It’s December! You can now enjoy your Christmas decorations if you celebrate it. If you don’t celebrate, we also hope you are enjoying your home and getting cozy. It’s chilly in Portland and it’s slightly chilly in LA so “cozy” is our current top priority. Ok, let’s get into these links!
This week’s house tour is impossible to not fall in love with. We’re calling it “rustic postmodern” and it just couldn’t be more charming AND cool. The last thing we’ll say before you go see it is #gallerywallsforever:) Go check it out here!
From Emily: While I’m still going to go thrifting to get some officially ugly Christmas sweaters, I just ordered this one because it’s super cute and has good reviews. Now, I haven’t tried this sweater myself so stay tuned on fit and comfort, but as far as style goes I’m into it (and I ordered the moose one, too). We will probably have a small cozy holiday party, and sweaters are required to enter the house (I left my favorites at Arrowhead as we usually spend the holidays in Arrowhead!). Charlie is wearing this (it’s from Target and much more affordable). Birdie has not been found yet!
Jess says: Do you know the feeling of disappointment and anger when you wear a bra that is dingy or not cute? I’m not talking about the special occasion bras, just the good ole everyday ones. Well, that’s been my experience with one of my bras for the past few months. My other bra, which was the only one I liked, had wires that poked through fabric. I was at fault. It’s my fault. Last week, I decided to treat myself to a new mini bra at Target. I’ve honestly had great luck in the past (the deceased one was from there)! I found a cutie who is simple and a little sexy with zero padding. PERFECT. I think it looks like Calvin Klein. Oh, they’re only $15! They are beautiful. I have one in both black and brown. I’m finally rid of the dingy, soiled one. I’m a 36C if that’s helpful to anyone.
Caitlin writes: “It is winter inside my 100-year old apartment. The temperatures have dropped into the 50s.” I have gas heat, but it’s really expensive and not super efficient (0 insulation) which means that I’ve gotten pretty good at dressing for warmth! To that end, I need to recommend my ultimate cozy weapon: these sherpa-lined sweats from L.L. Bean. My mom got me a pair last year for Christmas (and I’ve recommended them here before!) but if you are also a person-turned-popsicle, these are LIFE-CHANGING. Let me be clear: they add some bulk and they’re hard to fold, but they’re so soft and warm and plush and the lining still looks new, a year later. (I have to laugh at some of the negative reviews, which suggest that they might be “too warm” or “absolutely hideous” – I mean, they’re not wrong, but that’s kind of the point!) I’m not gonna win any beauty pageants in these, but they’re my favorite sweatpants and the lone piece of clothing keeping me from a $500 gas bill so EMPHATICALLY RECOMMEND:)
Also From Caitlin: A 2011-gem called “Million Dollar Decorators” just hit Netflix and it is SO BINGE-ABLE. It follows a few designers you’ve probably heard of – I don’t want to mention their names here, because I don’t think some of them are super likable on TV (!!!!) – but I’m OBSESSED with seeing which spaces have aged and which are still timeless. (It’s also fun to see these editorial spaces from a TV camera – interior photographers usually shoot from a low angle, so these standard camera shots are enlightening!) Anyone else watching?!!
From Arlyn: I’m a sucker for an understated Christmas sweater. I already have a handful in my closet but I couldn’t help but add a new one recently. This Peace on Earth sweatshirt from Target is so soft and just the right cut for my petite stature. It looks great with jeans, leggings and sweatpants. The few times I’ve worn it, I’ve been asked where I got it. Sadly, many sizes are sold out, but in case you’re one of the sizes still left available, hurry hurry hurry!
Gretchen says: I’ve been loving so many Instagram makers lately, but some have really stood out for me. I’m pretty sure the algorithm wants me to get into building custom cabinetry because I am consuming SO MANY inspiring DIY queens who just make it look all too easy. Fun fact: in sixth grade our class took a career aptitude test and it revealed I’d be best suited for a job in “cabinet carpentry”, which at the time felt like, “huh???” but now feels weirdly on the nose. I’ve dreamt up and hacked together many builds myself over the years, but Molly of @thelonegooseco is just It makes me want learn how to do it correctly and well so I can maybe one day fulfill my middle school destiny. I am obsessed with the hallway dresser she built. She’s making the custom storage solution of my dreams and doing it completely from scratch. Her videos are great because they show you exactly how she makes it. It’s very easy to follow. I’ve decided I NEED a pocket hole jig because of her. Alongside her projects, I’m enjoying watching @reneerenovates custom-build her kitchen (by herself!) and @abby_roadhome, who just outfitted her son’s room with the coolest record storage bench and shelving combination. There are so many more incredible projects on each of their pages–go check them out!
Mallory writes: Last year I purchased these adorable snowmen at CB2 and was so happy to bring them out this year. It’s always the first piece of holiday decor I put up because it’s more “winter” than full-on Christmas as Em would say, but they’re simple and make me really happy to look at. The small and large sizes are available and you can add some lights to them for a nice glow.
That’s is from us today and we promise this is going to be a VERY fun week:) See you tomorrow xx
Opening Image Credits: Design and Styled by Emily Henderson | Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: The Official First Farmhouse Christmas!! + A great ribbon hack and my dream color palette