Countdown

Happy Almost New Year! Hope you all have had wonderful holidays and that you do exactly what you want to do tonight and tomorrow!! Before we skip forward to all the fun that 2014 has in store, I wanted to reflect on your favorite posts in 2013!

#1- Underpinnin Honesty

Apparently I'm not the only one who feels overwhelmed by bra shopping!!

#2- Arrangement of the Week: Calla Lilies and Improvisation

Gotta love a good lily. 

#3- Miami Eye Candy

Vacation!!!

#4- Hen Night In

Pics from one of my absolute most favorite events of the year!

#5- Leopard Lair

We have a wild side! 

And if you're wondering what my plans are, I am working on New Year's Eve!! Sadly, it must be done but don't fret- a little NYE glamour has made its way into the office today...

J.Crew Sweatshirt/ J.Crew Shirt/ MiH Jeans/ Toms Booties

 My beau and I plan to make this a relaxed evening after our whirlwind trip across Eastern North Carolina and the South Eastern Conference (aka NC --> TX). We had such a great time with everyone and wish the visits had not flown by so fast. Once we got home, it was back to the grind at work followed by some tough family stuff. For those reasons, you can find us a little closer to home and a little more reflective in the upcoming year. But I think we are right where we need to be. 

Here's to health and happiness for all in the new year!!  

xoxo

Joyeux Noel!

Merry Christmas, everyone!! Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

S-F will be taking a holiday break until the beginning of January. In the meantime, please follow my holiday adventures on Instagram @l_suggs and on Twitter @iluvsavoirflair. 

See you in 2014!

That's a Wrap

Who else loves wrapping Christmas presents?? It's one of my favorite things in the world. I try to pick a theme every year and this year Paper Source's ideas served as my inspiration. Their website featured gifts wrapped in kraft paper and burlap bags accented with herringbone ribbon, glitter tape and even freshly cut greenery- such a cute idea! 

via The Paper Source

I ordered their red herringbone ribbon, gold glitter tape and plain hang tags. My pal Shannon from Poplin & Queen just happened to have an extra roll of kraft paper she gave me and then it was off to wrap dozens of gifts. (Big Christmas this year!) Here are a few photos to maybe give you a little inspiration this holiday season!

Making the gift tags was my favorite part of this whole process. I sat down with the plain old tags and glitter tape one night and went to town. The result turned out to be fun and festive!

The fresh cut greenery would still be a nice touch, don't you think? I'm debating whether or not to add that closer to Christmas day...brown, dried out clippings don't exactly say Christmas cheer. 

Do you have a gift wrap theme this year? Or does wrapping gifts send you into a dreadful downward spiral? 

Merry Merry!

Making Seasons Bright

It's almost time! Are you ready for Christmas? My house didn't get 100% tricked out this year so I'm looking into last-minute, easy decorations. The West Elm multicolor party in a box is a great starting point. It comes with six festive paper lanterns, a serving tray, six champagne glasses and six votives- perfect for an impromptu holiday gathering. Then, the festive feeling practically unrolls itself from there!

1- West Elm Multicolor Party in a Box/ 2- Kate Spade Glitter Coasters/ 3- Furbish Garland (40% off with code HOLIDAY40)/ 4- Multicolor Confetti Placemats/ 5- Kate Spade for Paperless Post invitation

Do you have fun plans this year? Or any holiday entertaining tips? Do tell! Wrapping paper post to come tomorrow so stay tuned!

Lake House Living Room

My parents have lived in their home on the Tar River Reservoir for almost 31 years. We moved in when I was about five months old and they have been their ever since! It's a wonderful lake house, derived from an old Southern Living floor plan, that's centered around the views of the water. But after years of big, crazy dogs running in and out and two acrobatic children (Flips over the back of the couch aren't okay??!) some of the upholstery needs a little TLC. I got inspired by this cool Mulberry fabric I had seen around the 'net a time or two and had fun from there. I can see their big arm chair upholstered in the Mulberry Flying Ducks fabric, their sofa in either the tweed or the herringbone and then we'll paint an accent wall behind the couch on of the two Benjamin Moore colors. They already have a rustic leather love seat and hunter green grasscloth installed behind the built-in bookcases. The vaulted ceilings are cedar and all of the wood moldings match that cedar's blonde-ish tone. Do you think this combo looks good and lake house-y?

When I sent this board to Mom, she said she liked it but needed to see a pop of color. Agreed! We don't want the room to feel too muddy or dark. It should still be fun. I mean, hello, there are giant flying ducks in there! What color would be a good pop in there? I am thinking either a rich aqua or a playful salmon...

via Etsy

via Etsy

Mom and Dad also have a really fun sunroom that needs a little attention so I played around with that too...

Since most of the fabrics in this room faded over time, I made sure to check out outdoor fabrics that could stand the sunlight. I am loving the jungle print combined with the the trellis. I had also chosen a jute rug for their space but Dad apparently can't stand them. Tiger is way more fun anyway. What do you think? Any ideas or tips for us? The real trick will be getting Dad on board with investing in a little update... ;) 

Hen Night In

Hello, dear readers! Did you all have excellent weekends? I sure hope so! It was a cold and rainy one here in Southeastern NC, the perfect time to stay in...with a bunch of hens. Yes, hens... 

Hooper Patterson and Ann Schutte, the lovely ladies behind Birds of a Feather Design, gave their readers, clients and the public a chance to do just that with their grand opening of The Coop, a collection of furnishings and household accessories curated by Hooper and Anne themselves. They held their grand opening party, Hen Night In, on Saturday night and it was tons of fun! We all got a chance to check out unique artwork, fabulous furniture, gorgeous rugs and special accessories. The Coop has the luxurious and lovely feel of a designer showcase without the exclusivity and delays. You see something you like? You buy it right then and there and walk out the door with it. Instant gratification! Just check out some of the great vignettes we saw Saturday night.

In love with this rug and coffee table combination! 

This shelf was gorrrrgeous and I sadly watched it find a home with someone else. Can't win 'em all! 

With all this fabulosity, you know I wasn't walking out of there empty handed! I told my beau that all I wanted for Christmas was to go shopping at The Coop and bring home some goodies. (Oh and a Nutri Bullet but that's not nearly as fun to blog about.) I went in specifically seeking a badass etching framed in lucite and hoping to find a small end table. Of course, I found that and more! After calming myself down and getting a grip, I narrowed it down to the etching, a vintage-style porcelain camel, whom I've affectionately named Camille, and a STUNNING lucite and faux ostrich ottoman. I've spent 24 hours playing with my Christmas toys and know we will live together in harmony forever and ever.

Camille's new perch!

If you missed out on The Coop Saturday night, don't worry. The Coop will be open today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and into the rest of the week. Thanks to Hooper and Ann for a cluckin' good time and some fabulous goodies! 

Wednesday's Look For Less: Spotted Clutch

But it's not Wednesday, you say? You're right. I realized today that this post never went up yesterday. Say whaaaaat? So here it is- your belated Look For Less post! Today's topic: spotted and speckled clutches at two VERY different price points. Which one is your favorite? 

Just looking at these two side by side, you can probably take a guess at which one costs more. But you'll never believe the difference in their price! The leather and calf hair stunner on the right is by Burberry. It rings up at $1350. Yes, it really does. Never fear though! The linen and canvas pouch on the left by Rebecca Atwood is only $58. Miracle of miracles! I actually like the less expensive option  better for once! It would make a great gift for a stylish sister or bodacious bestie. 

Stay tuned for more next week where we'll get into gift giving. Woo hoo! Until then...

Monday Funday

 

Today is one Monday that I'm not dreading because the shopping savings just keep coming. Check out the best of the best below...

 

The Store: ASOS

The Deal: 30% off

The Code: GIMMEMORE

The Dates: Dec. 2- Dec. 4

 

The Store: Bloomingdales

The Deal: 25% off

The Dates: Dec. 2

 

The Store: C. Wonder

The Deal: 40% off 4 items or more plus free shipping

The Code: GIFTS40

The Dates: Dec. 2

 

The Store: Furbish Studio

The Deal: 25% off

The Code: MONDAYMADNESS

The Dates: Dec. 2

 

The Store: Serena & Lily

The Deal: 25% off plus free shipping AND a $50 gift card when you spend $100 or more

The Code: THANKS20

The Dates: Dec. 2

 

Don't forget that some of the savings from Black Friday are being carried over through today. Check out the stores, deals and codes here.

 

Sometimes the best things really do come to those who wait! Happy Monday!!



Black Friday Sales Round-Up

Y'all, it's on. I hope you have some pennies in your piggy bank because the deals are here!  

These are the best of the best so let's break it down.

The Store: Anthropologie
The Deal: 20% off
The Code: Discount automatically applied at checkout
The Dates: Nov. 29

The Store: ASOS
The Deal: 20% off 
The Dates: Nov. 29- Dec. 1
The Code: GIMME20

The Store: Bloomingdale's
The Deal: Save 20% on purchases between $75 and $149. Save 30% on purchases at $150 and above. 
The Dates: Nov. 29- Dec. 1

The Store: C. Wonder
The Deal: Save 30% on three items or more and get free ground shipping
The Code: GIFTS30
The Dates: Nov. 29- Dec. 1

The Store: J.Crew
The Deal: 30% off
The Code: HOLIDAY
The Dates: Nov. 27- Dec. 1

The Store: Lands End
The Deal: 30% off your entire order
The Dates: Nov. 26- Dec. 3 

The Store: Serena & Lily
The Deal: 25% off plus free shipping
The Dates: Nov. 25- Dec. 2

The Store: Shopbop/East Dane
The Deal: 15% off orders of $250+, 20% off orders of $500+, 25% off orders of $1000+
The Code: BIGEVENT13
The Dates: Nov. 26- Dec. 2

The Store: Tory Burch
The Deal: Save 20% on orders over $300, 25% off on orders over $500 or 30% off on orders over $750 plus free shipping 
The Code: HOLIDAY
The Dates: Nov. 29- Dec. 2

Go forth and SAVE!

Holiday Shopping Guide

via Oliver Schwarzwald

There are only 29 shopping days until Christmas. 

Can you believe that?? Don't let this little stat overwhelm you. Check back here on Friday morning to catch the scoop on the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Trust me- they're worth waiting for and will save you enough to maybe pick up a little sumpin' sumpin' for yourself.

Until then, have a wonderful rest of your week and a happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Day Style

Thanksgiving day is just around the corner. FINALLY! I for one cannot wait to chow down on all the fixins and spend the day with my cute parents, hilarious uncles and awesome aunts. Since Thanksgiving is later this year, it feels like we've waited foreverrrrrr for this day! In North Carolina, it's going to be a high of the chilly mid-40s. That means one thing and one thing only- layer up! 

Gloves/ Vest (on sale!) / Sweater (25% off with code GETGIFTING)/ Jeans/ Boots

This look is pretty much my uniform every day this fall. Memorize this formula: 

vest + sweater + jeans + boots = warm, cozy, chic

Happy Turkey Day! 

It's Curtains for the Guest Room

The holidays are all about thinking of others and showing them how grateful you are to have them in your life. For some of us, it's also a time when you have lots of visitors whom you want to feel cozy, relaxed and welcomed in your home. What better time than now to give your guest room a little revamp? 

This particular room in my house continually evolves. This past summer, we moved my old upholstered headboard and all of its bedding in there alongside my favorite Stark antelope rug. It was a match made in Heaven yet the room still feels a bit bare. I've come to the conclusion that curtains are the solution...and not just any old curtains- some really fun and fabulous ones with a super cool curtain rod. These are the different ideas I've come up with so far in this VERY rough Photoshop job...

Top Left: Curtains/ Curtain Rod/ Lamp/ Lampshade/ Bedside Table

Top Right: Curtains/ Lamp/ Bedside Table

Bottom Left: Curtains/ Curtain Rod/ Bedside Table

Bottom Right: Curtains/ Curtain Rod/ Throw Pillow

Which version is your favorite? I'm sort of leaning toward the bottom right corner. To me, the guest room is a space where you can afford to have a little fun. What do you think? 

Thankful for Fun Tables

While I despise the word "tablescape," I actually adore the act of. My plan this year was to skip the Thanksgiving tablescape post since my family's gatherings have always been casual farm afternoons with Thanksgiving dinner being more of a graze on paper plates. But when I spied these birch candles yesterday, the plan was thwarted. I mean, maybe someone out there will be in need of a few autumnal supplies for scaping the table. 

I'm such a sucker...

Gourd plates/ Birch candlesticks/ Copper Moscow mule mug/ Forged flatware/ Faux bois dinner plate/ Napkins/ Paper placemat 

What are your Thanksgiving plans this year? Are there any tablescapes in your future? 

Fall Showers Bring Baby Flowers!

 How is it November already??! Where did the year go? My fall has been PACKED with work and baby showers of all things! I suppose it's the natural progression of life- go to college and make a ton of friends; get out of college and go to a ton of friends' weddings; tons of married friends settle down after a few years and then baby makes three...or four or five in some cases. 

Cupcakes from One Belle Bakery. 

Thankfully, baby showers have come a long, long way. They seem to be less about storks and "guess the bump's size" games and more about true quality time with your favorite people who are now really busy raising kids or working their butts off. (I fall into the latter category.) Not being married or having a kid on the way, a baby shower has the potential to make someone like me absolutely insane. (Remember that episode where Carrie's shoes get taken from the baby shower and she has to register at Manolo Blahnik to get a judgey Tatum O'Neal to pay her back??) 

But I happen to love these sweet events. Call me crazy or overly-weddinged but why wouldn't we jump at the chance for two hours of girl time in the middle of a Saturday? Check out pics from the sophisticated showers I've been to recently and you might see what I mean. It's been a great reason to get together with the girls, don a fancy dress in the daytime and maybe do a little sunshine boozing. And, of course, we love celebrating life's big changes and the upcoming arrival of a sweet new member of our friends' families! 

(Don't you love this gorgeous cake stand?)

Can you guess what I'm doing this weekend? It's off to another baby shower! And I'm looking forward to it. Now if I could just keep track of all these due dates...