Archive for May, 2009

A Bali Adventure

Thursday, May 17th, 2012


Work has been particularly challenging this week (read frustrating.. is it Memorial Day Weekend yet?!) so I’m taking a little mental vacation courtesy of J.Crew’s Bali Adventure travelogue. What I wouldn’t give for an exotic escape and a suitcase filled with those beautiful outfits! If anyone else is having a rough week I hope these photos will give you a brief respite from your work day. After all, it is almost Friday!

Maine Attraction

Monday, May 14th, 2012

photos via

Remember earlier last week when I was daydreaming about a summer trip to Maine? Well my wheels haven’t stopped spinning and I think we’re going to try and make this happen! In researching potential places to stay, I came across the  Captain Fairfield Inn and immediately fell in love. Designed by Rachel Reider the 9 room bed and breakfast is the perfect mix of old world charm and modern style and sensibility.

After spending some more time researching, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Inn was featured in Rue Magazine’s Holiday Issue (76-88). I envision myself sleeping quite well with that zebra headboard or David Hicks La Fiorentina drapes coloring my surroundings.

Have you been to the Kennebunkport area? I’d love to hear your tips!

In Pursuit

Thursday, May 10th, 2012

Necklace | Painting | Beach Towels | Makeup Case | Sheets

It’s been awhile since my last “In Pursuit” post which of course means there have been quite a few additions to my wish list. Yesterday I checked off this Diana Delgado painting which I can’t wait to hang in our bedroom. In the same vein, I’m loving these lattice printed sheets. I am literally counting down the days until my pool opens Memorial Day weekend, and one of these ikat beach towels seems like a necessity for lounging. While I’m at it, I’d like to add a Steffanie Johnson tote for stowing sunscreen and other essentials. Finally, Loren Hope’s Roxy necklace is just the thing to jazz up all of my little white dresses. Anyone else as ready for summer as I am?

Art Lesson: Henry Isaacs

Tuesday, May 8th, 2012

I came across Henry Isaacs’ work via the Kennebunkport Festival and haven’t been able to get it out of my mind since. His dreamy seascapes with their moody blue palettes remind me of home and being by the water, something I desperately miss now that I live in DC.

We had briefly discussed a trip to Maine this summer (among a million other destinations and hair brained road trip ideas) and suddenly it’s shot straight back to the top of my list. I’m already picturing the perfect spot to hang my Henry Isaac masterpiece..

P.S take a peek at some of his work that is being sold to benefit one room school houses in coastal Maine.

Taste of India

Monday, May 7th, 2012


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In an ideal world my home would be filled with John Robshaw linens. The Indian block printed textiles are colorful and classic with just the right amount of bohemian flair. I’m particularly drawn to the blue colorways which remind me of my collection of blue and white ginger jars. If only I had made their sample sale last week in NYC!

Unmistakingly Anthropologie

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

Most catalogs I receive barely get a second glance before they end up in the trash. I can’t stand seeing stacks of mail accumulate on our console so I’m a bit discriminating with what gets to stay and what has to go. Anthropologie is one of the exceptions. Their stunning photography showcases the exotic shoot locations just as much as the clothing which makes me feel like I’m flipping through a coffee table book rather than a store catalog. The May catalog is one of my favorites from both a fashion and photography standpoint. I’d gladly gallivant throughout the jungle in any of the outfits above regardless of their practicality!

Back in Action

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

As I get back into the swing of things, I couldn’t help but post these photos from the latest issue of Matchbook featuring the lovely Hanna Brooks Nation. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Hanna and Gadabout (she did all the design work for The Pursuit of Style!) so I was thrilled to see her gorgeous feature which makes me want to pack up and move to Charleston even more!

P.S I apologize for the unexpectedly long hiatus, a big project at work left me burned out and more than a little uninspired. I’m excited to be back in action and with exciting projects underway!

Lemlem Love

Monday, May 31st, 2010





Lately I’m loving J.Crew’s “in good company” partnerships. Some are classics reinterpreted like these gold Sperrys, and others are brands like Lemlem that I’m all too happy to be introduced to. When I spotted the dress on the cover of the June catalogue, I immediately flipped through to get more info. Turns out it’s part of J.Crew’s partnership with Lemlem, a phenomenal brand founded by supermodel and Goodwill Ambassador, Liya Kebede. Liya founded Lemlem (which means “to bloom” in Ahmaric) as a way to help Ethiopian women escape poverty and to preserve the tradition of weaving. I’m all for shopping for a good cause, especially when the products are this gorgeous!
Hope you all had a GREAT weekend! Mine was spent organizing/decorating the new condo, dealing with a flat tire (how did I get 3 nails in it?!), lounging by the pool and grilling.
P.S A big thank you as always for your sweet comments, they really do make my day!

Poolside Inspiration

Saturday, May 29th, 2010









Pools across D.C are opening this weekend I thought it would only be fitting to share some photos to help us get ready for the season. Fortunately, I had to look no further than the master photographer of the good life, Slim Aarons, to find some bathing beauties to share. I’m off to pack up my pool bag and bask in the sun–with SPF of course!
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!

Party Planning

Friday, May 28th, 2010

Planning our housewarming party has been the light at the end of the tunnel for me during our move. Who doesn’t love a party? As with most things in my life, I want it to be bright and colorful. I’ve started to collect some inspiration photos and the two above are my current favorites. Pink+orange is such a great color combo. Very Tory Burch, don’t you think? This will be my first attempt at a housewarming party, we never had one for the last apartment, I just didn’t think it was much to show off! Any tips from you seasoned hostesses?

The Next Best Thing

Thursday, May 27th, 2010



Traditional Home
Kate Spade
Elle Decor

I think I might have squealed with excitement when I saw the new Bon Mot Bon Shopper from Kate Spade. Since the Scalamandre wallpaper I covet isn’t in the budget right now, I must make this tote mine to fill the void. Isn’t it perfection? I’m SO obsessed!
P.S thank you so much for your sweet comments yesterday! I’m finally well rested and feeling much more sane ha!

Organized Chaos

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
I’ve spent the past few nights moving and unpacking boxes into the wee hours of the morning, dealing with a toilet that decided to break the night we moved in, and trying to keep my sanity while our puppy becomes ever more impatient with the interruption in his doggie park schedule. Needless to say, I’m completely exhausted. I’m taking tonight to get organized and catch up on sleep! I apologize for the lack of posts and for not being able to get over to your lovely blogs and comment as much as I would like to. I promise I’ll be back tomorrow refreshed and with some less lame posts! xx

Parrots on Parade

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
Birds have been popular in design for some time now, but lately I’ve been spotting some of the more tropical varieties all over of the place. I never considered myself to be much of a bird person but I think I’m going to have to reconsider after I pulled all these things together!
This colorful FJS Pillow is enough to make me change my mind! I was instantly reminded of Ashley Putnam’s to-die-for dining room in the latest issue of Lonny. The parrot pillow was one of my favorite parts of the room. I love how it echoes the paint color.

One of my favorite blogs, Little Green Notebook, has a parrot perched on her entry table. I’m still obsessed with her ikat table skirt, aren’t you?
Z Gallerie is offering a more more subdued pair…

No post on parrots would be complete without mention of Edward Lear. I’m dying to get my hands on this book which contains all of his parrot drawings.

Everything Anna Spiro touches is golden in my book. LOVE these lamps she featured in the window of Black+Spiro awhile back.

Anthropologie is never one to miss out on a bit of whimsy. Their island rug would be gorgeous in the right room, don’t you think?
I swoon every time I see a new post in my reader from Caitlin McGauley. Check out her latest renditions which just so happen to fit perfectly with the theme of this post.
A parrot inspired by the work of Hunt Slonem. We’re totally on the same page, remember this post? Her illustration of this Marc Jacobs bag is gorgeous. I think I’d rather have her art than the bag!
So what do you think, are parrots the next big trend? Maybe I’m just late to the party and they already are!

Read the Writing on the Wall

Monday, May 24th, 2010

We made the big move this weekend and are getting settled into our new condo. It went much smoother than anticipated–except for the bed which is still at our old place, but that’s another story. It’s killing me to be sitting in my cube right now instead of organizing things and getting a head start on decorating. One of the things I’m most excited about is hanging the artwork I’ve been collecting over the past year. In our first apartment, our walls were barren for much longer than I’d care to admit. Unsurprisingly, it just never really felt like home. This print from The Love Shop would be perfect for a gallery wall I’m planning in our kitchen. Wouldn’t it be inspiring to read this every morning while you make breakfast? I can’t wait to get everything together so I can FINALLY share some photos!

A Bicycle Built for YOU

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010
Did you know you can now have a custom built bicycle made at Urban Outfitters?! I’ve been a little obsessed with bicycles lately and really want my own little beach cruiser to ride around Capitol Hill. Not quite the beach, but I still think it’d be fun!

Urban Outfitters has already thought through all the essential details because this little basket would be perfect for toting flowers home from Eastern Market!

I’m a marketer’s dream right? So easily sold. Sigh…

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Friday, May 21st, 2010

Domino

I had the perfect mirror for our new condo. It was gold, faux bamboo, Hollywood Regency perfection. Basically this mirror’s gilded twin. My mom found it for $60.00 at an antique store back home. What a score, right?! Unfortunately, UPS got its hands on it and despite layers of packing material and 4 fragile stickers, they still managed to shatter the mirror and break the frame in 6 places. Oh, and did I mention they refuse to pay for the insurance? Yeah, I’m now a FedEx girl!
Anyway, it’s time for me to end my state of mourning and find a new mirror for our living room. This honeycomb mirror is definitely a contender! I was immediately reminded of this room from Domino. It’s currently on sale for $199 but I think I’ll hold out till Memorial Day weekend and see if there are additional savings to be had.
What do you think? Do you love it as much as I do?

A Colorful Life: Hunt Slonem

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

NY Mag

Hunt Slonem

Hunt Slonem

Hunt Slonem’s bright life and artwork are just the pick-me-up I need after a decidedly dreary week here in D.C. I completely admire his unabashed use of bold color and eccentric approach to decorating. Plus, you have to admit, that little blue bunny is pretty cute! I wouldn’t mind having a field of purple flowers in my home either. Check out this article on Slonem at NY Magazine–he seems to be quite the character!

Globe Trotting

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

lovelydesign

I have an insatiable case of wanderlust. Lately I really just want to pack a bag and run away for a month or two. Do you ever feel that way? Sadly a trip isn’t in the budget so I might just have to console myself with a vintage globe. At least then I’ll already have our globe trotting adventures all planned by the time we can squeeze it into the budget.
How about you, any getaways to exotic locales in your future?

Hats Off

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

J.Crew

Rita Konig



I’ve decided I must own this panama hat from J.Crew. Not only is it the perfect topper to an outfit, it looks great accessorizing a room as well. A true style work horse, no? Now I just need to stop feeling like a complete dork when I have a hat on!

The Devil’s In the Details

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Style Court

Lonny

Lindsey Coral Harper

Lonny

Lonny

Kelley Proxmire

Lonny

House Beautiful

Better Homes and Gardens


Kate Spade

Bathrooms often get the least attention when decorating a new space. I’ve almost completely ignored our new bathroom because it’s tragically the one room in the house we can’t paint or paper. Understandably, people focus their efforts on spaces they’ll be spending the most time in, i.e the living room, bedroom, dining room and kitchen. However, I’m of the mind that precisely because you’re not likely to spend too much time in your bathroom it presents a great opportunity to incorporate design that might overwhelm in a larger more frequented space. The images above are some of my favorite inspiration photos for bathrooms. I suppose now I should practice what I preach and start thinking of a creative way to give my own bathroom some much needed attention!

This or That Update:

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Remember my dilemma choosing between this or that? I thought I’d give you a little update. It seemed a pretty even split between “this” and “that.” Some of you, (in a page out of my own playbook I should add), suggested I buy both. Sounded like a great idea to me so that’s just what I did! Helena, from A Diary of Lovely, even found me a cheaper version of “that” coming all the way from Uzbekistan. What a sweetheart right?! This is why I love blogging.
Unfortunately, “this” arrived this weekend and the colors were much darker than I anticipated. I brought them to the new condo and they’re just not going to work. My perfect plan was foiled so it looks like I’m back at square one. On a happier note, the colors in the ikat pillows above look like they’ll be perfect. Fingers crossed they come across the pond as pretty as pictured!

Monday Inspiration

Monday, May 17th, 2010


“How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.” -Coco Chanel

Ruffling My Feathers

Saturday, May 15th, 2010

We’ve been procrastinating just a tiny bit on moving out but today is the day we’re taking stock and making cuts on what’s coming and what’s headed for Goodwill, Craigslist, etc. One of the items in contention is my amazing peacock chair–Sienna Miller is perched upon its twin above. Bf insists it has to go but I just can’t part with it. I know it’s kind of silly, but I think it would make the most amazing desk chair. Especially if I have a vibrant pillow made for it like these chairs from Pieces. I’m blogging from it right now and I have to say, it’s pretty comfy! So lets take sides, are you with me or the bf on this one?
P.S Apparently it wasn’t a bad Craigslist score at $20.00. The one at Pieces is going for $1850. Yikes!

Sun Kissed Beauties

Friday, May 14th, 2010




Aren’t these shots from Rebecca Minkoff’s Spring 2010 line the most gorgeous, dreamy photos you’ve ever seen? I’m contemplating taping them inside my closet like a teenager-I’m THAT obsessed! You must watch behind-the-scenes video footage below. You will love it, promise.
P.S The bags are gorgeous too. I wouldn’t mind having this bag for spring.

Jewels to Rooms

Thursday, May 13th, 2010
Last night while drooling over Elva Fields covetable necklaces, I started thinking about the spaces their stylish owners might call home. I let my imagination run a bit wild and here’s what I came up with….


Domino
Kelley Proxmire


Palmer-Weiss


Kate Spade

Do you have a favorite? Today I’ll be checking out what Knoxville has to offer while I have some free time. Looks like used books, cupcakes, and antiques are on the agenda.

Off Again

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

After a quick trip to the Carolinas, I’m living out of a suitcase once again and am headed down to Knoxville, TN today. This is my first trip to TN and I’d love to hear your suggestions on things I can’t miss. I’m going to try to pack as much in this quick trip as possible. Might as well make the most out of work travel right?
P.S Wouldn’t traveling be much better with this Globe Trotter luggage?

Rachel Zoe’s Life in a Jewel Box

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
I’ve been meaning to post this spread from the April issue of In Style for the longest time (obviously, considering it’s now May!) Girl has got some serious gems and I’m jealous!
P.S click to enlarge.

Do you spy that amazing yellow lamp in the background? I want, I want!
This is my favorite shot from the entire spread. Imagine teetering up a pile of Louis Vuitton luggage to reach some of your gorgeous jewels.

photos via

One word… BANANAS!

Room to Grow

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Untitled
I dream of the day when I’ll have more than 800 square feet to decorate. Ohh the possibilities! An office space is definitely part of my daydreams–I’ll need a headquarters for my future boutique of course! Indulging myself further in this fantasy, I created an office space I’d actually want to sit in for eight hours a day. Here’s hoping my daydreams become a reality sooner rather than later…
P.S I’m so obsessed with the Anthro dhurrie. Isn’t it gorgeous?!

Inspired by Adventure…

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Come summer, I’d love to have one of these La Mer watches wrapped around my wrist. I can already picture how great they’d look with a tan. La Mer’s founder, Martine says: “inspiration is drawn from her journeys: South Africa’s colorful markets, Bali’s lush flowers, Italy’s gorgeous leathers and Thailand’s clear blue ocean.” A girl after my own heart, right? You can also find some great colors/styles that are no longer offered on La Mer’s site here.
Hurry up summer!

Love Notes from Lobird

Saturday, May 8th, 2010



I’m sort of a stationery hoarder. I have a drawer stocked full of pretty paper and admittedly do not send nearly enough notes. Thanks to East Coast Girl Goes West, I’ve discovered a new brand to covet, Lobird. Each design starts out as a watercolor which gives them their completely charming look. I suppose this is where I run into my hoarding problem, they’re too pretty to send away! I really do need to start unloading my stash otherwise you might catch me on T.V crying while they’re dragging away garbage bags full of my precious card stock. Can you imagine?
Hope you all got to spend some time with your mamas this weekend! I was stuck working in the Carolinas, but the weather was gorgeous. Can we get some of that warm weather up here in D.C please?

This or That

Friday, May 7th, 2010
We’re in the home stretch of our move and I’m just trying to pick out the last little details. Isn’t it funny how sometimes the smallest accessories are the hardest to choose? I think I’ve already looked at about a hundred throw pillows and can’t seem to make up my mind. I’ve finally narrowed it down to two though and thought I’d enlist your help.
So my design savvy readers, which do you prefer?

I think I’m leaning towards the top just a teeny bit (especially since it’s only $19 for a 20×20!) but I’m sure I could be persuaded otherwise. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

Love this Wedding!

Thursday, May 6th, 2010
I knew I was going to love this wedding on Once Wed the second I saw the striped sash and bow tie. Mary and Stefan’s wedding is completely unique and adorable. I love how they mixed black and white stripes with bright bold colors.




This is my favorite photo of the couple. Definitely one to save for the grandkids!
P.S did you spot those sparkly silver Louboutins in the first photo? Obsessed!

Mother’s Day Came Early

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

Mother’s Day came a little earlier than anticipated this year thanks to super fast shipping. So, I thought I’d share what I gifted my own amazing mom. When I saw these gorgeous earrings at KEP Designs I knew she’d love them because she is one stylish mama! They arrived yesterday and were a big hit. KEP is one of my favorite sources for jewelry. Literally every time I go to their site I find something new to obsess over. Are you doing something special for your mom this weekend? We all know they deserve it!

Guest Blogging at Rikshaw Designs Today

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010
Head over to Rikshaw Design’s blog today to check out my ideas for “what comes next.”

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010
This headboard featured on Design*Sponge last year is one of my all time favorite uses of Mexican otomi. This video will teach you how to make your own, something I’ve been wanting to do for my own bedroom. My list of projects just grows and grows….

Here’s the original inspiration photo from Cookie:
I’ll be enjoying margaritas and homemade guacamole at a little fiesta with friends this evening. Any excuse to celebrate right?!

Tory’s Unfailing Good Taste

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010
Tory Burch is definitely one of my lifestyle icons, everything about her is chic and stylish. I’m really starting to think that she should write a book because she always has the best ideas for entertaining on her blog.
I’m particularly loving her ideas for “Mother’s Day Breakfast in Bed.” White wicker trays with blue and white china and orange poppies?! TOO adorable!


These look delicious. Find the recipe here.
How gorgeous are the poppies in that blue/white bud vase? Looove orange!

I won’t be home for Mother’s Day this year, but if I were this would be my inspiration!
P.S Don’t worry mom I still have a present headed your way xo

I Die…

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

For this Artek chair covered in Missoni fabric.
Chair perfection, don’t you think?

Pretty Ladies

Monday, May 3rd, 2010



I thought some pretty artwork by Samantha Hahn might be a good diversion on this rainy Monday afternoon. Hope you enjoy!

Weekend Adventures

Monday, May 3rd, 2010
Can’t believe it’s already Monday again…the weekends always go by too quickly, especially when they’re good ones! Friday I was able to stop by a designer tag sale hosted by Michele from My Notting Hill. I swung by at the end of the first day and was glad I did because there were some beautiful things!
Here’s what came home with me:

So excited to have a little Chiang Mai Dragon in our new condo! The colors are perfect for our bedroom and I’ve been obsessing over this fabric for a loong time now. Plus, I don’t think I could ever get a better deal than $30.00!

I was in desperate need of a new planter for our topiary after the blue/white ceramic umbrella stand I had been planning to use had an unfortunate run in with the pavement and shattered into a million pieces. Whoops. At $5.00 though, this was the perfect alternative.
A big thank you to Michele for hosting such a great sale!
There were hats and horses galore on Saturday at the Virginia Gold Cup. We had beauuutiful weather (90+ degrees!) and great company. Can’t wait till next year!

What were your weekend highlights?
P.S we’re down to one last wall to paint… there’s light at the end of the tunnel!

Home Sweet Home

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
Apologies for my absence, I’ve been traveling up the East Coast to make it home for my sister’s graduation.  I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend and took the time to say a prayer in honor of our troops.  I’m so excited to be home for the week and I’ve already got a few things lined up.  
1. A nice long walk on the beach for the pups.  My sister took this picture of our favorite beach just a few short minutes from our house and I think it’s stunning.

2. Enjoying one of these fresh off my Uncle’s boat.  My mom has named the poor guy Felix.  I think I’ll feel worse about putting him in the pot now that he has a name!
3. A desperately needed pedicure.  I’m loving this pink called Funny Face by Essie!  Pink and an Audrey reference, what more can you ask for right?
4.  I think my freshly painted toes would be ready for a new pair of these!  I’m thinking white will be a good addition to my family of Jack’s.
I hope everyone’s shortened work work is off to a great start now that you are well rested from the weekend (or maybe you’re still recovering)!

Leontine Linens

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
During my new apartment induced design binge over the weekend I came across the most amazing company, Leontine Linens.  Leontine Linens offers a wide variety of couture linens and gifts.  In my opinion, monogrammed linens are a staple and Leontine Linens offers just that with a little twist.  A quick glance at their monograms page and you will know what I mean!   Look at their beautiful work:






Read more about Jane Scott the founder below:
As the founder of couture fine linens company Leontine Linens, Jane Scott Hodges is credited with reviving the art of couture linens for home. As an innovator of, and the authority on, fine linens, she is known for her ability to introduce heirloom quality luxury linens and accessories for everyday use. More so, Jane Scott took the heritage driven concept of the monogram and rejuvenated it with a modern sensibility, incorporating unique styles and unexpected color.
Influenced by her Southern upbringing and a Jane Scott Hodgesbelief in the importance of heritage, Jane Scott was always fascinated with antiques and heirlooms. At the same time she was preparing for her wedding, Jane Scott stumbled upon her own great grandmother’s trousseau in the cellar of her parents’ 1780s Kentucky farmhouse. Inspired by her discovery, Jane Scott sought out her very own bridal trousseau emblazoned with her new monogram. After scouring the New Orleans shops and boutiques where she and her soon-to-be husband lived, Hodges was surprised and disappointed by the lack of custom fine linens, and thus she identified a need in the marketplace. Upon returning to Kentucky for her wedding, she discovered the Kentucky-based Eleanor Beard studio, an historic all-female company that since 1921, has hand-created linens known the world over for their superb quality. Jane Scott began Leontine Linens in 1996 to showcase their artisinal work. Shortly thereafter, in 2002, Hodges acquired Eleanor Beard Studio and has assumed the role of caretaker to the historic company.
Jane Scott met with her clients at their homes and returned to her back bedroom office to create unique products that were truly tailored to the lifestyle and aesthetic of the clients themselves. With her husband Philip, they decided to conduct the majority of the product sales by in-home appointment, a unique customized experience that set Leontine Linens apart from other companies. No items are stocked; Rather, products are tailor-made by the 25 skilled artisans at the Eleanor Beard studio.
The company quickly gained a loyal following and became a hit among socialites, celebrities and the editorial industry. As Leontine Linens started to gain popularity, the product became available on a national level. Hodges organically grew her company to include six sales women, a flagship store which opened in New Orleans in 2005, a showroom in Atlanta and an easy-to-navigate website.
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about this fabulous company as much as I have!