LCY Yard Sale: Pottery Barn English roll arm sofa - only $600!

Hey gang! I am selling my Pottery Barn English roll arm sofa. I bought it almost 2 years ago for $1800 plus shipping and am selling for $600 or best offer, cash and carry! It will be available in mid-late September. The only reason I am selling is because I have a new sofa (that The Everygirl designed with Chicago-based Interior Define) arriving next month! See more product details here and on PB's site here.

Email me at alaina.lcy@gmail.com if interested with subject line ENGLISH ROLL ARM!

Ladyplace: My New Yellow Sofa!

Just like I always wanted!

Like my favorite living room ever (that of one Jenna Lyons).

Well, ok I didn't really get a new couch. But I had a lot of fun in photoshop the other night.

Playing around with different colors to see what it would be like with say... a delicious green velvet couch?

Or pink to really make it a lady apartment?!

But no... here's what my place currently looks like.

Not too shabby if you ask me!

But I sometimes wonder if it would be better with a much lighter color couch. Softer. More ladylike.

Or dare I say a white couch?

No, Alaina. You have dogs. Don't be ridiculous.

What say you? Stick with the the dark grey? Or slipcover it? Pottery Barn has some great light options for the Carlisle couch.

Happy weekend all!

when you're invited over for game night, here's where you'll be sitting.

...on our new couch.

yes. it's true. we bought my dream couch. i even called it that two years ago in this post.

an oversized english roll arm sofa (albeit we purchased a more practical and safe-from-stains dark grey in lieu of a custom sunshine yellow version like jenna lyons has).

it's the carlisle upholstered sofa from pottery barn in metal grey twill.

and yes, it is an investment piece. neither of us are bringing a couch to the new place, so this is the one thing we really need. beds, dressers, tables, chairs - all of that is taken care of. now i'll be the first to admit i could have done a little craigslist, thrift store, budget furniture hunting (my specialty), and i could have found something that would have been fine. but that's the thing. i could have spent $300-800 on a more affordable couch that was simply fine. and $300-800 is not a small amount of money. so in my mind, i would much rather put that money toward something i absolutely love versus getting something i would want to replace in a couple years. i don't know how long this couch will last, but i can guarantee i'll wear it down to its last days... and even then, it will be a piece i can reupholster and/or have new back cushions made. this one is it for the long-haul. and i couldn't be more excited. bonus points that mike liked it too! his one requirement was comfort. with oversized down cushions and a 90.5" length, i'd say he got it. (he's super tall and can actually fit on this.) it also helps that it's dark grey (very manly). and i love the low arms offer extra comfort when you're laying on them. standard armrests kill my neck.

i think it's safe to say the carlisle is a win, win, win.

unfortunately, the couch won't arrive until early october. bummer. but i'm too excited so i started having some fun with photoshop, adding in furniture and "painting" the walls.

 here's the half of the living room where the couch will go.

 a lil photoshop magic and poof...!

...a couch appears.

oh - side note - the doors that lead to the sunroom were previously painted white, but whoever did it did a shoddy job. so we've discussed painting them black.

ooo lookin' sharp.

add in my coffee table (i got it for a fifth of the original price at the jayson home and garden warehouse sale this past winter). i win.

 perhaps a natural jute rug underfoot, and here's a version with light grey walls.

 medium grey walls

or dark grey walls.

thoughts? questions? concerns?

see the full "before" tour of belle here!

Fashion vs Furnishings 9.3.10

Prepare for chilly days ahead...

Anthropologie Jacket

Feminine ruffles to keep you stylish in the cold.

$128

Pottery Barn Faux Fur Throw

Sit back, pop in a movie, and cloak yourself in soft on a cool fall night.

$149

THE CHALLENGE:

You have $150. Which do you buy?

Fashion or furnishings?

*Note: this is not what you would advise me to do, this is what YOU would do if you had to choose one.

Pottery Barn GIVEAWAY and A Morning with Nathan Turner

A week ago, I had the pleasure of meeting designer Nathan Turner at the Chicago Pottery Barn store, where he presented The Perfect Wedding Décor workshop. Seeing as I am helping plan a bridal shower and wedding taking place in the next two months, I diligently noted Nathan's ideas on arranging flowers, cheap and chic decor tips, and food service.

FOOD SERVICE

This is not a spanking new idea, but I loved how scaled down this candy buffet is.

His suggestions:

1. Mix up the shape of the serving dishes. They should be varying heights and widths.

2. Try and stick as close to the event color theme as possible.

All pastels. All green candies. All pinks.

3. Make sure to have little goodie bags at the table so guests can scoop their favorite candies and take them home as a favor.

When serving food buffet-style, whether it's a large bridal shower or a dinner party, wrap flatware in a napkin so it's one quick grab for guests. Tying the napkins with faux flowers, twine, or a ribbon make it both beautiful and practical by holding the set together.

Set glassware on a tray for added dimension and sparkle to the table.

Similar to the candy bar, make sure serving pieces on a buffet are of varying heights. Nathan mentioned there is nothing more boring than seeing a long, flat table with no interest. Three-tiered stands and raised cake platters are a great way to bring in dimension. Candlesticks, flower arrangements, and a champagne bucket all help spruce up what could be a very boring presentation.

FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS

Nathan kept stressing that YOU DO NOT NEED TO USE A VASE for your floral arrangements. Here he's showing how he used an oasis (green foam) in this champagne bucket to prop up peonies. How grand for a gift-drop table or the name card table at a wedding?

Above you see Nathan made use of a soup bowl, pitcher, and cappuccino cup.

Items of note:

1. The striped vases and votives you see are actually clear vases wrapped in paper from The Paper Source. All you need is double-stick tape!

2. Use coordinating paper (the stripes and the hydrangea) to mix it up without being too matchy-matchy.

3. Look at the bouquet on the right. Nathan noted how we all see little Granny sneaking away, weighed down with the huge centerpiece at the end of the night... he suggests making take-away bouquets and adding a little note, "Take me!" Much easier for guests to grab and those expensive flowers won't go to waste! And bunching three in a single vase gives the appearance of a full floral arrangement.

Another affordable centerpiece option is placing small bud vases along a lengthier table with little votives scattered throughout. Nathan said this was one of his favorite techniques when he hosts dinner parties at home. It would also be pretty on a buffet or side tables in your house.

I got to hang out with Crystal at the event. She is also hosting this same giveaway today, so make sure to pop on over to Plush Palate for another chance to win!

With the man himself. Nathan Turner.

He had on such a great outfit! It was a blue checkered shirt, skinny knit tie, and loafers sans socks. And don't get me started on the thick-rimmed glasses (shown in previous photos).

...and because I love playing this game, I just need to point out how much Nathan looks like Greg Kinnear, one of my favorite actors (Little Miss Sunshine, As Good As It Gets, You've Got Mail).

GIVEAWAY

Pottery Barn is offering this beautiful medium-sized Villa Bottleneck Vase to one lucky winner!

1. Follow Live Creating Yourself (in left-hand menu)

2. Comment on this post with your favorite Nathan Turner tip to enter for the giveaway.

INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL so I can contact you if you win.

Winner will be announced Monday next week!

**UPDATE: Congratulations to Torrie for winning the Villa Bottleneck Vase from Pottery Barn! Thanks to everyone who participated.

Fireflies & Twinkle Lights

Boy do I love twinkle lights. Their soft glow reminds me of catching fireflies in my backyard when I was young. Fireflies are one of two bugs I've never afraid to hold in my hands - those and ladybugs. Anyway, back to twinkle lights. I almost prefer them in the summer than at Christmas. They provide the perfect light to guide a garden pathway or to brighten an outdoor eating area. Now that my brain is churning with how to furnish my back deck at the new place, and I have a gagillion ideas and no solid plan as to what kind of furniture I want, my mind was at least made up that I wanted soft lighting to replace the big, bad spotlight that is currently out there. I knew I needed twinkle lights. Twinkle lights and lanterns. But I'll save the latter for another post.

Aren't they perty?

So when I saw these Globe String Lights in Pottery Barn's newest spring/summer catalogue and noticed they cost $15 a set, I immediately went online to order them. No luck. Sold out. So I called my nearest store. Jackpot. I drove right over and purchased two sets. I hope that's enough.

Globe String Lights

(no longer available online, but in most PB stores)

They have some other cute options still available online...

Galvanized Metal Star Lights

These stars are actually quite dainty and perfect in person.

Cafe String Lights

These are awesome, and I wish they would work on my deck. But I need something I can hang along the side railing (apartment deck, remember). This set would be better overhead.

What kind of lighting do you have in your outdoor space?

*images from Re-Nest, About Patio Design, Sival, Casa Sugar, Pottery Barn*

Pottery Barn Quilt Giveaway

Today's a good day to be an LCY fan! Why? Because my favorite gals over at Pottery Barn have offered this beautiful and insanely soft Colebrook patchwork quilt (queen-size) to one LCY reader! That's a $200 value! For free! The quilt practically screams "SPRING," yes? (I can daydream as I sit here nestled under my faux fur blanket and wool slippers.)

In order to win this prize...

1. You must follow this blog (in the left-hand column, under my profile). If you already follow, just leave a comment below and let me know. If you are not a follower, become one and then leave a comment below letting me know! Note: you do not need a blog or anything to follow.

2. You can enter again if you Tweet this giveaway and leave another comment.

3. Enter again if you blog about this giveaway and leave another comment.

The winner will be chosen next Tuesday, March 2!

So check back then!

Here's another close-up shot of the quilt. Love the soft colors!

Good luck, readers!

Also, congratulations to Ashley for winning the fabulous West Elm Chicago Giveaway that was featured last week on LCY!! And thanks to everyone who signed up!

On a final note, sorry I was MIA yesterday. I have been super duper sick and sleeping non-stop trying to get better. And thank you, thank you, thank you to all the positive feedback about my office! I love the way it turned out, and it makes me feel that much better knowing you all like it, too! I've had a few requests to feature the before/after images on other blogs to which I say a resounding "yes!" Please send me the link - I'd love to see it!

To Mecca and Back The Sequel: 19,000 sq. ft. of Pottery Barn opens right next to West Elm!

If you're a regular LCY reader, you know that Tuesday was one of the best days ever. If you're not a regular reader, allow me to recap. This past Tuesday, I had been invited to partake in the press tours of the new Pottery Barn and West Elm stores that opened in Chicago's Lincoln Park. Last night, this joyous occurrence culminated in an invite-only cocktail party filled with stylish Chicagoans, Pottery Barn execs (they really do exist!), and more cocktail servers, coat checkers, and valet than I have fingers and toes - times three. (I've been one of those people - tip well!)

It was a night to remember... not just because of the live jazz, endless chardonnay, tasty hors d'oeuvres, and 10% off purchases - don't get me wrong, I enjoyed all of those things - but because I will always recall the day spring arrived in Chicago on February 4. I mean, look at these photos. Spring. Was. Everywhere. I was surrounded by flowers, birds, leaves, warmth (that might have been the wine). Everywhere! As soon as I entered the store (shown above and below), I was greeted by garden-like decor and bright, happy colors, similar to West Elm's yellow welcoming. But what really did it for me was the endless supply of flowers and greenery. Oh, and did I mention it smelled like roses? Actual roses?!? Turns out, there was a reason for that (rose-scented potpourri not available online). Again just like West Elm, I couldn't help but smile as soon as I walked in.

The Tuesday tour was led by the senior vice president of product development, Monica Bhargava, who is not only a lovely and friendly woman but one who truly emphasizes and appreciates the hard work, artistry, and beauty of each of her company's products. She described inspiration for the spring collection as "farmhouse chic, comprised of authentic, easy-to-understand materials." Similarly, the senior VP continually and most accurately referenced the term "whimsical" when describing our surroundings and the store's inventory, noting that the little bird motif on pillows and bedding just "puts a smile on your face." I adored the embroidered bird pillows, and I don't even like birds. Go figure.

So again I'll say, if you can, indulge by taking a few hours to visit the new Pottery Barn and West Elm stores (their front doors are literally 30 feet apart). I mean, we all know we've got a few months left of mittens and rosy noses. Might as well enjoy spring where we can. And now we've got nearly 40,000 sq. ft of it with these two stores combined. I know I'll be back soon.

Probably tomorrow.

(below) Pottery Barn senior VP and my tour guide on Tuesday, Monica Bhargava, described the brand's pottery as objects that "really celebrate the hand of the artists." Each piece is unique to the hands that crafted them.

(below) Did I tell you florals were everywhere or did I tell you florals were everywhere?

(below) I wonder if they'll be playing You've Got Mail later... dibs on the yellow(ish) chair.

(below) Unlike most PB stores, the new Lincoln Park store has an incredible presentation of bathroom furniture. I came back to stare at this double sink console at least five times. The pink wisps, the Carrara marble, the Benjamin Moore blue. Perfection. And if you're in the market for bath towels...

(below) Let's see... the clock gallery. The antique globe collection. The month-by-month leather journal collection. Seriously. What's not to love here?

(below) I am still undecided as to whether this piece of furniture was altogether a hallucination. It is that perfect. Here's why.

According to Monica (pictured below), inspiration originated in a Paris flea market, where the top creative minds at PB took note of Parisian artisans and craftsmen resting their morning coffees and beverages on old workbenches. From whence was born the Markham Console Bar.

On the front left is a cast-iron towel bar, the front center piece of wood is a drawer that pulls out for storage, and in the back is a troff to securely hold your Grey Goose and Maker's Mark. All the amenities and practicality needed in a modern household, but with the charm and custom finish that emits an air of being recently bought at - where else - a Parisian flea market.

Hats off to you, PB. Hats off.

All in the Details

Below is my favorite vignette in the store - I think it's the mini trunks which are really just too charming for words.

(below) I've been in the market for the perfect chip and dip bowl since I moved downtown over a month ago and I think I may have found it.

(below) I purchased the black globe as a belated b-day gift for my sis who loves maps. And there are the wooden cubbies I raved about here!

most objects shown above can be found via the following links:

quilts, pillows, candles, lighting, bath accessories, decorative accents

Thursday's Opening Event Cocktail Party

(below) My mom joined me in enjoying this lively, and as Monica said, whimsical, evening. She and I spent a significant portion of the night trying to arrange some new accent pieces for her fireplace mantel (bottom left). After a good 20 minutes, we agreed on a pretty fabulous rectangular vase but only then did we move on to encounter the most beautiful paisley pillow covers ever. Much to my dismay, this photo (bottom right) does not do the pattern, texture, or color justice. (Why do they look brown?!?) I guess you'll have to trust me when I say "Heeeeello, lover!" We literally rubbed our faces against them to feel how soft they are. It's ok, though. She bought those too.

And as for the best moment of the night...

drum roll, please!

Because what would a Williams-Sonoma Inc. event be without a picture of me and the Pottery Barn crew? Here I am with the wonderful Michaela and Leigh, the PR gurus of Pottery Barn and some of the friendliest ladies I've ever met.

*all photos my own*

AND I'd like to extend one more thank you to the lovely Megan Richards of M Richards Public Relations here in Chicago. Not only was Megan in large part responsible for the two gorgeous and fun events I attended, but she has offered to hook Live Creating Yourself up with some supercalifabulous giveaways in the upcoming weeks (courtesy of the very generous Pottery Barn and West Elm groups).

Do you see why I love these stores?

One last thing. The new Pottery Barn in Lincoln Park is offering complimentary design classes for the month of February:

February 6^th all day Botanical Arranging

February 7^th 10:00am Design the Perfect Bedroom

February 13^th all day Simple Home Updates

February 20^th all day Design Your Family Room

February 21^st 10:00am Storage & Organization

February 21^st 1:00pm Choosing the Perfect Wall Color presented by Benjamin Moore

Annnnd if you missed my recap of the West Elm store opening event, read it here.