Author: nataliya

interior designer, dreamer, nature lover, wife. my goal is not to just transform spaces, but to also transform lives. (photo credit: VIE Magazine *I did not take this photo, but I did participate on this project)

eye candy: spring fabrics that will rock your world

Spring is here!  This means new beginnings, warmer weather, longer days (hello daylight savings time!) and bringing out the brighter colors.  The good news is that your home can freshen up too with some of the new hot fabrics that have been released for the Spring.

Duralee and Highland Court came out with some great new fabrics for 2012.  Some of my favorites are as follows:

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From Highland Court’s Global Collection,  this print is worldly and soft.  Blue and green perfection.

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A vintage birdcage print with a modern twist.  Love the fun colors it comes in!

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A leaf pattern that could be used in a beach bungalow or an urban loft, which makes it completely versatile.

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This mushroom fabric is just so delightful.   Also comes in green and pink for the daring.

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Such a fun pattern!

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Nothing screams spring more than bicycles in hot hues!

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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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These Kravet fabrics also made the cut:

It’s no secret that I love anything Ikat.   This one is also available in many other colorways.

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Love the mustard yellow, turquoise, and grey put together.

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So cute!! And the flower centers are embroidered to add texture. I can totally see this fabric in a girls bedroom.

my little SXSW experience

So having a job M-F was totally cramping my style this week in terms of SXSW, but I managed to squeeze in a little fun on Saturday night.  Driven by my mission to see Kimbra live, I attended Perez Hilton’s One night in Austin party.  Best part:  all of the proceeds went to VH1’s Save the Music.  Some of my favorite performances included: Kimbra (of course!), Dev, Dragonette, Ed Sheeran, Kreayshawn, and B.O.B.  Check out my pics below.

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(Kimbra)

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(Kat Graham)

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(Perez Hilton)

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(Ed Sheeran)

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(Dragonette)

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(Kreayshawn)

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(Dev)

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(Timbaland)

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(B.O.B.)

next big thing: Kimbra

When I first found Kimbra a few months ago it was like love at first sight (wait…more like love at first sound!).  She’s featured on Gotye’s track “Somebody I Used to Know” that spent 8 weeks at #1 in Australia, topped charts in 11 countries, and gained so much popularity recently in the US.

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Originally from New Zealand, she is 21 years young, but has the maturity and sophistication of a veteran in the music industry.  Her originality and retro-modern sound has been compared to the likes of Duffy and Amy Winehouse.  For me, I love her style.  Her voice is soulful and jazzy, yet rediculously fun.  Her music has 50’s charm and charisma mixed with pop beats that fits in well with today’s music scene.  She’s theatrical and unique.  LOVE LOVE LOVE.  I can’t say it enough.

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(“Good Intent” Music Video)

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(“Cameo Lover” Music Video)

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This summer promises to be big for her:  she will be touring with Foster the People and her CD “Vows” will be released in the US in May.  If you are impatient like muah, you can order it on Amazon from sellers overseas or purchase her songs on iTunes.

The SXSW music festival just kicked off in Austin yesterday, and Kimbra will perform at the MTVu Woodie Awards Festival tomorrow, among the likes of some other hot and upcoming artists.  I may have to resist every urge to call in sick tomorrow.

(“Settle Down” Music Video)

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Lauren Conrad’s Spring Collection at Kohl’s

I noticed the other day at Kohl’s that Lauren Conrad came out with her Spring Collection and I was beyond excited.  I absolutely adore her line because 1) its cheap and easily assessible 2) its up to date with vintage flair  3) it’s like a hidden gem – seriously like my best kept secret!  But oh my faithful blog readers, I will open it up to you :).   The clothes are a little pricey for what you expect at Kohl’s, but they run sales practially every week.  Subscribe to their emails and you will get $5 off for joining, and coupons for like 20% off.  So you can get that tank thats originally priced $40 for $20-ish after sale and discounts.

Here are my favorites from the Spring Collection. What ones do you like??

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1) Striped Dress

2) Tiered Mixed Media Dress

3) Colorblock Pleated Dress

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1) Polka Dot Ruffle Racerback Top

2) Bird Raceback Tank

3) Bird Peplum Camisole

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1) Platform Dress Sandals

2) Vintage Round Sunglasses (also comes in black!)

3) Flats

beach withdrawls & florida memories

It’s been raining for about 24 hours straight.  This was the view from out my back window this morning:

It seems like good ol’ FB is just blowing up with pictures from people on their fabulous spring breaks.  It really makes me miss that beach town we used to call home, Destin.

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(Photo by Chris Frey, found on Destin Chamber of Commerce’s website)

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White sand beaches…Blue/green water….good friends…amazing seafood = MAJOR WITHDRAWLS.

My memory takes me back to a week after graduating from college, with my silver Cutlass stuffed to max capacity with all the clothes and necessities I could fit.  I remember what it felt like to drive away, looking back at the home I grew up in, one last time.  I didn’t know how much my life was about to change at the time…I just knew I had a dream, and I had to chase it.

I got to FL and the first 6 months of my life was like a vacation: beach everyday, killer tan, exploring all the great spots to eat, drink and be merry.  Being a tourist was like my job and damn was I good at it.

It’s like one day I woke up, it was 2011. It had been 3 years since I moved to the Emerald Coast.   I was working full-time, couldn’t tell you the last time I went to the beach just to lay out and tan. Probably had been months.  And the next thing I knew Nate got that job offer and we were moving to San Antonio.  Ironically, three short weeks later, I was driving away from a place most people dream of living, starting all over again.

I guess my point from this random babble is that we get so caught up with our day-to-day routine that we take things (& people) for granted.  Don’t forget to live in the moment.   You never know where life will take you – so when you have something beautiful right within your reach, take it.  This weekend I encourage everybody to do one thing they absolutely LOVE, no matter what.  No excuses.  Life is too short not to play (even if it’s in the rain). 🙂