Friday Favorites 16: Design Ideas, Fashion and Home Picks

Favorite home decor ideas, fashion tips, recipes, budget-friendly finds and little updates from my week.

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STOPPED ME IN MY SCROLL

I paused my feed when I saw this serene bedroom from the Instagram account of Home On Fern Hill. It’s a beautiful example of blue-and-white styling done right: timeless, fresh, and calming.

The layered textures, the tailored upholstery and the crisp linens all work together to create a space that feels both elegant and relaxed. Details like the coordinated pillows, the soft drape of the bedding, and the little personal touches make the room feel lived-in rather than staged.

Pamela’s feed is full of similar inspiration if you enjoy classic coastal palettes and thoughtful vignettes. If you love blue-and-white interiors, it’s worth a look.

blue upholstered headboard with blue and white linens

HOME ON FERN HILL

OUTFIT INSPIRATION

Blue and white is a classic summer combination—clean, breezy, and easy to wear. I love how simply pairing a blue patterned blouse with white ankle pants instantly creates a polished look that still feels casual.

The shirt’s three-quarter sleeves are flattering and practical; they offer enough coverage if you prefer not to show your upper arms while still keeping the outfit cool in warm weather. A cotton blend fabric gives structure without being heavy, and the lighter color palette reads fresh for daytime errands or a relaxed lunch out.

Build on this base with low-key accessories for a daytime look or add polished jewelry and a dressy shoe to take it into evening. Neutral espadrilles or sandals keep the outfit easy and summer-appropriate; switch to a wedge or block heel for a more dressed-up vibe.

blue and white shirt with white pants, shoes and jewelry

BLUE & WHITE BLOUSE || WHITE ANKLE PANTS || BLUE & WHITE ESPADRILLES (similar)

Accessories make the difference: layered gold jewelry or blue-toned accents complement the palette without overwhelming it. A lightweight scarf or a straw bag are useful additions for texture and practicality.

image of blue and gold jewelry lying on a white background

NECKLACE || GOLD EARRINGS (similar) || WHITE WATCH (similar) || BLUE & WHITE BRACELET

WHAT I’M WATCHING OR READING

Are you a Downton Abbey fan? I am. This week a group of us went to see the newest movie installment. While it was great to see familiar faces and the iconic settings, we all felt the story didn’t quite deliver the depth or natural chemistry we expected.

That said, if you love the characters and period detail, it’s still enjoyable to revisit the world of Downton for the scenery and costumes. If you go in expecting a light return to beloved characters rather than a strong, new arc, you’ll probably get more out of it.

Downton Abby New Era dvd cover

RECENT PURCHASE THAT I LOVE

Mosquitoes can put a serious damper on outdoor time. We recently started using a small, rechargeable mosquito repellent device and have been impressed. It’s portable, rechargeable, and refillable—so it’s convenient for evenings on the deck or for travel.

What I like most about this type of device is how easy it is to use—no complex setup, and it doesn’t add chemical sprays to the air in the same way as some larger devices. If mosquitoes are a nuisance for you, it’s an affordable, practical option worth trying.

Image of Thermacell mosquito repellent

ON THE HOME FRONT

Last week I spent time with family at our happy place: an oceanfront rental at N. Topsail Beach, NC. Every summer we rent the same five-bedroom, four-bath house and it has become a ritual we all look forward to.

We once owned a couple of condos nearby, but eventually sold them. While I sometimes miss the idea of owning at the beach, I don’t miss the responsibilities that can come with ownership—especially concerns about erosion, hurricane damage and the drive required to keep a second home in use.

Renting gives us the best of both worlds: we enjoy a well-maintained, beautifully furnished space without ongoing upkeep or worry about storm-related repairs. A great rental can make or break a vacation, so we stick with properties that are clean, up-to-date and managed by responsive rental companies. If you’re searching for a vacation rental, read recent reviews, check recent photos, and ask about how the property is maintained between guests.

picture of beach

Wishing you a lovely weekend—enjoy whatever brings you a little calm and color this week!