The Essence of Shabby Chic

Aaaaaaamazing. I don't know if I want to stand up and cheer like crazy for the stylist and photographer, or just cry because it's so good - it hurts! I love every detail of this wedding shoot. According to Style Me Pretty, the wedding will be featured in Brides Northern California in the Fall/Winter 2009 issue. Did you notice the initials are "A & R"? I'm sure that stands for Abby & Randy - don't ya think?! I want to put those in my house.

I am inspired in SO many ways. I want to bake some cuteness, host a shabby chic party, hit Anthropologie, do some decorating in my kitchen and Kalia's room, pick some peonies, and gather some mismatched chairs. I'm pretty sure I hit the jackpot on inspiration for Kalia's birthday party, too! I'm thinking about having a vintage-ish theme, with lots of pink (her latest favorite color), and old-fashioned candy and games. I can't stop gushing about this wedding shoot. It's just so perfect.

Images: Style Me Pretty

Photographer: Lisa Lefkowitz

Stylist: Gloria Wong Design

See it ALL on Style Me Pretty:

One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Madre's

I found these beautiful photos of Jennifer Lopez's restaurant, Madre's, and decided that it would be a great place for my upcoming anniversary dinner! Only two problems...One: it's in California. Two: I believe it closed down. Apparently it was designed by Rachel Ashwell - the queen of Shabby Chic. Can't say that I would have been correct in guessing JLo's design style, but isn't it beautiful?

Images: Daisy Pink Cupcake

Peekin' on Pickin' - Kalia's Room

Yes! I Love pillows. You can never have too many!

This was one of my very first "antique" finds. I found a set of two, and I still love them!

I found my daughter's nightstand at a flea market in Illinois.

This chair was a hideous color of pink (and I love pink!), so I had it reupholstered in a minty green toile.

A kindred spirit (as Anne would say) introduced me to Huldah Cherry, and I love her paintings in my daughter's bedroom. When I was pregnant, I found one with a mother and daughter, so that one holds a special place in my heart.

I just wanted to include a better angle of the chair!

My mom actually tried to talk me out of this bucket at a flea market, but I just knew I had to have it. I'm so glad I followed my heart on this one! We used to use it for diaper storage.

Maybe it's just me, but I think it's so fun to visit a friend's home for the first time, and get a little tour of the place! Every once in a while, I would love to be able to peek inside "real" homes here on Pickin' Cute...and I thought we could start with mine. I chose to share my daughter's room first, since it's probably my favorite. Come on in!

Tea, Gentlemen?

Since we're embracing our femininity today, we may as well serve our little frui-tea cups in our beautiful pink dining room. (Wink, Wink). I truly wonder how many wives would secretly love to use more pink in home decor. What we do - (or DON'T do) - to please our men! I just have to add that I love the mirror, doors and sideboard in this room. I can't say that I mind the pink walls, either!

Image: This Young House