Guest Posting For Ashlyn!

Sorry to have left my cafe' for a while lovies! I waited too late to ask for guest postings so I had to leave you with the image of the beach for a while ;)

Today I have the pleasure of sharing with you on Ashlyn's blog My Unrehearsed Life! She's out of town in Las Vegas, and I desperately wish I was in on the fun with her!! I have loved getting to know Ashlyn and think she is one of the most humblest, down-to-earth gals ever!! Head on over to check out the rest of her fabulous blog filled with inspiration images, ideas and words of encouragement on a daily basis!

Hope you all are having a fantastic week!! Can't wait to catch up on all of your reads that I've missed while on vacation!! 

I'm off on another little adventure and will hopefully be sharing with you about it tomorrow!!

Beachin it!

At the beach with my fam for a couple days! 

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Be back soon! 

<3

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Friday's Fancies: Client Meeting

Happy Fridaaaay! This weeks theme for Friday's Fancies is back-to-school wear over at long distance loving. Since I am no longer in school or college (almost 4 years! WoW!) I decided to go for a look that I would wear to a client meeting. Meeting clients for graphic design inquiries is not completely formal, but you do want to dress professionally and look presentable! I feel like your personal taste in styling says a lot about your stance on todays trends and how you perceive different looks, colors and textures. (Much like a design you render.) Since designers have to be top notch on all facets of fashion, culture and history, you must look like you know a thing or two about it. Not in all cases of the design world must you wear the above or anything similar to it. But you want to reflect your own personal style, and in return the client will trust your confidence and ability to tackle their project just like you did your outfit!

What do you think about styling in your own profession?

source* 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Pink Swan Project

I recently read on Megan's blog, from Mimi + Meg, that there is an auction taking place in October for the Pink Swan Project, which benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Each designer comes up with a fascinating design for the chair, while proceeds contribute to BCRF.

I took a look at other chairs being auctioned, and like Megan, I found this rose colored chair to be on the top of my "Copper" galore list! I can imagine doing hours upon hours of designs on this incredible chair at my desk, feeling almost creative and powerful, as this would be my magical throne.

Designer, Windsor Smith, has absolutely constructed this masterpiece into one that will definitely contribute a lot of money to BCRF. And that makes me happy ;)

Take a peek at the other 19 Pink Swan chair designs and tell me which one you would make your throne!

Having a Pink Frenzy!

I must admit, I'm going a little PINK frenzy with all of these breathtaking interiors! The above dining room is just dashing with the gold buffet, bubble gum pink walls, charming chandelier and the 

whole tablescape display!

Kelly Wearstler's masterpiece below is beyond fascinating, as most of her work is. The pink shades of paint on the canvas in geometric forms gives this living area an alluring charm. It blends so nicely with 

the wallpaper. The gold hanging lamp is stunning and the decor and accessories on the coffee table just add to the mix. What a perfect composition!

I am never short of amazed at the trinkets and rare gems Kelly combines within a space. 

This bedroom would definitely be one to cozy down in and read a romantic novel. The mirrored bed frame is just exquisite! Imagine what shade of light that lamp would give off at night! I would embrace the pink glow all around me and feel a warmth that would put me softly to sleep. 

And if that wasn't enough pink to overwhelm you, here's some more inspiration!

sources* cardigan, sandals, earrings, bracelet, lamp, journal, telephone, mirror, img1, img2

Eat Your Greens : Think Tank

A few weeks ago I attended a design discussion sponsored by the AIGA Charlotte Chapter. The discussion was titled Eat Your Greens: Think Tank. As designers, it's extremely important to get together and discuss issues and ideas pertaining to design going on in todays world. I went with one of my past colleagues, (and super great friend) Virginia Faircloth, a member and upcoming board member of AIGA. She happens to be an amazing and talented freelance graphic designer and an admiring individual who is always glad to help me in any design issues I run across. 

Sustainability Director, Rachel Martin, Creative Director, Jenna Macfarlane and Virginia led the discussion on Sustainability and the Living Principles: (Culture, Environment, People and Economy) and how to incorporate these elements into our design thinking and concepts for work we design and deliver.

My eyes were definitely opened as to how simply you can incorporate GREEN products into your work and how to encourage and educate clients in using more sustainable products, as well as having the mindset of making the environment a safer and better place to live and design for.

Check out the recap from Virginia here!

In what ways are you conscience about the environment?

sources* AIGA Charlotte

Photography by Rachel Martin and Jenna Macfarlane

Friday Fancies: Pops of Red

Happy Friday!! Finally here! The theme for this Friday is posh RED. I incorporated the Inge Christopher clutch in hopes of winning the fabulous giveaway by the Mrs. Fabulous {AV} herself!! It's so swanky and I can envision wearing it to fancy dinners, gallery crawls and even a Broadway play!

Of course I like to mix unfamiliar color combinations, and this Friday I went for Red and Orange mixed with the classic Black and Gold.

What do you think? Would you rock this outfit?

sources* 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Majestic in Every Way

Barcelona is filled with majestic and whimsical architecture. The detailing and patterns that go into the

intricate sculpting and painting of the outside walls is absolutely ravishing! It almost looks like housing for storybook and fairytale characters. 

Barcelona culture definitely shines through in every facet. 

No wonder it's the 16th most livable city in the world!

sources*pin

DEVOUR

The way to truly design and create your best!

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The Final Touch

I came across Chic Shop by Hillary Thomas and fell in love with these beautiful and rare finials.

I used to collect gems and rocks when I was younger and the unrefined shapes and colors of these finials took me back to the simplicity of beauty back in those days. 

I searched for lamp shades and lamp stands to complete the look:

Which is your favorite?? Elegant, Fascinating or Chic?

sources*  black shade, green shade, striped shade, green finial, orange finial, pink finial, crestview lampstand, circle lampstand, gold lampstand

Glamorous Powder Room

Glamorous Powder Rooms are quite rare. When you think of decorating a bathroom, you don't always think of exquisite elements to incorporate. For instance, a dashing chandelier, a quaint chaise, or a lavish tub. But, when you can think in larger terms of decorating a powder room, these key ingredients are a must!

Add in mosaic tiles, decorative flooring and mirrored shelving...and you've got the perfect room to get dolled up in, relax after a long day and have a "just me" pampering moment!

Time to draw the tub and pour in gardenia bubble bath..ahhhh.

And don't forget the soft music playing in the background.

sources* 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, chandelier, chair, sink, tub, mosaic tile, towel, soap, vanity bench, chaise

Hello Maxi

Friday's Fancies are in full gear today!! What better piece to hone in on than the maxi summer staple?

I have a love for the dress style, as well as the skirt style. Mix with fun and colorful jewels, clutches and heels- Best summer palette by far!

I just added a new maxi skirt to the wardrobe last week and it's one that will never get dull! It can be mix-matched with all sorts of accessories and tops!! Maybe I can sneak a little pic in and show you exactly what I mean!

You prefer the maxi dress or maxi skirt?! Or just can't choose, like me?

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Guest Post: Sequins & Stripes

I am SO excited to share with you today a charming, stylish blogging friend that makes such an incredible statement and impact in the realm of styling and fashion! Liz, from Sequins & Stripes is here today to grace you with her amazing styling abilities and I couldn't think of anyone better to do just that! 

Hi! I'm Liz from Sequins and Stripes and I am SUPER excited to be taking over Coral Café today! I have had so much fun getting to know Drew through the blog world and swooning over her seriously enviable sense of style. Since fall is right around the corner {and is the most stylish of seasons}, I am here to share some key investment pieces for a polished wardrobe. I always say it is best to spend money on classic pieces that will hold up season after season, and less on the trends that tend to go out of style. Lately, I am loving camel colored everything, gold accessories, skinny jeans, a classic shoe, a dash of leopard, and sequins and stripes {duh!}. Here are some essentials to complete your wardrobe:

1. A sequin party dress. ANNA SUI Embellished Mini

2. The perfect blazer. RAG & BONE Wilshire Blazer

3. Stripes to pair with everything. SPLENDID Cotton and Silk Tank

4. Skinny jeans. JBRAND 814 Jeans

5. A feminine lace top. 3.1 PHILIP LIM Cropped Lace Top

6. A colorful scarf to throw on and go. JCREW Ikat scarf

7. The perfect pair of flats. REPORT Grover Flat {only $69.95!}

8. Everyday earrings. KATE SPADE Dot to Dot studs

9. A statement necklace. KATE SPADE Cascade necklace

10. Tortoise shell sunglasses. MARC JACOBS Keyhole sunnies

11. A classic gold watch. ASOS Tan Leather Strap Watch

12. The black pump. KATE SPADE Deb Shoe

13.  The perfect bag. ASOS PREMIUM Leather Bag {$146.53 - such a steal!}

A huge thank you to Drew for inviting me to share my wardrobe favorites on her lovely blog! Stop by Sequins and Stripes to find more daily inspiration for a styled life. xoxo Liz

Stunning Classics, Liz!! Now you can see why I'm so smitten over her taste!! Beautifully done!

Cobalt + Pink Lemonade

I saw this bedroom and of course had to make an inspiration palette from it! The mixture of cobalt + pink lemonade, with a dash of gold glitter has me drooling..a lot! Something rings a clear bell of feminine- glamour in this visual! But much more than that, the brilliance of the elements and colors combined is magnificent!

Ps..As I was making this palette, a great blogger friend of mine came to mind! Obviously she made an impact! And she'll be here soon to win you over! So stay tuned!!

sources* canopy bed, chandelier, pillow, chair, mirror, rug, mirrored table, white vase, vase, gold frame, candlestick antlers,

Fancy Tote

The french artist,Valentine Viannay, has created these beautifully designed silk-screened totes. The watercolor quality and patterns are so unique. You can fill these totes with your beach gear, art supplies or even just use it as your summer handbag!

Viannay also offers limited edition scarves in her silk-screened designs. So light and whimsical..I feel as though I'm near the sea with all of these aquatic prints!

Check out more of her art, fabrics and prints here!

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ahhh..serene bliss

Happy Monday sweet friends! Hope you all had a terrific weekend!! Mine was quite well; spending time with my family, eating gourmet food my daddy fixed and catching up with dear friends.

I'm feeling a little under the weather today with a sore throat. This fabulous image is cheering me up, though. I wouldn't mind being sick quite so much if I were lying in this blissful, serene escape with soft reggae music playing in the background. I'm pretty sure it would cure all ailments. Images like this that make me want to spend summers in the Caribbean or far away islands. 

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