Hi everyone and once again, happy Sunday! After a pretty action-packed design week on the blog, we are ready to rest up to prep for another one… hope you’re ready:) So to do that, I think all of us on the team are going to be following in Cailtin’s self-care footsteps, take “the perfect shower” and let you enjoy this link up.
To be honest we may have mentioned this truly mesmerizing house tour before but now it’s getting full-on top billing (as it should)! There isn’t one thing we don’t love about this home but there is one feature that is going to be a hot topic this week;)
From Emily: Three years. THREE YEARS of wearing the same running/hiking/biking jacket year-round. The other day Caitlin pitched a post called ‘What Clothes Make Me Feel Really Good Right Now’ and while I didn’t verbalize it on the call I was internally thinking ‘uh, my running jacket?’ You’ve seen me wear it FOR YEARS and the reason it’s more superior than others is A. it’s warm (puffy vest) but still really flattering (fitted but not tight arms), B. it has zippered pockets, and C. since it’s only puffy on the front I can layer it under all my coats without adding armpit bulk (you know what I mean). I have a couple other summer jackets but to wear the same piece of clothing for three years, 3-4 times a week, and have it still be in great condition is pretty remarkable. So while I’ve linked it up a lot over the years, I wanted to give it more love right now. And yes it’s expensive for a running jacket, but if you are into sustainable purchases then know that this one lasts and gets true use.
Also from Emily: Oh shit. A victorian skirted wicker table at a pretty affordable price compared to all the others on the market. Nate and Jeremiah did it!!
From Caitlin: I just figured out how to send all my friends a $30 coupon to Charlotte Stone Shoes and since y’all are my friends…I had to share it here, too!!! (Click that link and a code should pop up.) I know this is kind of weird or lame to say, but I have a ton of pairs of shoes from this brand and they just make me feel kind of like, POWERFUL. I started my collection with this pair of platform boots, picked up a ton of deeply-discounted, super awesome pieces in a recent sample same including these sandals (like an adult version of the plastic Birks I’ve worn into the ground over the past couple of years – I’m growing up!), but I’m most excited about my recent purchase of these clogs, which are SUPER DUPES for the clogs everyone is ALWAYS asking Emily about. Just truly obsessed with this small business and I just want everyone to feel as good in their shoes as I do in these! (PS. The customer service was SO NICE when I DM’d them on IG and pleaded to know when these would be back in stock in my size. If anyone wants to send me a half birthday gift – 4/14 – those are #1 on my list.)
From Jess: Guess who just launched a sustainable personal care line at Target??? Drumroll please… Jada Pinkett Smith! It’s a gender-neutral line called Hey Humans that is both super affordable and 99% plastic-free. To top it off it was inspired by her kids which makes it that much more meaningful. I have my eyes on the Coconut Mint body wash and the Cedarwood Sage deodorant
Also from Jess: The samples got me again! In my last round of skincare purchases, I used some of my Sephora points to get a sample of Dr. Dennis Gross’ Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel Pads due to all the recs in the skincare post comment section. Well, you all were RIGHT. Holy crap they are amazing and I only had three packets. My skin was actually glowing and stupid soft after. I opted for the “regular strength” ones instead of the “extra strength” since they burned a bit while using but honestly, they both cause some amount small of burning. Now they do also have ones for sensitive skin so maybe I’ll try those next. However, while I am sure everyone will simultaneously scream “NO!” at me, if it requires a little bit of discomfort for the results I got, so be it. I can’t wait to use them over a longer period of time.
From Mallory: I did it. I finally bought a subscription to NYT Cooking and oh boy, oh boy do I LOVE IT. I had no idea what I was signing up for (and for $14 a month I hoped it was good considering that’s more than a Netflix or Spotify account which are obviously essential services), so I truly went in blind. If you’re like me and have no clue what it is or why it exists, it’s basically a platform where you can find awesome recipes along with photos and sometimes videos. You also get an email sent to you weekly (sometimes twice a week) with awesome recipes you can make and you can also save recipes to your recipe box so when you have no idea what to make you can use it as your little toolbox. The best thing I’ve found about it is that you can search for items you want to cook with. Let me give an example…the other day I realized I had a bunch of ground chicken in my fridge (so random) and I had no clue what to make with it. I went to NY Times Cooking, typed in ground chicken, got a bunch of awesome recipes, and ended up making one it suggested: HONEY CHIPOTLE TACOS. I had all of the ingredients just sitting in my house but I never could’ve come up with that on my own. If you cook a lot, this is a great resource!!
Also From Mallory: These hair clips are back and are my new favorite everyday WFH accessory. I bought this one, this one, and this one. No shame in my lazy hair styling game.
From Ryann: I never really understood the big deal with Airpods. Two expensive loose headphones that I am supposed to keep track of??? No thank you. That is, of course, until I was given them as a gift (thanks to my angel future MIL) and immediately I understood. If you have them you know what I mean, but still, having to keep track of them AND the charging case is a huge ask for someone like me. I knew I would need to save me from myself so I bought this case that I attach to my car keys. I have the cow print one and it’s so cute and puts me at ease knowing I won’t lose them (until I misplace my keys of course!!).
Ok, well that’s a wrap for us. Have a wonderful Sunday and see you all tomorrow. xx
I have finally taken a shower SO SUBLIME that it has made all other showers pale in comparison. The shower that makes me feel like a million bucks. The shower that makes me look like a glassy, freshly-glazed Krispy Kreme doughnut. The shower that makes me want to curl up underneath clean sheets and rub my ultra-soft shins together for eternity like some kind of cursed cricket. If you saw me out and about after this shower, you’d say, “WOAH, is that a sleek, smooth land dolphin in front of me? Or wait…no…just a really clean woman?” And guys, it’s okay – it’s just me, Caitlin, a really clean woman!
Here’s the deal: I know that as a fellow adult person, you’ve probably showered at least a couple of times in your life. And hey, after decades of experience, you’re probably pretty good at it, too! But I’m not here to talk about our standard bleary-eyed, auto-piloted, in-and-out morning rinse or the classic oh god, just let me get this gunk off so I can go to sleep nighttime soak. This one is BETTER.
After almost 30 years of constant experimentation (with, uh, some questionable breaks between like, March and June of last year), I’ve nailed the formula and order that just works. I take this shower – hereby deemed the “special shower” – once a week, and it’s the closest thing to a reset button that I can create in my own life. I emerge feeling SO CALM on the inside and with skin that is (a.) glowing, quenched, and happy and (b.) fortified to stand another week of me bumping into things.
I’m going to jump right in and I’ll share the tools and products that have worked for me, but if you have any favorite shower essentials, please drop a name or link in the comments. Last week, you helped me find an everyday moisturizer (praise be) so I know y’all are a wealth of information. I’m just one gal with dry skin (part lizard over here), so let’s share our favorites so EVERYONE can find the perfect products for them. SPECIAL SHOWERS FOR ALL!!!
This baby has to happen in the afternoon. (I start mine around 3 or 4 PM on Saturday.) Two reasons:
You’ll be able to spend the rest of the evening luxuriating and appreciating the fruits of your labor. Remember how it feels to go on a vacation, get a little sunburnt in the morning, take a super relaxing midday nap, and then hop in the shower right before dinner? That’s the energy we’re channeling here. You’re setting the tone for the rest of the night – even simple things like eating dinner or watching Netflix or journaling on the couch (read: the only things I do) will feel extra special.
GOLDEN HOUR. You, a person who is now shining like a stone plucked straight out of a river, are going to leave the bathroom and step into the most beautiful light ever. Nobody will be able to tell you ANYTHING. (I hope this is the post that spawns a million thirst traps.)
Make it Special
There are really 3 things you’ll need to set the scene – a beverage, lighting, and some music. I know that line sounds like it came straight out of a post called “Ah, Someone I Have a Crush on Is Coming to My House for the First Time, What Do I Need?!” but stick with me, okay?
A Drink: Shower beers aren’t for me and I don’t really have the space (or coordination) to risk bringing in a glass of wine (or barware of any kind, TBH), so I default to kombucha. Gingerade is my everyday flavor; Mango is my special Saturday flavor. Bring in whatever you want, but having a beverage in the shower is SO FUN, even if you only take a few sips.
Music: HUGE POINT. SO IMPORTANT. It’s not fun to stand in the bathroom for this long without a playlist. (This is the one I’ve been using lately – it’s my 2020 favorites; please don’t judge me.) I usually default to playing it straight my phone on full volume but if I’m listening to something SUPER mellow and quiet, I’ll break out an old Beats Pill I got when I worked there so I can actually hear once I’m inside the shower. Use whatever you have!
Lighting: Just change it up from your daily shower lighting. I like keeping the lights off and using this $10 candle, but it’s dealer’s choice here. Maybe you can go wild and use your canned lights instead of your vanity lights. GIVE IT A WHIRL!
Yeah, buddy, we’re putting in WORK before we even turn the shower on. Dry brushing was new to me and I only started because I wanted to slough off some winter skin manually, but it turns out that it’s SUPER good for you – dry brushing actually helps drain your lymphatic system and it increases circulation. (In fairness, I, a lover of woo-woo nonsense, had written this off as some wellness-y woo-woo nonsense until I googled it and found doctors confirming that yes, this is actually good for you BEYOND exfoliating. WIN/WIN.) I’m sure there are fancier brushes, but this one is $7, has a loop for your hand, and it works fine.
I do my dry brushing facing a window and I really like it because I can see the skin cells floating off of me while I scrub. It’s simultaneously very gross and very satisfying. (Also, it’s nice motivation to deep clean my bathroom more frequently.)
Exfoliate Dry (& Apply Other Specialty Masks)
This is where our actual routines may diverge a bit, but the ~general spirit~ will remain the same. If you have any specialty masks or cleansing products, break them out now! You can probably turn on the shower and let it start to heat up at this point.
But for me, I love starting with this cleansing balm – it simultaneously gets rid of dirt/grime/makeup/buildup while moisturizing. (I also love NOT washing my face in the sink, so being able to rinse this off in the shower is a real treat.)
Second, I really like this underarm mask. It’s not essential for everyone, but it’s $16 and really makes a huge difference – whatever’s in this definitely helps made my pits less stinky overall. You also really only need it once a week, so it lasts forever.
But third, AHHH. Let me sing the praises of this exfoliator. I’ve never found one I loved or that really worked for me – they oftentimes feel a little too oily or not gritty enough to get the job done. But this one, from Skinfix, is the perfect texture AND it’s applied pre-shower to dry skin. GUYS, I LOVE THIS PRODUCT. If you can splurge on a new exfoliator (it’s $30), I’d recommend this one in a heartbeat!!! But if not – or if you’ve already found a product you love – try applying your exfoliator of choice while you’re still dry. Newborn baby skin is en route!
Hop In & Shave (Round 1)
FOLKS, WE HAVE ENTERED THE SHOWER. We all have our own routines and preferences here, so skip ahead if shaving isn’t your thing! That said, the next step here is to rinse off – you’ll already be amazed at how baby-soft you feel after just dry brushing and exfoliating – before going to work on your legs. You can save any other bits for later (we’ll come back to them).
Pre-quarantine, I was a pretty vocal advocate for waxing (it’s so much easier for me because I am lazy), but I’ve grown to enjoy the process of shaving as I’ve perfected THE SPECIAL SHOWER process. These three razors were recommended to me by my own waxer and they all serve different functions: this super tiny one is great for intimate areas (ew, sorry for using that phrase, but I’ve tested and can confirm), this one is a great store brand product that does double-duty, and this metal one is a real top of the line investment piece that you’ll keep forever. (I don’t normally use shaving cream though, so if you have a good one to recommend for folks who need it, please drop it in the comments!)
Massage in Your Shampoo
Alright – you’re brushed, masked, exfoliated, and (partially) shaved. Next up: shampoo. You know your hair better than I do, so use whatever you have. My one ~special shower tweak~: add a massaging scalp brush.
I asked for one of these for Christmas via a Link Up (what good is the website if not for soliciting presents from your family???) and my mom delivered. Y’all, I love this thing, and I’ve been using it long enough to tell you that it’s actually stimulating baby hair growth. That’s not why I got it, though – it’s awesome at lifting your hair at the root and ACTUALLY getting your scalp clean. This thing’s a 10/10 and it’s the best $15 I have ever asked someone to spend on me.
Ah, yes, the familiar order of shampoo and conditioner. Again, you know your hair, so use whatever conditioner or treatment makes the most sense for your hair.
But speaking of treatments, this is a great time to apply them – you’ll be in here for a while longer, so it’ll actually have time to work. (“Uh??? How??? Do I get in the shower and then get out???” – me, any time a hair mask says “apply to damp hair.” But NOW is the right time, pals! Your hair is damp and you have at least 10 minutes! Get wild!)
According to my hairstylist, my hair is pretty thin but very dense (tiny hair, lotta follicles – “like constantly walking through a spiderweb,” if you want a description from a boy I used to date), and this is a great treatment that adds moisture without weighing it down.
Serious Scrub-a-Dub-Dub Action
STOP READING. IF THERE IS ONE THING I CAN EVER CONVINCE YOU TO BUY, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE LET IT BE A SCRUB CLOTH. Your loofah is garbage and it needs to go. This is WAY more effective, soap actually rinses out of it (no more standing around squeezing and rinsing, waiting for the water pouring down from loofah to run clean – girl, it never will), it dries super fast, and it’s also great for folks with mobility issues.
A scrub towel is rougher – it’s not necessarily like being kissed by kittens, like, you’ll feel it working – but it’s a game-changer. I could write another 1,000 words on how my scrub cloth changed my life (turned my skin a piece of silk) and how I use my scrub towel (folded up at first, then like a cartoon of someone scrubbing themselves after it’s fully lathered) or how much soap my scrub cloth has saved me (A LOT), but I’ll let the reviews do the talking. PLEASE GET A SCRUB TOWEL. The pack of 3 is $13 and it will turn you into an evangelist, too. This is the secret sauce of the special shower – it was my final, previously-missing piece. My whole body feels like your shins and ankles do after you get an awesome pedicure. I am smooth FOR DAYS.
When it comes to soap, though (you know, the stuff you have to put ON the cloth you’re about to fall in love with), I’ve been really surprised by the quality of this $7 Target find. It’s my mom’s go-to and I gotta say…Brenda’s got good taste. It’s super moisturizing and it smells awesome. I like to follow that up with this $8 underarm soap from Megababe because I am weirdly obsessed with the way my armpits smell – especially after switching to natural deodorant – and am on an eternal quest to make them smell like nothing all the time. (This helps.)
Shave (Yes, Again)
Yeah, just do it again. Full disclosure: I went to Catholic school and aced the whole “shave from the top of your knee sock to the bottom of your skirt” lesson, but clearly missed the whole “here’s how you get the entirety of your leg in one go without missing enormous patches” class.
Plus, if you’re trying to shave anywhere else, your skin is super warm and open and it’ll be more receptive thanks to all the prep you’ve done. Good job!!!
Cleanse Face & Rinse Off
The final step: start your skincare routine in the shower! I normally use Clinique’s cleanser because I love the exfoliating texture, but I recently grabbed one of these cleansing sponges to use with smoother cleansers, like this one from Glossier. If you’re super into skincare, you can see a ton of recommendations from a BUNCH of different EHD women with different skin types right here!
And pat yourself on the back, because your time IN the shower has come to an end. Now, it’s time to treat yourself outside of the shower.
A nice towel really is everything, folks, so I’m here to shout at you a little bit about the wonders of the bath sheet. TOWELS BE GONE, THIS IS A SHEET-ONLY HOME. Bath sheets are enormous, plush, cozy, and you’ll feel like a little kid getting wrapped up after a bath. They’re such a luxe, everyday indulgence – I grabbed these from Boll & Branch last year (thereby retiring the neon Target Room Essentials towels I’d had since 2009, RIP) and while I had originally balked at the price tag, they were absolutely worth the splurge.
I also love a memory foam bath mat – stepping out of the shower and on to something soft, drying, and bouncy NEVER gets old. This one from Target is only $22 and it’s not ugly (trust me – finding affordable, aesthetically pleasing, memory foam bath mats is a TASK).
And last but not least: the robe. THIS IS THE ONE. I’ve purchased this one from Brooklinen in a few colors (for what it’s worth, the white stays more stiff and “hotel,” while the colors seem to soften up a little bit more) and truly, NOTHING COMPARES. It also cleans up like a dream – I may or may not have splattered A LOT of plum sauce all over myself while wearing the white robe this morning (you DON’T eat dumplings for breakfast???) and the stains came right out without any special treatment. You’ll have this for a LONG time, so it’s 100% worth the investment.
Get Moisturized
Break out the body butter, guys. This is not the time for your everyday lotion – this is the time to use your special occasion, super-hydrating moisturizer. You’re going to be so soft and smooth – even if you didn’t shave – and now, it’s time to lock that feeling in. (As a side note, I cannot recommend grabbing a set of these $4 silicone brushes enough to help with application. I use one for face products and one for body products, and the brushes mean that I (a.) don’t waste any product under my nails and (b.) don’t have to stick my little paws in a million different containers.
I oscillate between these three moisturizers, but this whipped argan oil butter is my all-time favorite. I have it in the vanilla apricot scent and it is SO UNBELIEVABLY GOOD. The first time I used it, I woke up in the middle of the night and in my disoriented haze was like, “what smells so good?” and y’all, IT WAS ME. I WAS THE THING THAT SMELLED SO GOOD.
Since Josie Maran’s products really work for my dry skin, I also love her body butter with retinol. And I need to thank you, the readers – last week, I put out a call for a great, affordable, daily moisturizer and you delivered with the recommendations for Vanicream. It’s a great choice for every day and it means that I can keep my special moisturizers on hand for use after SPECIAL SHOWER. Thank you!!!
The End: Oil It Up
WE’VE MADE IT. THE FINAL STEP. I know that it’s been a long process, but this one was a surprise to me (even though it shouldn’t have been). Look, I know that oils help lock in moisturizers on your face…I just didn’t realize that it’d do the same thing for your body. These are products that I like, but I’m sure you could also just use, like, an ACTUAL oil of your choice.
First up: Fur Oil. If you have any body hair, this stuff makes it SUPER soft. (They also have a life-changing ingrown concentrate and if these two products sound like something you’d be interested in, I can’t recommend this duo enough.)
My final oil choice depends on what I have on the docket for the rest of the day. If I eschew my own advice and take a special shower early in the morning before spending a lot of time outdoors, I’ll top myself off with Supergoop’s Glow Oil. This stuff makes you look like you’re fresh off a beach – it’s just a little bit of long-lasting shine and I LOVE IT. (Plus, can’t hate on the SPF.)
But if I’m staying indoors, this shimmering oil has been a life-changer. It’s a super splurge for me so I only bought it per Em’s recommendation and dang, THAT LADY KNOWS HER BEAUTY PRODUCTS. She was right!!! This oil has a super subtle shimmer, locks in my moisturizer, and not to put too much value on a product, but like, wearing this stuff boosts my confidence by SEVERAL notches. I really, really, really love it. I will continue to pay $90 for this for the rest of my life because of what it does for my mental state.
Proceed as a Glowing, Dewy, Dolphin-Skinned Baby
look at that moisturization!!it’s a new arm!
That’s all, folks. For me, this takes about an hour and a half if I’m not rushing but it’s the best hour and a half of my week! Follow this with your standard skincare routine and leave the room as a whole new dolphin/person hybrid. Actions speak louder than words, so give this process a try and then let me know what you think. (Please!) I can’t really describe how delightful I feel after finishing this whole process, so I just want to spread the joy.
But in the meantime…what are YOUR shower essentials? Any splurges that are worth it? I think this is my routine for the long-haul, but y’all are a persuasive bunch, so I could be swayed to add some new products to the arsenal…LET’S CHAT??? xx
When I set out to create my own course for Skillshare, I had two goals in mind – busting some interior design myths, and giving students the confidence they needed to get started on designing their dream space. Because oftentimes, interior design can feel so daunting! I mean, sofas can get expensive, and when was the last time you tried to move one? No thank you! I’d only like to do that once.
Okay, back to myths. The biggest myth that I hear over and over again may be one that you believe yourself – that luxe-looking interior design has to cost a fortune. A big part of what I do as an interior/set designer, and what I always recommend people who feel stuck do, is spending a little time studying magazines. Now listen, I wasn’t exactly an A+ student, but when it comes to the home, I’m Elle Woods studying for the LSAT. I will sit down with my big stack of magazines, scissors, and a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine if it’s after 5 PM) and get to work! By taking this time to just look and play without any pressure, clients can really start to get a better sense of what they’re drawn to.
I’ll then tell them to find a room in one of the magazines that’s similarly laid out to the room they’re looking to design (but ignore the furniture at first). Now look closely. Where is the furniture placed? What about the lighting? What about it made you stop at this page in the first place? Are you drawn to a color, a texture, or maybe just a specific shape? I will literally rip a page out of a magazine and take it into HomeGoods, Target, and even The Dollar Store to see what I can find that will give me a similar look and feel, for a tenth of the price.
So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to turn your home into a space that you really love, you’re in luck. I am here honey, and I am writing permission slips. In my brand-new course on Skillshare (click through to watch it for free for 2 weeks!), I will give you the tools that you need to turn your house into a home that really reflects your style, all without breaking the bank. We’re going to make it chic, we’re going to make it affordable, and we’re going to make it “wow” – because if there’s one thing I cannot stand, it’s a basic you-know-what!
In my course “Interior Design: Hollywood Chic on a Human Budget”, I will guide you through 7 lessons that will leave you feeling both inspired and confident to tackle your home without fear. After all, this is design, not brain surgery – almost any mistake can be cured with a can of paint or a trip to HomeGoods.
Who is this class for? Anyone who’s looking to get luxury on a budget, learn how to DIY and shop their own home, or even someone who doesn’t consider themselves especially creative! That’s what magazines and online inspiration boards are for. If you’re struggling to find ideas, replicate something you’ve seen online and then move things around to make it your own. Oh, and this course is also for someone who wants to feel like Marie Antoinette walking through The Louvre on the way to eat cake in bed.
Interested? We thought so. Before you dive in, here’s a little bit of what you can expect, and some behind the scenes gossip:
class is in session
Lesson 1 — Introduction
A little bit about me! Fun fact: I kind of do everything. From working in retail to designing celebrity homes, I have pretty much been-there, done-that. I actually started my design journey in 2012 on HGTV Design Star – and am still rocking the same vest that I wore on the opening credits of the show! Today, you can find me co-hosting Quibi’s new show Murder House Flip and running my interior design business, Mikel Welch Designs. Oh, and breaking news! I’ll be participating in the Kips Bay Designer Showhouse this year, which has been a life-long career goal of mine (Like, seriously – it was even on my vision board from last year!). You need a vision board. Maybe that will be my next Skillshare course….
Lesson 2 — Planning Your “Wow Moment”
What is the secret to making your space feel grand and fabulous? In this lesson you’ll learn my philosophy around the “wow moment” — what it is, why you need one, and how to find your own. When I created the “wow moment” (shown in the course), I really just went into deep Brooklyn, found some scrap lumber, and called a contractor to bring it to life.
Let’s keep it real, everyone does not have a celebrity budget to be spending on interior design – but that doesn’t mean everyone can’t achieve that look for less (and we love a bargain in this house). In this lesson, I share my insider secrets for finding hidden gems online, which big-box store makes customization easy, and how to not let labels hold you back. I am currently sitting next to a wet lamp covered in dirt as I write this, because I’m waiting for it to dry. Then I’m going to brush off the dirt and be left with a gorgeous, rustic texture in the paint underneath. DIRT! Affordable!
Lesson 4 — Making Your Space Luxurious: Luxury is for everyone!
Pack your lunch because it’s field trip time! In this lesson, I will walk you step-by-step through how to actually create a gallery wall that looks great (and your landlord will thank you). When I was creating this lesson for Skillshare, I fully took over the hallway of my apartment to show you how to make a gallery wall. So, if you were to walk into my apartment right now, you would walk directly into the ladder from the course!
Lesson 6 — Final Thoughts
Time for your exam! But don’t freak out, it’s open book. By this point, you’ll be ready to take all the tips and tricks you’ve learned and start working on your space. Once you’re done, there are even more classes to explore on Skillshare – from how to create a mood board to how to photograph your new space and really show it off. And don’t forget to share your photos in the project tab! (Pro Tip: If your space isn’t finished but you’ve got your vision nailed down, you can always draw or mock-up your plan on paper or in PowerPoint to share with other students!)
that’s me making em laugh, of course:)
Lesson 7 — Q&A with Emily Henderson
Emily and I go way, way back. In this fun bonus lesson, you’ll hear about how I translated my set design experience into designing for the home and which tips and tricks Emily taught me. Stay until the end for when Emily shares her two main tips for beginners starting to design for clients or for even their own house, and even an unexpected idea for how to know if something is really right for you in the store.
To be totally honest with you, I actually learned a lot about design from putting this course together. It forced me to sit down and really think about how I could explain my process for making decisions. Design is a process, but if you map it out and think it through, you can accomplish your vision.
I’m so happy I got the opportunity to teach this course on Skillshare. My hope is that these lessons get rid of any fear you may have around interior design, because it can be so much fun! Whether you’re playing with pillow shams or arranging some of those amazing vessels we picked out together, it’s all about trying something, stepping back, and seeing how you feel.
So if you want to dive into my class head here and get two weeks free!
Someday, I hope whatever legacy I leave behind on this earth will reflect my deep love for finding vintage treasures on Etsy (which might not be hard to achieve considering how often I write about it). Browsing Etsy is a beloved hobby of mine that gives me comfort and so much joy. It really is my happy place as far as online shopping goes, which may not come as a shock to some. It’s not like it’s the only online resource out there that offers curated vintage furniture, decor, and clothing nor is it the only place to buy handmade things and support small businesses. But the magic of Etsy is that it has all of those things in one stop. It’s a place I’ll go to find a personalized gift for my Maid of Honor and while I am checking out I may as well get those vintage Levi’s that I’ve been eyeing. Truly, there are few things I love more than finding the perfect vintage piece that I’ve been searching for and with Etsy, I always feel like I’ve struck gold. There is just SO much good stuff out there so I basically begged the team to tell me their favorite shops so I can round them up for you (and for me). And I know what your thinking, but no, this post is #notsponsored. I really am just a geek about Etsy so without further ado, let’s head to my favorite place floating around the interweb!
Bookmark For: Gorgeous downloadable Victorian-style seascape and landscape prints and minimal drawings that will bring life to your walls.
Our Picks:Cloud Art Print | Coastal Art | Nude Sketch
Bookmark For: One-of-a-kind pillow covers, quilts, and rugs. I discovered this shop when I wrote about this incredible home tour. I fell in love with their cushion covers first but when I saw their vintage Kantha quilts it was all over for me and it’s one of my favorite pieces in my home!
Our Picks:Vintage Kantha Quilt | Vintage Kantha Cushion Covers | Indian Rug
Bookmark For: Footwear that is just as chic as anything you’d find at Zara but 1000x better because everything is ethically made and Black- owned.
Our Picks:Lagos Sandal | Beia Boot | The Pilar Mule
OKAY. That’s all from me. Do you guys want more Etsy roundups? You know I am game to browse my favorite site and call it work so just let me know in the comments. xx
**Browse more of our favorite places to shop online here.
