bicycle rides and desk du jour

my brother, grayson, and i just got back from a 26 mile bike ride from tours to villandry! those who have been reading for a while may remember how tough this ride was for me the first time around (read about it here and here) — but this time we one-upped ourselves by making it there and back! that's 42 kilometers, ladies and gents.

{allister ann via a cup of jo}

i didn't want to leave you hanging, though, so i thought i'd include this handsome space for your viewing pleasure. i don't know that it's exactly what you'd call a desk but there's a chair and books and lots of pretty, so why not?

{nate berkus via elle decor}

seriously, how good are those black floors and that yellow chair? i hope you are all having a wonderful week — the weekend is just around the corner!

my brother, grayson, and i just got back from a 26 mile bike ride from tours to villandry! those who have been reading for a while may remember how tough this ride was for me the first time around (read about it here and here) — but this time we one-upped ourselves by making it there and back! that's 42 kilometers, ladies and gents.

{allister ann via a cup of jo}

i didn't want to leave you hanging, though, so i thought i'd include this handsome space for your viewing pleasure. i don't know that it's exactly what you'd call a desk but there's a chair and books and lots of pretty, so why not?

{nate berkus via elle decor}

seriously, how good are those black floors and that yellow chair? i hope you are all having a wonderful week — the weekend is just around the corner!

dinner party

my brother, grayson, arrives in tours today and my host mom is busy preparing a big family dinner. there are few things i love more than a lively family gathering and i really can't wait to have him here and show him where i've been living for the last few months. in anticipation of his arrival and our evening soirée, here are a smattering of my favorite dining rooms. they're all a bit different but there's something in each of them that speaks to me. my style is constantly changing!

{tobi fairley via house of turquoise}

that turquoise chandelier is perfection, isn't it? it's like jewelry for the home. i wonder if that's a DIY project in the making... anyone? those striped floors are gorgeous too.

{marie claire maison}

i love the combination of natural wood, fresh white, and primary yellow in this space. the unexpected juxtaposition of organic elements and modern furniture is so clever.

{pottery barn}

everyone has her own opinion about stores like pottery barn, renovation hardware, etc., but i find some of their spaces truly inspiring. i love the curves of these chairs and i think i stand to learn a thing or two from their styling.

{james tse via desire to inspire}

i love the round dark table, modern seating, and industrial light fixture. and don't even get me started on the floor-to-ceiling windows!

{canadian house & home via odi et amo}

i'm quite certain this is the same space spruced up for a magazine feature. wow, what a bouquet of yellow flowers can do!

{style at home via two ellie}

an unconventional seating arrangement, gorgeous madeline weinrib rug, gallery-like walls, and glass light fixture... what's not to love?

{frank roop}

one of my favorite interior designers jazzes up a traditional dining room with architectural detailing, splashy lampshades, and a fun silver star. check out the rest of his portfolio if you have a moment — you won't regret it.

what is your favorite of these spaces? i love them all for very different reasons. sometimes it annoys me that my tastes are all over the place but other days i just embrace it. could you describe your style in just a few words or do you feel like yours is constantly evolving too?

my brother, grayson, arrives in tours today and my host mom is busy preparing a big family dinner. there are few things i love more than a lively family gathering and i really can't wait to have him here and show him where i've been living for the last few months. in anticipation of his arrival and our evening soirée, here are a smattering of my favorite dining rooms. they're all a bit different but there's something in each of them that speaks to me. my style is constantly changing!

{tobi fairley via house of turquoise}

that turquoise chandelier is perfection, isn't it? it's like jewelry for the home. i wonder if that's a DIY project in the making... anyone? those striped floors are gorgeous too.

{marie claire maison}

i love the combination of natural wood, fresh white, and primary yellow in this space. the unexpected juxtaposition of organic elements and modern furniture is so clever.

{pottery barn}

everyone has her own opinion about stores like pottery barn, renovation hardware, etc., but i find some of their spaces truly inspiring. i love the curves of these chairs and i think i stand to learn a thing or two from their styling.

{james tse via desire to inspire}

i love the round dark table, modern seating, and industrial light fixture. and don't even get me started on the floor-to-ceiling windows!

{canadian house & home via odi et amo}

i'm quite certain this is the same space spruced up for a magazine feature. wow, what a bouquet of yellow flowers can do!

{style at home via two ellie}

an unconventional seating arrangement, gorgeous madeline weinrib rug, gallery-like walls, and glass light fixture... what's not to love?

{frank roop}

one of my favorite interior designers jazzes up a traditional dining room with architectural detailing, splashy lampshades, and a fun silver star. check out the rest of his portfolio if you have a moment — you won't regret it.

what is your favorite of these spaces? i love them all for very different reasons. sometimes it annoys me that my tastes are all over the place but other days i just embrace it. could you describe your style in just a few words or do you feel like yours is constantly evolving too?

style icon {lauren conrad}

i find lauren conrad's style is always fresh and age-appropriate. she often sticks with what she knows works for her — long blond hair, sun-kissed skin, and fitted silhouettes — but plays around with make-up and color. she's got the l.a. casual look down pat, but lately her more professional looks have been catching my eye. hitting the road to promote her new book, sweet little lies, she has given fans quite the fashion eyeful.

the california cool look she mastered during her laguna beach upbringing...

...and a more polished look by madewell 1937.

a monochromatic khaki look sets off blond tresses and tan skin.

dewy skin and a classic LBD.

promoting her new book in a plastic island jacket.

red hot in hervé léger.

{instyle and people}

i find lauren conrad's style is always fresh and age-appropriate. she often sticks with what she knows works for her — long blond hair, sun-kissed skin, and fitted silhouettes — but plays around with make-up and color. she's got the l.a. casual look down pat, but lately her more professional looks have been catching my eye. hitting the road to promote her new book, sweet little lies, she has given fans quite the fashion eyeful.

the california cool look she mastered during her laguna beach upbringing...

...and a more polished look by madewell 1937.

a monochromatic khaki look sets off blond tresses and tan skin.

dewy skin and a classic LBD.

promoting her new book in a plastic island jacket.

red hot in hervé léger.

{instyle and people}