “Shaker!” haha). I know that a vintage Tabriz could look amazing in here or the right worn-in Persian, which maybe I’ll start looking for.

What Is Happening On The Back Wall?

I don’t really know what we need on that wall. Sure I can put a gallery wall (which I might) but we could also use some (but not a ton) of storage in here. From this angle, it seems obvious to do built-in bookshelves along the back wall and perhaps integrate the sconces into it. We put those sconces in the lighting plan like a year ago and now that they are cut out of the paneling we have to stick to them. This is all fine, but if we wanted to do a tall bookshelf we’d have to do some troubleshooting. So I recently installed two Imbrie Articulating sconces there and have thought about doing a long sofa table/bookshelf along the back of the sofa, and then hanging an epic gallery wall on that wall, with the blimp being on the wall to the right. The biggest drawback of doing a big built-in on the back wall is that it really affects the sightline from the living room – so you’d basically immediately be blocked visually by a protruding piece of furniture. It doesn’t so much affect flow as you’d take a right to get into the room anyway, but visually it’s not my favorite. Also, we switched out the sconce on the left to be an art picture light (The Clyde, from Rejuvenation) because that one felt too glam and small. Sometimes I want to switch the gold chandelier to black but we chose gold as to not compete with the fireplace.

So instead of where the table is right now (which is a placeholder), picture a long low bookshelf (with closed backs and sides) for books/games and to put lamps on. Also right now we have nowhere to put a snack or drink or the remote (once you are leaning back, all lounging on the sofa, the coffee table feels pretty far away).

So there you go – a good old-fashioned process post showing you where we are stuck and what we are thinking about. Being that I feel a bit stumped I’d love to know any of your thoughts re the rug and the wall color… Maybe we’ll do a post where we photoshop all the paint colors we are now considering, but the truth is I think that we’ll think one of those is great and I really want to give these two colors together a shot before I let myself just change it, and who knows maybe a creative challenge like this is just what I need:)

Family Room Resources:
Sectional: Rejuvenation
Chandelier: Rejuvenation
Fireplace: Vermont Castings
Current Rug: Serena and Lily (unavailable)
Flooring: Oregon White Oak by Zena Forest Products
Wall Color: Ponder by Sherwin-Williams

**Photos by Kaitlin Green

The post The Current State Of The Farmhouse Family/TV Room – What We Are Troubleshooting, Confused By, And Debating… appeared first on Emily Henderson.

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Published on November 17, 2022 01:00

November 16, 2022

My Favorite Pretty And Practical Kitchen Accessories From Our Farmhouse (That Would Make Excellent Gifts For Anyone Who Loves Cooking + Design)

I could style this kitchen a billion different ways (and likely will) because I LOVE pretty kitchen accessories and I love styling 🙂 A good kitchen accessory and some thoughtful styling can make any simple kitchen look soulful and warm. In fact, it’s my thesis today that I think that all of these are an excellent gift for anyone who loves to cook and loves good design. Full Stop. So today I’ll talk about my favorite pretty yet practical (for the most part) kitchen accessories and link up a lot of current options out there in case you are in the market (or have someone on your list). Now many of my favorite pieces I’ve had for years and truly tried not to buy too much new (did you see my prop storage closet?) but that doesn’t mean I didn’t window shop and see what is out there. So here, friends, are my favorites that are available for you.

Oil Decanters

Left: Glass Vinegar + Oil Cruet | Glass and Brass Cruet | Right: Simple Oil & Vinegar Cruets

I once longed to be the kind of person who decanted things into other things, and now look at me. While I do love some labels of pretty oils we try to buy more in bulk so decanting (and then staring at these oil cruets) makes me so happy. Win/win.

Salt and Pepper Grinders

Salt and Pepper Grinders | Salt and Pepper Shaker (unavailable)

I bought these which work great and are super pretty, but after we shot I kinda wish I had bought some with more of an interesting shape. Of course, they are near the bottles that are very shapely so I think the photos turned out well, but there are such pretty ones on the market.

Bud Vase

Black Bud Vase (unavailable)

Get a bud vase and some dried flowers (Ecovibe and Bloomist have great ones) and put them anywhere for an instant dose of happiness.

Pitchers

Pitcher

It’s the shape. I just love the classic round shape of a pitcher, with a handle that makes me smile. I have SO MANY. I use them for vases and sculptures more than actual pitchers, honestly. But there is this old-world magic to a pretty ceramic/pottery shape with a handle.

Cookbook Holder

Cookbook Stand

Now the key here is making sure that there is something to hold the pages down. I am not a tablet recipe person, I like dirtying the books, making notes, and reading off real pages. A cookbook stand and your favorite cookbook (might I suggest Clean Soup? Sarah Adler’s book?) is a great gift for a budding cook.

1. Adjustable Book Tablet Stand Holder | 2. Finlay Cookbook Holder | 3. Bamboo Book Stand

Cutting Boards

Left: Round Cutting Board (unavailable) | Right: Maple Cutting Board with Groove

We have our practical ones that we love, but in this kitchen, I use this huge one all day every day almost like a countertop. It’s not too heavy (some butcher blocks are so heavy and make washing in the sink very cumbersome). We gave our babysitter two years ago a “soup starters kit” which included a dutch oven, a cutting board, a cookbook, and a really good knife. It was a big hit. 🙂

Kitchen Towels

Kitchen Towels (unavailable)

We have our gross dishtowels, of course, but for the ones that hang out on the range or dishwasher you want one that is a bit prettier, less terrycloth, and more linen or cotton (bonus points for fringe or tassels).

Kitchen Art

Left: MaryAnn Puls Abstract | Right: Seascape (vintage)

You all know I love decorative elements in the kitchen that maybe don’t make as much practical sense, but goodness they add soul. I have vintage seascape and MaryAnn Puls abstracts. If you have the wall space (even on tile or on a shelf) don’t miss the opportunity for good art.

Good Glassware

Pretty (a good) glassware can add so much personality to a kitchen if they can be displayed. I really love the look of mixing everyday glasses with special glassware and new with vintage. And don’t be afraid of a little color. It gives the overall look more dimension and they are more fun to drink out of:)

Ceramic Colanders

Colander

There’s just something so special about a ceramic colander but they aren’t necessarily on everyone’s “kitchen need list.” That’s why they are such a great gift. They’re perfect for displaying but also are totally functional. Another win/win!

Kitchen Lamps

Lamp (vintage)

Living room elements, like lamps and mirrors, give an unexpected quirk to a kitchen (especially if you have the counter space). They need to be small obviously and ideally vintage, but we rounded up a few newer ones that we love. We leave these on as nightlights (we don’t have undercabinet lights since we don’t have upper cabinets) so something small and sweet is best.

Mirrors

Mirror (vintage)

Mirrors are like really quiet art that adds a bit of unexpected magic and are easy to collect. I hoard them and have started hanging or leaning them around the house. They add almost zero busyness while making a space feel more special.

So those are some of my top kitchen styling accessories and I truly can’t wait to continue playing around in my kitchen. Hopefully, this inspired you too and maybe crossed a person or two off of your holiday gift list. xx

Kitchen Resources:
Cabinetry: Unique Kitchens & Baths
Countertops: Bedrosians Tile & Stone
White Oak Windows and Doors: Sierra Pacific Windows
Skylights: Velux
Tile: Pratt + Larson
Appliances (sans Fridge and Freezer): Build with Ferguson
Fridge and Freezer: BlueStar
Flooring: Zena Forest Products(Oregon grown and milled)
Lighting, Switches, Outlets, and Sink: Rejuvenation
Wall Color: Sherwin Williams, “Extra White” .
Faucets: deVOL Kitchens
Vintage Island: Aurora Mills
Counter Stools: Fernweh Woodworking
Rug: District Loom
Brass Gallery Rods: Pepe and Carols

*Design by Emily Henderson and ARCIFORM
**Styled by Emily Henderson
***Photos by Kaitlin Green

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Published on November 16, 2022 01:00

November 15, 2022

24 Of Our Favorite Etsy Shops We Are Buying Gifts From This Year

Hi, it’s me. Your resident Etsy shopping enthusiast. For the past three years, I have been your guide to gift-giving via one of my favorite places to shop, because I just can’t seem to keep the treasures I find there to myself. This little corner of the internet has been my go-to for vintage, personalized, handmade, and one-of-a-kind items for years because nothing beats its diverse selection. Did you draw the one person in your office that you don’t know very well for secret Santa?? No problem, because everyone loves a good-smelling candle and a match striker. Do you also need to snag a gift for your mother-in-law that loves to create her own recipes? Then these handcrafted spice blends will blow her away.

So to kick off gift guide season this year, we pulled together some of our absolute favorite Etsy shops in hopes that it will help you navigate all the options and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list this year. Let’s begin!

Personalized Ornaments

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: our living room dressed up for the holidays

1. Custom Cross Stitch House Ornament | 2. Cross Stitch Nativity Ornament or Hoop | 3. Custom Cross Stitch Family Ornament

Stitched to a T: Tree ornaments are a great, low-stress gift that feels very thoughtful. They can be personal and mark something significant that happened that year, or they can be cute, funny, beautiful, precious–you name it. Stitched to a T is a shop that makes handmade, personalized, stitched ornaments to commemorate the big moments in life. Did one of your giftees get married this year or buy a house? They may love a little ornament to remember that milestone forever.

1. Personalized Mixer Ornament | 2. Personalized Fishing Vest Ornament | 3. Personalized Scrubs Ornament |

Polar X ornaments: This shop sells hundreds of ornaments that represent hobbies, careers, or personal interests and would show someone you really know what is important to them. I love that adorable kitchen aid mixer one that would be perfect for someone who loves to cook or bake.

1 Dolphin Felt Wool Ornament | 2. Felt Wool Ballerina Ornament | 3. Unicorn Felt Wool Ornament

Ornaments 4 Orphans: Every ornament from this shop is handmade and supports a good cause. Their mission is simply: “Through fair trade and sustainable community development, Ornaments 4 Orphans assists parents to keep children with them in the home, and to bring back those children who’ve been separated from their families.” These ornaments would be a really special gift for someone in your life who is altruistic and loves cute animals :).

Art

design by ryann trombetti for ehd | styled by emily bowser | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: ryann’s moto reveal

1. Vintage Food Poster Print | 2. Nymph & Hunter Print | 3. Wilhelm Trubner Dog Print

Stardust Print Shop: Art may seem like a hard gift to give, but luckily Etsy has so many shops that carry every style of art that you could think of. Stardust Print Shop is a shop that I have personally purchased from several times and I have always been impressed by their quality and selection. I have that dog with sausage print hanging in my gallery wall above my dining table and it brings me so much joy every time I see it. This shop has such a wide range of subjects that are unique and really cool, so you can find something for everybody.

1. Man’s Best Friend Printable | 2. Remington Portrait Printable | 3. Sailing Seagulls Printable

West Woven: West Woven sells digital print downloads so before you look at the price tag and think “this is too good to be true” just know you are buying the image that you will have to get printed somewhere else. BUT don’t worry, it’s a lot easier than it sounds. You can do this at FedEx for a reasonable price, or you can use an online print shop like Artifact Uprising that does really good quality work and will ship directly to you. That said, West Woven sells really lovely digital prints that are calm, moody, and vintage inspired. That man with a beard portrait is very good and would look awesome in a gallery wall.

1. ‘Princess Diaries’ Collage Poster | 2. Vintage Ad Poster | 3. ‘A Whole New World’ Collage Poster

City and Flower Collage: City and Flower Collage is a Black-owned shop that sells retro-inspired, vibrant, colorful collage prints that are amazing conversation pieces. The reviews are positively raving and I love that they donate a portion of their sales, too. Here’s their promise: “Annual contribution from sales will be made to Austin Justice Coalition! Austin Justice Coalition is a Racial Justice Group that educates and builds community power for people of color who live in Austin, Texas that need support, community, and liberation.”

Vintage Oil Paintings

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: living room update again

1. Vintage Seascape | 2. Vintage Nudes Painting | 3. Carpathian Landscape

Soviet Oil Painting: There is nothing quite like vintage oil paintings. They bring so much charm, texture, and personality to a space. Soviet Oil Painting is a shop we’ve loved and shared on the blog for years and it’s one of the best resources for affordable original oil paintings. If someone on your list is a vintage art lover, one of these pieces would be a spectacular gift (my personal favorite is this lovely seascape–just look at those colors!)

1. Fish Still Life | 2. Flower Still Life | 3. Summer Waterscape

Art Nostalgie: The owner of this shop collects and sells paintings from the 20th century that are all by Ukrainian artists and says they are able to ship internationally again. It’s a great way to support even if it’s in this small way. The selection is highly curated still-life paintings, landscapes, and some really one-of-a-kind portraits. I can’t stop looking at this one that I’d love to see in a moody kitchen or dining room (maybe my own??).

1. Male Portrait | 2. Female Portrait | 3. Original Oil Painting

Slav Art Vintage: This shop has over 800 original oil paintings to choose from and they are all so special and reasonably priced. My top pick is this intriguing male portrait but honestly, all of the paintings from Slav Art Vintage are quality pieces that would make a great gift.

Rugs

design by velinda hellen design for ehd | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: sara’s living room & dining room reveal

1. Custom Berber Grid Rug | 2. 5×7 Red Berber Rug | 3. 4×6 Berber Rug

Berber Stuff Artisanat: If someone on your list has been coveting a checkered rug, I’m willing to bet you could find the perfect match from this shop. They have an incredible inventory of checkered area rugs in a ton of colors, plus an awesome collection of vintage Morrocan rugs. My personal favorite is this vibrant red Morrocan Berber rug.

1. 5×9 Moroccan Rug | 2. Custom Beni Ourain Rug | 3. Colorful Morrocan Rug

Beni Ourain Carpets: It was so hard to pick just three rugs from this shop to show you guys. Their selection is off the charts, with over 3,000 incredible rugs to choose from. I have personally purchased a rug from them and can attest that their quality, service, and pricing are unmatched.

1. 6×9 Turkish Rug | 2. 5×11 Kilim Runner | 3. 6×9 Oushak Rug

Nashmil Rug: This shop sells vintage handmade Persian rugs that are so beautiful they should be considered art. Their prices are affordable and they categorize their inventory by size so you can easily find what you are looking for. I am considering buying this one for my parent’s dining room (if they’ll let me :)).

Lighting

photo by david tsay | from: styled: secrets for arranging rooms, from tabletops to bookshelves

1. Philips Memphis Z-Lamp | 2. Tennis Racket Lamp | 3. Minimalist Gold Lamp

98e Vintage: 98e Vintage carries odd 80s-inspired table lamps that have so much character. If one of your giftees works from home or needs something to spruce up their desk, one of the desk lamps from this shop would be an awesome gift. I mean, honestly, how unreal is that tennis racket lamp?? I can’t think of a better, more unexpected gift for a tennis fan. That z lamp is also really rad and I want to see it styled in a room ASAP.

1. Gaetano Missaglia Aluminum Lamp | 2. Glasshütte Lindberg Lamp | 3. Graewe XL Mushroom Lamp

Lille Froken Solskinn: This shop is known for having the coolest Mid-Century Modern and 80s lighting options. This Gaetano Missaglia desk lamp for one is incredible and would be the perfect accent for an MCM home office. And that Glashütte Limburg bulb light?? SO good.

1. Midcentury Table Lamp | 2. Vintage Cone Lamps | 3. NB100 Desk Lamp

Cosmic Design: In case you missed it, Caitlin wrote an incredible guide to finding great vintage lamps, so definitely check that out if you want some insane insider tips. Cosmic Design is one of her favorite shops and here’s what she loves about it: “If you’re looking for an unmatched selection…baby, you found it!! Cosmic Design is based in the Netherlands, and the depth and breadth of their inventory is incredible. They carry hundreds of table, desk, pendant, wall, and floor lamps (the whole gang’s here!) with a specific focus on art deco and mid-century lighting. While you’re there, be sure to check out the selection of glass vases and boxes – they’re SO pretty.”

Glassware

photo by kaitlin green | from: the farmhouse kitchen reveal and all my thoughts and feelings about it

1. Glass Decanter with Shot Glasses | 2. Melamine Drinkware Set | 3. Hand-Blown Pink Stemware

Simply Chi: Simply Chi has the most charming vintage kitchenware that will bring character to any home. How sweet are these pink vintage champagne glasses?? (And they are very similar to the ones in Emily’s farmhouse kitchen I might add!!).

1. Tawny Rocks Glasses | 2. Amber Champagne Coupes | 3. Etched Floral Champagne Coupes

Hob And Nail: This shop might have the best vintage glassware selection ever. Which reminds me! Here’s a great gift formal for anyone who enjoys a specialty cocktail: 1. vintage glasses 2. a personal cocktail recipe book and 3. nice bar accessory. Thank me later.

1. Pedestal Trinket Dish | 2. Green Vintage Glassware | 3. Blue & White Plates

Old Blue Crow: This. shop. is. incredible. Any vintage decor lover could find something they love here. And by the way, if someone doesn’t snag those Japanese dishes, I WILL. You’ve been warned :).

Jewelry

photo by veronica crawford | from: shopping my closet for fall & wearing some ethically made shoes i love

1. Minimalist Wrap Ring | 2. Heart Earrings | 3. Hebrew Name Necklace

SHOP EVREN: Jewelry is probably one of my favorite things to gift. It’s personal, thoughtful, and something someone can wear every day. If someone on your list loves minimal gold jewelry, then you are in the right place. Shop Evren has necklaces and bracelets you can customize plus really lovely minimal pieces like this wrap ring that would go with any outfit. But my favorite piece has to be the beautiful Hebrew name necklace.

1. Beaded Pearl Bracelet | 2. Gold Pearl Pendant Necklace | 3. Gold-Filled Beaded Pearl Earrings

Drea Studio NY: Drea Studio is THE PLACE to go for pearl jewelry. The designs are so unique and equally stunning. Anything from this shop would make an incredible gift. I can’t take my eyes off this necklace!!

1. Yin Yang Signet Ring | 2. Tenderheart Necklace | 3. Gummy Bear Studs

Foe and dear: Foe and Dear features fine-crafted jewelry made with the environment in mind (they are committed to using recycled or fair-trade gold and conflict-free stones). Their selection is really breathtaking and unique, plus the craftsmanship is undeniable. I really love this dainty heart necklace and these gummy bear earrings are too cute.

Leather Goods

photo by veronica crawford | from: highlighting a brand we love (plus my thoughts on ethically made things)

1. Leather Bi-Fold Wallet | 2. Handmade Leather Belt | 3. Leather Sunglasses Case

Kingsley Leather: Kingsley Leather is a Black-owned leather good shop that makes really top-tier personalized leather gifts. For any of the hard-to-shop-for men in your life, you can’t go wrong with any of their pieces.

1. Leather Tote Bag | 2. Red Leather Belt Bag | 3. Black Leather Tote Bag

Linden Is Enough: This shop makes STUNNING handcrafted leather goods that are made to last. I am so incredibly elated that I discovered this shop and am trying to rationalize buying myself something from them. I am drooling over their leather tote bag.

1. Leather Vase | 2. Personalized Makeup Case | 3. Leather Passport Holder

ZeynNY: For any and all unique leather goods, Zeyn NY is the place to go. They are made in NY, they have customizable options, and they make just a ton of stand-out pieces like this leather flower vase.

Okay friends, that’s a wrap! Thank you for joining me on yet another Etsy roundup extravaganza. I hope you found some gift ideas and as always, please drop your favorite shops down below. xx

Opener Image Credit: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: How We Decked Our Halls For Christmas

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Published on November 15, 2022 01:00

November 14, 2022

The Farmhouse Kitchen Reveal And All My Thoughts And Feelings About It

Today is an epic show-and-tell for all of those who have been following along on this project. It’s our farmhouse kitchen reveal, where after two years of ARCIFORM and I tweaking renderings, our Pinocchio has come to life. And I’m not lying, I love this real boy more than I thought possible. When we first walked into the kitchen two and a half months ago, after all the plastic was finally removed from painting, it was a super surreal feeling — like I’d been here before. I knew this kitchen so well, even though it had only existed on a computer screen. The emotional relationship with the room was deep and complicated. As all creatives know, after working on something for a long time (almost two years), when you are finally “done” and you put it out into the world, it’s really hard to know how good it is, or what “good” even means in this nutty universe full of endless images, extreme creativity, trends, and comparisons — especially when it comes to your home, a space so deeply personal. Anyone designing their home or creating a piece of art has such an intertwined history with the piece/room, an emotional relationship with every decision they made, and likely a fraught connection with their own creativity and confidence. Expectations are impossible to manage internally — and likely externally — throughout the process. So, I’m VERY, VERY, VERY excited to say that while I’m too close to it to know how “good” this kitchen is, it doesn’t matter — we love the hell out of this room and feel excited and proud to cook in here with our family for hours and hours each week. The colors. The materials. The light. The functionality. The soul. We really, really, really love it.

Before we get into the nitty gritty and all of the pretty photos, Brian shot a quick video tour of me in the kitchen so y’all can interact with the space. Just wait for the ad to play first then enjoy:)

Proof of our love (with some help from tickling our kids). I think the biggest challenge of this entire home was (and still is) figuring out how to lean in to “farmhouse” in a way that feels modern and “us,” something that isn’t too safe but also not taking a risk or going after any trend that I would get sick of. Finding that perfect spot between busy and boring, or timeless and on trend, takes more obsession and thought than you’d think. And for better or worse, I’ve become more and more conservative the older I get (public regrets will do that to you). The obsessing worked, and I’m happy to report that there are very few things I would tweak — and I have such love for all the details and materials. I gushed about every detail in the design post for this kitchen, but now that it’s fully installed and you can see how everything plays together, I’ll give you a quick (ha) rundown of why I think it works and any lessons you could possibly glean.

The White Oak Custom Cabinetry

Cabinets

The cabinets from Unique Kitchens & Baths are just so stunning (and high quality). Laying out the cabinets and navigating the perfect functionality took time with the UKB and ARCIFORM teams (and it was so fun, documented here), but choosing the white oak shaker-style boxes and fronts was something we wanted almost from the beginning. For like five minutes we were nervous about mixing the white oak with the darker wood of the island, but Anne from ARCIFORM assured us early on that mixing awesome woods together always works, and she was right. We partnered with Unique Kitchens & Baths, who are FULL-SERVICE and incredibly experienced. You don’t need a designer — they will be your designer as part of their service, plus they do all the renderings, etc. (You still pick tile and lighting, but they’ll plug it in to the design. We didn’t go the renderings route because we didn’t want to show you their SketchUp drawings, since that would literally have given the whole kitchen away — they look so real!!) We wrote about it in this post, but I need you to know how high quality they are, how beautiful they are, how experienced they are — all of it. We are going to shoot the insides of the cabinets soon so you can see all the functionality. If you are in the market for custom cabinetry, they are also giving 10% off with the code “EH2022” and like I said, they’ll do a lot of the nitty-gritty rendering work and elevations for you so you can absolutely save on hiring a designer. Cabinets come as prebuilt boxes (which is the European style, rather than piece by piece), and they come packed in blankets, which they take back with them, i.e., no wasteful packaging (which was a really lovely perk we didn’t know about at the beginning).

The Vintage Island

As you know, we wanted a vintage island to bring in age and soul, but finding the right one proved to be very difficult…until one day it wasn’t. 🙂 Just when I was about to give up on the search, Britney from Aurora Mills texted me that she had just got this piece, and after going to visit it myself, we checked that box very enthusiastically. It was PERFECT.

Island (vintage)

It seems to be an old store counter, because its sheer size means that it must have been in something commercial (it’s more than 9′ long). The six drawers on the front side function pretty well — heavier and harder to open/close than new drawers, but they are actually really deep, so we store our colanders, Tupperware, and random cooking tools in there. (It’s a mess right now, TBH, but the org is coming soon.) It’s white oak with an old reddish stain that we actually love. It’s solid, adds so much soul, and feels casual but not too shabby-chic (nothing wrong with that, just not what we are going for in the kitchen). If you are wondering how they made the top bigger to have an overhang, stay tuned for a post on that.

The Lighting: Pendants, Sconces, Picture Lights (And One Semi-Flush)

Sconces | Picture Lights | Pendants | Pendant Bulbs

I love them so, so much. Very early on I knew that I wanted these cute little enamel shades with black trim. At first, everyone else thought they were too casual, not fancy enough for such a high-end house, but I was so sure that these were our lights because of that. This configuration does have a very utilitarian vibe — it’s casual and not glam at all or overly traditional, and yet it feels so pulled together and cohesive, and the hits of black make your eye dance around the room. It dresses down the formality of the tile and the hits of brass, in exactly the way that I wanted it to. We chose the Fairview Traditional 2-Light Sconce and paired it with the Carson Shallow Dome Reflector Shade on a cord, with the Clyde picture lights flanking the range. I seriously couldn’t be happier. And remember that with Rejuvenation you have so many finish options (brushed brass, polished nickel, unlacquered brass, etc.) and shade options (glass, opaque glass, a lot of colored shades, copper, silver), so if you like the shape and style but wish it were a bit more traditional or less utilitarian then you can play on their website and configure them until you find what you want.

Also, Rejuvenation offers the best bulb for each fixture depending on which room it’s in, and they helped weigh in on all of our bulbs. I LOVE the big round porcelain (still LED) bulbs in the pendants — they made the disk pendants even more playful and fun. I want to write a whole post about this bulb-pairing process because I learned a ton. STAY TUNED! 🙂

Sconces | Picture Lights | Pendants | Pendant Bulbs

We had to swag the corded pendants from one junction box (in the middle of the ceiling, which is unfortunately NOT centered over the island because the architecture of the roofline didn’t allow for it). I don’t think we even took a photo of what the ceiling looks like with the cords, so stay tuned for that too (but it looks so good!).

Cookbook

You can see here the sconces work so well together. The Clyde is being discontinued, and I tried to switch out to one of the other picture lights that is not on its way out, but the J box was already cut into the paneling, and the circle was too big for the smaller art light canopy. (That happened in our L.A. living room, too, I just realized — I wish there were more standard sizes of J boxes for this exact purpose.) So if you are still renovating you have the opportunity to choose a more delicate picture light like the Ridgewood or the Cabinet Maker’s, but you need to tell your GC and electrician about the size of the canopy prior to cutting the drywall or paneling.

The World’s Best Denim-Colored Tile

Tile

Oh, Pratt + Larson, how I LOVE YOU. I am so excited to say that this blue tile might be my favorite tile I’ve ever installed (tied with the sunroom and our bathroom…and the mudroom!!). Maybe it’s because trying to find that perfect blue/gray is so hard, and this one is PERFECT. We worked again with Pratt + Larson on all the tile in the house, locally made in Portland (we didn’t even have to ship it, which is just lovely for everyone). I brought my favorite Levi’s jeans to color-match and create our own custom color for the backsplash, but after looking at all of their colors, I realized that they actually had one already. While one of the best things about Pratt + Larson is their ability to color-match and create custom tile, they also have such a deep inventory of colors in different finishes that it didn’t really make sense to make a new color if what they had was already perfect. This one is called P-146 (in their parchment line), and it has the most perfect soft, almost watercolor-like variation of blues and grays.

I love how Level Plane (our installers) tile-wrapped the window jambs — with MASSIVE help from ARCIFORM’s design team (Stephyn!), as figuring out the math for what is internally called the “tile take-off” was a lot. As you can see (or maybe not) we needed finished endpieces for the jamb so that you don’t have to stare at an unfinished edge (like the rest of the wall tile is, although butted together).

Tile | Outlet Switchplates

The Marble Countertops

Countertops

After MUCH DEBATE, we both agreed that real stone is the way to go in this house (although we love our quartz at the mountain house, too). My thoughts/feelings are that I love marble in older-style stones like this one, but you have to be ready for etchings and staining (we already have a few). We got ours from Bedrosians, and it’s a Carrara but with a lot of negative space and way less veining than usual.

It’s super pretty but quiet (Brian doesn’t love a dramatic vein, and for this house, I totally agreed). We probably could have done a never-to-be-stained porcelain (there are some from Bedrosians that look like marble and are SO CONVINCING), but I love what we chose, and it just feels right. We decided not to do a bullnose or any sort of interesting lip on the front, mostly because we didn’t feel like we needed it, and it does cost more/take more time (although it’s nominal, maybe a couple hundred dollars more).

The Range Wall

I have a LOT to tell you about cooking with induction, which warrants a full post (already shot, coming at you soon, and spoiler — we love it). But this wall is clearly the statement wall, grounded by the Aga Elise from Build with Ferguson. We flanked the range with 4″ shelving (just enough for spices, oils, and art) and added some of my favorite things. The hood was a simple insert, which ARCIFORM clad in the paneling and painted out in Sherwin-Williams Extra White SW 7006. I mean, it’s the most beautiful range, and so far we are loving the induction cooking (with a learning curve that I’ll explain).

The Outlets, Light Switches, And Hardware

Cabinet and Drawer Knobs | Drawer Handles | Push-Button Switchplates | Outlet Switchplates

We went with unlacquered brass for everything (hardware, light switches), and the patina already looks wonderful. All of our outlets and light switches from Rejuvenation have a black finish for the actual outlet and the knobs (bottom is on and off, top is dimming). We are super happy with these light switches, by the way — they give a vintage/classic vibe, but they are pretty intuitive to use. You can get just on/off and add dimmers, like we did here, or combine USB outlets in with the light switches in other areas (they offer a million configurations).

Bridge Gooseneck Faucet + Pot Filler (And Sink)

Faucet with Rinse | Filter Tap | Sink

After much debate, we decided to go with unlacquered brass gooseneck faucets and ordered these from deVOL, because we loved the style, finish, and the cross handles. They are so pretty, but yes, we have to take care of them with a special wax product. We were willing to do it in the kitchen, but we decided against it in the bathrooms for maintenance reasons. I wrote a whole post about caring for unlacquered plumbing specifically (because of its exposure to water, it is harder to maintain), but the heart wants what the heart wants.

We also ordered a beautiful large farmhouse sink from Rejuvenation that has this pretty front apron detail — it’s special yet super classic:)

Pot Filler Tap | Faucet with Rinse | Filter Tap

The Natural Light (All Hail The Skylights And The Windows)

Double Hung Windows | Door | Picture Windows | Skylights

We really should just call the kitchen the “glass sunroom.” We were desperate for natural light in the previously very dark west-facing living room (now with a covered porch), and y’all, we got it by bringing it in through the kitchen. The kitchen has a full wall of windows (white oak, double-hung, from Sierra Pacific Windows), and we didn’t stop there — we added three Velux skylights that flood it with natural light overhead, even on the darkest days. On super sunny days, there is some harsh side light in the kitchen, but only for a couple of hours (around 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), and only if you are sitting at the island (it’s fine when you are cooking). It does not bother us at all, since it’s something we predicted and planned around. It’s just wonderful. When it rains, you hear it louder in here, but it’s usually when I’m cooking up some soup and listening to a podcast, and it’s okay. (I can’t wait till the view out of the kitchen is landscaped. Fun fact: Windows bring in light, but you also see more of the outside obviously, so when it’s a construction zone…)

The Velux Skylights

I’m obsessed with that shot, seeing the skylights with the windows with the vaulted ceiling with the pendants — it came together so well! The skylights of course are solar-powered and have light-filtering shades that can be controlled via a remote. They are south-facing, with large trees blocking the views the second half of the day. We went with large skylights, and their lead time is always surprisingly fast (think weeks not months, but it varies, obviously), so if you are remodeling, it’s not too late to add them. 🙂 When integrated well into the design (and ARCIFORM did an amazing job facing out the insides with wood), I think they work well even in older homes like ours.

A quick callout to the paint color: Sherwin-Williams Extra White SW 7006. I love it in here so much with the warmth of the wood. It is a cooler white (which I don’t think I fully realized), so know that when choosing it, but if you are looking for a cool white (which looks great with natural light and blue tones), then Sherwin-Williams Extra White is excellent.

The Sierra Pacific Windows are white oak on the inside (aluminum clad on the outside) and add so much warmth in a really simple way. We did a classic two-over-two grid on the top, with clear on the bottom. Of course, we didn’t just stop there…

Light Blue Vase (unavailable) | Cutting Board (vintage – similar) | Door | Picture Windows

We also have these three non-operable windows in the corner and on the east side behind the bar — big picture windows that let in a lot of light and give views of what will someday be pretty trees and landscaping. (I actually had to buy plants to put near the window on the outside so you couldn’t see so clearly some of the construction that was ruining the photos.) The windows are simulated divided lites (which means there are three-dimensional grids on both the inside and outside of the double-paned glass, with a “shadow bar” in between to look like true divided lite windows), with white oak grids and frames. My goodness, I love them.

The Kitchen Entry “Bench/Table”

Double Hung Windows | Door

For those of you following closely, you know about my mudroom woes, and I’m still firmly against this area being treated as the mudroom. However, the landscaping is still far from done, so right now no one can get into the mudroom from the backyard until there is a hardscape path to it (it’s a mud walk right now). So this is where we come in and out of half the time (the other half being through the front entrance). We debated about installing this at bench height (to sit down easier and put on shoes) or a low table height (to charge devices on and hold more underneath), and ultimately the lower bench just looked better. Of course with two big plants there isn’t much room to sit, but only one of them is staying there (the low wide one is now in the sunroom and was there to distract from the construction outside).

It is a great backpack and grocery drop zone also because it’s deep enough (almost 24″) to really provide a lot of space. We are moving the charging zone to the bar and pantry areas (adding more USB charging plugs there), and then I might add a little wall-mounted shelf for the side of the fridge to put phones or watches in while charging (we have no joke like 10+ devices to charge, not including laptops or iPads: headphones x 2, my flashlight beanie, Apple Watch x 2, Kindles, Gabb watches, our phones — so much). I might even hang that mirror on the side of the fridge with the shelf below it (that holds keys as well). Stay tuned on that.

Our Beautiful Wood Flooring

Flooring

How beautiful is this flooring?! It’s Oregon white oak, born and raised (and milled) here at Zena Forest P r o d u c t s, a family mill that’s 30 minutes away. If you are in the market for stunning flooring that is not crazy expensive, I highly recommend this one. It is real wood, but engineered onto a tongue-and-groove backing (which we really wanted, as our mountain house flooring is real wood and has splintered, gapped, and buckled, as did our real wood flooring in L.A.). We love it so much.

Flooring

The Bar Area

Fridge Column | Freezer Column | Appliance Pulls | Cupboard Latch

On the other side of the BlueStar fridge and freezer columns, which we LOVE (more info to come on those), we have the bar…

This area is meant to serve all things drinks and cold snacks. We always intended to put a window here with the shelves in front of it with mostly glassware on them — and it worked. We got the brass rails from Pepe & Carols, which they sell by the foot and with individual rod brackets. Jamie and the ARCIFORM team built and installed the shelves wall to wall (through some carpentry magic), and they are 12″ deep. If you’re curious why one side of the bar has a toe-kick and the other side doesn’t, it’s because we did a toe-kick throughout the whole kitchen. However, for this section, since the fridge drawers and the pebble ice machine both need venting you can’t put a toe-kick there. Whoops. So we should have done furniture-style legs for the drawers on the left. I actually didn’t notice until I saw the photo!

What you can’t see YET is where our actual food is. We have a pantry to the left of the bar that isn’t ready to be shot yet, but hopefully soon.

The Vintage Rug

Rug (vintage)

I truly hadn’t thought about going down the Persian rug route, but then I received this as a genuine gift from District Loom (in collaboration with Unique Kitchens & Baths) and couldn’t believe how perfect it was (they had schemed behind my back to find the one they knew would work). And now I’m back on the vintage Persian rug train because, my goodness, they are so durable and forgiving (you can’t see ONE piece of dirt, and trust me, there are a lot).

The Counter Stools

Counter Stools

I couldn’t be happier with the stools from Fernweh. They are so sculptural and sturdy — heirloom pieces that we are so glad we invested in. And I love how the black talks to the black accents in the lighting. They come in other wood tones and heights as well (dining chairs and barstools).

WE LOVE IT SO MUCH

The layout and function absolutely works for us, and I’m back to cooking most nights when I can because chopping, souping, and listening to podcasts is how I shift from work to mom at the end of the day. I love being in here so much. Chopping on the island while someone else sits at the counter and chats with me is my favorite time of day. I truly had no idea how much joy I’d get from cooking till the past couple of years, and now I see why people obsess about the function and warmth of a kitchen.

So much more to tell you that didn’t fit in this post: everything about the appliances, all things “induction range,” all my favorite kitchen accessories (some seen, some not), a full pantry tour, and even inside all our cabinets. But mostly it just works so well for our family and feels so “us.” A huge thanks to ARCIFORM for the years of drawings, measuring, and making sure it all actually came together. And then big thanks to our partners who are all linked up below. That’s it for today’s show-and-tell. I hope you like it. 🙂

Kitchen Resources:
Cabinetry: Unique Kitchens & Baths
Countertops: Bedrosians Tile & Stone
White Oak Windows and Doors: Sierra Pacific Windows
Skylights: Velux
Tile: Pratt + Larson
Appliances (sans Fridge and Freezer): Build with Ferguson
Fridge and Freezer: BlueStar
Flooring: Zena Forest Products(Oregon grown and milled)
Lighting, Switches, Outlets, and Sink: Rejuvenation
Wall Color: Sherwin Williams, “Extra White” (which is a cool white, FYI).
Faucets: deVOL Kitchens
Vintage Island: Aurora Mills
Counter Stools: Fernweh Woodworking

*Design by Emily Henderson and ARCIFORM
*Photos by Kaitlin Green

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Published on November 14, 2022 01:00

November 13, 2022

The Link Up: The Stylist-Approved Target Outfits Em Wore On A Shoot That She LOVES, Caitlin’s Anxiety Reducing System, And A Great Gift Idea For The Gardener In Your Life

Happy Sunday y’all. We are pretty freaking excited to tell you that Emily is going to REVEAL HER KITCHEN TOMORROW!! Your eyes do not deceive you. It’s really happening tomorrow. It was such a labor of love that turned out to be such a beautiful and perfect space for them. Hope you looking forward to seeing it:) Until then here are this week’s links…

This week’s home tour comes to use from Domino and is a celebration of wallpaper and small spaces. When Brett Williams moved into a 442-square-foot apartment, his top priority was closet space. I think it’s safe to say he got a lot more than that…including an apartment that had already been basically renovated in the 80s by the partner (an interior designer) of a previous tenant. So Brett and a colleague/friend put his personal style stamp on it and let us tell you, it’s very good. Check it out here!

Dress | Shoes

Top | Jeans | Shoes

From Emily: Two weeks ago I got to go to LA for a very fun top-secret Target video shoot (you’ll get to see it soon on social!). An extra fun part was that I got to work with a great stylist, Taylor Dupriece, who put me in two awesome, 100% Target outfits (as you can see above:)). The first look, in the Kika Vargas black dress, I loved because it was kinda fancy but SO comfortable. I’m actually going to wear it to Thanksgiving because it’s so cute and roomy. Zero constriction in this lady, plus it has pockets. And how fun are those platform heels?? Then you know how I love an all-denim look. The shirt was comfortable but still flattering and the wash was great. Now the jeans were awesome. Again, such a good cut and rise, and the hem detail was so cute. I highly recommend them. Let’s now talk about these shoes. They remind me SO much of my beloved Rachel Comey’s but at a fraction of the cost. I also really appreciate that there’s a strap because it makes them way easier to walk in. Target and Taylor nailed it.

From Caitlin: I have really bad nightmares and an overwhelming majority of them are home-intrusion-based (fun!!! #blessed), so I finally took the plunge and threw down $180 for an 8-piece SimpliSafe system in an attempt to reduce my nighttime anxiety. I thought installation was going to be annoying and hard so I put it off for a little over a week, but it was SO quick and easy – under 20 minutes from opening the box to recycling the box – and I feel SO MUCH BETTER. I don’t pay for a professional monitoring subscription right now (though that may change in the future!) but I feel way safer and far less anxious knowing that a very loud alarm will rouse me (and probably a neighbor or two, TBH) before any murderer can:) I love the sensors and the remote functionality – I can arm/disarm my apartment from my phone or from the keypad – but my favorite feature is the panic button, which will sound the loud alarm if pressed (and can call for help, too, if you have a monitoring subscription). I know it’s not going to cure all of my problems, but I just feel so much more comfortable knowing that this alarm will buy me some time and will wake up a few neighbors in the case of an emergency. (My mom has a more advanced system for her whole house, too – seeing hers was the impetus for getting mine – so there’s an option for everyone from renters who just need a few pieces to owners who want all the bells and whistles.) Emphatically recommend, especially for any of my other fellow solo ladies out there!!!

Also From Caitlin: On a lighter note – I loooooove non-traditional/indie/alternative Christmas music and started compiling my favorites in this playlist back in 2015 (!!!). It’s updated every year (because I’m insane) and it’s filled with classics (like Fairytale of New York, Christmas Wrapping, all the good ones), more recent releases (like, LCD Soundsystem has Christmas music, guys!) and weirder, deeper cuts (like Xmas at K-Mart by Root Boy Slim, which is a 1978 gem that has literally been my favorite holiday song for…well, my entire life, I think). Would love any other song suggestions, if you want to share your favorites:)

From Mallory: You guys now know how I feel about finding the perfect Thanksgiving dress (if you don’t know I’m VERY specific about what it should be) and it’s about time to show you my findings. A Thanksgiving dress to me must be 1. flowy (because there’s nothing worse than a thanksgiving outfit that’s too tight) 2. comfortable enough to cook in all day and 3. elevated enough to feel like you’re dressing up for the holiday. And 4. ideally, cute enough to wear for many more parties/events afterward 🙂 I always start at J. Crew and was very impressed by this dress that fit the bill (all the right colors, too) – use the sale code to get 40% off btw!! Then I went to Madewell because I always love to have a plaid option and this one also checked all the boxes (and I love that cute ruffle sleeve!) + it’s also on a great sale!! At the end of my search I ended up finding this dress in a store in Los Feliz and it made my heart SING. It’s a splurge but the quality is awesome + I know I’ll wear it a ton so I went for it…plus it has POCKETS. The pattern is called “Fall Daisy” and the shift dress nature of it is perfect (although it would also look very cute with a belt). Hope this helps if you’ve also been on the holiday fit search like me. Happy almost Thanksgiving!!!

From Albie: I might be the last person to discover Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and I cannot get enough of their website! I ordered their 2023 whole seed catalog and am impatiently waiting for it to arrive, while also having to resist the urge to order all the things. I live in zone 8B so our gardening season is pretty much over, however, I wanna learn and prepare as much as possible so that when we can garden, I can have a better sense of what I’m doing. I have a few books that I’ve been using to learn more about gardening in the PNW, however, it wasn’t until I landed on their site that I even realized there were so many varieties of herbs, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They have a seed for pink lemonade blueberries and when I tell you it blew me away…like what is this culinary magic?! I am very much looking forward to getting my catalog & flipping through it the way my daughter flips through her American Girl catalog — with enthusiasm & expectation lol.

From Jess: When I was in New York last weekend, I finally got to stop at the WRAY shop in person. I technically didn’t need anything but I tried these pants on for fun and if they had the next size up I would have bought them in a heartbeat. They looked so cool, were cut great (which makes sense given that the designer used to work for people like Rachel Comey), and while the green was a bold color they would be pants I would wear all of the time. I was told by one of the gals that worked there that this style of pants is a staple for them so they will be coming out with new colors soon. Can’t wait!! Oh, and WRAY’s sizing goes up to 6x which is yet another reason to support them:)

From Ryann: At the beginning of this year, my husband and I started using a calendar to keep track of both of our schedules. He has had a crazy busy year (he’s about to finish his master’s degree but he still works full-time and sees therapy clients at night after work) so our shared calendar on our fridge is essential. This is the one we use now (very basic but gets the job done) but for next year I want to get something a little more aesthetically pleasing. This one immediately caught my eye because it’s simple, practical, yet stylish but I have to say there aren’t that many good-looking calendars out there. Am I missing something?? Are there cool calendar retailers out there that I just don’t know about? If you have any recs, please sound off in the comments!

Enjoy the rest of your day and see you bright and early tomorrow xx

Opening Image Credits: Design by Nine Arrows | Styled by Erik Kenneth Staalberg and Emily Edith Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: The New Design Rules

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Published on November 13, 2022 01:00

November 12, 2022

18 Cool Sweatshirts And 6 Fun Ways To Style Them For Maximum Comfort

I am now of the opinion that a sweatshirt is the most versatile and useable piece of clothing in anyone’s wardrobe. Sure there are certain, fancier occasions when a sweatshirt would be a bit inappropriate but when styled right they can go from cuddling on the sofa to dining at a cool restaurant. I think I may have turned a corner on my sweatshirt philosophy once we were out of quarantine but not ready to let go of being in comfortable clothes 24/7. Plus there was/is a ton of incredible inspiration on the internet, for just anyone to see and try themselves! Also, a sweatshirt is the perfect layering piece that can easily move between all four seasons – especially now that there’s a solid chill in the air. Sweatshirts are a very important clothing item, ok? So today I have rounded up six easy ways to style your sweatshirts so you can be both comfy and cute. Right this way…

Leggings

left: image source | center: annemiek kessels, via modedamour | right: hailey bieber, image source

I love and have worn this look multiple times. You probably already own most of the pieces too. A fresh-looking hooded sweatshirt, leggings, your favorite sneakers, and an oversized long coat. A baseball hat and a cute purse for bonus points. Now, you can totally play with color but I think there is an inherent chicness to a neutral-toned “sporty” look.

Matching Set

left: steal the look | right: tracee ellis ross, via who what wear

Maybe you want to kick up the warmth and sportiness and go for a matching sweatshirt/sweatpant set but still wear an oversized coat. So it’s the same idea as before but this time you might want to go with a bolder shoes like boots or high-top sneakers. Since the pants are bulkier, a boot helps to visually balance out the look. It’s also nice when it’s really cold and snow might be imminent:) Also, notice that in both photos that their accessories are kinda fancy or on the trendier side. The trendy sunglasses and bag on the left and on Tracee (yes, we are on a first-name basis), a designer bag and a bold red lip.

Jeans

left: blake gifford | right: jeanne damas, via reverie parisienne

Jeans and a sweatshirt are the other classic power couple and you can see why here. What makes these looks work is the fit of the sweatshirt. There are a little more fitted. I know the term “fitted” doesn’t scream comfort, but if you find the right cut and material, I promise it will be. Take a look at Blake Gifford sporting her college sweatshirt that’s fitted on her waist then paired with jeans and SUPER cute heels. Easy and super stylish. Then in the middle photo, Jeanne Damas is wearing high-waisted jeans with her sweatshirt tucked in in the front and styled with those cute suede boots. I would happily walk down the street in that look.

left: via who what wear | center: image source | right: kaia gerber, who what wear

But of course, you can also just throw on a hoodie and an overcoat (with a cute bag) and be good to go.

Fun Pants

right: lucy williams, image source | center: via the fashion spot | right: via refinery29

This is when things get more fun. Do you have really cool pants that you feel are only for dressier occasions? Hey, just throw on a cute sweatshirt and whatever shoes you’d like and you are all set! I think this outfit could work for so many different outings or events. Heck, if you work somewhere more creative or that lets you dress how you want (aka probably not corporate America), this is a perfect fall/winter work outfit too:)

Casual Suit

left: hailey bieber, via gabrielle arruda | right: image source

Speaking of the office, look at how incredibly cool and chic these suit looks are?? I really love that the sweatshirts are slightly oversized and work because everything else is structured and tailored. Also, the accessories are very good and help to elevate the outfit.

left: via nicole ocran | center: via wwd | right: image source

left: via outfit styles | center: via popsugar | right: via style motivation

And finally the sweatshirt/skirt combo. I clearly couldn’t stop myself when picking inpso photo because there were too many good ones. Each of these are unique in their own way and goes from pretty casual to almost fancy. Do you see that shirt with the feathers?? So if you have a skirt you love but never wear, throw on the sweatshirt to dress it down and make it a fun casual look!

Feeling inspired?? I hope so because fashion should be fun and for me, this has been a really approachable way to play with a piece of clothing I’m usually trying to hide in. If you are in need of a sweatshirt, I’ve picked out 18 really great ones to get you started:)

1. Women’s Cropped Hoodie: I own this sweatshirt in four colors and I LOVE it. It’s perfectly cropped, very comfortable, and wildly affordable. 10/10.
2. The Track Oversized Crew: This looks like a great oversized yet structured option that has a lot of great reviews. And it comes in 3 other colors!
3. The Slouch Sweatshirt: Okay. I know this isn’t a cheap option but I know from personal experience it is a dream to wear. I bought a used one at this awesome clothing resale place near me and I wear it all of the time. If I had the budget to buy more new, I would.

1. Shawl Collar Henley Sweatshirt: How cute would this look with jeans or a bold pant?! That collar is really awesome.
2. Turtleneck Sweatshirt: This one also has a really cool collar that I feel you don’t see very often. It also comes in green!
3. (Re)sourced Fleece Button-Front Hoodie Sweatshirt: First off, this is one of my colors! I think it’s beautiful and is also technically a fleece so you know it’s warm. It also comes in cream if Merlot isn’t your cup of wine:)

1. Crosby Half Zip Pullover: This is one of Emily’s favorite sweatshirts and is the one she’s wearing in the opening photo. I know she loves the fit and the color. As Em has proven many a time, it’s easy to make look very cool:) It’s on my list!
2. Rivet & Thread Floral Turtleneck Sweatshirt: I really love this color and how versatile it is! I also love/prefer a loose hem (especially when I’m not feeling particularly great physically).
3. The Shrunken Sweatshirt: This is the less oversized sibling to the one I raved about above. My feelings are the same and someday I hope to own some. FYI the hems on these are “fitted” but soft and on the looser side which I really love.

1. Fuzzy Turtleneck Cropped Sweatshirt: This is not a color that I normally gravitate towards but in a sweatshirt that’s more casual, I really love it. This one looks super comfortable and is cropped which is a dream for my short body:)
2. Perfectly Oversized Cropped Crew: I am a sucker for a neon yellow and I love the cut and shape of this one!
3. Magic Rinse™ Relaxed Crewneck Sweatshirt: Emily told me that she saw this one in person and said it was awesome. Naturally, I needed to include it! It also comes in a bunch of other colors.

1. Woman Pullover: Fewer things are cooler than a great graphic sweatshirt. Personally, I prefer ones that are a bit more minimal and I’ve had my eye on this one for a while. Also, if you haven’t checked out Sammy B.’s designs I think you should right now:)
2. Sportswear Logo Crop Hoodie: This one has color but juuuust enough. I also love the cream and gray stripes!
3. Rec Room Sweatshirt: I think this one is just cool and looks really soft and cozy. SOLD.

1. 80s PEPSI COLA Raglan Pullover: Fewer things are cooler than vintage and this bright blue Pepsi-Cola sweatshirt is very cool.
2. Vintage 1990s Reebok Sweatshirt: I love that this one has a small logo so if you don’t like to dress “loud” this one is a great option.
3. Vintage 90s Adidas Equipments Big Logo Sweatshirt: If you want sporty then an Addidas sweatshirt is a perfect fit for you! I really love the blue accent on the sides.

Well, that’s it from me today. Again hope this inspired you to try something new while still staying warm and comfortable:)

Love you, meant it.

Opening Image Credits: From: My Favorite 2021 Fashion Styling Hacks/Trends – A Step By Step How To Make Your Comfortable Clothes Look Like You Still Care

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Published on November 12, 2022 01:00

November 11, 2022

What You Bought Last Month: Including Some Very Pretty Home Essentials

Happy Friday ladies and gentlemen. Back by popular demand, today I am giving you a peek into our sales data and unveiling our top 10 best-selling items from last month. You always seem to surprise us with what you are purchasing month to month, which is no doubt why these posts are so fun and successful. I mean, for MONTHS an infrared sauna blanket was the #1 hit, which baffled and intrigued us to no end. So truly, it’s a treat to share these insights with you, and we love to hear who bought what so be sure to comment below! I personally love this particular top 10 bestseller list, and not just because one of my favorite things clocked in at #1 :). This list is certified gold as far as I am concerned so if you’ll join me, let’s get right into it starting with #10.

10. Brian’s Red Wing® Iron Ranger Boots

To kick off the list we have these men’s Red Wing Iron Ranger boots. According to Em, “After years of wearing Target knockoffs, Brian finally allowed himself to splurge on these for his 44th birthday.” And Mallory says her boyfriend also loves Red Wings and wore them religiously in college to endure the frigid Pittsburgh winters. Coincidentally, my husband wears his Red Wings to work every day and I also have a pair 🙂 If you or your partner needs a new boot this season, these are very good.

9. EHD’s Favorite Lumbar Faux Leather Throw Pillow

This lumbar pillow has been an EHD staple for years. We recently used it in a shoot coming to you soon, Emily styled it in her mountain house primary bedroom, it appears in Emily Bowser’s guest room, and maybe just maybe you will see it in my bedroom reveal one day since I just picked it up from my local Target a few months ago. It really is such good quality for the price and in my case, it makes my completely undesigned bedroom look way more pulled together.

8. Ryann’s Halloween Skeleton Candle

Ahhh a Halloween decor piece made the cut! Who knew when I shared this in The Link Up at the beginning of October that it would be such a hit? Here’s my original sales pitch: “I have been seeing this candle, or a version of this candle, all over TikTok for the past 2 weeks. I have never seriously decorated my home for Halloween but my moody living room could easily be transformed into a witchy dark academia Halloween vibe which sounds very fun. So yes, this cute candle definitely piqued my interest.” If you snagged this one, I would love nothing more than to see it styled out in your space!

7. Mallory’s Women’s Utility Chore Jacket

It’s not a shirt, it’s not a jacket, but a secret third thing formally referred to as the shacket. In October, we did a whole roundup post on all of the shackets that we love and I can see that we aren’t the only ones who felt drawn to this one. In fact, Mallory has it in the mustard color and had this to say about it: “My shacket is $35 and so comfy. I sized down to an XS and I have very long arms so I’d recommend going on the smaller size unless you wanna really lean into the oversized fit (which is also cool). The color is one of my favorite colors to wear and is generally hard to find, and I’ve been getting lots of compliments on it which always feels good:).”

6. Amber Lewis Etsy Collection

Chic holiday decor is just a click away with Amber Lewis’ new collection on Etsy. We are all quite obsessed with all the pieces like this Christmas stocking, this hand-stitched leather wood holder, and the wrapping cloths that come in a variety of colors and patterns (my favorite is the dark green checkered). What did you all snag from the collection?? Sound off in the comments below!

5. Emily’s Glass 18pc Dinnerware Set

It’s no surprise that this dinnerwear set made the top seller list last month. They’ve been a staple in Emily’s kitchen for years and she had this to say about them: “Once again I’m singing the praises of our crazy affordable and long-lasting glass plates and bowls. I only needed to buy one set (so we have 12 of each) because we had 8 already, but here’s my pitch if you haven’t heard it yet. These plates are extremely flat, lightweight, and durable which means that the kids can easily set the table, do their own dishes, and easily load them into the dishwasher (it’s so satisfying, I’ll be doing a reel about it soon). While I love handmade pottery plates, those are more like the modern-day “fine china” – great for special occasions. But for day-to-day, I will only use these – little bowls for cereal in the morning, side plates for lunches for them, and dinner plates for everything else.”

4. Jess’ Blow Dry Mist Heat Protectant Spray

Next up we have this blowdry mist that Jess discovered while getting her hair done for a wedding she was in. Here’s her endorsement: “I have a hair product rec from the gals who did our hair and makeup. It’s this blow dry mist. When I asked what it did after seeing it on the table next to me all three of the hairdressers raved about it! Apparently, it’s great for all hair types, is a heat protectant, cuts your drying time dramatically, AND is only $15. Ummm you don’t have to tell me twice. Add to cart.”

We actually got a swift response in the following week’s comments from Chrissie, a reader who bought it and said this: “GUYS!!! I tried the 14 dollar hair mist (by Kristin Ess) from last week’s link-up and IT IS A GAME CHANGER. I didn’t post this on last week’s link up because I didn’t want the comment to go unnoticed and NOT because I’m secretly Kristin Ess herself lol. Anyway, it TRULY cuts down on drying time and it makes me look like I got my (very long) hair done professionally. Just spreading the good word!!” This comment made our week! So glad you love it, Chrissie.

3. Emily’s Apple Chai Woodwick Candle

We all love a fall candle and this one received a “Hell yes” from everyone on the shoot that Emily got it for. Here’s the scoop from Em: “I got to shoot Anne and Richard’s house this past week and man it was incredible. And like for any shoot, there was lots of shopping to get styling pieces and candles are always a must. We picked up this Apple Chai scented one from Target that we all loved. It got us in the fall spirit and it was so pretty. The leather wrapping is such a nice detail and makes it look way more expensive than it is. Plus it’s big (14oz)! You can’t beat it for $15.”

2. Emily’s Heavyweight Linen Blend Comforter & Sham Set

This beautiful blush comforter and sham set was the star of the very first *first round* farmhouse guest room reveal! Here’s what Em had to say: “I opted for the Casaluna comforter set (instead of the duvet set) because Brian’s parents are top sheet people, which means that we don’t have to wash the comforter each time, just the sheets (and they are likely our only guests). But besides that, I had just styled with it in another shoot and the comforter is SO FLUFFY and cozy, and then I didn’t have to buy an insert.” Who else bought this comforter set?? We wanna see!

1. Ryann’s High-Rise Dolphin Shorts

Coming at #1 are these high rise dolphin sweatshorts that I never want to take off. The quality and softness of these shorts are undefeated and for $12 they are almost too good to be true. As I mentioned in The Link Up, after getting a pair myself and realizing how good they are, I bought a pair for all of my bridesmaids in lieu of bridesmaid robes. Suffice it to say, they make a great gift and come in a variety of colors, too!

That’s all for today, my friends. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend! xx

Opener Image Credit: Design by Carly Waters | Styling by Velinda Hellen | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp for The New Design Rules

The post What You Bought Last Month: Including Some Very Pretty Home Essentials appeared first on Emily Henderson.

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Published on November 11, 2022 01:00

November 10, 2022

I’ve Had My New Invisible Smart Locks For 4 Months – Here’s An Honest Review

As someone who is “tech-wary” in my home, I am starting to make some pretty *smart* choices (this one I can even install myself). Sometimes “smart” stuff can actually overcomplicate, intimidate and frustrate people (myself), but not these – Level Home smart locks are shockingly simple, smart, and stylish. I had been eyeing Level’s products for a minute – I wanted something that didn’t scream “this house is a vacation rental,” but was still functional enough to provide controlled access for Airbnb guests, cleaning services, our property managers, handypeople, friends, family, etc. – so when Caitlin mentioned that Level had reached out about partnering on some social content, it was an easy “yes.” We installed the Level Lock – Touch Edition at the Mountain House earlier this year and love it so much that we ended up installing them at the Farm, too.

Their smart locks are aesthetically pleasing and easy to use for everyone, knowing that different people have different tech preferences and comfort levels. They can be locked and unlocked with a traditional/old school key, with your phone, with a key card (like a hotel!), with mini key cards (we put these on keychains), with your voice, with a keypad…Level Home is the creme de la creme of smart locks, folks. It’s VERY genius and I hope this is a new trend – having both manual and tech ways to operate something in your home.

We considered three of Level’s offerings: The Level Bolt, which goes inside your existing lock and transforms it into a smart lock (a great option for those who want to keep the aesthetics of their door the same, which wasn’t the case for us). Note: Level locks are compatible with residential doors that meet something called “ANSI standards” (American National Standards Institute). At the Farm, our vintage front door was an old-world mortise and tenon lock so Jamie had to fill the original hole/cartridge area to retrofit it for a 21st-century ANSI deadbolt lock (which he says he does all the time).

Since we were looking for a new slim profile for our Mountain House door, our two frontrunners were the Level Lock and the Level Lock – Touch Edition. Both have a ton of functionality, like access with a mobile app, key codes, voice entry and remote connectivity (so we can make sure the doors are locked from bed), but we ended up going with the latter because of its bonus touch and key card functionality. Being able to lock and unlock the front door with just a touch of my finger (if I have my phone with me) is game-changing, especially when you’re trying to get everything out of a car and into the house in one trip.

The Ingredients – So Simple

I originally figured I’d hire our handyman to install the lock, but after I opened the box, I realized it only required a screwdriver and that I’d be able to do it myself. (We also made a partnership reel documenting the process, which you can watch right here.) You can really see how sleek and well-designed the lock is here – it has the smallest footprint on the market (I checked) and it doesn’t scream “dorky smart lock,” which is nice (especially for the farm that is an older vintage door). We opted to add the Level Keypad accessory to pair with our lock for our Airbnb guests, and for a set of Key Card Minis for the kids.

STEP ONE AND TWO: Screw In The Deadbolt, Then Pop In The Motor

It’s recommended to use a screwdriver to prevent possible damage to the lock, but I couldn’t find one so I broke out the drill. Do you see that little Level logo? That’s actually where the battery that powers the lock will live – it has a lifespan of about a year and you’ll see a message in the app before it’s time to swap it out for a fresh battery. You can also always use the lock manually with a traditional key, so the technology can really meet you where you’re comfortable. Some people prefer using keys because that’s what they’re used to, while others prefer the app or entering with a code to be phone-free. It’s a smart lock that gives you the freedom to enter however you want.

STEP THREE: Add The Lock Exterior

We picked the Matte Black finish for both the Mountain and Farm, but Level locks also come in Polished Brass, Satin Chrome, and Satin Nickel.

STEP FOUR: Attach Backplate, Secure Thumbturn

Again, it was super easy, fast, and intuitive.

STEP FIVE: Insert the Battery

The lock makes a sweet little chirp when everything is turned on and ready to go. We took a few steps back to admire the handy work and were so excited by how simple and clean both sides of the lock looked against our current door. It was a nice improvement visually and functionally from the big, bulky keypad lock that had been taking up a ton of real estate previously. Also with our old lock, when the keypad would malfunction or run out of batteries, there was no way to get into the house. We love that we can use a traditional key backup with Level.

STEP SIX: Connect Your Level Lock To The App

The app is really intuitive and easy to use, so we set up two Key Cards (for me and Brian) and Key Card Minis (for the kids, which we also really really love having at the Farm).

It’s easy to keep track of who has what, when they enter and exit, and it also shows you how long they were there. For instance, if you want to give your cleaning crew space to clean the house without you lingering, you can check the app to see if they’re still working. It’s also great to give easy access to handypeople, dog walkers, contractors, etc. (our property manager uses it to know when guests or the cleaning crew has left so she can ready the house for the next family). With Apple Home or Ring connected, there’s also a ton of other functionality, like the ability to remotely lock and unlock the doors, so there’s no more “wait…did I lock the door?” panic moments when we’re in the middle of a trip back to Portland. You can even create automations (i.e. locking and unlocking the door at certain times every day).

STEP SEVEN (Optional): Install a Keypad

As someone who loses most small things or whose phone/wallet is always at the bottom of my purses, I really like the Level Keypad, which can be placed anywhere within 30 feet of the lock (so it doesn’t need to be in plain sight – did you notice it in the earlier shots of the entry?). You are even able to create custom entry codes for guests, the dog walker, etc. (Fun fact: I was a dog walker in New York when I was 22 and yes, keeping track of all the keys was difficult – a code would have been wonderful.)

The codes are much quicker to generate and easier to share than I anticipated. Take it from this formerly tech-wary person 🙂

STEP EIGHT: Enjoy Entering A Billion Different Ways

You can use a Level Key Card just by tapping it (like a hotel key you keep in your wallet with the rest of your cards).

Or you can enter with a simple touch of your finger (hence the “Touch Edition” name). This works when your phone is within range of the lock (and the locks work with Bluetooth, so no worries if your WiFi goes out or if the power is off). The app doesn’t have to be open, your phone just needs to be near you (like in the bottom of your purse).

If you’re like Brian and like to go on runs without your phone, Keycard Minis are easy to keep on a zipper or inside a pocket. It’s great to be truly hands-free (and I could always use the Keypad in a pinch, too).

We installed and shot this over summer while we were living there. Since then, the kids (and the Airbnb guests) have been loving the Level Keypad.

And it’s been awesome to have a backup set of Key Cards that we can both just keep in our wallets.

When all else fails, we can break out the good old-fashioned hard metal keys. I LOVE THIS. This means that should you ignore the battery warning (that again, lasts a really long time) you can always have the OG key in a nearby lockbox or like us at a neighbor’s. No one will ever be locked out again. There’s an entry option that can make anyone feel comfortable!

We’ll be rolling out a few more Reels with Level over the next few months, so keep an eye out for those. We did a ton of research on the best smart locks on the market and Level’s options were outstanding in every aspect – they’re beautiful, easy to use, functional, and very safe (fully certified to meet highest standards for security/durability/reliability). I know that locks aren’t usually a super sexy topic, but we’ve genuinely loved our experience with these at both houses and I’m excited to support a brand that’s really innovating in the space. And with the holidays coming up…maybe it’s time to try a new lock at your house, too? (Imagine this: you can set up temporary codes for your family so they can enter and leave your home as they please. Kinda nice, right?)

*This post was sponsored by Level Home but all thoughts are my own
**Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

The post I’ve Had My New Invisible Smart Locks For 4 Months – Here’s An Honest Review appeared first on Emily Henderson.

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Published on November 10, 2022 01:00

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