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A Gift Guide for Everyone on Your List

December 9, 2011 in shopping by Darcie Dyer | 2 comments

Finally being a some-what “adult,” and by that I simply mean a college graduate, I’ve began taking my Christmas shopping a little more seriously. It sure helps having a little of my own cash to spend! My list of people to buy for this year is about as wide and varied as you can imagine; from 3-month-old twin girls, to an impossible to shop for boyfriend, to all the uniquely individual members of my dear family. So, I can appreciate the frustration that can come with trying to think up the perfect gift for each person on your list. From the most common of gifts, to some things you may not have thought of, here is my 2011 gift guide to the great and diverse on your list:

The Original Dopp Kit, $45

A true necessity for the traveling gentleman. And, although the term has become generic for any travel toiletry kit, there’s only one I recommend, and that’s the original. The term “Dopp Kit”  was coined in 1919 by the original manufactuer of this piece, Mr. Charles Doppelt, and the company still produces it today.  To get the real deal, check out Mori Luggage and Gift’s website, or stop by their location at Lenox.

Jo Malone Orange Blossom candle, $35-$400

Aside from this candle’s stunning fragrance, it also has a little claim to fame. The 88 oz. candle (with an amazing 230 hour burn time) priced at $400, burned throughout Westminster Abby during the Royal wedding of Kate and Prince William. The scent of orange blossoms and water lillys is sure to bring warmth to any space. And don’t worry, there are smaller sizes than the $400 one. Check out Neiman Marcus or Jomalone.com.

Encyclopedia of the Exquisite, $18.45

Author of this book, Jessica Kerwin Jenkins, who’s career has taken her all over the world and wound her up writing for Vouge, created this magestic “lifestyle guide for the Francophile and the Anglomaniac, the gourmet and the style maven, the armchair traveler and the art lover… homage to the esoteric world of glamour that doesn’t require much spending but makes us feel rich,” as the book description reads. A truly enchanting gift. You can purchase it at book stores or easily on Amazon.com.

TomTom Go Live, $249.95

I pray you all have some form of navigation system. But, if not, I’m the poster child for navigation systems. I can truly say this thing was a life-saver after my move from Auburn, AL to the big and unknown world of Atlanta. GPSs are available at all kinds of electronic stores, or this particular Tom Tom can be purchased on TomTom’s website.

J. Crew cashmere-lined leather gloves, $98

I absolutely love this color. A perfect gift for any gal on your list. (And perfect driving gloves for hoping behind the wheel with your new GPS? Just a thought…)

Williams-Sonoma Monogrammed Stainless-Steel Cocktail Shaker, $24.95

Anything personalized is always a great gift idea. This shaker, along with dozens of other personalized glassware and bar pieces, is available at Williams-Sonoma.

Pottery Barn Mirrored Dresser-top Trays, $29-$49

In keeping with the personalized theme, this jewelry tray would be a great piece to have monogramed. It would also be great with some jewelry coming along with it, hint hint!

Nespresso Essenza Coffee Machine, $149

Life is too short to drink “decent” coffee. Or to spend all your money at Starbucks, for that matter. This marvelous and surprisingly inexpensive expresso maker is sure to make anyone on your lists’ mornings a litle better.

Kate Spade Sparkler Gia, $95

Every girl loves a little sparkle (this girl loves a lot of sparkle). With glitter fabric and metallic foil coated leather trim, this is the perfect coin-purse or accessory case for this festive season.

Johnston and Murphy shoe care kit, $70

Last but not least, I don’t know any man that doesn’t wear shoes, so why not give them a little pep to their step by giving this fabulous shoe care kit? A truly timeless, and sure to be appreciated gift.

What gifts are on your shopping list this year?

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Repurposed Headboards: From trash to treasure

November 18, 2011 in Designing, shopping by Darcie Dyer | 4 comments

As we all know, a bed is generally the focal point of a bedroom, so why not think outside the box when choosing one? As they say, one person’s trash is another’s treasure, and it’s amazing how the most unexpected items can make for a brilliant backdrop for your bed. Below are some rustic looks that have been achieved through upcycling: converting something old or otherwise overlooked into something new and wonderful!


I love how this antique mirror, which could have previously been over a chest of drawers or large vanity, is now an exquisite headboard and eye-catching focal point.

These old doors make for a very shabby chic look. I’m sure you could find something like this with ease at a local consignment store.

These painted shutters really tie this room together. A very cheap and easy decorating idea.



I absolutely love this look, very Pottery Barn. Who would have thought a mantle would serve so well as a bookcase/headboard?



Shutters, again, and these are the perfect size for twin beds.


This headboard look was created by painting shutters and then measuring fabric and placing it over batting to fit inside the frames of the shutter. I would have never thought to do this!

These rustic “upcycled” looks are great for beach bungalows, mountain and lake houses, or really any home if you’re open to the idea and have a creative eye!

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A visit to Savvy Snoot’s new location

November 8, 2011 in Designing, New Product, shopping by Darcie Dyer | 4 comments

Last week I found myself in interior design heaven, and all by chance. On a trip to East Cobb’s Merchant’s Walk, the brand new, only three-week old Savvy Snoot and Marty Mason Collected Home joint-store caught my eye. And I was like a moth to a flame. This place captured my design taste to a “T.”

I got the chance to chat with Marty Mason himself—as charming a man as the products he offers. This East Cobb location marks Mason’s third Savvy Snoot store, with the other two in Atlanta and Alpharetta. All are an ideal shopping destination for exquisite high-end, refurbished consignment furniture and accessories, however this new East Cobb location is also home to the very first Marty Mason Collected Home store, whose line is similarly inspired by products carried in Savvy Snoot.

Mason explained that his Collected Home brand’s whole concept is to “mix it up;” mixing styles and genres to create a look as if one has long been collecting pieces for their home from all eras and styles—hence the name.  And hence why I was in love.

Mason’s Savvy Snoot side of the store has everything from small accessories to elegant furniture and artwork that makes for a breathtaking “collected look” living space or a quaint and unbelievably homey bedroom.

And if you thought these consignment pieces were something, you’ll be in love with how winsome the Collected Home products are.

Among the mass of swoon-worthy decor, Marty Mason Collected Home offers gorgeous pottery with a charming story behind it. Inspired  by his grandmother’s 1960′s pottery studio, Kay’s Mud Hut, Mason offers his take on similar pieces (and at an incredibly reasonable price!)

The double “M” logo that Mason has branded has also been an inspiration for many of the designs seen throughout the store. And it’s getting a lot of attention! Particularly the double “M” curtains, (seen below) which come in dozens of fabulous colors!

During my visit I was surrounded by so many marvels, I could ramble on about it all day. Clearly, Savvy Snoot and Collected Home has created quite a unique interior design shopping experience, but to top it off they also have a design bar with a team to cater to your every decorating need.  

Check out their website, or stop by one of their three locations to get a feel for yourself. I promise you’ll be just as impressed as I was. If you can’t find just the right time to fit in a visit, Mason is planning an open house/after-Thanksgiving event with great give-aways and savings …. You’ll be sure to be hearing more about it from me as the time gets closer!

Have you had a chance to visit Savvy Snoot? What are some of your favorite consignment shops?

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A Love Affair: blue and white

September 19, 2011 in Designing, Kitchen & Bath, shopping by Darcie Dyer | 3 comments

From little Dutch figurines to my mother’s extensive set of Blue Danube china to an array of blue-and-white chinoiserie potting and decorative pieces, my childhood home is a exquisite reflection of my mother’s love of all things blue and white. And it is something I certainly plan on incorporating into my home as well one day. The fanciful imagery and whimsical designs of blue-and-white porcelain carry such an air of elegance and timelessness—I just can’t help but pine over it. Of course, there’s nothing like an antique or heirloom piece, but that’s not to say there aren’t stunning new pieces around every corner that are absolutely swoon-worthy. Here are a few things that have recently caught my eye:


Wisteria Blue and White Tea Jar Lamp $299 -Inspired by Asian jars used to store loose tea, this classic piece is sure to add color to any room!


Wisteria Happiness Pots $199 -This set of three different-sized pots has some truth behind their name, I think they certainly bring a little happiness to this space!

Burleigh Cobalt Mixing Bowls $179- Made in Staffordshire, England, these Burleigh bowls have less of the Asian inspiration but are still a stunning blue-and-white pieces that could make cooking that much more enjoyable for anyone!

Do you love blue and white? Tell us about your favorite items!

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Pillow talk: local duo creates artfully stylish accents

September 12, 2011 in Designing, New Product, shopping by Darcie Dyer | No comments

I’m now more than ever, a huge fan of anything made in the U.S., but especially something well made in the U.S. While jumping around from blog to blog, I stumbled upon Pillow Folly. This is an exquisite brand of decorative pillows, handmade and designed in our very own Southeastern region. The brand’s name originates from the dictionary meaning of folly: a thing extravagant and picturesque; created in a fanciful taste. And that’s just what the company produces! The pillows are made with beautiful fabrics, and are perfect for easily adding a little fun, color and style to any room of the house.

I was sold with just the bright colors and beautiful patterns alone, but once I read a little about the company itself, well, now I’m going to have to make a purchase just to show my support! On Pillow Folly’s website, the owners describe their business as a small-town effort. “We’re not a big manufacturer—we’re just two moms with a small design shop by the coast. Our products are not made overseas; we’re creating jobs for locals in small-town South Carolina who have families to support. We’re out of the rat race, and we want to keep it that way; we want to make your life beautiful by throwing a little Pillow Folly into it!”

Pillow Folly uses new, as well as vintage fabrics, and produces pillows in small numbers. Their designs run the gamut—from modern to traditional, chic to shabby—which makes their pillows a great match for all types of spaces and design tastes.

Below are a few of my favorites. Check out their website, and let us know your’s!


Ikat Throw Pillow, Nap Size – $72

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