happy weekend!

you've survived another work week! (and i've "survived" italy...!) go have yourself a great weekend — and why not look good doing it?

{woodford & co. via delight by design}

how about a little sparkle for your friday night on the town? sleek silhouettes and girly bows are perfect for a couple drinks with friends.

{vogue spain via dress, design & decor}

saturday morning means it's time to hit the ground running! make the most of your time off by checking a couple errands off your to-do list. casual doesn't have to mean sloppy!

{cupcakes and cashmere}

a frilly dress and fitted blazer are your dream team for a lunch date with a friend. and who doesn't feel hotter in heels?

{isabel marant}

saturday date night means it's time to take things up a notch. flirty ruffles and a shorter hemline, tamed by a pair of flat boots, are perfect for an effortlessly chic look that doesn't try too hard.

{ascot friday}

i'm all for downtime, but sundays are no excuse for not changing out of your pajamas. how about a comfy t-shirt and a trendy headwrap instead? have a stylish weekend, loves!

you've survived another work week! (and i've "survived" italy...!) go have yourself a great weekend — and why not look good doing it?

{woodford & co. via delight by design}

how about a little sparkle for your friday night on the town? sleek silhouettes and girly bows are perfect for a couple drinks with friends.

{vogue spain via dress, design & decor}

saturday morning means it's time to hit the ground running! make the most of your time off by checking a couple errands off your to-do list. casual doesn't have to mean sloppy!

{cupcakes and cashmere}

a frilly dress and fitted blazer are your dream team for a lunch date with a friend. and who doesn't feel hotter in heels?

{isabel marant}

saturday date night means it's time to take things up a notch. flirty ruffles and a shorter hemline, tamed by a pair of flat boots, are perfect for an effortlessly chic look that doesn't try too hard.

{ascot friday}

i'm all for downtime, but sundays are no excuse for not changing out of your pajamas. how about a comfy t-shirt and a trendy headwrap instead? have a stylish weekend, loves!

desk du jour

{via the always inspiring deliciously organized}

is it a desk or a vanity? (what does it matter?) the navy walls, crisp white moulding, shiny lamp, dark desk, and swiss dot chair in this glamorous space have me swooning.

p.s. all you interior design junkies are sure to love the giveaway going on over at peppermint bliss: not one but two chances to win a lucite tray from iomoi!

bailey is the bomb dot com and her new interior design venture is going to rock. can you tell i want to win?!

{via the always inspiring deliciously organized}

is it a desk or a vanity? (what does it matter?) the navy walls, crisp white moulding, shiny lamp, dark desk, and swiss dot chair in this glamorous space have me swooning.

p.s. all you interior design junkies are sure to love the giveaway going on over at peppermint bliss: not one but two chances to win a lucite tray from iomoi!

bailey is the bomb dot com and her new interior design venture is going to rock. can you tell i want to win?!

could you? would you?

{kristin cavallari in people}

ladies (and gents?), what are our thoughts on pink and purple together? if you asked me about this combination sight unseen, i'd definitely say it's a no-no. yet the more i see, the more inclined i am to change my mind... what are your thoughts?

{elle décor via my favorite and my best}

pink flowers in a purple room would be a good way to test out this trend.

{drake design}

or how about a walk-in closet with pinkish walls and lavender built-ins? hey, go big or go home, right?

{jessica stam's apartment by rafael de cardenas in elle décor}

the kind of all-out glamour you might only find in a supermodel's apartment. larger-than-life armchairs, a lucite coffee table, and floor-to-ceiling purple curtains... pourquoi pas?

{mark seelen in elle décor}

i love the high impact drama of this space. it's so easy to wimp out when it comes to color, so i admire the designer of this space for using color for dining chairs and the light fixture in the formal dining room of all spaces.

{kristin cavallari in people}

ladies (and gents?), what are our thoughts on pink and purple together? if you asked me about this combination sight unseen, i'd definitely say it's a no-no. yet the more i see, the more inclined i am to change my mind... what are your thoughts?

{elle décor via my favorite and my best}

pink flowers in a purple room would be a good way to test out this trend.

{drake design}

or how about a walk-in closet with pinkish walls and lavender built-ins? hey, go big or go home, right?

{jessica stam's apartment by rafael de cardenas in elle décor}

the kind of all-out glamour you might only find in a supermodel's apartment. larger-than-life armchairs, a lucite coffee table, and floor-to-ceiling purple curtains... pourquoi pas?

{mark seelen in elle décor}

i love the high impact drama of this space. it's so easy to wimp out when it comes to color, so i admire the designer of this space for using color for dining chairs and the light fixture in the formal dining room of all spaces.

isabel marant

how about a little eye candy on this tuesday morning? here's a handful of my favorite looks from french fashion goddess isabel marant's recent fall 2010 show. shall we?

the styling is far too 50's for me but those red leather pants are show-stoppers.

erin wasson models a gray jacket and some very sparkly pants. she could walk right off the runway and onto the street and still look smashing.

the tulip skirt silhouette made several appearances in her show. this hemline is a little risqué but i love the monochromatic effect.

an easily recreated look: button-down, belt, tulip skirt, girly heels. i'm definitely keeping this one around for inspiration!

{style.com}

how about a little eye candy on this tuesday morning? here's a handful of my favorite looks from french fashion goddess isabel marant's recent fall 2010 show. shall we?

the styling is far too 50's for me but those red leather pants are show-stoppers.

erin wasson models a gray jacket and some very sparkly pants. she could walk right off the runway and onto the street and still look smashing.

the tulip skirt silhouette made several appearances in her show. this hemline is a little risqué but i love the monochromatic effect.

an easily recreated look: button-down, belt, tulip skirt, girly heels. i'm definitely keeping this one around for inspiration!

{style.com}

blue is the new bold

happy monday, everyone! i hope you're all feeling rejuvenated from the weekend and getting ready to take on the week ahead!

everyone and her mother has been up in arms about the genius of this blue beauty and its victorian surroundings. (kudos to paula at two ellie for beating them to the punch.) let's take a moment to celebrate this dramatic hue in its prime.

a completely unexpected but couldn't-be-more-perfect royal blue headboard.

a saturated navy transforms a run-of-the-mill kitchen.

the tried-and-true combination of navy blue and hot pink. this one is seriously in the running for the color palette of my to-be-decorated senior year bedroom.

cadet blue has a starring role in this kitchen. isn't it fantastic with the white ceilings and wood trim?

perfection in navy blue and crisp white. further explanation not necessary.

happy monday, everyone! i hope you're all feeling rejuvenated from the weekend and getting ready to take on the week ahead!

everyone and her mother has been up in arms about the genius of this blue beauty and its victorian surroundings. (kudos to paula at two ellie for beating them to the punch.) let's take a moment to celebrate this dramatic hue in its prime.

a completely unexpected but couldn't-be-more-perfect royal blue headboard.

a saturated navy transforms a run-of-the-mill kitchen.

the tried-and-true combination of navy blue and hot pink. this one is seriously in the running for the color palette of my to-be-decorated senior year bedroom.

cadet blue has a starring role in this kitchen. isn't it fantastic with the white ceilings and wood trim?

perfection in navy blue and crisp white. further explanation not necessary.

time to travel

this is it, my loves! spring break has arrived and i am ready for an action-packed two weeks. here's the plan: two days in venice, a day in bologna, three days in florence, two days in rome, two days in athens, and six days lounging on the beach in ios. we have been planning this trip forever and i can hardly believe the time has finally come.

there will be lots of planes and trains and buses (the worst) but i'm going to enjoy every single second. michael and i are doing venice and bologna on our own, meeting up with his london friends for florence and rome, and then traveling with my tours friends for athens and ios. it will be such a great mix of down time and nights out! one week eating the world's best pizza, pasta, and gelato and another frolicking in the greek isles... what could possibly be better?

now before you tear up, i want you to know that i've planned ahead with two weeks of blog posts for you! that's right... you didn't really think i'd leave you hanging, did you?

which of these places have you visited? i'd love to hear your recommendations for "can't miss" restaurants and sights. scouring lonely planet is one thing, but personal travel tips are the best!

thank you for another wonderful week of blogging and have a happy weekend!

p.s. i always make travel look this good. don't you?

{photography by the one and only corrie bond}

this is it, my loves! spring break has arrived and i am ready for an action-packed two weeks. here's the plan: two days in venice, a day in bologna, three days in florence, two days in rome, two days in athens, and six days lounging on the beach in ios. we have been planning this trip forever and i can hardly believe the time has finally come.

there will be lots of planes and trains and buses (the worst) but i'm going to enjoy every single second. michael and i are doing venice and bologna on our own, meeting up with his london friends for florence and rome, and then traveling with my tours friends for athens and ios. it will be such a great mix of down time and nights out! one week eating the world's best pizza, pasta, and gelato and another frolicking in the greek isles... what could possibly be better?

now before you tear up, i want you to know that i've planned ahead with two weeks of blog posts for you! that's right... you didn't really think i'd leave you hanging, did you?

which of these places have you visited? i'd love to hear your recommendations for "can't miss" restaurants and sights. scouring lonely planet is one thing, but personal travel tips are the best!

thank you for another wonderful week of blogging and have a happy weekend!

p.s. i always make travel look this good. don't you?

{photography by the one and only corrie bond}

Desk Du Jour

{better homes & gardens via two ellie}

it's been too long since i've done a desk du jour feature so i thought i'd bring it back with a bang. this space-saving home office and its built-in desk, red and blue wallpaper, and red chippendale chair make me happy. what do you think?

{better homes & gardens via two ellie}

it's been too long since i've done a desk du jour feature so i thought i'd bring it back with a bang. this space-saving home office and its built-in desk, red and blue wallpaper, and red chippendale chair make me happy. what do you think?

the art of arranging

beautifully styled interior design doesn't happen by accident. so much of what i admire in my favorite spaces goes beyond this paint color or that fabric choice — it's that someone somewhere made the conscious decision that this art would be best on that wall, that these frames would work better than those ones, that this book should stand next to that one, and that this table here would look better with that lamp sitting atop it. it's the act of staging and styling that lends each of these spaces its polish and its wow factor. here is a compilation of what i deem to be beautifully styled spaces:

{via from the right bank}

this space wouldn't be nearly so extraordinary if it weren't for the stacks of books placed on various surfaces throughout the room. clear lamps on heavy hardcovers, a vase of flowers on a pile of old favorites, the dark spines against the light boxes on the coffee table...

{elle decor}

three circular mirrors break up gridlike shelving filled with various titles and trinkets. don't you love the splash of red shining through the open back bookcase?

{domino via delight by design}

the coral and lucite had me at hello but this space is definitely worth more than a cursory once-over. for instance, i wouldn't instinctively think to put a pair of candlesticks in a bookcase, but don't they look better there than they would hiding in some cabinet?

{domino via la dolce vita}

more coral, more candlesticks, but a very different vibe. there's no doubt it's a grown-up room, given the intricate bust and the fancy candelabra, but there are also plenty of features to suggest that someone actually lives here. the throw pillows aren't relegated to the corners of the couch but rather in the middle where they might actually be used, there are at least five stacks of books in an arm's reach, and if you look closely there's a deck of cards just waiting to be played...

{sabrina linn in canadian house & home}

now who walked into this space and decided that the frames and the objets d'art should be arranged asymmetrically, ascending toward one corner of the room? does that kind of vision just come naturally to some people? it's brilliant, it's different, and it works. i love it.

beautifully styled interior design doesn't happen by accident. so much of what i admire in my favorite spaces goes beyond this paint color or that fabric choice — it's that someone somewhere made the conscious decision that this art would be best on that wall, that these frames would work better than those ones, that this book should stand next to that one, and that this table here would look better with that lamp sitting atop it. it's the act of staging and styling that lends each of these spaces its polish and its wow factor. here is a compilation of what i deem to be beautifully styled spaces:

{via from the right bank}

this space wouldn't be nearly so extraordinary if it weren't for the stacks of books placed on various surfaces throughout the room. clear lamps on heavy hardcovers, a vase of flowers on a pile of old favorites, the dark spines against the light boxes on the coffee table...

{elle decor}

three circular mirrors break up gridlike shelving filled with various titles and trinkets. don't you love the splash of red shining through the open back bookcase?

{domino via delight by design}

the coral and lucite had me at hello but this space is definitely worth more than a cursory once-over. for instance, i wouldn't instinctively think to put a pair of candlesticks in a bookcase, but don't they look better there than they would hiding in some cabinet?

{domino via la dolce vita}

more coral, more candlesticks, but a very different vibe. there's no doubt it's a grown-up room, given the intricate bust and the fancy candelabra, but there are also plenty of features to suggest that someone actually lives here. the throw pillows aren't relegated to the corners of the couch but rather in the middle where they might actually be used, there are at least five stacks of books in an arm's reach, and if you look closely there's a deck of cards just waiting to be played...

{sabrina linn in canadian house & home}

now who walked into this space and decided that the frames and the objets d'art should be arranged asymmetrically, ascending toward one corner of the room? does that kind of vision just come naturally to some people? it's brilliant, it's different, and it works. i love it.

on the lookout

{the sartorialist}

{new york magazine}

i've been keeping my eyes peeled for the perfect trench coat. it needs to be the right shade of khaki, hit at mid-thigh, and preferably transform me into emma watson. i'm joking about the last bit, but i think a lightweight trench coat would be a timeless addition to my closet, don't you? what do you think of the following three options from urban outfitters?

bdg twill trench, $98.

aubree trench coat, $98.

cameron jacket, $108.

{the sartorialist}

{new york magazine}

i've been keeping my eyes peeled for the perfect trench coat. it needs to be the right shade of khaki, hit at mid-thigh, and preferably transform me into emma watson. i'm joking about the last bit, but i think a lightweight trench coat would be a timeless addition to my closet, don't you? what do you think of the following three options from urban outfitters?

bdg twill trench, $98.

aubree trench coat, $98.

cameron jacket, $108.

black and white stripes

{{this is glamorous} via coco + kelley}

happy monday, everyone! it's so nice to be back. stripes are everywhere this spring, aren't they? i went shopping on friday and saw walls and walls of striped merchandise. of course, stripes aren't a mere trend but a design staple that have adapted seamlessly from fashion to interior design and back again. here are a host of different spaces that make use of one of design's tried-and-true classics: the black and white stripe.

{via plush palate}

{david lawrence in house beautiful}

two very different rooms with the same base: a black and white striped rug. available inexpensively at stores like ikea (here and here) and overstock (here), it's an easy look to introduce in your own home and an affordable starting point for all kinds of décor.

{lovely happenings via from the right bank}

a bit more of a commitment are these upholstered occasional chairs. but because the black and white stripes act as a sort of neutral, i could see them working in any number of different spaces. how about behind a desk or vanity — or perhaps at the heads of the table for a dinner party?

{nacho polo via desire to inspire}

{house beautiful via delight by design}

{house beautiful}

i love the graphic punch of striped wallpaper in a small space like a bathroom or a foyer. it's the perfect mix of classic and fun and a great backdrop for your other belongings — art, books, plants, hot pink towels...

{arent & pyke via a life more fabulous}

the easiest way to bring stripes into your home. try these for an inexpensive way to try out the look before making any big decisions.

{kate spade via habitually chic}

this pièce de résistance is one of my favorite spaces of all time. how playfully brilliant is the combination of scalamandre's zebra wallpaper, white subway tile, and a black and white striped shower curtain? only kate. (though if you've mastered a similar look in your own home, you're simply obliged to send me the before and after!)

have a lovely start to the week, ladies!

{{this is glamorous} via coco + kelley}

happy monday, everyone! it's so nice to be back. stripes are everywhere this spring, aren't they? i went shopping on friday and saw walls and walls of striped merchandise. of course, stripes aren't a mere trend but a design staple that have adapted seamlessly from fashion to interior design and back again. here are a host of different spaces that make use of one of design's tried-and-true classics: the black and white stripe.

{via plush palate}

{david lawrence in house beautiful}

two very different rooms with the same base: a black and white striped rug. available inexpensively at stores like ikea (here and here) and overstock (here), it's an easy look to introduce in your own home and an affordable starting point for all kinds of décor.

{lovely happenings via from the right bank}

a bit more of a commitment are these upholstered occasional chairs. but because the black and white stripes act as a sort of neutral, i could see them working in any number of different spaces. how about behind a desk or vanity — or perhaps at the heads of the table for a dinner party?

{nacho polo via desire to inspire}

{house beautiful via delight by design}

{house beautiful}

i love the graphic punch of striped wallpaper in a small space like a bathroom or a foyer. it's the perfect mix of classic and fun and a great backdrop for your other belongings — art, books, plants, hot pink towels...

{arent & pyke via a life more fabulous}

the easiest way to bring stripes into your home. try these for an inexpensive way to try out the look before making any big decisions.

{kate spade via habitually chic}

this pièce de résistance is one of my favorite spaces of all time. how playfully brilliant is the combination of scalamandre's zebra wallpaper, white subway tile, and a black and white striped shower curtain? only kate. (though if you've mastered a similar look in your own home, you're simply obliged to send me the before and after!)

have a lovely start to the week, ladies!

happy happy happy weekend!

{elle italy via dress, design & decor}

it's the weekend and i couldn't be happier! i'm exactly one week away from two weeks of glorious spring break. we have an excursion to a nearby abbey and an afternoon picnic planned for tomorrow (i'll undoubtedly be singing the sound of music soundtrack, despite the fact that we're not in austria) and sunday will be spent catching up sleep and work. what are you up to this weekend? something fun, i hope! i'll see you back here monday!

{elle italy via dress, design & decor}

it's the weekend and i couldn't be happier! i'm exactly one week away from two weeks of glorious spring break. we have an excursion to a nearby abbey and an afternoon picnic planned for tomorrow (i'll undoubtedly be singing the sound of music soundtrack, despite the fact that we're not in austria) and sunday will be spent catching up sleep and work. what are you up to this weekend? something fun, i hope! i'll see you back here monday!

desk du jour

{david netto via desire to inspire}

a ghost chair, a pouf, and a topiary all in one space means i'm a guaranteed fan. i also love the mirrors behind the desk and the built-in shelving to the right.

on an unrelated note, my post about our weekend in switzerland is up on my study abroad blog if you care to check it out. (hang gliding video included!)

on another unrelated note, i just added an "on the daily" feature to the right side of my blog where you can check out some of my favorite blogs. i read an embarrassing number of blogs and thought it was time to share the love! let me know if i'm missing one of your favorites :) i'll be adding to the list often as i find more blogs i love! i'd love for you to take a moment (or an hour...) to click over to some of my daily reads and i hope you find one or two new favorites of your own!

{david netto via desire to inspire}

a ghost chair, a pouf, and a topiary all in one space means i'm a guaranteed fan. i also love the mirrors behind the desk and the built-in shelving to the right.

on an unrelated note, my post about our weekend in switzerland is up on my study abroad blog if you care to check it out. (hang gliding video included!)

on another unrelated note, i just added an "on the daily" feature to the right side of my blog where you can check out some of my favorite blogs. i read an embarrassing number of blogs and thought it was time to share the love! let me know if i'm missing one of your favorites :) i'll be adding to the list often as i find more blogs i love! i'd love for you to take a moment (or an hour...) to click over to some of my daily reads and i hope you find one or two new favorites of your own!

rainy day chic

spring showers are no excuse not to look polished and put together. currently drawing inspiration from the following ensembles:

{emily zak of british vogue photographed by vanessa jackman}

a black umbrella shields a dangerously chic fashion editor. don't you love the way she layers a leather top over a run-of-the-mill blue oxford? such a tasteful way to incorporate the lingerie-as-clothing trend into an everyday outfit.

{emersonmade}

a red flower offsets a classic khaki trench and green hunter wellies. she is the most brilliant stylist!

{cupcakes and cashmere}

a similar look updated with red hunter boots. this makes me want to add another pair to my closet! my black ones are obviously versatile but wouldn't it be fun to sport a pair of yellow wellies on an otherwise dreary day?

spring showers are no excuse not to look polished and put together. currently drawing inspiration from the following ensembles:

{emily zak of british vogue photographed by vanessa jackman}

a black umbrella shields a dangerously chic fashion editor. don't you love the way she layers a leather top over a run-of-the-mill blue oxford? such a tasteful way to incorporate the lingerie-as-clothing trend into an everyday outfit.

{emersonmade}

a red flower offsets a classic khaki trench and green hunter wellies. she is the most brilliant stylist!

{cupcakes and cashmere}

a similar look updated with red hunter boots. this makes me want to add another pair to my closet! my black ones are obviously versatile but wouldn't it be fun to sport a pair of yellow wellies on an otherwise dreary day?