CasaSugar

Get the Look: Coco Avant Chanel

CasaSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:43 -0700

When it comes to movies, I'm a sucker for beautiful sets and stunning costumes. That's partially why I'm so excited about seeing the biopic about Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel's early years, Coco Avant Chanel. Starring Audrey Tautou as well as many fabulous costumes, which were created by Catherine Leterrier, this film opens in the US in mid-September. I was so taken with the costumes that I decided to see how I could translate Leterrier's lovely creations to the home world.

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Where Do You Store Your Halloween Gear?

CasaSugar — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 08:30:09 -0700

Now that Halloween is over, you've got to put your crazy costumes somewhere. Depending on your getup, you may be able to recycle it, but many of you may need to make room in your closet. And of course, some of you may not even be getting your trick-or-treat on this year. Where do your costumes go?Source

Casa Quickie: Costume Jewelry as Ornaments

CasaSugar — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:30:30 -0800

I'm definitely an enthusiast of fresh-cut Christmas trees, but I also appreciate small doses of more kitschy and colorful holiday décor. I think if you go that route, you have to own up to the tackiness of it, and really go all out. So, I decided to bling out this bare mini pink tree with my big box of costume jewelry, using rock star pins, clip-ons, buttons, keys, pendants, and guitar picks as ornaments. I used embroidery floss to create hooks for the pieces that couldn't clip onto the tree on their own. And I wrapped a set of pearl Mardi Gras beads around it as a garland. No, it's not the most impressive tree, but it kind of makes me laugh. And my rhinestone costume earrings add a bit of sparkle.

Casa Quickie: Costume Jewelry as Ornaments

CasaSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:00:22 -0800

I bought this kitschy pink mini Christmas tree for $5 at Polkadot Variety in SF on a whim, thinking I'd display it as-is in a small flowerpot. But when I got it home, I realized the tree looked a little bare. Since ornaments probably don't come that small, I decided to unearth my big box of costume jewelry and use rock star pins, clip-ons, buttons, keys, pendants, and guitar picks as ornaments. I used embroidery floss to create hooks for the pieces that couldn't clip onto the tree on their own. And, I wrapped a set of pearl Mardi Gras beads around it as a garland.
No, it's not the most impressive tree, but it kind of makes me laugh. And, my rhinestone costume earrings add a bit of sparkle.

Decorating Ideas to Steal From the Last Station

CasaSugar — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:00:58 -0800

I've mentioned before that I love a period piece. From the costumes to the set design, there's so much to feast your eyes on. I'm doubly excited about seeing The Last Station, since it combines fabulous design with equally fabulous actors (Helen Mirren, Christopher Plummer, Paul Giamatti, and James McAvoy, to name a few) and a great story, about the last chaotic years of author Leo Tolstoy. See some of my favorite decorating ideas from the set.

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Open House: How Are You Celebrating Halloween?

CasaSugar — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:30:51 -0700

Whether you've been planning your costume or party for months, or are stuck for last-minute ideas, you should definitely get out there and celebrate tonight! At my house, we'll be waiting on trick-or-treaters (or trying to) and then heading to a friend's party in San Francisco for the evening. I still haven't decided on a costume, but I'm sure I can whip something up at the last minute.

So, what are your plans this evening? Are you taking your kids around for trick-or-treating? Attending a huge costume ball? Heading to a haunted house? Tell me all about it in the comments. Oh, and if you need some low-commitment, last-minute celebration ideas, check out these!

Source: Flickr User peasap

How-To: Decorate Outside For Halloween

CasaSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:00:31 -0700

Halloween is nearly here and it's time to spook the trick-or-treaters! Well-decorated front lawns are always the most memorable for costumed kids. So here are a few outdoor decorating ideas to inspire you!

Source: Flickr User rachel a.k.

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Open House: Are You Throwing Any Fall Parties?

CasaSugar — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 05:30:04 -0700

Every October, I love to invite a few friends over for a pumpkin carving party. It's a great excuse to reconnect with friends, and who can resist the fun of carving images and faces into a pumpkin?

Another friend of mine, who's an amateur mixologist, loves to throw a Halloween-themed cocktail party right around Halloween. From Trick-or-Tinis to Eyeball Highballs, my friend has the spooky drink menu covered.

What type of Fall parties do you like to host? Pumpkin carving parties? Popcorn ball-making get-togethers? Costume crafting nights? Tell me all about it in the comments!

Source: Flickr User indigoprime

Design Ideas to Steal From Bright Star

CasaSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:00:11 -0700

Director Jane Campion's film Bright Star chronicles the love affair between poet John Keats and his neighbor Fanny Brawne. Almost the entire film is shot in one location, the grounds of homes shared by the Brawne family and Keats's friend, the writer Charles Armitage Brown. I'm a total fan of period films, and this one is no exception. The costumes and sets are absolutely divine. See my ideas for getting the romantic look of Bright Star.

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Get the Look: Bright Modern Living Room

CasaSugar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:00:19 -0700

It's a bold move to choose a large checkered print for your sofa - that's a lot of pattern. But when you keep your palette otherwise simple, with just a couple other principal colors, it works! I absolutely love the daring sofa in this room. And just because the space really has just two colors (brown and white) doesn't mean it's not fun. Textured pieces, such as the shag rug, fur pillows, and driftwood table, are playful but still subdued. The room also has intrigue because of the unusual shapes of the furnishings: the arc floor lamp, the organic coffee table, the jungle-like tree. And then, a few high-style elements like glass vases and a Costume National book polish it off. To get this look, start by picking up the Pal + Smith Madison Sofa.

For more items to complete the look, read more.