Hudson & Crane, Interior Style

pictured with hudson & crane co-founder, Jaye Langmaid

I walked up to Hudson & Crane for the first time in early December. The minute I saw the store front my heart started to flutter. It was beautiful and I knew I was about to walk into a dream come to life.

Who's dream, you ask? That would be Jaye's. Jaye, co-creator of Hudson & Crane, and I met a couple years ago and I recall his strong affinity for quality interior design. Of course because my eye is more keen on styling with clothing and accessories, hearing about Jaye's work transforming a physical space was always enticing. Though I didn't know that the creative wheels were driving towards opening a store, there was no doubt that Jaye was riding on potential and it was just a matter of time before he was going to arrive at something big.

Big dream, accessible space. Once I stepped inside, it was bright and full of eye-catching items (lighting, art, and of course, furniture! See the fur chaise lounge below; so comfortable! ). Several other guests were already enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and in line at the check out counter. A unique aspect of this store is that the items on the floor have various price points. Which is fun because you can pop in after brunch in Adam's Morgan and walk out with a fun, affordable treat to bring home.

every dentist needs this chair, just saying

The opening was also the first time I met Lyric, the second half of the Hudson & Crane dream come true. In fact, she helped me pick out my first purchase. Lyric is every bit pleasant as she is knowledgeable. No doubt as this is not her first rodeo. She passionately shared details of their store's features. Each proving that a stylish, functional home was accessible to all DMV residents. I must say, business partners Jaye and Lyric truly have something special here…and fun!

Oh, and as for the store's name, it's the perfect pairing of two affinity's-- one Lyric's, one Jaye's.

Here are a few great things you need to know about Hudson & Crane:
- You see. You like. You buy. It's rare you'll see the same thing twice as product turnover is frequent. I like this because it doesn't force customers to wait for a new season to see fresh items.
- Personal Decorator, at your service. If you're like me, interior decorating is as confusing as flying Air Force 1. Where do I start?! Fortunately, Hudson & Crane will set you up with a knowledgeable team decorator to assist you with your interior design needs. The low consultation cost of $500 goes towards the first purchases for your place-- beautiful!
- It's affordable, promise. When I first read that the items they carry were "affordable" I thought to myself: What are they considering affordable? This is DC after all! In all honesty, I popped in with a friend before Christmas and walked away with an item that was $3.

my first h&c purchase: Bergamot + Teak candle (Hudson & Crane candle was free with purchase!)

Interior design impaired, I walked away with the candle. I'll save the actual designing for the H&C professionals! I am so inspired by the options in the store (and all the options they have access to!). Take a look at a few photos from your new favorite store below.

dc neighborhood candles are a huge hit!

Come check out this amazing store for yourself! Join me this evening for "Hooters" Happy Hour at Hudson & Crane! This isn't your typical District HH-- it's better. Learn how to upgrade your bartending skills for all those get-togethers you promised you'd host this year. Tonight's mixers are from Owl's Brew, a staple brand at the store. What's more, they're 15% off tonight, as well as glassware.

See, told you you'd like it here.

Happy home, happy life.

xo | din

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Hudson & Crane | 1781 Florida Ave NW (Adam's Morgan)


photos | hudsonandcrane

Joie de Vivre

bracelet | 3 Sisters

One of my favorite boutiques in Alexandria, VA is 3 Sisters in Old Town. It was there that I discovered the French secret to the joy of living. And now, whenever I wear this bracelet, I'll never forget! The blue tones are light, allowing versatility through my wardrobe. So, what brings joie to your life?

xo | din

[ August deCODEd ]

Today in DC, the sun's out and it's super warm. GW and Georgetown students are coming in sight by the handful. There's no denying that a new season is upon us.

[ Summer Evenings ] | read more

But is it possible to hold onto summer just a liiitle bit longer? Code keepers know that drédin has an affinity for the possibility of an infinite summer. Where we can frolic like children and twirl in dresses that make us feel alive. One might even say it's a feeling of enchantment.

August Heat | read more

So, surely we don't have to say goodbye to soirées in the park and hours poolside!

Seattle Art Museum REMIX | read more

 

Don't You Wanna? | read more

Surely there's a way to keep our bright and bold colors present in an impending wardrobe of cashmere and wool.

Ay, Ay Capt'n! | read more

[ Inspire Me ] | read more

Alas, the month of our Frien-iversary has come to an end. Truth be told, there is a lot to look forward to come fall. This is the first year I'm actually looking forward to the layering trend and boot shopping.

And whipping out transitional pieces like my red cuff from Lilac Bijoux (above) and painting my nails orange. Perhaps even a little Hair Rx: blonde edition to keep the feeling of walkin' on sunshine...

[ Summer Chill ] | read more

Hmm.. come to think of it. We've got a pretty good transition in our future! dré's got a few more fashion shows (stay tuned!), we're styling, and (yay!) another reunion! Let's be honest, nothing beats summer. Still, the kick-off to fall isn't lookin' too shabby.

Thanks for reading!

xo | din

[ Traveling Light ]

What was supposed to be an 8 hour trip from DC to Cincinnati, OH turned into a 10 hour road trip. Met up with my dad and a few family friends yesterday for a tour around the city. Hangin' out with my dad a bit this AM, then back on the road to DC.

Looong time to sit down to say the least, but to see my dad, I would've traveled a 100 more miles.

separates | Forever 21*
black leather cuff | MetroPark
metallic flats | AirWalk

xo | din

[ *fun fact: the tiger screen print glows in the dark! ]

Seattle Times

I'm not kidding you when I tell you that the lack of sunshine in Seattle was a huge factor as to why I moved. Last summer in DC was absolutely steaming hot-- and I loved it! I wouldn't doubt it if I was the only one who didn't complain.

But look! This summer is a completely different story! I beg, I plead! Where is the sun!? 

Much to my dismay it's in WA. Do me a favor, dears, please return it back to me! Anoraks, umbrellas, and high heels to fend off the rain and puddles is not what I waited through a cold winter for. (Oh, and please hurry!)

anorak & screen tee | Forever 21
distresed jeans | Almost Famous
heels | MRKT

xo | din

Who's That Girl

Rachae Thomas | LA Film Festival 2013

You've probably seen her during the commercial break of your favorite show, or if you're a Lie To Me fan, then you've seen her on your favorite show.

Rachae has a personality that will capture you in an instant. It's emphasized with a bright smile, defined cheek bones, and natural curls that will make you want to run out and get a perm! Well, maybe not quite a perm, but you may consider storing away your flat iron for a day or two. All in all, from numerous commercial gigs and the small screen to Shakespeare and musicals, she's got everyone asking: Who's that girl?

I've had the pleasure to call Rachae a friend for a number of years now. It's always been exciting to see each new role she'd take on whether it would be acting or singing (girl can sang y'all!), and she now adds silver screen to her credits with her role as Katrina in Life of a King which just premiered at the LA Film Festival on June 22.

She's one of those girls who can wear a paper bag and still be as beautiful as ever! So, deciding on what to style her in wasn't so difficult. For this relatively casual red carpet affair, my vision was summer sunset orange, and we were able to capture that by adding that color heel to a whimsical lace dress. 

Orange is a fun substitute for red when you are looking to add contrast to your dress.

Rachae Thomas as Katrina in Life of a King starring Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Be sure to keep a look out for Rachae's upcoming projects because there's no doubt her performance will leave you agreeing she's that girl.

xo | din



Rachae Thomas plays Katrina, daughter of Eugene (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) in Life of a King. Read The Hollywood Reporter's LAFF review here.

photo courtesy | Joe Scarnici for Getty Images

[ shade ]

You know that feeling when you've been searching for an item for years and finally you just happen upon it? 

Yup, that one.

That's exactly how I felt when I stumbled across this Nine West straw hat at Macy's. Now [even more than before!] I'm looking forward to all the outdoor concerts this summer!

xo | din

Dive In

A few weeks ago, we showed you 8 amazing suits of this swim season. Now, as the humidity picks up in DC, my mind is naturally drifting to cooler waters.

Top | Mossimo

Bottom | Converse

I came across these separates at everyone's favorite store-- Targét. I find the skirt bottom absolutely adorable and the top perfectly fitting for sunbathing.

Well, once these thunderstorms say adios!

xo | din