Tuesday, May 31, 2011

New Sponsor -- Bon Bon Vie

Please welcome new sponsor Bon Bon Vie. Bon Bon Vie (which stands for GIMMIE THE GOOD LIFE) was created by self-proclaimed t-shirt addict, web developer and sometimes art director/designer Shari Neal in 2010. After Shari realized that she could design and wear her own creations instead of spending her whole paycheck on t-shirts, BON BON VIE was born. What started as a small personal project quickly blossomed into a successful online store where fellow shirt addicts can get their graphic tee fix.

Expect to find shirts that you have always wanted, and but could never find. Great prices, creativity, and style wrapped up into one. I cant wait to wear my Bon Bon Vie creation. Perfect with a pair of loose fitted jeans, tee just tucked in at the buckle, jeans rolled up at the ankles, and great heels.

My Bon Bon Vie photo coming soon….

 

Image of Brown Skin Lady Reverse

Image of Brown Skin Lady

 

Image of Rep Chi

 

Image of Entrepreneur

 

Image of Chicago Transit

 

 

 

Image of Caribbean QueenImage of Brown Skin Baby Onesie

 

Welcome BON BON VIE!

TO SHOP THE ABOVE DESIGNS AND MORE. PLEASE CLICK HERE.

High Fives and Hugs,

Tamara Styles

Friday, May 27, 2011

Baggin With Tamara Styles

baggin

Today I decided to add one of my latest bags. I love this bag. It holds everything I need to be fab, and also when I need to be the mom taking photos. I can wear it to the side or on my arm. This bag is very versatile, and there is room for everything. What really drew me in was THE IKAT PATTERN. I love IKAT on pillows, panels, sofas…so why not my bag.

 

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I also spotted this photo of one of my style icons. Gwen Stefani carrying this very pattern.

High Fives and Hugs,

Tamara Styles

*If you are interested in being considered for BAGGIN, email me here*

MY 5 KITCHEN NEEDS

What sold me on my home? The kitchen. Point blank period. I was 24 years old, and was thinking about a kitchen and how good I could cook in it. Shortly after we moved in, my Grandmother  came by for her first visit, and the first thing she said was

“I LOVE THIS KITCHEN. THIS IS A COOKING KITCHEN TAMARA. I WOULD LOVE TO COOK IN HERE.”

All I could do was smile. But now time has passed and there are so changes that I would like to make to the famous kitchen. Mostly everything in it is builders grade, but for our first home, we loved it. Anytime we have a party, or company over. The kitchen is the hot spot.

For me, any kitchen of mine must have a kitchen island. It is not only a great prepping area, but it can also be a wonderful spot to conversate at, or to just hang out while your cooking, or if company is over.

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A good cutting board is also a must have. We started out with the plastic cutting boards, and glass I believe. But after I spotted an almost 2 inch thick bamboo cutting board, I was sold. Not to mention The Food Network helped to show me, what I really needed in a cutting board.

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Stainless steel appliances. They will make everything look great in my opinion. Easy to keep clean, modern, and here to stay.

kitchens - cottage creamy white glass-front kitchen cabinets honed marble countertops beadboard breakfast bar bamboo roman shades black industrial stools

kitchens - gray green shaker kitchen cabinets beveled subway tiles backsplash gray kitchen island butcher block countertops wood stools  Hugh

Good lighting. Since I do cook, I have noticed they did a poor job with the lighting plan in our kitchen. I have to use the lighting in the breakfast nook, just to get the right amount of lighting to cook properly. Recessed lighting is a huge favorite of mine. If I could not have that, I would want some great fixtures that look great, and give the right amount of lighting.

Suzie:  Graciela Rutkowski Interiors  Gorgeous white kitchen design with white glass-front ...

kitchens - Farrow & Ball - Dimity - Amy Carman Amy Carman Design Espresso stain Espresso stained cabinets modern kitchen modern kitchen design Quartersawn White Oak quartz countertop mitered edge Caesarstone Quartz

kitchens - glossy black kitchen cabinets white black backspalsh white diamond kitchen island calcutta gold marble counter tops mini glass pendants

My new must have is subway tile. I love it. Easy, simple, and distracting. You can find the least expensive subway tile, and make your kitchen look great with application. I have seen glass, marble, stone, it’s a style that is timeless.

after 5

kitchens - marble white kitchen island subway tiles backsplash  classic  subway tiles backsplash, white kitchen cabinets andwhite carrara marble

High Fives & Hugs,

Tamara Styles

images: a) island kitchen, b) white kitchen c) island addition d) lighting in kitchens  e)stainless f) gray marble tile g) blue tile h) white tile

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Good Deal

I got this bad boy for $35 bucks. It is modern with the cone shaped legs in brown. As soon as I got it, I dropped it off at the fix it up shop. Now I am looking for fabric. I love chevron, and would really love to do that. But I don’t know for sure. I didn’t see to much at the fabric stores either, and I have been looking online for days. I need 7 yards so that’s not so bad. This chair I think will go in the den once all comes to together. If not, I place it in our bedroom.

chair

Looks something like this

Here are just a few options that I like.

fab

 

If you have any good suggestions for me. Please pass them along. I am having the hardest time finding something that is perfect for me us.

What would you do with this great find?

Tam

Monday, May 23, 2011

New Sponsor- Rachel Stewart Jewelry

Please help me welcome new GIGS sponsor Rachel Stewart Jewelry.  This former welder and painter makes each piece by hand, with attention to every detail.  Her designs are one that are unique, edgy, and made for the girl who wants that extra kick in her style. Her designs are versatile statement pieces made for all women who are not afraid to take a chance and be seen. From earrings, to bracelets, to rings, to necklaces, you will most definitely be a GET IT GIRL with Style in these must have accessories. Take a look below at just some of her fabulous designs worthy of showing off on you.

*I have my eye on the acrylic & yellow “EVERY LOVES SUNSHINE” earrings. They frame the face with a sunshine, and the acrylic of course I love just because. Also look for my hearts, and find your own.

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This is one ring, worn 3 different ways.

WELCOME RACHEL!

For more information, and to shop these unique designs.

Please visit her store HERE.

High Fives and Hugs,

Tamara Styles

images: Rachel Stewart Jewelry

Friday, May 20, 2011

Don’t Miss It

sale

More info coming soon.

Tam

Thursday, May 19, 2011

R.I.P Old Pal

Dear Ikea,

What are you doing? How could you discontinue the LACK bookshelf. Style lovers from around the globe who search for a great price, and a great product are upset with you right now. Please tell me this is an error. Please tell me that the sales associate, and his computer were wrong. I had plans. Big plans for a WHITE LACK. I hurt. Bad.

Best----- Tamara

But guys if this is indeed right, I urge you to run to Ikea and get while the getting is good, and even at a discounted price from the regular $130 ( I think). My store was totally out of the large last weekend. I don’t know how late or early “my news” is.rip

Remember I have one of these. My desk sits right in front of my LACK, and once it finally arrived it made the room come together 100%. It has since been updated a bit. But its still fabulous to me.

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I picked up the small one below on LAST CHANCE for $39. I think the regular price was $79. I have so many spaces that call for the LACK Bookshelf, so I have no clue what I am going to do. The LACK was to even go next to my friends office desk in her home. The clean lines, and lack of holes makes this piece one that I will truly miss.

 

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The bench below is a DIY using the small LACK. Simply add some legs, or even rollers to the base and you have a great bench, or spot for your T.V. & books.

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I believe one of the replacements is called the BESTA system. There is no open back. The small is $80, and the larger one is $150. Much more than the LACK which has an open back.

BESTÃ… Shelf unit white Width: 23 5/8 " Depth: 15 3/4 " Height: 75 5/8 " Max load/shelf: 66 lb  Width: 60 cm Depth: 40 cm Height: 192 cm Max load/shelf: 30 kg

BESTÃ… Shelf unit white Width: 47 1/4 " Depth: 15 3/4 " Height: 75 5/8 " Max load/shelf: 66 lb  Width: 120 cm Depth: 40 cm Height: 192 cm Max load/shelf: 30 kg

Have you seen this activity going on at Ikea, or am I late? What’s next on your list since the LACK is officially gone buy bye?

 

High Fives & Hugs,

Tamara Styles

 images: bench, bench2, lack