Homes and Heels

Textile Artwork

Rubina — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 17:00:54 +0000

Now that my living room is starting to take shape (check out my latest DIY here) I’m starting to source items to fill in the blanks – the blank walls that is. As much as I love my roomy living room, it leaves a lot of wall space to cover, which isn’t always easy when on a budget. One of those spaces is the wall above the couch where I’m hoping to put up one large piece of art (I decided against a collage because I think it will look too busy when next to my knick-knack happy bookcases). Unfortunately, these types of paintings, prints, etc. cost way more than I want to spend when putting the icing on my rental. So with these images as my inspiration…

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…I’ve come up with a much more wallet-friendly idea to use textiles – anything from tapestries to bedding to vintage saris – as my big statement piece. Depending on which one I choose, I have a couple ideas for inexpensive mounting and framing possibilities so stay tuned for those! In the meantime, here are a few of the fabrics catching my eye…

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Living Room Updates: Custom Desk Reveal

Rubina — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:00:49 +0000

Ladies and gents, remember how I moved into a new apartment a couple months ago? Well since then, I’ve kept a couple (DIY) tricks up my sleeve. After all, I can’t think of a better way to spend a 110 degree day than in front of an air conditioner with a paintbrush (yeah, yeah, I know there’s a place called the beach). But, what’s more fun than giving that paintbrush a workout? Right? Maybe?

Just to remind all of you, here’s the section of the original living room that I was working with. As I had mentioned, I wasn’t feeling the orange dresser anymore and am happy to report that it’s found a good home…and left a giant wall for me to fill up.

So I began with paint, choosing a soft blue (“Rain Water” by Behr) that I came across when creating this mood board. I also knew that I wanted something substantial on this wall to balance out the rectangular shape of the living room. After living here for some time, I’ve realized that I needed a lot more storage and a place to at least put my laptop (because I’m usually lounging on the couch when using it). I also have piles of books at my parents’ home that I was hoping to bring back to Chicago and create a new home for.

I finally had my ‘duh’ moment and grabbed a couple of these Ikea bookshelves. To create the more architectural look I was going for – and to add a natural element against the stark white – I bought a piece of plywood from my local hardware store and stained it a deep walnut, creating the perfect desk space nestled between the bookshelves.

Here’s the final product…

To add a moodier element to the room to contrast the pastel blue on the walls, I chose this handmade paper to line the backs of the bookshelves and easily attached it with double sided tape. I love the shades of gray and the metallic tones ranging from gunmetal to champagne to gold.

And, since I don’t like things to be too matchy-matchy and instead, prefer a collected look I added in a black and white lamp shade that spoke to the scroll work in the paper but was different enough to add some depth to the overall desk area.

Lamp Shade: Lamps Plus/Lamp Base: Z Gallerie

After the basics were done, it was all about creating small vignettes that would draw in anyone who is visiting my home to take a closer look. I still have to grab a ton of my old books and fill in some of the empty spaces so stay tuned for an update!

Looks for Less

Rubina — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 17:00:29 +0000

I’ve finally got around to perusing the massive September issues that have been choking up my mailbox and my hands down favorite has been Elle this year. Great styling, and surprisingly, great writing – but, as much as I love it, the usual round of wardrobe budget envy ensues! So, I picked a few of my favorite looks and recreated them using budget-friendly items..

Clockwise from top left: Gap/Asos/Asos

Clockwise from top left: Macy’s/Macy’s/Asos

Images clockwise from top left: Forever 21/The Trend Boutique/Asos

Which ones were your favorite? I definitely have a few items to add to my fall shopping list!

Captoe Boots

Rubina — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 17:00:56 +0000

It seems like autumn is in a hurry to come back to Chicago. The weather has been temperamental and I think my arms have gotten stronger from repeatedly taking my jacket on and off. So what’s a girl to do? Oh, I know, let’s style the perfect fall look!

I’m really loving these captoe booties from Asos – the versatility of the two-tone look keeps my budget happy and the ankle strap is a great additional touch. I’ve been hunting high and low for the perfect pair of burgundy jeans and when I came across this pair I knew it would complement the booties. Not too purple, not too red and the skinny leg allows it to be tucked into the boot as well. Finishing the look with a graphic patterned tee and a tribal pendant necklace – who’s laughing now, Mother Nature?

Clockwise from bottom left: Asos/Bauble Bar/Madewell/Levi’s/Essie

Back to the Basics

Rubina — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 18:30:19 +0000

I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately. Not because my schedule is crazy busy or that I have a huge deadline looming in the future. I get the feeling every morning as I stare at my beyond stuffed closet while a nagging voice in the back of my head telling me that I have nothing to wear. Having this moment for the millionth time this week, I’ve decided to end the madness! I’m paring down and then (slowly) curating a timeless wardrobe that will not only make it easier to get ready in the morning but will always keep me stylish!

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So what does “back to the basics” mean? It’s all about thinking above the trends and picking items that can work in a variety of ways. This is obviously different for everyone but every week for the next couple of months I’ll be sharing my basics when it comes to jeans, collared shirts, tanks, blazers, you name it! Here’s to living a much simpler (and stylish life)!

Bookshelves on the Mind…

Rubina — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:03:38 +0000

I’m so excited to share my all time favorite DIY project (past ones include this & this) but here’s a little teaser of the inspiration pictures that I used, have a good weekend everyone!

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Dressing for Lollapalooza

Rubina — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 18:00:24 +0000

My thoughts and prayers are with those families that were effected by the tragic shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin. To learn more about candlelight vigils and memorial ceremonies happening across the country please click here.

Almost 48 hours later, I’m still exhausted from Lollapalooza. The music, the dancing, the food, it took a toll on this one’s body. So while I recover (and create an unnecessary number of Spotify playlists) I thought I would share a couple looks that I pulled together. And, since it was a music festival after all, why not pair each with a Lollapalooza artist?

This sundress has been buried in the back of my closet for a couple years now but it felt like the perfect way to stay cool and still make an unexpected statement with the tutu-esque skirt. I wish the hat had actually made it as part of my Day One outfit but hindsight is 20/20 right? Or maybe I should just listen to my mom. The girly silhouette begs to be paired with the oh so stylish Florence…

Dress: H&M/Hat: Urban Outfitters/Sandals: bought in India/Purse: Zara

And, for an edgier take, I piled on the studs, fringe and frayed denim that was (literally) topped off with a messier version of my usual sock bun – I wish I had thought of this look before because it would have been the perfect thing to wear to my absolute favorite concert of the festival, which was SBTRKT’s set on Friday…

Fringed Vest: Akira/Tank: Urban Outfitters/Jeans: Forever 21/Sandals: bought in India

Lollapalooza 2013!

Rubina — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 17:04:58 +0000

I’ve lived in Chicago for 4 summers now but have yet to make it to Lollapalooza …so this year, I’m going all out and will be attending all three days – get ready for outfit shots and a ridiculous amount of stage shots!

*Images via Riches for Rags.

Organic & Urban

Rubina — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:00:55 +0000

After spending an idyllic weekend with my family in Michigan, I came to the realization that sometimes I miss the peace & quiet of suburbia. Call it a quarter life crisis but I wouldn’t mind opening my window every once in awhile and not be greeted by the roar of traffic. Besides these few moments, I love Chicago too much to move anytime soon so instead, I went looking for an urban oasis and came across this gorgeously designed West Loop condo. Hilary Bailes is the interior designer and I think she’s done an amazing job of reconciling the hard lines of the loft with softer, rustic materials – the perfect combination of organic & urban!

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Happy Monday everyone!

Hot Pink & Studs

Rubina — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 17:00:14 +0000

I seem to be on a kick of sticking to trends that people are wayyy over. So in that spirit, let me reintroduce the sock bun. It’s hot and muggy in Chicago and there’s no better way to tackle my frazzled locks. The sophisticated hairstyle inspired me to dress up my casual pink dress by adding a crisp white sleeveless blazer and my favorite lace-up booties. I might just rock this look this weekend, have a good one everyone!

Sleeveless blazer: Zara/Dress: Urban Outfitters/Heels: H&M/Watch: Avon/Earrings: Marc by Marc Jacobs/Sock Bun: tutorial here