Tassel Trim Poncho

Lately we have found ourselves so wrapped up in house projects that I feel like I have been neglecting the "fashion and style" aspect of this blog. I first off, want to apologize and let you know that I still plan to do these posts -- I just may not have been doing the best job lately. Weekends have become my absolute favorite times. During the week I truly miss being at home and spending time with our little family. Weekends allow time for both of us to slow down, enjoy time with one another, and just simply relax.

This past weekend we did just that (well, for a little while). With the holidays right around the corner, it is one of the busiest times of the year, but slow quiet mornings are never taken for granted around here. Call it what you want, but ponchos/blanket scarves/capes, have been one of my go-tos as the weather continues to get colder. What can be better than wrapping up in a "blanket" and calling it fashionable? They are perfect for lounging around the house, drinking coffee, and pinning the morning away. Not to mention, cuddling with your (huge) puppy!

Tassel Trim Poncho, others here, here (under $20), here and here (under $20).

Kilim Fever

There is no doubt in my mind that I currently have a bad case of Kilim Fever. One of my favorite trends right now are kilim rugs.  I absolutely love the geometric patterns and bright colors (did I really just say that). For someone who generally leans towards decorating in neutrals, these rugs add the perfect pop of color and pizazz to a room. Here are a few of my favorites. I threw in some boho and oriental picks as well!

Painted Dessert Rug (starting at $182)

Hand Woven Sumak Kilim ($95)

Anatolian Rug Carpet ($89)

Anatolia Turkish Antalya Classic Kilim ($69)

Pradesh Rug in Pink (starting at $140)

Satya Rug  (starting at $300)

Magical Thinking Overdyed Handmade Rug ($89)

Pari Rug  (starting at $300)

XO,

Jacqueline

DIY Gift Wrap

A few weeks back I spotted this Cursive Wrapping Paper from Anthropologie that I just loved. Rather than spending $14 on a roll, I decided to try a DIY version that came in under $5. This DIY was so simple and easy and I am so happy with the results. Plus, when you do the DIY version you can write whatever you want! I chose Merry and Bright, but I also love the idea of writing Fa La La or the person's name receiving the gift. What creative ways are you wrapping your gifts this holiday season?

The Anthropologie version: 

DIY version:

What you will need:

Kraft Wrap

Scissors

White Paint Marker

Tape

Twine, berries, greenery or other decorative accents of your choice

Holiday Mantle

Our house is a work in progress, but after many long hours of painting wood work and walls over Thanksgiving I am happy to have a mantle to decorate for the first time. One of my favorite details of our home is our double-sided fireplace. This means double the fun when decorating for the holidays. You may notice a theme running throughout our house so far - neutrals, light and bright! I am carrying that theme into our holiday decor this year because I just can't get enough of it. Even though our mantle is still missing a few items (large mirror for the wall and new floor tile) I am loving this space in our home right now. So festive and cozy!

Trees and Woodland Creatures: Target, Snowball Garland: Anthropologie, Large Felt Garland: West Elm, Stockings: Restoration Hardware (similar), Lanterns: Pottery Barn 

And one more cozy one by the fire...

XO,

Jacqueline 

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | FOR THE DOG

With our first official snow day and what seems to be the arrival of winter, I've got Christmas on my mind. It happened a bit early this year, but I don't really feel that bad about it. I enjoyed a much needed day off yesterday due to the weather and I don't know what I enjoyed more - not having to work or getting to spend the entire day with my pup. She sure loves the snow, but I am not surprised about that in the least bit. I am so excited to spend our first Christmas with the newest, furriest member of our family. I have rounded up a few of my favorite holiday picks for those furry friends of ours. Yes, they have to have something under the tree on Christmas morning too!

Adjustable Rope Leash in Teal Ombre | Rope Collar in Teal Ombre | Arrowhead Print Collar | Snowflake Rope Toy | Antler Plush Toy | Statue of Liberty Toy | Santa Toy | French Bulldog Treat Jar | Stripe Toy Bin | Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits | Canvas Sock Dog Toy | Metallic Dipper Bowl Gold | Specktacular Bowl Rose Gold | Dog and Crow Classic Bed

COLOR CRUSH | MUSTARD

Sweater: ASOS (unavailable), similar here and here, Denim: Old Navy (old), Booties: Kemi Suede Fringe Booties. 

The past few days have been absolutely beautiful. There is something about a walk on a fall day that I just love. And our neighborhood was definitely made for walkin'. Among many other things this fall, I have been completely crushing on anything and everything mustard. It just screams fall to me! This flowy sweater was no exception. I chose to pair it with black denim and a pair of black fringe booties. I opted for a more simple look, but I also love the idea of adding a gold statement necklace or a printed scarf as well. Hope you are all enjoying this fall as much as I am! 

How beautiful is this huge yellow tree behind our house? It just keeps getting prettier and prettier!  

PENDANT LIGHTING UNDER $200

We have recently moved on to working on our foyer. The awful red Asian-inspired wallpaper and green and white checkerboard tile can be gone forever! After tearing down the wallpaper this summer, we decided to wait on painting until the other two rooms were finished. Well, the painting is almost done and we are looking into new flooring and lighting. Let me just tell you...looking at lighting is fun! I am loving all the unique pieces out there and I truly feel like having the right lighting can really make a room. We decided on a piece already, but here are some of my favorite pendants I found while I was searching. Enjoy! 

ELEMENTARY STYLE TURNS 1

Image via Pinterest

This past weekend, Elementary Style turned one! Hard to believe I have been blogging for a year now. I want to start off by saying a huge "thank you" to all of you who stop by every once and awhile. Your support means more to me than you know. It's weird. In the blogging world it can get hard to not always think about numbers...how many people visit your blog, how many page views you have had, how many new followers you have. Honestly, I do my best to not think about those things. I constantly have to remind myself why I started this in the first place. To me it's about doing what I love and sharing that with others. If this blog can inspire one person to follow their dreams and do more of what they love on a daily basis - than I am happy. The past few years for me have been a roller coaster career wise. Even today I struggle with feeling like I don't get to use as much creativity in my job as I would like to. I am so thankful to have a place that I can use as a creative outlet on a daily basis if I choose to. If you are thinking about starting a blog, my advice would be this. Do it. Everyone has to start somewhere! One of my favorite quotes I have seen flying around Pinterest is, "Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle". It's so true! Life is too short not to follow your dreams and do what you love.

I am excited about some of the things I have been working on for the upcoming year! I have had some things laid on my heart lately that I cannot wait to share with you guys. All I can say right now is this...sometimes the Lord places something on our hearts, pushes us to take risks, and asks us to trust him. There may be some changes coming to Elementary Style, but I promise they will be good changes. I hope that you all continue to follow along!

Thanks again for stopping by. I would love to know...what would you like to see on the blog this upcoming year? Leave your comments below!

XO, 

Jacqueline

DIY TO TRY: SPRAY PAINTED HARDWARE

When we first moved into our house I knew we were going to have to do something about some of the hardware. Although many of the important things in this house have been updated, the style was very 60-70 year old appropriate and we are working on making it more 20-30 year old appropriate. I like to call our home a "cosmetic fixer upper" because structurally the house is in excellent condition, however it desperately needs a cosmetic face-lift throughout the entire home.

One of our recent projects included painting all the woodwork in the living room. The hardware on the living room doors was an awful shiny brass, which desperately needed to go. Instead of replacing all the hinges and door knobs I decided to try a black matte spray paint to update the hardware. I used Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X in black matte from Home Depot. I was so pleased with how well it covered and how great the hardware looked when we were finished! Our doors look like brand new and we saved ourselves some major money on the project. When we were looking at new knobs they were priced anywhere from $20 and up. One can of spray paint costs less than $5, which got the job done! I can't wait to share the whole room with you guys. Just wait until you see the before photos!

XO,

Jacqueline

WEEKEND THINGS

Is it just me, or is there never enough weekend time? As soon as I reach Friday afternoon I feel like I'm back to Sunday night mentally preparing for another work week. If only every weekend were a three day weekend! 

This past weekend Dan and I took a little extra time off work to do some traveling to visit friends and family. As we were packing up Friday afternoon, these pictures happened. I went against everything I always said I would do with a big dog and allowed our Piper up on our bed. Last week we started to notice a slight limp on one of her front legs and I just couldn't say no to letting her be in the most comfy place possible. Dan convinced me it was "doggy bed rest". I have a feeling she will be wanting up there much more often now. :-) 

Anyways, I just couldn't help but get out my camera and start snapping away at the adorableness. Plus, give you all a sneak peek at our new bedroom! We had such a fun, refreshing weekend spent with people we love. Hope everyone of you had an amazing weekend as well! 

XO,

Jacqueline