Color File: Polka Dots + Red

( 1. Umbrella - ASOS 2. Silk Polka Dot Tee - J Crew  3. Larabee Flute - Kate Spade  4. Rainboot- Endless 5. Dotted Scarf 6. Polka Dot Clutch - Rosalia Handmade 7. Memento Skirt - Ruche)

Last week I showed you my love for red and beige, and this week I had to throw polka dots in the mix. When polka dots are an added element to a piece it just makes it complete fun.

Happy Fall Weekend!!

P.S. Don't miss your chance to enter the Fabric and Handle Giveaway!

House to Home: Letting Fall in....

Fall, is my favorite time of year. May and October are my favorite months. Maybe because its the turn of the seasons. I decided when Gabe and I first got married that a wreath on the front door from fall through winter is just necessary. It makes a home look lived in, don't ya think? Even if its a really tacky one! I hit up one of my favorite spots last week to get supplies to make an autumn wreath since our previous one was crushed during the move:/ (Its pretty simple if you would like to try one yourself.)

The apples from our apple orchard visit...

And of course, candy corn because my husband is crazy about it. And so is my two year old son. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree my friends...

How are you letting autumn into your home?

I love hearing your ideas!

Update: for those of you who asked, I purchased the doormat at IKEA! 

Shop Feature: Room Service

(all pieces via Room Service)

I was so happy to be introduced to Room Service. Eye candy for design lovers out there. Unique, original, bold, and eye catching. I just about fell over when I saw these regal and modern armchairs above. Would love to adorn my house with them because I am pretty sure they would be used quite often to read a good book or have a cup of joe. Wouldn't you say??

P.S. I am sharing my proudest parenting moment, guiltiest pleasure, and favorite moment of the day over on Henry happened today! Come say hi! (Her blog is amazing)

*CLOSED* Giveaway: Choice Tote Bag from Fabric and Handle

(read more about the new tote here!)

I first discovered Fabric and Handle on pinterest, and fell in love with their bag line. I purchased the Delmare tote that F&H had donated to Desiree's Adoption Fundraising Auction, and it has become my everyday tote when I teach. It fits all my books, wallet, etc....not to mention its the cutest tote bag I have ever owned.

Fabric and Handle is generously offering one of you readers your choice tote bag from their new line (10 different options)!! EEE! Insert squeal of delight.

To Enter (must be a subscriber, gfc, or bloglovin' follower of IHOD):

1. Visit Fabric and Handle and let us know which tote you would choose!

(PLEASE make sure your profile link is enabled or leave an email address! I have had several entries where an email address is not left and the link to the profile is blocked!)

Additional Entries (leave a separate comment for each):

2. Tweet or Facebook about the giveaway and let us know you did!

Example tweet: Just entered the giveaway @inhonorofdesign for one of the new tote bags from Fabric and Handle! http://bit.ly/prpLVx

3. Like Fabric and Handle's  Facebook page.

FNO Recap: Meet Up with Michelle of Ten June Blog

 

Hi friends:) Recovering from travels from the weekend.....avoiding my unpacked luggage;) What an incredible wedding! (more on that later) In the meantime, had to share a few photos of our local Fashion Night Out where I met up with this lovely lady. We had such a fun time! Many of the Boutiques were offering make overs, hors de overs, and special sales. We got some cool freebies for attending as well! Michelle is as wonderful as I thought she would be!

Hope each of you had a wonderful weekend!

P.S. Stop by tomorrow! Hosting an awesome giveaway! Hint: Its from one of my favorite tote bag lines!!

Style Files: Red + Beige & Slouchy + Feminine

(source: Elle, Pinterest, Natalie Off Duty)

(source: Rue Mag,  Zara)

Two themes I have seen coming together lately that caught my attention!

I am unplugging for the weekend and heading up north to the state where I grew up: Cinci, OHIO :) I happen to come from a very large, very fun family who is all gathering to see my cousin get married! Just me and little Veronica are road-tripping it. Can't wait to witness the beautiful nuptials and hit the dance floor with my crazy sibs, cousins, aunts and uncles!

Happy Weekend!

P. to the S. Check out that fun sale code to the right for IHOD readers! Francesca's Collections is offering 30% off any item through the end of September! Way too many fun items to check out!

Photography Lighting, Textures, and How to Dress for a Family Photo.

How to use textures tutorial. (via Ruche blog)

Using Backlight for photos. (Pinterest via Rocktheshotforum)

How to dress for family photos. (pinterest via Laci Davis Photography)

These are a few fantastic posts I came across this week I had to pass along. 

I am always looking for ways to improve on photography and photoshop production.

Hope you enjoy these!

Take 3: Audrey.

 
(via the Drifter and the Gypsy and Pinterest)

" For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. "

~ Audrey Hepburn

Now that is a lady! 

Have a favorite Audrey Movie?

I really love them all! Roman Holiday, My Fair Lady, Breakfast at Tiffany's, etc.!!

P.S. Selling some final accessory inventory on the facebook page if you want to check it out! I will still be taking custom wedding orders, and taking some time to think about a shop re-structuring:)

P.S.S. I can't thank you all enough for voting for me in Bloggers Wardrobe Competition! I made it to the top 20, and they narrowed it down to 10 which apparantly I was close to making:( I think I have had enough of voting competitions for a while though!

Lookbook: Chevron Love + Apple Orchard

We decided Saturday, that a trip to the apple orchard will become a September tradition in our little family. We found a beautiful apple orchard in the north georgia mountains....

(Chevron Top: Shopkempt, Cropped Cardi: F21, Jeans: Loft, Boots: Carlos Santana, Chains Necklace: c/o BMB, Harmonica Necklace: c/o True Birds)

Little Gabriel helped us fill our bag full of apples:) 

We were riding a wagon ride in the photo above and he grabbed my arm and wrapped it around him. It made me want to save the moment forever. No matter how challenging motherhood may be some days, it always pays off with simple moments like these. My heart overflows for them.....and their daddy:)

Also, I have been asked a few times by some of you readers what are some good ways to wear tall boots. I will work on some different outfit posts to show some variety. Over jeans with a fun top is one of the main ways I wear boots. I wore a couple layers on top to balance out the boots since this is a heavier utility style. Stay tuned for more examples:) 

By the way, I have a lucky winner of the Printed Dress from Maple Boutique!.....# 25, Drew! 

Thanks to all who entered and to Maple Boutique for hosting! Launching a new giveaway next week! (Hint: will be awesome for you accessory lovers;))

House to Home: Bookshelves

In our family room, we have  a built in wall unit filled with shelves and room for the tv. At first, I was overwhelmed by what to do with them, but it ended up being a great way to place many of our pictures, favorite books, and art. Here are just a few of them....

(A few of my favorite books on this shelf! Audrey Hepburn, A Severe Mercy, The Tipping Point, etc.)

If you look closely on the second bookshelf, you can see the picture of my best friend/sister Maria and I as little girls:) 

Gabe and I love finding old used books...especially classics like Robin Hood or Anderson's Fairy Tales. We also have a spiritual reading shelf, photo book shelf, and art and design shelf. It seems that when they are out if front of you, the chances of taking time to read them are increased;) 

What are your current favorite reads?

I'll be back tomorrow with an outfit post/apple orchard recap, and the winner of the Maple Boutique Giveaway (Last day to enter!)

DIY: Neon Zipper Clutch

I am guest posting on the Ruche blog sharing the easy steps and instructions on how to make this no-sew  fold over zipper clutch! Head on over and check it out :)

P.S. The Maple Boutique Giveaway ends Monday! Goodluck!

Have a wonderful September weekend!

Studio Tour: Inside the office of Marissa Helms

(images via Harpers Bazaar)

"I love hearing other people’s inspirations, loves and passions." — Marissa Webb
 

I would love to shadow her for a day to learn from her and her creative process. Her and her team must be brilliant! (The J. Crew Design team is pictured above.) Their space must provide a good deal of inspiration. Wouldn't it be fun to take a real life tour?

You can read more of the Q & A here.

I was visiting some fabulous ladies this week!

I am sharing my favorite items in my make up bag on  The Vault Files.

Also showing my favorite ways to package gifts at Anastasia Marie Cards.

Come and visit if you would like!

Lookbook: Leopard Hints + Ombre Highlights Results

Dress: Old Navy, Necklaces: BMB, IHOD, Earrings: H&M, Belt: H&M, Flats: F21(similar), Tote Bag: Mimi Boutique

So I went through with it. I got the ombre highlights last weekend (thanks to groupon for an awesome deal to a snazzy salon), and my hair met dye for the first time ever:) I am so glad I did too. LOVE how natural it turned out, and how I won't have to keep up with it too much. I kind of wish she wouldn't have gone so easy on me though. I could have gone for a more drastic look. I tend to be too passive in the hair salon chair, and should have spoke up sooner. Funny story....the stylist suggested maybe purple highlights over these next time. Sorry hun- not happening!

Also I caved, and bought THE boots.

With good reason though:) My awesome friend Laura saw me post about them here, and pointed out that Famous Footwear was having a Buy one get one half off + 20% off sale. So she had this great idea to both get a pair for a super steal. I am pretty sure these will be worn every day of fall...so they are justified:)

Shop Feature + Giveaway: Maple Boutique

Beautiful pieces, huh? I was thrilled when Amy emailed me. She is a mama/ entrepreneur who started, Maple Boutique in the Southern California Mountains three years ago. She just launched the online site where some of the fantastic pieces can be purchased! Today, we are launching a giveaway of one of my personal faves from her shop, this Nude and Black Printed Dress by Lush.

Wouldn't this be such a fun piece to layer for fall??

I love just about every piece in her shop!

To Enter (must be a follower or subscriber of IHOD):

1. Visit Maple Boutique and let us know which piece strikes your fancy:)

Additional Entry Options (leave a separate comment for each):

2. Tweet or Facebook about the giveaway and let us know you did!

example tweet: Just entered the giveaway @inhonorofdesign to win a Printed Dress from Maple Boutique! http://bit.ly/nrrqy7

 3. Become a fan of Maple Boutique on Facebook

4. Sign up for the Maple Boutique Newsletter for fun shop news.

Giveaway ends next Monday night and will be announced Tuesday! Good luck!

Veronica Rose: 5 months.

This is Veronica Rose at 5 months old! She found her thumb in the first photo:)

She is miss roly poly lately. She learned to roll over this month onto her stomach and look around like a little turtle. My husband discovered her giggle, by putting her feet up to his scruff. It was the sweetest sound to our ears. 

Her beautiful handmade headband is from the fabulous Ilene's shop, Much Love Illy. Its Veronica's new favorite:)

and of course, these are the men in our life that make every day an adventure....

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Style Files: Bold Colors Continued

(via alihenry, anthropologie)

I'm still crushing on bold colors for Fall!

Okay so true fact: I have never dyed or highlighted my hair. I just never felt the need to.....until I saw ombre highlights. I was sold. Well, guess what? Tomorrow my hair will undergo some minor doctoring.

Maybe I can hope it will turn out something like this??....

(via sincerelyjules)

Is that too much to hope for?? I am just so low maintenance when it comes to my hair, and this seemed like a great solution.Wish me luck! Happy September weekend friends!

P.S. Still need your vote here! Thanks to you I am holding on to the top 20! Thank you so much for your support!

DIY: Stenciled Floor + Stenciled Rug

Since we are renting our home, stenciling the floor is not an option:/ But I had to share this cool idea for any homeowners who are looking for way to spruce up a room!...especially if your hardwood floors are beat up!

(designvagabond on flickr via pinterest)

(Missmustardseed via pinterest)

I want to add a splash of yellow in Veronica's room so I also loved this idea of a stenciled jute rug! Jute rugs are more affordable so its a good alternative for tight budgets.

By the way, you know who is awesome with interior finds? Michelle. And I am lucky enough to meet up with her tonight. We are heading to the local Fashion Night Out:) Will share pics soon. I kind of wish they had a live Rachel Zoe Project show today. Would love to watch that craziness! ;)

Lookbook: Transition from Summer to Fall

Striped Tissue Tee: Loft, Cargo Tunic: c/o Ruche, White Jeans: Polo, Sandals: Dress Up Boutique, Necklaces: BMB, Earrings: BMB 

I had to give my white jeans a last hoorah over Labor Day Weekend:) 

We got a blast of cooler weather with the rain, and I loved being able to open up the house. Are fall scented candles have been running all day long for the past few days! My husband likes to claim we are getting close to Christmas.......yeah he is quite the Christmas fanatic. I kindly brought him back down to earth and reminded him we have all of Fall to enjoy first;) 

P.S. My accessories (which I am crazy about!) were made by my friend Brianne. She has some pretty awesome accessories you can check out through her fan page. She just started to do this business full time, so go show her some love! Her prices are ridiculously great too!