Better After

Zig Left, Zag Right

Let me again share my love of chevron. I’m just a big fan. It’s graphic and bold, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. True, it is everywhere these days, but if you feel like it’s been played out, just call it something else and no one will be the wiser! Try “zig-zag,” or “herringbone,” or my favorite, which my mom said when she saw a chevron wall-hanging I made … “I like that tire-track thing!”

This one is from Amy at BiblioMOMia, who says “Oh yeah. That’s duct tape on an Eames Shell Chair. The style purists would probably kill me, but I’m SO EXCITED!”

And even if you are sick to death of the chevron craze, you have to admit that it is so much stinking better than this fields-of-golden-wheat-inspired fabric. From Shelley at Custom Slipcovers by Shelly. She always does such a fabulous job.

Thanks ladies!

November 7, 2011 By Lindsey @ Better After

18 In miscellaneous

Keeping it Cool

This one is a little tricky. You might have to look closely to see what has been changed here, but once you do, you will say “Dang! That DOES look better after!” It took me a while to see it, but that could be because of my Monday morning brain, which isn’t fully functional until about Wednesday afternoon. Seriously, if you know of some all-natural remedy for sluggishness, hit me with it. And don’t say early-morning running. Nothing makes me want to get out of bed less.

From Holly at Adventures of an Almost 40-year-old Intern.

November 7, 2011 By Lindsey @ Better After

13 In Uncategorized

Sponsor Review: Shabby Apple

Unless you’ve been living under a very unfashionable rock, you’ve heard of the hotness that is Shabby Apple. Their mission is simple: to make women feel feminine and beautiful for what they wear, not what
they bare. I dig.

They recently asked me if I’d like to review their canvas-bow skirt. Being a skirt-lovin’ gal, how could I say no? So with great anticipation I awaited its arrival in the mail. When it came, I do believe I opened it right there in front of the neighborhood mailbox, I was so excited!

And then, huge bummer. It didn’t fit. Not even close! When they say their sizes “run generous” they are not making it up. But the return process couldn’t have been easier, I simply printed off a return form from their website, dropped it in the mail and awaited my new, better-fitting skirt!

And then, another bummer. I got an email from Shabby Apple headquarters informing me that sadly, they were out of the color I wanted. (I was trying to be brave and step outside my box of blacks and grays, and the skirt I had chose was navy. Crazy risk-taker, that’s me.) Well, they were fresh out of navy in the smaller size. Would I be happy with black instead? You know it.

It arrived quickly, fit great, and the whole ordeal really wasn’t a hassle at all. And I wore it to church and got about 1,500 compliments. That might be a slight exaggeration, but that’s what it felt like; people loved it! I love it too!

Here’s some more Shabby Apple goodness that I wouldn’t mind finding under my tree this year.

Clockwise from top left: white tulle skirt, pewter lace, joyride, pin-tucked neutral

Cute baby stuff too!

And maternity, and accessories, and more!

If you like what you see, you can get

10% off with the code betterafter10off

at checkout!

Thanks Shabby Apple!
Check them out on Facebook too!

November 5, 2011 By Lindsey @ Better After

9 In office

Just a Formality

Ahh, yet another formal dining room has meets its demise! I don’t hate formal dining rooms, nor formal dining, (not that I know what that is, does mac n’ cheese in a plastic IKEA bowl count?) But I do have a problem with non-functionality. A room that’s only used once or twice a year = waste of space!

Crystal from The Weekend Homeaker felt the same way, and said farewell to her fancy dining room in favor of a sleek home office. I know I would use this a heck of a lot more. Probably several times a day. Facebook isn’t going to check itself!

November 4, 2011 By Lindsey @ Better After

20 In tables/dressers

Get Jacked

The Union Jack is a hot little trend in home decor these days. If you’ve been dying to incorporate it into a makeover but worry that the trend won’t last, don’t fret! Do it anyway! If you like it, you like it. And plus, it’s been around since 1801. I don’t think it’s going anywhere soon.

Here’s McKelle’s take from In De-Stress Mode.

And Lana from Mz Cellaneous Jacked up this $5 dresser. High fives to both ladies for getting the design correct too! As you can see, it’s not exactly symmetrical. Wikipedia has a really helpful diagram that explains how to make the lines perfectly, right HERE.

And of course, one of the first makeovers that started it all, by Miss Mustard Seed.

Trendy or not, this will always be just a great, classic design. Here are some flags that probably won’t be catching on anytime soon:

Antwerp

Benin Empire (won’t be vacationing there ever)

Libya (more like Lib-yawn)

Sicily (the stuff of nightmares)

November 4, 2011 By Lindsey @ Better After

7 In kitchen/dining/ tables/dressers

Up to Bat-ten

I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of white paint. Nothing does a better job of cleaning up and classing up tired furniture and blah decor than a good ol’ dose of white. Doesn’t Sarah’s dining set look so much better now, especially against the board and batten treatment? Yes, yes it does.

I also love the fun chevron curtains. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of chevron print either. Ok, maybe not. It is rather ubiquitous. But I’m hopelessly devoted for now!

See more on Sarah’s blog La La Land. Thanks Sarah!