event inspiration {scarlet, ocher + slate}

I struggle with this time of year. I am still craving the harvest inspired palettes of Halloween but also longing for the crisp festiveness of the Christmas season. I finally found a color combination that was perfect for this transitional time--scarlet, ocher and slate.

(via rebecca taylor, style me pretty, ink wells, green wedding shoes, unknown, jose villa and 100 layer cake, once wed)
All rich lovely colors that satisfy my love of the autumn palette with a nod to the peppermint infused season upon us. And with that I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

[home] office inspiration

(via decor 8)
It has been a hectic week and I feel like I haven't had a moment of rest. I am really wishing that I could just work from home today to catch up on life and hang out with my dogs. However to actually stay focused at home I think I would need an amazing home office and any one of these would do just fine!

(scanned from September 2008 Domino)

(via August 2009 Canadian House and Home)

(via kristin buckingham)

(scanned from To Your Taste)

(via 1st dibs)

Do you work from home? If so, any tips on staying focused? Alright, have a great day. I am off to grab a coffee and then of to the office.

cheap(er) chic [subtle metallic]

It has been a little too long since I have done a cheap(er) chic post so I thought I would try to bring my current cravings down to reality with items inspired by two very dreamy and whimsical spaces.

(room by muriel brandolini)

(via donna karan, anthropologie, banana republic and aka new york)

(scanned from Domino)

(via tory burch, kenneth jay lane, calyspo celle, chinese laundry and anthropologie)
Alright another busy day ahead of me! Hope you have a lovely one.

simple [bedside] styling

Ever since I admired this room I have had simple and lovely bedside table styling on my mind. From oversize rustic lanterns...

to a casual pile of books under a simple floral arrangement...

or maybe no bedside table at all and just a birdcage (still loving them!)...

organic styling....

art hanging above the bedside table (like the one I originally loved)...

And lastly one I will never tire of--the perfectly casual bedside of rita konig.

What is on your bedside table? Mine currently is home to a simple and traditional lamp, a calypso-celle candle and a stack of the most recent interior design mags.

eye candy {evening soak}

Mondays never fail to be a hectic day at the office and today was especially so. All I want to do is turn my mind off, read the latest issue of House Beautiful and take a long soak in this glamorous (and perfect!) bathroom.

(via nuevo estilo)
Yes, I think that would do the trick quite nicely! I am truly such a sucker for any room using antique mirror.

fashioning interiors [tibi]

I think the fact that it was dark by 5:30 last night made me face the fact that it is not reasonable to dream of all the lovely spring 2010 lines (at least not quite yet!) So to bring myself back to reality I thought a fall 2009 line for fashioning interiors was in order and Tibi's collection has been a favorite of mine for a while! I love the luxurious textures, patterns and colors.

(via simon upton, nuevo estilo, western interiors, and unknown)
A very happy Monday to you all!

the perfect bedroom

I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween weekend! I had a lovely time playing the part of Betty Draper, but all the festivities have left me a little burnt out and dreaming about the perfect bedroom in which to recoup. This bedroom has it all--the beautiful luxury of brocade mixed with casual cozy linens and not to mention the perfect bedside vignette.

(via homes and garden)
I am now craving hanging mismatched and misaligned artwork over my bedside table and perhaps an industrial lamp!

happy [bold red] weekend

I know red is not a traditional Halloween color but it happens to be the weekend of a big game for the Georgia Bulldogs. No I did not go to University of Georgia and I haven't even been to the state but many of my friends are devout fans and it has rubbed off a bit. One of their team colors is red--so I thought some eye candy in the color would possibly bring them luck!

(via annie leibovitz via captivate moi, unknown and arent & pyke)
p.s. If you are craving some orange and black--you can get your fix with my fashioning interiors guest post on Plush Palate from earlier this week!

designer crush {madeline stuart}

How is that it was only until just recently that I discovered the work of Madeline Stuart? When I saw the Jackson Hole home she designed in the latest Elle Decor I was instantly in love, as she found the perfect balance between the rustic and natural elements associated with rocky mountain living and the elegant refinement I crave. When I pursued her portfolio I was not disappointed and was especially in love with this home:

It is livable and laid back while also being luxurious! She also happens to feature the work of one of my favorite artists (over the mantle), Ashley Collins. Yes, I truly have a new designer crush.

bold + glamorous

I was going through back issues of Canadian House and Home and was reminded of my love of this space that was featured in a recent issue. This glamorous dwelling is only 500 sq feet but the colors and textures sure make a bold statement!

Which (as I can't help myself from doing) made me think that a similar look would do the same for my closet--when incorporated all in to one sequined adorned dress or when each color and style element is pulled out individually.

(via zig zag tibi dress, banana republic necklace, christian louboutin pump, kate spade handbag, marc jacobs sweater and jennifer oullette headband)

winter whites

Ok, yes it is after labor day but no matter what time of the year white is always in style. I think that I actually put more white pieces in to my closet than I took out when I did the seasonal wardrobe switch. So with snow in the weather forecast for the rest of the week I thought it would be appropriate to have a little ode to winter white!

(via suzanne kaster,, david jimenez, elie saab, kara mann, martha stewart via {this is glamorous}, elie saab, nuevo estilo)

event inspiration {fabulous fall color}

Inspiration really is a funny thing—how elusive it is, how is strikes, how frustrating it can be to try and force and how the feeling of something clicking is unlike any other. All weekend long I was itching to find the perfect unique fall event palette —but nothing resonated with me. That was until yesterday (when of course I gave up) and saw a beautiful photo of shoes on a colorful fabric over at two ellie.

(via two ellie by kellen jacob photography, blumarine, jose villa, jose villa, design lovely via dolci odille and tec petaja)
The color combination was perfect—unique and just the right touch of moodiness for fall. The result a very colorful and slightly funky affair that I would happily attend.

Pssst...I am also guest posting over at one of my favorite blogs, Plush Palate, today.

aqua love affair

There are those colors that I come back to time and time again--that no matter what the season, occasion, my mood or the room that I always love. Aqua just makes me swoon (I am not sure I used that word before I started blogging!) and I can't imagine that it is one I will ever grow tired of.

(via annsley interiors, unknown, atlanta homes and garden, zero + maria cornejo, mark lanning, homes and gardens, mark lanning and collette dinnigan)
And with that have a lovely Monday!

simple sunday {mantles}

The season for gathering around the fireplace has begun and I love simple casual styling for the fireplace area. I am especially smitten with uncluttered mantles with just one perfectly casual leaning piece of art.

(via elle decor (nate berkus's chicago apt) alexandra rowley, arent + pyke, nuevo estilo and alexandra rowley)
Also, loving the overall casual and cozy feeling of these rooms. All the perfect places to spend a relaxing Sunday!

check, tartan, plaid...

...no matter what you call this family of patterns-it is still a strong trend for this fall and winter.

I love the modern and laid back twist that designers, such as Steven Alan have put on a look that was once reserved only for cozy cabins and flannel shirts.

And from the looks on the spring 2010 runway it seems this family of patterns will stick around after the snow melts.

(via lonny, osborne and little and domino)
Hope you have a relaxing weekend!

perfect [pattern on pattern] look

I am not one to post a single fashion editorial image--however, this image has been haunting me and begging to be posted. At first I couldn't decide my thought on the pattern on pattern look but lets just say it grew on me exponentially ever time I looked at it (it is pinned on my inspiration board) and now I think it just downright perfect!

(scanned from marie claire)
And I think this style also perfectly showcases a lovely way to wear a dash of sequins. If you like this level of sparkle (like I do!) you will also love this shirt from vanessa bruno. Is the pattern on pattern look one you would take the risk to sport?

pretty in peach

Pastels for fall? Yes, indeed. Peach is the perfect warm and luxurious alternative to the traditional pastel shades of summer.

(via j.crew designer gallery, coco+kelley, donna karan + cynthia warren)
Do you have a favorite fall pastel?

comfortable luxury

I don't know about you but when I think about luxurious spaces I think of rooms where I can't touch or sit on anything, almost as is I am in a museum. It isn't that I wouldn't like a few luxurious touches in my home (a gilt consul or crystal sconce, perhaps) but I also want a space that I can feel comfortable relaxing in. I think this loft has achieved what I imagined to be unachievable--comfortable luxury.

(november 2009 canadian house and home)

Love the balance of the antiques with the inviting and casual seating. I could go on and on about all the details I love about this room (the screen and that sidetable!) but I won't. Best yet, did I mention this style is proving successful in a loft?

[luxurious] fall basics

As I sit here curled up in favorite cashmere sweater I am reminded about how fall and winter styles really are all about luxury. It is the time of year to indulge in cozy fabrics, ornately detailed pieces and fabulous fabrics. These are a few of my favorite picks for luxurious and practical pieces for the coming cold weather season.

I mean a girl has to have a fabulous coat to curl up in during sleigh rides, a versatile skirt that can go from day to night, a go to holiday party dress, statement clutch that everyone asks about, an apres ski sweater for us mountain town gals and of course fabulous shoes!

prada {purse} inspired palettes

I have quite the affinity for prada purses and hence have worn my fair share into the ground. My love grew even more for this luxury brand when I saw these lovelies in there 2010 resort collection. Starting with this stunning combination of brilliant orange and cobalt.

Perfect, right? The colors are just stunning and also translate beautifully into a bold and inviting interior palette.

( via unkown)
And then there was the perfect crisp black and white handbags with the perfect little touch of gold.

Which also is lovely color scheme when applied to an interior, especially when it is an entry way like this one...

(room by celerie kemble)
Lastly, love the combination of the slate and yellow of this one against the salmon dress.
Which of course, like the others, looks amazing when applied to an interior...case and point:

(via john granen)
So which prada purse inspired combination is your favorite?

craving caramel

I don't typically have a sweet tooth (I am more of savory girl) but when one of the most sugar filled holidays approaches I do begin to have caramel apple cravings. Not only are they delicious but the color is just so comforting and cozy for fall.






(via so chic, paris vogue via dress design & decor, apartment therapy, j.crew, coco+kelley, scanned from canadian house and home)
And with that, have an absolutely lovely {and cozy} weekend!

evening eye candy {metallic mosaics}

Ok, I know a metallic mosaic tile back splash may seem like a bold choice but I just adore the way it looks in this kitchen. When paired with a playful pale blue ceiling and sleek cabinet hardware it comes across as modern and sophisticated space.

(via canadian house and home)
So inquiring minds (well, mine!) want to know-- what is your take on this look?

eat-in kitchens {country + contemporary}

For a while there I thought I was over my fascination with eat-in kitchens but no, I was just waiting for a for these lovelies to find their way in to my inspiration folder. Although all of the kitchens are different styles they all feature lovely wood accents, neutral colors, fantastic flooring and inspired lighting and storage options.

(via skona hem, marie claire maison, paul raeside, living etc, design crisis)
Alright, time to get in to work on dinner in my own kitchen but not before I ask--which style to you prefer?

p.s. the one from Living etc is my favorite, as it is the perfect mix!

event inspiration {elegant aubergine}

The rich and warm attributes of aubergine make it the perfect jewel tone for elegant fall and winter gatherings.

(via a. hana designs, 100 layer cake from brown paper design, chewing the cud wedding, duet weddings, ellen silverman and lela rose)

fashioning interiors [peter som]

I adore Peter Som's spring 2010 line. The colors, patterns and textures are to die for! The styles are just as lovely when applied to rooms.



(rooms via marie claire maison, john coolidge, domino + domino)
Do you have a favorite 2010 spring collection?

Prowess of Pink

Pink has been dominating the blog world lately and for a very good reason--to promote breast cancer awareness month. I thought that it was the perfect message and color to start this week!





(via lonny magazine, {this is glamrous}, jose villa, katherine slingluff, brabourne farm, and tuleh)
It is a disease that effects too many women and one were being aware of the changes in your body is extremely important. For more information please visit the website for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Also make sure to check out other pink posts at Two Ellie, Pink Wallpaper and Cote de Texas.

a touch of cozy

This morning I decided to brave the snow and darkness and take the dogs for a longer than usual morning walk. I also decided to do this while wearing flip flops (not my best decision ever). Needless to say I am still quite chilled from this excursion and would love nothing more than to curl up in a cozy blanket or warm up my toes on a cozy faux fur rug.





(via tom scheerer, unkown, justin bernhaut, design*sponge, and nuevo estilo)
Hope you are having a lovely (and warm) Friday!

golden leaves+gray skies

The skies have been gray quite a bit here lately and it may sound odd but I love the way the gray skies look against the golden leaves of the aspen trees. I also happen to love the contrast of gold and gray when it comes to fashion and home accents. Case + point...

(via malene birger, banana republic, kara ross, tory burch, judy ross, kate spade and chloe)

styling [floor to ceiling shelves]

Styling just a couple of floating shelves in the living room is hard enough, let alone styling floor to ceiling shelves. There are so many routes to go, but these are my favorite. First you can use the shelved wall as though it was an other wall in the room by placing a sofa against it or even hanging a mirror or on the shelf frame--all while still utilizing the shelves for storage.

Or you could add sliding glass doors over the shelves in order to add some framing and protection for the items inside.

I also love the look of books when they are stacked in piles versus upright. It also allows the placement of breakable items next the books without the worry of the books falling over on to them.

And they do look lovely when they contain no books at all and are just touched with a few lovely vases, pieces of china or leaning photos.


Although difficult there is something so clean about ones with a monochromatic color scheme .


And lastly, the style this is most like mine--a little bit of of all these styles all in mixed in to one bookshelf.


(images via i suwannee, melanie acevedo, hus and hem via made by girl, via velvet and linen, paul costello, aaron hom, michael del piero, steven gambrel, canadian house and home and furbish studio)
OK, that turned into a much longer post than I planned--but there are just so many options! So, what is your shelf styling style?

styling staples [flowers+hats]

Sounds like an odd combination, right? But in the past weeks I have saved these three images away in my "perfect styling" folder and what do they all have in common? Not only flowers but brimmed hats!



(via city sage from domino, lonny magazine and francois halard)
I currently don't own a lovely fedora or straw hat but if I ever have my home photographed I think I have been convinced to buy one! What are your styling staples?

jolts of jade

So refreshing and yet still so incredibly appealing on this cold day. Jade may just be my new favorite in the cool color family.


(via this is glamorous, under a paper moon, nuevo estilo, micheal kors spring 2010 and anson smart)

eye candy [stella spring 2010]

Alright, so much for my attempt to avoid the Paris runway. But how could I turn my head at the amazing collection that Stella McCartney put together for spring 2010!? I honestly think it is my favorite collection from her yet. There was everything that I dream of in a spring line-subdued colors with the perfect feminine detailing...

bold color with classic flair...

simple but heard turning shapes...

and vivacious patterns with playful details.

And look at the models faces--they know they look amazing!

fashioning interiors [muted + moody]

Although I love adding bright colors to my fall and winter wardrobe the muted and moody staples of the season cannot be ignored. Especially when the pieces are from Chloe's lovely fall collection.



(via lisa cohen, pure public, eric piasecki, s.r. gambrel, hans zeegers)
Also it seemed to wrong to post more of the loveliness from the Sping 2010 Paris shows when there is more than an inch of snow waiting for me outside! Have a great Monday.

a cozy [fireside] evening

It just started snowing here and all I want to do is spend a quiet Sunday evening curled up by one of these lovely fireplaces in a serene neutral living room.




(via southern accents, unknown, hans zeegers, stacey bradford and canadian house and home)
Hope you all had a lovely and cozy weekend!

happy [icy blue] weekend

In the past two days the warm indian summer we were experiencing came to end with a sudden onset of cool temperatures (18 degrees this morning!) and brisk winds that smell of snow. The icy winds reminded me of the cool but pleasant shade of blue in these spaces.

(via francois halard and nuevo estilo)
Wishing you all a very lovely and serene weekend!