{Creating A Gallery Wall}

A project that I have always wanted to tackle in my bachelorette pad is a gallery wall. Since I'm most definitely staying at my apartment for at least another year, (before embarking on owning) this is a home decor assignment for myself that I would definitely like to tackle before 2014 comes to an end.

Now, where to begin? There are lots of things to consider when creating a gallery wall. What type of art/prints to choose? What size of frames to use and do they all have to be the same color? Where is the best place to put a gallery wall? I like to layout the ground work first and do as much research as possible before pressing the start button. It becomes way less daunting and stressful in the long run. 

I've put together the ultimate list of the Top-Six things to consider when creating a gallery wall.

1. Where is the best place to house a gallery wall?

Gallery Walls make for great statement pieces in your apartment or home. Usually the best place to put them is either in your entry way or above your couch in the living room/family room. Some people even consider along the wall of where their staircase is. I've got my sights for mine above my kitchen table. You always want to make sure the wall is big enough to house at least 5 to 6 pieces of art in order to make the best statement.

2. What size frames should I use?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. I say, the greater array of different sizes, the better. This gives the overall aesthetic more dimension and flavor. I like one large piece and then several 4x6 or 5x7 sized frames surrounding.

3. Where can I find affordable frames?

You should never break the bank on picture frames. I wouldn't spend more than $10. The art inside of the frames is really where you should be investing. If you do a little research, you will be pleasantly surprised that there are a lot of outlets that sell inexpensive frames. I've picked up quite a few frames on from 2Dogswoodworking or Ikea or even vintage flea markets if you are willing to dig.

4. Where can I find affordable art that are still awesome and fun?

The Internet is a wonderful source of information. There are so many independent designers out there that make unique pieces; you just have to find them. Society6 & Etsy are some of my favorite sources around. You can even get framed art off of these websites too.

5. What type of prints should I choose?

Find what speaks to you and you only. I usually pick prints based on my hobbies or things that I love. You don't even have to stick to just prints, sometimes famous quotes or sayings that are printed into art, make unique touches. I've got my eye on using Shutterfly for printing some of my own photographs, even my Instagram shots, and then have them put on glossy paper or even canvas prints. 

6. What is the ideal layout for hanging your pictures?

Again, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. What makes a Gallery Wall truly special is how it is hung on the wall. Nothing should ever be in a straight line or structured. In fact, the best Gallery Walls have the prints displayed randomly, and not aligned. Having different sized frames helps with constructing the overall layout. The best way to decide how you want to display your prints is first laying them all out on the floor and arranging. Because, once that nail hits the wall, it becomes more challenging to re-arrange.

Do you have any tips you consider for Gallery Walls?

{Beach Blanket Bingo}

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 

Guys, where the hell did Summer go? I blinked, and it is practically over. I can't believe the first week of August is upon us. Although Summer may seem like it is coming to an end (which is a tad depressing), on a lighter note, my left foot is ready to embrace the rest of Summer in full force. I don't want to jinx it, but tomorrow my transformer apparel is about to be no longer ,and I will finally be able to look at my left foot in a regular sandal. After 10 weeks, the cabin fever was setting in and my left side was about to go stir crazy.

There is so much I want to take in before Summer ends - bike rides, a potential 1 mile run, multiple picnics in Central Park, and a couple trips to the Rockaways. With that said, it is time to invest in a cute beach blanket or beach bag to get me through the month of August and all of my activities. Take a peak at some of the kitschy designs I've been eyeing. Which one is your favorite?

{Boyhood Soundtrack}

This past weekend was spent relaxing with amazing friends and watching some awesome new films. On Saturday, Virgin, Becky and I saw the movie Boyhood. The film is nothing short of breathtaking. It is filmed over the course of 12 years and one of the most fascinating parts of the film is watching a person become aware of himself over time, as it is in life. 

There are too many parts of the film that are my favorite, but one of the best parts was the soundtrack. In the trailer, and in one of the lasts scenes of the film, the song, Hero by "Family Of The Year" plays. Their male & female harmonies and folk-tale-style lyrics are the perfect ending to this adolescence masterpiece. Take a listen below and then run to the theaters to see this magical piece of art.

Hero - Family Of The Year

{Rockin' Romper}

Row 1: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

Row 2: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

Sometimes the best outfits, are the outfits that are only one piece. There are so many times that I'm getting ready for a night out with friends and nothing in my wardrobe seems to click. My top is having a hard time coordinating with my bottom half or vice versa. Usually, the best option when my outfit is having a meltdown, is to throw on a dress and head out the door. But that is just too simple these days and it's time to spice it up a bit.

This Summer, forget the dress, because it is all about the romper. Although they can be slightly challenging, especially when headed to the restroom, a romper is a great addition to your one piece wardrobing situation. Whether your headed out the door to run errands on a Saturday morning or you've strapped on a pair of heels for a night of dancing, this silhouette is so versatile and can be worn a plethora of ways. I've got my eye on a few in some great colors and patterns. How do you take your romper, Saturday morning or Saturday night?

{Broods}

The next big duo in music (siblings nonetheless) are about to grace your ears, meet Georgia and Caleb Nott from the band Broods. Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, this brother and sister team are ready to take the music industry by storm. Their upcoming studio album,  Evergreen, is set to debut this August. I'm a huge fan of their latest single "Mother & Father" which was written by Georgia and Caleb, yet produced by the infamous Joel Little who made Lorde a household name. 

This haunting, raw, and honest tune will have you instantly hooked. Whether it's Caleb's song production luring you in, or Georgia's crisp vocals baring resemblance to Lorde's, it will help you get over the Monday Blues quite quickly. Check it out below.

Mother & Father - Broods

{Traveling Woman}

Top: Herschel Supply Co - 1 // 2 // 3
Middle: LeSportsac - 1 // 2 // 3
Bottom: Sloane Ranger - 1 // 2 // 3

I'm alive world, I promise. Did you miss me? The truth is, it has been a crazy Summer packed with a ton of travel for weddings and bachelorettes. By the end of July, I will have traveled to California more in one year than I have since I moved to NY for college. With all of this travel, my packing skills have improved dramatically and my packing list is able to all fit inside only one carry-on bag. Even if I have to check my bag, I really enjoy finding a travel tote that is bright and colorful and easy to spot at the baggage claim. Forget basic black, it is all about these fun weekenders from Herschel Supply Co, LeSportsac, and Sloane Ranger. Price points range from $66 - $110. Which one do you love the most?