Monogram Motif

 I uncovered a nifty little J. Crew secret to start your weekend off right!

As I was surfing Nicole Williams' website last week, I discovered when you purchase a tailored shirt, you can get your monogram sewed into the cuff for only $10.  As if J. Crew wasn't already awesome enough... what a steal!  Monogrammed cuffs instantly make you look more put together and refined.  It shows you pay attention to the little things.


via All Things Pink & Girly

  


 

 

via Shop Dabo

But the fun doesn't stop there!  There is a whole Monogram Shop where you can have your initials embroidered into cardigans, shirts, even PJs!  So the next time you go shopping, I say treat yourself.  I know I will!

   

What do you think about monograms?  Do they make you squeak with excitement?
I'd love to know your thoughts!

Pared-Down Gothic

My boyfriend is moving in the very near future and I am so excited because I am dying to decorate for him.  He always tells me he is into Gothic style but if you saw his apartment now you would never know it; there's hardly anything in there!  True bachelor pad, I suppose.  If I'm being totally honest, I wouldn't say Gothic was near the top of my design style favorites.  I like things to be a little more airy and definitely more brightly colored.  After I had to veto a few mugshot artworks (no joke), I decided to find some inspiration for a more contemporary Gothic style that Squeakers would enjoy without sending me running in fear. 

via Build Direct

 With just a hint of Gothic style, this utilitarian space screams masculinity.



via Shiny Interior

Various decorative items, including iron on the hearth, bring a subtle Goth flair to this living room.



via Punk Room Decor

This room features the typical elements of Gothic style -- Damask fabric, a gilded mirror, beautiful chandelier, black walls -- while bright pops of color and contemporary furniture shapes make the room feel more updated.

Champagne Chic Interiors via Living Room Design Ideas

Iron balconies, a black fireplace, and deep punches of red bring a touch of Goth to this airy living room.

How did I do Squeakers, do you like these?
Anyone else planning on trying an updated Gothic look anytime soon?

Shoutout to Eclectic Design

"Be faithful to your own taste because nothing you really like is ever out of style."

I love this quote from Billy Baldwin because I find it especially useful when decorating for a real person, including myself!  When I first moved to my current apartment I had decided I was going to do a Moroccan theme for my bedroom.  I loved the style and so, it would be mine...  Except along the way I found so many beautiful things that I wanted to incorporate into the space but they didn't go with "my theme" so I talked myself out of them.  Then my wise friend Alejandra reminded me that if I liked it, who cares!  (Pause: That is not to say everything you like belongs in your home just because you like it.  All choices should have some thought behind them!) 



Bridget McMullin via Interior Design Pro

It's easy to get caught up in perfectly styled and themed homes on Pinterest or in the magazines, but the truth is the average person is best served through a mix of elements from various styles, rather than a single genre.  I suppose that's how the eclectic movement came about.  It's important to stay true to the function of your life and playing to all your interests, rather than limiting yourself to a single arbitrary theme, even if it is Moroccan and amazing.  Don't get me wrong, there should absolutely be a cohesiveness and it's always nice to pay homage to the intrinsic architecture of a home.  But I believe those things should serve as guiding tools, not a rule book.  Because first and foremost, design is a reflection of a person's life and personality.  And when you think about it, eclectic design actually requires more thought because you are finding a meaningful way to combine all the things in your life instead of compartmentalizing them.  So what do you think, are you up to the challenge?  Check out these photos below for some eclectic inspiration!

via Elle Decor

The traditional-style draperies and 1940s chairs still look lovely next to a modern coffee table and fun chandelier.

via Trendzona

A Victorian headboard juxtaposes with a vintage bedside.

via Pitut

This Louis XV chair has been upholstered in a bright rainbow fabric to add a modern feel, making it an eclectic piece all on its' own.  Squeaks all around!

What are your thoughts?  Do you tend to decorate around a theme or gather
things you believe to be beautiful and make them work?

Attitude of Gratitude - Week 2

I am so excited for this week's Attitude of Gratitude because I have so much to be thankful for. So without further adieu...

1.  My best friend came back from Europe yesterday!  And Saturday was her birthday!  Me and this girl have been besties since 7th grade (half my life!) and I love her.  So happy birthday and welcome back Alejita, you are the bomb diggity girlfrannnn.

2.  The past couple months my roommate and I have both been so busy with our jobs, families, and boyfriends.  We haven't spent much time together since we moved in April because our schedules just always seem to be opposite, but this past week we've both been home every day and had a chance to do fun things like Girls' Night Out and Brewfest.  It's nice coming home to a friend instead of an empty house.

via Rickey.org

3.  So You Think You Can Dance is one of my absolute favorite shows and I am soooo happy it is back in season.  I literally just watch in awe every week at how amazing these people can dance and how rockin their bods are.  Shut the front door, seriously.  And each year there are a few people that are just so adorable you want to be their best friend.  This year it was Leroy Martinez, who is pretty much the sweetest person ever!

What are you all thankful for?  Comment and let me know!  Fun reunions coming up? Did you watch SYTYCD and love Leroy too?

Nifty Neutrals

By definition, netural means lacking characteristic, but when it comes to interiors and style that is far from the case!  The list of neutrals has been growing, with people beginning to consider deep greens and even animal print as a neutral.  For design purposes, neutrals are the classic, timeless hues that can go with anybody's style, both in clothes and homes.  They set the background to let other elements shine without overpowering.  But what about pairing neutrals with themselves?  Here are a few amazing pairings that certainly don't lack characteristic.

Navy & Gray  These cool tones are such a classic combination.  They remind me of a calm ocean at night, or a cold winter's day (but in a good way!).  It risks becoming a little drab and even depressing so it's best when the colors are really saturated and bright pops of color are brought in, but as a neutral pairing the two really work great together.

EJ Interiors via DecorPad

The pale gray walls and deep blue headboard keep this space looking clean and calming.

via Christina G Photography

Gray suits and navy vests give the groomsmen a classic look with a relaxed twist. This would be perfect for a winter wedding, don't you think?

via Classic Interior Design

These cool watery tones keep this den looking luxurious and inviting. Not to mention, that wallpaper is truly amazing! 




Camel & Black  This is my favorite neutral combo of all.  I get excited just thinking about it!  Cheetah print, Burberry pattern, there's so much wonderful Camack all around!  (tTally made my own word there, just roll with it...)



Stella McCartney via Penny Loves Charlie

  
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via Style Theories

   




White & Cream  I have to admit I used to be completely annoyed by this combination.  (Insert shamed face here...)  I saw it as trying to match something but falling just shy and landing with a weird jumble of color (or in this case, lack of color).  But in the past year or so I have actually started to totally love these two together.  When done right, the creams make a space look luxurious while keeping the clean freshness gained when using white.



via Javabali

That houndstooth couch, seriously?  Can you say SQUEAK?

via Etsy

This baby girl headband is adorable as can be!

via House to Home

Open layout, natural light, and Victorian furniture make this space breathtaking.



Tell me what you think!  Do these pairings make you squeak or snooze?
How do you use neutrals in your style?



Office Lust

 With all the lovely photos of home offices surfacing lately via Pinterest and the blogosphere I can't help but wish I had a little desk nook in my apartment.  This is quite impractical since I work in operations and can't really bring my work home with me (don't get me wrong, this is certainly a perk) but some of these spaces are just so lovely!  Here are a few at the top of my squeak list:


via Ms Fabby



I love the large windows that let in plenty of natural light.  I can just imagine looking out onto a beautiful landscape and losing myself when in need of a little inspiration.  And did you notice that clock?  How adorable! 




via HousetoHome





Clean yet cozy, this office has plenty of storage to the left that is kept nice and organized with color-coordinated boxes and binders.  Not to mention that transparent globe is to die for!




via Live Creating Yourself



A black wall is one of the ultimate dramatics in a home.  It looks amazing in this office and really lets the art and books stand out.  I could totally be inspired sitting here.




via Zhush



I saved my favorite for last.  The setup is super convenient and I love the color scheme, brought together in every way, including the ceiling!


Unfortunately for me, no design classes are offered over the summer.  Come fall I'm back to being a part-time student and I just might have to make this dream into a reality.  Here are the essentials for my ideal home office:

• Comfy chair - If I'm going to be working I need an incentive to stay put!
• Inspiration board - A home office is a perfect place to corral all the things you love and hope to accomplish.
• Clean slate - I'm not one for clutter so I like to keep a neat and orderly desktop to do my best work.
• Plenty of storage - No matter what it is you need an office for, there are tons of random items that go into a finished product so using pretty binders and boxes helps to camouflage all the clutter.
• Books - Not only can they make for interesting decoration, but who doesn't love to read?!  Perfect to have them close at hand in case you're looking for information, a distraction, or even some inspiration.
• Window - I love windows.  I'm talking really, really love them. There's nothing a little sunshine and a peek outdoors can't cure so I always like to work near a window or door in case I feel like getting lost in thought for a little.  In fact, if it's my dream office I'd take a skylight while I'm at it!

Your turn!  What do you think of the offices I chose?  What would your ideal office include?

Attitude of Gratitude

Are you surprised to hear gratitude positively affects happiness?  A psychologist did a 10 week study and found that appreciating what you have leads to being happier with where you are in your life, etc.  When you think about it, it's actually a pretty logical connection.  So while I would say I am already a pretty happy, sunshiney person, who couldn't use a little bit more happiness in their life?

This leads me to what will be my weekly Monday posts - 3 things I'm grateful for.  Some may be trivial, some may be deep, but as long as I have good things in my life I will continue to be thankful!

via Social Entrepreneur

1. I'm grateful my parents are both healthy and close by so that I can visit and spend

quality time with them, like this past weekend to celebrate Father's Day.

2. The weather the past two days has been absolutely amazing and I'm so

glad I got some time to be outdoors and enjoy the sunshine.

3. My amazingly comfortable bed makes me pretty thankful.

 To check the study out, click here: http://bit.ly/YYwnX

What are you thankful for?  Big or little, it all counts so let those squeaks out!

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday everyone! 



via imgfav

Today has been super crazy and hectic, only to be followed by a weekend at my parents'.  I'm visiting my dad for Father's Day and we'll be checking out the Riverfest since he loves boats & I love anchors, so it should be a good time.  What are your weekend plans?

Favorite Things

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are (not) a few of my favorite things

As a blog kickoff I figured I would compile a list of a few of my favorite things to showcase my style a little bit.  So here goes, my favorites of the moment:
 

1. via Zappos  2. via Caribbean Living  3. via Fanpop  4. via
Blueprint Modern and Couture & Cosmetics  5. via Juxtapose




1. Steve Madden leopard loafers.  I recently purchased these beautiful babies from Piperlime and I love squeak them!  I am very particular about my cheetah prints.  I've been searching for a good cheetah flat for quite some time but the spots and material have to be just right for me to like them so when I found these I was super pumped.  Cute and comfy, what more could a girl want?!  To order a pair from Piperlime click here: http://piprl.me/LWT6md

2. Exposed brick walls.  My parents' house has an entire brick wall in the living room and growing up with it I never realized how much of a true gem this was in a home.  It is by far my favorite thing in their house and I would absolutely love to have one in my home. They are so gorgeous, require minimal maintenance, and they really create warmth and coziness in a space.

3. Twix.  Not much explanation needed for this one.  Twix are the bomb diggity.  Lately I have been obsessing over them and I'm really not sure why.  I get serious cravings on almost a daily basis. 

4. Gold.  For 22 years I was a strictly silver/ white gold kind of girl.  Give me the most beautiful yellow gold necklace and it would have sat in the box for years.  But this year all of a sudden I had a golden epiphany and now I adore gold.  Yellow gold, rose gold, I don't mind!  In homes and in jewelry I am loving this color and I don't see myself going back to a strictly silver girl anytime soon.

5. Cardigans.  These lovely sweaters have held a very special place in my heart for years.  They are perfect for any weather and come in any color or pattern you could ever imagine.  Not to mention they are super easy to dress up or dress down.  My closet is stocked and lucky for me they are a classic piece that never go out of style.

So there you go my friends, my top squeakalicious items!  Are any of these your favorites?  What would be at the top of your list?  Comment and let me know!

Make Me a Coupon Diva!

A friend of mine passed this along to me this morning so I thought it would be a great thing to share with my readers.  You know, cause I've accumulated so many since 10 this morning... So if anyone is out there reading, this one's for you!



via Architectural Digest



Coupon Divas has paired with Discount Mags to bring Architectural Digest to you for $7.99.  No, not per issue... For 2 years subscription! That's 33 cents per magazine people.  Obviously I am all over that deal! I just placed my order this morning so I can't make any promises to you, but since I had never heard of either of these I did a little digging and Discount Mags has actually gotten pretty stellar reviews so I followed the directions and added yet another magazine to my list of receivables. Cause you know, I really need a fifth magazine subscription.  What can I say, this girl loves her mags. So here's the link, enjoy!  http://bit.ly/NuPxrM

Good Morning Sunshine!

Thank you so much for stopping by Just Squeaks!

My name is Katharine and I hope to use this blog as a place to store my ideas, inspiration, and express my many quirks (trust me, there are many).  That being said, most of my posts will center around interior design with some fashion, traveling, music, quotes, and anything else random I find intriguing thrown in.  I've had a passion for interior design for as long as I can remember... always moving around furniture and pretty much living in Ikea, as I was lucky enough to have one just 10 minutes away. I studied Business Management in college (much to my parents' happiness) and immediately after started taking courses in Design at the local community college (much to my happiness).  I am on my slow and steady journey of making my career change from management to interiors so I hope you will join me on the ride!

For a little more about me and the creation of Just Squeaks check out: http://justsqueaks.blogspot.com/p/behind-scenes.html