mix and match

You can tell that a lot of love went into this space.

I love it when a room tells a story, when it isn’t thrown together in a 5 minute thought at a department store.  Fill your room with little finds that you love!  It will look fabulous and actually mean a lot more to you.  You’ll enjoy being able to pick up that little flower pillow you see on vacation, or that consignment tablecloth that just happens to match the yellow in your curtains.  I love this because when mixed with the right patterns and styles, the old becomes new!

I want to wake up here!  This is so eclectic!

And don’t be afraid to mix your fabrics and patterns.  Just keep a few things in mind when you do:

1.     Find a pattern you LOVE LOVE LOVE and then build the design or room around it.  Even if it something you already have-start with that.

Look how the blue carries through.  The quilt is the inspiration piece.

2.     Use 3 patterns.  3 is a great design number so try to remember it (more on 3 later).

3.     Try large, medium and then small patterns in your design.

Large:  Quilt    Medium:  Polka Dot Pillow    Small:  Paisley Euro Shams

Um, would you have EVER thought those paisley shams would match?  They are perfect!!!

4.     Vary these large, medium and small styles and patterns in the same color (obviously from your inspiration piece).  OR

5.     Unite those styles and patterns with one common color.

6.     Remember scale:  small scale-small room!  Think about the distance from which you’ll be viewing the patterns. 

This is so pretty I want to sink in for a nap!  Note the small patterns on the bed and window for a small cottage guest room.

Honeysuckle carries pillows, bedding, window treatments, linens, and rugs.  Stop in to your local consignment shop from time to time and begin to tell your story. 

Sources for photos and advice:  budgetdecorating.about.com and hgtv.com

Layers for kids

The kids are back in school and the weather is changing:  cold at the morning bus stop but hot on the afternoon playground.  Layers for the kids are luckily in style and (even luckier) affordable at consignment shops. Here are a few cuties I found at Honeysuckle.

I am loving the coordinated colors.  This is adorable and so comfortable for the classroom.  The pieces are versatile and could be worn throughout fall, winter, and spring. 

This is another great outfit.  A quilted red vest is classic and cheerful.  

This is pretty for school or church.  It would be so precious with a pair of black mary janes.

This is a great jacket for fall or spring and all of its colors make it versatile too.

How sweet is this red coat?  It is made of wool and has a feminine ruffled collar.

Finally, I love a madras jacket for a little Maryland boy. 

So here's to the kids being back in school!

Fall Mantels

It's the end of August and I'm feeling a little anxious about fall.  I love the weather, the colors, and breaking out sweaters and boots, but I know that in a few short weeks I'll be longing for the lazy days of summer.  Something that always keeps me cheerful in autumn is a pretty fall mantel.  I'm gathering ideas and pieces to decorate the mantel, which in our house, is truly the center of our home.  Here are some inspirations for decorating a fall mantel.

I am usually not a symmetrical decorator, but this, I love.  The weathered blue frame also puts a fresh spin on fall colors.  I never thought of pairing the blue with greens and oranges, but this definitely works.

theletteredcottage.net

Here's another mantel that works with blue and orange.  Again, the symmetry makes it simple and clean.

starfishcottage.typepad.com

Burlap is definitely my favorite texture of the season.  I love how this burlap garland weaves in and out of the pieces on this mantel.  Smashing!

 unskinnyboppy.com

Speaking of texture, its is amazing how easily a ball of twine turns your every day goods into special treasures.  This acorn-filled mason jar adds a touch of whimsy to the mantel.

prettyhandygirl.com

I'm all about grouping and layers for fall.  Of course natural elements are key for fall decor, and these apples are so fun.

prettyhandygirl.com

Purple seems to pop up year after year in fall styles.  This mantel mixes elements like leaves, brass, glass, and wood to create color and texture.  I plan on using fresh cuttings from our yard this year.

prettyhandygirl.com

This silhouette pumpkin is so unexpected and charming!  Candle light is a perfect match for fall decor; I'm going to try mixing candle sizes and colors.

theletteredcottage.net

Here's another clean and simple mantel that incorporates fresh cuttings.

centsationsalgirl.com

These mini pumpkins mixed with seashells and starfish make for a great coastal mantel.  Here again we see the mixing of natural elements in an unexpected way.

starfishcottage.typepad.com

Have you started preparing your mantel for fall?  From topiaries and vases to candleholders and mirrors, Honeysuckle Quality Consignment has a host of items to give your fall mantel charm. 

Your Fall Closet, Part II

Okay, so the closet is clean and ready for fall and winter to move in?  Okay, so maybe not.  But at least you're thinking about it, right?  Right.  

Fall styles are already out in full force.  The 917 page September Vogue is out and after reading it, you might be in shock like I was.  Can we say 80's?  

Cosby-style sweaters, shoulder pads, and some serious color were all over the runways.  Don't get me wrong, Claire Huxtable was gorgeous, but let's see if we can make sense of it all.  Here are some favorites from the runway that I picked out at Honeysuckle.  These are fashion's must-haves for your fall and winter wardrobe.

Color, color, color!  Maybe you're not into color-blocking, but bringing brights into your fall closet is a must this season.  Hot colors:  cobalt blue, tangerine, chartreuse, and jewel tone colors.

Heavy fabrics such as the brocade on this beautiful dress coat were all over the runways.  

Structured jackets and (yikes!) shoulder pads are big for fall.  Just can't bring yourself to sport a shoulder pad?  Try military-inspired jackets and tops for the same structured look without the Dynasty drama. This one has a cobalt-blue lining and waist-cinching belt.

Yes, florals are carrying over to fall in a big way, like in this tailored jacket.  From hats to tops and pants and all the way to shoes, florals are another must-have this coming season.  This looks so feminine paired a cotton and lace top.

Oxblood red is perhaps my favorite trend for fall and winter.  I picked up this Banana Republic sweater at the shop and can't wait to wear it with some skinny corduroys and boots!  Oxblood red is "the new black" this fall, as the color was all over the runways in the form of coats, pants, and tops.

Add a little Madonna to your wardrobe:  lace is back!  Lace, along with brocade, is so classic and I love that I'll be able to wear this look for years.  

Floral-print pumps.  Aren't these pretty!?  These Anne Klein pumps are ADORABLE and would look so chic with another fall hit- black tuxedo pants- or even a red dress.  

Finally, feminine draped fashion made a bold statement for fall.  Whether with a skirt like this floral print, a scarf, or even a draped neckline, try to mix a draped piece into your wardrobe.  

So those are my my favorite pieces for the upcoming season.  Others include cozy knit sweaters, statement collars, and head to toe pattern.  Yes, looking at the dramatic styles on the runway can be a bit intimidating, 

but if you stick to the basics, like colors, fabrics, and lines, it is easy to make it work for your everyday life.

Photos 2 through 9 taken at Honeysuckle Consignment

Cosby, Milan Runway

Your Fall Closet, Part I

Break out those scarves!  A towel bar on the back of your closet door
is an easy way to display your scarves

So, yes, it is already that time of year.  Honeysuckle is already accepting fall transitional pieces as we head for the end of the summer.  And yes, we all need to start weeding through our closets and pulling out our fall pieces to take inventory of what to keep and what to toss.  Before you begin purchasing clothes for fall, take an afternoon or evening to get ready for your fall wardrobe by cleaning out your closet.

Pare it down:  keep only current-season clothing in your closet; put the rest in labeled storage containers.  While you’re pulling out your seasonal clothes, take this time to pare down your clothes.  Here are three ways to go about it: 

1.  Try on everything in your closet.  Make 3 piles:  keep, donate, and consign.   OR 

2.  Don’t have time to try on everything in your closet?  Then during the season, create a “worn” pile or section in your closet.  At the end of the season, you’ll know which items to keep and which items to consign.   OR

3.  Make a list.  This speeds things up.  Write a list of everything in your closet.  Look at the list to determine your favorites; when you remove an item, refer to your list.

Ask yourself, “do I love it?”  If the answer is “no” it has to go.

Love it?  Keep it!

Consign!  Knowing your tossed clothes will bring you some money will make it much MUCH easier.  Plus, consigning your clothes at a shop is so easy.  Simply make an appointment and the shop does all of the pricing, selling, and lovely check-writing for you.  Don’t have a consignment shop nearby?  Consider a charity for your clothes; you’ll get that same satisfaction knowing someone else will benefit from your clothes. 

Invest:  Ladies, those wire hangers are terrible for your clothes.  Use wooden or heavy plastic hangers.  They will last you a lifetime and your clothes will thank you.

Organize:  create zones in your closet based on how you think.  For example, a working mom may have different zones than say a stay-at-home mom.  Then, within each zone, organize by color.  The color spectrum, ROYGBIV (Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet) is an easy way to remember the order.

Creating "clusters" in your closet makes outfitting easy.

Don’t fantasize.  Ha!  If you bought it because it is beautiful but you NEVER wear it, sell it girlfriend.  Buy clothes that fit your lifestyle. 

Don’t buy the same item over and over.  Yes, you look fabulous in a white button-down, but how many do you need?  Take inventory (or refer to your list) of what you have and then make a list of items you may need.

Speaking of what you need, our next post will be a look at this fall's must-haves.  Now, get to work on that closet!

Sources:

Adam Glassman from oprah.com

housebeautiful.com

organizedhome.com

Don't Run from Animal Prints

From bathing suits to ballet flats, we see animal prints year after year on the runways.  Perhaps they seem a little too bold for your everyday outfit?  Or maybe you’re not sure that an animal print is age-appropriate?  Here are some ways to mix the fun of an animal print into anyone’s wardrobe.

1.     Start with an accessory.  If you’re trying animal print for the first time, try sporting a cute leopard print clutch or ballet flat.  An animal-print pump or belt can make your little black dress pop!

lovely with a black or chocolate dress

2.     Pay attention to the fabric.  When going for an animal print garment, opt for a fabric that isn’t shiny. 

this peacock feather print is soft and feminine

3.     Choose a demure cut and neckline.  Look for ¾ length sleeves and higher necklines to make the look both fun and tasteful.

we love the button details and leather trim on this jacket

4.     Pick one print for an outfit.  You’re not headed out on a safari, so don’t risk mixing animal prints.  

adorable hot-pink laptop case for preppy animal-print

5.     Keep it simple.  This is by far the best and easiest advice.  Your animal print makes the statement, so let everything else stay simple and neutral.  

Come to the shop and hunt down a new animal print piece for your wardrobe!

All items pictured in this post are from our shop.  

Fashion advice sources:  thebudgetfashionista.com and instyle.com

Mirror Mirror On the Wall...or fireplace...or table...or

When it comes to decorating, there's nothing easier than using a mirror to add light, depth, and interest to a space.  Here are some designer notes on using mirrors in your home.

Mirrors create light and depth in any space:  think of it as a window that you can move and place in the perfect place.

available at Honeysuckle

another Honeysuckle mirror

Try something new with your mirror:  look at how it fills a dark fireplace in the off-season or as an alternative to a fire.  Instead of hanging a mirror, try leaning it on a wall for a more casual look. You could even try using a mirror as a tray on a counter, coffee table, nightstand, or dining table.

Check the mirror before you go:  any room could use a mirror, but it is a must in the foyer or entryway.  Does yours have one?

great for a small space or next to a table lamp

our hallway

Get the glow:  use mirrors in a dining room to create warmth and romance.  Since dining rooms often lack light, a mirror placed with candles can create an elegant glow.

Mirrors are art:  try grouping multiple mirrors on the same wall, like art.  Pay attention to the scale and style; they should be consistent.  For example, don’t hang a small mirror on a large wall.  Also look for interesting shapes and frame designs. 

look at the eclectic mix on this dark wall-so dramatic!

Honeysuckle mirrors

Reflect the outdoors:  hang a mirror so that it reflects a nearby window.  If there aren’t windows in the room, try hanging it to reflect a favorite spot in the room:  a piece of art, or a distinctive lamp.

We'd love to help you find the perfect mirror for your space!  Come see our wonderful collection!

sources:  hgtv.com, shelterpop.com, and real simple.com