katie lou studios
  • home
  • about
  • photography
    • food
    • portraits & weddings
    • interiors
    • exteriors
  • shop

Wednesday Round Up :: Eco-Chic

4/22/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
​So, today is Wednesday, which means it's hump day. (Mike, Mike, Mike! Guess what day it is?! Guess. What. Day. It. Is!) But, it's also Earth Day! So, here's a round-up of some eco-friendly products to help out the earth. Every little bit helps!

1. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Basil Hand Soap - This stuff smells so good AND its ingredients are 98% naturally derived. No parabens, phthlates, triclosan, formaldehyde, artifical colors, OR animal ingredients. Phew! AND, it's made  right here in the U S of A. Pluses all around.

2. California Bear Eco Throw Pillow Cover - How cool is this pillow? Even though I don't live in California, I still think it's pretty darn cool. This Etsy shop has all sorts of other designs too. Made ramie cotton and eco-friendly ink, this pillow is a winner. Plus, when you buy this pillow, you're also supporting a small business! Score.

3. Linen and Cotton Bowl Covers - This is a genius idea to replace plastic wrap. I hate using plastic wrap, but I do end up using quite a bit when I bake or cook. Because they're made of fabric, they're washable, which means reusable! Hurray! And they're pretty, which adds some major points.

4. Kure Bazaar Non-Toxic Nail Polish in Fabulous - Love the color, love the fact that it's made up of natural materials like wood pulp, wheat, potatoes and corn. 'Nuff said.

5. Volupsa Coconut Wax Candles - I love, love, love candles, and Volupsa's coconut wax candles burn up to 90% cleaner than a soy candle! That's pretty darn awesome. And once you've finished the candle, you can re-use the tin! It's like a 2-for-1.

6. Stubby Pencil Studio's Eco Dry Highlighters - Another genius idea. Regular highlighters usually have solvents and other gross, chemically things. Since these are all wood, there's no plastic, ink solvents, or VOCs involved. The company is based in Portland, OR, so another US-made product for the win!

7. Colorhouse Paints - Okay, this is a seriously cool company. Not only are their paints VOC-free and are free of toxic fumes and chemical solvents, but they also manufacture their paint in a LEED Gold facility, use recycled materials for their containers, AND have a drop off site where customers can drop off their used paint to be recycled. In addition to interior paints, they also make chalkboard paint. And they actually have good colors. AND they're based in Portland, OR. Portland is kicking some serious butt in the eco-friendly department!


Other ways you can be kind to our planet is by making your own eco-friendly cleaning products. Baking soda and vinegar are pretty much the most fantastic cleaning products ever -- they do the job AND they're all natural. Recycling, upcycling, and reusing things are all great ways to cut down on waste and keep things out of landfills. I love scouring thrift stores, yard sales, and the swap shop at the dump for furniture pieces and anything else that might catch my eye. You're doing something for the environment AND saving money. It's a win-win. Every small act helps to keep our planet healthy, and small things add up!
0 Comments

Wedding Dresses: Short and Sweet

2/28/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
I am so into short wedding dresses right now. It may just be because I am desperate for some warmer weather, and looking at short wedding dresses makes me feel like it's springtime. Well, sort of. Ugh, so ready for spring. But, anyway. Short dresses are fun, flirty, sassy and sweet -- all at the same time. They're just the ticket for a chic city affair, city hall nuptials, a casual backyard bash, a rustic farm fete...I could go on. Plus, a short wedding dress lets you show off some really cute shoes, too. Score.

 from left to right 
1. How cute and classic is this Pinwheel Tea Dress by BHLDN? You could swing dance all night long! $1400

2. This technically isn't a wedding dress, but I feel that this Parisienne Dress from Piperlime is just perfect for a casual springtime wedding celebration. $99

3. I just love the details on this fit and flare Dolce Vita Dress from BHLDN. The Swiss-dotted tulle overlay, key-hole back, and belt make this dress just oh so pretty. $300

4. Wear this classic Jenny Woo dress at a fun and quirky barnyard wedding. Perfection. $1200 or less

5. Another beautiful dress from BHLDN! (I'm obsessed.) This Sequin Sash Dress has a beautiful sequined underslip -- just the right amount of sparkle! $350

6. Again, this dress isn't technically a wedding dress. But who says you have to buy an actual wedding dress? I say, bend the rules! This sleeveless brocade dress is just perfect for city hall or a chic city soiree. $207

7. Oh my gosh, I am so in love with this Agata Swing Dress. It's flirty, vintage-y, bohemian-y, and so chic all at the same time. Perfect for a casual backyard bash or a fashion-forward museum affair. $420

(And, if you love this dress, H+M has a similar dress for just $29.95. Why not?)

8. This sweetheart neckline dress from Jill Stuart is adorable and perfect for spring. I love the bow on the side; it's sweet, but not too girly. It's somewhat modern which keeps this dress from being overly cutesy. Love. $248

9. This fringed Nicole Miller dress is the epitome of chic and sassy. Kick off your heels and dance the night away in this little white dress! Price not available.

Not sure about wearing a short dress? These are also perfect for a reception dress if you love outfit changes. Thinking about an all-white bridal party? Well, these dresses also make super cute bridesmaids' dresses!
0 Comments

2013 Oscar Best Dressed

2/25/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Who watched the Oscars last night? And, is it just called the Oscars now? What happened to the Academy Awards? Well, I missed the Oscars (or the Academy Awards. Or the not Academy Awards) because I was catching up on the Downton Abbey finale (WHYYY, Downton??? Whyyyy??? I think I'm going to need some counseling.) I haven't fully caught up on the Oscars and its shenanigans yet, but I have perused all the gorgeous gowns (not going to lie, definitely one of the best parts). I couldn't resist sharing my top picks for best dressed!

from left to right

1. I love, love, love Amanda Seyfried and her Alexander McQueen gown. I know a lot of people have been saying that the dress seems a little too big, but I still love it and think that she looks amazing in it. 

2. Catherine Zeta Jones looks absolutely stunning in this golden Zuhair Murad dress.

3. Naomi Watts is simply gorgeous in this form-fitting, gunmetal sequined Armani Privé gown. I'm a sucker for anything shiny, glittery, and/or sequined! (clearly!)

4. Jennifer Aniston always looks so effortlessly beautiful, and last night was no exception! This bold red Valentino gown was perfect for the Oscars.

5. Love Octavia Spencer and her flowy, ethereal Tadashi Shoji gown! Classic. Gorgeous.

6. Jessica Chastain is perfectly stunning in this sparkly, form-fitting Armani Privé dress. Love the old Hollywood glam look!

(All images via People.com.)
0 Comments

Round Up :: Pink & Red

2/13/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
​I have to admit, I really love the color pink. I do. I used to have this bright pink desk chair that was amazing. Sadly, during a maybe-I-don't-like-pink-so-much phase, I tried spray painting it white. Didn't work. The chair was plastic, and I followed the proper procedure for spray painting plastic. I sanded the chair with a fine grit sandpaper, cleaned it up, and bought spray paint that was specifically for plastic. Unfortunately, the spray paint peeled and got all funky. Not the desired result. I haven't tried spray painting anything plastic since then -- it was a traumatizing experience.

Anyhow, I am no longer in a maybe-I-don't-like-pink-so-much phase. I love pink. It's just so happy and cheerful. And paired with red, the two colors are just so vibrant and lively. So, because tomorrow is Valentine's Day, here are some ways to add some cheer and loveliness with pink and red!

1. I absolutely adore these dusty pink pants from Piperlime. They are the perfect shade of pink; not too in your face, but still pink. And, if you're not too fond of the $230 price tag, Old Navy carries a similar pair of pants. The light pink color isn't quite as nice in my opinion, but my bank account much prefers the $12.97 price tag. 

2. Mornings would be a bit easier with this cheerful, bright pink alarm clock. Okay, well I'd probably still hit the snooze button a few times.

3. This colorful Marimekko pillow adds an instant pop of color and lots of pep to any space.

4. How cute are these coasters? Best of all, it's a do-it-yourself project! Love. It.

5. I love all the peaches, corals, and pinks in this springy poppy print. It's pink without being overly pink if you're a pink-doubter.

6. I am so in love with this red polka dot dress from Forever21. 

7. Snuggle up with this red and pink Ikat throw and watch Under the Tuscan Sun. Or 300. Whatever floats your boat.


And because I love pink so much, here's a few more items that I couldn't leave out!
Picture
1. I need these faux suede pumps. So. Cute.

2. This pink and red houndstooth patterned mouse pad is just fantastic!

3. I absolutely love pretty much anything Kate Spade -- and this pink and red bow patterned clutch is just so adorable.

4. Plaster these happy pink heart stickers over everything for Valentine's Day! Okay, well maybe not everything. 


Now, go forth and spread the love with red and pink!
0 Comments

A Classic Viennese Affair

1/24/2013

0 Comments

 
Sophomore year of college, I had the incredible experience of studying abroad in Vienna. I absolutely fell in love with the city. The to-die-for cakes and pastries, the cobblestone roads, the beautiful old churches and buildings, the museums, the violin players in the Stephansplatz, the u-bahn (it's just fun to say!) Vienna is a truly gorgeous city that is just saturated with art, history, and culture. If I could, I would so move there in a heartbeat. Except my German is a bit rusty. Well, like really rusty. I'd have to work on that. 

So of course, I felt compelled to create a Viennese-inspired wedding board. How romantic-slash-totally-awesome would it be to get married in Vienna? Yes, please.it.
Picture
1. First, we have a classic column-style gown, perfect for an evening soiree in such a historical setting.

2. Lots of gold accents, inspired by Klimt's paintings. A gorgeous gold-toned crystal headband for the bride.

3. Gold nail polish, with 18 karat gold flecks! Because you need a little bling.

4. Beautiful hand-made clutches that can be personalized for your bridesmaids!

5. Gold teardrop earrings covered in crystals completes the glamorous, classic look.

6. Vienna's Rathaus (City Hall), decorated for the holidays, looks straight out of a magical fairy-tale land (image from here)

7. A fox and mink jacket keeps the chill away as you celebrate long into the night!

8. Cafe Sacher, home of the famous sacher-torte. Instead of a traditional cake, serve up sacher-torte, an Austrian classic!

9. The Wallpaper City Guide to Vienna will keep your guests busy during their stay.

10. Beautiful deep blue sparkly shoes are your "something blue" and the perfect finishing touch to your classic ensemble!


Now, someone take me to Vienna! Please?
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture

    CATEGORIES

    All
    Art
    Design
    Freebies
    Interior Inspiration
    Life
    Recipes
    Round Up

    ARCHIVES

    September 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    February 2013
    January 2013

ABOUT

Picture
Hi there! I'm Katie and I love all things design. Head on over here to find out more!
INSTAGRAM

SHOP

Picture
See more prints right here!
CONNECT

FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
PINTEREST
TWITTER
BEHANCE
COPYRIGHT 2019 KATIE WILCOCK // KATIE LOU STUDIOS
katie@katieloustudios.com
:)
  • home
  • about
  • photography
    • food
    • portraits & weddings
    • interiors
    • exteriors
  • shop