The Ann Taylor Loft brand was established in 1996 as a more casual, more affordable version of the Ann Taylor brand. Up until last spring, I was unimpressed. Ann Taylor LOFT, now renamed LOFT has been bringing their “A” game as of late. Check out the fantastic fall items that made it onto Kiki’s List:
Author Archives: Krista Salmon
10.27.10
It’s Been a Long Day.
My day started at 3:30 this morning when E climbed into bed with me. I knew she wasn’t feeling well, so I opened up the covers and wrapped my arms around her. When Mike is traveling, she likes to sleep on my side. She told me she was thirsty. I told her that there was a bottle of water on my nightstand that she could have a sip of. I heard one gulp and then “RRRHHALLLKKKK!” Projectile vomit all over my room. Not only was she covered- she got the sheets, the duvet, the bed skirt, the throw pillows that were on the floor next to the bed and worst of all.. there were chunks all over the white carpet.
I quickly sprang into action. Rinsed her down, stripped the bedding, the pillowcases and threw it all into the washer. I grabbed my can of spot shot (we keep a can on every level of our house) and kept applying, and applying, and applying… No dice. This stain was not going away (and neither was the smell.) Before leaving to drop Anna off at school, I hopped online to stanleysteemer.com.
Say what you want about jingles, but I had seen their commercials so many times, they were the first name that came to mind. I was able to schedule same day cleaning and I received a $25 discount for booking online. Within two hours I received a call that the crew was on their way. John and Rolando showed up at my door. I showed them the infamous spot, and a few others and they told me that they thought that they could get them out. I, on the other hand, was convinced we were going to have to trash this carpeting… but since we have a five year old, a two year old and a dog, I would really like to get a few more years out of it.
John and Rolando cleaned my entire upstairs and all of my area rugs within two hours. The stains? Completely gone. They also recommended a deodorizer to help with the smell… and now my bedroom is smelling like daisies.
Long story short- if you need your carpets cleaned, these are your guys… Ask for John and Rolando.
10.27.10
Nurturing Creativity.
When we finished our basement, I was sure to put dibs on a space to build a craft room. I think it is so crucial to foster creativity in our children. As art and music programs are being cut at record levels within our schools, it is up to parents to pick up where the school systems are failing our youth.
Since I entered the blogosphere I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people. Through the the virtual universe I have been introduced to new things and ideas that I never would have had the pleasure of experiencing without the miracle of modern technology.
This brings me to Margaret Norcott, Principal designer for Milieu Design Group. Margaret sent along pictures of this gorgeous Kid’s Craft Suite that she designed for the Atlanta Symphony Show House and Gardens back in April.
This craft suite makes my little craft room look like a dump. Margaret has done an amazing job of mixing colors and textures that appeal to both kids and adults alike.
Can you believe this puppet show booth? What little one wouldn’t LOVE that?
I’m a big fan of a good window seat.
Here are Margaret’s resources:
1. Duralee Summer Fabric– Pricing to the trade.
2. Trina Turk Zebra Fabric– Pricing to the trade.
3. Kravet So Chic Sherbet Fabric–Pricing to the trade.
4. Bertoia Chair-$481
5. Benjamin Moore Crown Hill Yellow -Price Varies.
6. Tube Top Table Lamp-$110
7. Jake Desk Chair-$179
8. Duralee Polka Dots Fabric– $25.98/yd
9. Knoll Womb Chair-$2,487
10. FLOR Carpet Tiles– $11.99
11. Knoll Lin Stones-$229
12. Knoll Risom Kid’s Chair-$197
Thanks Margaret for sharing this special room!
Check out Margaret’s blog here.
10.26.10
Smoke and Mirrors.
I think it’s safe to say that everyone loves a good smokey eye. However, many women steer clear of this make-up maneuver for fear of 1. looking like a streetwalker and 2. looking like you slept in yesterday’s make-up. Obviously, neither of these options are appealing.
Fear no more ladies… Follow these 6 steps to smokey eye bliss. You can even do it yourself! To ensure you have a clean application be sure to do your eyes first, clean up any residue on your face, then apply concealer and foundation. Also, to avoid looking like a street walker, make sure to keep your lips nude, with only a touch of gloss. And lastly, easy on the blush ladies….
1. Prep your lids. Also known as a primer, these products keep your make-up from melting off. I love Trish McEvoy and MAC.
2. Apply Eyeliner. Although I generally use liquid liner, a powder applied with an eyeliner brush is best for smokey eyes. You could spend a lot of money on different colors, but my girl Bobbi has put it all together for you here. Start at the inner corner and work your way out. Make the line a bit thicker in the middle of the lid, then bring it back down as you move outward.
3. Line your lower lids. Use the same powder on the lower lid, apply generously, then smudge with your finger. Tip: Powder will sprinkle your face. I tend to lick tip tip of a Q-Tip to clean up under eye area.
4. Apply base color. Pick a cream, shimmery color to apply over top lid. Start at the inner corner and bring it up to your brow bone.
5. Blend, Blend, Blend. Start at the lash line and blend upwards. Essentially, the eyeliner “line” should disappear.
Talk about smoke and mirrors- if you are still afraid… there’s always this. No matter your technique- smoke it up, then grab your clutch, put on your embellished heels and hit the town!
10.25.10
Desperately Seeking Suzani.
Suzani
(also siuzane), an embroidered decorative panel of white, more rarely, colored, cotton fabric or silk, widely used for interior decoration by the peoples of Tadzhikistan and Uzbekistan. Characteristic designs for a suzani are rosettes, floral motifs, birds, and ancient magical symbols.
The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979).
I can’t stop thinking about that gorgeous Donghia Suzani print that Rita St. Clair used in the Family Room at the WDC. In my opinion, this is a trend is not going away anytime soon. I think it’s a great fabric to put in my guest bedroom (when I can acquire the funds to redo it.)
I love, love, love the bold colors and abstract designs in these prints. Are any of you with me? If you choose to Go Suzani this fall, here are the pillows that made it onto Kiki’s List:
10.22.10
Reader’s Choice.
Ok ladies (ahem.. and maybe a few gents) I need your help. I need a cocktail dress for a few events that I have coming up. Anyone that knows me knows that I love a good bargain, so know that I am not paying full price for either of these. (I have friends in low places.) Which do you think I should get? (Keep in mind that I am Italian, and I have the ass to prove it.) 😉
1.) Nanette Lepore Macrocain Dress– LOVE the lines on this dress. So sleek and sophisticated. Only worried about the straight skirt and how it accents my ASSets.
2.) BCBG MAXAZARIA Strapless Sequined Dress– So fun and frilly. This is typically the silhouette that I buy as it is most flattering for my body type.
10.22.10
She’s Gone Country.
Mike and I dream of one day having a lake house. A cozy cabin where our family can retreat on weekends. Ahhh, to dream……
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I am a bit of a freak in the fact that every time I walk into a house, I think of how I would decorate it. Well, this is how I would decorate my lake house. Rustic is all the rage right now. Perhaps we should all find a way to incorporate some of these products into our homes this fall. I bought this round mirror last year and have it hanging in our basement over the mantle. Love it. Here are the rustic items that made it onto Kiki’s List:
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