Looking At Online Today...

The Bombay Beach Romper, $43.95 Quiksilver

Been jonesin' for some new overalls.

The Spike Knucklebuster Ring, $100 Luv Aj

This ring is so completely badass. And everything by Luv Aj is AMAZING.

(Sorry Mom. I said "badass.")

Wildfox Light Feather Raglan Tee, $85 on Singer22.com

I don't know if they have this particular tee, but here in town, there is an impressive selection of Wildfox at Two Elle.

Kenneth Jay Lane bow earrings, $15 on Etsy.com

This is the cutest little Etsy shop called Odelma Vintage, owned by a friend of a friend. Give her some love and add it to your faves.

Brandon Heath and Cole Haan

I think the cat's finally out of the bag...my good buddy Brandon Heath sang at Carrie Underwood's wedding. To be exact, he sang his song "Love Never Fails" as their first dance, and it was a surprise from Carrie to Mike. Can we all just say "Awwwwww!" All together now: "AWWWWW!!!" Anywho, if we've been buddies for a while, you might know that Brandon sang in my wedding too. He actually sang as I walked down the aisle. Hmmm, guess Carrie and I have pretty good dang taste in wedding singers.

All this is a long way of saying I helped Brandon get his wedding outfit together because he was so busy recording his newest album, and then we worked on his photo shoot for said album the next week. I found some great stuff while working on both; my favorite and one I'll admonish all you dude readers to look into is the pair of Cole Haan loafers above. They're the perfect warm, antiquey brown and great with grey or navy pants or jeans. Heck, replace the driving loafers in the dude outfit of the month with these. Another fun fact about 'em (besides that they're now ON SALE!!) is that this particular lace-up is a remake of one of the first shoes that Mr. Cole and Mr. Haan ever made. The box even has the original company logo.

I pulled those shoes (but we went with a shoe from Billy Reid) for his wedding suit, but I loved them so much, I had to blog about them. The pic above and the ones below were included on my "mood board" for the Brandon job. I hope they inspire your stylish life today.

Courtesy of GQ.com (clearly)

Another great way to wear a denim shirt. The ways are endless, really.

Also GQ.com

White jeans...would you dare?

From J. Crew

Love the combination of rough jeans with dressy on top.

It's all very sexy school teacher. Grrr.

Dude Outfit of the Month

Have you guys been to Billy Reid yet? Heard of it? Oh, it's so dreamy. I feel transported to retail the way it must have been 30 years ago...and also kinda want a highball glass of bourbon when I walk in. Maybe B. Reid is a little out of your price range to shop there on a regular basis, but it's nothing if not inspiring to walk in and browse. And this little Florence, AL, shop is spreading like wild fire, even starting to sell their wares at Bloomingdale's soon. That's huge! Yay Billy! He even had a jacket on Joe Jonas in last month's Teen Vogue. I'm sure you guys are all big fans. Of Joe Jonas. And Teen Vogue. I'm sure of it. (The whole spread is actually quite cool and Americana. Check it out here.)

This month's dude outfit of the month is inspired by Billy Reid. Buy there or buy at the Gap, either way, it's a great look for summer. Here's fair warning though, my friend and neighbor YMCA Ryan tried a similar look toned down for work the other day, and well, he got jeered at. Going in strong like he did with the red and white gingham invites predictable, lame comments like "You look like a picnic table", so just get ready. You can always fire back with, "Well, so does your mom." Or something....

The formula: Gingham shirt/sleeves rolled up/untucked/no under-shirt + light wash jeans/cuffed at the bottom + slip-on loafers

Short-sleeved gingham shirt, Gap $49.50

Billy Reid red/white gingham shirt

+

Reverse selvage light-wash jeans and loafers, Billy Reid $195 for both

Budget alternative: Levi's 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit Jeans, $40 Levis.com

and Steve Madden loafer, $59.50 Nordstrom.com

+

Persol sunglasses, $360 Sunglasshut.com

Budget alternative: Charlie sunglasses, $11 Fredflare.com

Amber and Ash--Part 2

Welcome to part 2 of the Amber and Ash Fashion | Home Series! I hope you enjoyed our first posts because we had a great time with it. This time we are truckin' it down South to visit one of America's favorite gals--Reese Witherspoon! Everyone loves Reese! A little background--she was born in New Orleans (N'Awlins) and raised most of her childhood in Nashville. Obviously, this is a perfect fit for Amber and Ash! I thought I would take a stab at designing a dining room for Ms. Reese. That would be one heck of an honor! Southern charm would most definitely show up in her ability to be a great hostess and I think she would grin, say "Hey Y'all!" and kiss every guest on the cheek as they arrived! Let's talk a little about her fashion style. She is always adorable and young but still so classy and sophisticated. Most of the time she is pretty neutral, but you can see a peek of color here and there. She is pretty practical and probably makes decisions based on what she should invest in and what she should just pick up at a thrifty store. Notice she has the same bag with her in the top three pics. Three totally different looks but the same bag works beautifully with each.

Below I have put together some pieces that play off of Reese's style. Practical and flexible, but totally refined with carefully placed touches of luxury here and there. Keep in mind--no matter what your budget, this is achievable. The ideas cross budget boundaries and apply to all of you!

a. Room and Board Wegner Wishbone Chair ($699) Never has a MORE beautiful chair been designed. Maybe some have tried, but to me, none have beaten this one. Designed in the 1950's, Hans Wegner knocked it out of the park! These can be found as knock-offs, but with something like this, the real deal will only gain beauty and value over time. If you cannot afford a whole set, do not feel bad. Consider just buying one and adding over the years. One day you can pass down the set to your daughter, or heck-sell them on Ebay and make back all of your money! Classics never die.

b. Pottery Barn Benchwright Pedestal Dining Table ($1299) I selected this table because of its classic architectural detailing and flexibility. It is extendable, so do not fear if two more guests arrive! Another investment piece, but much less expensive than an antique. Don't we all love antiques?? If you can afford a beautiful antique table, go for it! If not, consider one from Pottery Barn.

c. Room and Board Linear Steel Base Cabinets ($3599) Based on the Arts and Crafts movement, this piece is perfect for dining room display and storage. It is clean and simple and will never go out of style. If these are out of your budget, try grouping 2 or 3 of these Ikea storage pieces for a similar style.

d. Restoration Hardware Entablature Mirror ($2695) Both Neoclassically-inspired and over sized, this mirror is a show stopper. It is quite an investment, but if you are thrifty and looking to get a similar look on a shoestring budget, try this $100 mirror from Ebay and apply a whitewash finish!

e. Custom Art Work by local artist Lori Prochaska - I always encourage clients to invest in nice artwork. There are many options available as far as prints, etc. but you cannot beat the beauty of an original painting. This one is mine (I am so proud!) My friend and colleague was commissioned to paint it for me. I gave her a photograph that Kyle and I took while visiting New England last fall. There was nothing more glorious than those leaves and I wanted to honor the beauty of God's creation by having something in my house that would constantly bring me back to that time. If you are interested in getting something done by Lori, let me know. Please do not let geography fool you- this girl can paint 'em and ship 'em!

f. Restoration Hardware Open Weave Sheer Linen Drapery ($99 - $129) Restoration Hardware has a wonderful selection of draperies. These are quite a steal! I love sheers, and although Kyle is not a huge fan of people looking into our house and likes a heavier visual barrier, I try to use them when I can! Try layering sheers with something heavier and just closing the privacy drapes at night!

g. Fancy Upside Down Chandelier from Horchow ($478) Recently I rediscovered Horchow! It is a great site! If you have a more traditional style, but do not want to feel stuffy in your home, this is a site to watch and peruse occasionally. I have a feeling that Reese may would invest in a beautiful antique crystal chandelier, or maybe even like lots of Southern families, have one that has been passed down as a family heirloom. If you are so lucky, hang that girl up and be proud of its history! If not, lots of sites, such as Horchow, have a beautiful selection of "fancy" light fixtures that work wonderfully with more casual furniture. They take it up a notch without making the room feel really formal.

h. Waterford Araglin Platinum China Waterford is timeless! I love china, and definitely registered for it when Kyle and I got married. Many other brides advised me not to but I absolutely love mine. I got all 12 settings filled for the wedding and was so happy! That is the thing about a Southern wedding- the older generation of ladies are going to take their hineys right on down to Dillard's and ask for a registry print-out, go straight to the china, and buy a place setting (or two!)! I, being the not-always-the-most-traditional person that I was/am, took a unique approach that really threw off some of these same precious ladies, but they all went with the flow. I chose 6 patterns, all silver or platinum and white, and registered for 2 settings of each. The 6 are all usually displayed mismatched, so that you get a more shabby look. Any of the pieces look beautiful paired with any of the others. Another reason this is good is that if you break some, you can replace with any silver/platinum and white piece! All of the 6 were different price points as well.

i. Restoration Hardware 20th Century Scroll Register Cover ($29) One way to have a "designer's touch" in your home is to pay attention to things that are often overlooked. This would be things such as door knobs, light switch plates, air vents and register covers, door bells, etc. These beautiful register covers would be beautiful in almost any home! I have honestly not thought about our registry covers much, although I immediately switched out our light switch and electrical outlet plates to stainless steel ones offered both at Lowes and Target! Now I may consider getting a few of these...

j. Vera Wang Cake Serving Set ($60) I also got this as a wedding gift. I have used them many times! If you have friends over for dessert, why not serve the pie or cake with something fabulous? I believe in keeping the "good stuff" accessible and using it! Burn the nice candles!!! That's what they are there for! Don't let those candles sit around with a perfect white wick. Burn those babies and enjoy the things you buy. The same goes for china, crystal, and fancy serving trays. It makes things so much fun :)

k. Ralph Lauren Argyle Decanter ($120) and Low Ball Glasses ($50 for 4 pc set) Does Ralph Lauren make anything that is not perfect? This bar ware would be perfect displayed in the Room and Board storage piece above! These are another example of things that you should use and not let sit around and collect dust. A few nice glasses and a decanter are such a nice addition to a home- especially if you like having company and visitors. It does not have to replace your everyday stuff, but it is nice to have as an addition. Thrift stores and ebay have TONS of beautiful mid-century or turn-of-the-century glassware for dirt cheap! Garage sales and estate sales do as well. Keep those eyes peeled! It is a lot more fun drinking out of a beautiful 100-year-old glass that you bought for a quarter than something new and generic.

l. Fresh Orchid- I love orchids. Enough Said. This is a tribute to Reese's character Elle Woods in Legally Blonde! PINK!!!!!!!!

m. Horchow Copper Finish Wood Sculpture This is a beautiful unique piece for any room of your house. I can even see it in a fancy spa-like bathroom! Sculpture is such a nice way to add a modern edge to a traditional space. It is not as much of a "first thought" as paintings when it comes to art, but sculpture really does offer a nice touch. Try looking around in your area for some local sculptors. You never know what you will come across!

n. Maison Amber Candles from Bed Bath and Beyond Fun story about these! We went to NYC on our honeymoon and stayed in On the Avenue (upper west side). There were candles all over the OUTSIDE of that hotel- steps, everywhere! They smelled so great that I could smell them when I got out of the subway around the corner. I called back to the hotel and after about 6 months, the concierge called me with the candle manufacturer. I though for sure I would have to order them from Europe or something. Nope. They were from Bed, Bath, and Beyond!!! Everyone who comes to our house comments on this scent. Also, it is called "amber" so there you go girl, a little extra love!

o. Natural Fiber Rug - These types of rugs are great for under a dining table because you can clean them very easily. They come in a huge price range, and are available at overstock.com, all the big box stores, and just about anywhere you look! Make sure your dining room rug is big enough to fit the table and all of the chairs without the legs going off the back when people are sitting.

Well, there you go! Whew! Make sure to hop on over to my blog (www.ashinteriors.net) to see what Amber is up to as well. She based this next outfit on a beautiful room from Lonny Mag!

As Seen On AshInteriors.Net!--Room to Outfit 1

Here is my very first guest-blog on AshInteriors.net in case you peeps weren't able to read it. Get excited about tomorrow!! New room. New awesome outfit.

Hi, everyone! If you guys don’t already know me, nice to meet you! Like Ash said, I’m a wardrobe stylist in Nashville, but during the summer, it’s much too hot here to film or shoot outside, not to mention that most of the artists are on summer tours. So, we slow waaaay down; I sorta feel like a schoolteacher with these summer breaks I experience in my job. With that said, I am beyond excited to devote some of my free time to doing another thing I love—talking about fashion and interiors—and my first “guest blogging” experience! Ash and I hope you have as much fun reading along as we have had putting it all together for you. Now onto our first room-to-outfit transformation!

I love the palette of our first room. It feels very intentional in that the designer has made the walls, trim and floors stark white, really allowing the accessories to pop off this blank canvas. That gilded clock, those lovely mirrors and frames, the old books, and the vintage-looking side chairs all really stand out. Likewise in fashion, one of the best parts of this time of year is the simplicity of a lot of our wardrobe pieces—khaki boyfriend shorts, white sundresses, barely-there sandles. When it’s hot, we’re likely only wearing one layer any way. So why not take a nod from this room and make it a solid color (even white!), and add a great necklace or classic watch. People will notice your sun-kissed, glowy skin and jewelry for sure.

This room is classic with a little bit of modern thrown in—you don’t get much more classic than those mid-century white chairs--but the clean lines of the coffee table and the brightness of the room keep it very modern. Maybe I’ve been watching too much of The City, but the first person I thought of whose style corresponds to this room is Olivia Palermo. If you think about it, Olivia is most well-known for her accessories. I mean, she’s an accessories editor at Elle. Besides that, she tends to wear a catalog of very few colors, mostly earth tones and black, completely opposite the protagonist Whitney Port, who is fearless with color and patterns. Also, you’ll really never see Miss Palermo without a classic bag or shoe--even her hair is timeless! She’s also touted her love of vintage timepieces as well. Somehow, despite wearing mostly subdued wardrobe items like in these pictures, she manages to be simultaneously cutting-edge and modern.

Here are the pieces that make up our room, tagline: inspired by Olivia Palermo.

1. French Connection Bella Jersey Dress. $168. French Connection is one of my favorite lines for “grown-ups.” The pieces are well-made, on-trend, and easy on the pocket book. The room as a blank canvas inspired this dress. Anytime you wear all white, your accessories will tell the story. I love how this dress, like our room, is classic and modern at the same time. Gosh, those shoulder pads have spanned generations.
2. Nixon Kensington Watch. $120. One of the first things I noticed in our room is that bright gold clock. Olivia wears Cartier, and well, we wear Nixon. All the same, an oversized gold watch is a must-have right now. If you can get your hands on a vintage men’s one, even better.
3. Gorjana Peyton Leather Bali Studded Bracelet. $55. I have a tendency to want to add a bit of toughness to every outfit, but the diminutive size of these studs keeps them lady-like. The black books in the foreground are a real statement, so I chose black bracelets like this one to mimic that. They bring in the shoe nicely as well.
4. Sephora Maniac Long-wearing Lipstick in Rich Chocolate Shimmer. $12. Echoing some of the color in the artwork frames is this classic brown lipstick. Oh, and it’s coming back--the bold late-‘80s lip (think old school Cindy Crawford.) Ease into it with something a little more sheer like this one from Sephora.
5. Ann Taylor Swarovski Stud Earrings. $40. When listing women’s retailers that appeal to a more timeless style of dressing, Ann Taylor is one of the first. And every girl needs a pair of “diamond” stud earrings. When all else fails in choosing an earring, these ALWAYS work. If you’re wearing a statement necklace, for example, these beauties are all your ear lobe needs.
6. We the Free Piano Trench Jacket. $49.95. Another one of those items that every girl needs—a classic trench coat. This one is perfect for a windy night on a patio and matches the spirit of the room.
7. Hayden-Harnett Lorca Bag. $269.10. Ringing in at over $250, this purse is one of our “investment” pieces. If you wag your purse around as much as I do, you really do need one built to last. This bag adds that pop of burgundy to the outfit that the artwork on the right-hand wall does to the room.
8. Rosegold Suede Wedges. $168. If you’re on your feet as much as I am, you realize that it really does pay to invest in good shoes. Rosegold is one of my new favorite lines. Adored by celebrities and the sister shoe of Modern Vintage (like the room!), these wedges are European-crafted of the softest leather. The front gladiator-style panel is really on-trend and adds a cool twist to our white shift dress.
9. Gorjana Leather Skinny-Studded Bracelet. $55. Add this Gorjana bracelet to either wrist, either mixed with the other leather bracelet or wear both on the same side as your watch.
10. Anthropologie Petaled Remains Scarf. $48. I love how the pattern and color of this scarf perfectly mimic the side chairs in this living space.
11. OPI “You Don’t Know Jacques” nail polish. $5.99. This grey nail polish, I swear, is our generation’s answer to our grandma’s classic bright. It’s no longer even trendy to wear it so much as it’s just your every day nail color. “You Don’t Know Jacques” matches the palette and the classic modern feel of the room.
12. Target Oversized Sunglasses. $16.99. Jackie O sunglasses will never go out of style. Olivia Palermo would probably wear the Chanel version of these of course, and would never be caught dead in glasses as faddish as Wayfarers.
13. Oval Bead Hinge Bracelet. $5.90. I needed something in this outfit that would bring in the more ornate, vintage-inspired flair of the frames and the curvier shape of the side chairs in the room. I think this bracelet does just that. And at $6 from Forever 21, you can buy a headband to match.

Whew! That’s our first outfit! Hope you had as much fun as I did! There is lots more to come from Amber and Ash, so stay tuned! Please visit my blog at blog.amberlehman.com to see how Ash was able to transfer Alexa Chung’s style into a room and let us know if you like it. Questions or comments are welcome! Til next time—Amber.

Amber and Ash--Part 2 Coming Monday!

Ash and I are so excited about Part II of our summer Fashion | Home style series coming Monday! This has been a blast--it's too bad we're having to squeeze in all this info between "real jobs." Sheesh. Turns out you guys are loving it, and we are really honored to have you following along!

We have also heard some comments about how "Domino-esque" these posts have been. If you were avid readers of the now-defunk home mag like Ash and I were, then you probably slightly recognize this idea. They did a version of this, for sure, but I don't know of anyone who is using celebrity style to inspire rooms and vice versa. Either way, we're having fun and hope you are too!

Happy weekend to you all! See ya on Monday with an outfit inspired by one of my favorite color combos from a very fun room! Love-Amber

Another Reason to Blog About Cargo Pants

It's no secret that I love cargo pants, but I've been in a bit of a quandary about how to wear the silky ones that you can find at stores all over this summer. There are lots of versions, with and without the cargo pockets that I've worn to dinner with heels and even to church, but I wanted to be able to wear them every day. Well, it took me not thinking so hard and keeping it simple. This is a version of my favorite outfit this week: silk cargo pants with a simple tank and jewelry. Did I mention that they feel like you're wearing pajamas? Oh, AND throw a blazer over this and pair with pumps for a different take on 9-5-wear.

Silky linen slouchy pant, J. Crew for $59.50

Wear them close to your natural waist for a more flattering look or low

on the hips to look a little more slouchy.

The Runyon Racerback Tank, Alternative Apparel for $35

Be sure and tuck this into your pants.

Mia Tuscan sandal, Piperlime.com for $29.99

Goldtone Roy necklace, Rachel Roy for Macy's $34

Earrings, Rachel Roy for Macy's $34

On My Radar: All Navajo All The Time

Amanda Valentine, my muse

Note the Navajo necklace.

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Racer Back Dress, Shopbop.com for $238

An investment, but so lovely.

That title in itself is probably blasphemous to the Indian nation. I'm not even sure if the things I am picking below are "Navajo" or just "American Indian" or like most "Mexican" food in America...not actually "Mexican." Either way, on my radar this month is everything Native-American-inspired.

I've definitely owned plenty of turquoise in my life, but recently I began seriously courting Native American because of my love for Nashville clothing designer and part-time stylist Amanda Valentine, whom I've rarely seen without two braids in her hair and Minnetonkas (I recently worked on the Steel Magnolia video with her.) If, like her, you'd rather wear moccasins than Nikes, and you wanna take some Navajo or um, Native American, for a spin, here are some of my fave pieces.

Sterling Silver Feather Earrings, Southwestaffinity.com for $24.99

So cute and authentic too.

Navajo Beaded Hip Belt, Freepeople.com for $38

Perfect for all the tucking-in that you're doing lately.

Two-button Moccasin Boots, Minnetonka.com for $34.95

Wear with shorts, wear with skirts, wear with jeans.

Tribal Seed-Bead Necklace, Urbanoutfitters.com for $28

This is dramatic, yet perfect for a t-shirt and cargoes.

Terrifically Turquoise Ring, Shopruche.com for $24.99

Soooo cute.

Beaded Chandelier Earring, Etsy.com for $29.50

Handmade on Etsy. Helloooooo.

Navajo-printed sunglasses, ASOS.com for $20.29

'80s Navajo perfection.

Steel Magnolia "Just By Being You"

I recently finished work on the video for Steel Magnolia's second single "Just By Being You." It was a challenge because we shot it a week after the flood. Trying to get anything done around here that week, especially with the mess we had in our own house, was really hard, but there was NO WAY I was missing out on this one. I got to collaborate with my buddy Amanda Valentine on Meg's "dream dress" in the wandering-through-the-forest scenes, which was such a treat. We kept going back to the drawing board (i.e. dress form) until we got the perfect couture-but-punk look. That's the thing I am most proud of, I think. I put a still photo at the bottom of this post so you could have a closer look.

Steel Magnolia

More CMT Music

More CMT Music Videos

Many thanks to Nicole Miller for helping out with Meghan's green performance dress AND welcome to the Nashville fashion scene, Lauren Weiner of HEAVYMetalbyLW jewelry, who custom made that sweet necklace especially for us. Let me know what you think of the wardrobe!

Amber and Ash--Part 1

When Amber asked me about being a guest blogger, I have be honest… I was so excited! I may have even squealed! I absolutely love how fashion and interior design interact, so being given the opportunity to highlight that through this “project” was just really exciting. I’ll give you a little background info on how our fields regularly collide, and then we’ll move on to the Alexa-inspired living room!

Interiors usually follow fashion by one year. What I mean by that is that colors, trends, textures, etc. show up in fashion one year before you will see them show up in interior design. Upon being aware of this, you will certainly see traces of it in your life! Remember when everything in H&M, JCrew, and Gap was yellow and gray? Well, the next year that showed up in home “fashion!” Knowing this gives you a leg-up on beating the trends! You can be a step ahead thanks to Amber and Ash!

Let us move on to Alexa Chung. Has there ever been anyone cooler? Maybe not. She is more than an “it girl.” She has managed to hop across the ocean and take us by storm! Alexa followed in the tracks of Sienna Miller and Sarah Jessica Parker and has created this ridiculous style of her own. She has been known to refer to herself as “schoolgirl meets grandma!” She is casual with a touch of carefully placed glam, unexpected, earthy, quirky, and really does make H&M paired with Chanel seem perfect. The room I have designed reflects this style. It is anchored by a couple more expensive pieces that are intended to last for many years. I’ll go item by item to help you know how to create this look for yourself.

A. Room and Board Reese Sofa. At $4300, this is that piece that you will keep for a looooong time. Think of this classic beautifully warm caramel sofa as the “Chanel” piece that Alexa throws in there so effortlessly! If it is out of your budget you can find similar pieces for less, but plan on paying $1000 for a decent upholstery sofa, and $2500 or more for leather.

B. CB2.com Coffee Table. This piece is $299, and stands up nicely to the sofa. Because it is round, it works perfectly with the sectional. Black iron and glass will never go out of style.

C. Anthropologie Chest. How great is this? It looks JUST like Alexa! Ringing in at $998, this was one I debated. It is pricey, but it matched her style so well I could not resist. You could also just shop around at vintage stores and thrift stores and see if you can find something a little ratty but quirky like this. I bet you really could!
D. Anthropologie Lobster Rug. Here is the unexpected! It is sort of “granny” in its colors but no granny I know would have a huge ridiculously awesome lobster rug. Retails for $495.
E. ZGallerie Geo Garden Stools. You can snag these for $99 each and use them as either side tables or stools. They are adorable and add a little touch of glam!
F. Urban Outfitters Ludhiana Bench. This is so great. Guests could sit on this and KNOW that you are not pretentious. Only $128.
G. Anthropologie Curtains. A girl like Alexa has got to have her privacy! I love really open windows that allow a ton of light to flood in, but if I thought the paparazzi could snap a pic of me- then I would most certainly invest in some beautiful shabby curtains. $208 per panel.

H. West Elm Coco Mirror. This adds such great texture for $199.
I. Target’s Black Chandelier. This chandelier anchors the space for only $299. Who loves Target? I do! Amber does!
J. Gold Record Wall Clock. This great little accessory is $42. If you have a ton of money, you could just go ahead and buy some real gold and platinium records, but it you are NOT a bazilionaire, these will sub just fine!
K. ZGallerie Wall Art. Did you notice that Alexa’s shorts are giving a nod to every Southern Belle’s favorite cowgirl, Daisy Duke? Because of this, I threw in the cow paintings from ZGallerie. $69.95 each.
L. Succulent Plants. I think every room needs some plants. At LEAST one. If you are a jetsetter and really do not have the time to keep up fancy plants, then just spring for some succulents. They require very little attention. I recently got some for my house and I absolutely love them.
M. Urban Outfitters Bird Hook. $8. Can you just see a beautiful Chanel bag hanging from this? What a fun conundrum!
N. Urban Outfitters Ruffle Stripe Pillow. Romantic and adorable! This pillow is only $28, so why not get 2 in different colors?

This has been a treat! Thanks, Amber for the invite! Hop on over to my blog and check out a role reversal. I provided Amber with a room and she created an outfit. Such fun times! Love--Ash (Note from Amber: Thanks, Ash! Also, we'll figure out how to make Ash's room bigger next time. If you want me to email you a pdf so you can view it bigger, let me know!)

Coming Soon! Amber and Ash!

Ashley Sullivan Hawthorne and I were roommates in college. As with any apartment full of girls there are plenty of stories there—oh my goodness are there, but we’ll save those for another blog.

I was a microbiology major at LSU, and Ash was in interior design. I always secretly envied the cool projects she got to do. For example, an average weeknight might find me slaving to memorize the life cycle of a paramyxovirus, while Ash would be happily constructing a Jenga-like craft project consisting of toothpicks and cotton balls. Even though our paths could not have been more divergent at the time, we always identified with each other. Ash and I both loved decorating, and we both loved clothes (still do!) I was a “scientist in training”, but Ash will tell you she never knew what I was gonna walk out of my room wearing. Likewise, I never knew what shade of lipstick she’d be rocking or what wild print she might be loving on any given day.

Fast forward to present day and our careers have become even more similar than either of us could have imagined. She has become a very successful interior designer in Baton Rouge, making homes and offices, even university coffee shops look beautiful, and of course, I’m no longer a microbiologist but a wardrobe stylist, making people look beautiful but also loving to decorate my house on the side ;-).

We thought it would be fun to combine forces and guest write on each other’s blogs this summer with a new feature we’re both calling the Amber & Ash Fashion | Home series. I will be taking a room and making an outfit, and she will be taking an outfit and making a room. We’ll both be giving helpful tips too! And what’s great is that we both have similar styles and believe in spending money on certain pieces while making the rest of the aesthetic, whether outfits or interiors, work with budget items. So if you enjoy this blog, then you will love what she has to say! I hope you’ll bookmark and continue to visit ASHinteriors.net for more great ideas from her about your home. Oh-and Ashley has another really fun blog where she has begun to absolutely TRANSFORM her ranch style home, which I am completely fascinated by. Bookmark it TOO!

Hope you enjoy the Amber & Ash Fashion | Home series this summer. We've scoured the internet for some beyond-awesome stuff, and we're giddily excited about it. We're starting with Week 1 on Monday. Tell your friends. And if you have suggestions, please COMMENT! Have a great weekend, guys!