50 shades of grey

Metallic bathroom suite image from pinterest.com and Jessica Alba in grey from denimology.com

I'm a self confessed grey fanatic.  Having had my colours done and being a Winter, grey is definately in my colour palette and it is my go-to for neutral shades.

Actually this post was mainly inspired by my love of metallics - silver in particular!  I recently held a style workshop and I loved how the metallics were quite 'uplifting' and complimentary against skin tones of all ages and also how they give and reflect light in an interior situation so without further ado - here's my tribute to the power of grey and the many shades it offers particularly metallics.

Mirrors in a grey-beige interior - image by trinketsandtreasures.wordpress.com

A dark bathroom has an injection of light with mirrored tiles.  Image by houzz.com

Egyptian lampshades have intricately punched holes to bounce light.  Image by trendir.com

Alwych wallpaper in grey gives a busy print a calming vibe in a room. Image by pinterest.com

Kitchen Aid mixer image by pinterest.com and body jewellery by topshop.com

Embellishing a kitchen or your outfit with metallic accessories can really add a hit of light and interest.  

Image by belleelle.wordpress.com

Armour rings and metallic nail polish adds a touch of edginess and cool - try it with an all black outfit

Lighting up a dark space.  Stair image by inspirationforhome.com and interior pic by indulgy.com

An all grey outfit is very chic and elongates your frame.  Check out these celebs below working the grey.

Kim K goes grey. Image by celeb.buzz.com

Victoria Beckham.  Image by cultureofcute.com

Image by sugarscape.com

Ashley Tisdale dons a grey ensemble and she looks taller than usual - great use of monochromatic tones.  I love the pairing with the bright red tote!

Image by refinery29.com

Grey is a chic option and a nice alternative to black and when worn head to toe it elongates your frame and creates an edgy but soft vibe.  Grey in the home is calming and comfortable and when a metallic is thrown in the mix - even if it just a mirror it will reflect light and add a bit of luminescence and opulence to any room.

I am actually reading 50 shades of grey this Summer (slow I know!) but I've been told it has nothing to do with grey clothing or interiors (haha!)

To end - here's a project that has taken my fancy :)

Candlestick apothecary jars.  Check out the DIY tutorial here

Mere and I will be travelling to Malaysia very soon so expect to see some amazing blog posts from our travels!

xx

La la Layering

Outfit pic: By Lindsay Keats - Dress from NYNE, crochet singlet from Dotti, shoes from Lipstick 
Interior Pic: Courtesy of hgtv.com

Hubby and I are currently renovating our 70s home and have just gone from living in an episode of That 70s Show to embracing calming neutrals.  Neutrals can sound a bit blah and sometimes they can be, but the best way to get around this is to think TTL or tone, texture layer.  This goes for clothing and for home.

This pic captures a simple living space, neutral colours and a tonal palette made interesting with materials that have texture - the woven chairs, rattan stools, bare weatherboard feature walls and pearlescent shell chandelier all give a space interest while still maintaining a calm, soft and sleek vibe.  

Check out Mere's matching style...

I personally love this look for Mere.  It's a bit different to her personal style but there's a softness and sophistication that I really love.  Most elements of this outfit are monochromatic (tone on tone) but there are a mixture of materials, lengths and fabrics to keep things interesting - chiffon slip, patent blush belt, crochet crop singlet, knit shrug, metallic necklace, suede booties. It sounds like a lot but the effect is a look with an 'easy breezy feel'.

How to layer Pic: cassandramonica.buzznet.com

Layering doesn't have to seem complicated but it's a great way to make a lot of neutrals feel interesting.  I also found a really great article to help all the non-layerers out there - How to layer clothing

Lastly, and this is probably because I am wrapped up in a mink blanket with a cup of tea by my side (we are in the thick of Winter here) but I have a fascination with throws at the moment so what better time than now to mention that a textured throw across a white bed spread can make all the difference to create some interior layering.

I found these traditional throws online but you can buy something similar from Redcurrent

Traditional throws: st.houz.com

Interior pic: lombok.co.uk

Just like wearing your favourite sweater to bed!