happy halloween favorites

image via 

why hello there, dahhhlings!!!

happy, happy halloween :)

i don't know how all of you feel about this holiday,

but it is definitely one of my favorites! 

i have seen a lot of amazing halloween inspiration around the blogosphere 

in the last few weeks and thought that i would share my favorites with you.

enjoy!

favorite party:

you all know how much i LOVE a fabulous party!!!

well, these two chickies nailed it -

megan & colleen put together the most incredibly, amazing halloween party last weekend!!!

{harry potter themed & all!}

these girls have talent! check it out over at two delighted!!!

*there are two parts, so make sure to check out both :)

oh! & they even pieced together a pretty awesome halloween soundtrack!!!

favorite pumpkins:

erika's diy "edgy chic" pumpkins absolutely rose to the top of my favorite pumpkins list!!!

if you haven't yet seen them, you MUST check them out over at small shop!

favorite costumes:

 there were two versions of holly golightly that i just loved...

anna made the most adorable 'casual' holly...she even made that cute little sleep mask & ear tassels...

& her husband was fred! stop by in honor of design to take a peek!

then, i caught sam's 'classic' holly...

you know the one - black dress, pearls, the up-do

on instagram...she made the most gorgeous blonde holly...perfection!

she has not posted photos on her blog, the peak of trés chic, yet...

but you should definitely check out her beautiful blog, regardless ;)

pssst! in case you missed it...i posted our costumes here!

did you celebrate this past weekend?

or are you doing any celebrating today?

have a spooky, creepy crawly kind of day!!!

happy halloween :)

XO

brynn

p.s. today is the LAST day to enter my giveaway... 

entry rules are simple...so get them in before the clock strikes midnight!!!

good luck!

much love to the east coast

Photo By EDUARDO MUNOZ/REUTERS

just sending a quick note to all of those affected by sandy...

my jaw permanently dropped as i flipped through photos online.

i am giving all of my love to my friends and loved ones on the east coast.

my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

i hope that the darkness lifts soon.

XOXOXO

brynn

life is like a box of chocolates

happy monday all!!!

and happy halloween week!

my husband & i celebrated on saturday...

we started out at our friends' place & then hopped over to a big halloween party

that my hair stylist throws every year...

it's a big one, with entertainers like fire dancers, belly dancers, burlesque & more!

we had an amazing time!!! she definitely knows how to throw a party!

so, we have been talking for YEARS about dressing up as forrest & jennayyy...

and this halloween we FINALLY did!

we got all creative - dan painted his shoes with the red & blue, gathered all the important details - a curious george book, a bubba gump hat & a ping pong paddle, which he tucked all away into his vintage suitcase...

& of course! a box of chocolates!

i painted my shoes gold & made my top...

since i was 70s disco, suicidal jenny, i decided to put a little extra powder on my nose ;)

** true to form - forrest always had his eyes closed in photos**

i just love halloween!!!

did you dress up? if so, what were you???

have a lovely day! 

XO

brynn

p.s. did you enter this giveaway, yet??!!! it closes end of day, wedneday 10/31!

how i get inspired...& a GIVEAWAY!!!

when i set out into craft mode, i often don't have a plan in mind of what i want to make...

so i keep a surplus of supplies around and whenever i get the inspired bug,

i pull the supplies out, set them in front of me & see what comes!

well, last weekend i was inspired like no other!

i did know that i would be making some new pillow cases for our living room,

but i also knew i wanted to create a new diy project...

in attempt to do a new how-to post for you all

{which i totally failed at the how-to part because i was losing daylight...sorry!}

i made this fun little pouch...

which i happen to think came out pretty rad!

{yes, i just used the word rad. haahaa!}

& because i love and appreciate all of my readers so much,

i thought that i might just love to give it away to one lucky person :)

this little golden pouch is the perfect size for you id, credit cards & even fits an iphone perfectly!

it opens at the top & i will be adding a snap so that it will safely contain your goods :)

so, how do you win this little golden pouch, you might be wondering?

it's simple, really!
2 steps:

1. you must follow chartreuse & a twist via GFC

2. leave a comment below letting me know what you would put in the pouch!

the giveaway will be open through the end of october...

the winner will be announced thursday, 11/1.

best of luck!

XO

brynn

soirée!: put on the glitz & pour me a drink!

{fire & ice martini / pomegranate & purple basil gin smash / st. germain cocktail}

my husband and i generally don't keep any liquor in our home...

we always have wine and champagne on hand, but have never really drank cocktails at home

not sure why, but i decided to change that!

especially because i love to entertain...

and every good hostess should always be able to offer a cocktail to her guests!

perhaps it is the influence of mad men & all those gorgeous bar carts i see out there,

but i just really like the idea of keeping a bar at home :) 

so, it's in the beginning stages!

i definitely think that a bar should always have a bit of a vintage feel to it...

so far, i have the adorable little vintage mini bar that my mom gave to me for my birthday!

but, i also wanted it to feel a little more updated,

so i decided to put on the glitz! by adding a sequin backdrop.

now, i just need to stock up on the goods!!!

& then i need to throw a cocktail party

typically i am a gin girl...

lately, though, i am really into st. germain cocktails & found some amazing recipes here!

do you have a favorite cocktail right now?

XO

brynn

for the love of the vikings

{horned girl // chair: via still inspiration // table: anna kern image via lovenordic design blog // kate}

well, hello gorgeous!!! 

i have been in a redecorating kind of mood lately

and i was on a roll last weekend! 

i had been on such a color high for so long

{enter the two year planning of our punchy colored wedding here}

that i thought that i wanted to introduce a plethora of color into our home...

well, that quickly ended post-wedding,

which is when i decided that i needed a nice long detox from color ;)

it started with my wardrobe, and then our home...

{enter my current redecorating phase here}

i knew the look & feel i was going for...

natural elements with a luxe & glam edge...

but it was my husband that narrowed it down to one look:

viking chic, he decidedly called it...

{he was quite proud in that moment!}

then, all of the pieces started to fall into place!

i made pillows of faux fur & gorgeous, textured glitz,

added some antlers, pottery & icelandic glass bookends that i scored at my local vintage mall...

all in a palette of cream, caramel & metallics...

icy, cozy, glamorous gorgeousness...

i am so excited to explore this new inspiration and see what will become of our home...

it shall be trés, trés viking chic ;) 

what do you think...

would you go viking?!

XO

brynn

monday, monday

hello lovely,

how are you today? did you enjoy your weekend?

i most certainly did! 

i had one of those really incredible weekends...

the kind that you wish could go on & on

those of you who follow me on instagram got to see quite a bit of what i was up to...

i went a little crazy, capturing nearly my entire saturday! 

i worked on lots of projects and had the most productive days!

however, it left me a little drained!

and now, i am dealing with a case of the mondays...

so, i'll leave you with this today...

but i can't wait to share much of what i was up to over the weekend 

with all of you throughout this week!!! 

i have some pretty good stuff coming up...

including a giveaway of a little something that i made this weekend :)

{look for that post soon!}

enjoy your day friends & i will see you all tomorrow!

XO

brynn

let's create!: mini sheet ghost lights

crafts are absolutely a fall favorite of mine...

fall is that time of year where you've settled down from the hustle & bustle of summer,

the weather is a little chillier & makes for indoor friendly activities

& all of the upcoming seasonal festivities inspire!

the sheet ghost is easily one of the oldest & most classic halloween costumes out there,

so i thought, let's shrink it down & light it up 

to make adorable little light garlands :)

this is the easiest, peasiest little project and will take you almost no time at all! 

put on charlie brown and the great pumpkin and by the time it's over, your little ghosts will be ready to hang & plug in!

ready?

let's create!

+ simple, lightweight cotton fabric, such as muslin, cut into 10"squares 

(# of squares depends on # of lights on your strand) // + scissors // + strand of white led lights - i used a strand of 25, but honestly think that 10 would be cutest for this project! (do not use non-led lights, as they could be a fire hazard with the material!)  // + twine

1. each square of fabric will cover one light - fold the fabric in half and place the fabric underneath

2. then fold into thirds, angling downward so that the top is more narrow (this will be the head)

and the bottom is handkerchiefed / jagged 

3. leave enough fabric at the top for a head and then tie just below at the 'neck' of the ghost
around the top of the light - knot it so that it is secure

4. pull and pucker the fabric at the head to open up enough to create a more rounded 'head' shape

repeat steps 1-4 for each light

5.hang your little ghosts, plug them in & watch them glow!

now don't you feel all festive for halloween :)

difficulty: easy breezy

time needed: approximately 30 minutes 

worth it?: yes! quick, easy & cute!

are you doing any crafting this fall?
i would love to know what you are up to :)

have a lovely day!!!
XO
brynn

soirée! {a fall fête}

 via

hello lovelies :)

today marks a new wednesday here on chartreuse & a twist...

where wednesdays will no longer be only dedicated to all types of festivities 

that require lovely decor & attention to detail!

simply titled 'soirée!', we'll party together here every wednesday!

so, to kick it off & follow along with this week's fall favorites theme...

i am inviting you to this fall fête... a brunch with good friends :)

a fall themed party - and brunch, at that! - is definitely a favorite of mine

& i hope to throw one of my own soon!!!

i'll set the table with a centerpiece mixed of organic, seasonal veggies 

& earthy toned place setting with a hint of lustre

extra trim should only be minimal...a little bit goes a long way

& a gorgeous fall wreath should do just the trick!

i think that brunch should always include both a sweet & a savory option...

like these apple cider pancakes & this goat cheese fritatta!

and to wash it all down, i would venture out from the traditional mimosa 

& go with this pomegranate champagne punch!

so, what do you say...are you in?!

XO

brynn

fall favorites: wardrobe

hello gorgeous!

this week, i am sharing a fall favorite of mine each day....

today is all about the fall wardrobe...

is there anything better??!!

with the leaves a changin' & that crisp fall feeling in the air,

all i want to do right now is shop my heart away!

fall truly is the best season for clothing!

the looks above do a pretty good job of summing up my fall wardrobe...

i am really turning to basic colors this season....just can't get enough!

{those of you reading my blog lately will have realized that!}

call me basic, but i'll never be boring ;)

look #1

my daytime essentials consist of sweaters, scarves & skinnies, 

topped with a wool overcoat & sassed up with an arm party of gorgeous bracelets 

& a pair of booties - the booties featured, to be exact!

for a subtle pop, i would infuse a berry toned clutch.

look #2

when out on a date with my husband or a night on the town with the girls, 

i would doll myself up in an embellished top {with just the right amount of bling},

a flirty skirt {now i am dying for a leather one!}, sassy heels, a fun clutch 

& lots of baubles {earrings, bracelet}

...and ALWAYS...

{whether day or night}

red, red lips! 

this shade happens to be one of my absolute favorites!

& if you are looking for an awesome lip stain in red...you MUST try this one!

i hope you are all having a very stylish tuesday ;)

XO

brynn

look up, look down...

hello, loves!!!

fall is setting the tone for this week's theme!

i hope you all are loving fall as much as i am...

& i am sorry if you don't!

i just can't get enough of it,

so i thought that i would share a week full of my fall favorites...

starting today with {simply} the foliage.

i feel so fortunate to live in a city where we get to experience the change of seasons...

the foliage is absolutely gorgeous this time of year & year after year, it never gets old!

i would love for you to play along with me & 

share what some of your fall favorites are throughout this week :)

have a fabulous day!

XO 

brynn

also, BONUS! this has nothing to do with fall - sorry! - but i just got news that our wedding is featured on our florist's blog today!!!!! check it out here!

and now on my photographer's blog here!!!

tech tips >>> vol.1

hello, loves!

happy friday!!!

i tend to get quite a few comments & e-mails on the graphic design elements of my posts

& have been asked if i am a graphic designer.

well, the answer is that i am not...

& i am extremely flattered that anyone would think so :)

i am actually a visual merchandiser by day. 

in this role, i have had to pick up some basic skills in primarily inDesign & a little bit in Photoshop.

over the years, i have basically self-taught my way through anything i have learned.

so, truth be told that i have absolutely no idea what i am doing half the time! i am just a wannabe ;)

i just run with what i think looks pretty & from that i have been able to create my own aesthetic.

the other question i get often is if i will share how to do the things i do...

well, this has always been something that scared me a little since i don't really have a formal education in the inDesign & Photoshop programs

but then i realized, who cares?! i would be happy to share any of the basics that i know & how i know how to do them...a quick disclaimer: there may be many quicker or other ways to do some of the actions, but this is just the way i have learned that works for me.

so, that means lucky you!

starting today, i am going to share some {maybe not so technical} how-to's in the tech world!

i hope to offer a new volume every couple of weeks or so!

if there is anything that you are dying to know, shout out!

send an e-mail my way @ chartreuseandatwist@gmail.com

i do apologize...i never want to alienate any of my readers,

however, this series does require the Adobe programs inDesign & Photoshop

{either on a mac or pc - either works!}

if you don't own these, i realize how pricey they are, 

but that cost is such an investment in the end 

if you are looking to improve the aesthetic of your posts & blog!

{one more quick disclaimer - i know that photoshop is the beloved choice of many,

but i truly do the majority of my work in the inDesign program 

with generally very little use of Photoshop}

1.

 

picking up color attributes:

this one is simple! & can be done the same way in each inDesign & Photoshop. i used inDesign here.

ever see those color posts out there with the perfectly matched color swatches

and wonder how they do that?

all that you need to do is choose the eyedropper from your toolbox

- click on the color you wish to pick up & voila!

when clicked on to a blank shape - like that circle - you can then use the dropper to pick up the color & it will directly fill the shape.

you also have an option of adding it to your color swatches - there is a drop-down menu on your color swatch box that will offer that option.

2.

color fill & transparency - creating a filter

{done in inDesign, haven't figured out how to do this in Photoshop - though i am sure it is possible}

one thing i like to do is use color filters over my images sometimes

so, now that you know how to pick up the colors you want, let's learn how to make them more transparent...again, this is super easy!

once you have your color and it is filled into a shape that you desire, 

simply choose the percentage drop down menu from the top menu bar & choose the percentage you desire - the lower the percentage the more transparent, the higher the percentage, the more opaque

place that filter over the image & voila! 

so, there you have it friends! 

a couple of quick, easy tools that can make a large impact!

i would love to know if this is helpful to you all...

and please do shout out if there is anything you are just itching to learn in these programs!

have a lovely weekend :)

XO

brynn

work in progress...

hello loves!

so, i started a new DIY project last weekend that i hoped 

to share a how-to for with you all today

...well, the project did not quite go accordingly...

not a total fail, but not quite ready for its www debut

BUT no worries...

i have a little something up my sleeve for you all

it is just taking a little extra time, so pop in tomorrow to check it out!

in the meantime, have a lovely day :)

& in the meantime, if you are looking for a DIY project and missed my last few,
i just added a page for all past projects - just click the 'let's create!' button in the left column! 

XO

brynn

WEDnesday : party in the buff

hello lovers!

last week we partied in all white...

this week let's add just a smidge of color.

keeping with the theme of the week,

this wedding color inspiration comes from my personal favorite neutral palette

of creamy caramels & latte browns...

the perfect fall palette!

i absolutely love these fabric invites with the white calligraphy.
this bridal party photo might just be one of the cutest i have seen!
i think this tablescape would be just perfect for the occasion.
details are key, & these leaf escort cards with white calligraphy are the perfect touch!
{& they even coordinate back to the invites!}
i just love a gorgeous cake bar!!!
salted caramel lollipops perfectly suit the palette & make the tastiest favors!

have a lovely day!

XO

brynn

seeing paris in creams & caramels

truthfully, this is just my dream...i'm not really jetting of to paris today...

but it is a nice thought, isn't it?!
i am so happy for my friend, alexa, who truly IS going to see paris in the fall!!!

so, let's pretend...
i'll be wearing that super chic ensemble
& staying at my apartment in montmartre
eating  devouring macarons {in the most lady like way, of course!}
& making one very large purchase...
of the most gorgeous chandelier i have ever layed eyes on!!!

have a lovely, dreamy day!

where are you in your mind today?

XO 

brynn

p.s. the lovely image of paris in the fall is via {this is glamorous}

monday kick off: shades of neutral

{pattern / palette / blankets / her / him / favorite place}

happy monday, loves :)

i am guessing it must be the change of the season...

i am definitely feeling drawn to neutrals

i want to fill my home & my closet with creams & tans galore!

also, please bear with me this week as i try something a little different

{i am all about spicing things up around here lately!}

for sometime now, i have been wanting to start each week with a theme...

whether it is a pattern or a season or a color scheme

{this week being neutrals}

monday would set the tone & then all posts following through the week 

would correlate back to the theme.

we'll see how it goes & if it will stick!

have a gorgeous day!!!

XO

brynn

let's create : mini pear stamp

 i was so inspired by fall last weekend, that you get a double dose of DIY fall goodness today :)

in case you missed the copper pumpkin DIY earlier, make sure to click here!

+ mini pears ~ or full size if you wish {apples would probably work as well} // + stamp pad // 

+ surface that you wish to stamp on 

{i made this simple pouch, but little bags like are generally available at craft stores}

this little project is so easy, breezy
& there is so much you can do with your little pear stamp...
i made this little pouch and simply stamped the pear onto it
& thought it would be adorable to just fill it with the mini pears
to give to friends as a simple & thoughtful fall token :)

so, are you ready to create your own?!

1. all you need to do is cut the fruit in half & remove the seeds
{you will want to use the half that still has the stem attached}

2. press the fruit, flesh side down, into the stamp pad ~ make sure it is evenly coated

3. stamp onto the surface you are working on, ensuring that you also press down the stem

that is it...see, so easy...you could even make this a project to do with the kiddos :)

*** a couple quick learnings ***

i originally tried to use acrylic paints for the pear stamp, but it just didn't pick up the texture like the ink pad...the end result was more like a big blob of paint...no bueno

also, i originally wanted to do this same project with figs...
i thought that ia litle fig stamp would be so adorable... with all the little seeds and all
well that was a major FAIL! i learned quickly that a fig is far too moist & gooey and every time i would try to stamp it, it would just turn out to be {again} a big blob :(
oh well...you win some & you lose some...
c'est la vie

have a lovely, lovely day!!!
XO
brynn

let's create : gilded pumpkins

difficulty: easy breezy

time needed: 1 to 2 hours 

worth it?: absolutely...the results are beautiful :)

are you in? 

let's create!

+ copper leaf sheets {or gold or silver, depending on your preference} // + gilding adhesive

+ sponge or brush for application of adhesive {choose the size that best suits the size of your surface space} // + pumpkins {of course :)}

*i purchased the copper leaf & adhesive from michaels ~ 

these supplies should be available at any arts & crafts store*

it's as easy as 1, 2, 3!!!

1. apply a thin layer of adhesive as desired to the pumpkin & let sit for 30-45 minutes, 

or until clear & tack

 ~ i went with the stripes, grooves, or more of an abstract application, 

depending on the pumpkin's characteristics

2. remove a gold leaf sheet from the booklet // tear into solid strips or crumble into smaller flakes, dependent upon the desired look 

{flakes will give more of a weathered, crackled effect, where flat strips will come out more clean}

3. once adhesive is clear & tacky, apply the leaf to the pumpkin and press to flatten until you are happy with the final product

{i just used my hands, which got a little messy ~ i had copper leafed fingers by the end ~ or you can use the wooden end of your sponge/brush to press the leaf flat}

ta da!!! now you have lovely gilded pumpkins!!!

in addition to copper-leafing, i also wanted to have a variation, so i decided to also make some 

two-toned mini pumpkins & some solid mini pumpkins...this project was even easy, breezier...

i just used mini white pumpkins, taped off half with blue painters tape & sprayed away with copper spray paint to make the two-toned ones and then fully doused a few of the minis with the copper spray paint as well...i even spray painted a couple leaves i found in the yard...

i went copper crazy!!! 

all & all, i was so happy with the end result!

now, i have a beautiful collection of copper detailed pumpkins :)

i love that while the look may not be natural at all, there is still something that feels organic about it!

how will you be decorating your pumpkins this year??!!

XO

brynn

p.s. today is double feature day!!! i have been feeling so inspired with fall projects lately, that i have a second fall diy project posting at noon (pst) today...so make sure to check back in then for some fun involving pears :)