Fellow DC lady, Meg Biram, is what you might call a triple threat. In addition to authoring a popular blog and offering digital media consulting, she’s also a talented artist. Envious yet? The glam watercolor above is my latest favorite, but she also has some pretty amazing abstracts. I happen to have a gallery wall in the works in our new apartment and think one of Meg’s pieces would be the perfect addition, don’t you?
LL Bean Wicked Good Moccasins | Vintage Pajama Set | Tartan Throw |Log Basket | Imperial Porcelain Teacup
Long hours and grey winter weather have me craving a little cozification. My recipe for relaxing is a basically combination of the above. Mix one part menswear inspired pajamas, two parts comfy slippers, wrap in a warm blanket and serve with a cup of hot chocolate. Pairs well with a well stoked fire.
If you need me, I’ll be hibernating until Spring!
Bone Inlaid Table | Praia Piquinia Print | Black and White | Jcrew Bathroom via Lonny | Ralph Lauren Baltic Blue | Benjamin Moore Geranium | Robert Abbey Lamp | Luxury Monograms Sham
This week’s In Pursuit is focused on the home. We’re picking up the keys to our new place this Friday, so it’s no surprise that I have decor on the brain. What may be surprising is that I’ve found myself drawn to a darker color palette as of late, and am seriously considering some Jcrew inspired stripes in our entryway. I plan on revisiting Celerie Kemble’s Black and White for further inspiration.
Don’t worry though, I haven’t completely abandoned my love of color. The above shades from Benjamin Moore and Ralph Lauren are also up for consideration. Plus, did you see the zany kilim I have on it’s way from Turkey? Let’s see if I can make this all work..
I love hunting around on ebay and craigslist for one-of-a-kind finds. I know it sounds weird, but I kind of get a rush when I find that perfect piece that I know no one else will have. I suppose there are worse addictions, right? Anyway, my latest acquisition is a Turkish kilim that hopefully makes its way over from Turkey sooner rather than later. I’m so excited to get this bad boy into our new apartment. The colors and pattern are bright, bold, and just my style. Fingers crossed it actually arrives!
Offering a glimpse into your home is about as personal as it gets, and I have to admit, I was a little nervous to share these shots of our little condo. This is our first “real” apartment, and our decorating budget (ha!) was next to nothing, so I’m thrilled with the positive response! There were a few questions, so I thought I’d answer them all in one post. As I said before, our decorating “budget” was pretty much non-existent, so we had to get a bit creative.
1. Dining chairs: the bamboo folding chairs were a Craigslist find, but Ballard Designs has a similar version. The chairs were originally blue, but in a moment of Jonathan Adler induced boldness I decided to repaint them in Behr’s Marigold.
2. Vase: the vase in our bedroom is my DIY version of Kate Spade’s Cloverdale.
3. Rug: the greek key rug is from Overstock. It’s held up great after three years of wear and tear.
4. Headboard: the headboard was another DIY. We used this tutorial for guidance after having a carpenter cut out the shape. The fabric is called Firefly and is one of my favorite etsy finds. It’s very similar to Quadrille’s Kazak for a fraction of the price!
5. Barcart: the bar cart is another Craislist find. I think I may have paid $40 for it. It works well in our small space, but when we have a real house I’ll definitely be purchasing the Society Social Sedgewick !
Thanks again for your sweet comments and I’m happy to answer any more questions that I may have missed!
salmon | fuschia | watermelon | mint | yellow | blue
If you use public transportation to get to work, you know the importance of a great flat. I could easily be mistaken for a contestant on the Amazing Race during my work week commute; my walking speeds are fast or faster. Needless to say, I’m always on the lookout for cute and affordable flats to withstand the wear and tear. These TOPSHOP flats fit the bill perfectly. At only $32 per pair, I won’t cringe when they need to be tossed in eight months from wear. Plus, they’re dead ringers for J.Crew’s classic leather ballet flats that I’ve been eying since receiving my January catalog. So, what do you think: splurge or save?
P.S thank you for all of your sweet comments on my home. I’m planning on putting together a source list post this week to answer all of your questions, thanks for your patience!
I’m still not over the neon trend although part of me does wonder if I’ll look back on this time in my life with the same regret I assume most people look back on their sartorial choices in the ’80s. Regardless, I’m pretty obsessed with this neon bordered scarf and these cap toe ballet flats. Best part, you can have both for under $50. Not kidding!
Trying to save your pennies? These Fiorelli Roka wallets will help you do so in style. The vibrant shades are right on trend for spring and the bow detailing screams Ferragamo but without the price tag. I received a new wallet for Christmas and will have to pass on these beauties but might not be so disciplined with this orange croc laptop case. Orange+crocodile= LOVE!
As I’ve looked back on 2011, I realized that I never shared one of my most exciting moments here on the blog. Australian digital magazine Ivy and Piper featured my little condo in their June/July issue (check me out on pages 74-81)! It was definitely a pinch me moment to be featured with heavy hitters like Bunny Williams, Timothy Corrigan and Caitlin Wilson.
As we’re getting ready to pack up and move, it felt appropriate to pay a little homage to #94. I’ve loved our time here but my wheels are already spinning on how to decorate our new space!
P.S special thanks to Abby Jiu for her amazing photography skills!
Marc by Marc Jacobs mouse flats | Samantha Wills necklace | Mason Pearson hairbrush | Kathryn Ireland fabric | Juicy Couture scarf | C Wonder keyring
I’ve always been a list maker. To-do lists, to-visit lists, to-pack lists etc. Without a doubt, my favorite list to make (and my bank account’s enemy) is the to-buy list. Often found scribbled in a notebook six months later, my to-buy lists are generally a mix of basics that need to be re-stocked (ex from a list found last night: white cardigan, black wrap dress, black cigarette pants, Tory Burch Revas, white tee) and aspiration items (eg: my dream Cartier Tank watch and Scalamandre zebra wallpaper).
The Pursuit of Style is essentially a fancied up version of the lists I’ve been scribbling for years; an online catalog of the things I love. So, I bring you In Pursuit, a round up of the things I’m obsessing over at the moment. Hopefully you’ll find a few things you love as well.
P.S this list not doing it for you? Try me on Pinterest.
LOVE print | Glassybaby | ikat pillow | Harry Allen bank | lamp
I’ve already shared some fresh inspiration for the New Year, but there are many time tested favorites in my inspiration files worth revisiting. Rita Konig’s Greenwich Village apartment is one of those spaces that I can look at a million times and still find new details to love. Rita has mastered the art of the mix. In a way that is seemingly effortless, she layers traditional, modern, and eclectic pieces to create a perfectly chic space that is also inviting and lived in. I’ve rounded up a few pieces to Rita-fy your own space. My personal favorite is the letterpressed LOVE print from Sugar Paper. I happen to have an anniversary coming up and this would be the perfect gift, don’t you think?
I’m completely enamored with the still lifes of Charleston based artist Lulie Wallace. My personal favorite is “Flowers for Abigail” (shown at top) but I’d be thrilled to have any piece of her work hanging on my walls. Let’s add visiting Lulie’s studio to my list of reasons why I need to pack up and move south. To be honest, I hardly need much convincing!
P.S Lulie also has a blog which you should definitely add to your reader– I already have!
salad servers | mirror | iphone case | necklace | compact | nut bowl | sunglasses | comb
Tortoise shell is one of those timeless patterns that looks chic in just about any form. Use it as a neutral in both fashion and interiors to instantly up your chic quotient.
P.S I received this Bobbi Brown palette (which unfortunately seems to be sold out) for Christmas and the colors are as gorgeous as the packaging. Highly recommend it if you can get your hands on one!
After being away from the blog for so long, I knew that a fresh start would require some fresh inspiration. Lately I can’t get enough of German artist Nina Nolte. The painting above is from her series “The Best is Yet to Come”–I can’t think of a more appropriate theme to start off 2012! I’m always searching for statement pieces to add to my jewelry collection and only wish I had snapped up this Kate Spade stunner when it was available. Jackie Kennedy’s equally beautiful sister Lee Radziwill is another icon of mine. Her book Happy Times is currently on my nightstand and offers the most intimate glimpse into the lives of the Bouvier sisters. In 2012 I’m resolving to take care of myself. Getting the requisite 8 hours of sleep should be no problem thanks to my dreamy new D. Porthault Tigre shams. Color and pattern continue to be my biggest sources of inspiration and Quadrille marries the two perfectly. GADABOUT’S “A Horse of a Different Color” note cards have been on my wish list for years. The fact that they continue to inspire me is reason enough to pull the trigger!
P.S Thank you for all of your kind emails and tweets over the past few months. I had no idea how many of you came to love this little blog and am eager to get back to posting!
P.P.S for more of inspiration follow me on Pinterest. I’m obsessed!
Many apologies for the unintended extended absence. I’m looking forward to the promise of a new year and a clean slate.
Cheers to 2012!
With a new job lined up and a few other exciting things in the works, I’m feeling like the sky is the limit lately. What better color than sky blue to celebrate the notion of limitless possibility? Both serene and stylish, you really can’t go wrong with this hue (perhaps with the exception of 80s eyeshadow which should be avoided at all costs!)
Dash & Albert Rug | Chanel RivaNail Polish | Marlyn Schiff Earrings | An Eye for Design | Robert Abbey Lamp
These evil eye bracelets from L-Atitude are my latest jewelry obsessions. They’re perfect in their simplicity and would look amazing piled high or mixed with a stack of gold bangles. The contrast between the twine and gold rimmed stones is casual chic at it’s best. Better yet, at only $10-$15 each, you can afford to pick up a few for your sister and best friend, subsequently avoiding evil eyes of a different nature!
In case you were in need of further convincing that trench coats make absolutely everyone look more chic, spend some time on The Art of the Trench, a project of Burberry, the brand that made the outerwear iconic. The project features street style photographs by Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist, alongside user submitted photos. The result is an absolutely addicting showcase of personal style that will leave you lusting after those famous checks. Be sure to check it out and report back with your favorites- I’m sure there are many that I missed!
Let’s take a break from winter and think warmer thoughts. Today you can find me over at Kiki’s List sharing a few of my must haves for spring. I’d love for you to visit and let me know what’s on your spring wish list. Definitely a great distraction from all this snow if you’re on the east coast, and if you’re on the west coast, you need to get a head start on shopping!
With snow on the horizon here in DC, I have cold weather accessories on the brain. I can’t vouch for the warmth of these Virginia Johnson shawls but I can definitely give them two thumbs up in the style department! The hot pink penguins are my current favorite. Wouldn’t they add the perfect amount of whimsy and pop of color on a dreary winter’s day? I know I’d smile if I saw them peeking out from a passerby’s outerwear!
P.S You’ll want to click quickly over to Virginia’s site because shawls are now 30% off!
Last night, while searching for images of Babe Paley, I serendipitously came across this image from the Michael Kors 2009 Resort Collection which drew inspiration from the famed socialite and style icon. I couldn’t help but feel a bit of deja vu and immediately searched my files for the above image from J.Crew’s Spring 2011 Collection. Similar, right? I adore the pink on pink in both ensembles and only wish I had seen those ikat bermudas back in 2009. I’ll just have to hold out for J.Crew’s scalloped shorts and keep my fingers crossed that they’re flattering!
What do you think, are you a fan of pink on pink?
For a stationery hoarder like myself, a visit to Mr. Boddington’s Studio always results in new additions to my wish list. Their Valentine’s Day cards are cute as can be and almost make me wish I was on the female equivalent of Sister Wives (Brother Husbands??) so I could have a reason to buy both sets! All kidding aside, I think I’m leaning towards the eye chart. It reminds me of this poster I’ve been coveting from Keep Calm Gallery.
P.S Did you spot the Eames lounge chair on the second card? Now I might have to reconsider my choice. LOVE!
After a stressful but exciting week, I’m ready for some down time! I have a million projects to wrap up, but am also looking forward to a lazy Sunday curled up on my couch watching movies. In an ideal world, my couch would look more like one of the beauties above (unfortunately I’ve lost the sources please drop me a note if you have any info!) I’m so inspired by the white accent trim. It’s unexpected but still looks tailored and classic. If you’re going to be a couch potato, you might as well be on a chic couch, right?
P.S thank you so much for your sweet comments about my new job. I’m thrilled with the opportunity and it will be so great to have a fresh start in the New Year!
I apologize for the radio silence and overall lack of attention I’ve been able to give the blog these past couple of days. I do have a good reason though and am happy to share that in two short weeks I’ll be packing up my office supplies and starting a new job! I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity and even happier that I’ll be able to cross one of my New Year’s resolutions off the list so early in the year. I really do think that 2011 is going to be my best year yet!
I’m kind of obsessed with these cuffs from A.V Max. It might be a bit premature (especially considering there’s a blanket of ice covering DC today) but I can already envision myself wearing the turquoise cuff all summer long. The agate is equally as gorgeous and so on trend! Agate accessories have been popping up everywhere in jewelry and home decor. Now the only question is which to choose. Decisions, decisions!
Color is such an important aspect of my aesthetic as well as my general outlook on life. Inspired by Kate Spade’s latest campaign encouraging us to live colorfully, I’d like to inject a little more color into my posts here at The Pursuit of Style. Each week, I’ll showcase a new hue and collection of items in that color. Hopefully we’ll all be inspired to live a little more colorfully!
Smythson Heart Key Ring|Pieces Inc. Chandelier|Chance Co. Tee|Kate Spade Karolina|Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace|Butter London Polish
We just returned from a visit to George Washington’s Virginia estate, Mount Vernon. After living in DC for almost two years now, it was about time we made the short trip! The mansion (although hardly large by today’s standards) is beautifully restored and I can only imagine how much more striking the waterfront estate is in the spring and summer. I was particularly inspired by the vibrant paint colors used throughout the living quarters. This painting of the dining room by Maira Kalman sums up my thoughts exactly! If you’d like to add some presidential flair to your own house, Fine Paints of Europe offers a Mount Vernon Estate of Colours collection. A few of my favorite swatches are above. I only wish I had found Presidential Blue (second from the left) before we re-painted our bedroom!
If the boyfriend and I weren’t celebrating our anniversary this weekend I’d be on the next Amtrak train to NYC right about now. Why you ask? To wait in line for the D. Porthault White Sale!! If you’re anywhere in the vicinity of NYC you must go and report back. I want to see pictures and hear details! Of course, if you’re feeling generous you can pick me up a little something too!
Here’s the info:
When: January 17th-February 15th
Where: 470 Park Avenue (on 58th Street) New York, NY
Details: Discounts between 40-80%!!
You will certainly get lots of hugs and kisses if you send out gorgeous love notes this Valentine Day from Rifle Paper! I plan on picking up the assorted set because I couldn’t possibly decide on a favorite. I might even be tempted to frame one for my desk, they’re just SO pretty!
P.S If I could, I would send each and every one of you a note for your sweet comments recently!
I love the casual elegance of Kate Spade’s Cloverdale Rose Bowl, pictured above in the bedroom of Lonny’s founder, Michelle Adams. Unfortunately, the gold polka dotted beauty is no longer available (please bring it back Kate Spade!) so a few months back I decided to improvise and create my own for our Thanksgiving table. My amateur version was incredibly easy to create with some gold paint and a little patience. Better yet, the most expensive part was the $3 I spent on the vase which was found at HomeGoods. So there you have it, my very own Cloverdale to hold me over until (fingers crossed) Kate Spade re-introduces it.
I was more than pleasantly surprised when a recent search for a vintage copy of Breakfast at Tiffany’s lead me to Emma Tina’s shop. I’ve always appreciated an updated take on the classics and her illustrations of Truman Capote’s novel, Chanel No. 5, and Laudree macaroons are just that! Now to pick a favorite…
My love for leoard has been well documented on this blog, some might say too well documented considering the borderline obsessive number of posts on the topic in my archives (I’m not kidding. Do a search, you’ll be shocked!) Regardless, I just had to share my latest leopard acquisition. I picked up this amazing vintage coat for a steal on etsy and cannot wait for it to come-fingers crossed it fits! My boyfriend says he might be embarrassed to be seen with me in it but he’ll just have to deal. JFK certainly doesn’t look embarrassed to be with Jackie in her leopard coat!
It’s taken every ounce of restraint I can muster to refrain from adding a pair of these Dransfield & Ross greek key stunners to my shopping cart at The Well Appointed House (thereby completely ignoring less glamorous financial commitments such as rent.) If you’re in the market for some greek key goodness I’d be happy to live vicariously through you. Just be sure to share pictures!
The second I spotted these dramatic Charles Anastase sunglasses for Linda Farrow, I knew they looked familiar. I was having trouble placing them until I glanced at my bookshelf and saw the exact same shades staring back at me. John Currin’s painting Rachel in Fur graces the cover of Painting People which happens to hold a prominent spot on my bookshelf. Isn’t the resemblance uncanny? If you’re feeling inspired by art, all that’s left to re-create the looks is a chic fur jacket. If real fur isn’t your thing, this Tulle Faux Fur Jacket would work perfectly!
My hunt for the perfect fisherman’s sweater has finally ended although you might be surprised to hear my source. I knew LL Bean would be a great place to start my hunt but was disappointed to find not a fisherman sweater in sight in the women’s department. Never one to give up too easily, especially when shopping is involved, a quick search of the website led me to exactly what I was looking for… in the little boys department! A boy’s size large should fit perfectly and better yet, this fisherman’s sweater only set me back $28.99! I think I might need to start shopping in the little boys’ department more often!
When I was in boarding school, my tiny dorm room was plastered with magazine tear sheets. Fashion models and David Yurman ads were featured prominently, but some of my very favorites were Ralph Lauren children’s ads. When it came time to move home for summer, most of the others were tossed in the trash (kicking myself now!) but I always held onto my Ralph Lauren ads. I still have them tucked away in a desk drawer and can’t help but feel nostalgic every time I pull them out. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Ralph Lauren has impeccable archives of all their ad campaigns online. I had a great time searching through for my old favorites. I still love them as much today as I did back then and am definitely taking style notes for my future little ones.
Green has always been my sister’s favorite color and one that I’ve passed up for girlier hues like pink and coral. I finally realized the wrong of my ways after spotting this envy inducing Proenza Schouler bag. To make up for lost time, I’ve pulled together a few green pieces I’d love to acquire. This grecian style Vivienne Westwood dress brings to mind the glamorous Hollywood starlets of the 1950s. I’d be happy to own Kendra Scott’s Carly Studs in any color, but the emerald green is particularly stunning. A set of LA Plates has been on my wish list for the longest time but I’ve never been able to decide on the pattern and color. After seeing this navy/green combo I think I know which way I’m leaning!
What do you think? Will you be “going green” this spring?
The much blogged about shots from Vogue’s newest feature, “Five Days, Five Looks,” are stunning but I keep finding myself coming back to this one photo. I’ve dreamed about that Cartier tank watch for years and love how it looks paired with an oversized link bracelet. Filipa noted in the feature that since she was young, she had always wanted a link bracelet that she could add charms to with her children’s initials. My mother actually has a similar bracelet (although much smaller) with monogrammed charms bearing our birthstones for my sister and I. I would love to carry on the tradition and invest in a link bracelet of my own, but as Jessica and I discussed yesterday via twitter, they’re so difficult to find! I figured what better search party to send out than my style savvy readers. Have you stumbled across a similar bracelet lately? I’d be so grateful for a source!
I’m convinced that this leopard tray from the incredibly talented Waylande Gregory would look fantastic just about anywhere in my apartment. In the bedroom it would be on my nightstand, corralling stray pearl earrings that inevitably end up on the floor by morning. In the living room I’d place it atop a stack of books holding matchbooks next to my favorite candle. On my desk, my business cards would never look more chic. Such a multi-tasking item is clearly a necessity right? Now I just need to convince my boyfriend… If you’d like to see more of Waylande Gregory’s amazing work, I’ve found that Vivre has one of the best selections.
If 2011 is going to the be year I go off on an exotic escape, proper travel accessories will definitely be required. Thankfully, Toss Designs has me covered with their In Flight Essentials Pouches. So much more stylish than a ziploc and at only $6, not that much more expensive! Now to decide on a color… Which would you choose?
I was very excited to see a sneak peek of Kate Spade’s spring advertising campaign this morning on Women’s Wear Daily. Aside from my obsession with all things Kate, the ads are especially interesting because for the first time in the company’s 18 year history, they will be featuring a celebrity. Actress Bryce Dallas Howard is the lucky lady who will be the new face of Kate Spade. Can you say dream job? I can’t wait to see the rest of the ads. Just one more reason to be excited for spring!
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to put my passport to good use and travel. I enjoyed visiting new cities all over the US this year, but in 2011 I’m craving something more adventurous. These stunning photos of the Uttarayan Kite Festival in India remind me why I love traveling so much. There’s just so much inspiration to be found in the culture and tradition of new places. The Kite Festival takes place on January 14th so if you’re feeling spontaneous you still have time to pack a bag and jet off. Be sure to report back!
These shots of Sofia Coppola for Interview Magazine seemed like a perfect way to end the holiday weekend. She just looks so beautiful and relaxed high above the chaos of the city below. Plus, breton striped tees make everyone look a bit more chic. They’ve definitely become staples in my own weekend uniform.
I hope you’re feeling rested and ready to take on the new year, I know I am!
Are you spending the day recovering from last night’s festivities? Take comfort in knowing that you’re hardly alone. Let’s all take a cue from Audrey and do so with a bit of flair. Keep your aspirin handy in this cheeky Jonathan Adler canister, tie on an eye mask to block out that terribly bright sunlight and have a stack of mags at the ready for when you wake up. Bonus points if you get a head start on your resolution to be more organized by tackling a stack of back issues!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Judging from your comments it seems like you’ll have no problem putting this code to good use! Here are some items that have caught my eye…
Thanks to Ashlyn over at Miss Magnolia for this great tag! According to the rules I am supposed to list ten things that make me happy. So here goes…
1. Spending time with my bf and our pup tops my list. Our three year anniversary is today!
2. A good night’s sleep, I am not a morning person.
3. Washington, D.C… shopping in Georgetown, sampling the many delicious restaurants during restaurant week (ends today sadly), the museums, politics, I love it all.
4. Any occasion to get dressed up.
7. Palm beach chic. Bold colors and patterns never fail to make me smile.
8. Mad Men. I’m currently working my way through season two via Netflix and totally understand what all the buzz was about!
9. Peonies, need I say more?
10. Traveling. I’m hoping to make it back to Europe in 2010.
11. Cooking. Since I will be spending much of today in the kitchen fixing up a special anniversary dinner I thought it would be fitting to add an extra “happy.”
I’d like to pass this along to anyone who would like to participate, hope you enjoyed my list!
Since the Hampton Collection is described as “a blend of the beach life and city style, taking you from New York City sidewalks to Hamptons digs,” I thought it would be fitting to put together a few outfits inspired by a beach getaway!
Margaritas and Dancing
Sunning Poolside
Now that you’re desperate for these beauties (and a vacation), here’s how TO WIN:
I’m going to give you lots of ways to enter, just make sure you include which you did in your comments
1. Become a follower, or mention that you already follow.
3. Blog about this giveaway, linking back to this post.
That’s an opportunity for three entries! The winner will be announced next Thursday. Good Luck!
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