Made By Girl Interior Design Contributor

This certainly has been an exciting week for me.
First and foremost, I have been selected to be a

MADE BY GIRL 

INTERIOR DESIGN CONTRIBUTOR!!!

Yep, that's right. I'm THAT Brooke Jones.

It's a huge honor and I couldn't be more thrilled.  I will keep you up to date on my first post!

Second, I had a fun last minute photo session with my UBER talented sister, Brittany.

Here are a few of my favorites:

See what I mean? Seriously talented.

Check out more of her stunning photography at

A Little of This, A Little of That.

And a quick final note, I was FINALLY diagnosed with my mystery disease.

Drum roll please....

I have....

HASHIMOTO DISEASE!!!!

Weird, right?  At least it's a disease that is fun to say.

I am still in the throws of figuring out what this means but the doc basically said I will be

 gluten-free and pasteurized milk free the rest of my life. It could definitely be worse.

Off to go research gluten-free gravy recipes.

(How awful to be diagnosed the week before Thanksgiving!? That's just cruel.)

{Images by Jen Ramos via Made By Girl & Brittany Mangelson at A Little of This, A Little of That}

Design Inspiration: Autumn Colors

Images like this make me anxious for favorite season to get here already!  

Here's some design inspiration in 

AUTUMN COLORS 

for your home and wardrobe.

{images via Pinterest & Jayson Home}

Leopard Print Maxi Dress

Anyone know where I can find a

LEOPARD PRINT MAXI DRESS?

'Cause... I want one.

Bad.

{image via Stockholm Streetstyle}

Perfect Pair: Grey + Gold Details

Adore me some 

GREY AND GOLD DETAILS.  

Who said you can't mix warm and cool tones?

{images via Pinterest}

Yves Saint Laurent Print

 I have decided that this YSL PRINT vignette is from the home of...

... this fabulous women...

Wouldn't you agree?

{images via Pinterest}

70's Inspired Floppy Wool Hat

Over the weekend I gave one of my dearest friends a 

RETRO INSPIRED FLOPPY WOOL HAT 

for her birthday.  Now I think I want one, too.

When I say I may want one, I mean, I can't stop thinking about it and had second thoughts of keeping my friend's gift to myself. Not that I would do that...

Sorry for all the fashion posts lately-- this time of year gets my fall fashion blood bubbling.  

I promise beautiful interiors the rest of the week!

Well, maybe...

{images via Look Book & Club Monaco}

Fashion Essentials: Gingham Shirt

The Autumn bug has really started to kick in this week.  I know, I know, it's barely mid-August, but hey, some stores already have Christmas decorations out. Now THAT is crazy.  To get my Autumn fix in (without looking too out-of-season) I grabbed a new GINGHAM SHIRT this past week:

So I can style this top for now...

...or later...

Let's take a look at how other modern sophisticates styled their gingham for Summer:

...and for Fall...

Gorgeous gingham isn't just for fashion either.  Take a gander at these gingham interiors:

How would you incorporate gingham in your life??

{images via J Crew, Citizens of Humanity Jeans, Piperlime, Pinterest, The Day Book, Kendie Everyday & Apartment Therapy}

Fashion Essential: Chambray Shirt

Along with autumnal tones of orange, chambray is a fabulous way to transition your wardrobe into Fall.  I am anxiously awaiting for a shirt similar to this:

to come back from the tailor's (*hint* when shopping clearance, don't ignore the petite section.  My lovely sister-in-law taught me to buy one size up and the fit should be closer to average sizes.  My shirt was a little too boxy for my taste, but $7+$20 for alterations, makes this org. $70 shirt a STEAL!). 

As I'm patiently waiting (well, maybe not so patiently...), I have been perusing the net for outfit inspirations.  Here are some looks you can wear now:

(apparently I like chambray with white jeans)

...or later:

I never thought I would appreciate the "cowboy tuxedo" (a.k.a. denim shirt with denim pants), but when done right, it's tres chic!  The key to pulling the look off  is to make sure the washes are completely different.  I have a hankerin' my chambray shirt may make multiple appearances over the next few months!

{images via The Day Book, Pinterest, Boden & J Crew}

Combat Fashion: Military-Inspired Trend

Elle Spain
(This is what I'll be wearing next time I fly.)

What would be better to follow a post about military-inspired furniture than military-inspired fashion?  This trend is EVERYWHERE right now and I can see why. It's functional, comfortable, and so gosh-darn good-looking!

H&M Fall 2010
(I wish I could 'Bardot' my hair like that.  Note to self: grow thicker hair.)

H&M Fall 2010

Dior Pre-Fall 2010

Dior Pre-Fall 2010
(I DIE over this tweed number.  Do you think I could pull off those fur cuffs in real life?)

Dior Pre-Fall 2010
(The modern-day Rosie the Riveter, don't you think?)

Dior Pre-Fall 2010

NY Times Nov. 2009
(I didn't forget the men. Grrr...)

 The perfect compliment to this look is a great leather boot.  Anyone who knows me knows I like boots.  A lot. OK, I love boots. Maybe I'm obsessed.  OK, fine. My name is Brooke and I am a boot-aholic.

NY Times Nov. 2009
(The PERFECT boot.  I may have to get a pair custom made because I can't find these anywhere.  One day...)

Ann Taylor Peter Over-The-Knee Riding Boot
(I bought of pair similar to these last year and I would sleep in them if my husband would let me.)

BCBGeneration Adrice Boot

Piperlime Riding Boot
(The second most perfect boot)

Tory Burch Donovan Riding Boot

 To get this look, go for army inspired colors like olive, camel, and chocolate.  Look for skinny cargoes, capes, double breasted jackets, berets, sherling accents, and leather. Lots-o-leather.

Source Unknown

Source Unkown
(I know I should know this source.  If you know it, please let me know!)

Aryn K Military Jacket via piperlime.com

As with campaign furniture, this look has been around forever, so sometimes you can score a deal at second-hand stores.  My friend found a pair of vintage leather boots that lace up the back for around $10 a month or two back.  If they were in my size I would have stolen them by now.  Not that I approve of such behavior..