Stylin' Mamma: Cozy Casual

Okay, so Gap just released this plaid collab with Pendleton and I might be a little bit obsessed and launching into full-on Fall Lust Mode.

This poncho?  I die.  Somebody hand me a warm, bourbon-spiked-something -- preferably in a cool mug.  (Also: this headband for the Babygirl in my life?  I think yes.)

I know!  I know: last month I talked about how we here in NorCal don't really need "fall wardrobes"...But can we dream a little?  And can we at least buy this bag?  Please?

For starters, there are these boots.  Which -- full disclosure -- I happen to own, and which I feel would go so nicely with my hypothetical poncho. (Particularly if paired with cropped trousers, like these.)

 

For tops, I'm a layering girl, so I might throw on a graphic tee shirt with a vintagey cardigan that will work inside or out.  

(If this is all feeling a bit too California-casual, we can always inject a wee bit of glam with a statement lip (at a gateway price).  I just bought these on a whim from Sephora and I'm totally obsessed.)

Okay, I admit it: I probably won't get the poncho.  But I hope you do.  And I hope you wear it apple-picking or leaf-peeping or something charming like that and write to tell me about it.  

Stay cozy, Mamas.

- Jaime

Stylin' Mamma: Fall Fashion Wishlist (NorCal Style)

First of all, it's nice to be back here at the Nest Studio blog.  For those of you who don't know me, my name is Jaime and I write the San Francisco-based lifestyle and parenting blog Less on the Floor.  I've known Jess for about 20 years now and it's always fun to collaborate on Stylin' Mama.

If you read any fashion blogs you *probably* noticed that last week was all about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, aka the official Fall Fashion Shopping Event (kind of like back-to-school for grown-ups).  

It's made for some fun browsing, but honestly...living here in Northern California it always makes me giggle a bit.  Because what the rest of the country thinks of as "transitional dressing" or "shoulder-season dressing" is really just dressing in San Francisco, where the temperatures are always between 49 and 75 degrees and usually swing a full 20 or 30 degrees on any given day.  

Do I get excited about Fall Fashion?  Yessir, I do.  But it's honestly in more of fashion-porn kind of a way.  For example, I lust for these boots, but you know what?  I will never.  Wear.  Them.  Because they will feel great in the morning and then the sun will come out and they will just stick to my hot legs and annoy me until the fog rolls back in.  

In short, my Fall Fashion Wishlist is as schizophrenic as the weather in these parts.  Sandals and sweaters, anoraks and cropped pants.  Somehow it all works...and of course, end-of-summer sales work in our favor.  So there's that.  

To start, I am lately obsessed with staggered-hem jeans.  I actually DIY-ed my own last week in a fit of frugality, but if that's not your thing, these from Nordy's are pretty cool.  

For the summer-to-fall transition, a soft sweater in a soft color will ward off any chill in the air, but be sure to layer over a fitted tee for the inevitable midday burst of sunshine.  (P.S. how sexy is this henley?)

For trucking around town, those who know check out Bryr clogs.  Handmade right here in their Dogpatch studio, just down the street from AT&T Park, these clogs are so beautiful and literally give life to your jeans-and-a-sweater.  I know Jess had some mixed results ordering from them -- my suspicion is that their production infrastructure wasn't quite up to their sudden cult-status explosion last year -- but so far mine are holding up beautifully.  These Spanish Peep-Toes are next on my list.   

Though neither my professional life nor my social life demand heels these days (sigh), I am a gal who likes to be prepared to go day-to-night.  Cue these lovely rose-colored heels (on sale!): between your sexy henley and your sexy shoe, all that's missing from date night is a glass of rose. 

On a more practical note, this dressy anorak is the perfect back-of-the-car coat in case the sweater isn't cutting it.  And of course, every Stylin' Mama needs a bag that can hold everything...and I hear backpacks are still hot these days.  

Whatever your life demands, enjoy these last few weeks of summer and happy Fall shopping.  

- Jaime

CURATED NEST: Winter Knits

While it's been cold for a little while in some places, it's finally cold enough on the West Coast for sweaters and everyone (almost) is super thrilled.

After a scorching, and long, Summer the temps have dropped and layering is in full effect everywhere. Here's some cool sweaters you'll want in your Winter arsenal. 

1. Gap

2. J. Crew 

3. Modcloth

4. Topshop

5. Zara

6. Madewell

7. Zadig & Voltaire

8. Madewell

Inspiration image via Collage Vintage

- Cori

CURATED NEST: Orange and Black

 

Get in the mood for Halloween, without having to say goodbye November 1st.

Here's some handsome home furnishings and decor that will help you embrace a pop of color or some bold black...

1. Blanket via Story North

2. Drinking Glass via CB2

3. Sofa via Hive

4. Accent Pillow via Urban Loft

5. Wall Hooks via Schoolhouse Electric

6. Measuring Spoons via World Market

7. Planter via Dot & Bo

Inspiration image via Town & Country Magazine

 

- Cori

CURATED NEST: Cover up Style

Whether you're at the lake, the beach or just at home by the pool... there's some really easy ways to go from swimsuit, to cover up and still look great. Much better than a towel around your waste, that's for sure!

Here's some ideas:

 

1. Everlane

2. Gap

3. Madewell

4. J.Crew

5. ModCloth

6. Madewell

Inspiration image: Instagram

 

- Cori

 

CURATED NEST: Sit Down!

 

Welcome to the season for outdoor entertaining past the sunset... Here's some stylish ideas for your patio seating:

1. CB2

2. All Modern

3. YLiving

4. West Elm

5. Room & Board

6. All Modern

Inspiration image via Beth Kirby

 

- Cori

Stylin' Mamma: Swing State

California, I love you, but you're giving me whiplash.  Last week it was 75 degrees and we were at the beach in cutoffs, but today it's in the low 50s and I'm shivering in my flimsy blouse.  How's a Stylin' Mamma to clothe herself under these conditions?  Make up your meteorological mind!

I know, I know.  I can't complain.  The rest of the country is literally buried in snow and here I am getting all flustered about one gray day.  And yet.  There is the question of getting dressed in the morning, completely unsure whether you'll be sweating it out by noon or chattering in your non-weatherstripped office.  

Yesterday, caught unawares by chilly temps, I found myself wandering through my local Zara and finding a crazy-town sale in progress.  It is common knowledge that Zara makes the best coats, and I bolted for the jumble of season's end outerwear on markdown.  

This time of year calls for an arsenal of layers, ranging from a cozy wool topper to this season's lightweight long vest.  I'm taking advantage of the retailer's premature need to shed winter layers and stocking up now for the roller coaster ahead.  Happy shopping!

Cozy Wrap-Up  

Long Spring Layers 

April Showers 

Sporty Chic 

Dashing About 

The Under Armor 

Democratic Denim 

- Jaime

Postmod: Tablescapes for Kids of All Sizes

Another article went up yesterday for Postmodyrn.  You can check it out here (as well as all of their other great articles about fashion, lifestyle post kiddos).  And here it is:

Well the Holidays have descended upon us and we’re in the depths of work holiday parties, get-togethers with friends, and family Christmas gatherings.  This year we opted for the pre-lit faux tree and garland which I have to say, cut our decorating time in half.  With two little ones at home, forgoing the real tree smell and ambiance was a sacrifice I was willing to make for safety and efficiency purposes.  The glass balls are staying in the Rubbermaid box this year (and probably the couple Christmases after) and the more delicate ornaments are hung up high.  

 When it comes to entertaining, I like to keep the festive spirit alive but use kid-friendly decorations and items that aren’t so holiday specific that they can’t be used at other times of year. I’ve put together a Big Kid table for us adults and a fun table for the wee ones that keep entertaining easy but definitely maintain the festive factor.

For the “Big Kids” this year we are going holiday rustic.  A centerpiece composed of various bottles and jars painted white (use white paint on the inside to keep it from peeling), red faux berries and pinecones keeps it simple and doesn’t require watering.  For the place settings, pinecone place cards echo the theme and are something you can collect with the kids in the days before your gathering. Vintage red enamel dishes are durable and give a little campy flavor to your fete while gold flatware and patterned glasses add a touch of un-fussy glam.    Block-printed linen napkins from Etsy contribute to the rustic feel and are appropriate at any time of year.  And on top of each plate we like to give each guest a little goody wrapped in craft paper, baker’s twine and a home-made snowflake (again a great craft project for the kids).  A star garland adds a touch of sparkle and could easily be re-used for the fourth of July.  And don’t forget the cocktails! A rustic bar cart allows guests to serve themselves and a collection of blankets invite people to cozy up by the fire (I love this one from Pendelton – it’s such a classic and looks fabulous on a bed). 

For the Wee Ones we like to keep it fun and spill-proof.  Cover the table in craft paper and put out receptacles of crayons to keep those little hands occupied (I love using vintage containers or creating something fun like these bark covered tins).  For the place settings, colorful melamine plates and plastic handled flatware are durable and can be used at any time (the key is keep things graphic but not commit to a specific image like a Christmas tree or train or character like Dora).  Give the kids cloth napkins and see if they feel “fancy” (these are IKEA dishtowels and at 50 cents a pop are totally kid-worthy).  Mason jar glasses with straws make sure cider stays off the furniture and floors.  For kids favors, I like to use fun soft felt or knit animal ornaments that they can take home and hang on the tree.  Felt balls and garland in poppy colors hung above the table add to the festive feel but are also useable for other occasions. 

Hopefully I’ve inspired some of you to do a little pre-get-together decorating.  By using items that can function for every day or at least for other occasions holiday decorating becomes much less daunting and more fun.  Just remember that you are by no-means tied to doing everything red and green and ridden with holly.  Use a pop of yellow, hot pink or lime green to make things more modern and fun. And remember red items can be re-purposed for Valentines Day, the Fourth of July or any other gathering that requires a dose of heat. The holidays can be so daunting but if you keep things simple and kid friendly (and let’s be honest, adult-with-cocktail friendly too!) everyone will be impressed by how put-together you are and all you will have to worry about come party time is what to wear and where to order your food from ;)

Source pictures, Big Kids:  French jars // Gold flatware // Star garland // Beveled glassware // Blanket // Bar cart // Snowflake craft box // Red enamel plates // Printed napkin // Pinecone place card holders

Source pictures, Wee Ones: Ceramic crayon jars // Felt garland // Mason jar cup // Kids’ flatware // Graphic plate // Bark crayon jar // Felt ornaments // Felt ball ornaments // Tea towel

Graphics by Cori Magee

DESIGN BLUEPRINT: Cozy Whites

There's nothing more inviting, during these cold months, than a cozy family room. And what's more cozy than shabby chic?

I can't help but want to add lots of white texture to my living room, some branches, candles and voila. This is a look anyone can achieve because it's all about simple color palettes and layers of texture.

There's nothing too complicated and that's what makes it so inviting...

 

DESIGN BLUEPRINT:

Sofa / Crate & Barrel

Side Table / Pottery Barn

Basket / Target

Grey Pillow / Crate & Barrel

White Bolster / Target

Pouf / West Elm

Table Lamp / Target

Candleholder / Urban Couture

Side Chair / West Elm

Coffee Table / Shabby Chic

Faux Sheepskin / Ikea

Area Rug / Loom

Inspiration image via Idyllog Him

 

- Cori

 

CURATED NEST: Bathroom Bliss

I've been finding some really nice bathroom designs lately, like this one from Modern Home Decor. I think the best designs are the simplest because they allow you to feel rejuvenated, calm and collected.

I'm excited for Fall and all the cozy bath times ahead...

1 / Sisal Bath Scrubber via World Market

2 / Candle via William Sonoma

3 / Sisal Bath Mitt via World Market

4 / Bath Robe via Nordstrom

5 / Soap Stones via CB2

6 / Shower Curtain via Dwell Studio

7 / Fringe Towels via Crate & Barrel

8 / Bath Tea, Salts & Cream via Crate & Barrel

9 / Room Freshner via William & Sonoma

10 / Bath Caddy via Bed, Bath & Beyond

11 / Trash Can via Crate & Barrel

12 / Bath Mat via Anthropologie

- Cori

Stylin' Mamma: Jonesing

With two children getting bigger and bigger, our high-rise apartment seems to be getting smaller and smaller.  Case in point: just this morning I opened the hall closet to pull out laundry detergent, which displaced the Halloween costumes we've hidden on the top shelf.  The pink cowgirl hat hit a crystal vase that usually lives on top of the wine rack but for some unknown reason got stashed away, and the vase hit the iron that resides next to the detergent, and before you know it I was ducking for my life as the iron came crashing off the shelf onto the vacuum cleaner, nearly missing the fishbowl and the wrapping paper on the way down.

City living just might kill me.  

But I love it, which leaves me with no choice but to purge, purge, purge, which is precisely what I am doing this Fall.  My closet has been hit the hardest as I take an unsentimental look at my wardrobe, my lifestyle, my personal style...not to mention a slew of old photographs.  Does something look ugly in a picture?  It's OUTTA here.

Consumed as I am by this spirit of minimalism, I am having some trouble getting into Fall Fashion Fever -- which, I will admit, is rather unusual for me.  Instead of making a long list of new clothes, I am jonesing simply for a few fabulous touches to lend the old a feeling of new.  

As ever, denim is my building block.  After that, from day to night, it's accessories all the way home.

- Jumpsuit

- Hat

- Bag

- Heels

- Oxfords

- Necklace

- Jaime

Stylin' Mamma: Campfire Song

Last summer I wrote up a little post referencing Parent Trap-style camping glamour.

But let's be real: camping is actually a pretty dirty, dusty, and sweaty enterprise.  It's all well and good to dream about pulling off Betty Draper bermudas and polos with a straw bag to match, but at the end of the day it's like: What do I own that I don't care if it gets destroyed in the mud or eaten by a deer?  

I know this because last weekend we went camping as a family in the soaring heat of Livermore Valley.  Four humans in one tent means packing light:

Shorts: Deconstructed and dust-friendly

Tanks: Sheer and lightweight, with a flash of color for underneath (bring 3-4, in case someone "inadvertently" throws a water balloon at you or squirts you with a mud-filled water cannon when your back is turned, ahem).

Sneakers: Because if you didn't have a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old and it weren't 97 degrees outside, you *might* consider hiking.

Flip-Flops: Because actually you are facing the conditions listed above and you have ZERO plans to be physically active.

Squirt Gun: Self defense.

Comfy Camp Chair (and Wine!): OBVIOUSLY.

Sunnies, Water Bottle and Hat: Always.

Ditch the watch and embrace the fact that you will not have cell phone reception.  And never forget your sense of humor, sense of adventure, sense of flexibility, or sense of s'mores.

Now.  Get out there and enjoy the view!

- Jaime

Curated Nest: Pool Party

It's pool party season! But pool party doesn't have to mean you throw your design aesthetic out the window.

You can include all your fun pool toys and juice cups, but add a little sophistication too... why not?! Your exterior should look just as good as your interior, even for a 1-day party.

Here's some ideas for your outdoor entertaining this Summer....

1. Drink Dispenser / CB2

2. Juniper Ridge Tea / General Store

3. Lounge Chair / Serena & Lily

4. Bird Feeder / Branch Home

5. Outdoor Rug / William Sonoma

6. Grill / Appliancist

Inspiration Image / Trendenser

- Cori

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS 2014

I can't believe it's already mid-March!  We are almost a quarter of the way through the year and here I am just now talking about New Years Resolutions. Better late than never right?  I'm not much of a resolutions person.  I made some business goals for 2014 which I will share with you in another blog post, but I figured that this year it would also be good to set some personal goals as well.  In order to stick to my resolutions, I figure simpler and fewer is better.  Most of them center around work/life balance (or lack thereof).  So here goes. 

Separate home and work time.  It's hard to step away when you run your own business.  Because Bryan is at nursery school part time and with me the other 2 days of the week I try to shove everything into Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays when he isn't home, but there tends to be A LOT of overflow.  As I grow my business there is a never ending list of things that need to be done, not to mention having to process all the orders that keep coming in (a good problem to have).  Because things keep piling up, I end up doing work after Bryan goes to bed and rushing to get things done while he's napping the other two days of the week. This year I'm trying to prioritize the work I need to dp (and get help on other aspects) so I can turn off when it's not work time. 

Spend more time with my husband.  Scott and I had been going out on fairly regular date nights but after I got pregnant, date night sort of fell off our radar. Perhaps it was the nesting instinct and all of the things we suddenly had to do to get ready for baby. Or perhaps it was the fact that going out to dinner and not being able to enjoy some wine with it didn't seem appealing.  However, we recently went on a little baby-moon to New York (originally we were going to Charleston but Mother Nature decided otherwise). Regardless of the thwarted plans, it was so nice to reconnect, wandering around the city and treating ourselves to some great meals.  After Baby #2 arrives I imagine it will be even more difficult but even more vital to find those alone moments, but I'm determined in 2014 to make that happen.  One thing that Scott and I are doing is scheduling Tuesday and Thursday evenings as family time - no staying late at work or bringing work home, no to-do lists.  This should help both with resolution #1 and #2. 

Take more "me" time. I am inherently a busybody - I just keep going - which allows me to get a lot done but it's hard for me to sit down and relax and stop working or doing house stuff.  Being pregnant makes this challenging and frustrating.  A good example is that I kept saying to myself that I needed to take a long relaxing bath.  How hard is that?  I literally had been saying this for months. It wasn't until we went to the city for our baby-moon at about week 29 of my pregnancy that I actually found time to do this.  There will always be things that need to be done but I need to move "me" time to the top of my to-do list from time to time.   

Be less jealous.  As a competitive person it's hard not to envy other people. I find that when I read other blogs, I often feel a pang of jealousy as I look at all the pretty homes people live in, amazing food people are eating, easy but stylish outfits people are wearing and generally how perfect things seem to be on the lifestyle front.  Of course, these feelings drive me to do things better in my own work and life, but sometimes they just aren't healthy.  I'm trying to be less envious of other folks out there and to remind myself that especially in the blog world, everything is seen through a filter.  You make people believe what you want them to believe with pretty photographs and inspiring text, but in the end everyone has their own challenges and battles they are fighting.  Along with limiting myself to reading just a few of my favorite blogs, remembering this as I peruse the web is key. 

Usually I don't talk too much about this sort of personal stuff on my blog, but I figured writing it down and putting it out there would help me stick to it.  I know there is no true work/life balance and it is what you define it as, but I'm hoping that by making these goals 2014 will be a great year. What resolutions have you made for the rest of the year ahead?

- artwork by Cori Magee

And then there was....

Winter.

Yes. It's officially here. Time to buy the babe some snow gear and get all of those little gaps around our doors and windows insulated and sealed from the cold air.  I have to count my blessings though.  We made it through the nor'Easter without losing power again and I had the forethought to buy a shovel, scraper and some salt for the stairs and walk.  I wish I'd taken a photo of the winter wonderland this morning.  But it still looks pretty good this afternoon.

And here are a few updated (well, sort of, if a few weeks ago counts as updated) photos of the house.  The various storms have certainly set us back.  But things are moving along gradually. Hope to have the upstairs 100% complete in the next few days and then on to finishing the kitchen and the built-ins.  Sadly, the subfloor in the kitchen which I'd hoped to paint and stencil was rotten so it needs to be ripped up and we will be doing some sort of vinyl or linoleum tile instead.  Not quite as creative, but it'll do the job and not be as expensive as putting down a new wood floor only to paint it again.  Can't wait to share more as it starts to look like a real home.

Oh Sandy....

My last post was about Bryan's first birthday party which seems like AGES ago, thanks to our good friend Sandy.  Scott's parents left early last Saturday in anticipation of hurricane Sandy's arrival and we hunkered down Sunday and Monday.  We were expecting something reminiscent of the Pasadena windstorms we endured about a year ago. From inside our house, it felt similar, except this time our power went out and stayed out..... and continues to be out.  And in reality the repercussions have been much much worse.  We have been lucky though, and thanks to some friendly neighbors and a generator, we have been able to stay in Millburn, and stay warm.  We are just now starting to get reconnected to the outside world, and we hope that our power returns on Monday (although who knows when Scott will be able to resume his regular NJT commute into the city). 

Here are some photos from our stroll around our neighborhood the next day (I can only imagine how much worse those on the shore had it).  Those downed power lines are at the end of our block. The poles were literally sheared in half.  What I thought was lightening the night before was actually the substations blowing.  And the block with those four enormous trees down is directly behind our house - a week before I was completely jealous of how shaded and tree-lined that street was.  The night of Sandy, though, I was rejoicing for a front yard free of large trees.

On a positive / side note, I mentioned last week that the living room I designed for friends Kellie and Adam was a finalist in the Apartment Therapy Room for Color Contest. Well, they won!  Check it out here!

Guest Post: Fall Weekend Getaway

Soyoung from Dogear Press is back today with a little autumnal inspiration:

We’ve had the first hints of fall with wonderfully cooler weather here in New York
City, and it has me dreaming about a long weekend getaway to New England. I’ve
always wanted to do a trip to take in the fall foliage, but have yet to do so. Admiring the
gorgeous autumn trees (my digital SLR would definitely make the trip with me), hiking
some mountain trails, sitting by a cozy fire, and digging into a pile of New Yorkers
sounds like a perfect few days.

Image sources:
New Hampshire
cozy by the fire
wear
carry
read

Fall Fashion Wish List

Hi, all!  This is Soyoung from Dogear Press, and I’m happy to be popping in over at The Eagle’s Nest while Jess is busy with renovations on Chez Davis East.  I don’t know about you all, but I can’t wait to see how their house turns out… I thought I would kick off my Eagle’s Nest visit by sharing a few items from my fall fashion wish lists.

It’s hard to believe that summer is drawing to a close.  While I will be sad to see the long sunlit days go, I can’t deny that I am looking forward to the fall.  I love the first hints of crisp air, the changing colors of the leaves, and the prospect of my favorite holiday – Thanksgiving.  I am also an absolute sucker for fall fashion.  The September fashion magazines (ah, 900+ page Vogue) and catalogs (hi, J. Crew) are my absolute favorites.  For this year’s fall shopping, my goal has been to restock some of the basic pieces in my wardrobe.  I tend to be drawn to neutral colors and classic silhouettes, so I’ve been trying to liven up my new basics by looking for some pieces with a bit of a twist – whether it’s via bright colors, or a slightly different shape (loving the smoking loafer as a new go-to flat).  In my alternate reality I’d be making some more extravagant purchases.  Below are items on my fantasy and reality lists.

Alternate Reality

1. Sonia Rykiel fall 2012 rtw

2. Dries Van Noten fall 2012 rtw

3. Chloe ethel zip-tote satchel

4. Lanvin bootie

Replenishing Basics

1. Zara double-breasted overcoat

2. THML colorblock sweater

3. J. Crew café capri 

4. Sam Edelman aster loafer

4. Sam Edelman aster loafer

I heart You

Feeling a little Valentines Day Love.

Pinka Minka Red Felt Slippers
Heart Shaped Soap from Martha Stewart
Young Hearts Love Pink and Red Scalloped Garland
Crochet Heart Pattern from Foothill Companion
Sideways Heart Necklace by Gems En Vogue
Pink Heart Macarons
I want to have adventures with you poster

Friday Fancies: Spring Fling

Hey there friends! I'm doing a little switcheroo and posting a style board on Friday now as part of Long

 Distance Loving's Friday's Fancies.  This week is a style board inspired by Spring.  Enjoy! Monday I'll be back with a Baby Bryan Update. 

[1] Anthropologie Margueritte Chandelier Earrings
[2] Old Navy Crochet Scarf
[3] Maryl Tote by Fabric and Handle
[4] Forever 21 Stretch Chain Bracelet Set
[5] Madewell Stucco Stripe Songbird Dress
[6] Mossimo Espadrille Wedge Sandals