VA you're COLD! Thrift/Vintage Trenches & Coats~ANTHRO COMPARE

I grew up in Pittsburgh and while I love it there I told myself every winter "remember this... you hate this weather!" So I made my way down the east coast and eventually landed in Richmond, VA. And yes, I love you too, you have beautiful seasonal weather with gentle winters, but this week VA...
 YOU'RE COLD! 

Going through my coat closet I realized that I have managed to collect quite a few thrift finds in my day!

This leather trench, above, I found in college at a thrift store that I went to almost every week. The owner and I became buddies and when I tried on this vintage beauty she sold it to me for only
$17. 

I was blown away. I wore it every cold day in college and am excited to bring it back to life!

Anthro Wool Curtsey $298

I found this vintage wool trench in college as well 
and added new buttons
$12

Anthro Leather Bomber
$248

Thrift Faux Leather Bomber
$7

Anthro Faux Fur 
$168

Thrift Faux Fur
$8

Anthro Leather
 $349

Thrift Vintage Leather w/ belt
FREE

 Gift from Carly (College roommate, best bud and fellow thrifter) before we parted ways in college. I loved it and she knew it... She's the best!
 

Anthro Pucker Plaid
$188

Thrift Plaid (Added belt)
$7

Anthro Hampden Pea Coat
$198

Thrift Pea Coat
$15

Anthro Engla Trench
$188

Thrift Maternity Trench w/ flair skirt & butterfly collar 
(Added belt)
$16

Anthro My Fair Lady Trench
$228

Thrift Sailor Jacket (Added belt)
$6

Anthro Rain Trench
$188

Thrift Rain Trench
$13

And there you have it! 

Through the years I think I have created a pretty decent coat collection, for all seasons, for a fraction of the cost!

 I LOVE thrifting! 

   Much love,

Melis

Governor's~ A Hidden Gem!

A few weeks ago I stumbled across a hidden gem looking for an assortment of knobs to display on a dresser for the March/April issue of R.Home Magazine...

I have found myself talking about it a lot lately and had quite a few people ask about it after I posted these pics of Doaky bear hanging out around the grounds. And trust me there is a lot of ground to cover.

So here you go!

Governor's Antiques & Architectural Materials!

This video say it all... Jeff Thomas, vice president, was so welcoming and pretty much showed me every nook and cranny of the enormous space inside and out. Not only did I find a "gazillion" knobs but he lent us a vintage dresser to display them on for the photo shoot as well!

It was awesome... I love this place!

Doak's new bud.

The knobs/ pulls/ hardware goes on for days at this place...

And when I headed outside and noticed these beauties... I almost died!
 I love everything about these rusty vintage headboards. They are absolutely stunning! 

And, last but not least, my favorite aisle of the entire place. The vintage claw-foot tubs!

I was blown away with ideas for beautiful modern lofts and homes and amazing photo shoot opportunities. 
Once again, I love this place!

I'll be posting what we ended up using from Governor's in March when the magazine comes out!
The best part... Doak's in it!!! : )

Much love,

Melis

R.HOME MAGAZINE~My new gig!

First off... Happy "ReNew" Year! 

Richmond Magazine and R.Home Magazine have come full circle for me this year.
R.Home 2012 January/Feb issue featured my family and home in "The Next Generation" edition. It was such an awesome way to start out the 2012 new year!

So when they asked me to become the conceptual and visual contributor for "The Goods" section for R.Home Magazine exactly one year later I was thrilled!

Below are just some pics I took during the photo shoot. I don't want to reveal everything so you'll have to pick it up. : )

The 2013 January/Feb issue is published and on stands now!
Check out the online version here: R.HOME~The Goods

"The Goods" section is a two page spread of decor that surrounds the Richmond area. I browse my favorite Richmond decor stores and come up with a concept.

For my first piece I loved the idea of using recycled and
Eco-friendly products to bring in the new year!

The title of the article, "Happy ReNew Year!

R.Home Magazine editor, Brandon Fox and Art Director, Lee Hawkins hanging on site at the photo shoot!

Amazing Eco-friendly console from LaDiff turned into NYE bar! 

Used my own glassware!

and made some tissue paper lanterns!

Found these awesome battery pack light bulb strands from Target. 

Paper mache ram head from Ruth & Ollie!

Folded book art from Urban Interiors


Where it all started...

My First Magazine Article!

To read the article click here: 
IN A NEW LIGHT
Pages 42-49

Throughout the year I popped back in for the Designer House plans above (This article was in Richmond Magazine)... 

and again in November/December issue with the awesome couple from Young House Love on the cover!
Just met them last month at their book signing. 

My room from the Designer House made it in on the bottom right corner! 

I was also added to the 2012 "Find It" guide for Interior Designers in Richmond. Whoot!

2012 was an amazing year, besides a lot of creative and inspiring projects, I got to spend a lot of time with my baby boy.
I am even more excited for 2013!


Much love,
Melis