HOW TO WEAR A SQUARE SCARF

Erica Floral Scarf // Everything Tote in Tan

If we've ever hung out in person, you've mostly likely seen me wearing a scarf, year round, in almost any kind of weather. For me, an outfit doesn't quite feel complete without one. Because of this, I used to have a pretty serious scarf-hoarding situation in my closet, but as I've worked on simplifying and tidying up (are you in on The Life-Changing Magic, yet?) the rest of my life, I've pared down my scarf collection to a handful of my very favorite pieces, which includes the scarf I purchased this past Spring during my trip to India. In fact, I've loved (and worn) this scarf so much, I spent nearly two months corresponding back and forth with the owner of the shop that I purchased mine from, and arranged for a small shipment of these beautiful handmade scarves for the shop. 

My favorite thing about these scarves is... everything! The lightweight fabric is comfortable and cozy, even for the most claustrophobic scarf-wearer, and the patterns are all so pretty and unique, no two pieces are the same! And each scarf is finished with delicate details like fabric-wrapped seashell tassels and buttons. I also love the square shape, although I wasn't quite sure at first how to wear it, especially with the tassels on the corners. But once I found a low-maintenance way to wrap it, it became my new go-to scarf style. 

Here is my Simple Way to Wear a Square Scarf:

1. Fold scarf into a large triangle by connecting diagonal corners

2. With folded edge facing you, drape long ends over shoulders

3. Cross one end over the opposite shoulder, bring to front

4. Cross other end around opposite shoulder, bring to front

5. All four corners will be hanging down in front 

6. Layer the corners or tuck them as you wish

7. That's it! Easy peasy mac n' cheesy.

Enjoy wearing your new square scarf!

Hailey

The Process of Living: modern moroccan decor

Moroccan-inspired decor is quickly making its way around the design world and infusing spaces with exotic flair and old-world charm. "Moroccan style" instantly brings to mind rooms that are dripping in rich pattern, bold color, eclectic accessories, and layers of texture.  But even if you don't consider yourself to be a bohemian gypsy or particularly bold decorator, you can embrace this trend in a modern way. 

1. Black and white accessories can make just as much of an impact in a space as bright colors, especially in the form of a cluster of striped throw pillows or a bold bed cover. By selecting accessories in a similar color, such as blue and beige, the room feels cohesive and not like it's competing against itself. 

2. One of the most iconic features of Moroccan decor are the intricate, hand-painted tiles found in kitchens, baths, floors, and doorways of old buildings and homes. Recreating this look is easy in any space where you can install a tile accent wall or backsplash like the one above. A simple black and white checkerboard floor instantly feels more European-cafe than country diner.

3. If you're drawn to a monochromatic color scheme, and you don't share your home with pets or other humans, you can still achieve a rich Moroccan inspired look by layering textures and natural fibers. A fringe-covered throw pillow, a tasseled-hanging lantern, and a bronze sculpture with a rich patina make this space feel lived-in and cozy. 

4. Bright white walls and low-profile furniture let this narrow room's soaring ceilings and abundant natural light shine. Armless sofas and piles of throw pillows invite casual lounging and conversation. Instead of trying to cram decorative objects into every inch, grouping the room's furniture into an intimate gathering and allowing for lots of open space, immediately lets guests know where to go to make themselves comfortable.

5. Oh, suzani, don't you cry for me! A gorgeous woven suzani tapestry or upholstered chair is the only statement piece your modern Moroccan space needs. Keep other colors and textures neutral and instead opt to accessorize with house plants or metallic accents. 

6. For those of you who would be brave enough to try a bold black and white scheme in your master bath (black granite tub, anyone?), limit tile and pattern to the lower third of the walls and floors. By keeping the other 2/3 of the walls and ceiling light and neutral, the room feels balanced instead of too heavy or gothic. Click here for more ideas on creating a bathroom oasis. 

images via 1,2,3,4,5, 6

Enjoy the process!

Hailey

The Process of Living: an eclectic art-lover's home

“I have dreamed for years of having a blank palette for a home, and the opportunity to fill it with items found from local thrift stores. I finally decided to fulfill my dream, and accomplish it in only three weeks." - Judy Aldridge

At first glance, the home of interior designer Judy Aldridge (@atlantishome) looks as though it has been carefully layered, assembled, and curated over decades. The only way to explain the mix of textures, colors, patterns, and styles is that the house is filled with long-loved pieces collected throughout a life spent traveling the world. When in fact, Judy completely transformed her home, a mid-century modern "blank space" into the bohemian retreat it is today, in only a few weeks, without traveling farther than her local thrift shops. 

"The process of choosing the pieces was decided for me by the thrift store merchandise I encountered." 

By giving herself a very limited timeline to complete her renovation, Judy had to make split-second decisions on items as she found them. There simply was not time to go home, measure, contemplate, or hesitate- if a piece was a good fit, or could be after a little TLC, she bought it. Using thrifted and repurposed items minimized Judy's renovation footprint and has kept her eclectic style accessible for other's wanting to create a similar look. 

"I tried to choose somewhat average pieces so that anyone reading this story could say, 'I see that stuff all the time! I can do this easily myself. '" 

Even the most basic home improvement projects can create more than their fair share of waste, between disposing of the "old" materials, manufacturing and shipping new ones, and using natural resources like fuel and water. Instead of contributing to landfill waste or using complex measures to bring in new materials, Judy used items and resources that were easily within reach in terms of geography and budget. With a little imagination and creativity, she transformed once wayward pieces into heirloom treasures. 

"When it came to reupholstering the chairs and sofa, I chose fabric from local outlets at 10-20 dollars per yard. I chose to buy from thrift stores that only accepted donations, so that money I spent would go directly to good causes. "

Judy's cozy master bedroom has a perfectly lived-in look thanks to the gorgeous linen bedding, loosely styled bookcases, distressed concrete floors, and unique decorative accents. By using a few found objects (these vintage Syrian textiles were thrifted!) the "new" space gets a dose of personality and old-world charm.

We could seriously spend all day wandering the rooms of Judy's amazing home and we are so inspired for our next thrifting trips. Do you have a favorite second-hand piece you scored on a whim? What do you look for when shopping for your space? 

Enjoy the process!

Hailey

images via seaofshoes