Lights, Camera – Oscars…at Home: Tips on How to Throw a Viewing Party!

Posted on February 25, 2017 by cortneybailey

Who’s attending one of the most glamorous nights in Hollywood, The Oscars … from your living room?!? Me!!! I am going to give you tips on “how to” throw a SIMPLE & EASY viewing party right from your home, but first let me rewind …

Cortney Bailey

For almost a decade I reported LIVE from the Red Carpet at one of the hottest Academy Award pre show parties and after show parties held at the famous Beverly Hills Hotel. It was exciting and I learned how to throw a stylish celebrity filled event! Guests, PR agents, Celebs and TV hosts, like myself, were dressed in gorgeous formal attire, sipped champagne and whispered “who” had their vote – off camera of course!

photo courtesy of rakuten

I don’t know about you but unless I am actually at the Dolby Theatre, the venue of the Academy Awards, or attending one of the parties I mentioned above I do NOT want to dress up in formal attire, especially in my own living room! I want to be comfy and I would imagine your friends and family do too … trust me the guys will thank you! To keep the evening festive but relaxed I would recommend everyone come dressed casual in black, white, silver or gold. Let’s be real, these colors will make your photos of the evening super cute as well. Personally, this means my trendy joggers will be making an appearance with a stylish off-the-shoulder gold or silver top.

Now what to sip and snack on? Since the celebrities have more-than-likely been cleansing weeks before the BIG NIGHT, why not start your guests off with shots of green juice? I have a juicer and love to juice fresh veggies and fruit but you can always buy green juice from your local grocery store and pre fill shot glasses or juice glasses with the concoction. Next, what is an Oscar party without bubbles? Champagne or prosecco will be perfect. To add a little glam, rim your champagne glasses with edible gold glitter before you fill the glasses with the bubbly liquid. Even though it’s not “movie night” – popcorn is a must! Set out a “popcorn bar” – it’s easy to make and your guests can help themselves. I would suggest buying red and white striped popcorn boxes that can easily be filled with the corn. Place the pre-popped corn in a large bowl and add a scoop so your guests can easily fill their boxes. Last, set out various spices, candies and sauces to be mixed into the corn. Some examples are: truffle zest (Oprah’s favorite), salt, pepper, onion powder, M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, caramel, white chocolate and chocolate.

Oscar ballots are a fun way for you and your guests to keep track of the winners OR if you want to play a game by filling out a ballot before the show starts, Vanity Fair has made it easy by providing a printable version HERE. Many local bakeries will have Golden Oscar Statue cookies or cupcakes, which would make a great prize for the winner!

If you would like to spice up the festive décor in your home for Oscars night think white flower arrangements, balloons in the black, white, silver and gold color palette and for a pop of color add a “red carpet” table runner or red butcher paper under your popcorn bar and bubbles!

Who has YOUR Vote on Sunday? Do you have a creative idea for your Oscar’s party? Please DO SHARE as I’d LOVE to hear from you! I am always looking for new ideas!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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Galentine’s Gift Ideas for your Gal Pal!

Posted on January 31, 2017 by cortneybailey

Pop & Suki

All my Single Ladies, Gal Pals, BFFs, Sisterhoods, and Dreamers of L-O-V-E raise your hands! (Mine are raised!!) Shout out to girlfriends who cheer each other on, lean over and fix each other’s crowns when they slip, cry with, pray for and lift each other up. No mater if you are a Carrie Bradshaw endlessly looking for your “Mr. Big” or a Southern debutante who was blessed to find your significant other at age 19, this post is for YOU! If you have the characteristics listed above then cheers, high-five and a BIG HUG to you. We are here to love our fellow females & encourage each other, not to gossip and tear one another down. I have been so blessed to surround myself with STRONG and LOVING women who thrive on each others success. With that said, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner I want to honor you ladies! Why, because YOU ARE LOVED! If you are spending V-Day with your gal pal(s), here are a few gift ideas to make your friend(s) feel special!

1: Pop & Suki Bag (You and your BFF can have “matching” bags!) | 2: Mackenzie-Childs Heart Bowl (Add a little glam to your gal pal’s kitchen!) | 3: Buxom Lip Gloss (I love these glosses – they give you a plumper pout!) | 4: Heart Bottle Stopper (This stopper would be perfectly paired with a bottle of bubbles!) | 5: Le Creuset Heart Casserole (Ideal for the foodie in your life!) | 6: Le Creuset Heart Ramekin (Another cute option for the cook’s kitchen!) | 7: Jumbo Heart Pool Float (Turn up the heat in the pool and take winter, February swim!) | 8: Faux-Fur Pom Sneaker (I have these in Pink!)

As ALWAYS, I’d LOVE to hear from you! Let me know how AMAZING your gal pals are. What are y’all doing for Galentine’s day? Do you have a fabulous gift idea … update me!!!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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Go Green or Go Home: Greenery, Color of the Year!

Posted on January 24, 2017 by cortneybailey

Pantone’s COLOR OF THE YEAR, 2017: GREENERY

Viceroy Hotel / Santa Monica

Pantone states, “A refreshing and revitalizing shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings … A life-affirming shade … the pursuit of personal passions and vitality.”

I LOVE the color green! It’s a calming color yet it’s powerful. As many of you know I like to bring a little of the outdoors inside and the color Green easily allows me to do so! The Viceroy Hotel Santa Monica‘s lobby has always made me ultra happy. Kelly Wearstler, the designer of the interior of the hotel, was able to capture the “Modern Colonialism” by using strong pops of color, especially – GREEN! Here are some additional examples of using Greenery in your home, office or boutique’s space, inspired by the Viceroy.

If you want to add pops of green to your home but do not want to commit to recovering chairs or retiling an entire bath consider adding throw pillows in a green print to your space. Here are two examples and I actually own the malachite pillows! Shop options HERE.

etsy

Greenery is an adorable option to add color or a theme to your kitchen! Le Creuset Cookware & Bakeware offer abundant color options including green or “palm”! Because the color is so vibrant, leaving a piece or two sitting out in your kitchen looks stylish and adds instant personality to your cooking space. Shop options HERE.

Le Creuset

Green is not just for the home, hit the streets or relax by the pool feeling powerful in a shade of green that best fits your skin tone and personality. Trina Turk never disappoints. Here are some beautiful green options she has designed. You can wear a bold green and stand out or wear a small sliver of green mixed with other colors but either way you can walk in confidence knowing your are classically on trend! Shop the looks here: Green Plaid Coat, Green Dress & One Piece Swim Suite with pops of Green.

Trina Turk / Amazon

I’d LOVE to hear from you! Let me know what ideas or styles you have found in green – I’m ALWAYS looking for new inspiration!!!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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Dallas Real Estate Agent for Real Housewives: Cortney Bailey

Posted on June 26, 2016 by cortneybailey

As many of you know I am a licensed Real Estate agent. My clients Tiffany, cast member of Bravo TV‘s Real Housewives of Dallas, and Husband, Aaron Hendra wanted to document their Dallas home search for the show. I was thrilled when they asked me to be apart of the filming. We had so much fun during the process. Tiffany & Aaron are such kind and generous people – I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with them. If you missed the two episodes I was featured in watch the video below to catch me in action, doing what I do best: Making Dallas (DFW metroplex – including Plano!) a more beautiful place to live, one home at a time!

I’d love to hear from you! If you have a Real Estate question feel free to contact me at CortneyBailey.com or leave me a comment below. It would be my pleasure to help you Buy, Sell or Lease your next property!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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How To Style a Bar Cart 3 Ways: Bed, Bath & Bar + New Video!

Posted on February 23, 2016 by cortneybailey

I love to use home furniture in a nontraditional way aka “Thinking Outside the Box!” The Bar Cart is a piece of furniture that can be used a dozen ways besides in the bar. I am going to show you three ways to style a bar cart … two ways that are outside the box and the third is the traditional style. Watch my webisode, above, to get more details!

BED

The first nontraditional way to style a bar cart is in the bedroom as a bedside table. Your bedside table essentials may be different than mine so you will have to style your cart with what makes you most happy at night. Here are my must haves:

Beautiful lamp that is to scale with the cart
Bottle of water
Stack of books, journal & magazines
Framed photo
Candle for relaxing and ambience
Flowers (faux or real) to add that feel of nature + a pop of color
Cozy Blankets/Throws

BATH

The second nontraditional way to style a bar cart is in the bathroom. This is a creative way to add a spa-like feeling to your bathroom. Again, you will have to style your bathroom cart with what makes you feel luxurious. Here are the items that make me feel pampered!

Large Container of Bath Salts (I love to use Epsom Salt!)
Luxury Soaps or Bath Gel
Body Butter or Lotion
Your Favorite Perfume or Scent
Whimsical Item (I love my giant faux gold perfume bottle!)
Crisp & Fluffy White Towels
Book or magazines
Relaxing Candle
Body Loofah
Flowers (faux or real) to add that feel of nature + a pop of color

BAR

The third way to style the bar cart is what the cart was designed for … The Bar! When styling your bar car you will need to keep in mind who you are entertaining. The bar cart in the photo above and in my wedisode was styled for a “Girls Night Out.” However, if you are having a guys night, mixed company or a themed party you will want to add the appropriate alcohol, glassware and non-alcoholic drinks. Here are the items I used to make my “Girls Night Out” evening a hit! (Again my webisode will give you additional ideas!)

Alcohol: Vodka, Wine, Champagne/Sparkling Wine & Tequila (other ideas: Beer, Whiskey & Scotch)
Various Mixers
Glamorous Decanter
Paper Straws (these adorable accessories come in all colors & patterns)
Glassware: Martini glasses, Champagne flutes, Wine glasses (Tumblers will need to be used for additional alcoholic drinks + cocktails.)
Flowers (faux or real) to add that feel of nature + a pop of color
Non-alcohol: Sparkling water, Still water, Soda, Fizzy juice etc…
Beautiful Ice Bucket
Shaker & Jigger
Bottle Opener
Bowl of Limes (or Lemons)
Cocktail Book
Wooden wine box to give height
Cocktail napkins

Shop a few ideas here:

Bar Cart: Click HERE

Spa-like White Towels: Click HERE

Cozy Throw/Blanket: Click HERE

Champagne Stemless Flutes: Click HERE

I’d LOVE to hear from YOU! How do you like to style your bar cart? I’m always looking for new ideas! Leave me a note below or send me a photo (see social media below)!!!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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Dorm Sweet Dorm!

Posted on August 21, 2015 by cortneybailey

Preparing to go off to college is exciting, but it can be a little overwhelming! More-than-likely you will be living in a small space, aka a dorm room, for the next nine months and to top it off you will probably be sharing it with a roommate. Being organized in a small space is key. Most universities will provide a floor plan with measurements to help you map out your space.

If you are going to have a roommate you may consider coordinating your bedding. This does not mean the bedding must be “matchy, matchy,” however picking a color palate will help your new small space not feel cluttered. For example, if your personality is more on the sporty side and your new roommate has expressed they are more fashion oriented and like soft colors, you could choose the color palate of navy and peach.

Ideas For the Gals!

Ideas for the Guys!

Once you have settled on a color palate I would first choose your bedding, as your bed will be the focal point of your small space. Next, stock up on storage bins and other organizational items. Putting you bed on risers will allow you to slide extra large storage trunks under your bed since your closet will probably be smaller than you are accustom to. Extra lighting is always a great idea as most dorm rooms only provide basic lighting. A throw blanket, shower caddy, towels and a laundry hamper are just a few other items you will need. Don’t forget to bring personal items like photos, keepsakes, electronics and anything else that makes your new space feel like home!

Storage Ideas, Essentials & Other Must Haves to Make You Feel at Home in Your Dorm!

Bed Risers Will Allow You to Add Extra Storage Under the Bed!

A Shower Caddy Helps You Carry All of Your Essentials to the Bath!

Under the Bed Storage Boxes will Help You Store Your Wardrobe Overflow.

Instead of Dozens of Frames Consider Displaying Photos of Your Life on this Adorable Photo Wall “Clothing Line”!

Store All of Your Daily Essentials Inside this Space Saver Over-the-Door Cabinet.

Adding Extra Light to Your Dorm Room is a Must – No Studying or Getting Ready to “Go Out” in the Dark!

Don’t Forget to Incorporate a Punch of Your Personality into Your Space. These Light-up Letters Will Add a Pop of Whimsy to Your Space!

Cozy up in your Home Away from Home with a Throw Blanket. You will be Happy You Have an Extra Blanket if You Attend a School where Temperatures Plummet.

(All Dorm Room Ideas & Photos are Provided by PB Teen, Dormify, Bed Bath & Beyond)

I would love to hear from you! Update me on your ideas … how are you planning on organizing your Dorm Sweet Dorm?

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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Hello Kate!

Posted on August 10, 2015 by cortneybailey

Have you ever wanted to Say Hello to Kate Spade? Well now you can at Bed Bath & Beyond and everyday in your own home! Her colorful and spirited designs can add whimsical curiosity to anyone’s wonderland without breaking the bank! You can literally let Kate take over an entire room or allow her to wave shyly from a corner.

Kate Spade’s collection at Bed Bath & Beyond is endless as the choices go on and on and on. Visit the store or go on-line to view the full collection. I am featuring a few of my favorite pieces, however I literally had to cut a few items out as the majority of Kate’s collection is simply adorable!

For the Bedroom or Dorm Room + Accent Pillows for Every room

These accent pillows and colorful bedding will add a statement in any bedroom. Looking for the perfect comforter set for your dorm room? Kate Spade’s various collections is a perfect fit to make your room stand out! Also, think outside the box and consider tossing the accent pillows around in different rooms of your home! TIP: Most of Kate’s bedding comes in more-than-one color.

Hello Oblong Throw Pillow in Multi, Bow Tile Duvet Cover Set, Vase Square Throw Pillow in Multi, Harbour Stripe Comforter Set, Ampersand Square Throw Pillow in Black

For the Table & Kitchen

Add some personality to your next dinner party with pieces from Kate’s collection, I guarantee they will be a conversation starter!

Larabee Road Platinum Place setting, “Eat Cake For Breakfast” Placemat in Hot Pink, Mine & Yours Double Old Fashioned Glasses, Two of a Kind “Outs” Decanter, Willow Court Tablecloth, Fairmount Park Salt and Pepper Shakers, Two of a Kind Bar, Diner Stripe Kitchen Linens, Malmo Rose Gold Flatware

For that Special Person, Give a Gift

Looking for that perfect gift? Look no further! No matter if you are searching for a wedding gift, hostess gift or something general, Kate’s collection provides several options that should put a smile on the receiver’s face!

Silver Street Coaster Set, Garden Drive Jewelry Box, Daisy Place Eyeglass Case, Silver Street Key Ring, Posy Court Small Heart Dish in Blush, Woodland Park Owl Vases

Tip!!! Don’t forget your 20% off coupon from Bed Bath & Beyond when you go shopping!

Bed Bath and Beyond Coupon

I would love to hear from you! Update me on your ideas … what are your favorite pieces from Kate Spade’s collection and how will you incorporate them in your wonderland?

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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Fringe-tastic!

Posted on July 25, 2015 by cortneybailey

Fringe & Tassels – everywhere you go over the last year that’s all you see on the streets and inside boutiques! It is the fashion statement that is on trend now! From skirts & shoes to jackets & purses to necklaces & earrings, fringe and tassels have officially taken over.

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Becky Suede Fringe Sandal, Rachel Zoe Long Tassel Necklace, Prada Fringe Twin Pocket Tote Bag

It’s time to take this latest craze off the runway and effortlessly incorporate it into any room of your home! If your vibe is boho or ultra glamour you can easily mix fringe or tassels into your environment. If you just want a glimpse of tassels peeking from the corners of your pillows or a giant sparkle chandelier in your entry, there are literally endless ways to walk this statement off the pages of Vogue and into your home!

Like I said – the options are endless! Take a look at all the examples I have found for your wonderland – swooning now!!!

Glamour Chandeliers

Fringe Chandelier Image: Bonn nuit darling, Anderson’s Silver Fringe Chandelier, 1stdibs Art Deco Glass Fringe

Tassel & Fringe Pillows

Brown Suede Fringe Pillow, Hot Pink Tassel Pillow Etsy, Cream & Black Fringe Pillow PB Teen, Beaded Fringe Pillow by Donna Karan

Swinging Fringe Seating

Laura Kirar for McGuire Furniture, Velvet chair by Kelly Hoppen, Stool PB Teen, Armless Chairs Gamma International

Tassel Furniture

Carlton Varney Tassel Side Table, Justedits Tassel Lamp, Will Merrill for Currey & Co. – Console Table, 1stdibs Italian Rope & Tassel Bar Cart

More Fringe & Tassel Ideas

Bed from The Parker Palm Springs, Fringe Bed by Missoni Home, Leather Fringe Rug Amazon.com, Wall & Window hanging Urban Outfitters

I would love to hear from you! Update me on your ideas to add a little or a lot of fantastic fringe or tassels to your wonderland!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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Let’s Go to the Movies, Inside OUT!!!

Posted on July 16, 2015 by cortneybailey

One of the best things about summer is its nights! They are longer, carefree and in many cities the nights are warmer. Even though summer is half way over, there is still so much fun to be had! It’s time to have some intimate & creative family time or go crazy and invite the neighborhood over for “old fashion” becomes modern outdoor movie night!

Like any “event” there is a high & low way to produce it. I’ll show you how to create your perfect home outdoor movie night – no matter what your budget may be.

How to watch:

Obviously, you will need the tools to watch your movie.

If you have a larger budget you may consider contacting an audio/visual company that will provide the set up and break down of an oversized screen, projector and sound system. Some companies even provide outdoor seating for your backyard event at an additional cost. Since outdoor movie watching is becoming more of a trend, if you live in a large city like Dallas or Los Angeles, finding a rental company is pretty simple … just Google “outdoor movie night rental” and you will find a list of options.

If you plan on having multiple movie nights on a regular basis you might consider purchasing your own oversized outdoor media screen and equipment. Large box companies like Target will have a selection.

If your budget is small, you love a good DYI project or really want to capture an “old fashion” outdoor movie night, then you can easily build your own screen. You can either affix a large crisp white sheet (yes, if its wrinkled grab your iron … it will only take a few minutes to improve your movie experience) to the side of your home or staple the sheet to two plywood studs, fill two large buckets with rocks and wedge the ends of the studs into the buckets or wedge them into the ground. If you are on a tight budget you may consider renting a projector from your local library or you may choose to shop out the best-priced projector for future use.

How to stay comfortable:

If you own outdoor lawn or beach chairs that sit low to the ground or beanbag chairs, scatter them around your lawn for the ultimate comfy experience. If you do not own these and do not wish purchase them then go for the “old fashion” route and pull out bundles of blankets, beach towels and pillows for a great lounge feel.

Depending on what part of the country you live, make sure your backyard is clear of ants and provide bug spray or set out bug away candles so that you, your family or friends do not suffer with bites. Also, if you live in the South you probably get to enjoy warm summer nights, however those of you on the coasts usually have a dip in the temperature as night falls, so make sure you set out extra sweatshirts or tell you friends to not forget theirs!

How to eat & stay merry:

The sky is really the limit on what you want to eat at your backyard movie night! A backyard BBQ before the sun sets always adds a festive atmosphere to your event! Some ideas are good old fashion burgers, grilled chicken and hotdogs – the majority of people love being able to “build their own bun” and pick their sides. If you are going BIG consider hiring a food truck like In & Out or Mr. Hamburger to cater your night, however if there is an expert griller in the family or between friends why not DYI and cook at home!?! If you are waiting for your flick to start think about playing movie trivia beforehand.

Next, don’t forget the beverages. Soda is always an option but if you do not intend to be up until the wee hours of the night you might opt for other ideas such as muddled drinks – think mint infused lemonade – vodka optional! If you have kiddos in attendance and you also want to serve “adult beverages” consider having drink stations, one for the kids and one for the adults that way there is no confusion!

Now for the fun part! Who can have movie night in their backyard without some delicious candy and popcorn? If you are having a large group to your movie night, a candy & popcorn bar is always fun to set up. This allows each guest to pick out their favorite sweets & corn, plus it’s an adorable touch for the night. If you are having a small group and know what sweets everyone likes, having it on hand will just make them feel special and you can pop your own corn and provide each person with their own bowl or bag!

I hope this helps you create an amazing outdoor movie night at your home! I would love to hear from you! Tell me some of your ideas for movie night and what do you plan on watching?

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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Fancy Floats for Every Pool!

Posted on July 1, 2015 by cortneybailey

Summer is well under way but there is still plenty of time to make a SPLASH! If you want to add a little more Ta-Da to your backyard think about enhancing your pool-time with one of these adorable floats. Having a pool party? These amazing floating characters will definitely be a conversation starter, not-to-mention a fun accessory for photo ops! I guarantee family and friends of all ages will love these fabulous finds while they cool off, plus they are a great and practical way to update your backyard during the hot season!

Play it cool and don’t sweat it! These floats can easily be ordered on line at either Nordstroms or Urban Outfitters!

I’d love to hear from you! What’s your favorite way to stay cool this summer?

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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photo courtesy of rakuten

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Pop & Suki

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Pantone’s COLOR OF THE YEAR, 2017: GREENERY

Viceroy Hotel / Santa Monica

etsy

Le Creuset

Trina Turk / Amazon

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