French Style

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I am always looking for ways to bring beauty into my home on a budget. A lot of times it takes great imagination to see past things. My friends say that I have that gift but I think that I am still learning. While reading French Style, I came across these great tips on how to continue my education on creating beauty.

~ Keep it simple if you really want to dazzle. Understatement can truly speak volumes.



Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
~ Look for older items on the street or at markets. You can transform a throwaway into a masterpiece.

~ Choose materials that are easy to use and easy to update.




























~ Look at the light in your house and play with color to achieve dramatic results. The use of mirrors can add both light and depth to a room.

~ Utilize fabrics, patterns, and textures that match the palette of your home.

















~ With collections and relics remember less is more. Organize with a theme in mind to make a statement.

~  Bring natural elements into your home by employing fresh flowers, large windows, and open doors.







































Text by Kristin J. Webb-Hollering, French Style Magazine 
Images via Pinterest 

Small Successes

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Photo by Ulker Mammadova on Unsplash
The quality of your life comes down to the quality of your habits. No success can happen overnight though it sometimes seems so. Every success is made out of little things, little habits which you do regularly every single day, every week.
Success is not that difficult if you decide to take one step at a time. Doing little things, small habits consistently with all your heart makes you efficient every single day and the compound effect of doing so will bring success in your life.

Antique Shopping in Belgium

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I love watching Youtube videos in the morning while I am walking on my treadmill. I recently saw this video from One Kings Lane. The co-founder went antique shopping with designer Bunny Williams in Belgium. It is absolutely stupendous! Enjoy the video.


Photo by Charisse Kenion on Unsplash








(video via One Kings Lane)

Buying Luxury Bags

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I started buying designer bags around 2010. I was influenced by my mother in law. I had just attended a giant flea market and of course, they were selling replica handbags. I purchased about 4 replica Coach bags. I was so excited about these purchases that I wanted to show my mother in law.



She looked at the bags and asked how much I had paid for them. I told her and she looked at me and said, ” For what you spent on these four bags you could have taken your money and added about $50 more and purchased the real thing”. When she said that it hit me like a ton of bricks because honestly, she was right. 


The quality of the replica bags does not and can never compare to the “real” thing. So I took my mother in law’s advice and started purchasing quality handbags. That was 5 years ago and I have not looked back since. I love having my higher quality handbags. 


I have 5 Coach, 3 Kate Spade, 3 Michael Kors, and one Dooney & Bourke. I have recently added Louis Vuitton to my collection!!! I am so excited about my Louis!!! My grandmother had them in the 80’s but when she died in 1999 her bags came up missing. We still don’t know where they are to this day. 

Tradesy helped me in accomplishing my goal of owning a Louis Vuitton. Tradesy is a company that allows sellers and buyers to purchase and sell designer accessories. Tradesy stands by their company policy which is ” knockoff’s are a no, no”! I spoke with a rep twice before making my purchase. I also communicated with the seller. She was absolutely wonderful. The process was easy and the payment arrangements are great! If you visit Tradesy and have your eye on a beautiful handbag you don’t have it pay it all at once. You can opt for the payment plan option with Affirm. 


It is painless and easy. I highly recommend it if that is the way you want to go. But I do want to say that it is credit driven so if all is well in that arena for you then start your payment plan and enjoy your luxury handbag! 
My Louis Vuitton Sac Plat tote that I purchased from Tradesy. 
It is from 2008 and in wonderful condition. 




Photo via Mrs. Shockley

Gold Coral

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I took a trip to Target last weekend and come across the “Threshold” line. It has some really pretty pieces. I really liked this coral figurine that I found. I thought it would look great in my sitting room. It reminds me of the gold accessories the Aerin Lauder has for her line.

My sitting room

(photo via Mrs. Shockley(

Money Doesn’t Buy…

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Mrs. Shockley

Money doesn’t buy elegance. You can take an inexpensive sheath, add a pretty scarf, gray shoes, and a wonderful bag, and it will always be elegant.

Carolina Herrera


Living Well by Bunny Williams

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I always love learning how to live well. While perusing through the June 2015 House Beautiful magazine I came across an article from Bunny Williams and her husband John. Bunny Williams is a great designer. I love her work!! In the article, she and her husband discuss 8 ways to make life worth living.

1. Offer hospitality, not just a drink. “Show don’t tell, what you’re serving with a well-appointed bar.



(photo credit Domaine)

2. Rethink the centerpiece. “Look beyond flowers and vases and pluck an object from the mantel, scatter shells from afar, or display farmers’ market fruits and vegetables. (see my entry here about that)

Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash

3. For a lively table, invite interesting pieces. “Table settings are like guest lists: Diversity is key…..

Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash

4. Read, share, repeat. “Buy second-hand books by the bundle so that guests can hang on to the stories they begin, even when it’s time to go”. 




5. Don’t be precious about special things. “Use and enjoy your antiques and unique finds, especially in a utilitarian room like the bathroom…..

Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

6. You need one good piece to anchor a room. ” For me, a mirror often does it……



7. Don’t wait to live well. “John and I used to entertain guests even when we had tiny apartments without room for a dining table. The point is: Don’t put off enjoying your home and friends- today there are so many ways to live well without breaking the budget….



Photo by Yakira Eppel on Unsplash

8. Your home begins as soon as you step out of the car. “It’s not just the inside of your house that deserves stylish touches. Celebrate your arrival by rolling out the red carpet for yourself- or at least a pair of oversize planters.”


Watch this fantastic video from Ballard Designs featuring entertaining ideas from Bunny Williams
(original article from House Beautiful; tips from Bunny Williams)