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on the lookout

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?

black and white stripes

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.

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.

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?



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...

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.

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!

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!