Jess LC Is All New!

{The lovely model relaxing on our Haze Silk Mimosa pillow.}

It is so wonderful when you meet someone who shares your passion for design.  It was a few months ago that I met jewelry designer Jess Constable and we instantly connected.  Jess loved the new collection of AphroChic pillows, and I fell in love with her beautiful jewelry and her blog, Makeunder My Life.  So, I was so excited when she asked to use our Haze Silk Mimosa pillow to include in the lookbook for her brand new site.  Not only does the pillow look gorgeous, but Jess's new collection and site is absolutely wonderful!

Here just a few of my favorite photos from the lookbook and my favorite pieces from the new Division Collection.  One look, and you will see why I love Jess LC.



Another peak of our Haze Silk Mimosa pillow.



The Division Chevron Earrings are my favorite!



How cute are these yellow balloons!



And I have to have this Division Chevron Bangle!  So mod.

From gorgeous styling to her beautifully modern jewelry, you will love what you see at Jess LC.  Enjoy!

Off On A Shoot

DWR, originally uploaded by AphroChic.

Hello everyone. I'm off today for a photo shoot and taping with a really fun magazine. I can't wait to show you pics and some behind the scenes from the shoot in the next few weeks. I'll be back tomorrow with work from an amazing designer. Can't wait to share!

{Image: Design Within Reach}

Living Etc: Color In Every Room

I thought I would start this week off with a splash of color.  It's no secret I'm a fan of color, and lots of it.  My own pillow collection is full of bright and beautiful hues that bring fun energy to a room.  Right now color is everywhere in interior design.  No more beige rooms.  Now is the time to embrace colorful accents and accessories that make a statement at home.  Here are just a few examples from Living Etc.



A classic bed is transformed in bold stripes of berry, pink, yellow and gray.  This room is fun and flirty, especially with the addition of the striped curtains.  Bold color and pattern are perfectly combined.



The yellow porcelain basin speaks volumes against the slate blue wall in this bathroom.  Simple accessories complete the look.  However, you could go over the top with an ornate mirror.



I love an all-white space.  It can be so peaceful and serene.  But why not add just a touch of color?  The red chair legs take this space from monochromatic to modern.

Enjoy bright colors at home this season.  Not only will they look gorgeous, they will give you a little positive boost too.

{Images: Living Etc.}

Thank You Friday!

It was quite a surprise to wake up last week and find out that AphroChic was featured on Blogger's Blogs of Note website.  I have been using blogger for three years now, and love it!  It was such an honor to have Blogger recognize AphroChic and introduce us to so many wonderful new readers.

And on that note, it's time for another Thank You Friday!  There are so many people who have lovingly supported the AphroChic blog and our new shop.  Here are some wonderful blogs that you have to check out this weekend.  They all have fabulous style, and most of all, they have taken the time out to support AphroChic.  Thank you all!

- Mustard Seed Collective
- Nest Interior Design
- Mochatini
- Bloesem
- Elle Decoration South Africa
- Melissa Loves
- Dear Designer's

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Summer at CB2

Igloo Chair

Spring is here and CB2 already has us thinking about summer.  The new summer catalog just might be there best ever!  There are lots of modern furnishings for the great outdoors.  Here are a few of my favorites.


Rex Chair

The new catalog includes a wonderful selection of outdoor seating.  My favorite is the Igloo Chair above.  Handwoven wire forms a satellite dish shape.  I'm going to stop by the store this weekend to check out how comfy this chair is.  And the Rex Chair in olive is perfect for those alfresco dinners.


Tweet Bird Feeder

Tweet tweet!  I cannot get enough of this Tweet Bird Feeder.  In bright orange this has to be the coolest bird feeder ever.


Julep Rocker

And the item that completely rocks - the Julep Rocker.  This powder-coated rocker will never go out of style.  With simple lines and a white coating, it's the rocking chair for the modern age.  I would love to sit out on this chair during the summer watching the lightning bugs go by.  Perfection.

Original Art: Eduard Erlikh

I love the work of fashion illustrator Eduard Erlikh.  Featured in fashion magazines around the world, including Vogue, Elle and Marie Claire, Erlikh's work is light, airy, and very chic.





His use of watercolors is absolutely beautiful.  Shadowy silhouettes are framed by lovely blocks of color.





Currently Erlikh has a limited number of prints available on his website.  They would be a wonderful addition to any art collection.

One Thread Fair Trade

Last year I had a wonderful Style Talk Interview with Mayura Kona from One Thread Fair Trade.  Mayura does incredible work with women in India, helping women to obtain economic self-sufficiency and overcome violence by employing them as artisans.  The mission of One Thread Fair Trade is truly beautiful and the work produced by each artisan is inspiring.



This year One Thread is introducing a gorgeous new collection, Arifa.  Named after one of the inspiring artists that Mayura works with, Arifa is inspired by the landscape of India.  The unpredictable lines and shapes that you see in each design are inspired by the lines formed by the Indian landscape.  Mayura says, "The initial inspiration for the Arifa Collection came while I was taking a walk with my grandmother in India. During one of our walks, my eye was drawn to the beautiful shapes and lines in the cracks of the earth below us. The uneven and unpredictable lines were the first design element that set the course for the Arifa Collection."



I love the idea of being inspired by one's surroundings.  And the unique shapes and bold colors make this collecting intriguing.



Every time you purchase from One Thread Fair Trade you are truly changing someone's life.  It's wonderful to see how good design can make a difference.

Elements of Style: Birdhouse Interior Design

Style at home is in the details.  These photos from interior design firm Birdhouse Interior Design show how the smallest details can add some soul and make a space feel like home.



A pair of pillows in an oversized and bold print add a graphic punch.



Displaying some of your favorite treasures - a delicate corsage, a print you love - is the perfect way to add a personal touch.



Textured pieces, like this lighting add interest and an organic feel to an otherwise spare space.

Creating stylish spaces is about more than choosing the right piece of furniture.  Just one look at the portfolio at Birdhouse Interior Design shows how small elements, like your favorite accessories, can make a space feel like home.

What are the details that make your house a home?

{Images: Birdhouse Interior Design}

Happy Friday!

Anthropologie, originally uploaded by AphroChic.

I'm running off early today. It's just too gorgeous to be inside. I hope you have an absolutely wonderful weekend. Go outside, play, have a nice dinner, hang out with friends. That's what I plan to do.

Happy Friday!

{Image: Anthropologie}

West Elm Bamboo Birdcage

Two weeks ago I posted about the beautiful home of designer Tine Kjeldsen of Tine K Home that was featured in Elle Decoration UK.  Her all-white abode was absolutely gorgeous, and was filled with many wood elements to warm up the space.  One of the things that caught my attention, and many of yours, was the birdcage featured in her space.  Well, I'm happy to report that I spotted a similar one at West Elm!



This Bamboo Birdcage from West Elm is the perfect design accessory.  It would look so cute on an entryway table or bookshelf.  It brings a little bit of the outdoors in and will warm up a neutral color palette.  And for $39, it will fit right into your budget.

So, could you see having a decorative birdcage at home?  Where would you place it?

Original Art: The New Ladies Of Qora & Shai

Happy Swinging

I am loving the latest pieces from Qora & Shai.  These ladies are fun, fashionable, and so cute!


Oops

Qora & Shai pieces are printed on canvas in France.  And while that may be far away for some, this online boutique ships globally, including the US!


Vespa Social Club

Large enough to make a big statement on any wall in your home, these pieces of original art are sure to add a dash of fun to your modern interior.


Malka

See more from Qora & Shai right here.

Amenity Home Spring Collection

Amenity Home has a fresh collection for spring 2010.  Featuring an all new fern print in their signature organic cotton, the Fern Collection is a celebration of the upcoming spring season.



The nature-inspired prints come in three different colorways - warm amber, celery and peacock blue.



Pieces include duvets, canvas prints, pillows, runners and placemats.



The most wonderful thing about this new collection - it fits beautifully with previous pieces from Amenity.  So, if you already have items from this online boutique, the Fern Collection will be the perfect complement.

Enjoy!

Turquoise LA

I'm such a fan of the work of interior designer Vanessa De Vargas from Turquoise LA.  You've likely seen her work in a number of shelter mags, and recently in Nesting Newbies.





These photos are from a project that Vanessa did in Venice, CA that was featured in Sunset Magazine.  One of the most beautifully decorated spaces I have ever seen, I love how Vanessa blends modern and vintage, high-end items with reasonably priced pieces, and colors like red and gray.





The end result is an absolutely beautiful California abode that's cozy and modern, with high-impact items like splashes of color in the form of red wallpaper, beautiful decorative mirrors, and tons of gorgeous lighting.



For more form Turquoise LA visit the site.  You're also going to love the vintage furniture and the company's e-decorating services.  Check it out!

AphroChic Spring Newsletter!

It's been a springy week here on the blog, and at the AphroChic Shop we are also celebrating the spring season.   Check out our latest newsletter on our Facebook page that's all about spring style and how pieces from the AphroChic collection fit beautifully with this season's fashion and decor trends.  Hope you enjoy it. 

Have an absolutely wonderful weekend!

In Just Three Days...Liberty!

It's the collection that has had the blogosphere and twitter abuzz for weeks now.  Liberty of London For Target launches in just three days! When I first heard the news I could not stop screaming.  For years I have been a fan of the London shop, wishing that we had just a bit of Liberty style right here in the US.  The collaboration is a dream come true for many who love the bright prints and quirky designs of the UK store.



Offering a gorgeous collection of fashion and home decor in bold floral prints, Liberty of London for Target is sure to make a big splash this Spring season.  Oh, and did I forget to mention the affordable prices?  At the top of my list - this oh-so-cute Martha Grace bicycle.  At $199 I will ride this little beauty around the city in absolute style.



Let the countdown begin.  Visit Target on March 14th to view the complete collection!

{Images: Target, New York Daily News}

Original Art: Sandra Suy

The work of fashion illustrator Sandra Suy is truly beautiful.  I recently found out about Sandra through another favorite artist, Leigh Viner.  Sandra creates illustrations that celebrate women and the beautiful clothes they wear.



Sandra has a clear love for fashion, and it's not surprising to find out that she studied fashion design before entering her career in illustration.





And even though she lives in Barcelona, you can buy prints of her work anywhere in the world.  Just visit her Etsy shop to find prints in a variety of sizes.  You can view Sandra's complete portfolio right here.