my dream handbag design...

This morning. It was like Christmas morning for me. Since I was a little girl, I've always been super creative and I found myself constantly daydreaming of being a fashion designer. I would do little sketches of clothes I wanted to wear, bags I wanted to carry and even shoes I dreamed of wearing. Interior design is my passion, so I never lived that dream out exactly. Until now, thanks to Wink and Winn, my little daydreams came true. W&W has come up with a genius idea, design-your-own handbag, and honestly, I had a blast doing it. Here is my beautiful masterpiece of a handbag in black, white and gold...so perfect for me! 

I am so in love with her, she is absolutely gorgeous. W & W make it so easy to make it perfectly you. I love a good ostrich so I had to add a little of that, black suede and saffiano leather mix so well together. I also threw in a little white to add some interest inspired by this Celine bag that I've coveted for so long. The best part? My initials in gold, it really sweetens the deal. The quality is excellent, honestly, it is so well made. I really enjoyed the entire process from start to finish and  when it arrived, it was truly such an emotional moment for me. Seeing your design come to life is pretty exciting. Here is how it goes down...

First, you can select the type of bag you want from so many fun styles...

the decorista bag design

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Then, select the fabric & hardware for each section of your bag, exactly how you want it. There are so many fabulous options...

After you are finished, you get an email with your bag design rendering...

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When it finally arrives, it feels like Christmas morning.Yay! It comes beautifully wrapped in a chic solid pink box that you can keep your bag in forever, kind of like a chic hat box but for your handbag. I also got a super stylish little coin bag personalized with my name in gold. I am all for personalization. I just love it!

thank you note

in the mail

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[i would have waited to post this and try for better photos, but I just couldn't wait to tell you all about it] the bag was provided by Wink & Winn, but all thoughts, opinions and images are my own. Thank you all for reading and supporting these small businesses that make this blog continue to be fun and exciting! love to you! xx

brick & modern

Every once and a while I get in the mood for strictly modern spaces. What's needed to soften those spaces are furnishings that are soft & sweet. Dripping femininity chandeliers, brick walls, antique pieces, etc. Especially in Austin, there is an influx of these places. While adhering to the sunny Austin weather, where walls are windows now, pools are essential and lots of exposed brick & wood make the look complete. This South African home tour completely inspires my current design vibe...

The high ceilings and natural light in this place just give the essence of vacation while in your very own home. I can just imagine the warm breeze blowing through. I'm inspired by this magic.

entryway

hallway

home kitchen area

When trying to achieve this look the thing you have to remember is keeping things simple, clean and elegant is a must. Even if your home can't look this clean, just adding a few of the modern/rustic elements can give you the vibe. Take for example this wood table lamp or a wood tree stump, these can add the exposed wood element to the mix. Then throw in a few metal chairs to the mix, a curvy chandelier or two and always feel free to add some chic and simple urns to the mix. Voila! Rustic, modern glamour.

images via dustjacket attic