FILL YOUR CART WITH COLOR

This post is sponsored by eBay.

The first online purchase that I ever witnessed was my mom using eBay.com with a dial-up connection to buy a handbag. It marked the dawn of online shopping for me, and the powerhouse retail site still remains a trusted online resource to find anything and everything I want and need, especially when it comes to unique items. So when I began my hunt for velvet shoes, I went to eBay to find what I was looking for.  

80% of what is sold on eBay is brand new, and I knew I would find every style and color on eBay. Sure enough I was right. I have become obsessed with the color of merlot for fall, and all I had to was search "red velvet shoes" and the heels of my dreams popped up. Move over Dorothy! Those ruby shoes have nothing on these velvet mary-janes from Barneys New York.

They are totally impractical and a very trendy item, but they are one of those splurges that you just have to do because you love a pair of shoes THAT much. There's just something about this color for me that makes me want to have a wine colored piece of clothing in every shape. I'm not sure if I'll stop at these shoes, but I can guarantee you I'll probably go back to eBay to find a coat, a hat and a dress too. 

If you're thinking about buying these shoes too, I would recommend going up a whole size. They run pretty small. You can purchase the shoes in a blink of an eye using their "buy it now" feature. Plus, most items have free shipping. I got my shoes to my doorstep in 72 hours. So, if you're hunting for something to wear while brunchin' this Sunday, be sure to shop now!

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

GUEST BATHROOM REMODEL

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot.

I mentioned earlier this year that one of my home project goals was to makeover a bathroom, and I’m happy to tell you that I have completed that goal. And not only did I complete my first bathroom renovation to date, but it has turned out just like I wanted it to thanks to amazing products from Home Depot and some helping hands like my contractor and my father-in-law.

When I saw this picture of a kitchen on Pinterest my eyes got huge, and I knew this was the direction I wanted to go for my bathroom. I had always written off shiplap and wainscot as being too farmhouse for me, but when it’s juxtaposed with modern finishes and installed vertically it looks anything but traditional. It looked really intimidating to try to install until I did a bit more research and learned that The Home Depot carries easy to install shiplap online and in-store.

So, in conjunction with revealing my new bathroom you can head over to Home Depot's Blog to get a full step-by-step tutorial on how to apply shiplap to any wall in your home.

I wanted this bathroom to feel like it was a luxurious hotel bathroom for my guests. I kept the colors similar to what you would find in the guest room and family room. Though I’m a huge fan of patterned tiles, I kept everything soft, modern and simple. I can’t wait to shower in this bathroom even though it’s my guest bathroom. Haha! I guess that just means it’s time to re-do my master bathroom and turn it into a woman’s sanctuary.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

ONE SMART KITCHEN FAUCET

This post is sponsored by American Standard.

You don’t often think about how important your kitchen faucet is to your daily routine, but it is probably one of the most used things in my home and in yours. I use my faucet so many times throughout the day without thinking about it: washing my hands after a diaper change, filling a pot for pasta, washing Levi’s hands after eating spaghetti, watering my plants, cleaning my dishes. The list goes on and on. The reality is I couldn’t do life very well without my kitchen faucet. I’ve partnered with American Standard to share with you how their Beale Pull-down Touchless Faucet has been a game changer in our home. The touchless technology and the high arch design has really made me appreciate a good faucet.

When we moved into this house I didn’t love the kitchen sink or faucet. It was an old one from 1993, but it worked, so I didn’t think to change it. In my mind it was a low priority compared to the other updates I wanted to do. When American Standard gave me the opportunity to install their Beale touchless faucet design I was so happy. I chose a chrome finish to coordinate with the appliances in our kitchen, and installed it immediately after it arrived.

Since installing it, I have noticed the water pressure is much better with this faucet and the high arch makes it easy to get large pans underneath the water. The real game changer, is the touchless technology. Most of us have only experienced touchless faucet technology in a public restroom, but now American Standard is bringing it into the home, and I’m so glad. When I have a big pot of boiling water I no longer have to do a juggling act to turn the cool water on without burning myself. I simply wave my hands in front of the sensor and it turns on. When I’m hoisting my two year old up to wash his hands I don’t have to juggle him either. He just reaches gives a motion in front of the faucet and the water turns on. It’s fabulous! I can’t recommend it enough.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

Design Sponge Home Tour

I have been reading Design Sponge for ten years now. It's a blog that I have loved following for inspiration, and it feels like a dream come true to have my home featured on it today.

Grace Bonney is a genius beyond compare. I've gotten to hear her speak at Alt Summit, and she is really a pioneer of my industry that I really look up to. 

If you have followed my blog you probably are familiar with the spaces, but Rennai Hoefer photographed my home especially for this feature. So, you'll see the rooms styled a bit differently and shot a bit differently too. I hope you go and read the feature, and be sure to check back next week with my bathroom reveal! CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ARTICLE

WORK CHIC WITH THE WHITE COMPANY

This post is sponsored by The White Company.

I've recently started a new job as an Influencer Marketing Manager for August United, a influencer marketing agency here in Phoenix. It has been so great to get to experience and execute influencer campaigns from the other side of the desk. So, now I'm an marketing manager by day, single mom of two by afternoon, and an influencer by night. You better believe this mama is VERY tired most days. And, though I love fashion, I don't really have as much time to shop or think about it. So, when I got this new job I went on The White Company's website and found all of the chic basics every professional woman needs in her wardrobe. 

I've shared about my love of The White Company before, and what they are known for are quality basics for all areas of your life (home, beauty and fashion). Within minutes I found a dress, cardigan, shirt, skirt and pants. And that's enough for me to make five days of outfits for the week. Let me show you how:

MONDAY - You always want to start Mondays strong even though you feel like you just want to crawl back into bed. This navy crepe dress with stretch over a crisp white button down with black booties is a modern, strong, chic outfit to start your week on the right foot. 

TUESDAY - So far I'm noticing that Tuesdays can be even busier with meetings than Mondays. Maybe it's because people are definitely all back in the office by then? I'm not sure. Whatever the case may be, keeping your wardrobe strong is important. This black leather a-line skirt with pockets is the most beautiful piece of fashion in my closet right now. It's definitely a wow piece meant for a big meeting or impact. It's also a modest length and timeless in style and shape. Pair is with a white crisp shirt and booties or check our Thursday's softer look below. 

WEDNESDAY - Half way to the weekend, but not out of the woods yet. Wednesday is very ladylike, and yet one of the easiest outfits. Just throw a dress on and heels and you're set. I add a cardigan because my office is freezing, and The White Company has the softest cashmere I have ever worn. This cardigan is a great staple. I love the off white color too. It doesn't wash me out completely. 

THURSDAY - This is a softer look of Tuesday's outfit, but you'll notice I turned my cardigan around and made it look like a crewneck sweater with buttons down the back. I love it like this. It adds interest, and yet it look super classic. 

FRIDAY - Yay! It's the weekend! Doing a happy dance in a casual Friday outfit that's still office appropriate and timeless. Black flats, gray denim, white button down and a cardigan make a classic outfit that's comfortable, but if I client walked in I would totally be prepared for a meeting. 

All in all I'm completely prepared for success for years to come thanks to The White Company. Which outfit would you rock? All? Tell me!

Photos by Rennai Hoefer