Loving: Menswear Campaigns

This is probably one of those instances where I think that this is a "new" thing but it's really just new to me. I realize that the whole idea of a lookbook is probably as old as fashion itself, but lookbooks available to the public (via the internet mostly) seems to be something that's fairly recent. That said, I generally peruse the women's collections (for obvious reasons) but these men's books are not only full of great clothing but are beautifully shot, styled and modeled. The fashion house is named at the beginning of each of the features, but they are: CXXVI (of New York), 10Deep (also of New York) and Cavalier (which doesn't exactly exist but Taylor Pemberton seems to be the designer and he's in Savannah, GA).



Well done boys.

At The Design Blog: June Calendar

I've made you a present! Go get it over at the Design Blog. xo

Happy June my dear!

Pretty Party: BBQ Engagement

In honor of Memorial Day and the unofficial kick-off to American summer I thought we'd all like to look at this gorgeous backyard Engagement party. Mark and Amy (of eat drink chic) invited their nearest and dearest to celebrate their engagement and then surprised everyone when they decided to have a civil ceremony right then and there. This is such a great idea for those couples who don't want to spend months and months planning a huge event. And of course everyone is so excited and happy so the party is that much more delightful.


I am particularly in love with this party because it looks like I can do it. It doesn't have a hundred and one crazy pieces to put together but it is still incredibly thoughtful and celebratory.
(images from eat drink chic)
Happy Memorial Day all of you Americans! I hope you're spending it outside with friends.
xo

Listen To This: Beirut

Sigh. This just feels like perfect timing. Go do something fun this weekend - and videotape it for your grandkids. xo

beirut // postcards from italy

Moving In: Cathy + Robin

Cathy and Robin live in a sweet little house which appears to be nestled in some lovely trees and is decorated with just the right amount of interesting bits and bobs. I love that it's not cluttered, but still feels homey and comfortable. I think I'd look quite nice perched in front of that fireplace, don't you?


This couple also has an amazing ceramics website that you should definitely check out.
images from: design*sponge and the d*s flickr page

Meet: Debi Treloar

Our new friend Debi has shot some amazing things: gorgeous, boho interiors; ripe and bright fruit (in teacups of course); perfectly styled tables... Originally from Zimbabwe, she has lived and worked in London for the past fifteen years working with monthly publications, chefs, interior designers and stylists. Check out her site for other images (and to see a list of projects she's been a part of).





You can really see that her exotic African background mixes beautifully with her subtle, vintage, British style. What a great combination!
(all images are from her portfolio)

If We Were Famous: We'd Go To Cannes

So, another year of Cannes Film Festival-ing draws to an end, and the fashion images emerging have really intrigued me this year. I was especially drawn to all the gorgeous neutrals the leading ladies seemed to embrace. There was a plethora of white, black and champagne. Oh, you'd like to see some of my favorites? I thought you might...



Thanks Life Magazine for your amazing archives.
Oh, speaking of which, the rabbit trail that is the Life site led me to these amazing vintage Cannes images. You're going to really enjoy this.


So much glamour!
images from the Life Magazine Archives (Cannes 2011 fashion, classic Cannes and the stars at Cannes galleries)

Loving: Golden Interiors

It's funny how your tastes change isn't it? Not too long ago I would've poo-pooed me if I suggested that gold in an interior was anything other than gaudy and old-fashioned (and not in a good way). But now... my eyes are opened to the gorgeousness of a bit of bling. The best part about adding a bit of gold to your home? Swing by the hardware store for a can of spray paint then to goodwill for a cheap mirror or metal side table and you've got yourself a bit of magic.




images from top left: brocade chest of drawers // table setting // hallway mirror // mirror installations // gold poufs // metal chair // headboard // gold couch // coffee table // wallpaper // fireplace // office // tree // drapes // zebra rug // pendants

Listen To This: Dawn Landes

This is such a sweet video and song. It really gets me in a summer mood (which is good for you Americans but rather frustrating for me as I head into Winter). No matter what season, it gives you that warm fuzzy feeling and that's a great way to start a weekend. So, enjoy!

dawn landes // straight lines

Pack Your Bags — The Lark House

Oh. My. Gosh. You and I are learning about this amazing getaway together... I had no idea that the gorgeous store (and retail supplier) Lark offers a retreat house in Daylesford, Australia. I first became familiar with Lark through the boutique I work at and I've adored everything I've seen. So obviously I'm head-over-heels in love with this sweet 1860's home decorated and maintained by Lark. The house is available for up to 8 people (four beds, two baths) and looks to be quite spacious. If you can get out there, do! That goes for me too...



Here's the problem I see with this particular holiday rental: they'd have to evict me because I'm certainly not going willingly...
images from: the design files and the lark site

At The Design Blog: Krystal + Richard

I'm featuring a new wedding stationery design over on the Hello My Dear Design blog today. Check it!

(images from Calli B)

Loving: Yellow + Navy

I really love yellow and navy together—it's so cheery but accommodates a bad day which is very important. It's a common enough color combination that you can find a cushion or other accent homeware item in order to bring the idea into the room without having to commit to a yellow or navy wall. In fact, it's probably better to keep it little more subtle - a little goes a long way with this combination I think. Here are some interiors that got it right.



images from top left and across: blue lamp // yellow stools // yellow ottoman // yellow table // yellow door // blue patterned couch // blue door // "rock" // hydrangeas // blue wall // patterned yellow chairs // yellow couch

Cheree Berry: Stationery, Shop + (Another) Sweet Celebration

Cheree Berry is a design company located in St. Louis, Missouri. I've been a fan of their work for a couple of years now and was so excited to see their gorgeous office/shopfront featured on 100 Layer Cake. Of course it's just as charming and sweet as the designs these ladies produce.

Love it all—especially the pompoms as curtain swags. So darn clever. Don't you love their stationery? I'm seriously thinking I need that horse card.
Aren't we lucky that the lovely Cheree (and her husband Luke of course) had their wedding featured in Martha Stewart Weddings?! So many pretty details. And that amazing "just married" backdrop is a definite addition to my "I wish that were mine" file.

Shop images from 100 layer cake // stationery from minted and redstamp // wedding images from martha // visit the cheree berry website

Jed + Jillian + Some Ferocious Beasts

I saw this wedding featured on Green Wedding Shoes not too long ago and I was immediately in love. The Natural History Museum in Los Angeles is such a unique and gorgeous place to hold an event— yes the polar bear is a bit ominous, but overall the space has a great Wes Anderson feel to it (in the best possible way). I think you'll dig it.



Weren't those masks a good idea? So clever these two. Read about the day in the bride's own words at GWS and be sure to visit the amazing photographers blog to see more snaps as well as some other great photos.

Listen To This: Acid House Kings

Sorry for the delay in this - our lovely friend Blogger was having a fit but he seems to be back to his normal self. Thank goodness because you wouldn't want to start your weekend without listening to this fun little song (and watching the equally as fun video).

Have a good weekend my dear! (acid house kings // would you say stop)

Loving: Cowboys + Indians + Fifty and Fifty

Maybe I'm homesick, but this project made me nostalgic and sentimental and proud of American designers. Wow, that's quite a build-up, but these pieces are really (really) great. Fifty and Fifty is a project that invited fifty designers, one per state, to illustrate their state motto. I love them all but thought I'd let you wander over to the site to see them for yourself, so I chose six that have cowboys and indians in them. Because I'm a little obsessed with native american style at the moment and because my favorite is the "friendship" one that represents Texas.






Geez. So good. I love that all of them have the same color palette, it really unites them. Go visit the site—they're all amazing. (Thank you Grain Edit for the introduction!)

Moving In: Alarna Zinn

I fell in love with this pretty little flat when I first saw it on the Design Files. The sweet retro detailing and brightness of the space is what initially drew me in. And I was so excited to see that Alarna lives in Brisbane (where I currently am!) and that she's behind the fabulous online stationery shop: Little Jane Street. Take a peek at her home and a few things from the shop (and then head over to LJS to get yourself some of those amazing cupcake magnets).



Wouldn't you just love to have that green telephone? So much goodness.
(images of her home are from design files and shots from LJS are from the online shop)

Pack Your Bags — Creative Flats

I've always wanted to rent an apartment or a house instead of staying in a hotel. It seems to me that I'd get a better idea of what it's like to actually live in the city as opposed to just visiting. These residential spaces also tend to be a bit home-yer and full of more character than your typical hotel room. Creative Flats is based in Montreal and Nathalie and Annie have done an amazing job outfitting different spaces in the city. Their aesthetic is modern and comfortable and very chic - exactly what I want in my home away from home. What about you?



All amazing images are from the Creative Flats site.

Meet: Gretchen Jones

You probably already know Gretchen—she was the lovely winner of Project Runway (season 8). I was a fan of her designs from the beginning and was so excited when she won. Since then she's released a Fall/Winter collection that's absolutely gorgeous. Have you seen it? Well, here...


Isn't it great? It all looks so cozy and feminine. And her jewelry designs are stunning. (visit her website and blog)
Gretchen recently had a trunk show in NYC and one of my favorite blogger/photographers (Jamie of "From Me To You") was there to document it. Of course Gretchen had some lovely lady shoppers amongst her creations which made for some beautiful pictures.

Don't you just adore Gretchen's tattoo? That arrow is so great.
(trunk show images via "From Me To You")

Listen To This: Nina Simone

No seriously, listen to this. And then listen to it again. Nina... nobody does it better.

nina simone // i loves you porgy
Have an amazing weekend my dears!

Fiesta!

Not that I ever (ever) need an excuse to indulge in some Mexican food, but Cinco de Mayo is a great day to convince anyone who may need more coaxing, that fajitas make the perfect dinner. Now I realize that you may not have a lot of time to get friends together and organize dinner, but tacos and sombreros are super easy and make it an instant fiesta. If you have more time (or want to throw a spicy dinner party this weekend) here are some great decor ideas.



Images are from the sweetest occasion's: rehearsal dinner // fiesta dinner party // backyard wedding // birthday fiesta + style me pretty's: sayulita wedding // mexico-inspired photo shoot // santa barbara wedding // new mexico wedding // mexico wedding + once wed's: fiesta + design sponge's: summer fiesta + oh and of course president obama (love!)