KEEP IT LOOSE... KEEP IT LIGHT...

In an attempt to hold onto the little bit of peace I felt after a relaxing long weekend, I'm taking deep breaths and clearing space in my home, my mind, my life... everything...

I'm taking moments to lay in the sun (if only briefly), to allow myself to dream (just a little), and to prioritize the things that are most important...

To make plans, but keep a few days open for spontaneity...

To take the time to relish in a good meal with friends, or bask in moments of silence...

And most importantly, to be able to walk away from things when it necessary... out of the heavy burden of unhealthy relationships, stressful workdays, and even gloomy weather. Life is too short to have to shoulder it all, when so many better possibilities await!


*images via alexandra angle, arizona muse by benjamin alexander huseby, house beautiful via splendid sass, and brooke coffey for fgr

PERFECT PAIRS...

I absolutely fell in love with this entire editorial from Frederic Pinet over the weekend, and had to pair a few selections with some equally gorgeous interiors for a dose of spring to summer inspiration...

Sunshine may be fairly non-existent in Seattle, but flowers? Those we have plenty of. And nothing enhances their impact like a dose of dramatic black. I love arranging my blooms in black glass vases!

Loads of fresh white with pops of color has 'summer'. Adding whimsy just makes it that much better! I looooove an excuse to bust out my big sunhat. And, pom pom fringe on the bedding? Don't mind if I do! Adding that trim to a light coverlet might have to be my next project.

For some reason, layering on saturated color just feels appropriate for loungy summer days. Lush greens and spicy reds? Yes please! Pair them with tanned skin or tanned wicker. You kinda can't go wrong. 

*interiors via pinterest. here, here and here.

OLD IS NEW (AND FRESH!)

The return of retro styling is bound to have all sort of impacts on trends these days (for better or worse), but one I can I can absolutely deal with is a resurfacing of palettes like this...


From Rachel Zoe's current Missoni pillows to Gio Ponti's vintage geometric influences - old is new again.


*images: grace kelly by howell conan, rachel zoe's home photographed by richard powers, shoes via martha stewart, and gio ponti via molly loot

In the Mood: Part Deux

A lot of great designers shared their mood boards with Vogue this fashion week and two of them had the same photo tacked up for inspiration. Both Michael Kors, above, and Tommy Hilfiger, below, had the famous photo of model Lisa Taylor driving with the wind whipping through her hair that was taken by famed photographer Arthur Elgort. I can't wait to see how they both interpret this look!

Tommy Hilfiger

Oscar de la Renta

Phillip Lim

Marchesa

Redd Krakoff

In the Mood

There is a palpable feeling of excitement in the city in anticipation of the start of Fashion Week tomorrow. I like to think of it as Style Olympics. Similar to the real Olympics but with chicer uniforms and better parties. Besides the shows, one of my favorite things is seeing the mood boards of the designers. Vogue.com has already posted some of them and I can't wait to see more. I love that so many designers are inspired by great art and photography, in addition to their travels like Jason Wu above. Enjoy!

Erin Wasson

BCBG by Max Azria

Preen

Vena Cava

Wes Gordon

Rag & Bone

CHAMPAGNE WISHES + WINTER DREAMS

Winter is not going anywhere, darlings. The cool days, freezing rain, and piles of snow are here to stay for a bit, so let's just embrace it a little, shall we?
The stark contrast of dark wood and white, and pieces that reflect the cool light. Gilding, crystal, mirrors, and fabrics with sheen... I suppose winter can stick around a little while...

*resources: room by eddie ross, editorial by arthur elgort for vogue uk, vanity by celerie kemble via house beautiful, shoe styling by sandra lane, beds via {tig}, chair by richard powers, tabletop via southern accents

Use Your Words

I always say that inspiration can come from anywhere. In this case, a few of my favorite prints (whose quotes should be gracing my walls) sparked these fresh mood boards...

*photo patrick demarchelier, quote keep calm ltd, flowers laura resen, fabric schumacher

*photo via vogue, quote the love shop, shoes valentino, wallpaper cole & son

*quote the love shop, room laura resen, photo via here, fabric schumacher

I've been so incredibly drawn to black+ white these days, but I have to say that red+nude? Always so classy.

Summer Lovin': Yellow Stripes

I've always loved the summery cabana feel of yellow stripes...

... and I'm not exaggerating when I say I think it stemmed from those Giorgio perfume ads in the 90's. I used to tear them out because I thought they were so cool...

'Sunset. Rodeo. It's so Giorgio....'