happy weekending!

Happy Friday! Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend full of relaxation and fun.  Would love to just stay in and watch old movies with some good wine, lounging in this little number...what do you think? xx

via LuckyMag

designing on a dime

There's nothing better than having your own space...unless of course you have to fill it on a not-so-chic young professional's budget.  I came across these fun images for a little inspiration - sometimes all it takes are a few unique (and bold!) finds to make a space feel styled and full. 

via Decorpad

via Pinterest [The Paris Apartment]

via Decorpad

Annsley Interiors via Decorpad

Good Taste Money-Saving Tips:

• Buy staple pieces like arm chairs and couches in basic colors from inexpensive retailers like IKEA and accent with bold patterned pillows to create an interesting, finished look.
• Try buying inexpensive lamp bases and doctoring them up a bit with fun, bold shades.
• A bold rug (think black + white chevron or a fun geometric print) can unify a room and/or serve as an interesting focal point.
• Make your own modern art. Buy a canvas at your local crafts store and look at modern pieces for inspiration (you don't have to be an artist to do a little colorblocking!).  The bright color will fill white walls so you can avoid expensive paint and alot of effort.
• Search local flea markets or Etsy.com for unique furniture pieces. Chests, headboards, mirrors and coffee tables can all add up, but sometimes a little imagination and a coat or two of paint are just the thing to give a less-than-impressive find new life.  Half the time, these pieces are so unique they end up being statement pieces that stand out more than your more expensive purchases.
• Use staples that you already have in a unique, personalized way.  Style books on shelves with cool frames or color coordinate them to create a visual statement.

How do you save without sacrificing style??

flashes of gold.

Umberto Angeloni once said that "the most challenging part of dressing well is knowing how to be elegant while being casual." Add some subtle shine to your next weekend outfit with simple touches of gold. Whether it be hardware on a belt or bag, or a chunky gold watch and bangles, a little gilded accent goes a long way in terms of making a casual look appear pretty and polished. 

 

gold Hermes hardware via Pinterest [Emily Schuman of Cupcakes + Cashmere]

gold watch via habitually chic

gold buttons via jak + jil blog

gold hardware via havelessbemore

mixed bracelets via decorista

gold watch via awelltraveledwoman

gold watch and bangles via best of Pinterest

Good Taste Fourth of July Fete!

Happy Fourth! There are few things better than a laid-back, early summer barbeque to kick off the summer (and the 4th!). Wake up that typical cookout menu with a few twists on traditional favorites.  Mini burgers with brie and fun, boozy popsicles are the perfect way to keep the menu casual and fun while updating flavor profiles. As always, I have provided make-ahead tips for menu items that can be prepped ahead in order to lighten the load on your day-of entertaining checklist.  With just a few little additions [and fun touches], your menu will be the highlight of the holiday weekend... 


Collage by In Good Taste [Laura Boyd]



Menu designed by In Good Taste [Laura Boyd]*



· Make popsicles a few days before the party and store in freezer until just before serving.

· Form mini burgers into small patties the day before and store in the fridge. 

· Cut cold brie into small squares and store in fridge as well.

· Make the red onion  marmalade the day before and return to room temp before serving.

· Fry the crispy onions the day before and store in air tight plastic bags.

· Cube watermelon and tomatoes the night before and store in fridge in air tight containers.

· Make pound cake a few days ahead and freeze if necessary. Defrost the day before.

· Cut berries the night before and store in air tight containers in fridge.

  

*All recipes and photo credits are listed within the 'Bites' tab. Enjoy! xx

sunkissed purr-fection.

I love me a little leopard print, so of course I was dying when I came across this amazing bronzer compact from Dolce & Gabbana (available at saks.com).  The limited edition bronzer, showcasing their signature animal print, is the perfect addition to spice up your make-up bag with its saucy interior.  Sweep a healthy glow onto those early summer cheeks and say hello to summertime purrfection.

via NYTimes

miss america.

Hope everyone is having a lovely week!  Stay tuned for a great Fourth of July summer barbeque this week.  Traditional favorites with little 'good taste' touches make for an easy, yet tasteful summer bash! xx

color block.

Daring, bold color absolutely makes for better eye candy [especially when paired with a little pop of leopard print].  Spice up your summer wardrobe and throw a bunch of saturated brights in close proximity.  Whether its a graphic, color-blocked dress, two-toned heels or just a few colorful stacked bangles, loud hues serve as instant mood boosters  and always make for a cheeky, fun statement.  One of my favorite combos is the less expected (and often thought of as clashing) hot pink and red duo. Pick a few vivid shades (two or three, not too many!) and go for it - as Jonathan Adler puts it, it's so "happy chic."



via pretty.visage.tumblr.com

via SierraChantal

Vacay outfit by Taylor of SterlingStyle via The Glitter Guide

via MusingsInFemininity

via MusingsInFemininity

happy monday!

Happiest of mondays to all you lovely ladies!  So sorry for the lack of posts this month - hoping to get right back in the swing of things now that I've finished the wedding I was working on.  Feel free to leave comments and let me know if there is anything in particular you'd like to see posted this summer! xx

via Fashionista



sunny disposition.

There's something about a bold, sunny pop of yellow that just adds a little skip to my step.  Whether it's a flirty citrus sundress or a bright lemony arm chair, say "hello sunshine" and embrace this feel-good color trend.  Brighten up a room with bold yellow drapes, or simply start small with a few golden accessories (a bright lamp or pair of sunny pillows).  Whether you prefer traditional interiors or modern, here are a few rooms that are sure to give you a bit of a sunnier disposition...

via Country Living



DM Magazine Jan Showers via Decorpad

via Mimi + Meg

via Elle Decor

via Elle Decor

via Lisa Roy

David Jimenez via Decorpad

Lonny Mag via Decorpad

via The Glitter Guide

effortless blooms.

So sorry for the delay between posts this past week! I'm planning an upcoming wedding for a wonderful couple that's swiftly approaching!  That being said, I felt inspired to write this post as I am doing their flowers in addition to the regular event planning. Having a farm wedding, the bride wanted a laid-back, yet chic look, so we chose fresh whites, with touches of yellow and green in vintage blue mason jars.  This look exudes a casual, natural feel making it easy to accomplish [just remember, the less fussy, the better!]. 

I'm also a huge fan of doing groupings - i.e. reserving each vase for only one type of flower and then grouping the vases together.  This look can have a modern feel when the flowers are contained in contemporary square vases; or a more vintage, yet still clean look when used in antique vases, mixed milk glass, assorted glass bottles, or mason jars.  Mixing different size vases with varying heights is a great way to add interest to a table. Try placing the varying vessels down the middle of a long table or grouping close together in the center of a standard round. Here are a few images for inspiration...

Gorgeous white grouping of peonies, sweet peas +

lily of the valley in blue ceramic vases.

Image via Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Peonies + snap dragons in varying heights of white

birch "vases" mixed with antique brass.

Image via Pinterest.

Assorted stems in vintage glass bottles and milk glass.

Image via The Glitter Guide.



Pretty pastels in glass mason jars for an casul, chic look.

Image via Atlanta Homes + Lifestyles Blog

Add a touch of color with blue mason jars.

Image via The Glitter Guide.

 Tea cups full of purple tulips for a whimsical, yet refined look. 

Image via Pinterest.

Full pink hydrangeas in simple blue bottles.

Image via The Glitter Guide.