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the farmhouse table

there are so many features that i love about this space, featured last week on design*sponge. the beamed ceiling? perfection. the wooden ladder? fun and functional. the floor-to-ceiling built-ins? to die for. the white floors? love 'em.

but how about the unexpected combination of the farmhouse table and modern dining chairs? it's a look that i've noticed has graced the portfolios of the best interior designers and the pages of the most popular shelter magazines. i'll go out on a limb and say that this playful juxtaposition of rustic and modern is here to stay.

desk du jour / signing off

i have a long weekend excursion to normandy and therefore will be signing off a day earlier than usual this week. i have to wake up bright and early tomorrow morning but i imagine the experience will be well worth the travel! but before i go, i'll leave you with your daily dose of office eye candy...
how are floor-to-ceiling windows, an x-shaped desk, and an acrylic chair for tiding you over? just stunning. i'll see you all on monday. have a happy weekend, everyone!

sexyback

i have a beloved black cashmere sweater from rugby that i have absolutely worn to threads but can't seem to stop throwing on when i seem to have exhausted all other options. sure, black is basic and cashmere is soft, but the real reason i keep coming back to this piece is its silhouette: a high boatneck in the front and a low scoopneck in the back. it's a versatile piece that provides warmth under a blazer but whose sexy shape can more than hold its own once the blazer comes off. here are some beautiful backless finds you might incorporate into your own wardrobe:
vena cava wow dress, available from rent the runway for $50
helmut lang bondage exit dress, available on rent the runway for $50

velvet kalani dress, $124 at shopbop

susana monaco mini open back dress, $150 at shopbop
in addition to these sexy nighttime options, this look can work unexpectedly well for daytime too. the impressive selection of cutout dresses at urban outfitters is a case in point. here are two of my favorites:
pins and needles lace open back shift, $58 at urban outfitters
lucca couture open back dress, $58 at urban outfitters