Let's Be French This Year

Melanie Pain is sweet, silly, beautiful and french. Lucky.
Happy 2011 everyone! Be safe and have fun! See you next year (that never gets old).

Flashy New Year

If there was ever a time to wear metallics, it's New Years Eve. I don't consider myself much of a "bling" girl, but even I would consider wearing something with a little shimmer to start the new year off properly. Here are some lovelies to inspire.



Fun right? What are you wearing to your New Years shindigs?

shopping guide (from top left): black one-strap // black shimmer tweed // black satin and shimmer // retro shiny silver // cowl neck silver // silver and cream // shiny cardy // three-quarter sleeve silver shift // rose gold and cream // gold purse // gold and red shoes

Cake Opera Co.

There's been a resurgence lately (or at least I'm beginning to notice this trend) in creating truly breathtaking cakes—with shows like Cake Boss and the Ace of Cakes and Food Network design challenges where you have to make a cake that spits fire. I think that it used to be if you made a sugar flower or used a basket weave technique you were considered a cake genius. But now, oh boy. Now these cakes are literally works of art, created by degreed artists who've studied in Paris and Milan and New York and go through the same sort of apprenticeship that a fashion designer would. I'd like to introduce you to the Cake Opera Co which consists of Alexandria Pellegrino (the artist) and Jessica Smith (the pastry chef). The two lovely ladies (see them below) met in Le Cordon Bleu in Ottowa and started the Cake Opera Co in Toronto in 2007. I love that they are not only committed to making beautiful cakes but are as equally committed to making them taste good. As Jessica's bio says "nothing is more tragic than a cake that looks breathtaking but tastes uninspired." Agreed. Knowing that these cakes taste as good as they look makes me want to hop a plane.


I love the sketches and the shop itself looks stunning. Anyone near this place? Get over there!

Meet: Peggy Wolf

You know how much I enjoy flirty fashion illustrations, so when I ran across ms. Peggy Wolf I could barely contain my excitement. The German-born, London resident has such a lovely ease in her work—generally consisting of soft colors and flowers and patterns and oozing with retro sensuality. I'm particularly crazy about the red haired girl in profile (doesn't she remind you of a certain Joan Harris?).


See more of her work (including some great collages) on her website and her Etsy store.

A Masculine Sensibility

Most of my experience with bachelor pads have not been pleasant. Mostly they've consisted of smelly old sofas (far too many of them), huge televisions with tons of video game equipment strewn about and some random artwork that was either given to them by their mothers or they had hanging in their adolescent bedrooms. Yuck. But (pay attention here you single lads), the bachelor pad can actually be designed well. It can be a space that is inviting and comfortable and put together—without being fussy or stark. Promise. Look at these great examples:





Quite nice right? I'd be perfectly happy with any one of these rooms. Which means the lady in your life would be too.
images from: live like you // odi et amo // emmas design blogg // trove interiors // the decorista // little frame big wall // man makes home // design is mine // living etc

Hot Buttered Rum (Light on the Butter)

Hello all! I'm cutting out a day early this blog week to focus on gift wrapping and granola making and holiday spiriting. I hope you'll accept this lovely clip from "White Christmas" as my gift to you. Merry Christmas friends! See you next week!

A Different Sort of White Christmas

So many of my lovely new Australian friends will be spending Christmas on the coast. They'll enjoy cocktails and ham and presents with the sound of the ocean in the background. And this actually sounds quite nice to me (even though I'm missing a snowy Christmas and all that includes). I thought in order to give all of my North American friends a taste of Christmas down under we could view some beautiful beachy Christmas decor. Are you up for that? I thought you might be.


Images from: tara dennis // design by cathleen // coastal living // a beach cottage // martha

Pack Your Bags—Insolito

Doesn't Brazil just seem so gorgeous and sultry and exotic? Whenever I think of it, I picture ridiculously handsome men with mustaches, gorgeous women in yards of bright fabric, tons of flowers and spicy air. This boutique hotel, located on one of the most beautiful beaches, not only embraces the breathtaking landscape of the area, but the accommodations immerse you in Brazilian culture. Each room celebrates the local art— from literature to music to photography. What a glorious way to spend a week or two.

Meet: Jose Pulido

I work at an incredibly charming little boutique and that attracts incredibly charming ladies. One such lady had a great tote with her: a mexican folk art version of the star wars character chewbacca. And because I have this need to let people know when they're wearing something fabulous I gushed over it and she told me that she had gotten it at a handmade market (or maybe it was from his Etsy shop? I forget...) and that the artist did other amazing pop art screen prints as well. So. I had to research and share with you. You're going to totally dig this.

Cool right? What a talented guy. Pop over to his Etsy, Flickr or website to see some more awesomeness. (PS. You're all very hip, but just in case you're wondering these are images of [from top]: chewbacca, c3po + r2d2, princess leia + han solo, bob marley, elvis, johnny cash, charlie chaplin and vincent vega + jules winnfield)

Music for your Friday

Oh this song. What a great start to our weekend. See you Monday friends!
(beach house // take care)

Pretty Tables: Christmas

Can you believe Christmas is happening next week? Me either. My hometown in Illinois has had quite a lot of snow and cold weather so they're probably more in the holiday spirit than I am sitting in the air conditioning watching thunderstorms in Australia. However I do still enjoy all of the sights and sounds of the season, even if it feels like Christmas in July. I'm lucky enough to be experiencing an Australian Christmas with my sister-in-laws family so I'll be surrounded by people I love and celebrating that. And there will be a beautiful meal and lots of festive drinks and napping so that'll feel like home.
I've always appreciated a lovely table setting, especially at Christmas. And although I have yet to have a year where I'm in charge of table decor, I thought it was a good idea to share some lovely inspiration photos—just in case you need some help this year.



Images from: the savvy event // the hip hostess // vintage christmas decorations // country living // better homes and gardens // good housekeeping

Meet: Andrew Holder

I'm making a lot of introductions this week but Andrew Holder is another gentleman you should be familiar with. He's a California based artist with a bright, folksy, Scandinavian style which I adore. His landscapes and animals are dreamlike and enchanting without getting ethereal and fuzzy around the edges which isn't an easy task to accomplish. I'd particularly love to have one of those painted deer hanging on my wall, aren't they amazing?



He has some more work on his site, and has a lovely print available over on Tiny Showcase (another introduction I'm happy to make!).

Meet: Glen Proebstel

Mr. Glen is an incredibly talented photo stylist from Australia. He's worked with some prominent photographers doing lovey shoots for popular magazines and campaigns. His style is quite rustic and subtle which I love. Although the pictures are often quite sparse, they still have a quiet comfort about them. Be inspired dear ones!

Read a great interview with him on the design files and check out his portfolio.

John Robshaw's Country Home

Lonny magazine (I highly recommend you checking it out if haven't) did a feature in their most recent issue on textile designer John Robshaw. I fell in love with his charming Connecticut home and then promptly in love with his textiles. He's heavily influenced by traditional Indian woodblock stamping and uses the technique combined with his modern sensibility to create gorgeous home wares. You need to stop by his site, but this post is dedicated to his gorgeous country getaway. The pictures speak for themselves but what I appreciate most about his decor is his use of vintage (historic in a lot of cases) Indian textiles combined with his own creations creating a really stunning interior full of life and pattern that is still somehow completely relaxing. I'll take it just as it is please.

Music for your Friday

Hello friends! You'll forgive todays short post (big night last night!). I'm going to switch the new "songs for your Saturday" post to the tale end of Friday for this week. But I had plans for today, so stop in tomorrow to see pictures of a lovely Connecticut home.
PS. These exceptionally talented people are friends of mine (aren't I lucky?)! There's more to see on YouTube (just search Scattered Trees). You should for sure check out their version of "Instant Karma", it's amazing! xo

Sweet Red Velvet

My friends, be prepared to punch me in the arm and then give me a big bear hug. Red Velvet is simultaneously the sweetest and most infuriating place in the whole world (or at least the whole of Springfield, Missouri). This family owned, vintage and handmade shop (oh, you know, with just the most amazing sweets shop in the middle) has been open for a little while now and seems to be doing quite well. You and I both know I'd be in there every day (maybe twice). Ugh. Why isn't this my life? Guess what else is annoying? All of the ladies involved with this adventure seem completely wonderful and charming and grateful to be able to do this. The worst! I kid. Obviously I'm excited for them and inspired by their adventure. Here are some shots from the shop (from Elsie's Flickr).


Amazing right? Get over there if you can (you lovelies in Illinois aren't that far away you know... maybe when I get back we'll pop over and beg for jobs?)
Elsie. She's the one that seems to be the spokesmodel. And why not? She's a talented artist, adorable dresser and fun interior designer. I'll prove it:



There's so much more to see from these ladies. Here's Elsie's blog and Red Velvet Art blog to get you started.
PS. Just saw that my favorite blog design*sponge did a feature on them today as well. Small blogging world isn't it? They have some great before/after shots of the shop. Check it out!

From Me to You: Christmas Trimming

Oh man I love to get a pretty present. I have a handful of people in my life that really know this and spend extra energy making the gift wrap part of the present (thanks to you ladies!). Even my dad knows how much I appreciate this and puts curling ribbon only on my Christmas presents (because frankly my brothers don't care). That said, it's that time of year again and my sister-in-law and I are going to start doing our wrapping this weekend. We've decided to do craft paper and then adorn them with goodies: fabric bows, bakers twine, stamps, tissue paper flowers... the works. I'll have to take pictures and share (won't you do the same?). Here are a few inspirational pics to get your creative minds whirring.



(aside: the red gingham wrapping with the brooch is actually a shirt! Thanks Country Living for the idea and tutorial.)
Images from: in this instance // a natural celebration // amanda rae // let's eat // oh, hello friend // blackbird blue // hip hip hooray // tea for joy // all about you // country living

Heroes of Folk (in Card Form)

Scotty Reifsnyder calls himself a "proud product of the hard working people of Pennsylvania" (isn't that adorable?) and it's that kind of wit and charm that makes these "heroes of folk" letterpressed cards so great.






I went the maximum amount of overboard today and showed you all of the cards. And unfortunately he has nothing else on his website, BUT you should still pop over for a quick visit because his opening page is still nice. Oh and you can find him on dribble. See you tomorrow!

A Night in a Yurt

Are you familiar with "yurts"? I wasn't, not really. I'd seen pictures but I didn't realize these round, tent-like structures had a specific name and I certainly didn't know said name was as funny and cute as "yurt". I came across this amazing Norwegian hotel (the Canvas Hotel) and just had to learn a little more about yurts. From what I can gather most (if not all) yurts consist of one large area generally with a sitting space and a bed. No kitchen, no bathroom, no internet, no cable—the whole point is to get you reconnected with nature and yourself and your companion. Sounds amazing.


Images from: canvas hotel // canvas chic // hooting owl // hoopoe hotel // treebones resort // orca island cabins
Just in case you aren't able to spend a holiday in a yute this year and would like to recreate some of the tranquility and back-to-nature simplicity of the space, I thought I'd create an idea board to help get you started. Besides, I haven't made one of these in awhile so I thought I should get back into the habit of it!

Sources: tapestry // coffee table // chair // pendant // pillow // terrarium // fireplace

A Song for Your Saturday

Just something awesome for your Saturday. (Edward Sharpe + the Magnetic Zeros: Home) xo

Terrible Yellow Eyes

I was recently cleaning out and organizing the ridiculously large pile of bookmarks I've amassed when I came across a link to "Terrible Yellow Eyes". This is good stuff. It's a collection of art started by Cory Godbey that is based on the beloved story "Where the Wild Things Are" and the art of Maurice Sendak. I wish I could say that I had the book when I was little and that I loved it more than anything, but unfortunately, it wasn't a childhood favorite. I recognize it's appeal and importance though and fully appreciate the artwork. When the trailer for the movie version came out it gave me chills. The cinematography and costumes and that song... amazing. The film was actually quite sad, but I loved it. The whole thing was very mature and childish at the same time. I digress...
The artwork created for this project is really stunning. And you can tell that these people really love and understand Mr. Sendak's vision, while still offering a unique perspective on the story. Even if you saw it when it was current (the collection ran from May 2009 - January 2010) you're going to enjoy the reminder. I sure did.



I need to see the movie again. And read a child a book. Happy weekend everyone!