Wiff:

“To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” — Mark Twain

A well-used, well-loved porch and part of a home, built from the ground up, by The Wills Company. Lemonade, anyone?

 

A kitchen pass-through: Great idea when you want to be part of the action, but don’t want the action in the kitchen.

 

Check out this master bath with marble mirror. Can't you just imagine putting makeup on here each morning? Note how wrapping the mirror in marble gives it some oomph.

 

Have you seen a prettier bar?

 

Maybe best of all is the The Wills Company handyman maintenance team. They are on call for emergencies and can actually commit to a fixed price (and stick to it) for the little stuff. The handyman service allows The Wills Company to handle all size jobs.

Did you say, “But how do I organize all of my wrapping paper?” The Wills Company Handyman Service can custom build one for you.

This sunroom now stands in the place of that deck. Incredible, no? If this were my sunroom, I'd never leave home.

 

Notice the recessed niche that has been added to this dining room. Small project. BIG impact.

 

It was hard to photograph this perfectly situated pool without jumping in! Drinks, anyone?

 

Now, for a little I Spy game. Check out the next two. Who can find the differences first?

Small changes make a big difference. See the "after" for proof.

 

I'll throw you a bone. It's the dormers and detailing. See how they make all the difference? Now, you can welcome your in-laws with pride.

 

To end this post, I had to throw in another porch. The perfect place to end a day in the south!

This porch is part of an historic home.

Note about photos in this post: While some of the pictures included in today’s post are mine, others were shot by colleagues – great examples of talented photographers working with gorgeous subjects.

 

Be sure to check out the StyleBlueprint Deal today: half-off a mani/pedi!  Click here to see.

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

I remember last spring when I asked a few friends what they thought about a certain look — the whole combo scarf + statement long necklace.  There was much divided opinion here.  I noticed that the spring Garnet Hill catalog was filled with pictures highlighting this necklace w/scarf thing.  The magazines also had this look gracing their pages.  But, editorial and real life are two different things.  Well, I’d like to proclaim loud and clear that the answer has now been given a definitive YES through one picture: behold the cover of Town & Country:

I promise that this one picture will have women embracing this combination as Tory Burch looks hip, classy, stylish and age appropriate.  She’s over 40, and fabulous.  She’s also queen of the cool chicks and followers line up to mimic her.  Sigh, I’m sometimes one of these followers.

Here is follower me.  Wiff Harmer took my picture when she was photographing me for the lash tinting offer that Trace Skin Care has going on during the month of September for StyleBlueprint readers (see THIS WEEK section for details.).  Wiff made me dance and be a total goof, and to prove I’m not too proud, I’m actually posting the picture.

The stack of sandalwood bracelets are by Judith Bright.

When making such a strong statement at your neckline, limit your bracelets — which I wish I had done for this photo — and make sure your earrings are on the smaller size.  (note: I love these Judith Bright sandalwood bracelets.  They’re a little much paired with the neck candy I have going on, but probably wouldn’t be if I had taken off all my OTHER bracelets!  If you are in search of some ‘throw on with almost anything’ bracelets, check her out online: www.judithbright.com)

But, you see that the overall trend, scarf + necklace, can be worn by normal people.  And, as seen on Tory, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear this look while reading a book, on a picnic blanket, at the park.

ANKLE CANDY:

What am I talking about?  Last year, we pointed out that the socks w/pumps (or sandals) 80′s throwback look was starting to pop up.  Well, it’s back and I think this is the year where you’ll see this look go more mainstream.  WARNING: this is not a good thing. Sure, it’s a cute way to accessorize a classic outfit — if you are 18.  However, since I can guarantee that none of our readers are 18, I simply need to say, “Be careful.”  This look, for anyone over 25, is oh-so-easy to mess up.  Here is the look done well, on models with super skinny little calves, and they really do look great:

Picture from the New York Times. These cuties all make me want to say that this look is easy to pull off. Real life stinks as this look is actually difficult for anyone over the age of 25.

I know I’m going to notice with delight when an adult pulls off this look with ease.  We all know that certain someone who can always pull off the most current of looks, no matter what her age, and still she seems so right on. However, I’m mostly going to grimace when I notice fellow women missing the mark…which, with this look, will be often.  Just for you, I did try out this look below.  My daughters both made a point of telling me how bad I looked.  My husband, my photographer for the picture below, said my ankles looked big. Ouch!  Big ankles?  No, thank you!

The full body shot is just too embarrassing to post. Trust me, it's really bad.

So, tread carefully.  Do experiment this fall with new ways to modernize classic looks.  When you hit the mark, you’ll know deep down that it’s OK to leave the house.  If you can’t figure it out, call your friend over.  You know the one: the one that is so honest, it sometimes hurts.

-Liza

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Now, let’s hear from Sukey:

I found 3 all round great sweaters to love for all occasions. They work with white pants til September, jeans year round, and always with your favorite black or brown pants. Last, but not least, I’ll tell you about a great belt. So many clients ‘forget’ their belt (you know who you are)!

• First prize for best steal of a deal – Target $24.99 – Cheetah print cardigan. A little trendy, but worth it for the price. This will (or should) match more than a handful of things already in your closet

• For a slightly higher price point, Ann Taylor $68 Shawl Collar Tunic – and it has cashmere!  This color is called wet clay heather (it looks camel to me). Don’t let the word tunic scare you away. This is a sleeveless pullover that will look sassy in September with your tanned arms, gold jewelry and killer belt. Finally, in November you’ll still get to wear it with the right long sleeve shirt or blouse underneath.  The cowl neckline is a winner for all of us. Love it!

available at area Ann Taylor stores, $68

• This one wins the prize for biggest investment here today: BCBG’s signature cardi-wrap $148-$168 – The beauty of this item is all the color options at different times of the year. I love the camel heather, black, and grey. I got my first one this summer in orange and pink (now marked down!). This piece is very versatile in both occasion and look. There is a video online explaining 12 different ways to wear it, so no excuses! Also, the sales people are very polite and helpful (my experience was at The Mall of Green Hills).

Here are just 4 of the 12 ways to wear the cardiwrap.

• I said, don’t forget the belt! I found this little beauty while in BCBG. The online picture does not do it justice. You must try it in the store because it’s a home run with the #2 and #3 sweaters adding the perfect bling to finish your outfit. (Remember the tiger print cardigan doesn’t need a lot more bling because…. it’s tiger print!) They call it Leather Belt with Golden Buckle for $58.

• Ladies, remember a belt doesn’t go in the same spot for everyone. Don’t be afraid to try it high, medium or low, but try it.

…Lastly, as I feel ashamed my summer was too busy and school is already here. Let’s slow it down, lose the watch, and make a little time for yourself. You’re worth it!

© 2010 – 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Mary Blake Graves, my oldest, age 10.

I am a huge advocate for spending money on professional photography.  I have a clear memory from my own childhood of my mother lamenting an expense that her friend indulged in: professional pictures of her children.  She said, “I wouldn’t trade the way we live our life, but I wish I had more beautiful pictures of you all.”

Cameras today are totally different making our own photography ability 1000% better than what most of our parents could achieve. Plus, digital photography has eliminated the guess work of film.  But, a professional can still capture the light, expressions and giggles better than most of us.

With Mother’s Day coming, I think a gift certificate for a session with Wiff would be one of the best presents you could ever receive.  Sitting Fee: $150, 5×7 are  $30, 8×10 are $45.  See her website, www.wiffharmer.com for more information.  Here’s a sample of her work which you can request in Black & White or Color.

All moms should have a picture taken with their baby. Remember that!

John, Mason and Tully McKee. I'm so glad this one is in color as the Fall palette is so rich.

Myatt Hooper. You can almost hear the giggles.

The Dayani boys. I have three kids with this same age spread and this is how they interact. I LOVE that it was captured in this picture - it makes me smile oh so BIG!

Turner, Gus and Millie Kirkland

Millie Kirkland.

Charlie, Mary Blake and Reese Graves. Our cat is 19 1/2 and the doorway to the house is 100 years old. I love this picture.

Denton Sensing

Loring, Hannah and Reid Helfrich.

If you hire Wiff, be sure to get a picture of your entire family together, but also one of JUST you and your hubby. Really. The last professional picture we had taken of ourselves was when were married and I'm so glad Wiff snapped this one. Jay and Liza Graves.

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.