Emily Henderson's Blog, page 195

From Design Assistant To Lead Designer, Our Wonderful Julie Is Off To Start Her Next Exciting Chapter

Julie Rose started with EHD a little over 3 years ago. I remember her first day vividly, as does she I’m sure, because I had to leave her in my office, mid introduction to puke in the bathroom because I had overdosed on vitamins. What is worse is that I had to go back into my office and tell my new employee that I had just puked because I had overdosed on vitamins. It was pretty cool. We later laughed about it, but that must have been SO awkward for her. I hired her straight out of design school, with an impressive portfolio but no on-the-job design experience (or very little that I remember). She played it cool like she didn’t follow the blog or had seen the show (this is a normal trend with new employees but then I find out the TRUTH later :)). But she had good calm energy, like I said impressive interior architectural skills, and most importantly to me she hiked (by herself) the Pacific Crest Trail for weeks from Socal all the way North to… I don’t know where it goes but it’s LONG. I know that not every employer is like me and cares about “extracurriculars” but someone who can hike by themselves physically and mentally for weeks without seeing their friends and family (or sometimes a single human) is IMPRESSIVE. It told me about her perseverance, her willingness to put her head down and work and not to mention her love of nature and spirituality (which I think is a nice touch to a well rounded human being.)

But she started in the middle of a real EHD design panic (not to mention the physical vitamin OD). I was underwater on the and projects and needed help like ASAP. She was not the first nor the last person who I have interviewed on a Monday and asked them to start on a Tuesday (it’s not my best move as a boss, I know). So needless to say she was thrown into a company that doesn’t just design and we are not traditional in our work process. We had two projects going – one in another state that was supposed to be a “cute remodel” that ended up being a 5k square foot new build, and one where I had given the audience all design decision making ability (remember I Design, You Decide) thus us needing to design each room TWICE!! That’s all to say, she was THROWN into the EHD world and while I’m sure at home she told a different story, at work she was so on top of it and cared so much almost immediately about the projects. She was very often the first one in and the last one to leave (and trust me, people – your boss notices this). She even came in on a Sunday and worked all day with me because the bathroom sketches were due the week before and I couldn’t do it on my own. And on our many trips to Portland and the mountain house, I loved hanging out with her, working with her, and drinking whisky with her. 

She was very responsible for catching so many of my mistakes and we got to make so many more together!

Today We Mourn The Death Of Breonna Taylor

We are not in the “breaking news” business of journalism, yet publishing our scheduled “guide to throws 101” is not what we want to read ourselves. We’ve tried blog escapism and NEWS FLASH: IT DOESN’T WORK. Yesterday’s announcement, after 6 months of protesting not to mention 400 years of racial injustice oppression was shocking and yet for many not surprising. I had more hope for us (and her) and thought that at some point there would be arrests and charges, but I also suffer from an almost toxic positivity of which I’m learning to shake quickly in 2020.

Instead of me trying to say something poignant so immediately and quickly (I have so much to say about this that can’t be written overnight), we have collected thoughts from those who we follow who said it quickly and better than we ever could and we will add to them throughout the day.

via rachel cargle



via ibram x. kendi



via katrina brook flores



via black lives matter



via dr. ruth mitchell



via rosa beltran design

To help continue the fight against systemic racism EHD will match every donation from readers up to $5k towards Louisville Community Bail Fund. Email us your receipt to giveback@emilyhendersondesign.com and we’ll collate them together and match the donation. Update: thank you to all those that donated. WE want it to be very clear that myself and the EHD team supports peaceful protests and our hope for supporting bail funds to help those arrested who can’t afford to make bail, make bail.

Let us know any other ways to help in the comments so we can help promote and get the word out. Racism – systemic racism – is not the Black and brown community’s problem to solve and it’s even more clear many leaders in our government aren’t interested in solving this either. Use your voice even if you say it wrong or in a wrong way – lord knows I have and it’s OK, we are all learning. Just speak up LOUDLY, VOTE, and remember, always say Black Lives Matter.

Opening Illustration Credit: Design by Arlyn García

The post Today We Mourn The Death Of Breonna Taylor appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Today We Mourn The Death And Injustice Of Breonna Taylor

We are not in the “breaking news” business of journalism, yet publishing our scheduled “guide to throws 101” is not what we want to read ourselves. We’ve tried blog escapism and NEWS FLASH: IT DOESN’T WORK. Yesterday’s announcement, after 6 months of protesting not to mention 400 years of racial injustice, oppression, and murders, was shocking and yet for many not surprising. I had more hope for us (and her) and thought that at some point there would be arrests and charges, but I also suffer from an almost toxic positivity of which I’m learning to shake quickly in 2020. The decision was horrifying, disappointing, offensive and I was going to write “Un-American” but perhaps the response was just that, American.

Instead of me trying to say something poignant so immediately and quickly (I have so much to say about this that can’t be written overnight), we have collected thoughts from those who we follow who said it quickly and better than we ever could and we will add to them throughout the day.

via rachel cargle



via ibram x. kendi



via katrina brook flores



via black lives matter



via dr. ruth mitchell



via rosa beltran design

To help continue the fight against systemic racism EHD will match every donation from readers up to $5k towards Louisville Community Bail Fund. Email us your receipt to giveback@emilyhendersondesign.com and we’ll collate them together and match the donation.

Let us know any other ways to help in the comments so we can help promote and get the word out. Racism – systemic racism – is not the Black and brown community’s problem to solve and it’s even more clear many leaders in our government aren’t interested in solving this either. Breonna deserved justice. Use your voice even if you say it wrong or in a wrong way – lord knows I have and it’s OK, we are all learning. Just speak up LOUDLY, VOTE, and remember, always say Black Lives Matter.

Opening Illustration Credit: Design by Arlyn García

The post Today We Mourn The Death And Injustice Of Breonna Taylor appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Real Winners Of The Emmys… The Celebrity Interiors That Deserve The Spotlight

This year I found myself tuning into the Emmys for the first time in years — less because I had a vested interest (though I will say that Matthew Macfadyen was ROBBED) and more because I’m just at a loss with what to do with my Sunday nights at this point. 

But OOOOH, it was FUN. I was pleasantly surprised! Did y’all watch it? It felt so voyeuristic, which I loved, but it also felt surreal. Like, I’ve been sitting alone in my apartment for 6 months…and y’all are Zooming in from a party? In a room TOGETHER???? Sitting on the same sofa when there are known infections in the celeb crowd AS WE SPEAK? (In case you missed it, two of the preshow hosts had to drop out because they tested positive for COVID.)

Barring my confusing and visceral reactions to seeing groups of people being happy together — and barring the surprise that the Emmys production team was able to coordinate hundreds of people on Zoom, while I recently had to enlist Julie to help me turn off my computer camera because I thought I was being spied on (spoiler: obviously, I wasn’t) — I HAD A GOOD TIME WATCHING. I don’t even know what was said in any acceptance speeches because I was transfixed by some of these real-life houses — that, when away from good angles and professional photographers and photoshop, just seemed normal and achievable — so now, we obviously have to talk about it. 

Kicking it off with the controversial pick that I had to share during Monday’s meeting…

Jesse Armstrong’s (The Succession Guy’s) Heriz

THERE IS SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT HERE. When Em asked us in our Monday morning meeting about we did this weekend, this was my only contribution: DID YOU SEE THAT FREAKIN’ RUG? She’s gorgeous!!! At first I wasn’t totally sold on the room — it was a lot (even for me, a self-proclaimed maximalist!) — but I was pretty transfixed by the end of the night. Look at the legs on those sofas! The walls of optical illusion drapery! The…wolf??? paper mache behind Jesse’s left shoulder! I feel like I *need* to see the professional shots of this place and I *know* someone out there has them.

Zendaya’s Neutrals + Olive Trees

Can someone please fill me in on the awards show wizardry? Like, I know the whole thing was ~live~, but it definitely wasn’t, right? How did Zendaya go from the stage to…home??? in a new outfit??? in a matter of minutes? Is this backstage at the Staples Center? HOW DID IT WORK? (These are the conversations that I really miss now that we work from home). In any case, this room was a masterclass in textured neutrals. Those white linen chairs are SUCH a classic and that chunky solid round pedestal table behind Zendaya was GORGEOUS (when you could see it). Also was a huge fan of those enormous pots and olive trees — though technically I think they may be olive bushes? — as decor.

Billy Porter’s Everything (+ The Post-It)

I wish Billy Porter had won because I NEEDED TO SEE MORE OF THIS SPACE. First: I wish I had footage of the person who had the job of draping this cape/wrap situation. And even though this whole place is so glamorous — from the casual award placement to the $1,300 floral arrangement (there’s a fun rabbit hole for ya this afternoon!) to the baby grand piano — there is still a blue Post-It note over the door handle with what I can only assume are instructions for locking the door. It’s SO HUMAN and normal. Loved it.

The Shelf Styling

Not that it’s a competition (although technically, I guess the Emmys are a competition), but who won the built-in shelf styling for you?? I loooooved Linda Cardellini’s floral arrangements and think they’re super inspiring. Can you imagine a huge built-in with just plants like these? It’d be so luxe! But I was taken by Uzo Adubo’s shelves. They look like my shelves! She had books and figurines and candles and boxes and it just seemed so personal to her. I think the Friends’ shelving was maybe technically the most ~magazine ready~, and the backlighting with the dark paint was STUNNING, but it also didn’t say a ton about the person who lived there. (To that end, who actually lived there? Whose house is this? Aniston’s? Kudrow’s? Cox’s? Jason Bateman’s? Is this even a house, or is it just a set? Can someone with a production background chime in?) Anyway, WHOSE WAS YOUR FAVORITE?

Maria Schrader’s (Unorthodox Director’s) Wall Paneling

OH MY GOSH. This room was an architectural knockout! Look at the paneling and the checkered color variation. Look at the carvings above the door. Look at the moulding heading up into the wall! I’m so used to seeing painted trim and walls that seeing all this untarnished wood makes my heart so happy. I think this was my favorite space of the night. (Also, when I googled to confirm that I was spelling Maria’s last name correctly, I learned that she is 54! I know this isn’t a post about skincare…but she needs to drop her skincare secrets! I had assumed she was only a few years older than me!)

Octavia Spencer’s Leaded Glass Windows

LOVED. Can you imagine lounging here, wearing a similar silk jacket, and sipping wine with your new pal Octavia? The gray is a dream in here — not too warm and not too cool! It reminds me of the Chalk Gray that Julie used in Chandler’s apartment — and the cream pleated lampshade, throw, and grain sack pillows do a perfect job of warming it all up a little bit. (PS. This is the best vendor for similar pillow covers on Etsy!). But more than anything, I’m obsessed with those leaded window details. How beautiful!!! I stalked a little bit and found this article from 2013 about Octavia purchasing a home that *seems* like this place based on the windows, but now I am in desperate need of a full house tour. (I need to know how she styled around that fireplace!).

Rachel Brosnahan’s Leopard Spot Pillows

Obviously I’ll be an eternal fan of storied brick walls, a timeless leather couch, and bold modern art, but the real winner for me here were the pillows. I don’t know enough about animal prints to know what this really is — my googling has also suggested that this may be a cheetah spot or a Dalmatian spot — but I *do* know that I have been increasingly bullish on graphic animal prints lately and these absolutely scratched that itch. (Also gotta love the masterful brand placement and martini styling!)

Don Cheadle’s Textile Mixing & Matching

SO. MANY. GORGEOUS. TEXTILES. And not only on the pillows and blankets, but also on the upholstered dining chairs! I had a feeling that this was pulled together by a pro and it turns out that Bridgid Coulter, the woman up there and Don’s wife, is an incredible interior designer based right here in LA! Her portfolio is a real treat for those who love bold, worldly, and collected spaces.

AND THAT BRINGS US TO THE END OF MY FAVORITES. What were yours? Did you also enjoy this year’s show? Does anyone else want to talk about how Matthew Macfadyen was robbed? Or about that Schitt’s Creek SWEEP?! I no longer have the luxury of watercooler chats with my coworkers, I live alone, and I can’t really justify holding meetings to check in with the team about celebrity’s Zoom backgrounds, so y’all are really the only ones I have. LET’S CHAT??

The post The Real Winners Of The Emmys… The Celebrity Interiors That Deserve The Spotlight appeared first on Emily Henderson.

How to Lean Into Eclectic Granny The Minimalist Way (Via A Vintage Lover’s Dream Home Tour)

Thanks to my never-ending search for home inspiration, my style feels as if it is constantly evolving. This can be disorienting and design paralysis inducing, but it is never boring. Now, as I’ve painstakingly discussed over the past few months on this blog, I am leaning towards an old-world-eclectic-Italian-grandma style in my home. To solidify this path, all I needed was one home tour to hang my hat on, to ensure that this style is not just a phase, that it is in fact where my heart lies. Enter today’s home tour that confirmed my destiny with just one photo.

Today, we have the distinct pleasure of featuring 1925 Tudor located in Los Angeles, California that’s currently on the market waiting patiently for the right buyer. It was staged by our friends at A 1000 X Better so when they reached out asking if we’d like to feature it, I nearly fell off my chair. Little did they know they just sent me my personal dream home, so I was eager for a chance to talk about the exquisite design.

When I spoke with their team, they let me know this was a partial staging, and A 1000 X Better used most of the seller’s own furniture and supplemented with pieces that would integrate into their style seamlessly. What’s really striking is how lived-in and soulful this home is because the staging involved amplifying the already eclectic pieces from the previous owners. While staged homes are just that — staged — this one is particularly dripping with charm making it feel like paying a visit to eccentric yet very stylish grandmother’s house (again, my dream!).

Now, I realize the eclectic granny style is not for everyone. In fact, the comments from this post prove just that. However, if you are slowly acquiring a fondness towards this style, I want you to feel confident that it can be achieved in a minimalist way. So without further ado, let me introduce you to the six steps to doing just that:

Pick Your Big Wall Moments



rug via blue parakeet

Obviously, if your home has a floor to ceiling built-in bookcase wall á la Beauty And The Beast, picking your big wall moment is a no-brainer. But I want to dissect why this wall moment works in bringing together the eclectic granny style while still maintaining a minimalist feel.

First, the extensive collection of books makes the space feel eccentric and cozy, but not too busy. The walls surrounding the shelves are kept simple and for the most part bare, so your attention is not pulled in many directions.

With the bookcase wall being the focal point the rest of the decor can be kept simple and minimal. Note that it is minimal, but not at all boring.

This same effect can be achieved with a gallery wall, a large multicolored tapestry, or a wall to wall bookcase styled with books or unique collections. However, if you want to veer away from entering full maximalism territory, just make sure to focus on a single wall, then keep the rest of the walls and decor minimal (while maintaining a simple color palette).

Aside from the loaded bookcase, they’ve styled out the home with a plethora of vintage wood furniture which leads me to my next tip…

Mix Wood Tones And A LOT Of Texture

A big component in achieving an eclectic granny style is incorporating many vintage or vintage-inspired things. Varying wood tones can help achieve this aesthetic and it especially helps if those pieces are worn in and well-loved like this excellent rustic farm table.

To include more depth and warmth consider mixing patterned linens and pottery to layer tons of texture. It is important to vary textures but keep a solid color palette to maintain a relaxed and minimal style.

Keep Your Color Palette Neutral (With Small Pops Of Color)

While this room is clearly warm and neutral it is far from boring. The bedding is crisp and simple but the choice of the rug and pillows adds character and depth.

It’s worth noting how calm and inviting this room is while still achieving a very eccentric and cool style. The aspects that are working to calm the space (the white walls, white accent chairs, and neutral bedding) are paired with vintage silhouettes, patterns, and photographs making the space much more dynamic.

Additionally, the gallery wall of framed photographs are reminiscent of family portraits, emphasizing the room’s cozy and welcoming feel.

Similarly, this bedroom maintains a calm, neutral color palette but is not lacking in color or pattern. To create this look, opting for a colored accent chair or piece of furniture in an interesting shape allows the rest of the space to stay quite minimal. While the bedding is very simple, the curtains add some visual interest with the small pattern that matches the overall color palette. And finally, the rug pulls in even more color that can be accented throughout with art and decor.

As previously discussed here, we love pairing a boldly patterned lampshade with a solid lamp base. The green floral lampshade here brings in just a touch of color and whimsy to the minimal desk set up, making it a perfect little vignette to emphasize the eclectic granny-style they are going for. Also, look how fun and interesting using a “too big” lampshade on that small base looks??

Another classic way to add color in a neutral space is through art. A landscape painting works two-fold by adding color, and when paired with an antique frame, can give off that granny effect. We at EHD are very fond of the vintage landscape paintings and vintage portrait oil paintings to bring more personality into a room.

Ok, this wonderfully odd sculptural piece isn’t adding a pop of color BUT that has EHD written all over it. Excuse me while I search for something just like it…

Layer In More Color And Character With Patterned Vintage Rugs

When a room is lacking character a simple rug swap can do wonders. While we love a neutral or solid rug, there is something special about a rug that adds brightness and dynamic to a room. As you’ve probably noticed, this home is dripping with vintage rugs which adds in a ton of color to the home without being too loud.

If you want to ease your way into eclectic granny, a vintage rug is the most simple and effective baby step you can take. They surprisingly work well with a myriad of styles and always bring life and color to a space. When incorporating lots of vintage rugs as they did here, you can keep your home simple and moderately decorated because the rugs will add that needed pop of color.

Create Zones For Eclectic Vignettes (Show Off Your SPECIAL Collections)

Any wall cutout or built-in is the perfect vessel for displaying collected items, but this can be carried out in any home with a bookcase, shelf, or cabinet. I am a huge fan of decking out bookcases with books as the design gods intended, but any type of unique collection is great for styling shelves.

For example, a simple and affordable hack is to fill a vessel or catchall with matchbooks, as they did here. This creates a curated yet personal feel that is essential to styling any home.

Consider Dark Trim To Ground The Space

If I imagine the space without the dark trim, it is still fiercely breathtaking, but sans dark trim, it is at risk of coming off less dynamic. Creating contrast with trim is going to give the home an eclectic feel right off the bat. Again minimal doesn’t mean boring.

Especially with light-colored walls, opting for dark trim creates contrast but still keeps the space feeling light and bright. If this were a dark room, it would feel very heavy, so keeping the walls light and bare is essential.

Anddd, there she is. Thank you for joining me on this tour through such an inspiring and eclectic home and huge thanks to A 1000 X Better for letting us feature what happens to be my personal dream home.

RESOURCES:

Vintage Rugs: Blue Parakeet

Vintage Kantha pillows: Etsy shop in India

Hemp and Kilim pillows via Etsy shop in Turkey

Turkish textiles: Oddbird

Flowers and Branches: Mayesh

Art: Alison Lowe

For more information on this 1925 Tudor home, check out the listing here. xx

** Staging by A 1000 X Better | Photography by Scarlett Macdonald | Creative Direction by Gillian Lawlee | Real Estate Agent: The Hollywood Home

The post How to Lean Into Eclectic Granny The Minimalist Way (Via A Vintage Lover’s Dream Home Tour) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Moving Back To Your Childhood Home… While 7 Months Pregnant… And Updating Your Parent’s House As Your “Rent”… Welcome Ajai!

Hey there, I’m Ajai (pronounced Asia). I’m a new contributor here on the blog, and I’m beyond thrilled to be sharing here a few times a month, and getting to know you all. Like many, I’m a huge fan of Emily’s, and adhere to many of her design principles when working with my clients, to discover who they are as it relates to their homes. So when Jess reached out and asked me if I’d like to join in on the blogging fun, I said “heck yes” (right after running around the house screaming with joy and excitement). 

That said, I’d like to share with you a little bit about me and what I’m currently up to…I’m the founder and designer of a boutique blog and interior design firm called True Home. How this came to be, well that’s a long story. The short version of the story is; I spent years learning under some of the best fashion brands, architects, and interior designers Los Angeles has to offer. I moved to Atlanta to buy, design, and renovate our first home, only to move back to Los Angeles (during the pandemic) to be close to family. Did I mention my husband and I did all of this during our first pregnancy? Well we did, and we are seven months pregnant now and living in Los Angeles with my parents. To top it off, after finishing all of our home projects back in Atlanta, we’ve piled our plates with more projects that will be taking place here in L.A. In the next few months, we’ve got collaborations, DIYs, and remodels on our schedule. We even promised our parents (mine and the in-laws) that we’d be helping them remodel their spaces, and boy have we got our work cut out for us.

the before and after of our kitchen in atlanta:) 



WHY WE CHOSE TO MOVE IN WITH PARENTS WHILE (VERY) PREGNANT

As you can imagine, moving across the country can be quite expensive. Along with moving expenses and costs to update our home, we also put it on the market and then had to wait for it to sell. Again, this is all during the start of the pandemic, so asking my mom and dad if we could move in was a great idea (or so I thought). What I thought was a simple ask, turned out to be quite complex. Whenever I talk to my parents, they imagine me in a pamper, cooing. Whenever I hear my parents speak, I hear the rumbling the teacher used to make from the Charlie Brown cartoon (pretty hard for either party to take the other seriously right?).

It all started with the conversation about where my husband and I would be sleeping. My husband Jonathan and I would need to transform a space into a master bedroom and nursery, so we needed plenty of room to fit: our baby’s bassinet, an eastern king-sized bed, two nightstands, and a dresser. This meant we needed the second largest room in the house, which just so happened to be my mom’s “girl-cave.” During the conversation (where I had to ask my mom to surrender her precious girl-cave in the front of the house), I could sense hesitancy, and an “I love you so I’ll make the sacrifice, but I really don’t want to” tremble in my mom’s voice. THANK YOU, MOM!

our guest room in atlanta



TRYING NOT TO BE FREE-LOADERS

During the design and moving process of our bedroom, I discovered that in order to make our stay as enjoyable as possible for all parties involved, I needed to make it equally beneficial for my mom and dad, so I offered to design and help with updates to their home (as their home was purchased almost 20 years ago and has only undergone one bathroom update). I’m sure you could imagine how that conversation went…“hey mom and dad, let’s even the playing field here… this place has seen better days, how about I use my interior design knowledge to bring this place up to date and into the 21st century? If you let us move in with you, I’ll even throw in a few DIYs… it’ll be just like the old days, like when I had chores.” We agreed to update and design their patio areas, dining, living, and bathroom. My husband offered to cover the electrical and water bills. We even set a desired move-out date.

the only “before” photo i could find of the first project… the girl-cave

The first thing on our schedule is the bedroom we will be sleeping since the baby is coming soon. We’ve got to take this room from a dated girl-cave to a tranquil master/nursing room for the baby. I know I want the vibe of the room to convey peaceful and grounded, so I’m thinking a neutral color-palette will get the job done. This will help to keep our new babe calm and relaxed (won’t hurt to keep mommy and daddy relaxed too). We’ll want to brighten up the room, so painting the walls white will help tremendously (right now, the walls are a dark grey color). I’d like to mount sconces to have the option of warm lighting for feeding throughout the night. Not having to turn the main room light on and keeping it dim, will help the baby to differentiate between day and night. I also want a bed with an upholstered headboard, Since I’ll be sitting up to feed the majority of the time. This will give me the comfort I’m looking for during this time. I hear the first few months with our baby will be all about feeding and sleeping, so the room set-up will need to be conducive for those things. We’ll need a great pair of sheets and bedding as well (good sleep is on the menu). 

My mom is on board for all of the design changes, as of late, she’s binge-watched several episodes of “Restored by the Fords,” and just discovered that she loves a neutral palette and bright and airy room. My mom also loves mid-century with a touch of glam, so I’ve kept this in mind when sourcing the style of the light fixtures. Even though this is our temporary space, it’s important she be happy with it once we move out.

PARENTS JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND (BUT HOPEFULLY WILL SOON?!)

My parents are really old school as it relates to…well, lots of things, and my mom is having a hard time understanding that her baby is having a baby (she still wants to boss me on an everyday basis). Nonetheless, we are beyond grateful to have a place to stay while we save money to purchase our new home (I don’t have to tell you how expensive it is to live in Los Angeles). I’m also excited to see my childhood home have the makeover it deserves. We’ve already got to work on the living and dining room areas, and the bedroom is getting closer to completion. I’m so thrilled to have you all on this remodel journey with us, as I’ll be documenting it all right here. Be on the lookout because we have so many updates on the way!

Opening Photo Credits: Design and Photo by Ajai Guyot of True Home

The post Moving Back To Your Childhood Home… While 7 Months Pregnant… And Updating Your Parent’s House As Your “Rent”… Welcome Ajai! appeared first on Emily Henderson.

One of Emily’s Best Friends Gets The Cozy Yet Sophisticated Bedroom Makeover She Really Deserves

Today’s reveal is for one of my best friends (Suzanne) who you have seen around here putting edgy clothes on my body and helping me try on 18 pairs of clogs for our journalistic pre-pandemic clog review. She is a single mom and like so many people I know right now, deserves a warm hug of a room. Life is stressful for anyone in our current *climate* (cough cough), and all you single parents out there, sharing custody during this pandemic, well you deserve more than a big hug. So Julie and I set out to make her room feel like a peaceful, sophisticated, uncomplicated, retreat that she can be really proud of in and spend nights snuggled up with her cute son. It was a room with so much potential, and Julie really made it sing  – or more like hum. She (the room and Suzanne) is quiet and sweet and so so pretty. Head on in and see for yourself.

Hi there, Julie here again and I am so ready to share another room reveal with you all that has been in the works for a minute… or more like 9 months and no that is not the typical timeline for a room design. But then again this hasn’t been a ‘typical’ year for any of us. This room is one of my favorites simply for the fact that when you are in the space or even look at the photos there is a sense of calm that washes over you or dare I say, like you are being hugged. As Emily mentioned above that was the end goal and I think we eventually got there.

But first, here is how the room looked way back when…

If you were to jump into this photo (*Mary Poppins style*) then the door to the hallway would be behind you to your right and the door next to that would lead to the walk-in closet. Having the bed be the first thing in the space you see felt like a better flow, especially when you have a pretty bed like the one we got for her. To solve this design agony we decided to flip flop the room so the bed sits between those beautiful inset windows.

Ahhhh, there that’s better. Now the bed has its own “moment” in the room and plays up the architectural details of the space with its curved ceilings. There were a lot of pieces she had from a previous home where the scale worked but now in a larger room, they felt a bit small. When you have a king-size bed, a general rule is to have your nightstand width between 20-24″ so they feel substantial enough next to the 76″ wide bed. Luckily, she had a guest room that needed some sprucing up so they just got moved into there.

Now for the reveal and everyone, get ready to be hugged.

Emily’s Best Friend Gets The Cozy Yet Sophisticated Bedroom Makeover She Really Deserves

Today’s reveal is for one of my best friends (Suzanne) who you have seen around here putting edgy clothes on my body and helping me try on 18 pairs of clogs for our journalistic pre-pandemic clog review. She is a single mom and like so many people I know right now, deserves a warm hug of a room. Life is stressful for anyone in our current *climate* (cough cough), and all you single parents out there, sharing custody during this pandemic, well you deserve more than a big hug. So Julie and I set out to make her room feel like a peaceful, sophisticated, uncomplicated, retreat that she can be really proud of in and spend nights snuggled up with her cute son. It was a room with so much potential, and Julie really made it sing  – or more like hum. She (the room and Suzanne) is quiet and sweet and so so pretty. Head on in and see for yourself.

Hi there, Julie here again and I am so ready to share another room reveal with you all that has been in the works for a minute… or more like 9 months and no that is not the typical timeline for a room design. But then again this hasn’t been a ‘typical’ year for any of us. This room is one of my favorites simply for the fact that when you are in the space or even look at the photos there is a sense of calm that washes over you or dare I say, like you are being hugged. As Emily mentioned above that was the end goal and I think we eventually got there.

But first, here is how the room looked way back when…

If you were to jump into this photo (*Mary Poppins style*) then the door to the hallway would be behind you to your right and the door next to that would lead to the walk-in closet. Having the bed be the first thing in the space you see felt like a better flow, especially when you have a pretty bed like the one we got for her. To solve this design agony we decided to flip flop the room so the bed sits between those beautiful inset windows.

Ahhhh, there that’s better. Now the bed has its own “moment” in the room and plays up the architectural details of the space with its curved ceilings. There were a lot of pieces she had from a previous home where the scale worked but now in a larger room, they felt a bit small. When you have a king-size bed, a general rule is to have your nightstand width between 20-24″ so they feel substantial enough next to the 76″ wide bed. Luckily, she had a guest room that needed some sprucing up so they just got moved into there.

Now for the reveal and everyone, get ready to be hugged.

The Link Up: Caitlin’s $8 Storage Hack, Mallory’s New Pillow Purchase, and The Documentary We All Need To Watch (Or Rewatch)

We don’t really have the words this week for a fun intro. Friday was the gut punch. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg was a force for good and progress. What she gave of herself can only be honored by continuing her work. So let’s get to it. Have a voting plan (do it early if possible) and fight HARD for equality and progress. Now, we of course still have your dose of escapism because we all need small breaks. Let’s get to it.

In case you haven’t (or need a refresher) watch RGB. It’s a documentary on the incredible life and service of our national hero, Ruth Bader Ginger.

As self-proclaimed “lighting lovers,” We get very excited when a new lighting line drops. This time it’s from Becki Owens! Her canned pendants are SO GOOD. Check out her line here!

From Emily: Concrete ways to help. The wildfires in my home state (and future home) are destroying homes/lives all over. Some incredible person put together the list of all the go-fund-mes that are unfulfilled, mostly of small families. If you want a concrete way to help, I’m sure these families would appreciate it as they rebuild their lives.

From Mallory: Good pillows with lots of personality can be hard to find, ESPECIALLY when you’re looking for a lumbar pillow for some reason. I’ve got an upcoming MOTO (yeah, you heard that right), and have been feeling confused about where & how to bring in personality to the space. Well, my friends, I’ve been waiting for this lumbar pillow from The Jungalow to come back in stock (and it did!!) It ended up being exactly what I needed to start bringing in some style to the space. I can’t wait to show you the whole thing but in the meantime, go buy this pillow (you will not be disappointed!)

From Jess: Traditionally, I am a “laundry detergent only” person. It’s mainly because I am still confused and too nervous to use fabric softener and/or bleach. I mean what if I ruin my clothes!? I really can’t afford a new wardrobe. BUT a few months ago I did stumble upon this fragrance booster by Method that said it would make my clothes smell even more amazing and for longer (and it really does!) It’s such a dream since I never felt like my clothes ever held onto the detergent scent or was potent enough (I mean why buy a scented detergent if the scent doesn’t stick around??). The ginger mango scent is heaven (which was a surprise since the name is not something I normally gravitate to). Seriously if you also feel like your laundry should smell better, this is a GREAT option.

From Caitlin: Stackable. Wine. Fridge Bins. That’s it. That’s the recommendation. (I can fit 3 vertically in my fridge, AND horizontal storage is better for wine anyway, AND it opened up a ton of door space, AND it’s for sure the most affordable fridge organizing tool out there at under $9.)

Etsy has another incredible celebrity collab and this time it’s with the one and only Tan France! As to be expected it’s very chic and this vase/dish might be our favorite? It’s hard to choose. Check it all out here.

From Julie: This year hasn’t been for the faint of heart, it’s been a rough and wild ride that doesn’t seem to be slowing down or coming to an end anytime soon. Let’s just say it got the best of me and I was letting my anxiety/depression take me down for the count but there was a little part of me that knew I needed to change my ways so I took a cue from those around me like my boyfriend and started meditating. Five minutes a day in the morning right after I woke up is where I began and honestly haven’t gotten far past it yet but taking a moment to remember to breathe and take each moment as it comes, the good and the bad has helped me to handle these mental issues I’ve been struggling with on a lower level since high school. I am about to start the book, 10% Happier by Dan Harris (a suggestion by said boyfriend who is currently reading it), and am open to any others that you all might recommend. We all are a community and this is the time to lean on one another so send over those book titles my way and thank you!

Also From Jess: Everyone should listen to this episode of Black Frasier with Michelle Obama hosted by Phoebe Robinson. It’s absolutely wonderful, inspiring and important.

From Ryann: Are press on nails back??? Apparently they are in my world because I’ve been getting IG ads about these new hip companies that are making peel and stick manicures and they actually look good. In general, I am someone who really does not care for getting my nails done but I LOVE the way they look when I do. So when I saw these gel stick on nails I ordered them on a whim and now I’m very excited to try them out. I will report back with my review but in the meantime I am curious, is anyone else buying press on nails in lieu of going to the salon?

If you’ve been wanting to wallpaper but either the money or the “foreverness” of it all has been giving you pause, then you are in luck because Chasing Paper (known for their stick and peel wallpaper) is having a big 20% off sale on Tuesday 9/22 and Wednesday 9/23 (no code needed). Remember when Em used them in this project?

Also From Caitlin: One more! My friend Penelope recently founded People’s Pantry LA which manages weekly food distributions in NELA (seen in action here!). If you live in the area and have anything in your pantry to give (especially the basics, like bottled water or canned goods), please shoot them a note at peoplespantryla@gmail.com to schedule a pickup or dropoff! Their payment details are also in their Instagram bio if you’d like to donate directly. I’ve been lucky enough to watch this grow from an idea in July to a full-fledged operation today (literally, there’s a distribution today) that’s helped feed hundreds of families and it’s absolutely worth supporting if you have the means!!

If you’re reading this, thanks for sticking with us until the very end. Did we mention WE LOVE YOU?? See ya next week

The Quest For The Perfect, Affordable “Basic” Tee Is Over… Because We Did The Legwork (Plus An Important Intro From Emily)

From Emily: With the death of RGB last night we obviously felt like a “best t-shirt roundup” fell deaf on all our ears. HONESTLY, T-SHIRTS ARE NOTHING BECAUSE ALL THAT MATTERS IS EQUALITY FOR ALL. So to try to take what now feels like a very insignificant post, we are donating all affiliate sales from this post to She Should Run to continue Justice Ginsberg’s fight for equality. And while this blog is rarely political, it is always a place that values humanity and important dialogue. So yes, this year talking politics is in “our lane” because we are human beings and right now it feels like we are collectively driving off a cliff. She fought for us long enough. Now we must pick up where she left off. Happy t-shirt hunting!

Hi, it’s Jess now. If you are looking for a t-shirt, perfect. If you are looking for a quick escape, understandable and you are in a good place for that. And if this isn’t the right time for you to read this post, then feel free to come back whenever you’d like. We are here for you. Ok, let’s talk tees.

I know this post I don’t know why but finding the perfect “basic” of anything can feel like the search for the holy grail (the Monty Python version, obviously). Shopping should have some laughs, right? But seriously, I think the clothing category, “basics” needs a rebrand because the term “basics” associate it with the term “easy”. SO maybe a simple shift to saying “ultimates” would make us feel less irritated when the search is long and hard. At least for us, there isn’t a killer bunny along the way:)

So I say all of this to talk about my quest in finding my “ultimate” t-shirt. But don’t worry it’s not just me. Mallory also is coming on this journey with me because she also was on the hunt and with two very different body types we can hopefully help twice the amount of people! O and Em jumped in at the end too:)

But first, let’s take a step back and talk about the reason for this post. This shirt below has been my favorite for over a year. I randomly found her at H&M on a whim and bought six in four different colors. But then, OF COURSE, it’s been permanently out of stock. Devastating. My $13 dream t-shirt, gone. Look, I still have the shirts but after A LOT of wear, half of them have holes (and not in a cool way, expensive-looking way).

This is why she was perfect and what I am looking for…

Jess’ T-Shirt Requirements:



Worn-in feeling fabricMedium lengthMedium sleeve length (no cap sleeve but not too long)Crew NecklineFlattering up top but room around the hipsNO pockets (my boobs don’t require any further attention)Looks good with a “french tuck” (the little tuck behind the pant button that Tan France made famous and I love)Comes in multiple colorsNot one million dollars

It’s a lot, I know, but if I’m searching for my ultimate tee then the standards have to be high, right? I ended up trying on seven different styles that are all under $30 each. And just so you can have a reference point for sizing here are my sizes:

Shirts: I go between a medium and large but more so large
Dress: 10/12
Pants: 30 in high-waisted Madewell jeans (not sure if the high-waisted part makes a difference)
Bra: 36C/34D
Height: 5’3 3/4″

So before we get to the good stuff, I just want to say that these reviews are 100% based on personal preference and what feels good on my (and later, Mallory’s body). We are not saying these “requirements” are what everyone should want/look for. Everyone should wear what makes them feel awesome!

FUN FACT: None of these have neck tags!

ANOTHER FUN FACT: I haven’t had my hair done since March 10th.

The EveryWear Slub-Knit Tee – Old Navy: $8

Size: M
Overall Rating: 8 out of 10
Fit: I would say it’s pretty flattering. The sleeves and neck are good and it looks like it was made to work on a woman with some curves. I personally don’t love the length and the round hemline, though. However, if you are someone who likes that then I think this is a slam dunk option…especially for $8!
Fabric: Soft, medium thickness but a slight worn-in feel and 100% cotton
French Tuck Approved?: Sort of…

Short Sleeve Casual T-Shirt – Target: $5

Size: L
Overall Rating: 5 out of 10
Fit: I liked it better in person than when it’s photographed. A bit too slim of a cut for someone with boobs and hips, but not terrible. I would prefer the sleeve length a smidge shorter. The overall length is too long and tight for my shortish torso. Also, the neck is a little too small for my liking. Sizing up would have only made the top half less flattering.
Fabric: Soft but not as breathable. 50% cotton/ 50% Modal
French Tuck Approved?: No

Short Sleeve T-Shirt – Target: $8

Size: L
Overall Rating: 4 out of 10
Fit: This pic is kinda deceiving. Way too slim of a cut for someone with boobs and hips but not “terrible”. I like the sleeve length and the neck is cute but also too long for me.
Fabric: That classic stiff cotton but would probably be great after a lot of washes. 100% cotton.
French Tuck Approved?: No (too tight)

Vintage Wash Crewneck T-Shirt – Gap: $20

Size: M
Overall Rating: 7 out of 10
Fit: A little too slim of a cut for my hips. I really like the sleeve length and the neck is perfect but just too long for me.
Fabric: Slightly stiff but lightweight and 100% cotton
French Tuck Approved?: No

The Organic Cotton Crew – Everlane: $18

Size: L
Overall Rating: 6 out of 10
Fit: Overall it is kinda tight but I like how the top half fit. I don’t think sizing up would have helped because then the sleeves would be too long. Honestly not bad but I just don’t love it on me.
Fabric: Soft, pretty lightweight, and 100% cotton
French Tuck Approved?: No

Shrunken Short Sleeve T-Shirt – Gap: $25

Size: L
Overall Rating: 9 out of 10 (there’s always room for growth:))
Fit: This one is my favorite which is SHOCKING to me and again much better in person. When I ordered it I was sure that the “shrunken” aspect would highlight the things I want to avoid highlighting. However, between the neck being the right shape, the sleeves hitting at the right place, and the not “too long” length, everything just works. The more boxy shape is a winner in my eyes. I have already ordered 3 more:)
Fabric: Worn in cotton but also 100% cotton…
French Tuck Approved?: YES (mainly because of the shorter overall length)

ALSO…

Size: M
Overall Rating: 8 out of 10
Fit: I do like the smaller size because it does show my shape a little more;) and the sleeve length is cute. BUT there is no room for it to shrink so since it’s 100% cotton, I’m sticking with the large.
French Tuck Approved?: Still yes

Vintage Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt – J.Crew: $30

Size: M
Overall Rating: 1 out of 10
Fit: I was pretty excited about J.Crew because so many of you recommended it to me. Unfortunately, this shirt in particular is a no-go. The neck is too big, the sleeves and body are too long and I just don’t love how it sits on my body.
Fabric: Very soft, light (which I really liked), and 100% cotton
French Tuck Approved?: Not really

Now let’s move onto Mallory!

Mallory’s T-Shirt Requirements:



Soft fabric (IT MUST BE SOFT)Tuckable lengthShort sleeve length (can be cap sleeve…I’m not picky)Crew neckline but doesn’t look like a little boy’s shirt (meaning not ~too~ high on the neck)Breathable, boxy fit. It BETTER NOT be skin tightComes in multiple colors (same as Jess)Not one million dollars (I of course also agreed with Jess)

I have similar requirements to Jess because after all, don’t we all want t-shirts that are soft, look great, and aren’t crazy expensive? Like it’s a t-shirt not a ballgown…she better be affordable. Let’s get into my sizing:

Shirts: Usually a small but could be a medium (especially in this category bc I love a looser fitting t-shirt)
Dress: 4
Pants: 26/27
Bra: Itty-bitty-titty-committee!! (32A)
Height: 5’7

Vintage Fit T-Shirt – Madewell: $17

So I bought this shirt in a mustard-orangey-yellow a while back (see below) and I REALLY like wearing it for the color, but then I thought –– wait I think the fit is good too…the reason I didn’t know for sure was because I had bought it in an XS since it was the only one left. So I thought, why not try it in my actual size and see what happens. That’s exactly what I did and here’s the deal…

Size: S
Overall Rating: 10 out of 10
Fit: Overall it’s the perfect shirt. Boxy, not too long on the sleeves, a solid crew, plus it’s VERY comfortable. Plus it has a cute rounded hemline so that’s a plus.
Fabric: Soft, lightweight, very comfy, and 100% cotton
French Tuck Approved?: YES

I thought I’d show you what the XS looks like just in case you were curious…

Cute and I’ll still wear it, but I definitely am team get your normal size since it doesn’t run big or small.

Slim Fit Short Sleeve T-Shirt – Target : $8

Size: M
Overall Rating: 5 out of 10
Fit: If I was unexpectedly sleeping over at a friend’s house and they let me borrow their clothes for the next day and handed me this shirt, I’d say “great this’ll work.” But honestly, she’s not much more than that. The sleeves are a little too long and the neckline seemed too wide. Not to mention the shirt was overall WAY too long, and I have a decently sized torso.
Fabric: The softest, comfiest shirt out of all the ones I tried fabric-wise, so if you want comfort, have a long torso, and don’t mind a longer cap sleeve…this one is for you. 49% Modal, 48% Cotton, 3% Spandex
French Tuck Approved?: It’s the only way to wear it

Basics T-Shirt – H&M: $5

Size: S
Overall Rating: 7 out of 10
Fit: I bought this shirt YEARS ago because I stumbled upon it and definitely needed a white t-shirt. It would be blasphemy if I didn’t include it in the post, after all the things we’ve been through together. It’s $5, so if you’re in desperate need of a shirt, this one will do the job and do it very okay. It’s got a pretty big swoop neck overall, but it’s stretchy fabric and tight-but-not-too-tight-fit will impress you.
Fabric: Stretchy, comfy, and 100% cotton
French Tuck Approved?: Yes!

Short Sleeve Slim Fit T-Shirt – Target: $8

Size: M
Overall Rating: 10 out of 10
Fit: This one is a real favorite. As you can see from the above photos, the shirt is a solid length –– not too long, not too short. It’s perfect if you want to french tuck it OR wear it untucked (which sounds foreign to me but I would do it with this shirt because the length is that good).
Fabric: A little thicker material, but still VERY comfy. 100% cotton
French Tuck Approved?: YES

Now we couldn’t end this post without a quick mention of Emily’s favorite tees in case you missed her talking about them in the past:)

Rounded V-Neck T-Shirt – Caslon: $25



photo by veronica crawford | from: a fashion review: new clothing on my body and how i like them (or not)

Emily loves the scoop neck and the relaxed fit.

We The Free Sun Valley Tee – Free People: $38

Emily loves this shirt! Her only tip is to size way down.

The Boxy Crew – The Great: $95



image source

The Great is a female-founded company and is one of Emily’s favorites. This tee is for sure a splurge according to Emily will definitely make you feel cool.

Well there you have it, t-shirts on our real bodies to hopefully help you in a real way in finding your perfect and ULTIMATE match. We hope that you have as good of a day as you can, make sure you have a voting plan and we will see you tomorrow.

Love you, and very much mean it. We need each other now more than ever.

The post The Quest For The Perfect, Affordable “Basic” Tee Is Over… Because We Did The Legwork (Plus An Important Intro From Emily) appeared first on Emily Henderson.