New Apartment Vignettes: Book Cart

I just finished some major apartment decorating projects, and I'd thought I'd share them with you all since I'm so proud of my work. I've never put this much thought, effort, time, creativity into decorating my space at college before - so I'm happy to share my labors of love. I'm by no means a professional and will always need to improve, but I'm pleasantly satisfied with the outcome.

Today I'm sharing my book cart makeover. I started with this bad boy:

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A standard chrome book cart from Amazon.com. Only $30! I knew I wanted something with more of a bar cart feel (OBSESSED), so I scooped this up since it was on sell and would be a good base.

So throw in some gold paint - painted it two times since I was unhappy with the first gold I bought and some decorating....

And I ended up with this:

 I think the gold is much softer than the silver and much more boho-glam (I've decided this is my aesthetic).  On top I've put my jewelry box (an Urban Outfitters find) and my new blue and white vase and flowers seen here. I've also hung my rose rosary, it smells wonderful and I like to be reminded of my spirituality. I'm still on the hunt for some candles and other knick knacks to fill the shelves.

I've stacked my favorite books (notice the Official Preppy Handbook?) on the lower shelves,  as well as an old photo of my brother and me.

So, what do you guys think? It's definitely an improvement from the normal black bookshelf I usually purchase, and I love how the gold makes the shelf ornamental as well as functional. Can't wait to show you all some more new apartment updates! Happy Monday!

Blog Makeover

As you can probably tell, I did a bit of makeover work on Lust for Living this weekend. I wanted a simpler layout, with a title that popped more, and less colors. I hope you like the changes I made - I definitely think this layout is more streamlined and eye pleasing. Let me know what you think in the comments since this blog is written for you, dear reader, I'd love your feedback!

Sunday Getaway: Marriott County Hall

Today's Sunday Getaway to the Marriott County Hall in London has a real soft spot in my heart. When my family visited the UK in 2003, my first trip to Europe, we stayed at the County Hall, a lavish historic hotel on the South Bank. I fell in love with London on the trip and remember the hotel very fondly for its service (I still remember Iago helping us to our room) , grandiosity, and perfect location.

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{Yup, that's the hotel. How amazing is that? Located in an old Parliament building situated on the Thames and right next to the London Eye, you truly are in the center of London and staying in a piece of history. It really makes you feel transported to another world.}

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{You arrive to the hotel through this magnificent entryway to a beautiful courtyard where you're greeted by doormen. One thing I loved about London was all of the history in a modern city. Staying here really kept that feeling alive the whole trip.} 

 

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{The entrance at night. Very mysterious with all the shadow play}

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{The looming door and pillars add to the stateliness. Just imagine pulling up in an Aston Martin or Rolls Royce with Prince Harry in tow...}

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{The Library Lounge is a great place to indulge in afternoon tea and views of Parliament}

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{The County Hall Restaurant is a fine dining experience complete with oak paneled walls, high ceilings, period features, views of Big Ben, the Eye, and Parliament, and delicious modern European cuisine.}

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{Another view of the County Hall Restaurant. I love this decor, so regal.}

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{Can you tell I really love this restaurant?}

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{A four poster guest room}

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{The guest rooms are classic and well appointed with dark woods and reds. They feature two double beds, rare in European hotels, and are very roomy compared to other London accommodations.}

And oh, what's that across the river and viewable from your room's window...

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{Why, it's Big Ben and Westminster Abbey! Like I said, this location really can't be beat.}

I loved the County Hall during our stay and can't wait to venture back to London. I can't imagine staying anywhere else in the great city..

"When a man is tired of London he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford."

Samuel Johnson

Fashion Friday: Anne Hathaway for Interview

Anne Hathaway looks stunning on the September cover of Interview Magazine. It is by far the best spread I've seen her in, and definitely helps me see her in a more mature, muse-worthy light (it's hard to move on from the Princess Diaries). The editorial is pure gothic beauty goodness and really gets me excited to see what Anne can do as Catwoman, since I'm a bit more convinced now that she can pull off the mysterious character. Loving this new dark angel...

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{FIERCE}

For more Fashion Friday fierceness, head over to Blonde Episodes and check out all the other great entries.

Pink and Green Thursday: Back to School!

Today is the very first day of my senior year of college, and I have back to school fever! I love starting a new school year and all of the opportunity it has. One of my favorite parts of this new start is school supplies. Since I was little I've loved school supply shopping and getting all my new pencils, folders, notebooks, etc., so I could be the most prepared kid in school. While I've grown past the Lisa Frank days of yore, I thought I'd dedicate this Pink and Green Thursday to wonderful pink and green school supplies. Good luck this year, everyone!

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{Jonathan Adler Desk Organizer}

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{Lilly circle notes - how cheery!}

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{Jonathan Adler Giant Eraser - ah how goofy would I look whipping this out in college? Still love it though}

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{Lilly File Folders to keep my desk at home organized}

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{New reason to get an iPad?}

And I'll leave you with one of my favorite back to school songs - who wouldn't want 70s era - John Travolta to welcome them back to school?

And be sure to head over to Pink Preppy Lilly Lover and check out all the other great Pink and Green Thursday entries!

Semi Wordless Wednesday: Potential

 

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Today, I feel like life is filled with so much potential. I'm starting a new job, school starts tomorrow, and I'm on the cusp of graduating from college and entering into the real world. It's an exciting time filled with so much opportunity, and I'm so grateful and joyous that life has such potential. So even though it's cliched and I sound like a life coach, carpe diem, and seize the positive potential of today!

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{Seize the moment!}

{Be sure to head over to Flip Flops and Pearls and check out all the other great entries for Semi Wordless Wednesday.}

One Fifth by Ralph Lauren

I feel as if Ralph Lauren broke into my dreams (hello, Inception) and designed One Fifth off of my dream New York City apartment (doesn't every old Sex and the City fan have one?). The combination of black and gold is heavenly - a look I've been trying to secure for less for my own bedroom - but, trust me Ralph Lauren does it better. One Fifth is a gilded piece of loveliness straight from an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, and I'll be sure to put on my best evening gown and glitz when I head over.

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{Caitlin McGauley helped design the line and also commissioned artwork for the model apartment}

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{Thank you, Caitlin, for another sketch, "The Carlyle Girl" I'm adding to my lust list. She's so talented}

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{The art definitely adds to the roarin 20s vibe a la The Great Gatsby. And that chair, love!}

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{This apartment would definitely be perfect to sip champagne in}

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{Such a lush and luxurious bedroom}

You can purchase the collection at Ralph Lauren Home.

xx Erin