How to Create a Chic Yet Casual Kitchen

I recently took an AutoCad class to brush up on creating floor plans (Shout out to Cad Simplified) and I can’t stop mocking up and designing spaces. This week was all about the kitchen; the ideal space is inviting and warm, that’s chic while remaining utterly casual. Right now I’m obsessing over crisp white cabinetry and countertops paired with matte gold accents. Keep reading for a peek at the mood board, floor plan, and tips on how to create the look at home.

The Inspiration

I’m a firm believer that your home and it’s design — especially it’s design — can have a huge impact on your mood. A clean, beautiful room just makes you happy, it’s science.

Recently, I’ve been especially loving mixing contemporary pieces, like the iconic Tulip Table, with more classic staples, like Parisian bistro chairs. Throw in a Kilim rug — check out a few favorites in this post — a farmhouse sink, and a few bright touches and you’ve got yourself a chic AF kitchen. Shop the look below.

Shop the Look

The Farmhouse Sink — Splurge: Single-Bowl Farmhouse Sink, Rohl // Save: Farmhouse Kitchen Sink, Alfi Brand

The Kitchen Table — Splurge: Marble Tulip Table, Stilnovo // Save: Marble Tulip Table, Dot & Bo 

The Kitchen Chairs — Splurge: Clemence Indoor/Outdoor Bistro Chairs, Lulu & Georgia // Save: Cerilly Chair, Dot & Bo

The Rug — Save: Mariett Indoor/Outdoor Rug, Lulu & Georgia // Save: Painted Desert Rug, Lulu & Georgia

The Overhead Lighting — Splurge: Visual Comfort Hicks Two Light Pendant, Horchow // Save: Globe Pendant Light, CB2

The Stools — Splurge: Hairpin Counter Stool, West Elm // Save: Swirling Seat Stool, Dot & Bo

Until Next Time,

Xx Molly

3-Day Weekend Style Tips

This was the first year I got MLK day off — major woos! — so my boyfriend and I decided to stay local and take day trips around the area. There are so many places to visit around San Francisco, so it was actually quite hard to narrow the list down to 3! We opted for a SF food adventure, a night out in Half Moon Bay, and a bike ride across the bridge to Sausalito. Keep reading for our weekend agenda and some of my favorite looks for each.

SF Food Adventure

Hit List: Mr. Holmes Bakehouse + Brunch at Brenda’s French Soul Food

We had our eyes set on Brenda’s for brunch on Saturday and as we went to put our name in (for the hour+ wait) I noticed a glimmering box from Mr. Holmes, so naturally we went to grab a coffee — and maybe a donut to share. This strategy is highly recommended. For our little jaunt I opted for some casual ripped denim, a chic sweater, and some casual kicks to round it out. Shop the look below:

Chic Sweater: Knitted Sweater, Comme Des Garcon // Mendocino Pullover, Cupcakes and Cashmere // Heart Sweater, Moon Collection 

Distressed Denim: Distressed Ankle Leggings, AG Jeans // Distressed Skinny Jeans, BlankNYC // Destructed Skinny Jeans, Belle + Sky

Sneakers: Super Star Glitter & Suede Sneakers, Golden Goose // Classic Sneakers, Vans // Cotu Sneakers, Superga

Half Moon Bay

Hit List: Cocktails at The Ritz + Dinner at Sam’s Chowder House

It’s only about an hour outside the city, but Half Moon Bay seems like worlds away. On a nice day — or night — there’s nothing better than grabbing a cocktail at one of the seaside fire pits at The Ritz. Unfortunately, the weather was horrendous so we were stuck inside but, I must say, the stormy sea was still pretty beautiful. Post-cocktails we ventured over to Sam’s for lobster rolls. Now I’d say that’s a pretty solid night. Shop the look below:

Long Sleeved Tee: Camden Long Sleeved Tee, Rag & Bone // Slub Classic Long Sleeved Tee, T by Alexander Wang // Crochet Long Sleeved Tee, Chloe & Katie 

White Jeans: Slit Cigarette Jeans, AG Jeans // Spray On Jeans, Blank Denim // Sarah Skinny Jeans, Articles of Society

Lady-like Flats: Lili Leather Ballet Flats, Isabel Marant Etoile // Ballet Flats, Anniel // Ballet Flats, Repetto

Bonus Vest: Moonlux Quilted Vest, Freecity // Ogdove Nylon Puffy Vest, Freecity // Quilted Faux Leather Vest, Michael Michael Kors

Sausalito

Hit List: Bike Ride Across the Golden Gate Bridge + Lunch at Fish

Tom’s a big biker and had gotten me this cute little Public Bike last year, so a bike over the bridge to Sausalito has been on our hit list for months. Today was a bit rainy, but we made the trek anyways — and I’m glad we did! We rewarded our 8 mile ride with a few cold beers, a crab sandwich, and some tasty ceviche. Shop the look below:

Chic Sweatshirt: The Varsity Sweatshirt, The Great // Kale Sweatshirt, Sub Urban Riot // Detroit Crewneck Sweatshirt, Topshop

Pink Denim: Stiletto Denim, Current/Elliott // Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans, Joe’s Jeans // Skinny Jeans, Alice + Olivia

Sneakers: Super Star Glitter & Suede Sneakers, Golden Goose // Classic Sneakers, Vans // Cotu Sneakers, Superga

Bonus Raincoat: Rain Jacket, Without Walls // Tora Hooded Rain Jacket, Tretorn // Wings Rain Jacket, Tretorn

Until Next Time.

Xx Molly

 

 

 

Get The Look: A Fling With Modern Design

Modern design and I are having a moment, a major moment.

I’m a self-proclaimed traditionalist — albeit with a penchant for twists on the classic — but I’ve been spending more and more time exploring new styles and interior designers, refining and defining my own personal style. While I don’t think I’ll ever fully move over to the modern-side, I do have a new-found respect for the un-complicated silhouettes. Keep reading to see the styles I’m currently obsessing over and how to get the look!

The Kitchen

The Stools

Invest:  Nuevo Briggs Counter Stool, Bluefly // Splurge:Tolix Marais Counter Stool, Design Within Reach // Save: Industrial Backless Stool, JCPenney

The Lighting

Invest: Skygarden S2, Design Within Reach // Splurge: Prospect Ceiling Lamp, Domino // Save: Warehouse of Tiffany Metallic Pendant, Target

The Cookware

Invest: Mauviel Copper Set, Williams-Sonoma // Splurge: All-Clad Copper Set, Bloomingdale’s // Save: Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper Set, Crate & Barrel

The Dining Room

The Table

Invest: Dharma Lea Farm Table, Bed, Bath, & Beyond // Splurge: Carroll Farm Dining Table, West Elm // Save: Mestler Dining Room Table, Target

The Chairs

Invest: Snow Kate Chairs, Fermob // Splurge: Azzo Mid-Century Modern Shell Chairs, Baxton Studio // Save: Pascal Plastic Mid-Century Modern Shell Chair, Baxton Studio

The Art

Save: Bold Print, Urban Outfitters // Save: As If Print, Urban Outfitters // Save: Oui Non Print, Urban Outfitters

The Office

The Desk

Invest: Metal A-Frame Desk, Bluefly // Splurge: A-Frame Desk, Target // Save: A-Frame Desk, PB Teen

The Chair

Azzo Mid-Century Modern Shell Chairs, Baxton Studio

The Art

Invest: Map of New York, Home Decorators Collection // Splurge: Historical Map of New York, Dot & Bo // Save: Map of New York, Home Decorators Collection

Until next time.

Xx Molly

 

Design Project: The Small Entryway

Designing and decorating your home — in a way that has a truly collected feeling — takes time, lot’s of time. I’ve been working on mine for a cool two years and obviously part of that is budget — I want to make investments rather than stock up on cheap, trendy items. Now don’t get me wrong, just like fast-fashion, I think there’s a time and a place for those trendy pieces with a shelf-life — they’re perfect as quirky accents that you can mix and match at the drop of a hat.

I’ve almost finished the living room and I’ve started to notice how horrifyingly empty my upstairs entryway is; every time I walk into the house I’m reminded of the fact that I have yet to finish this house! So I’ve pivoted my sights away from the gallery wall (though I’m still looking and collecting the pieces I need) and onto this new small, but mighty space (it’s only 5×7!). I’m envisioning a gorgeous, weathered Kilim rug nestled under an inviting bench and flanked by a coatrack (it’s a necessity); but whatever I go with has to go with my vintage Spice Girls poster. Keep reading to see some of my favorite picks.

The Rug

Invest: Kayseri Trukish Kilim, Indigo & Lavender // Splurge: Vintage Nalbandian Kilim Rug, One Kings Lane  // Save: Turkish Anatolian Kilim Rug, Indigo & Lavender

The Bench

Invest: Dahlia Tufted Bench, Safavieh // Splurge: Logan Tufted Bench, New Pacific Direct // Save: Kate Tufted Bench, JCPenney

The Coatrack

Invest: Mod Coat Rack, Urban Outfitters // Splurge: Dar Styx Coat Rack, Target  // Save: Happy Host Metal Coat Rack, Dot & Bo

Until next time.

Xx Molly

2016: The Year of Resolutions That’ll Last

It’s New Years Eve — can you believe it! — and I’ll be ringing in 2016 in Tahoe at one of my favorite little Swiss restaurants, Swiss Lakewood. I can’t wait to sip some champagne, pop open some party poppers, and set off some sparklers — I mean, does it get any better than that?

Of course the inevitable question of New Year Resolutions will come up and while I’m still working out what I want for this year, I do have a few ideas nailed down. Keep reading for a few of my resolutions — and corresponding shopping picks — for 2016.

The Year of Skincare

2015 gifted me my first wrinkle and first grey hair. Let me tell you, that was enough to get me started on an anti-aging kick to rival Gwyneth. Unfortunately, I still struggle with my skin — I’m a devoted Proactive user — so it’s hard to find skincare that doesn’t aggravate my skin. This year, I’m going to go back to getting regular facials (my favorite is Sharon at Serenity Wellness Spa), spending more time on my morning and nightly regimen, and scouting out new products to try.

Top Picks: Vitamin C Serum, Mario Badescu // Tata’s Daily Essentials, Tata Harper // Eye Concentrate, La Mer // Precision Lifting and Pore Tightening Concentrate, Kiehl’s // Clarisonic

The Year of Hobbies

I took photography throughout high school and college and have been meaning to get back into the groove of using my 35mm Nikon — full disclosure: this was my New Years Resolution last year too. I have the most perfect large closet in my house that is just begging to be transformed into a dark room, but I feel like I need to prove to myself that I will actually use it before I put everything in place. Added bonus: I’m planning on putting more effort and time into Sequins + Studs. Get excited!

A little kitch for ya: Couture Camera, Judith Leiber // Camera iPhone Case, Kate Spade // Steal the Spotlight Crossbody, Kate Spade

The Year of Exploration

Last year I made the resolution to try something new every week, whether that be a new restaurant, bar, hike, etc. Well guys, I’m bringing this one back again! San Francisco has so much to offer, yet it’s so easy to get a little rut going to the same places over and over. Stay tuned for some new features on San Francisco coming in 2016!

Inspiration: See San Francisco, Anthropologie // Faust’s Map of San Francisco, Oliver Gal // San Francisco Wall Sign, Artehouse

Happy New Year!

Xx Molly

4 Tips For The Perfect Gallery Wall

I’ve been wanting to put together a gallery wall in my living room, pretty much since I moved in 2 years ago. Over the years, I’ve had various iterations on my idea, but I think I’ve finally landed on my plan of attack: my dad came up with the idea to make it a roving gallery of my photography and since I’ve been jumping back into that hobby now seems like the perfect time to get started on completing the beast. With that said, I want to make sure the wall is inspiriting and don’t want it to be all photography, so I’m planning on mixing in a few other mediums — like typography, illustration, and etc — to keep it interesting. Read on for my tips on creating the perfect gallery wall.

Tip 1: Make It Personal

The best part of a gallery wall is it’s ability to awaken memories and transport you back to the good times. I often find that when people sign their life away to interior designers they end up with beautiful, but sterile spaces, so make sure to infuse your life into the finished product.

Ideas: Framed ticket stubs from a memorable date // Black and white family photos // Travel map from vacation

Tip 2: Keep It Interesting

Don’t pigeon-hole yourself! The beauty of a gallery wall is having a mish-mosh of pictures that doesn’t look too put together. The finished product will become a true representation of who you are and the spirit of your home.

Photography: Ren Wil // Abstract: Benson-Cobb Studios // Typography: Lulu Simon Studio // Watercolor: Andrea Pramuk, OKL // Illustration: Andy Warhol Fashion Figures // Print: Oliver Gal

Tip 3: Keep It Balanced

It’s important to not go too heavy on any one aspect of the wall, so make sure you have a well rounded collection of images in a variety of styles really make the wall pop.

Tip 4: Don’t Be Afraid to Get Kitchy

Because everything needs a little dose of kitch. Personally, I think the unexpected piece really makes the collection pop, so don’t be gun-shy and just have a little fun!

Whiskey, Bacon, & Beer Print // XOXO Print // Sunny Shades Print // Bar Marquee Sign // Liberty Serigraph

Until next time.

Xx Molly

Travel Essentials for a Stress-Free Flight

I just landed in San Francisco and I have to say it was one of the easiest flights I’ve taken in a while. I attribute this to a combination of a pre-flight manicure in the airport — hello relaxation — and my fine-tuned list of travel essentials.

My family loves to travel, so I’ve gotten quite good at a few things: packing light, whizzing through security lines, and packing the perfect carryon filled with everything you need and nothing you don’t. It’s all about editing. Keep reading for my travel picks!

The Bag

The carryall is essential. It has to be big enough to carry everything you need, but not too big — you’ll keep filling it if you have the room, so don’t even allow yourself to get to the point where your arm goes numb as your walking to your gate. My favorites include Mansur Gavriel, Baggu, and Saint Laurent.

The Skincare

Planes are notorious for drying out your skin and wreaking havoc on your otherwise beautiful complexion. The key is make sure your skin is clean on the flight — this means no makeup! — and moisturized. I rely on face wipes from Burts Bees, Caudalie Beauty Elixr, and Kiehl’s cream.

The Luxe Accessories

Now for the lovely little items to fill the gorgeous bag! I’m a big fan of carrying a bunch of little pouches to keep everything nice and tidy — I typically have 2 or 3, each designated for a different use like tech accessories, skincare essentials, etc. My favorites include this cheeky one from Dogeared, this chic leopard pouch from Loeffler Randall, and this bold typography pouch by Rebecca Minkoff. Last but not least, it’s important to stay hydrated — on the inside and out — so I always carry a S’well water bottle with me. There’s nothing worse than warm water, the S’well bottle is a lifesaver because it stays cold for 12 hours! Plus, how chic is the metallic gold!

Happy travels!

Xx Molly

Sick Day Essentials

I’ve had a bit of a cold recently — which is pretty much the worst — so I’ve been living on my couch for the past few days, eating my share of chicken soup, and downing tea like it’s my job. I’m heading to London on Friday — to meet my boyfriend’s family —, so it’s crunch time to get well!

In addition to the much needed rest, I’ve been relying on cozy but cute sweats, chic living room accessories to lift my spirits, and a seriously warm blanket to cuddle up with. Keep reading for my essentials.

The Attire

The Sweats

Invest: Classic Stripe Sweatpants, Sundry // Splurge: Twist Yard Sweatpants, Faherty // Steal: Slim-Let Knit Sweatpants, W by Wilt

The Sweatshirt

Invest: I Love You Sweatshirt, Lanvin // Splurge: Cowl Neck Sweatshirt, J.Crew // Steal: I Love Pizza Sweatshirt, Wildfox

The Accessories

For the Tea

Darling Mug // Tea Cup, Bernardaud // Lip Tease Mug, Reiko Kaneko // Delft Blue Teapot, Juliska

For the Couch

Cashmere Throw, Barneys // Plaid Wool Throw, Faribault // Pompom Throw, Nordstrom

Until next time.

Xx Molly

Beauty Must Haves to Stock Up On

I was at Sephora the other day — they were doing 20% off EVERYTHING — so I stocked up on the beauty essentials and pulled the trigger on a few things I’ve had my eye on. First on my list was lipstick, of course. I tend to gravitate towards the dark plums and reds during the Fall, but I’ve started to dig the more natural hues — like the Bobbi Brown Lip Trio I wrote about a few months back. Check out my lipstick picks plus the hair and skin care items below!

The Lips

Olivia Palermo x Ciate London Satin Kiss Lipstick, Truffle Soft Pink Nude // Dolce & Gabbana Cream Lipstick, Monica // Bite Creme Lipstick, Rouge Bright Red

The Skin

Resurfacing Mask, Tata Harper // Exfolikate, Kate Somerville // Beauty Elixir, Caudalie // Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Oil, Peter Thomas Roth

The Hair

Triple Sec, Dry Bar // Surf Spray, Bumble and Bumble // Argan Hot Oil Hair Treatment, Josie Maran // Nirvana Black Dry Shampoo, Elizabeth and James

The Extras

Rosebud Salve, Rosebud Perfume Co. // Speed Brow, Benefit // Stella, Stella McCartney // Clear Complexion Blotting Linens, Boscia

Until next time.

Xx Molly

Fight the Freeze With These Stylish Sweaters

Is it just me or has the weather all of a sudden flipped from Fall to Winter? I know what you’re going to say — you’re in San Francisco, it doesn’t even get cold there! — but guys, I’ve got California blood and I’m just not cut out for the cold. With that said, the chill-factor has me dreaming of cozy, oversized sweaters, knit dresses, and — dare I say it? — turtlenecks. They’re totally making a comeback, you guys. Keep reading to shop my favorites!

The Sweater

Photo Credit: Sarah Sarna

Invest: Cotton Sweater, Proenza Schouler // Splurge: Marled Sweater, Vince // Steal: Modern Sweater, Madewell

The Sweater-Dress

Photo Credit: Who What Wear

Invest: Travis Sweater Dress, Isabel Marant // Splurge: Hailee Cowl-Neck Sweater Dress, Alice + Olivia // Steal: Cashmere Sweater Dress, Philosophy

The Turtleneck

Photo Credit: Sazan

Invest: Matignon Oversized Turtleneck, Maje // Splurge: Bubble Knit Turtleneck, Tibi // Steal: Color-block Cableknit Turtleneck, Topshop

Special Extras — The Maxi: this, this, this, and this.

Until next time.

Xx Molly