Hudson: First Birthday Party By Bloom Designs

 

On January 2nd, 2014 my baby boy, Hudson Duke, turned 1! The following weekend we had his first birthday party and my sister, Jenny of Bloom Designs, planned all of the details for us. It was such a special gift for her to give us and Hudson... all the details of his white, gold and burlap safari themed party were absolutely perfect! Check out more photos and details of Hudson's special day on her site, Bloom Designs, and shop the printables in her Esty store [direct link here]. Big thanks to my sister for creating such a special day!

Party Styling + Printables: Bloom Designs
Photographer: Stephanie Wiley

Hudson's Custom ONE Hat: Little Blue Olive

Hudson's Outfit: Gap Linen Onesie + Freshly Picked Moccasins in Weathered Brown

All images via Jenny Raulli of Bloom Designs, photographer Stephanie Wiley and myself. Please do not use without permission, thank you! XOXO

Sales & Steals: New Markdowns At Shopbop

Shopbop just had an awesome discount last week but today they've added new picks to their sale section! I love this floral print Equipment top and these Frye boots would be a great year round go to. Also, this white Tibi dress would be the perfect look for a bride to be! More of my picks posted below or head on over to the sale section on Shopbop's site here and take a peek. XOXO

Best Dressed: 2014 Academy Awards

 Kate Hudson in Atelier Versace. Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive. Jenna Dewan-Tatum in Reem Acra. Jessica Biel in Chanel Couture.

Margot Robbie in Saint Laurent. Olivia Wilde in Valentino. Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen. Anne Hathaway in Gucci. 

There were lots of beautiful looks at last night's Academy Awards but my favorite look, hands down, went to Kate Hudson. The fit, the bead work, the cape, hair and makeup were simply flawless! Btw, Olivia Wilde is probably the cutest pregnant girl ever... loved her black and white look with the beautiful jewelry and cat eye. Who rocked your favorite look of the night?

P.S. Totally forgot to add them but I also loved Jennifer Garner's whole look and Lupita Nyong'o's  gorgeous blue gown [didn't love the headband though]. XOXO

Sales & Steals: Shopbop Spend More, Save More Code

Shopbop is having one of their tiered spend more, save more codes now through Thursday the 27th. Use code BIGEVENT14 to save 20-30% off your order of $250+! A few favorites below, start shopping here [more ideas on my spring Pinterest board]! Also, if interested be sure to check out my closet clean out sale posted this morning here. XOXO

Recent Outfit

1. Outfit Jacket: Joie [old, similar version here] | Tank: J.Crew | Skirt: Isabel Marant | Shoes: Zara [similar version + lust version] | Bag: Fendi 2Jours Mini | Jewelry: Melanie Auld Turquoise Pave Pentagon Earrings, Jennifer Meyer Initial Necklace, Melanie Auld Ring, Hermes Bracelet + Sarah Chloe x Bauble Bar Bracelet. 2. Manicure from Buff + Tweeze [Orly white gel with star decal + gold ombre glitter on a clear base]. 3. Nala Riggins nap time.

Happy Monday! We kept the weekend fairly low key except for a Saturday night outing to celebrate our friends joint birthday in downtown LA at The Stocking Frame [cool atmosphere!]. Other than that, just a bunch of errands and cleaning around the house. Promise to post a closet clean out sale this week [a few purse for sale this time as well]! XOXO

Fabulous Friday

The first issue of Porter magazine + a gem from D.L. Rhein.

West Elm mongolian pillow + a Parker beaded dress [found on super sale].

Diptyque ambre hourglass diffuser + a bone inlay box from Williams- Sonoma Home.

Valentine's Day flowers still going strong.

Kate Spade candle, Sugar Paper notebook + a new Pinterest board for front yard inspiration.

Happy weekend! This week flew by... I'm excited to celebrate my friend's birthday Saturday night and have a relaxing time with the fam. Hoping for a beach day adventure or hike if this nice LA weather holds up [sending warm wishes to all you folks in the cold!]. Hope you have a great one! XOXO

Decor: Hudson's Bedroom

Source List:

Crib, Extra Wide Dresser, Nightstand + Hamper : Pottery Barn Kids

Book Shelves: Ikea Ribba Photo Ledge [45" version]

Toys Bin: RH Baby & Child

Teepee: House Inhabit [5ft mini version]

Faux Fur Sleeping Bag Inside Teepee: RH Baby + Child

Rug: West Elm Jute Chenille Herringbone in Natural/Ivory

Sheepskin Rug: Pottery Barn

HUDSON Letters: Pottery Barn Kids

Painting: Commissioned from Cocoa + Hearts

Elephant Lamp: Pottery Barn Kids

Leather Triangle Mobile: The Alison Show

Camel + Elephant Print: The Animal Print Shop [in Pottery Barn frames]

Giraffe + Elephant: RH Baby + Child

HUDSON Puzzle: Etsy

Bedding: RH Baby + Child Organic Linen Elephant Print Bedding in Flax, Embroidered Safari Crib Skirt + Embroidered Safari Sham

Paint: Benjamin Moore White Dove

I'm excited to share the first completed room [and most important] in our house: Hudson's room! I had a hard time photographing it with the lighting so please excuse the not so great photos. All of the furniture is from his nursery in our old place and then I made a few updates like the linen elephant crib sheet, teepee, camel + elephant prints from The Animal Print Shop, herringbone rug, toy bin and bookshelves. See Hudson's nursery in our old place here [along with a much better picture of his Cocoa + Hearts painting and some of his furniture not pictured] and on my Pinterest board here. XOXO

How I Spent My... Valentine's Day

1. A special gift for my Valentine [see what's inside here]. 2. Yellow roses from my Dad. 3. Gluten free pizza, wine from a Santa Barbara wine tasting trip + House Of Cards. 4. Canton Box Company art.

Hope you all had a special Valentine's Day and a great three day weekend! We had a nice day on Friday having lunch with my mom, a visit with my dad and then a night in watching season 2 of House Of Cards and The Good Wife [just catching up on Netflix!]. We spent the rest of the weekend doing some things around the house and ordering some new decor pieces [like this Serena & Lily rug, hoping it works!]. I also made a new Pinterest board, In Our Home, if you want to follow along as I decorate our house! A closet clean out sale later this week and hoping to share photos of Hudson's room which is the first completed room [and most important!] in the house.

P.S. A fun feature I did is up on Sweets & Celebrations, check it out here. XOXO

Fabulous Friday: Happy Valentine's Day!

[a pretty pink tree in full bloom in our backyard]

Happy Valentine's Day and Friday! So much fun that a special day falls on a weekend and can be turned into a three day celebration! Hope you spend the day surrounded with love from friends, family and coworkers. It's also President's Day weekend so I'll be sure to update with any good deals but for now use code HEART214 to get 25% select style at J.Crew! XOXO 

Recipe: Gluten Free Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies are my thing. I don't have a huge sweet tooth but if you put a cookie in front of me I can't resist it! These were inspired by the sea salt chocolate cookies at La Grande Orange and I made them gluten free so everyone can enjoy!

1 stick of unsalted butter

1/2 cup of brown sugar

1/4 cup of granulated sugar

1-1.5 teaspoons of vanilla extract

1 egg

1 and 1/4 cup of gluten free all purpose flour [try Bob's Red Mil or Trader Joe's]

1/2 cup of almond flour [found at Whole Foods]

1/2 teaspoon of guar gum [found at Whole Foods

1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

1 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips or chocolate chunks [I use a mix of both]

Maldon Sea Salt Flakes for topping [found at Whole Foods or Williams-Sonoma]

Combine the butter and sugars until mixed. Add in the vanilla extract and egg. Next, mix in all the dry ingredients until just combined then add in your choice of chocolate. 

Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least an hour. This is an important step to prevent the dough from spreading [I usually put mine in the freezer for 45 minutes since I'm impatient].

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use an ice cream scoop to help form a perfect ball of dough, place on baking sheet and then lightly flatten the top of each cookie. Sprinkle with the Maldon Sea Salt Flakes and bake for 12-14 minutes until light brown at the edges. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Should make approximately 16 cookies. XOXO

What To Wear: Valentine's Day Inspiration

Red Valentino Dress | Diane Von Furstenberg Dress | Splendid Dress | Stella McCartney Dress | Charlotte Olympia Be Mine Clutch | Christian Louboutin Spike Clutch | Bing Bang Baguette Ring | Michael Kors Pave Heart Bracelet | Tai Dual Stone Bracelet | Charlotte Olympia Suede Heart Pumps | Nars Lip Pencil In Dragon Girl | L'Agent By Agent Provocateur Bra | Nars Lipstick In Schiap

The last minute count down to Valentine's Day is on and hopefully these will provide some pretty inspiration for outfit ideas! I love the idea of wearing a simple white dress and pairing it with rose gold accessories, light pink ballet flats [try this pair] and a bright lip. If you want to show a little more skin at night, this Rachel Pally crop top and skirt combo would be adorable with some neutral pumps. Tomorrow I'll share a cookie recipe [gluten free too!] if you want to bake a sweet treat for loved ones or coworkers for Friday. XOXO

Recent Outfit

1. Outfit Dress: Zara | Bag: Fendi Mini 2Jours in Black | Shoes: Chanel [cheaper options here and here] | Jewelry: Max & Chloe Monogram Necklace, Friedasophie Necklace, Anita Ko Gold Spike Earrings + Melanie Auld Ring 2. A sparkly Valentine's manicure and Cocoa + Hearts painting. 3. Early Valentine's Day date night at Mercado in Santa Monica.

Hope you had a great weekend and are gearing up for a love filled Valentine's Day week! We celebrated a little early and went to a yummy dinner at Mercado near Third Street Promenade and also ventured over to the Rose Bowl Flea Market to look for some house items [unfortunately with no luck]. If you're still searching for some ideas on what to give check out last weeks' Gift Guide here. XOXO

Gift Guide: Valentine's Day Gifts For Her

Sugar Paper Card | Aerin Amber Musk Perfume | Bobbi Brown Illuminating Powder | Gray Malin Pink Umbellas | Marysia Swim Bikini | Find It In Everything Book  | Urban Decay Naked Lipgloss | Isabel Marant Earrings | Elizabeth and James Leather Shorts | Jimmy Choo Pumps | Anita Ko Rose Gold Ear Cuff | Miu Miu Clutch | Missoni Home Pillow | Diptyque Limited Edition Rosa Mudi Candle

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and these pink treats would be perfect for the special lady in your life whether it be for mom, your best friend or you! A card and some homemade goodies would be a great way to go too, check out my Monster Cookie Recipe from a few years back here [it's still a favorite, try subbing almond butter for peanut butter for a different flavor]! XOXO

Sales & Steals: New Markdowns At Shopbop

A bunch of new markdowns were just listed on Shopbop's site, be sure to check them all out here. One of my favorite pair of flat riding boots are on sale [I've had them a few years and wear them all the time!] and I also love these Rag & Bone calf hair booties and their leather detailed jeans. This Marchesa dress is definitely my lust pick... still way too expensive but gorgeous detailing on the bodice and hem! Shop more of my favorite sale picks below! 

P.S. I just started a Spring Inspiration board on my Pinterest account, follow along here. XOXO

Fabulous Friday

Last weekend's Sugar Paper finds [including this, view on Instagram here].

TGIF! Hope you had a nice week and have some fun plans lined up for this weekend to watch the Super Bowl! I'm definitely looking forward to all the commercials [the best part if you ask me!] and the half time show on Sunday. I posted yesterday's post late last night since our internet and cable was down for a few days [boo!]. Check it out here if you missed it!

P.S. selling these Current/Elliot stiletto skinny jean in beacon destroyer [size 24] purchased from Net-A-Porter last week. Worn once in new condition, asking $190 shipped [purchased for $220]. They are now sold out in this size almost everywhere, email me at nicole.guidetostyle@gmail.com or leave me a comment below if you'd like them. XOXO 

Decor: Wall Prints

Wanderlust Map // Miss Poppy Design | Black Dots // Made By Girl | Love Script // Made By Girl | You Are My Bucket List // Read Between The Lines | C'est La Vie // SS Print Shop | Only Happy Thoughts // SS Print Shop | We Are Every Day Magic // SS Print Shop | Baby Camel Photograph // The Animal Print Shop | E.E. Cummings I Carry Your Heart Canvas // Canton Box Company | Flamingo Photograph // The Animal Print Shop

This week I've been searching for some wall art for random places throughout the house and discovered a bunch of fun new artists on Etsy and around the web I wanted to share. I purchased a few of the items above [like the I Carry Your Heart canvas, animal photos and Made By Girl Black Dot + Love Script prints] but would so appreciate suggestions of other artists and photographers that you love [I'm a sucker for any of Gray Malin's photographs!]. Please leave me a comment with any wall decor ideas! XOXO

How I Spent My... Weekend

[clockwise from top left]

1. A trip to Sugar Paper in the Brentwood Country Mart. 2. Calypso St. Barth's home decor. 3. Sugar Paper's Valentine's Day set up. 4. Sunday Brunch at True Food Kitchen in Santa Monica

Hope your weekend was wonderful! I was somewhat productive in the home decorating department which is making me feel a little better about all there is left to do [it seems like the list is never ending!]. On Saturday I made a trip to the Brentwood Country Mart to look at Calypso St. Barth... I would live in that store if  I could! Most of their decor is done in shades of white but they add in lots of texture to make the space still feel cozy and welcoming. I also popped into one of my favorite places, Sugar Paper, [check out their new collaboration with J.Crew here] to stock up on a few cards and stationery sets [got this and a few others that I'll share later this week]. On Sunday we headed over to Third Street Promenade to get some things at RH Baby + Child and then had brunch at True Food Kitchen which was so yummy [the matcha green tea lemonade was delicious!]. Have a great Monday! XOXO

Etc: Earring Organization

J.Crew Earrings [on sale in stores now].

top row: J.Crew | Kendra Scott | Banana Republic | Chanel | Bauble Bar | middle row: Kendra Scott Danielle in Tiger's Eye | J.Crew | Melanie Auld Pave Pentagon in Turquoise | Ann Taylor | bottom row: Kendra Scott Danielle in Turquoise | Stella & Dot | Melanie Auld Modern Tribal in Chalcedony | Bauble Bar X Swarovski | Anita Ko Spike Stud in Gold

While on a recent cleaning kick, I decided I needed an easier way to view some of my favorite statement earrings that are normally buried away in a drawer or box. I usually forget to add jewelry on a daily basis simply because I don't see what I have! This acrylic tray from The Container Store creates a perfect way to display some of my gems and was under $10 [plus you can stack them if you have multiples]! XOXO

Current Obsessions

Marchesa Voyage Dress | Melanie Auld Shark Tooth Necklace | La Mer SPF 50 Protecting Fluid | Equipment Leopard Shorts | Gypset Travel + Style Book Duo | Proenza Schouler PS11 Bracelet | J.Crew iPhone5 Case | Dana Rebecca Ring | Suboo One Piece Swimsuit | Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads | K. Jaques Leopard Sandals | Tory Burch Cheek + Lip Tint | Saint Laurent Small Sac Du Jour

Happy Friday! A few favorites that I am loving and lusting over right now:

• The Marchesa Voyage collection on Shopbop is pretty and oh so girly!
• Leopard as a neutral: these K.Jaques sandals would liven up a basic outfit and these silk Equipment shorts are cute and casual.
• Melanie Auld's spring collection coming soon... check her Instagram for a sneak peek! Also loving the new Proenza Schouler leather bracelet and anything by Dana Rebecca.
• Serious about skincare: I am loving these peel pads [have been using them for a little bit now] and am hoping to find an everyday spf that doesn't irritate my sensitive skin.
• Tory Burch has a new beauty line, check it out here. This lip and check tint looks great for on the go touch ups.
• Swimwear: I got rid of a lot of older bikinis last season and am dying for a Marysia Swim bikini. I also am intrigued but some of the cute one pieces out there like the Suboo swimsuit pictured above!
• The Saint Laurent Small Sac Du Jour is gorgeous in person and the cross body feature makes it easy to wear day or night... I especially like the orange and cobalt! Check out Damsel in Dior rocking her black beauty here.

Have a great weekend! XOXO

Decor: Bedroom Ideas Needed

[photo credit]

This week we started fixing up two bedrooms in our house and I'd love some help in my search for the perfect pieces! We need two rugs, night stands + an extra wide dresser [looking at this + this] in all white, a light fixture or chandelier, some accent pieces and artwork [I love Gray Malin and Jen Ramos of Cocoa  + Hearts for ideas]... listing it all out has me a little overwhelmed! I love all white for the main pieces and then like to add a little splash or color with accents and art kind of like the image above... any suggestions on unique places to look or cool ideas you've seen? One of the rooms is our master bedroom so it needs to be guy friendly too. Thanks in advance for the help! XOXO

Fabulous Friday

Fendi 2Jours Petite Shopper in Black | West Elm Mongolian Pillow

Happy Friday! Lots of last minute preparation for Hudson's party happening over here... can't wait to for it to be all set up! I have been drooling over the Fendi 2Jours for a long time and was very thankful to get one for Christmas. It's definitely more structured and ladylike than some of my other bags but I love that you can wear it cross body and the monogram feature makes it feel extra special.  I also like that the texture of the bag seems like it will be pretty resistant to scratches and stains [a must have feature with a little guy!]. Hope you all have a great weekend and looking forward to sharing some party pics in the next few weeks! XOXO

Beauty: New Year, New Beauty

Dry Bar Detangler Brush | Dry Bar Medium Round Brush | Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Pads | Tom Ford Lip Color Shine in Quiver | Aerin Beauty Perfume in Amber Musk | Make Up For Ever HD Complexion Kit in #120 | Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara Set | Algenist Multi-Perfecting Pore Corrector Gel Moisturizer | Aerin Fragrance Sampler [exact pictured not for resale]

A new beauty haul for 2014! Lancome mascaras + their artliner and the Make Up Forever HD Foundation are some of my favorite beauty staples so these value sets were the perfect way to restock [the Lancome one was basically the same price as purchasing the mascara by itself]. I also haven't worn perfume regularly since Hudson was born but have been drooling over the new Aerin Beauty fragrance collection [the bottles are gorgeous, I'll have to share a pic when it's out of the box]. I went with the Amber Musk since it had the strongest vanilla note [my favorite] but also loved the Ikat Jasmine and Gardenia Rattan. I got the little fragrance sampler as a gift with my perfume purchase for free but this mini set of all five scents would be a great way to try the collection. I'm really excited for the new Tom Ford Color Shines [which remind me of my favorite Revlon Lip Butters but with a better texture] and think this will be really easy to wear during the day [I chose this pretty pink one but I loved Ravenous and Smitten too]. A few new face products and some hair brushes from my favorite blow out bar round out my January goodies. Any beauty favorites of 2014 [or from 2013] so far? Please share below! XOXO

Review: Ginger P Designs' Ginger Mail Subscription Service

Ginger P Designs' new Ginger Mail subscription service

Happy 2014!!! I am currently trying to put away all of the Christmas goodies before Hudson's birthday party this weekend [he turned 1 on the 2nd!]. I'm also trying to get a few thank you notes out this week with some of the adorable holiday cards I received from Ginger P Designs' new Ginger Mail subscription service [which is a pretty great idea for all you busy ladies out there!]. If you sign up for the service, every six weeks for just $15 [billed every other month] you will be mailed a variety of paper goods focusing on a specific theme [my theme was Holiday Garden]. My package contained three full sized holiday cards, a mini card, 6 gift tags, a notepad, a two sided December/January calendar and a recipe for candied pecans [yum!]. Check out their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more details on how you can sign up and also for more information on their other goodies which include wedding invitations, save-the dates, greeting cards and paper goods! 

Lots of posts coming this week... sorry for the holiday hiatus but I enjoyed a great break with my little family and hope you did too. Cheers to a new year! XOXO