Black and White Mash Up

November 4, 2013

Look One: Dress: c/o Ming Wang, Shoes: c/o Shop Sosie, Jacket: c/o Sheinside, Bracelets: c/o The Shine Project, AWAccessory
Look Two: White: Dress: c/o Shop Sosie, Boots: Jeffrey Campbell (c/o Shopbop – sold out but similar), Necklace: c/o Blue Skies Shop, Sunnies: Windsor

Black and White….my current obsession both in design and in wear. What do you think of wearing White in November? I said to hey with it and wore the dress to the workshop over the weekend:) Being unconventional is sometimes the best way to make your day a purposeful one.

Also, have you heard of the line Ming Wang? Fell in love with this contrast dress and know it will be put to use often. A little modern art on a dress is right up my alley. There are even little silver beaded details along the side. The sweater material allows you to forget you are even in a dress!

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So…What. a. week…..or month really!

Saturday, I got to see a big dream come to fruition in The Brand Market workshop, and it was an exhilerating experience. You can catch some behind the scenes moments on instagram. I can’t wait to share more about it!

While the most exciting work collaborations and opportunities unfold, the fuel for my steam engine is coming to a halt. Sooo, the next few weeks I am resting, cleaning, hanging with my little ones, and all of the other things that had to be put on hold for days on end. I will keep blogging through the holidays but this year I won’t be doing a gift guide, any major projects, or running any other events. I am hoping to use this time to fuel up for 2014:) My favorite holidays are ahead and I don’t want to miss any of it.

I feel like I am always saying it but REALLY! THANK YOU all for all your love and support. YOU keep me going.

Audrey Hepburn – 5 Looks for MarthaStewart.com

November 1, 2013

Beautiful set of Audrey Pearls c/o Love Obsessed

I am sure you saw across social media already … I was a little excited.

Getting to play Audrey Heburn for a day was a tad fun. MarthaStewart.com asked me to come up with some costume ideas you can pull together last minute for Halloween, and of course I chose 5 looks as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It was really fun to pull out the rusty guitar too;) A little jam sesh for you.

These are a few outtakes and images from the feature. You can see the full details on Martha Stewart.

Which of the 5 looks is your fave? Would love to hear!

Major thanks goes to Chelsey Heidorn for helping me make this vision a reality. She is a talented one!

Lesslie Tessler Capes

October 31, 2013

Pluma Cape: c/o Leslie Tessler
Top: c/o Kiki LaRue
Pants: F21 (similar)
Shoes: J.Crew
Clutch: c/o Red Envelope
Ring: c/o Deloom
Bracelet: c/o Stella and Dot – Elizabeth Greever

I gave some behind the scenes peaks into the Leslie Tessler Trunk show on instagram, but if you haven’t yet heard of her line, here is a little re-cap!

The Leslie Tessler collection came all the way from Buenos Aires to Atlanta for a really fun and intimate trunk show. Leslie even came 8 months pregnant! She was so lovely to meet in person and you can tell she puts so much heart into her work.

We had our color studies done by White Professional Color Lab beforehand. I discovered I was meant to wear cool colors and received a personal palate guide to stick in my purse when I shop! The capes are so beautifully made. Every cape is handmade in Argentina and every detail is the highest quality. Her selection appeals both to the modern and classic woman. Optional fur collars add endless possibilities for styling. Every color is carefully selected to flatter varying skin tones, and each style built for functionality as well as fashionability.

I chose the pluma cape in herringbone due to the lighter winters here in Atlanta. It is silk lined and has two side holes for easy mobility. It is going to be fun to layer throughout the fall. If you are from the north, the wool designs will keep you warmest!

My stunning friend Mandy Rye decided it would be fun to show you the different ways we styled our Capes. You will die over her ensemble. Head over to Waiting on Martha to see her gorgeous outfit and details!

A huge thank you to Leslie Tessler for allowing us to be a part of this event! It was such a nice time! And thank you to my sweet friend Amarena for snapping these pics!

#EncourageBeauty in November

October 30, 2013

I remember when I started dating Gabe I would mumble a good deal and look away when I was talking to him. It was a bad habit I didn’t even realize I was doing. He started to challenge me to look at him straight in the eyes when I was talking to him. Something simple but so challenging to me. Why? Well for one he was so darn cute he made me revert to a third grade level of communication! The other reason being I just wasn’t that confident in some areas of my life. I was always strong in my convictions and was very focused, but when it came to how I felt in general, it would show in my actions. I didn’t really feel that beautiful. Gabe single handedly wrecked down those walls of insecurity (dare I reference him as a wrecking ball??) and re-built them brick by brick…one compliment, one good deed, one authentic act of service at a time. I began to realize his genuine love was giving me a new shield of confidence and an armor of strength I still carry to this day. I thank God for that.

So there’s a point to this story. Give your words thought, and give them away carefully. Love often. Love strong. Love big and small. We all are in need of it, and we all could use a good dose every day. I am so happy to be teaming up with Hilary Rushford again to bring back #EncourageBeauty for the month of November. Its our small way of paying gratitude for those around us, for what we have received, and what we hope to give. Will you join us??

There are many ways you can join in. The above graphic is just a guide with daily prompts/ideas to encourage beauty this upcoming month. You can post it on instagram or print it and tape it to your bathroom mirror. Link up across social media, and check out how everyone is joining in. Participate one, three, or all days! We can’t wait to read your stories. There is an endless amount of possibilities and each and every small act makes some level of change in the world around us. It may feel a tad awkward the first few days, but I bet by the end of the month you will be __________, the girl on fire!

Head over to Dean Street Society to see Hilary’s art quote – its a good one! And just get hooked on her blog while you are at it. She is one of my very favorites.

Tips for Successful Family Photos + Photography Package Giveaway

October 29, 2013

Chelsey moved down here from Connecticut this year and she introduced herself at just the right time. I was really needing a photographer for IHOD and she was up for my crazy adventuring. I have been blown away by her ability to bring out the best of EVERY photoshoot and she is always willing to go the extra mile (sometimes literally). I was especially impressed by the way she handled our family photos. She is so good with kids and knew how to make them comfortable. She even got out on the rocks in the lake to get the right snap.

Chelsey is sharing some of her best tips from a photographer’s perspective and a mother’s perspective on what makes family photos less stressful and more enjoyable – because yes, we actually had such a fun time!

The best thing you can do is to be comfortable. Wear clothes that reflect who you are but also that don’t require a lot of fussing. If you are pulling and tugging and fixing, it will make it difficult to get a photo when everyone is looking. This requires you to PLAN AHEAD! Outfits pulled together the night before hardly ever turn out how you want. Try on outfits ahead of time to make sure things fit okay and ready to go.
Another part to being comfortable in front of the camera is to not to stress about the perfect pose and everyone smiling. Children can really sense tension, and if you are stressed, they will be too. If you are able to have a relaxing setting, they will feel comfortable.
Plan something your kids will enjoy. That will keep their interest and genuine smiles on their faces.
A few “bribe” techniques that have worked with some families in the past: Marshmallows are quick to eat and mess free. One marshmallow given for each smile. Pennies can also be offered that add up to buying a treat at the end of photos. It doesn’t get them all sugared up, and is mess free.
I often bring squeak toys with me to get the attention of small kids, but if there’s something that they really love that will pull out those smiles than bring it!

Its amazing how simple and effective these tips can be! …

Knowing my children, I decided to combine a few things they love…food and a body of water. We did a mini picnic by the lake – hot cocoa and cider, hummus and veggies, salsa and pita chips. It was Veronica’s dream come true (she is a hummus fiend). There was also room enough for an impromptu rock skipping lesson. There was minimal bribing involved simply because they were so happy to be in an environment with so much to see…. boats sailing by, fish in the water, rocks on the sand…we wouldn’t mind spending many evenings like this one.

Well Chelsey Heidorn Photography (new site coming soon!) is so generously giving away a photography session up to $350 value to a lucky reader!! She can drive anywhere in the Atlanta area (and up to 6 hr radius if you get a few families to book), and she also TRAVELS for weddings!! If you would like to go ahead and book a session, she is offering a 20% discount for any session booked by December 1!! Just mention In Honor of Design

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gabe: Shirt – J. Crew // Shorts – Old Navy // Sandals – Reef
Anna: Shirt: J. Crew (gift) // Jeans – 7FAM // Boots – J.Crew
Gabriel: Sweater – Ralph Lauren (consigned) // Pants – Old Navy
Veronica: Sweater and jeans -Baby Gap (consigned)//Shoes – Osh Kosh // Headband – Jennifer Ann
Max:Overalls and Denim Jacket – Baby Gap (consigned)

The Wonder Bag – Lily Jade

October 28, 2013

I have always rated a bag by the amount of pockets it has. I never could understand why a super cute bag would have a disappointing amount of pockets inside. Two maybe three. I was left with the option of piling my life in a heap and hoping nothing would get tangled or wet from spilled water bottles….because in truth, I really do carry all areas of my life inside my bags.

This is why when I met The Madeline Tote from Lily Jade, I was starry eyed and twitterpated. Pockets on the outside, and a copious amount of pockets on the inside. Complete with all sizes and variations. Better yet, half the pockets are an insert that is detachable and washable canvas fabric (as well as a diaper changer rollup!). It is made of soft luxurious leather and has both shoulder straps and a detachable strap that allows you to wear it as a backpack. I am telling you its a wonder bag. It even smells good. Not kidding.

I am able to fit my camera, wallet, phone, diapers, wipes, bottle, two sippy cups, lip balms, gum, pens, checkbook, snacks, books for the kids, keys, etc. etc. etc…..and each with their own pocket! (Dreamy.) Since I received it, it has gone everywhere with me.

It is definately an investment, but after a pile of cheap carry all bags that have broken straps and and zippers I am realizing it might just save money in the long run to go with the winner in the beginning!

P.S. This beauty is on sale! Also use my discount code Anna20 for 20% off your order! Now you have yourself a real deal.

All photos by Chelsey Heidorn Photography, outfit details here.

DIY Costumes Part 2: Kate Middleton – The Duchess

October 24, 2013

Costume Breakdown: Dress – De La Hooke // Jacket – Sheinside // Nude Pumps // Hat – DIY

That Kate Middleton….always classy, always cute, and always has a smile on her face. What’s not to love? This is an easy DIY modeled after one of her many many cocktail hats she wore. Pair it with a cocktail dress, long jacket, and nude pumps for the finished look! And of course don’t forget the Royal wave.

Cocktail Hat Supplies:
2-3 Big ivory florals
Girls Tights or Hosiery in Ivory
Wire hanger
Pliers
Hot Glue Gun

Instructions:
Using your pliers, re-shape your wire hanger into a long oval shape.
Cut one leggs length off of the tights and slide over your oval shape. Tie the end into a knot.
Hot glue the backs of your florals over the knot area.
Secure over your head by sticking bobby pins through the tights.

And in case you missed last week’s DIY Halloween Costume.