One of my very best bff's, Lawren Taylor, and I are in the process of decorating she and her hubbys first new home. Moving into your first house as a couple can be exciting and challenging. How do you combine your things with his things, and incorporate new pieces that reflect the both of you without having your place look like Sandford and Son? Lawren and I have been working to pull together her new home to reflect both she and her husbands tastes and style. We don't have long because there is a new baby on the way in a few short months. In less than a week, we have traveled to Lafayette and New Orleans, while searching Baton Rouge area furniture and accessory stores too. There is so much to be done - fabrics and curtains, dining room, living room, tables, sofas, rugs...I digress - it will all get done. I wanted to share with you all what I believe to be our "steal of the month". Right outside New Orleans, in Metairie, off of Veterans Road, is one of my favorite LOVELEE places, Rennaisance Interiors. It is an upscale furniture consignment store, where I have yet to go in and not find the perfect little something (whether I personally need it or not). Last week, Lawren and I went to Renaissance looking for a dining room table and parsons chairs, which we did not find. But what we did find are these fabulous chairs, and they were only $95 each! Can you believe? She is going to have the chairs re-uphostered to coordinate with the Bernhardt sofas that she ordered, and the drapes that she is having made. I will post pictures as soon as the chairs are recovered. I was so excited about this find, I wanted to share it with you.
If you are in need of any furniture, even if you aren't, Renaissance is a great store to visit. The staff is friendly and very helpful, and there are delightful treats around every corner. If you are looking for something specific be sure and check back regularly as they get new inventory every day! You can find their website under LOVELEE Places.
Exactly one year ago this month, I had the honor of designing and planning the wedding of Kim Porter and Derrick Wilson, a couple from Baton Rouge, LA. When Kim and Derrick contacted me, we had exactly 4 months to plan the wedding. The couple wanted to have a beachfront wedding and a reception that would accommodate 40 guests. Given the short time frame, a five thousand dollar budget and a location where I had no contacts - I had my work cut out for me. Close proximity to water was high on Kim and Derrick's priority list, as far as location. With time constraints, and budget guidelines, I quickly decided that the best location was the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In less than a 2 hour drive, we found the most serene setting on a stretch of white sand in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, with a rustic and chic setting that was perfect for the ceremony. There wasn't time to order formal bridesmaids gowns, so I started searching for off-the-rack white linen dresses, and I found the most perfect and dainty white ones from Old Navy (for $20 each). The town of Ocean Springs, quickly became of one my favorite among a string of coastal cities that had been battered by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Ocean Springs is very artsy but still very "Mayberry", Main Street is adorned with cute shops, galleries, and restaurants. After only 3 visits to Ocean Springs, and lunch at 3 restaurants - we decided on Al Fresco Italian Bistro for the reception. Again, with very little time for planning and going over the menu details repeatedly - the management and staff at Al Fresco was extremely accommodating and more than a delight to work with. The food was fabulous, atmosphere absolutely "Saturday Afternoon Sophisticated". This wedding was one of my favorites because it exemplified the best in entertaining on a budget. If you are in the Ocean Springs area, be sure and check out Al Fresco for lunch or dinner. Their website address can be found under "LOVELEE Places". 