Bits + Tips: Styling A Bookcase

It’s no surprise that our team loves all things design and keeping our office in tip top shape is no exception to this rule! Some of you may have a love/hate relationship with your bookshelf and find it difficult keeping it clean and {stylishly} organized. Here, we share with you our bits and tips on how to use those everyday household items to pull together a chic and stylized bookshelf.

Styling a bookcase via Style-Architects
  • First, choose a color palette. In our office, we are partial to neutrals as they keep the overall look clean and streamlined. Bring in any color with the books {or magazines} used. We often recommend keeping it to a three-color limit. Check out one of our favorite reads, Cereal available at our local obsession, The Foundry.
  • Anchor the bookcase on either side with larger items. This gives it a sense of symmetry without being too obvious or literal.  We love using this acrylic file box from Russel & Hazel. It’s a perfect marriage between function and form.
  • Mix high and low within each shelf and in neighboring shelves to add interest and depth {think horizontal versus vertical books}.
  • Here’s a tip: odd numbers are your friends. Three is often our magic number.
  • Mix in unique pieces to add more personal + sentimental value {don’t just fill it with junk or tchotchke pieces}! This charming rocking bird is our mid-century modern fix, inspired by the iconic Eames bird.
  • Bring in an organic touch. It softens while also adding dimension and texture. Air plants are great for the not-so-green thumbed.
  • Create connections by placing similar items adjacent from one another i.e. plants and book stacks.
  • If you ask us, there is always beauty in simplicity. We are currently lusting after this Stockholm table clock from Leif. It’s a lovely Scandinavian inspired design and adds a great pop of black.

1.Candle  2.Clock  3.Cereal Magazine  4.Rocking Bird  5.Acrylic File Box

Photography: Canary Grey Photography

 

White T-Shirt 3 Ways

There’s something about summer that makes the classic white t-shirt a necessity. It’s versatile, comfortable and you can find it anywhere—your favorite local boutique, a drugstore or even your boyfriend’s closet. That said, your plain white tee doesn’t have to look the way it sounds. Venture away from your go-to white/denim combo and mix it up by repurposing items that are already in your wardrobe. Here, we show you how to take your favorite white tee from day to night without breaking the bank!

Look 1: This feminine ensemble is perfect for a day at the office. {ShoeMint heels, Zara skirt, Baggu tote}

Look 2: Add some edge with an all-white date night outfit. {Zara shoes, J. Crew denim, Another Feature necklace}

Look 3: This casual look is ideal for weekend errands or a trip to your local farmer’s market. {Equipment shorts, Gap jean jacket, ASOS glasses, Madewell sandals}

Taking Tips From The Experts: 6 Blogger-inspired Trends To Try Now

If you're anything like us, you start your day sipping coffee while perusing your favorite blogs for a daily dose of style inspiration {doctors orders!} These ladies are the pioneers of the fashion world - they are the first to test the waters with the latest trends and push the boundaries with fun, out-of-the box looks. This season, we're following the lead of these ladies of the style blogsphere. Here are a couple of our favorite spring trends brought to you by some of the world's biggest style gurus to help you update your spring/summer look. 1. Overalls: Welcome back, 90s! These babies are back and looking better than ever. Take notes from Ivana and dress your overalls down with a casual top and booties or take it up a notch with a monochromatic, minimalistic look. 

2. Cropped top: 'Tis the summer to show off a bit of bare skin. For those of you not interested in a nightly ab routine, {we don't blame you}, emulate after DRK’s look with a cropped top and a high-waisted skirt!

3. Shorts suit: From runways to the streets, this two-piece combo has been popping up everywhere this season. Go bold with a fully printed suit or tone it down with a solid number. Either way, you can’t lose with this classic yet sexy look.

4. Boyfriend shorts: Steal your guy's style this spring and invest in a pair of slouchy, long, bermuda-style jorts. Pair them with your go-to white tee for a weekend up at the cabin or spruced up with a pair of wedges or mules for a night on the town.

5. Mandals: We know what some of you are thinking...and although the mandals may be one of the most controversial trends of the season, it's time to stop fighting it and embrace one of spring's hottest trends. Still needing convincing? Take a peek at Man Repeller and you'll be on board the Birkenstock train in no time!

6. Pops of neon: No longer reserved for hunters and ravers, neon is in the spotlight this season {in small doses}. Use these bright hues sparingly by pairing a pop of neon with feminine florals or cozy knits. After all, you don't want to look like a traffic conductor.