Boots for Women and Handbags on Sale

October 2, 2015Fashion Blog Posts, Handbags, BootsAnneke McConnell

Hello friends! Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for all the behind the scenes, not to mention my new FAVE app Periscope!!

Thank you so much for the comments across all platforms on our dining table makeover. I LOVE refinishing furniture and helping others learn too! Again, if this is something you'd love to learn more about, join the list to stay in the loop on this passion project of mine to teach more people how to create their OWN masterpieces!

Now onto boots and handbags! When I was younger......which wasn't that long ago by the way. ;-) Haha. So, I would buy the latest trendy thing for cheap when it came to clothing, shoes, and accessories. I have since become frustrated with the quality, items falling apart and not lasting, and decided to start buying less, and buying well for those staple pieces. I remember buying this cheap faux leather tote that had this pretty faux basketweave detailing on the front and within one week, the basketweave snapped and I couldn't use it anymore. It was such a waste of my time and money.

With that said, on this blog I share various price points, but today is about sharing quality items for a steal of a price through the weekend! If you have been saving up for high quality leather boots or a handbag, this is the perfect time to get a deal on a piece that will last years.

Below are some of my fave picks from the Tory Burch Fall Event. You can score up to 30% off using the code FALL EVENT when checking out. The quality of Tory Burch is excellent and they have classic coastal pieces.

If you are popping on here and are just looking for some less expensive items to add to your Fall wardrobe this year, here are a few suggesstions.

OLD NAVY is having their Thank You event with up to 40% off. I might score some of their curvy jeans at Buy one, get one at 50% off. I personally have a tough time finding a good fit, and these don't give me anxiety to order online. Below is what's in my inbox currently. Yes....I'm trying to narrow it down a bit. Lol

BaubleBar officially has my love. They are continuously adding new, beautiful pieces of jewelry that are just my style. Below are some of my favorites as well as new pieces they've added. You are can get 20% your first order too! The acrylic monogram bracelet is probably my FAVE

I'd love to know if you find that perfect item to add to your fall wardrobe. Whether you are a college student, stay at home mom, work at home mom, single, married, I want this to be an inspiring place for you for home design, fashion, and speaking confidence into your life. All these things are part of our lives, but not nearly as valuable as the time we take to take care of ourselves and spend special moments with loved ones.

Love you guys!

Anneke

Follow along on instagram at:

@coastalcollectiveco

@coastalcollectivestyle

@coastalinteriors

Follow along on Facebook

DIY Whitewashed Table: Before and After

October 1, 2015Dining, Home Blog Posts, InteriorsAnneke McConnell

Hello friends! Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for all the behind the scenes!

So long story short, when we moved into our little beach house a couple years ago, we slowly have been making it "us" versus a vacation rental, but as a family of five in such a small (poorly designed layout) space, the decorating and function has been quite the challenge. I really miss my oversized solid wood farmhouse table! I've really missed not having really any definitive dining space at all. Cue the sad music...

With that said, I am also a firm believe that you are not a "victim" to your circumstances and to make the best with what you have and go for it. Our layout isn't ideal for everything we'd like to enjoy and has to be multi-functional. I decided to trade the lower lounge chairs and view for a dining table we could all sit down together at and enjoy our meals, game nights, etc. No more splitting between the bistro table nook and bar seating, especially now that summer is over and we are not sitting on the back patio for meals.

I was excited to find this table on Craigslist locally for $80 and have it delivered to me. With a couple day's of focused work, I was able to turn it into a table with that Restoration Hardware like look that we all know and love.

Here is the Before and After!

The process isn't too crazy difficult, and I just worked right in our home where the table was going to be. Here's the step-by-step run down. Most products can be found at your local hardware store.

I placed a dropcoth under my table to protect my rug and floor.
I applied Citristrip (a product stripper) on the table top and base (with basic, cheap chip brushes).
I used a scraper to remove the stripper and gunk from the table top. This gives you clean, raw wood to work with.
I had to do two rounds of stripper to get the table prepped, and then afterwards cleaned it with Odorless Mineral Spirits. This is what I had on hand, but you can also use Citristrip's Paint Stripper Afterwash.
Now for the FUN part! For this makeover, I used Vintage Market Furniture Paint in Dove White and mixed up a simple "wash" with roughly equal parts paint and water. There is NO set formula for this! The more water you add, the more diluted and lighter or washed out/opaque the color will be. Two alternative white colors I recommend are Rustoleum's Chalked Paint in Linen White OR Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Pure White. **Update: Since this post, I painted the apron and base of this table in Annie Sloan Pure White. :-)
Apply the wash in sections of the table. Wipe away immediately or let it sit for a minute or two and then wipe away. I used staining pads for this and they work beautifully! Much better than the old days when I used old t-shirts or rags. Lol
When you are wiping the color away, I suggest finishing out by wiping in one direction. On a table like this, I finished removing excess paint in the direction of the grain. This is NOT necessary every time to use a paint wash to makeover a piece of furniture!
Move to the table apron, then the base in sections.
Let paint wash fully cure.
Seal using staining pad and Vintage Market and Design Matte Finishing Creme (which is amazingly beautiful and durable!) I suggest applying 1-3 coats in a similar manner as the painting process. Apply, let sit, then wipe and buff out.
Let the table dry/cure for a few days before full use.

Overall, I LOVE the way it turned out and am excited to keep working on the dining space. I have a cabinet for the wall I am working on, and am planning to get a nice lantern light up above the table. I really like this style with black metal and glass panes. We'll see.....I may not be able to hard wire the lighting and am brainstorming a work around. ;-) There's always a work around!

I hope you found this makeover helpful! If you'd like to stay in the loop about how to refinish your own furniture and create your own masterpiece, Click HERE.

Have a beautiful day friends!

xo,

Anneke

Follow along on instagram at:

@annekemcconnell

@coastalinteriors

Follow along on Facebook

Splurge vs. Save: Skinny Jeans, Plaid, Military Vests, and More

September 30, 2015Fashion Blog Posts, FashionAnneke McConnell

Hello friends! Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for all the behind the scenes, not to mention my new FAVE app Periscope!!

Happy #WishListWednesday beautiful friends! The more opportunities I get to work with women one on one, I've realized more and more how helpful it is to be able to find "Looks for Less". I personally have determined what kind of items I am willing to save and pay a little more money for in quality, but I completely understand that not everyone wants that for themselves. I totally get it - especially in the years I was pregnant and nursing, my body was changing frequently and I was looking for options to look and feel my best through those transitions without investing in multiple pieces at different sizes.

Ok, so I am a fashion lover and research freak. There...I admit it. I love love love the challenge of searching the internet, styling outfits, and brining you all the options. And when I find the perfect item that is all sold out (boo!), I keep looking for you. I love it.

I hope you love this look and find that special something for your fall and winter wardrobe, which is basically the same thing here in Washington state. Lol I am personally loving those Ugg Rainboots - just wishing they came in a bright red color like the Hunters. ;-)

Have a beautiful day friends and see you back here tomorrow for the dining room table makeover! It's a beauty!!

xo,

Anneke

Follow along on instagram at:

@coastalcollectiveco

@coastalcollectivestyle

@coastalinteriors

Follow along on Facebook

Coastal Interiors: Baskets and Blankets for Fall and Winter

September 29, 2015Home Blog Posts, InteriorsAnneke McConnell

Hello friends! Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for all the behind the scenes, not to mention my new FAVE app Periscope!!

There are also some pretty FANTASTIC sales right now at Pottery Barn for dining tables, home office furniture, lighting, halloween, drapes, rugs, the entryway and more.

So, when it comes to fall, it's tough to make black and white decisions about what is my favorite. From hot coffee or tea in the mornings to the cozy fireplace and candles, paired with comfort foods and family gatherings for the holiday season - I love it ALL. But blankets.....they really have the ability to make a house a home in these cooler seasons.

As a mom of three kiddos, I love spending time with them snuggled in a good chair or the sofa reading books together in the evenings. I wish I could say it happens every night, but hey....no one is perfect. ;-) You can bet that this time of year though that I bring out all the fall and winter weight blankets and fill every basket I can throughout our little beach house. It's a necessity for those morning devotions, evening reading time, Saturday morning cartoons, and watching the waves during winter storms. Baskets and blankets - they carry us through the season! Not to mention make fantastic gifts for friends, family, hostesses, etc.

It's not too difficult to go wrong with a good sturdy basket and quality blankets, but I've rounded up some that have caught my eye this season at various price points. Whether you love cotton, wool, or cashmere......rattan, wicker, or rope, I've brought my personal favorite throw blankets (a few oversize!) and baskets that are sure to bring years of warmth and storage wherever life takes you. :-)