Hello September: Warming Up to Fall

Pardon my absence yesterday guys. I was too busy hyperventilating to write when I realized it was September 1st. Rue launches in just two weeks and the gals and I have braced ourselves for no sleep, no social life, and no stopping...

But the stress is a very small price to pay for the love, support, and excitement we feel daily from all of you. I don't think I could ever say it enough - from the bottom of my heart thank you!

Luckily there's nothing like pretty styling and interiors to calm the nerves and remind us why we love design in the first place: because beauty in our lives is important and life is in the details!

So yesterday, I temporarily turned off the distractions and urgencies, and took a few quiet moments to peruse the beautiful portfolio of one of my favorite stylists, Todd Moore.

I was instinctually drawn to warm wood, saturated hues (like purple!) and those perfect-for-fall patterns like zebra and tartan.

And I realized, though September has a lot going on, I couldn't be happier to welcome the new season and say hello to crisp autumn nights, fall fashion, apple pie, and of course, my new adventure in the form of Rue!

Styling Tricks of the Trade: Men's Shoes

Last week I professed by new found interest in photography thanks to a summer full of Rue photo shoots. But perhaps an even greater love of mine is the art of styling a shoot. A home is rarely camera ready, but instead requires moving objects, decor, and furniture around to create that perfect moment as seen through the lense. With Rue, I've been observing the work of stylists, picking up tricks of the trade along the way, and today I bring you an unlikely one: men's shoes!

Bringing a touch of masculinity and realism to any space, compensate for an overtly girly space with the raw toughness of a man's shoe, or embrace a bachelor's pad with this quintessential gentleman's accessory!

P.S. I'm honored to be a guest on the award-winning designer, Tobi Fairley's blog today!! She's hosting a virtual Design Summer Camp series and has generously asked the Rue girls to participate this week. Check back daily for all our guest posts!

*images via The Selby

Emily Henderson, HGTV's Next Design Star?

One of my favorite things about this time of year is HGTV's annual search for the network's next big Design Star. Watching the show's Sunday night episodes has become a beloved summertime tradition in my home, as twelve hopeful finalists audition for their very own TV show. This season the talent looks better than ever, but I've got my eyes set on one girl in particular -- Emily Henderson, who has my vote through and through!

Not too long ago I was introduced to Emily by a mutual friend and have been pouring over her beautiful portfolio ever since. She's a stylist by day, design star hopeful by night, and has worked with the best of them, from Martha Stewart Living, to Real Simple, to Domino, just to name a few.

Though she came uncomfortably close to being cut in the first round of eliminations last Sunday, I'm hopeful for Emily! I think America is going to absolutely fall in love with her casual charm, sense of authenticity, and quirky sense of humor!

So what do you say? Won't you join me in rooting for my friend Emily?!

Update: Follow Emily on her blog The Brass Petal for her reactions to the Design Star episodes and more of her stylish work, inpsirations, and finds!

*images via the portfolio of Emily Henderson

Lonny Love: Styling Inspiration

Lately I've been paying particular attention to how little vignettes are styled and photographed. I'm not sure what brought on the new fascination. Perhaps it was a re-affirmation that design truly is in the details, or perhaps because I hope to get my own place photographed soon and I'm stocking up on styling ideas. Either way, Lonny always has the best inspiration!