Christmastime In The City

Things have clearly been a little crazy in my life - I have officially accepted a new position with Holly Hunt in NY and have a few potential Homepolish clients I'm looking forward to meeting in the New Year!

In between all of the work I've been doing I have been trying to enjoy my time in the city this holiday season while I've been in the city despite the fact that it still has yet to snow!!

I haven't made it to the Rockefeller tree since it has been lit, but I have taken in Bergdorf's magical windows (and every other store on Madison!), explored the most beautiful Christmas tree shop I've ever seen, shopped the pretty vintage ornaments at ABC Home and enjoyed our Holly Hunt Holiday Soiree!

I'll be going to Chicago this Sunday for training until Tuesday and then I'll be going up to Albany, NY to spend Christmas with my family!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!

Take Care,
T

Nursery Design

I bet no one even believes me when I say I will post more or share soon since I have not given any reason for you to take me seriously!  As much as I'd like to post more often, I've been so bogged down with work, work, trying to be social, getting into a SoulCycle class, work, hosting friends, taking in the city and some more work that I have admittedly put Young, Broke & Fabulous at the bottom of my priority list.  Hoping in the New Year I can turn that around!

Anyways....

Tomorrow I am meeting with a client who I have previously worked with on her living room and master bedroom.  Now it is time to pull together the nursery as she is due in March!  We are finding out the gender soon - but I am sensing it is a girl.  Either way, we want to keep the nursery neutral so the pieces could serve another baby down the road.

Here is one of my proposals (for a little girl):

I am not over Juju Hats and I had thought I was over chevron until I saw this rug!  The crib and lamp are from Land of Nod and the dresser is from Dwell Studio.  I am so into the Restoration Hardware canopy - it is a steal for a pre-made option and doesn't look like mosquito netting.  We want to keep the room mostly greys and whites, but I think the teal/blue color is a little unexpected for a girl and so pretty!  I can't wait to find out if it is a little boy or girl and to see what direction we end up going in!

I will be back!

Take Care,
T

La La Lamps

Somehow between all the chaos of work and trying to take in as much of NYC as possbile and feeling terribly broke, I have slowly continued to feather my nest. 

I am very sensitive to lighting I have learned and  I could not handle all the light in my apartment.  Which is a complaint I have never heard from anyone else, most apartments that I have seen in the city don't even have a single overhead light fixture.  #Tori Problems.  Thankfully my recessed can lights are all on a dimmer, but still.  

Towards the end of summer I ordered a cute little bedside lamp from Pottery Barn on sale and I love it!  The only problem is sometimes if I'm watching a movie but also working on emails or painting my nails it drives me nuts that there is a light so close to my bed, but I don't want ALL the overhead light either.  

My solution was to order a lamp that I had been eyeing for months that finally went on sale at Anthropologie.  It was originally $198 that I was able to get for like $85 with my designer discount plus tax and shipping.  It finally came and I learned for the 12378324892476 time why you should not assumed things!  There is no outlet that the lamp could reach from my dresser which is the only surface that I have in my apartment to place a table lamp!  Sigh.

My resolution is to get a small extension hopefully sometime in the next week and to tack it to my baseboard so it won't be so obtrusive.  It's so cute and fun I don't think I can rationalize sending it back. 

I also need to get a lightbulb,

I have been busy starting work on a nursery for one of my client's, booked a job redesigning a "teen" room and am almost done with an apartment that I had started this summer!   

I will add pictures as soon as I get my lights together! 

All the best, 

Tori

Fall Fix

Hello!

So clearly I have been MIA.  October was a chaotic black hole of a month so full of fun and work I can't really wrap my head around it.  From work events, covering for a coworker on medical leave, booking 3 new clients, having champagne at Bergdorfs, getting to Cooper Hewitt, working on my existing clients, travelling to Notre Dame, starting another part-time job, and having college friends visit it's no wonder I let the time get away from me!

Here's a little bit of what has been keeping me busy...

A couple more updates... trying to get my first project professionally shot, booked another nursery, and saw Karlie Kloss.  Life is good.

Take Care,
T

Bloomingdales x Homepolish

This is way way wayyyyyy over due.  Tonight I attended the Homepolish x Bloomingdales: Small Space City Living event.  It was super fun because 1.  I actually ran into people I know in the interior design industry which makes me feel more settled in this city (and Homepolish colleagues I adore and knew would be there!) 2.  It was at Bloomingdales and 3.  Free prosecco!  Cheers!

The event celebrated Homepolish's cofounder, Noa Santos, designed 3 vignettes representing different small and stylish spaces.  The rooms also showcased some seriously fabulous accessories.  They were beautiful, but I think it was a great setting for a party and to bring  different people in the industry together.  

I am so wiped, waking up at 3:00 am for a flight to Chicago for the weekend! 

I have posts I plan to publish soon!

Take Care, 

T

Project Update: Fun Midtown Couple

This has been one of my favorite if not my favorite project to work on.  I absolutely adore my client and have had so much fun collaborating with her on her new apartment.  We are just about finished but it absolutely made my morning to see this photo update from my client!

There has been so much coffee table drama - we had waited months for the one we initially selected being lost in warehouse and distribution center limbo.   This one finally came and was styled, however, we are thinking we will return this one from Williams-Sonoma Home and try to find something round with shelves to display my clients beautiful design books.

I love that we went bold on the walls - navy is my current paint obesssion - and the natural light counteracts the darkness of the walls during the day and makes it cozy to watch TV at night.  We tried to balance the feminine and brass touches (like the side table from Schoolhouse Electric) with the wood texture of the media console and the leather of the sofa (from Pottery Barn).  The sofa is flanked by two white Restoration Hardware bookshelves and two pharmacy sconces which I am obsessed with from Williams-Sonoma Home.

I have so enjoyed every aspect of this project and while I can't wait to see the finished project, I will miss working on this space!  I've grown attached and feel so lucky to have been a part of it!

Planning on getting happy hour with some girls tonight!  More to share soon!

Take Care,
T

Tori's Book Club

Living without a TV and finally being out of school has afforded me the luxury to start reading again.  I have been reading about a book a week before bed and in my baths which is fabulous.  I have applied for a library card, but I have been ordering my books online through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  I've been able to get some incredibly budget friendly deals - like Diane von Furstenberg's The Woman I Wanted To Be - new and hardcover for $2.71!  I almost feel bad revealing it because it should not be so deeply discounted. 

I am only a third of the way through this book, but I am deeming it a must-read for every woman.  She has such a deep, rich past and it feels like you're getting an intimate lesson in life from the glamorous and daring grandmother you wish you had.  For me, being 23, living alone in NYC and discovering so much of myself it is fascinating and inspiring for me to see how Diane looks at different situations and the remarkable success and accomplishments she has had in her life.  I still don't know where I see myself in 5 years, but I find it encouraging to see where life can take you in the course of a decade (or several decades) and life is just really beautiful.

Had to share - I will let you know what's next on my list!  Have several bargain books in transit.  Other updates - I did a little damage because I had been so good and I found it only fair.  A fall refresh was needed and now I am on my best behavior again - possibly for another 30 day detox.  I also have a bright new addition to my apartment that I can't wait to share!  I've been working hard on some of my quick projects and am trying to hopefully add some more freelance clients.  Fingers crossed!

Best, 

Tori

Found: Moroccan Pouf

I have officially taken my first street find!  I have seen cane Breur chairs that are busted up and have case pieces that are completely unmanageable - but this I could pop into a cab and for $6.80 I have a little pouf like I had been wanting for my "dressing room".

Yesterday as I was leaving my clients and right as it began to rain, I spotted this gem on the sidewalk!  After waiting several minutes and seeing an entire bedroom set on top of the dumpster, I deemed it fair game to take it home with me. 

Once I got home I sprayed it down and scrubbed it with 409 (twice!) and unzipped the liner to make sure there were no horrific stains.  I am still a little skeptical about taking an upholstery piece off of the street, but it seems to be sanitized!  There is a little staining from denim and a scratch on the back side, but I really can't complain because it didn't cost me the $375 that Jonathan Adler wants it to cost me. 

I ended up placing it between my two closets, opposite of my dresser so I have a sweet little spot to put my shoes on or to leave my handbag.  And I have a pop of pink.  So fun!

Update: I DID stick to my no shopping cleanse when it came to clothing and I think that deserves a new dress or something right?! 

More to come soon!

Best, 

Tori 

Labor Day Weekend

The holiday has come and gone and I am hoping you all enjoyed the time off and had some fun in the sun.  My weekend was fun but definitely not what I expected!

On Friday, we got out of work early and my friend and I went to Equinox for a workout that just kicked my butt.

Saturday I ran, did some errands and work and then went to Mad River with a friend from home and college and her roommate to cheer on the Badgers as they lost.  Was hoping to spot to cute preppy boys but no luck there, hoping they were all out in the Hamptons on holiday and that they will show up for the next game day!

Sunday, I will be honest, I did not get out of bed until 2 due to my activities the night before.  I had planned on going to the beach, but due to a steamer incident on Friday, I wasn't in a position to expose my skin to the sun.  I rented The First Time on iTunes and then proceeded to buy it and re-watch it because it was the most brilliant, charming and adorable movie I have seen in a long, long time.  Watch it and thank me later!!

Today, my friend Caitlin (who just moved to NYC - yay!) and I went to the new Whitney which has been something I have been meaning to do all summer.  I loved it, all of it.  I was impressed by all the modern art - my favorite was the de Kooning's and a lot of the pop art.  I also really appreciated the vacuums in plexiglass.  Afterwards we ended up having some bubbly and fritto misto at Santina!  Fab way to toast the end of my first full summer in the city.

Now I am going through emails and anticipating the Ladies of London premiere!  Savoring the rest of my night.  Have a hectic week ahead - more soon!

Take Care,
T

Minnesota

Soooo last week was the best week of my whole entire summer because I finally made it home!!  I had begged and pleaded and obnoxiously made it happen that I was able to go to MN during the summer!  It was the first time I was able to take an entire week (and a day!) off of work since I started in March and it was dreamy. 

I loved getting to see my whole family, my dog Wilson, all of my friends, getting to my cabin, getting ice cream, going to the Guthrie, getting my hair done, being on lake Minnetonka!  It was so fabulous.  And so hard to leave!  

I don't want to bore you with every little thing I did on this trip - I seriously packed a lot in - but I would love to share my 2 interior design highlights!  One was my trip to Betty Danger's Country Club - it is a "new" for me restaurant in Minneapolis that has a very bold and whimsical country club theme.  They have lockers, plaid wallpaper, lots of pink, mini golf and most exciting of all - a pink ferris wheel!  So cute and fun, perfect summer spot.  I also got to go to Cov finally in Wayzata which might as well have been in Nantucket.  The lighting (brass sconces, glass globes!), metallic mounted fish and white woodwork everywhere were so so beautiful.  And the food was outrageous.  I am talking lobster guacamole outrageous.  

This Thursday also marks week 3 of my clothing/shopping cleanse!! I sorta cheated - I will explain!  But I have not purchased any clothing - I have RETURNED clothing.  So there! 

Busy, busy week ahead.  Trying to get skinny, so I am going with a friend to Equinox tomorrow as their guest (not ready to give up the $$ to join!) and then I'm sure I'll be swamped with client emails by the time I get home.  Have one final meeting with a client before they move this Saturday - woo! 

More to share shortly!

Take Care, 

T 

30 Day Detox

If you read my last post - you know I'm tapped out.  I have been busting my booty trying to book jobs, in this city you can never make enough.

I have always loved shopping - obviously I am a girl - but it has been eating up $100+ a month that I probably should focus on saving.

Last Thursday I bought the most amazing skirt that I have already worn three times.  Yes, you read that correctly, there is no shame in my game.  The skirt is that good and I already feel like I have validated the purchase.  That being said, I have decided to do a thirty day shopping cleanse which seems like a nightmare.

I wanted to do sixty days but let's get real.

The Rules:  No clothes, no home decor.  Makeup and haircuts are ok because that is maintenance.

The Exception: If I get asked on a date.  And I don't expect this to happen.  And I could probably work something out of my closet.  Probably.

I am hoping I feel like I have money if I go a month without indulging.  Tomorrow is day 7 so there are only 23 more days to go!

I am leaving for Minnesota this Friday and can't wait to spend 10 whole days in the best state in the whole world.  I am a little worried about leaving my clients even though I have knocked myself out trying to take care of everyone and meet before I leave.  So ready to get to my cabin and snuggle with Wilson.

Please wish me luck on this challenge!

Take Care,
T

The Starbucks Breakup

New York City takes all your money.  And then some.  And then sends you into a panic in how to make $400 to cover your credit card bill and then the vicious cycle starts again.  But would you want to sacrifice the scramble to live anywhere else?

Since this is where I find myself 4 days before my vacation and not sure how I'll cover myself before my September 1st bills come, I am all for trying to cut costs wherever is possible.

On Saturday, I received a text from an angel in the form of my client who was getting rid of a like-new Cuisinart coffeemaker since they had purchased a Nespresso.  Would I like it?  Is that even a question?  I would do anything to give up the $3/day or $90 a month I spend at Starbucks.  Peace out baristas with nooo hustle!

I have approximately 17" of counter space in my kitchen and couldn't fathom sacrificing the valuable real estate for the coffee maker.  I called CB2 and had them hold a their Formosa Tray Table for me.  It would ideally end up being a nightstand, but until I get a cart or sideboard, for $50 after my trade discount and taxes it makes a cute little coffee bar.  Adding my mugs onto the cart gave me considerably more room in my cabinets as well!

This morning it made me beyond happy to not have to get dressed to go out and grab my coffee just to strip back into my PJ's and lounge in bed.  It is the little things!

I would love to add a little floral or decorative object to be a fun little accent on this table, but these things take time and money.

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend and I will not  be seeing you in line at Starbucks any longer!

Take Care,
T

Street Art

Long day, long walk home, what I spied.

Looking forward to the weekend!  Having a 3-hour styling session with a client, hoping to get in a few runs, a brunch, and to catch up on sleep.

Take Care,
T

Proposal

Hi hi hi!  So I have a new client that I am working on trying to get them a fabulous moder/traditional serene escape and make it happen ASAP!  Always.

This morning I sent the room proposal and thought I would share what I've been working on!  I am actually so obsessed with these lamps from Pottery Barn - they are on sale at the moment for $99 and I seriously wish I had the extra $$$ to snag one for myself.  Maybe next month!

Take Care,
T

#WeekendWear

Shoes: Sam Edelman leopard calf hair.

Top: Madewell sale score.

Jeans: Well loved J. Crew destroyed boyfriends.

Bag: Not pictured - Tom Ford blush triple zip hand-me-down.

Talk About Dreamyyyyyyy

Today was insane.  I worked until 5:30, then hustled over to my client's to help decide where to hang their Williams-Sonoma sconces that had just arrived - I promise there will be photos soon!  Amongst other things I got to see her new bedding, headboard and curtains and her bedroom is literally HEAVEN.  After dealing with their coffee table drama and picking a rug, I had to cab it to the Upper East Side to meet a potential new client for their consultation.  She was so cute and fun, has a studio apartment and has a great studio apartment - so fingers crossed I get to keep working with her!

Because that wasn't enough, I met up with a coworker for apps and drinks at Penrose.  So yummy and fun it was a nice way to wind down.  It will definitely be one of my new "go to" spots on the UES - kinda like a Brooklyn bar Uptown.

Now it is almost midnight and I have a little work to do for a couple of my clients.  Tomorrow night I am meeting one of my clients for a styling session to close out our time together - should be so fun!  I've had 3 meetings and 5 consultations this week, so I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend and hopefully making it to the beach!

Take Care,
T

What's Cookin' Good Lookin'?

TGIW... but how is it already Wednesday?  Busy week meeting with clients and have several new clients I'm meeting with soon!

Tonight I met with my clients who live in Chelsea.  They have a baby and live in a two bedroom condo that they made out of two combined units.  So far I have helped them with their bed, dresser, sectional and some other odds and ends.  

Tonight we met to evaluate where the project is at and I took on their new wish list!  I am so excited! I am also going to help them with their Hampton's house and I am beyond excited!

One highlight I can share is the tile mosaic we decided on for the kitchen backsplash.  It is from Ann Sacks and I so love the blue stone. 

Love clients who are willing to have fun and make their space unique! 

Take Care,

T 

Pillow Talk and Hanging Hooks

This week has been major for 3B!

First - I found these hooks that I have been really wanting from Anthropologie.  I hadn't been able to justify spending $18 a hook, but this past weekend I found my initials for sale with their additional summer sale I got the pair for $8.62!!  Go me!

Hanging them was disheartening.  I thought I would be able to tap in a nail and be done.  I had to borrow a drill from work and hammer in an anchor (never had I ever heard of an anchor in this sense!) and screw in the screw with a drill.  Terrifying.

I messed up once and was too afraid to push the drill too much so I have a hole to patch but, hey.

Then my Lulu and Georgia Brazilliance pillow arrived!  I am so obsessed with Dorothy Draper, she is my everything, and I was so happy to accomplish Phase 2 of making my bed fabulous.  Phase 1 was the bedding and Phase 3 will be the headboard I have been lusting over.

Please pray I book some clients and get a decent commission check so I can actualize Phase 3 in September!

Take Care,
T

I Have a Shower Curtain!

It has only taken me 6 months of living in this city, 5 living in this studio, to realize there are no shower curtains out there and to justify investing in my favorite from Anthropologie.  Usually I have an aversion to Ikat, but for some reason I just adore this print.  I originally wanted a crisp, white waffle curtain, however, with the subway tile and the WHITE paint it seemed a little too sterile.  So here it is!

August marks 6 months in my new home - not that I need an occasion to want to decorate!  My goal is to hopefully make enough to either finish my bed set (I NEED statement pillows!) or to get a headboard!  I feel like I'm just floating around in space.  Can't wait to see what direction I go!

Take Care,
T

When Do I Get a Beach House?

There is no excuse for this kind of neglect!  Other than I'm working too much and trying to enjoy this summer!  Work has been picking up, I have 4 potential clients this week!  Ah!  I've also been traveling and trying to get into running!  I am going to Boston this weekend and am sure I'll have fun things to share next week!

Since I've been slacking when it comes to this baby, I'm sharing some of my favorite summer inspired products!

Enjoy!

I'm so ready for my beach house!! 

Take Care,
T

Vermont!

Hello!

So I am STILL putting off posting pictures of my apartment and I am STILL putting off posting about the nursery I am working on, but that is only because I had the most spectacular weekend!!

My mom came into town last Wednesday which was so beyond fun - my mom hasn't been to the city since I moved here in February so it was really special to get to show her where I work and live.  Way fun.

While in the city, we went to Through the Looking Glass, the 9/11 Museum and had some fabulous meals out.  Cross Serafina and Eataly off my restaurant bucket list!

On Friday we went up to Albany, NY to stay with my grandparents and from there drove up to Stowe, Vermont for my childhood friend's wedding!  May I just say Vermont is everything I could hope it would be!  It felt like being up North in Minnesota, but with mountains!  Everything was super cute - I even found a cute boutique - Alpine Home - that had adorable antique finds from Europe and fabulous accessories!!  Here are some pictures!

View Down Main Street!

I Need That Book! 

And That Book!  And the Plates!

The Cake Lithograph Was Stunning!

Me, Lily and Rachel After The Ceremony!

I promise I will eventually get around to sharing my apartment's progress and some of my design projects soon!

Take Care,
T

Juju Hat Sneak Peak

Look at what insanely fun and beautiful goodies are making their way from Athens, GA to NYC!!!!!!  Wish they were for me!  Can't wait to hang these up!

If you can't wait until they're hung, check out BMA at Home now!

Take Care,
T

The Alpha Nut

I am the worst at updating you guys on what is going on in my own apartment, but I have decided to make at least one improvement a month!  Last month was the bedding, next month I am hoping to finally snag the shower curtain I have been eyeing from Anthropologie (more to come on the aggravating mission of finding the perfect statement curtain for the small bath!).

This month I had my Fashion Is Nuts - Alpha Nut poster by my favorite, Donald.  It was 24" x 35" - just shy of fitting into a standard frame!  After getting quotes online, I went with a little local shop down the street from me.  It took me a bit to accept that it wasn't worth paying more than double for a brass/bamboo frame.  Let's remind you - I am broke!  I went with the brass colored frame because the black option seemed too severe and silver and white did not seem like enough of a contrast.  I also liked the gold with the glitter in her necklace and I am personally shocked I don't have any brass yet in my apartment!

I dropped it off Saturday afternoon and was so happy to get it on my way home from work tonight!  I am stealing a nail from work tomorrow and will hang it centered over my dresser, which is across from my closets.  I no longer can get dressed without Anna giving me the once over.  I love it.

More to come soon, dying to share with you the nursery updates!

Take Care,
T

Poppin Ping Pong Party

Hello!

I know I say this all the time but what. a. week!  Crazy, crazy busy - but I love it!

Tuesday night I had an event at the Poppin showroom for Homepolish - they win my vote for best office design, hands down!

Their products all come in fun, playful colors and are brilliantly designed.  Their work stations are simple, adjustable and modern.  Their conference table doubles as a ping pong table.  If you weren't sold already, they can do the whole set up - desk, file, storage, chair for under $400.  Sorry Herman Miller.

Really wish I had known about Poppin when I did my office design project in school.  Although I only do residential work here in NYC, I think their desks, chairs, accessories and bright filing cabinets could go in a modern residential setting without a doubt.

If you are in interior design and do any office work go to their site now!  Overall, it was a really fun evening seeing everyone from Homepolish and getting to learn about the brand - thank you Poppin!!

Here are some pictures from the showroom, I am working on a very exciting nursery project and am planning to post on it this weekend!

Take Care,
T

Case of the Mondays

But really.  I would gladly accept $2 million.  Seriously long day.  Still up taking care of clients (it is almost midnight and I just want to watch the OC housewives), but I am so excited for an event I have tomorrow night at Poppin - post on that soon! 

Take Care, 

T 

I can't be bothered

This has been one hell of an exhausting week - and it is only Wednesday.  My client cancelled so I am taking full advantage of my hour of peace and bath time bliss...

Take Care,
T

Give Me Love

I have been seeing the exhibit "Give Me Love" by Yayoi Kusama on Instagram and have been meaning to get to it.  Well - when you put these things off and work full time and decide to go at 4:30 on a Saturday, you learn they closed early because the line was over 2 hours long.  This is what  happens when fabulous things are free and open to the public!

Like I'm going to go all the way to Chelsea and not see this room?  I don't think so.  After the loser line guy wouldn't let me wait at the end, I walked around the back and got to sneak in to see the room (it was set up like a small home) and really look at the kitchen.  The exhibition is sooo sticker covered it is getting ridiculous - but that is the point!  Sadly, I couldn't leave my personal touch because no one gives you a sticker sheet when you sneak in. 

Overall - amazing and happy I jumped on the bandwagon and saw it for myself - NOT worth a two hour wait for those who stayed and were sweaty in line.  

In other news, I have a fabulous new design project that I hope to be able to document in my blog! 

Take Care, 

T 

Hamptons!

Well the holiday has come and gone!  I got my first dose of the Hamptons and it was EVERYTHING you would imagine it to be.  Beach time.  Fried Clams.  Shopping.  You name it!

I fortunately have an aunt who has a home on 3 Mile Harbor in East Hampton and was able to make it out of Manhattan last Friday night.  I took the weekend off from work and enjoyed the time to relax and enjoy the saltwater and fresh air before throwing myself back into work this week - I have had a client meeting every night this week after work and am hoping to share some projects with you soon! 

Here are some pictures from my weekend and the only proof I had beach hair! 

Take Care, 

T