Fashion Files: Julip Made

Happy Friday! Fashion Files is resuming this week with the lovely Julie from Julip Made.

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Hi a dose of pretty readers, Julie from Julip Made here to share my favorite accessories.  I hope you enjoyed taking a sneak peak into my closet and dresser!







Some of my tips for building your accessory collection:

• Don't discriminate based on price or store.  You never know where you'll find your next stunner... Forever 21, Victoria's Secret, that vintage store down the block, your mom's closet.
• Invest in simple classics.  For example the gold necklaces in the second image above go with EVERYTHING as do diamond studs and a simple gold cuff. 
• Look for ways to rework and item.  For example pin a brooch to a pearl necklace for some extra flare or even DIY a piece that needs some attention like my pumps above. 
• Combine unexpected pieces.  For example I wear the three bracelets pictured above together and somehow they all work. 
• Ultimately have fun.  Accessories are meant to accentuate and even make the outfit and show off your personality.

Thanks for having me today Sara and please feel free to stop by and say hello!

 

Home Accessories Under $100 {for Our New House}

These are some pictures that have me lusting for some new accessories for our new house.

// one // Gold Athena Tray, $45 // two // Diptyque candle, $60 //
// three // Tom Ford book, $85 // four // Gold Wishbone, $48 // five // Gold Flatware, $29 // 

// six // Verdant Acres Plates, $7.95 {on sale}

We are currently under contract on the purchase of our house and my head is already full of ideas on what to do in each of the rooms. These accessories could easily give the feeling of new and fresh to furniture we already own. I am thinking the Athena tray would sit in our entryway console next to the Diptyque candle that would scent the house as guests walk in. The Tom Ford book would be a great addition to our coffee table with the wishbone sitting nicely on top of it. And those flowery plates and gold flatware would look great on our farmhouse table for a Sunday brunch with our new neighbors. I will share some house details next week.

{image via my Pinterest}

Happy Weekend

{new favorite tweed jacket and love layering these two necklaces (J.Crew Double-Row Mini-Link Necklace
and J.Crew Graceful Pearl Necklace)}

Fashion Files will resume next week.

Happy Friday my dears!

I can't believe that I have been back stateside almost two weeks now. My

time has flown visiting with family and a bit of shopping of course. We have had

rain and snow this week and it was actually nice since I hadn't had any of these in a long time.

I also worked on two DIY projects (this one and this one). And this weekend, we are

driving to our future home state to start house hunting. So excited!

Have a fabulous weekend!

{image via my instagram}

Accessories for the Home: Things That Sparkle

The last guest for my must-have home accessories series is Alex from Things That Sparkle.
She has fabulous taste and her home was recently featured in Chicago Magazine.
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Hi all, I am Alex from Things That Sparkle and so happy to be here today sharing my favorite accessories that add glamor to any home! 

Sparkley votive holder perfect to decorate the table for a dinner party or just light on the coffee
table on a random night.

A crystal chandelier makes any room more glamorous. Love this one over a dining table,
in a bedroom or even in a nice big closet!

Fur pillows bring an element of luxury into any space. Throw them on your bed or sofa to
cozy up during the winter months!

This gem mirror would add a touch of glam anywhere. Look at the name! "Gem mirror". Amazing.

Anything Chanel adds glamor. A Chanel book is the perfect accessory for your console or coffee table!

A little arrangement of white roses is the perfect winter white touch. 
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Thank you Alex for participating!

And thank you to the other ladies who also participated:
Elizabeth from The NOW, guest post here
Erin from House of Earnest, guest post here
Irene from designsILes, guest post here
Natalie from Natalie Merrillyn, guest post here
Rachel from Little Bits of Lovely, guest post here

Accessories for the Home: Little Bits of Lovely

I am so happy to have today's guest, Rachel of Little Bits of Lovely.

Her blog is one of my daily stops and one of my favorites. I love her aesthetic

and her daily posts full of inspiration. Here is Rachel's post on her five must-have

accessories for the home.

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Hi there a dose of pretty readers! It's Rachel here from Little Bits of Lovely and I'm thrilled to be sharing my top 5 favourite accessories for the home with you today while Sarah is settling into her new home back in the States!

{one} Candles. Beautifully scented candles are my weakness, they not only look pretty on display, but they also add warmth to a room. My favourite scent is Diptyque Baies, but I have also recently discovered Tocca, which smell equally divine.

{two} Books. I love collecting coffee table books that are beautiful to have out on display and always a source of constant inspiration. Guests always love flicking through them when visiting too!

{three} Lighting. Good lighting is not only functional, but also sets the mood of a room and serves as a lovely decorative accessory. This lamp is currently on my wish list that I plan on using for my workspace (a current work in progress!)

{four} Trays. I use trays for just about everything - my dressing table to store perfume + accessories; and also my coffee table to store magazines + candles. Not only do they keep things contained nicely they look lovely too. A favourite is this python tray.

{five} Art. Whether it is inspirational prints, beautiful illustrations or photography, I love being surrounded by artwork at home. Recent favourites are Leigh Viner, Cathryn Nicholson + Sarah & Bendrix. I also find Etsy a great way to discover new artists that are also budget friendly.

Thank you so much for having me today Sarah; and do stop by Little Bits of Lovely + say "hello"!

Image Sources:

1.Candles: http://pinterest.com/pin/26599454019180089/ + http://pinterest.com/pin/26599454019228093/

2.Books: http://pinterest.com/pin/26599454019196178/ + http://pinterest.com/pin/26599454019038251/

3. Lighting: http://pinterest.com/pin/26599454019187515/ + Lonny.

4. Trays: http://dustjacketattic.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/glamour-retro-turquoise.html + http://www.breakfastattoast.com

5. Art: http://pinterest.com/pin/26599454019294952/ + http://pinterest.com/pin/26599454019036101/

Accessories for the Home: Natalie Merrillyn

Continuing my guest series on the top 5 accessories for the home, is the fabulous and stylish
Natalie from her blog Natalie Merrillyn. Since I will soon be moving to a new home, I am really enjoying seeing everyone's top 5 picks. Here are Natalie's must-have accessories for the home.

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Hello a dose of pretty readers! I'm Natalie from Natalie Merrillyn, here to share my five must-have accessories for the home. Any of these accessories would look fabulous on an entryway table,

styled on a bookshelf, or on a coffee or side table in the living room.

1. I love everything about this pretty pierced lantern. Put a candle inside of it for a patio party to add to the ambiance.
2. This gold feather tray is perfection.
3. I love adding bits of deep green around my home. These moss cobble balls do just the trick.
4. This brass sea urchin adds the perfect gold accent.
5. I just received this book and I'm obsessed with the zebra cover. It adds so much on a shelf or coffee table!
6. Bonus item! An Hermès blanket is the ultimate glamorous accessory for the home. Would love one draped over my sofa {a girl can dream!}

Thanks so much, Sara for having me today!

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Thank you Natalie for sharing your picks. A few of these are on my wish list for my new home.

Happy Weekend

{via my Instagram}

We are here stateside visiting the in-laws and we have had a great time so far.

I feel like a kid in a candy store when I go visit Target or TJ Maxx. A year of not having

some of these stores to visit and walk down each and every aisle is a very sad situation.

At TJ Maxx I found this crystal skull that I am absolutely loving. I know it may not be for everyone's

style, but I love the way it balances the girly stuff. I recently spotted one in Katie Ermilio's home 

{and also here} and I love the way it looks over books. I will do that as soon as we have a home 

and we are settled. I am also loving my J.Crew necklace {sold out}, my new 

Michael Kors iPad case {also via TJ Maxx} and this nail polish in Orange Fizz. 

The perfect coral for the Spring.

For links this week I have one that will help you stay organized: Rachel's top 4 apps.

Have a great Easter weekend!

And to my Peru friends, I miss you all already!

Accessories for the Home: designstILes

I have asked a few of my favorite bloggers to fill-in for me while I am in the midst

of moving stateside. Today, I am so honored that Irene from designstILes is here with us. 

Her blog is full of inspirational images and she is one of the best at making 

tablescapes look beyond amazing.

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Hi Pretty readers, it's Irene from designstILes filling in for Sara while she's settling into her new home.

I actually had the opportunity to meet Sara on a recent trip to Peru. 

Glad I caught her while she was still there.

Hope my five must-have home accessories will inspire her to bring these into her home. 

I'm sure a good amount of us already own most of these.

I've long liked most things brass, but recently brass figurines are too cute to pass up. They bring in a vintage feel full of personality.

Elephant and deer can be found here and here.

I love having fresh flowers in the house. Usually I just pick some wild ones from our yard, but if money permits, treat yourself to a more elaborate bouquet. And it's always nice to splurge on nicer flowers when guests come visit. Let's them know you care.

flower images via style me pretty

Decorative boxes are pretty and double as a place to hide obnoxious things like remote controls and other junk not nice enough to display.

zig zag boxes // lacquered and inlay boxes

I keep a candle in every room in our house. Also a nice gesture for when guests come visit. It's nice to hear your house smells good when they walk through the door.

tocca candle // voluspa

Coffee table books showcase your interests and serve as a great source of inspiration.

And there you have it, my five must have accessories.

How many of these do you have?

Thanks so much for having me, Sara!

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Thank you Irene for sharing your must-have accessories for the home!

Living Room Accessories: Erin of House of Earnest

I have asked a few of my favorite bloggers to fill-in for me while I am in the midst
of moving back to the States. Today, I am so flattered

that Erin from House of Earnest is joining us. Her blog is full of inspiring 

DIYs and tips, and beautiful images. 

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Hi all of you 'A Dose of Pretty' readers! I'm here to give you all my five must-have living room accessories. Aside from furniture, it can be overwhelming to try to corral your living area into one cohesive look when you're buying pieces here and there. Start with a few of these staples, and it will give you a jumping off point for future accessories purchases and make a big style impact in the meantime!



SNACK I always have a bowl of something snacky sitting on my coffee table. It's just one of those little things that people remember when the stop by for a drink. Try filling your snack bowl with this amazing recipe. Gold Tree Bomb Cup $29 from Ferm Living.

REFLECT Using a large mirror is wonderful to bounce around light and make the room appear more spacious. Just make sure the mirror has a great frame or unique shape so that it doesn't get too '80's wall of mirrors' ! Donnabella Mirror $895 from Jayson Home.

CONTAIN Create a vignette, corral your remotes, or use as a coffee table, these high gloss trays come in so many sizes and colors and make any room seem a little more pulled together. White lacquer trays $29-$59 from West Elm.

LOUNGE A pretty pouf has many uses - part ottoman, part cushion - but don't let just the functionality sway you. There is such a graphic and colorful punch from these beauties, they'll spruce up any space without the commitment to a patterned piece of furniture.

PERCH garden stools are probably one of my favorite things in the world. They're so sculptural and can be just the right accessory to give you the style you're after. This gold one from Made Goods glams up the rest of my picks above.

I hope one of these ideas speaks to you and inspires you to try some new accessories in your own space!

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Thank you Erin for being here today and sharing your must have accessories for the living room!

Must-Have Home Accessories: Elizabeth from The NOW

I happy to say that I am living stateside now. Hopefully, in less than a couple of months

we will be moving to a new home. I am very excited about this and while I am getting settled back in the States, I have asked a few of my favorite bloggers to share their must-have accessories for the home.

Starting the guest series, is the lovely Elizabeth from The NOW.

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Hi everyone, it's Elizabeth from The NOW.  I am thrilled to be on a dose of pretty to talk about my must have home accessories! While I have about a gadrillion accessories in my house (so many that I have to store some away for later) there are a select few that can go in any room. I am constantly changing things around in my home, but I know these accessories will look good no matter where I put them.  And here they are...

I just love this little Piggy! I have moved him to every surface of my house



From Calypso Home. A little pricey but it was the most reasonable one I found!!

This Brocade Home mirror was originally white, but I had it painted turquoise.
The Candlesticks are from Z Gallerie and Baccarat
The bookends are from Mitchell Gold Bob Williams  BTW:the tray on the table is from Tilly Maison) 

Thanks again, Sara for having me!! Safe travels.

xoxo Elizabeth

Fashion Files: Natalie Merrillyn

Today for Fashion Files we have the lovely and stylish Natalie Merrillyn. Natalie has done well acquiring some amazing accessories. Her collection is incredible! I think I need that Tibi top!

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Hello a dose of pretty readers! I'm Natalie from Natalie Merrillyn. I'm so excited to be included in Sara's Fashion Files series today, her blog is one of my favorites! {Also loved her guest post on my blog.:)}

Here is a peek at my accessory collection.

First up, some of my favorite shoes. I tend to invest in classic shoes that I know I'll wear for a long time.

{Front row: Gap, Steve Madden, Zara. Bottom row: Dolce Vita, Zara.}

I love J. Crew and Zara for affordable accessories. And every girl should own a Michael Kors watch.

I've worn mine almost every day since the day I got it!

{above: Zara clutch, American Apparel Bow Hair Clip, J. Crew leather gloves, Michael Kors watch,

J. Crew necklaces and bracelets.}

This scarf is one of my favorites, the colors in it are gorgeous.

{above: Nordstrom scarf, Aldo clutch, J. Crew necklaces, J. Crew, Nordstrom + DY bracelets.}

I love this tote that reminds me of Celine's luggage tote -- it's the perfect, affordable replacement.

{above: J. Crew sequin top, J. Crew tote, Madewell scarf, MK watch, J. Crew bracelets, J. Crew belts.}

{Tibi top, Ray-Ban sunglasses, J. Crew Panama hat, random bracelets, HRH Collection necklace.}

{Gilly Hicks lace top, Topshop scarf, random purse + sunglasses.}

{H&M jacket, Rebecca Minkoff clutch, Chanel pin (similar here), J. Crew scarf, Blue Nile, DY, J. Crew bracelets.}

Thanks again, Sara for having me! And be sure to stop by Natalie Merrillyn for more inspiration!

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Thank you Natalie for sharing your amazing style with us and be sure to visit Natalie.

Spotted & Found!

When I first saw Sarah's new workspace, I was immediately drawn to her brass letter holder.

I even I asked her for a source, but she found it in a thrift store. This morning while

checking my favorite Etsy store for new merchandise, I jumped in joy when I saw this

letter holder which is almost identical to Sarah's. Of course, I immediately put it in my virtual cart

and bought it. I am sure it will look wonderful in our new home.

Favorite necklaces as of late...

And they all happen to be J.Crew. Are you surprised? J.Crew seems to be

my go-to place for necklaces, and well for clothing as well.

{via Sequins & Stripes and Cupcakes & Cashmere}

this old {2009} Palm Leaf Green Necklace is perfect for this Spring;

I recently took advantage of a final sale and ordered this Tortoise Resin and Rhinestone

link Necklace {sold out}; and I am loving this Mosaic Necklace {also sold out} for its

vintage look and how it can easily transform a basic white shirt and give it a little glam. 

SassaB Linkable Charms

Looking for a fun new accessory? Check out these brand new SassaB Linkable Charms! From peace signs, to panda bears and rainbows, you can use these linkable charms as a necklace, a bracelet, or my favorite, a hair accessory. Collect your favorites and mix and match for different designs. They're the perfect gift for your daughters, nieces, granddaughters, or just a family friend, and best of all, they're totally affordable! Since they're brand new accessories, that little girl is bound to be a trendsetter among her friends!

What do you think about these cute charms? Are you going to buy any?

Order now on the SassaB website by clicking here. Don't forget to "like" them on Facebook by clicking here, and for more information, be sure to check out this Q&A from Product X.

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