rock it, ladies!

I know I promised more on a last minute staging job I just completed, but you’re going have to wait another week….

Because I have to beg your forgiveness (again) for going a bit off topic here, but this tip is too good not to share.

Ready? Costco has ¾ of a table of Rock & Republic jeans (www.rockandrepublic.com) up for grabs. If that means nothing to you, it’s ok, but you likely won’t bother to read on….

Two “washes” available, both in the Stella cut. Price = $98.99.

I would never pay $250-300 for jeans. Never. But seeing these at a mere 1/3 rd of the regular price? I still had to convince myself to go back for these and at least try them on. Of course, you can’t try anything on at Costco, but their return policy is stellar, so there is no risk there.

I have been afraid of the skinny jean. They really go against everything I know about dressing my body shape. And some of the skinny jeans I’ve seen are ridiculous…going back to my junior high / high school days where girls painted themselves into those things. (Yikes. That can’t be good for you for soooo many reasons!)

The Stella cut is actually promoted as their “straight leg” cut…but I beg to differ. That's skinnier than I thought I'd ever dare to go.

Anyway, back to me. As I mentioned, I had to convince myself to go back and at least try these for this kind of price.

About 3 seconds after being so happy these babies actually fit, I discovered the difference that an expensive pair of jeans can make. They fit PERFECTLY. And that never happens to me...that's why I mostly wear dresses and skirts, actually.

My butt has never, ever looked so good in my life!

I rocked those skinny jeans out at a party last night and got lots of compliments...”have you lost weight?” “You look great tonight.” “Sexy jeans…where did you get ‘em?”

I already know they will be my absolute favorite jeans. I've got them on again today...this time rolled up so you can see my nice flat shoes for running Saturday morning errands. Equally lovely. And butt still looking great.

Two handsome boys actually whistled at me on the street after saying hello as we crossed paths on my way home…(ok, so that might have been a touch creepy, but still!)

Bottom line is this: Haligonian fashionistas…get ye to Costco.

For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com

fabulous settee mini makeover

Here’s a peek at a little project I’ve been working on for my own house…

I spied this fabulous antique settee in my favorite antiques shop a little while ago (see "one of my favorite places" blog from April). After leaving it behind that day, I couldn’t stop thinking about how it needed a new lease on life and a new home.

Luckily, I have people in my life who indulge my obsession and I was able to convince them to go back for it, negotiate a wicked price, store it for a month, and then deliver it to Halifax for me. (You know who you are….THANK YOU!!)

When I put it in my living room, the scale was a bit off compared to my other furniture. I removed the wonderful old castors (and I don’t want to think about how many years of gunk!) and now, it’s the perfect height.

Don’t worry, I’m saving the original castors for use some day on some other fabulous piece, yet to be discovered.

While I’m not really into true antiques, you have to appreciate this one. It’s Victorian, so it’s original to the 1890’s to 1905’s. It’s an incredibly solid piece of furniture and the woodwork is ornate and beautifully carved.

I only hesitated for a minute or two before breaking out the high gloss black paint. This piece now has a modern twist on a vintage look…and that’s what I love.

I must admit that the upholstery (which I’m sure is not original!) now looks way more gold with the strong black frame, but it’s in perfect shape and I’m not ready to commit to getting it reupholstered just yet…

So, I’m living with this huge splash of color in my living room and learning that I really can live with it!

And now I have a lovely spot to faint, should I need it.

That’s it for me for this week. It’s been a busy one with a last minute staging job thrown in, so more on that next week…




For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com

smart tiles

A friend of mine told me about this product -- self adhesive wall tiles. I did some digging and it’s actually a new product from a new Canadian company called Smart Tiles (www.smarttiles.com).

Based in Quebec, the only place you can get your hands on these in Canada is at Home Depot. I found them in the Home Depot in Dartmouth Crossing…in the wall paper section, tucked away in a small rack near the end of one of the isles.

You really have to see and feel these to be a believer. (Thanks for the tip, smarty pants...I like the way your decorating mind thinks!)
















Here’s the write up from the brochure…

“This revolutionary, innovative and unique concept of self-adhesive Smart Tiles enables you to decorate your walls with a daring touch of novelty and extravagance. Available in a variety of different collections, Smart Tiles sets itself apart mainly because if it’s MOSAIK line. This line looks so real as it is often mistaken for the conventional glass tile. It’s made with our 3D GEL technology that is self-adhesive, flexible, durable and trouble free. No additional glue or special tools required, Smart Tiles adhere to any clean and sleek surface…”
















Although I haven’t used this product yet, but I plan to the first chance I get. It’s an impressive product. Perfect if you are trying to do something quick and easy to add a whole lot of polish to a kitchen. Or if you can quickly cover up that hideous, dated tile the homeowner just had to have because it was the trend a number of years ago and are now stuck with. Imagine the benefits that would have in staging a property!

Also imagine adding this product to your own home…instant backsplash in a kitchen, laundry room or bathroom. How about in your little nook with barstools?

Perfect for decorating for renters, too. Enjoy them in your space now, and take them with you when you go. Lots of creative options here!

It’s not cheap. In fact, it could get pricey if you are thinking about tackling a large area. But it’s a heck of a lot cheaper and easier than buying the glass tiles, learning to (or hiring someone to) install and grout them. Scissors and a little patience will get the job done on your own.

For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com

cool "must have" accessory!

I was at a party last weekend and the host had one of these…a cool bar cocktail table.

It’s a side table and cooler all in one. And it’s perfect for outdoor entertaining!

The Cool Bar is a tasteful accessory to any summer party. This petite piece of furniture serves as a side table but also doubles as a cooler to keep your drinks cool on those hot summer days.

When the night rolls in and you want to add a touch of class to the evening, just raise the top and you have a cute cocktail table to gather around and chat the night away.

Easy to assemble and easy to clean, the Cool Bar is a must have for any party.

Features:

• Doubles as a side table or cocktail table
• Easy to assemble
• Ice compartment to keep drinks cool
• Easy to clean with hose or damp cloth
• Beige and brown to match patio sets and wicker
• Treated for outdoor use

Oh yeah…and it came from Costco. The online price is listed as $79.99, but I have it on good authority that it’s more like $50 in the store. Five star review.

Go immediately to pick one up. They sold out last year…fast!



For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com

living room transformed

I wanted to share a wonderful update with you.

A recent rouge client came to us for an assessment and recommendations on how to update her living room. You can check out the March 6th blog called “living room need a boost?” to refresh your memory!

I’m thrilled to report that the transformation is almost complete. The client took all of our suggestions and did a fabulous job of implementing them! Just a few finishing touches left to go and the room will be complete.

Here are some before pics:

And now, here's what the transformed living room looks like:

How's that for an update?!? Thanks for sending in the pictures...

We sure hope you enjoy your new living room as much as we do!

For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com