RUE ISSUE #5 : IT'S LIVE!

You guys. I am SO happy with this issue... I can't wait to see what you think! We slimmed things down a little - going for quality over quantity - and I think it shows.

I was thrilled to see my friend Corinne's home (which I originally visited over three years ago, swearing I would photograph it someday!) featured so beautifully. Her style is simple but statement-making. Definitely one of my favorite editorials.

The theme for the issue is entertaining, and on top of a playful little spread, we also feature this very Rue take on weddings that's so chic and refreshing. If I were a bride, I'd be a saving every one of these photos! (I'm already dreaming of ways to use that huge paper chandelier!)

With plenty of pretty styling moments to start adding to your inspiration boards, I can't even begin to share all my favorites - go take a peek for yourself and enjoy Rue Issue #5!

BEHIND THE SCENES: RUE COLOR TREND PAGES

Ever wonder how those many market pages in the front of magazines get put together? Well, I don't know how the other mags do it, but here's a peek behind my process as the Market Editor at Rue!

When I begin putting together the color trend pages, I usually start with pulling runway shots and interiors that appeal to me in the moment, coming up with a few different options to select from. For Issue #4 I wanted to find a combination of color that included some of the bold colors that we're seeing in the marketplace, while still remaining sophisticated and realistic as palette that others would want to imitate in their home or wardrobe...

There were many options (a few of which you may see in future issues!) but I kept returning to two images - the room above and the Tracy Reese runway look below. The palette conjured up images of vacationing in the Caribbean while being soft enough for spring - a perfect mix! Then comes the fun (and challenging!) part... shopping!

Once the palette is chosen, I spend hours and hours combing through my favorite sites to find pieces that might make the page. Then, I send all my options on to our Art Director, Bri, and we pick the best of the best to make the page. And the leftovers? Well, usually they get ditched, but today they get their day in the sun right here. I especially love the striped options because they mimic the original room... what are your favorites?

*resources: 1. tomas maier dress 2. grecian pillow at wisteria 3. matiko sandal at urban outfitters 4. tabac chair at jayson h&g 5. a.l.c. tank top 6. stella mccartney skirt 7. vases at lamps plus 8. undersea lamp at anthropologie 9. mali sabatasso necklace 10. jonathan adler bolster pillow 11. j.crew sawyer hobo

PS - to get your sneak peek behind the 'looming large' trends page, head on over to the Rue blog today where I share more wonderful wovens!

RUE #4: (NOT) BIGGER + (BUT ALWAYS) BETTER!

Alright my dears - Rue Issue #4 is officially up and I'm sure half of you have already taken a peek - what did you think? One thing we heard from our loyal readers was that it was just weeeee bit too long, so we downsized things just a bit, but we hope that in this case smaller means better??

I loved the editoral shot by Sarah & Chris Rhoads (We are the Rhoads) out in the Vegas desert amongst a few other pieces of awesomeness...



Like fun little parties, lovely homes and fantasy work spaces. But you'll just have to visit the entire issue to pick your own favorites! (Then come back and let me know what you loved most!)

Enjoy!!

STREETS OF NEW YORK...

I know I've already shared a little recap of my adventures in NYC with the Rue ladies, but we just got a sneek peek at some of the team pics taken by the amazingly talented Trent Bailey, and I just had to share (hope you don't mind!)...

*i love these ladies*

*cuties*

Had I known we'd be shooting outside I would have brought my cute kelly green coat instead of my practical one. Can't blame a girl for trying to stay warm! Luckily we'll be making more Rue memories in LA soon! No bundling up required.

*all photos by trent bailey

HAPPY (RECAP!) WEEKEND

I promised a little NYC recap last week, and here I am to deliver (better late than never??)

The quick little trip was a fantastic one, starting from the second I arrived. Thanks to the lovely people at Mr & Mrs Smith, the Rue girls got to enjoy the comfort and glamour of  The Gramercy Park Hotel where Crystal and I immediately indulged in a late night drink at the rooftop bar. The next morning, we were up and at 'em to speak on color trends at an event at NYIGF where we got to pop in to see a few of our favorite vendors including the new fabulous new textiles line by Coco Cozy!

After that it was down to business... pretty party business! Anne, Bri, Crystal and I dolled ourselves up for the Rue Issue #3 party hosted by The New Traditionalists in their gorgeous showroom. It was so wonderful to finally meet some readers and bloggers in person, and the event was a huge success. We ended the evening at the amazing home of Susan + William Brinson (see their space over on design*sponge) who were sweet enough to host a relaxing little after party.

Day two found us buzzing around the city shopping and photo shooting (thank you Trent Bailey!) before heading off to the High Gloss launch party and a very late-night dinner with the team. It was, as usual, an amazing few days in NYC... I cannot wait to be back in that city!

ps - to see all the pics, head over to the coco+kelley facebook page for a visual adventure!

RUE OF THE WEEK: A TOUR OF ISSUE #3

Well... if you haven't already heard the tweets, posts and status updates... Rue Magazine Issue #3 is HERE! And, along with that little tidbit of information is the announcement that I will officially be joining the team as Market Editor as we head into (yes, already!) Issue #4. I'm so thrilled to be working with these talented women - each of us holding our own unique vision of style, so perfectly expressed throughout the pages of this publication...




And if you needed further convincing of our cohesive, yet very individual tastes... my favorite page says it all:

I'd happily take Anne's bag (or any of the bags in her closet for that matter!), Crystal's side table (a girl can never have too many places to set her drink) and Bri's tea press (although she'd probably fight me for it), and mix them with my own selections!

I can't wait to see what comes next for us, our amazing contributors, collaborators, and friends! And, of course, if you haven't already... Pour yourself a beverage of choice and settle in for some good reading!

xoxo,
cassandra

WHY, YES, I DO RUE...

When Rue first launched their premiere issue, the big question going around was... do you Rue?? And while I got to enjoy the first issue as a reader, the second became even more exciting for me as a guest editor! So the answer this time around? You bet I Rue!

Crystal and Anne gave me the opportunity to create two pages that pulled at my passion for spotting trends and colorways, and I'm so thrilled with how they turned out!  It was so fun to contribute on this level to such a fantastically gorgeous magazine!

Even more exciting? The fact that two of my most favorite ladies also made their own little appearance...

The stunning office loft of my dear friend Kelley Moore (yes, it is the most inspiring workspace ever) and an editorial created by my bestie Erin Hiemstra over at Apartment #34 (who may or may not be ready to launch her personal stylist career after this stunning story???)

Oh, did I mention she makes a hot little model too? Yep, that's her!

On top of all this fun was our photo shoot down in Palm Springs with the The Girls With Glasses and some extremely talented ladies + gents (more on that later!) For now? Enjoy this quick little peek at some behind the scenes shenanigans!


And don't forget to check out Rue Issue #2!! Your design-lovin' mind will be blown! 

NYC: THE RUE LAUNCH PARTY!

As many of you know, the whole purpose of my trip to NYC was to attend the Rue launch party... never did I dream it would be such a fabulous night!

First of all, I was able to find the most amazing dress by designer Kara Janx that left me feeling like Audrey Hepburn wearing Valentino. Every time I looked down at that big bow, my heart fluttered! Finished off by sparkling heels and subtle jewelry, I was ready to go with my partner in crime, Kelley. (Who says you have to wear black in New York??)

The Rue gals looked every bit as gorgeous, and this happens to be my favorite photo from the evening. The toast in progress! Cheers!

The most fun part, of course, was mingling with bloggers who were old friends and new acquaintances alike! The lovely Laure who I know from back in my LA days, Camila who I was thrilled to finally meet, Mr. Tartanscot who won my award for best dressed that evening (his pants had skulls on them!) and the sweet Julieann with my ever-present bestie, Erin. (Oh, and yes, I have a hand-on-my-hip addiction in photos)

I also got a chance to meet two of my favorites (finally!) - Jaithan and Eddie - who made the time to stop by the party despite their busy schedule.

Not only were the people fabulous, but so were the shoes (or socks, in Jonathan Legate's case!).
Mine are the sparkly pumps!

A few more lovelies - Bri, Crystal and Amy - and of course the fabulous Jaime below.

It's hard to explain the energy and level of talent in that room, but I hope you can imagine it and feel the inspiration that I did after this amazing evening!

RUE OF THE WEEK

No, that's not a typo. This week instead of just any ol' room, we're giving you an exclusive sneak peek at a fabulous little home that will be featured in the upcoming premiere issue of Rue Magazine!

First off, let's talk about how much I'm lusting after this fresh all-white palette right now! I've decided that despite my love of color, white walls are it for me. The color can come elsewhere! Plus, look at how perfectly it shows off the collection of artwork, and accent pieces like the warm leather butterfly chair.

While I always love a big room shot, I live for the little vignettes featured in decor mags, just like this one. They seem to reveal a little more about the owner, don't you think? (Nope, we're not giving away whose home this is!) This combo of old + new with black + white is  killing me... especially with that worn in classic rug. 

You know what else is killing me? The suspense of seeing the full premiere issue that the amazing Rue team has been working so hard on!! If you haven't already seen some of the other sneak peeks, head over to Shelterpop, Casa Sugar, and Style Me Pretty for more gorgeous eye candy.

And, if you feel so inclined to support the mag with one of these cute little buttons for your own blog, feel free to download them by clicking right here. I'll be showing my own support soon by hopping a flight to New York to attend the launch party with this fabulous group of ladies! That, you can expect a full report on! (Pssst, I have it on good authority that Anne will be rocking these pumps. I'm thinking I might need to see her cheetah and raise her some sparkle with these!)

*images by tiny water photography, courtesy of rue magazine