SIMPLE PLEASURES

have a beautiful weekend


(and have a happy Halloween!)

boo!

xoxo
catherine


image found: here

SHAKE IT OFF PART DEUX

My two favorite looks from Taylor's (ya, we're cool like that) video are the "white swan" and "mod Audrey".  Embrace your inner ballerina or mod cool chic with these finds:

















SHAKE IT OFF

I have no idea why I am going to talk about this today but here goes: I am loving Taylor Swift right now. Yes, I just said that out loud. Yes, I am old enough to be her mother and then some. But 'Shake it Off' has me turning up the music. And listening to her give advice on the Voice last night has me slightly obsessed.  People are critical of the video but I love it, I think she showcases amazing dance talent and it makes me happy to listen to it.

It is a good anthem for the day I am having. So 'shake it off' friends, shake it off.



TODAY ITS GREY

Its all about grey for me when it comes to feeling cozy and warm.  Here are some current loves:


FIND IT:
cozy coat  (on sale!) //  the perfect polish  //  just the right layer   (25% off thru Oct 31st!)  //  Hunter Boots  //  delicious tote

CLOSET MOMENT

I went no cyberspace yesterday. Crazy right?  No instagram, no blog, no facebook, nada.  I spent 5 hours in our closet tearing it apart and re-imagining it. I still have more to do but it was a great project as I needed to unplug and focus on something non-electronic.  I even found a couple of things I haven't worn in a while and feel like I sort of went shopping! win-win.

Here are a few dream closets to get you inspired to make yours fresh.  Although we can't all have giant rooms dedicated to nothing but clothes, even the smallest space can feel fresh and new with a few fixes.  

Add a crystal chandelier or sparkly tray. A table lamp adds ambiance.


 A tufted bench or sparkly bits like vases and hurricanes add a little glamor.


Add a round mirror or pretty tray with flowers and a yummy candle for a little makeover.


A decorative mirror or a large floor mirror make a statement. 
Or add an accent table if you have the space.


As I was writing this post, I realized as I looked at the images that we have things at Canvas Interiors that could certainly be added to any closet big or small. So literally as I am writing this it is morphing in to a 'get the look' post. 

Here are a few picks from Canvas Interiors that I curated for you and your closet makeover. From a simple vase with fresh flowers to a giant floor mirror.  Imagine! 




GET THE LOOK:

top row:  Lydia ottoman  //  Cleo lamp  //  Audrey tray







closet images found by row top to bottom: 
1, 2, 3
1, 2, 3
1, 2, 3
1, 2, 3 






GREY MATTERS

I am wearing a grey sweater, looking out the window at a grey day, and looking through pics I shot at the store last week.

Feeling, well, grey. In a good way.  

Here is our new Maggie Sofa. We searched high and low for a tufted sofa that feels like us. Hopefully you like Maggie. We think she's pretty cute. 


(Please excuse the distorted art in the background, the camera is funny that way)




Here are Maggie's friends (the throw pillow isn't on our website yet but you can email the store at hello@canvasinteriors.com  if you are in love).


clockwise from top left:  Ashford shelf  //  flower art  // Maltino rug  //  Manhattan throw

WHATS NEW

With all this talk of shopping you must think it is all I do. Which really is not the case. When it comes to clothes shopping I fully admit I am determined, slightly obsessed at times, very directed and nimble. I know exactly what I am looking for and search for it until I find it. And I love sharing that with you - I figure I've done miles of legwork maybe I can make it easy for you.

Whether it be my favorite pants from Forever 21 or my 'splurge' boots from last fall I am truly happy when I find just the right thing. Retail therapy? Yes indeedy.  

When it comes to furniture it is a much bigger commitment. We understand that and have built Canvas Interiors with that in mind. It is how Mr. K and I have built our home together. Purposefully and with intent. To that end, we edit the Canvas Interiors collection carefully and stay true to our core belief.  If you start with a simple canvas you can create a life of style.

For fall we love these cozy throws and pillows. We like to call this our 'creamy dreamy' laid back lux look:


We've added some drama with black accents and a few sparkly bits this season. You can mix it all together for a look that is your own. Creamy dreamy meets sparkle. 


Put our Empire Chandelier over a distressed wood dining table or in your bedroom.  Play a little, break the rules. 


You can see our entire collection here 





UH-OH: SHOPBOP SALE

It is no secret that I love Shopbop. It really is my first stop when looking for the things I have been obsessing about in my last few posts.  This happens to me twice a year (slight obsession with a few key pieces), once in Spring and once in Fall. A few little wardrobe tweaks, an investment or two (last years Stuart Weitzman 50/50's  being my all time fav) and I'm ready for a new season.

Its a good time to check out the things I've been blogging about...take a peek! Click the image to get shopping.



Or start with a few of my recent picks here:


SLIGHTLY OBSESSED: RIPPED AT THE KNEE BLACK SKINNIES

I have had my eye on these for a while but I can safely say I have crossed over into wanting a pair.  I would probably do a version of the look on the right... a little tomboy with a feminine piece thrown in somewhere.



How would you do it?  Rock, Supermodel, Tomboy?




















street style images found: 1  //  2  //  3 



THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT

I realized something very profound yesterday. While last fall/winter I was all about the oversized cashmere boyfriend sweater this fall I feel a shift in my thinking. I would like to reverse that and do long tee shirt cropped sweater. Wow - livin' on the edge I know. It is amazing how a little fashion moment turns into a two day hunt for the perfect long white tee shirt.


I thought I would share the fruits of my extensive search. These tees are the front runners. .. long tails, not too baggy, soft and slightly fitted.  The street style image has been seen many times but to me it is a classic.  Casual layers, classic style.  Easy basics are the way I roll. 


The tees top to bottom  1 // 2 // 3 // 4







GET OUT

At this time of year in these southern parts we are excited to begin our fall outdoor living season.  We do live outside in the summer but it must involve a body of water or an early morning. With the arrival of Fall comes the promise of cooler weather and outdoor living without mosquitos and sweat. Weekend afternoons are about to get a whole lot more relaxing.

As I showed you last week, our backyard looks like it has been abandoned, which it sort of has. We have not really used it since April aside from the quick dip in the pool here and there. It is a dust bowl construction zone and looks pretty unloved.

Now that the inside of the addition is wrapping up (still waiting for marble countertops, long story, don't ask) it is time to turn my imagination to the backyard and show it some love.

Here are a few pics that have been inspiring me to get ready for outdoor living:


I am really excited to do sort of a homemade casual shed type thing.  I have invented a narrative, a story of our home as you walk in the door and move through the rooms from front to back. It goes from slightly formal to casual family room, to our new 'cottage' dining room addition. For the backyard the story concludes with 'the shed'.  I want to feel like I have stepped outside my back door into my Cali roots. Or the South of France.  Light and white by day, cozy and rustic by night. I think I can pull it off right?  


We will build a more permanent structure someday. But for now we are excited to throw down some new grass, hang some twinkle lights and finally uncover our favorite outdoor sofa.  A few flea market finds and a make-shift roof will complete the vibe.



images 
top L to R: 1 // 2 // 3   bottom L to R: 1 // 2 //





JEAN JEANIE

One of the easiest investments to make for fall is a jean jacket. Long a style staple of mine, I am feeling the need to freshen up my long lasting long wearing  J. Crew denim jacket with a new one. I am in the mood for a more fitted, slightly more faded version. 



My top picks:








street style images:  1 & 3 Atlantic Pacific // 2 Man Repeller

CANVAS INTERIORS: GET THE LOOK

Today I'm sharing the slightly glam side of Canvas Interiors.  A little bit  of sparkle goes a long way. Start with a beautiful white bed and layer in bits of drama and gloss. The idea behind our concept is that if you start with a simple canvas you can create any look you want.  And with the blink of an eye you can change the look using the same base pieces.  Keep the bed/bedding/ottomans. Switch the art and lighting for a new vibe.  Its like having the perfect white t-shirt.  Dress it up or down with sparkle or patina.  Add fancy, add rustic, add your own spin. 

You can find all of these items and other lovely goods on our website:

AWARENESS

October 1st marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month. I have been inspired this morning by the beautiful courageous women who have fought this disease. I don't usually watch morning TV but today I did.  Listening to Amy Robach talk about her diagnosis and journey on GMA this morning was a good reminder to be diligent about your health.  So I'm reminding you. 

Get checked, don't procrastinate. If you are putting it off, pick up the phone and call your doctor to make an appointment. As soon as I hit 'publish' that is what I am going to do.



Deep Dive

I am finding with extra time at home I am becoming more of a shopping sleuth. I have shopped on Amazon forever, but never really for 'fa...