bring it on

forecast: cold and wet.

schoolwork: two assignments, two papers, and two presentations.

upcoming weekend: paris!

the knowledge that i will be spending an extended valentine's day weekend in paris with my boyfriend is about the only thing getting me through this week. that and the promise of a little caffeine to get me through...

because after all the work is finished, there is this:

and this:

and this:

ok, perhaps not so photoshopped, but a very pretty paris nonetheless. what are your valentine's day plans?

forecast: cold and wet.

schoolwork: two assignments, two papers, and two presentations.

upcoming weekend: paris!

the knowledge that i will be spending an extended valentine's day weekend in paris with my boyfriend is about the only thing getting me through this week. that and the promise of a little caffeine to get me through...

because after all the work is finished, there is this:

and this:

and this:

ok, perhaps not so photoshopped, but a very pretty paris nonetheless. what are your valentine's day plans?

desk du jour

hardwood floors. painted desk. chic hardware. fresh flowers. white beadboard. textured walls. fun chandelier. from floor to ceiling, truly a perfect little setup.

hardwood floors. painted desk. chic hardware. fresh flowers. white beadboard. textured walls. fun chandelier. from floor to ceiling, truly a perfect little setup.

no rest for the weary

today i survived the longest bicycle ride of my life. in 39 degree weather and with the wind against us the entire way (i am in no way dramatizing the experience) we biked 30 kilometers — 18 miles — to the "nearby" villandry château. and, though in the midst of the biking i never thought i would say this, it was worth it. so, so, so worth it. these gardens were among the most beautiful things i have ever seen. thus although these pictures are not particularly related to design, i just have to share with you a few of the more beautiful moments of my big adventure.

this trip made me realize my love of moats. how awesome is this? turquoise water, limestone architecture, and perfect green gardens meant i was in heaven.

a tree-lined reflecting pool beyond the balustrade. take me back (but preferably not by bike!).

these intricate low box hedges remind me of the queen of hearts scene in alice in wonderland. (anyone else?) topiaries everywhere, heart-shaped hedges in time for valentine's day... somehow the 18 miles were worth it.

no time to sit and reminisce, however. i'm off to blois and chenonceau (with a stop at a local chocolaterie!) with the bucknell group bright and early tomorrow morning. and so after a seemingly endless bike ride, it's back on the bus (not the one above, as much as i wish it were!) for me... wishing all of you an equally adventurous (though perhaps not as exhausting!) weekend wherever you may be! i'll be back monday with more desks du jour and plenty of other pretty things. à bientôt!

today i survived the longest bicycle ride of my life. in 39 degree weather and with the wind against us the entire way (i am in no way dramatizing the experience) we biked 30 kilometers — 18 miles — to the "nearby" villandry château. and, though in the midst of the biking i never thought i would say this, it was worth it. so, so, so worth it. these gardens were among the most beautiful things i have ever seen. thus although these pictures are not particularly related to design, i just have to share with you a few of the more beautiful moments of my big adventure.

this trip made me realize my love of moats. how awesome is this? turquoise water, limestone architecture, and perfect green gardens meant i was in heaven.

a tree-lined reflecting pool beyond the balustrade. take me back (but preferably not by bike!).

these intricate low box hedges remind me of the queen of hearts scene in alice in wonderland. (anyone else?) topiaries everywhere, heart-shaped hedges in time for valentine's day... somehow the 18 miles were worth it.

no time to sit and reminisce, however. i'm off to blois and chenonceau (with a stop at a local chocolaterie!) with the bucknell group bright and early tomorrow morning. and so after a seemingly endless bike ride, it's back on the bus (not the one above, as much as i wish it were!) for me... wishing all of you an equally adventurous (though perhaps not as exhausting!) weekend wherever you may be! i'll be back monday with more desks du jour and plenty of other pretty things. à bientôt!

What Room Doesn't Need A Window Seat?

there's really no need to explain my love of window seats. in an eat-in kitchen, i imagine sunny breakfasts from a comfy perch with a view. in a bedroom, i envision a cozy nook for reading on rainy nights. in just about any room, i like the idea of a perfect spot to snuggle up and take in the outdoors from the inside.

my eat-in kitchen vision becomes a reality in this cheery space by amanda nisbet.

am i the only one who could spend the entire day in a spot like this one?

a window seat for a mix-and-don't-match dining room.

i'm not quite sure if there's room for reading on this built-in window seat with its excessive pillow count, but i love the look regardless of its utility.

comfy upholstery makes the most of a room with a view.

snow outside means a candlelight and a good book inside.

an irregular space is transformed into a high-style hideaway with custom seating and an enviable collection of throw pillows.

how do we feel about a window bed? you can bet i love the idea!

there's really no need to explain my love of window seats. in an eat-in kitchen, i imagine sunny breakfasts from a comfy perch with a view. in a bedroom, i envision a cozy nook for reading on rainy nights. in just about any room, i like the idea of a perfect spot to snuggle up and take in the outdoors from the inside.

my eat-in kitchen vision becomes a reality in this cheery space by amanda nisbet.

am i the only one who could spend the entire day in a spot like this one?

a window seat for a mix-and-don't-match dining room.

i'm not quite sure if there's room for reading on this built-in window seat with its excessive pillow count, but i love the look regardless of its utility.

comfy upholstery makes the most of a room with a view.

snow outside means a candlelight and a good book inside.

an irregular space is transformed into a high-style hideaway with custom seating and an enviable collection of throw pillows.

how do we feel about a window bed? you can bet i love the idea!

desk(s) du jour

the same craft table in three finishes and i love all of them! it's a utilitarian piece that houses all your office and library needs, not to mention provides double the desk space. when i checked pottery barn for the link to this particular product, i found that they're actually having a special! so if you're in the market for a craft table and you've got a spare $949 (hey, down from $1,157) lying around, i suggest you place an order for the bedford project table set. i think it's beautiful!

the same craft table in three finishes and i love all of them! it's a utilitarian piece that houses all your office and library needs, not to mention provides double the desk space. when i checked pottery barn for the link to this particular product, i found that they're actually having a special! so if you're in the market for a craft table and you've got a spare $949 (hey, down from $1,157) lying around, i suggest you place an order for the bedford project table set. i think it's beautiful!

pillow talk

i'm beginning to daydream in detail about my future bedroom in our downtown house for senior year. every time i find something lovely online, it goes in a folder of ideas and inspiration for my first decorating project. these customizable pillows from iomoi, jonathan adler, and karen hilton designs definitely make the cut:

iomoi canvas pillows, $58 for 12x16 and $78 for 16x16.

jonathan adler design your own pillows, choose cotton or hand-loomed wool, $98 for 16x16 and $178 for 24x24.

karen hilton designs 16x16 pillows: $62 for 1st and $66 for union jack.

i'd be happy with any one of these options. what about you? where do you find your pillows? i would love to hear your advice as, like i said, this will be my first real interior design project!

i'm beginning to daydream in detail about my future bedroom in our downtown house for senior year. every time i find something lovely online, it goes in a folder of ideas and inspiration for my first decorating project. these customizable pillows from iomoi, jonathan adler, and karen hilton designs definitely make the cut:

iomoi canvas pillows, $58 for 12x16 and $78 for 16x16.

jonathan adler design your own pillows, choose cotton or hand-loomed wool, $98 for 16x16 and $178 for 24x24.

karen hilton designs 16x16 pillows: $62 for 1st and $66 for union jack.

i'd be happy with any one of these options. what about you? where do you find your pillows? i would love to hear your advice as, like i said, this will be my first real interior design project!

desk du jour

i love the organic arrangement of picture frames and the unlikely combination of chocolate brown, apple green, and red-orange, not to mention the gorgeous hardware on the desk!

on an unrelated note, i would love any suggestions as to how to make pictures bigger in blogger. this picture was uploaded as "large" but it looks anything but. fellow bloggers, any suggestions welcome!

update: i found a bigger image of the same office on houzz. i would still love your suggestions though!

i love the organic arrangement of picture frames and the unlikely combination of chocolate brown, apple green, and red-orange, not to mention the gorgeous hardware on the desk!

on an unrelated note, i would love any suggestions as to how to make pictures bigger in blogger. this picture was uploaded as "large" but it looks anything but. fellow bloggers, any suggestions welcome!

update: i found a bigger image of the same office on houzz. i would still love your suggestions though!

spring things

i walked through le marché aux fleurs (tours is home to the second biggest in france!) on my way back from class today and it made me so excited for april showers and may flowers. only a few more months...

i walked through le marché aux fleurs (tours is home to the second biggest in france!) on my way back from class today and it made me so excited for april showers and may flowers. only a few more months...

desk du jour

a corner secretary desk looks pretty when it's time to work and folds into itself when the need for extra space arises.

a corner secretary desk looks pretty when it's time to work and folds into itself when the need for extra space arises.

want them, need them, have to have them

i have always loved the equestrian influence in the collections of ralph lauren, for example, but these leggings from nightcap clothing embody equestrian inspiration at its best.

nightcap clothing equestrian leggings, $194.

i love the suede patches and the fact that, thanks to the skinny leg, they can be worn with both boots and heels. the skirt overlay makes them unique but the equestrian detailing makes them a have-to-have. seriously, though, i neeeeeeed them.

i have always loved the equestrian influence in the collections of ralph lauren, for example, but these leggings from nightcap clothing embody equestrian inspiration at its best.

nightcap clothing equestrian leggings, $194.

i love the suede patches and the fact that, thanks to the skinny leg, they can be worn with both boots and heels. the skirt overlay makes them unique but the equestrian detailing makes them a have-to-have. seriously, though, i neeeeeeed them.

take a chance {red and purple}

i was surprised to find that i love the combination of red and purple — strange to see that two highly saturated colors could work so well together! after first spotting the picture of kate walsh, i had to try it out for myself, pairing a purple tank top and a red skirt with nude heels, and received lots of compliments on the unique color combination (even with my red hair!).

they say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery... i'm pretty sure kate walsh (fellow redhead!) rocked this look first but i'd be pretty happy if miranda kerr of all people decided to follow in my stead. was there ever a more striking woman on this planet? i think she is gorgeous.

i prefer the nude heels to the black but you get the idea.

this unexpected combination has turned up in interior design as well. here red beams and purple flowers provide an easy introduction for those with fear of commitment.

a red and purple liberty print for the walls and canopy — not for the faint of heart but i think it's quite pretty!

a purple sitting room segways into a red dining room.

a red painting jazzes up various shades of purple. who else is picking up on this trend?

oh, what do you know? kate spade! the inscription on the inside of her idiom bangle ($78) reads "take a chance." now that's what i like to hear!

i was surprised to find that i love the combination of red and purple — strange to see that two highly saturated colors could work so well together! after first spotting the picture of kate walsh, i had to try it out for myself, pairing a purple tank top and a red skirt with nude heels, and received lots of compliments on the unique color combination (even with my red hair!).

they say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery... i'm pretty sure kate walsh (fellow redhead!) rocked this look first but i'd be pretty happy if miranda kerr of all people decided to follow in my stead. was there ever a more striking woman on this planet? i think she is gorgeous.

i prefer the nude heels to the black but you get the idea.

this unexpected combination has turned up in interior design as well. here red beams and purple flowers provide an easy introduction for those with fear of commitment.

a red and purple liberty print for the walls and canopy — not for the faint of heart but i think it's quite pretty!

a purple sitting room segways into a red dining room.

a red painting jazzes up various shades of purple. who else is picking up on this trend?

oh, what do you know? kate spade! the inscription on the inside of her idiom bangle ($78) reads "take a chance." now that's what i like to hear!

desk du jour

plentiful sunshine and a pretty bouquet lighten up a very grown-up home office.

plentiful sunshine and a pretty bouquet lighten up a very grown-up home office.

desk du jour

i am excited to announce the beginning of my first daily feature, desk du jour. in collecting pictures of spaces i admire, i realized i have a particular penchant for home offices. maybe it's just my obsession with school supplies, but i love seeing the places where people often spend the majority of their day and the innovative ways in which they make these spaces somewhere they can go to be inspired and productive. i hope you'll enjoy these daily inspirations as much as i do. without further ado, your first desk du jour:

everything you could possibly want in a home office: lots of natural light, pretty pictures and posters, and a big wide desk to spread out all your things.

i am excited to announce the beginning of my first daily feature, desk du jour. in collecting pictures of spaces i admire, i realized i have a particular penchant for home offices. maybe it's just my obsession with school supplies, but i love seeing the places where people often spend the majority of their day and the innovative ways in which they make these spaces somewhere they can go to be inspired and productive. i hope you'll enjoy these daily inspirations as much as i do. without further ado, your first desk du jour:

everything you could possibly want in a home office: lots of natural light, pretty pictures and posters, and a big wide desk to spread out all your things.

fun finds {ban.do}

blogworld favorite ban.do has lots of pretty things in store for spring and summer. reasons why you'll love them as much as i do:

1. whimsical headpieces for every occasion or simply every bad hair day. (perfect while my hair is in this transitional, straight-to-curly, long-to-short, taking-on-a-life-of-its-own phase.)

2. said headpieces comprise four lines at varying price points ($22-$300) — something pretty at every price!

3. the owners have a blog that's as cool as they are.

4. fun styling.

5. cute product names like buy me a drink and kiss me, you fool, we are in paris.

6. i'll let the headbands do the talking. here are some of my favorites:

h, $50.

not only do i love the unlikely color combinations (turquoise/coral, navy/kelly green, etc.) but the circular bead appliqué was inspired by vintage millinery shop find — seriously, how cool are these girls?

p, $50.

the price is right for vintage inspired metallic lace trim finished with gray grosgrain ribbon.

no. 110, $165

this crystal appliqué could make your wedding.

sparkling garden party, $200.

there's something about the over-the-top color palette, larger-than-life flower, and unabashedly girly name (sparkling. garden. party.) that makes me covet this piece. (okay, and just about everything else in their store.)

see? i knew you'd agree.

blogworld favorite ban.do has lots of pretty things in store for spring and summer. reasons why you'll love them as much as i do:

1. whimsical headpieces for every occasion or simply every bad hair day. (perfect while my hair is in this transitional, straight-to-curly, long-to-short, taking-on-a-life-of-its-own phase.)

2. said headpieces comprise four lines at varying price points ($22-$300) — something pretty at every price!

3. the owners have a blog that's as cool as they are.

4. fun styling.

5. cute product names like buy me a drink and kiss me, you fool, we are in paris.

6. i'll let the headbands do the talking. here are some of my favorites:

h, $50.

not only do i love the unlikely color combinations (turquoise/coral, navy/kelly green, etc.) but the circular bead appliqué was inspired by vintage millinery shop find — seriously, how cool are these girls?

p, $50.

the price is right for vintage inspired metallic lace trim finished with gray grosgrain ribbon.

no. 110, $165

this crystal appliqué could make your wedding.

sparkling garden party, $200.

there's something about the over-the-top color palette, larger-than-life flower, and unabashedly girly name (sparkling. garden. party.) that makes me covet this piece. (okay, and just about everything else in their store.)

see? i knew you'd agree.