Savvy Wedded Wednesday: The New MoMA Registry!

Images from the Modern Museum of Art

With the tagline that "thoughtfully designed products improve our everyday lives," the Modern Museum of Art in New York City has been creating an awareness and appreciation for all things artistic since its celebrated design collection in 1934. The MoMA's design store offers a selection of stare-worthy products ranging that span nearly a century, a true testament to the enduring allure of fine design. Apart from being a must-see during my trips to the city, it has also recently become a must-do for brides everywhere!

If you're a bride who thinks out of the box, loves and appreciates patterns, shapes, and color, and wants to do something fabulous to your currently-blah registry, have we got an idea for you! Visit the MoMA Design Store and feast your eyes upon the contemporary prints, color-blocked kitchenware, and one-of-a-kind books and decor pieces. They have everything your stylish heart could dream up, from funky rugs and creative time pieces to festive furniture and desk organizers. With an air of classiness and creativity, this registry will give guests a chance to peruse and purchase items that truly embody your flair for design.

Savvy Fashion Finds: Kate Middleton's Royal Style!

Images from WWD

The whole world caught the fever of Prince William's recent engagement to longtime girlfriend, Kate Middleton. But what we really love is her everyday style. The princess-to-be exudes a Grace Kelly era sophistication that she creates from affordable pieces in her own closet.

Even her engagement photo session- shot by world famous Mario Testino- wasn't a big production. She did her own hair and makeup, and wore a blouse from the London high street chain, Whistles (originally retailed in 2008 for about $151). As for the gorgeous formal portrait, British label Reiss designed the 'Nannette' white dress that she purchased for about $353 in 2009.

If the next princess can reuse and recycle what she's got, that should give the rest of us hope for our closets! Now, if only we all could find our own Prince William!

Savvy Show and Tell: Southern My Way!

Images from Gena Knox

The Georgia-based cookbook author Gena Knox just released her latest book, Southern My Way: Simple Recipes, Fresh Flavors, in November. Her first book, Gourmet Made Simple, was published in 2008 and gave fresh and farm-loving cooks a chance to test out their skills in her easy-to-make format. Her newest edition features creative versions of well-known classic Southern dishes, often adding in an international twist here and there. Think collards that include capers, raisins, and pine nuts in place of fatback, and Greek gazpacho with feta and Kalamata olives....YUM!

The cookbook features more than 250 pages of seasonal recipes with full-color photographs to portray Gena's "lifelong love affair with Southern food and culture." A must read for anyone who loves a serving (or two) of Southern food!

Savvy Segments: Rehabbing your Holiday Decor!

Images from The Found Blog, Bukisa, Not on the High Street, BHG, & Strictly Simple Style

We all have decorations around in the attic or garage that we just don’t love anymore. Wouldn’t it be fun (and inexpensive) to rehab those items and turn them into décor pieces that match your current decorating style? I have some clever ideas for turning those old outdated holiday décor pieces into savvy style statements!

To get started, separate your old decorations into the following categories:

• Love…leave them as they are.
• Love…but don’t plan to use this year. (Box them back up and store them immediately)
• Hate…need to update with paint and/or ribbon – THESE WILL BE REHABBED!
• Hate…need to give them away. (Box them up immediately so they can be given away)

• Turn your old glass vases into a stunning arrangement of candles. To do so, you’ll need a few items from the local craft store including:

• Soy Wax Kits and Pre-waxed candle wicks
• Glass Etching Kit
• Stencils
• Candlemaking Thermometer

INSTRUCTIONS: Inspect your vases to make sure they’re in good condition then wash and dry them. Follow the directions on the glass etching kit to etch your initials or another decorative element on the glass. Using the directions in soy wax kits, melt and then pour the candle wax into your vase. Arrange the candles on a buffet or table for a show-stopping centerpiece!

• With a few simple steps you can turn your old “ho-hum” garland into something beautiful. Below are two tips for sprucing up dated décor:

• Flock your garland, turning it from green to winter white! You can purchase cans of Snow Spray for about $4. Place your garland as you normally would then flock it using the artificial snow. Add silver and ice blue ornaments to complete the Winter Wonderland look.
• Fresh garland can get very messy. Rehab your artificial garland by tucking in fresh greenery such as magnolia leaves, holly berries and cedar. With less fresh greens you’ve got less clean up but you still get the look and smell of the holidays!

• Turn your ordinary house plants and seasonal scrubs into savvy style statements. Cover the existing pot with decorative fabric and ribbon to give it an instant update. Or create a “collection,” a designer's secret for grouping similar items to make a big impact, like plants and fruits. I love this idea for covering large spaces in a small budget, it’s one of my favorite designer tricks!

• Be sure to not forget your everyday household items. Give them a lift with a few ribbons and ornaments. During the holidays, I love to wrap ribbons around my guest towels and hand soaps in my guest and powder baths. Place wrapped (but empty) boxes at the foot of the bed or in chairs that aren’t used frequently. All of these tips are beautiful ways to decorate your home for the holidays without breaking the bank!