Hey, everyone!
First, I want to thank you all for visiting my blog and posting your comments! I hope to be doing more regular posts from now on so that you'll have more reasons to stop by the site!
Second, I want to invite you all to visit the new website that my darling husband has designed for me: http://www.kimmyles.com/. It's got a fresh new look that I hope you'll like as much as I do, and I've included the new blog right on the site so that you don't have to leave the website to read the latest.
Third, I added a lot of new stuff, including the Kissy Review- which you'll have to go and check out for yourself ;)
Fourth, this current blog page will be closed down in the next few weeks, so I just wanted to warn you before it happens; please join me on the new one!
Love,
Kim
Monday, October 6, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
KIM’S RULES TO LIVE BY…..Or at least consider):
10. Men should never wear white sock with dress shoes…unless they are in a ska band.
9. If you own a pair of stark white pumps-BURN THE. (The only people who look right in white shoes are health care professionals, and three year old girls at Easter.)
8. Lip liner and lipstick should MATCH. Enough said.
7. Fake plants don’t fool anyone. ( Trust me…they really don’t.)
6. Unless you’re a show girl, tan panty hose are wrong. ALWAYS.
5. Protecting your furniture is noble, but plastic slipcovers send the message “Don’t sit down, don’t get comfortable, and please, don’t stay”.
4. If your perfume/cologne enters a room before you do, you’re doing it wrong. Scent should be subtle, mysterious and alluring.
3. Matched furniture sets are dated…even when they’re brand new.
2. Labels are overrated; Individual style trumps a “brand name” every time.
1. Kindness, first. Kindness, last. It’s the only way to live your life.
9. If you own a pair of stark white pumps-BURN THE. (The only people who look right in white shoes are health care professionals, and three year old girls at Easter.)
8. Lip liner and lipstick should MATCH. Enough said.
7. Fake plants don’t fool anyone. ( Trust me…they really don’t.)
6. Unless you’re a show girl, tan panty hose are wrong. ALWAYS.
5. Protecting your furniture is noble, but plastic slipcovers send the message “Don’t sit down, don’t get comfortable, and please, don’t stay”.
4. If your perfume/cologne enters a room before you do, you’re doing it wrong. Scent should be subtle, mysterious and alluring.
3. Matched furniture sets are dated…even when they’re brand new.
2. Labels are overrated; Individual style trumps a “brand name” every time.
1. Kindness, first. Kindness, last. It’s the only way to live your life.
Design Star 3: A Reflection...
Design Star 3: THE FINALE
Oh, the memories…my time came to pass the tiara on to the next Design Star- and it brought back a flood of emotions, excitement, and nerves. Standing there in the studio, looking at Matt and Jen and realizing that last year, at this time, I was the one with my fate hanging in the balance. (I have to say, they were both far more calm than I ever remember being!!!) And, its funny, I felt so protective of both of them, because I knew just how much one of their lives was about to change. I could see the excitement in their eyes, as well as their apprehension and I remember feeling just that way.
When Clive opened the envelope, and said the words “The NEW DESIGN STAR is…” I honestly had NO idea whose name he was going to call…and it was JENNIFER!!!
I know that she is going to make an amazing host/designer and I know we are going to have so much fun watching her show each week. She’s super creative and adorable, and I love her artistic skills- and I cannot wait to see what she has to teach us!
The only dark cloud in the whole scenario, for me, is MATT- I LOVED HIM, TOO!!! I think that he is crazy talented, gracious, and has a wonderful presence on camera (as well as real life). The problem with any competition is that someone has to lose, but I’m confident that we haven’t seen the last of MATT. Coming in 2nd is in no way a “losing” proposition for this man, and that makes me really happy.
Congratulations, JENN, and good luck on what I guarantee is about to be the wildest ride of your life to date!
Oh, the memories…my time came to pass the tiara on to the next Design Star- and it brought back a flood of emotions, excitement, and nerves. Standing there in the studio, looking at Matt and Jen and realizing that last year, at this time, I was the one with my fate hanging in the balance. (I have to say, they were both far more calm than I ever remember being!!!) And, its funny, I felt so protective of both of them, because I knew just how much one of their lives was about to change. I could see the excitement in their eyes, as well as their apprehension and I remember feeling just that way.
When Clive opened the envelope, and said the words “The NEW DESIGN STAR is…” I honestly had NO idea whose name he was going to call…and it was JENNIFER!!!
I know that she is going to make an amazing host/designer and I know we are going to have so much fun watching her show each week. She’s super creative and adorable, and I love her artistic skills- and I cannot wait to see what she has to teach us!
The only dark cloud in the whole scenario, for me, is MATT- I LOVED HIM, TOO!!! I think that he is crazy talented, gracious, and has a wonderful presence on camera (as well as real life). The problem with any competition is that someone has to lose, but I’m confident that we haven’t seen the last of MATT. Coming in 2nd is in no way a “losing” proposition for this man, and that makes me really happy.
Congratulations, JENN, and good luck on what I guarantee is about to be the wildest ride of your life to date!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Some Fashion Tips from ME! =)
Hair:
The 'Fro does what it likes, but I coax it into some kind of shape each day by 'wet setting' it. Basically, I wash/condition (Aveda Sap Moss), then once I've blotted it dry, I add some Aveda 'Brilliant: Universal Styling Creme', then twist/twirl the curls into shape around my fingers section by section. Air dry, and I only fluff it out once it's TOTALLY DRY (very important--if I fluff prematurely, it frizzes).
Style:
Shoes--
I LOVE Zappos.com -- free returns and shipping, and you can shop the shoes by color! Awesome! DSW is another store I rely heavily upon.
Dresses--
I count on 3 stores for most of my dress wardrobe: Forever 21, Target, and Bloomingdales. I'm a big fan of buying basic, inexpensive dresses, and jazzing them up with chunky, one-of-a-kind jewelry. (But the shoes 'make' the outfit every time...!)
The 'Fro does what it likes, but I coax it into some kind of shape each day by 'wet setting' it. Basically, I wash/condition (Aveda Sap Moss), then once I've blotted it dry, I add some Aveda 'Brilliant: Universal Styling Creme', then twist/twirl the curls into shape around my fingers section by section. Air dry, and I only fluff it out once it's TOTALLY DRY (very important--if I fluff prematurely, it frizzes).
Style:
Shoes--
I LOVE Zappos.com -- free returns and shipping, and you can shop the shoes by color! Awesome! DSW is another store I rely heavily upon.
Dresses--
I count on 3 stores for most of my dress wardrobe: Forever 21, Target, and Bloomingdales. I'm a big fan of buying basic, inexpensive dresses, and jazzing them up with chunky, one-of-a-kind jewelry. (But the shoes 'make' the outfit every time...!)
Dressing Up a Room, Giving it Personality with Accessories
Accessories...whether it's a vase (or a shoe!), it has the potential to 'make' a look. I'm a firm believer in the power of unique, individual choices when it comes to accessorizing a space, and since many of you are wondering where I find the items I use on Myles of Style, let's break it down.
One of my most beloved accessories EVER was the Juju hat I used in the dining room makeover last week. I love their back story, I love that each one is totally unique, and I love the variety of colors you can choose (the magenta ones are a particular favorite of mine). You can find similar at: www.authenticafrica.com
I love them individually, but grouping them on a wall would also make an amazing visual statement.
Another approach to accessorizing is 'dressing' your walls vs. just throwing any old object onto the nearest side table. I experimented with this idea on the minimalist loft makeover episode; remember the 'bamboo' wall treatment? I loved the concept of dressing a window without adding voluminous material, so we bought 1/2 round wood trim from Home Depot, stained it, and cut it to size. The random placement read 'real bamboo', but it was in fact just a thin strip of wood. I think the lesson there was all about seeing beyond the face value of a building material. There are so many ways to trick the eye and achieve a certain feeling or vibe --- get creative!
Sometimes you really pull a room together with the larger pieces you choose, i.e. big furniture, and rugs. So many of you were digg'n
the rustic dining table I chose last week (so glad you loved it as much as I did!!! Wasn't it gorgeous??!!), as well as the cherry blossom rug, and wondered where I found them.
The Table was purchased from a fantastic store here in L.A. called H.D. Buttercup, and let me tell you, it was expensive. BUT....it was also a PICNIC table. Rustic outdoor furniture will behave any way you'd like it to if you surround it with 'formal' visual cues. The dining chairs were polished and classic, and they lent an air of sophistication to the table. (Again, don't let an objects description dictate how you use it -- who says a picnic table can't be used indoors?!)
And the rug? Target! www.target.com carries an amazing array of great items, and if you're willing to pay for shipping, you'll have access to far more than what is carried in the actual stores.
Happy Hunting!
One of my most beloved accessories EVER was the Juju hat I used in the dining room makeover last week. I love their back story, I love that each one is totally unique, and I love the variety of colors you can choose (the magenta ones are a particular favorite of mine). You can find similar at: www.authenticafrica.com
I love them individually, but grouping them on a wall would also make an amazing visual statement.
Another approach to accessorizing is 'dressing' your walls vs. just throwing any old object onto the nearest side table. I experimented with this idea on the minimalist loft makeover episode; remember the 'bamboo' wall treatment? I loved the concept of dressing a window without adding voluminous material, so we bought 1/2 round wood trim from Home Depot, stained it, and cut it to size. The random placement read 'real bamboo', but it was in fact just a thin strip of wood. I think the lesson there was all about seeing beyond the face value of a building material. There are so many ways to trick the eye and achieve a certain feeling or vibe --- get creative!
Sometimes you really pull a room together with the larger pieces you choose, i.e. big furniture, and rugs. So many of you were digg'n
the rustic dining table I chose last week (so glad you loved it as much as I did!!! Wasn't it gorgeous??!!), as well as the cherry blossom rug, and wondered where I found them.
The Table was purchased from a fantastic store here in L.A. called H.D. Buttercup, and let me tell you, it was expensive. BUT....it was also a PICNIC table. Rustic outdoor furniture will behave any way you'd like it to if you surround it with 'formal' visual cues. The dining chairs were polished and classic, and they lent an air of sophistication to the table. (Again, don't let an objects description dictate how you use it -- who says a picnic table can't be used indoors?!)
And the rug? Target! www.target.com carries an amazing array of great items, and if you're willing to pay for shipping, you'll have access to far more than what is carried in the actual stores.
Happy Hunting!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Window Dressing
Hooking up your windows with a fabulous treatment is one of the easiest ways to change the personality of a room. Case-in-point, the customized Roman shades featured on last weeks episode of Myles of Style. That was a really simple project, and perfect for a minimalist space (remember, minimal doesn't have to mean boring or blank!) Because so many of you wrote in wondering EXACTLY how I executed that project, I thought it was worth breaking it down for you step by step.
It's easy, inexpensive, and all of you crafty types out there can take it in any color direction you wish.
Step 1:
Purchase Roman shades (I used the canvas ones available at Ikea, but Target carries similar), Stitch Witchery (available at Joann Fabrics, Michael's Crafts, etc.), and enough ribbon (I used 3" wide grosgrain) to complete a track around 3 sides of the blinds.
Step 2:
Heat your iron, and set it on 'steam'. Lay your shade flat on the ironing board, lay out/pin your ribbon into place with a strip of Stitch Witchery sandwiched between the shade and the ribbon.
Step 3:
Follow the directions outlined by Stitch Witchery, but you'll basically be pressing/steaming for about 10 seconds p/section of ribbon. Depending on the ribbon you choose, you may want to use a cotton towel as a barrier between the iron and the surface of the ribbon to avoid heat scarring.
Step 4:
Finish and hang! The shades I used were mounted using dry wall screws, but choose accordingly depending on your space.
How simple is that?! No sewing, no hassle, and in about an hour, you'll have a fresh and modern finish touch for your windows.
Happy ironing!
It's easy, inexpensive, and all of you crafty types out there can take it in any color direction you wish.
Step 1:
Purchase Roman shades (I used the canvas ones available at Ikea, but Target carries similar), Stitch Witchery (available at Joann Fabrics, Michael's Crafts, etc.), and enough ribbon (I used 3" wide grosgrain) to complete a track around 3 sides of the blinds.
Step 2:
Heat your iron, and set it on 'steam'. Lay your shade flat on the ironing board, lay out/pin your ribbon into place with a strip of Stitch Witchery sandwiched between the shade and the ribbon.
Step 3:
Follow the directions outlined by Stitch Witchery, but you'll basically be pressing/steaming for about 10 seconds p/section of ribbon. Depending on the ribbon you choose, you may want to use a cotton towel as a barrier between the iron and the surface of the ribbon to avoid heat scarring.
Step 4:
Finish and hang! The shades I used were mounted using dry wall screws, but choose accordingly depending on your space.
How simple is that?! No sewing, no hassle, and in about an hour, you'll have a fresh and modern finish touch for your windows.
Happy ironing!
Friday, July 11, 2008
"Miami Modular:" Answering all your questions about Slip Covers
Wow. It has been a LONG time since I last blogged, and for that, I apologize. The last 10 months have been the wildest, craziest, most intense of my life to date, and sadly, my blog fell by the wayside. BUT....I'm back, and I'm so excited to be connecting with you guys again! I'll be using my blog to tackle 'all things design' once a week, so let's make it a regular date!
To begin: Slip Covers. So many of you are looking for an inexpensive way to update old furniture, and a ton of you wondered about the slip covers that I used on the "Miami Modular" episode of Myles of Style, so here's what I know....
Remember that perfectly fitted green slip cover that I used on the Ikea couch? Well, it just so happens that there's a company dedicated to making slip covers for almost all upholstered Ikea furniture: www.bemz.com They have an amazing array of colors, patterns and fabrics, and it's totally affordable. (The only downside is having to wait for shipping, but I think that it's worth it in order to get that custom look.)
'Sure Fit' is another great option if you just want it cheap and easy (and your furniture isn't from Ikea); most of their stuff has a bit of stretch to it, so it's easier to get that 'fitted' look. Another smart resource is your local upholsterer. It's worth calling up your neighborhood Mom & Pop operation and inquiring about custom slip covers-- you're sure to get a perfect fit, and you'll have the luxury of choosing your own fabrics. (Plus, it always feels good to support local businesses.)
I'm hard at work filming season 2 of Myles of Style, and I hope that you guys are having as much fun watching it as I am making it! It's such a joy to be living my dream and doing what I love; thank you all so much for making it possible. It's a thrill each time I get to meet one of you out and about in the world, and it's my goal to continue to turn out designs that get your creative juices flowing.
To begin: Slip Covers. So many of you are looking for an inexpensive way to update old furniture, and a ton of you wondered about the slip covers that I used on the "Miami Modular" episode of Myles of Style, so here's what I know....
Remember that perfectly fitted green slip cover that I used on the Ikea couch? Well, it just so happens that there's a company dedicated to making slip covers for almost all upholstered Ikea furniture: www.bemz.com They have an amazing array of colors, patterns and fabrics, and it's totally affordable. (The only downside is having to wait for shipping, but I think that it's worth it in order to get that custom look.)
'Sure Fit' is another great option if you just want it cheap and easy (and your furniture isn't from Ikea); most of their stuff has a bit of stretch to it, so it's easier to get that 'fitted' look. Another smart resource is your local upholsterer. It's worth calling up your neighborhood Mom & Pop operation and inquiring about custom slip covers-- you're sure to get a perfect fit, and you'll have the luxury of choosing your own fabrics. (Plus, it always feels good to support local businesses.)
I'm hard at work filming season 2 of Myles of Style, and I hope that you guys are having as much fun watching it as I am making it! It's such a joy to be living my dream and doing what I love; thank you all so much for making it possible. It's a thrill each time I get to meet one of you out and about in the world, and it's my goal to continue to turn out designs that get your creative juices flowing.
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