Coming Soon, CoziKnot Bridal Accessories

Posted on 09/19/201909/22/2019 by Kim@CoziNest

Coming Soon! CoziKnot Bridal Accessories.

I can’t get my right leg in my 39 year old wedding dress, but my daughter looks beautiful in it! Long before we had a wonderful day searching for her perfect dress, she tried mine on and my oh my! I know. To me, she is beautiful in sackcloth, but her groom will gasp on January 11, 2020. Imagine wide eyes and open mouth. It will surely become an everlasting memory monogrammed on his brain.

She Said Yes to Her Dress

Although, her magic dream dress was one of her very own, I will never forget seeing her in my dress. The inspiration filled every curve of my heart. I got a glimpse of just how gorgeous she was going to be as a bride. Then, the creative side of my brain kicked in. I wanted to tour bridal shops, shop estate sales and collect antique bridal accessories for all the brides who will take their groom’s breath away someday. It was something about seeing her in a dress from 1980! My dress. The only thing missing was big hair.

After her day of dress shopping, I also realized how fun it is to ask your friends to be your bridesmaid. She gave her friends a card that ask the question, “Will you be my bridesmaid/matron of honor?” Along with the card she gave them chocolates and a mini bottle of champagne for them to celebrate together.

VOW

An obsession was born and I’ve been grooming it for weeks. I just returned from Atlanta, where I attended VOW by Mon Cheri, and learned so much. I’m still processing. I talked to lots of women who own bridal shops all over the world and honestly, I got mixed reviews of the business. Some said don’t go into the bridesmaid business. A young gentleman said, if you treat every bridesmaid as if she’s the next bride, you’ll have a lifetime of fun ahead of you.

Grand Opening: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 | 6-8pm

CoziKnot was the next logical place to take my business. Helping brides fulfill some form of their fantasy from the little cozy town of Fairhope, AL gives me a great sense of pride. I love the idea of preserving a little of the past (something old) and adding a touch of modern (something new) to her big day. I absolutely adore the new trend of doing something special for your bridesmaids to ask them to share in the celebration. We gave a small token in 1980, but there was little fanfare about it. I wish I’d honored my bridesmaids with a little pampering 39 years ago. Sorry ladies!

The Marriage of CoziNest and CoziKnot

I’ve prayed for guidance, discipline and discernment as I venture into the wonderful world of weddings. The answers have come from all directions. One being the opportunity to help feather the nest of a young bride as she ties the knot. CoziNest and CoziKnot are meant for each other! I pray they live in married bliss for decades.

The second answer came when I stumbled into a showroom in Atlanta that had the most beautiful, creative ideas for brides to give their bridesmaids. I won’t spoil the surprise, but the words of the young gentleman who suggested I spoil the bridal party rang like wedding bells in my head that day. Dramatic? Yes! I’m so excited.

Please Comment about Your Bridal Accessories

So I’m asking you to please do me a favor. Leave comments with your thoughts about this. Tell me stories of your wedding day. How did you ask your bridesmaids to be in your wedding? Share with me the most memorable gifts you’ve received from a bride. What have been your favorite bridal accessories? Consider that your comments can be just what a bride needs to choose how she honors her bridesmaids.

Thank you for helping.

Will you be my bridesmaid?

Partying with these lovely ladies:

Happiness is Homemade

Vintage Fashion Accessories in Your Jewelry Box

Posted on 03/15/201903/14/2019 by Kim@CoziNest

Vintage Fashion Accessories in Your Jewelry Box

What goes around, comes around, right? That is particularly true in the fashion world. It is still true that pearls go with everything, vintage pieces mesmerize and mood rings change colors.

Finding Vintage Fashion Accessories

If your mood calls for a little retail therapy, I have a few suggestions.

Stop by your local antique mall.
Visit estate sales.
Look through your childhood jewelry box.
Raid your mother’s jewelry box.
Shop ecumenical ministry thrift stores.

My favorite vintage jewelry to search for are opals, cameos, vintage costume brooches and bracelets.

OPALS

The first piece of jewelry my parents gave me was an opal ring. On Christmas morning I slipped it on my finger and wore it every day until I got engaged. I have since passed it down to my daughter, but it is still one of my favorites.

CAMEOS

I have always loved the delicate carvings of cameos. While in China recently, we toured an cameo factory and I bought my first cameo brooch. They offered several colors but I wanted the original design carved from a carnelian shell.

The ring was a gift from my mom and I love wearing them together. This design is likely the one that caught the attention of Napoleon. It was the general who wore a cameo at his own wedding and then founded a French school of cameo carvers. And during the Elizabethan Age, cameos were used to adorn heroes and people in service to their country.

Soon after, cameos became a status symbol for the wealthy and social classes. It is the delicacy and colors that I love. In particular, I love wearing them with navy, denim, emerald green and deep purple.

VINTAGE COSTUME BROOCHES

Shopping for vintage costume brooches can be both fun and frustrating. I search for good quality with metal backings and no missing gems or stones. As mentioned earlier, antique malls, estate sales, nice thrift stores, family jewelry boxes and some flea markets offer some luck in finding good pieces. Where have you found your favorite brooch?

Day 3 – Rules of Decorating Tabletops

Posted on 10/03/201601/29/2018 by Kim@CoziNest

My favorite decorating rule is that it’s ok to break the rules of decorating! My whole house is, therefore, filled with broken rules. But, just in case you operate better with rules, here are a few to keep in mind.

Odd Numbers Offer Pleasing Arrangements

So many are painting every wood surface they own, but I am hesitant. I love the feel and look of real wood. Some pieces are truly just better painted, but not all. This empty end table is a blank canvas for a number of odd pieces, beginning with light.

This lamp was a purchase in Rosemary Beach, Florida. 007’s man-cave has recently been transformed into a nautical square of coastal treasures.

Keep Furniture Height and Distance Cohesive

The end table is the same height as the arm of the chair and is placed about 3 inches apart from the chair. This keeps everything within arms length.

Texture creates dimension.

Glass votive

I love the simplicity of this tabletop.

The texture of the shell and driftwood create dimension on the table top. The glass votive is fragile and reminds us of the power of life and how it shapes us and makes us who we are. Just as the wind and water shapes the driftwood. I love them together.

Negative Space is Important, but Sometimes We Have to Fill It

We also have to live in our home, so with this table I’ve had to break the rules. A cordless telephone, wireless speaker for surround sound and a coaster are added just for functionality. I would rather have the negative space on the tabletop, but 007 needs all of the extras.

A few other rules to think about:

Be intentional.

Think about space, color, light, texture and a focal point. Use mementos to create nostalgia that only you and your family will understand, until you share the story.

Try to avoid clutter.

Keeping the room picked up is just one minor step toward beauty.

Less is usually more.

Keeping things simple gives the eye somewhere to land.

Linking with these utterly fabulous parties:

Celebrate Your Story |Mommy Moments | Rustic and Refined | Coastal Charm

Cooking and Crafting with J&J | The Scoop | Inspire Me Tuesday | Tasty Tuesdays

Inspire Me Monday | Tickle My Tastebuds | Wow Us Wednesday | Christian Bloggers Community

Full Plate Thursday | Work it Wednesday | Creative Spark | Home Matters, Idea Box

Poofing the Pillows | Sweet Inspiration | DIY Sunday Showcase | Get Your DIY On

Share it One More Time | The Pin Junkie | Anything Blue

31 Days of Tabletop Decorating

Posted on 10/01/201601/29/2018 by Kim@CoziNest

Every October for the last 3 years, I have participated in a 31 Day Writing Challenge. This year I’m offering 31 days of tabletop decorating ideas. There will be ideas for the bath, kitchen, bedroom, porch, patio, living room, dining room, home office and the mantle. I will include Autumn and Christmas in a select number of posts, but most of the ideas will be for everyday. I hope you enjoy it. I know I’m going to have a blast setting them all up and playing with new and old accessories.

Day One

The painting is a favorite that we purchased on our Alaskan cruise. It is colorful just like the artist, Duaiv. Finding just the right accessories to work with it was quite the challenge. I am satisfied for now, but will continue to search for just the right thing.

I added these lamps.

Then I added this book box.

We purchased this piece of pottery from Maria Spies in Silverhill, AL.

I wanted to add a touch of green.

This is where I stopped. At first.

I thought maybe a little white would brighten things up. But, it just didn’t work.

So I removed everything but the lamps and added just the pottery and spheres.

I used what I already had and have a new look. It will be fine until my next shopping trip!

If you would like information about Maria Spies, you can find her here.

Day Two: Decorating to Take Your Breath Away

Day Three: Rules of Decorating Tabletops

Day Four: Autumn Tablescapes of Favorite Bloggers

Day Five: Creating a Tabletop Focal Point

Day Six: Decorating: Master Bathroom Vanities

Day Seven: Mixing Metals in the Home

Day Eight: Decorating with Unique Finds

Day Nine: A Hot Dog Dinner on Everyday China

Day Ten: How to Decorate a Cocktail Bar for Fall

Day Eleven: How to Create Balance with Highs & Lows

Day Twelve: Halloween Table – Keep the Shoes and Ditch the Broom

Day Thirteen: How to Decorate a Bookcase

Day Fourteen: Creating a Cozy Reading Nook

Day Fifteen: Using Contrast in Our Decor

Day Sixteen: Are You Dense?

Day Seventeen: Guest Room Inspired by an Orchid

Day Eighteen: A Cozy Cottage Style Guest Room

Day Nineteen: Guaranteed Rainbow in an Umbrella

Day Twenty:

Day Twenty-One:

Day Twenty-Two:

Day Twenty-Three:

Day Twenty-Four:

Day Twenty-Five:

Day Twenty-Six:

Day Twenty-Seven:

Day Twenty-Eight:

Day Twenty-Nine:

Day Thirty:

Day Thirty-One:

Linking with these utterly fabulous parties:

Celebrate Your Story |Mommy Moments | Rustic and Refined | Coastal Charm

Cooking and Crafting with J&J | The Scoop | Inspire Me Tuesday | Tasty Tuesdays

Inspire Me Monday | Tickle My Tastebuds | Wow Us Wednesday | Christian Bloggers Community

Full Plate Thursday | Work it Wednesday | Creative Spark | Home Matters, Idea Box

Poofing the Pillows | Sweet Inspiration | DIY Sunday Showcase | Get Your DIY On

Share it One More Time | The Pin Junkie | Anything Blue

Summer Accents

Posted on 06/26/201507/02/2015 by Kim@CoziNest

Whether we’re heading to the beach or attending a 4th of July picnic, layering our accent pieces can make a big difference in our summer look. Today, we have several examples of summer accents from Charming Charlie’s.

Darlene Real-Higginbotham and her models have put on another fabulous fashion show at The Club in Birmingham, AL and I have several of those looks to share with you.

Darlene Real-Higginbotham

Darlene is the founder of The Real Model Connection and President of Appearance Matters, Inc. She is also a fashion stylist and coach. If you would like to contact her for a style update, call her at 205-902-4808.

Sunglasses

Let’s begin with Kim who is modeling sunglasses, a bib necklace and maxi dress in the bright colors of summer.

Maxi with Flip Flops

Layer on a few bracelets and a bright colored clutch to complete this look.

Next, we have Billie showing us how to layer a tank top under a halter dress, pick the perfect hat and jewelry for a black and white kind of day.

Hats for Women

Hi-Lo Dress

This hi-lo dress goes easily from day to night with just a quick change of shoes. Billie’s heels make it a perfect dress for night. Changing to sandals or even flip flops would make it a great day dress.

Tank Top with Halter Dress

For ladies who prefer not to expose as much skin as a halter dress does, adding a tank top works magically. A scarf accents her waist.

Visors

Linda is wearing a much-loved white dress with turquoise accents. Whether sitting by the pool or roaming through an amusement park, sun hats keep you cool and your skin protected.

Scarf tied on beach bag

Tying a scarf on our beach bag is a great way to layer interest and have an alternative look for our hair. After a day of swimming or a wind-blown-do from the beach, using the scarf in our hair can cover a multitude of sins.

Ready for the beach

Visors and hats are a must in our summer heat here in the south and Charming Charlie’s has a great selection at low prices.

Yellow Sunglasses

Who doesn’t love black, white and yellow for a day out with friends? Judy is layering lots of necklaces and you won’t miss her in these bright yellow shades!

Layered necklaces

Black, white and yellow

87 Year Old Model

Ladies, fashion over 50 can keep us young at heart for years to come. Barbara is 87 years young and still looking fabulous. A simple black top and white pants are styled with a tasseled scarf, sunglasses and a white hat to make this a great outfit for any age.

70th Wedding Anniversary

A round of applause for this beautiful woman who recently celebrated her 70th wedding anniversary.

Sunglasses for Kids

Cassidy was the youngest model of the day and shows us how to prepare for the 4th of July. Charming Charlie’s has something for every age group.

Red, White and Blue for Kids

Modeling at 13 Liza is only 13 and this was her debut fashion show.

Orange Clutch and Hat

A pop of orange works with any color.

Fresh as a Daisy

Hats for Women Over 50

Ms. Ellen, who is known for her stylish hats and cowgirl boots, reinvents the animal print top for summer with a few statement necklaces.

layered statement pieces

Paired with her own ruffled skirt, this top can go from casual chic to special occasion.

Sunglasses

Patsy models summer florals beautifully.

Charming Charlie's

The swingy fringe hem of this boho-style kimono gives Patsy a quick option for a little added coverage on cool summer nights.

Poncho with Fringe

This floral poncho is on trend with a touch of fringe at the bottom.

Bib Necklace

Layers of bracelets, color coordinated watch, bib necklace and sunglasses adorn this floral poncho and tank top perfectly.

Green and Yellow

Green and yellow are sunny compliments to Ginny’s pretty complexion.

Bare Shoulders

Ladies, since our shoulders age the least, Darlene says we needn’t shy away from bare shoulders.

Lemon Slice Wristlet

Adding a scarf to our hat and pulling out our lemon slice wristlet turns functional into fun!

Pink Sunglasses

Tanya protects her eyes with a stylish pair of coral frames.

Boho Fringe

Always looking for new ways to wear a scarf, Darlene fitted this boho fringed sash at Tanya’s waist with the fringe dangling down the dress.

Mallory

Mallory’s beautiful smile, gorgeous hair and eyes are accent enough, but her mint green shawl and navy maxi showcase the many different color combinations you can sport in the summer.

Mint Shawl

If you are looking for a new look, why not add a few accessories to a not-as-new outfit? Darlene adds,

“The shopping experience at Charming Charlie is fun, happy and the employees are young and helpful. They are known for amazing organization in their stores where the merchandise is separated by color. This technique is genius, making it easy to find just the right piece to update your look. Add a hat, bracelet, watch, necklace, ring, earring, belt, shoe and bag to the outfit you wore into the store and you walk out a new person!! And while shopping, check out their tip cards that give you ideas on how to wear certain pieces.”

And here is a preview of The Real Model Connection’s feature here on CoziNest next week.

Thank you to The Club of Birmingham, Darlene Real-Higginbotham and Charming Charlie for this Fashion Friday post. A special thanks to Ashley Cichon, store manager at the Summit. This post wouldn’t have been possible without you!

Charming Charlie's

Goldleafing a StarDish

Posted on 10/13/201401/22/2018 by Kim@CoziNest

Today’s feature for 31 Days of Flipping Out is an example of quick, easy and cheap decorating. In several of my favorite stores lately, you see pieces with a little bit of gold leaf “bleeding through” a painted surface. Examples are:

So, since I live on the coast, as soon as I saw this $3 “stardish” at the thrift store, I knew what I would be doing with it.

Supplies needed:

Metal leafing of your choice. It is sold in gold, silver, copper and a mix of all three.
Metal leafing adhesive spray. This is sold in a spray or liquid that you can paint onto the surface.
Small Paint brush
Metal Leaf Sealer – sold with the adhesive.
Rubbing Alcohol

This package of metal flakes was $9.99 and will cover multiple pieces. I didn’t get a picture of the work in progress. But, no worries. It is super simple if you’ve never done it.

Wipe the surface with rubbing alcohol.
Spray on the metal leafing adhesive that is sold in the same area as the leafing and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
Using a small paint brush, pick up the flakes from inside the bag and apply. I only sprayed small sections at a time so I could get the sporadic look I was after. (Caution: gold leafing is very messy as the flakes tend to spread very easily. Be sure to protect your surfaces and sweep up as soon as you are finished.)
Once you are satisfied with the amount of leafing, let it dry completely and spray with sealer.

I like how it turned out. I think I’ll be keeping my little stardish.

Partying with: Boogie Board Cottage, Keeping It Simple Crafts