Craving Color

With Spring just around the corner I'm craving a bit more color in my life! I'm ready to tuck away some of the charcoal and black in my closet in lieu of pink, yellow and crisp white! The wall color on the image above is gorgeous. I just recommended a similar shade for the interior door in my sister's bathroom. The color I suggested was Warm Springs:  by Benjamin Moore. I've used it before in a client's home office. It's gorgeous and instantly cheers up any space.

A shot of Mrs. Lilien's jewels. I'd have to agree with her advice here. "Accessorize with abandon"!

These wallet clutches are perfect for the lady on go. Ladybird fashion will also add your monogram at no charge. This may be a future purchase in my life.

I'm loving the shift dresses shown this season!! The lines and proportions on this Michael Kors version are perfect. 


side note: I had a designer working on my blog header. I was so excited and have been waiting for MONTHS to have it finished up. I may need to switch gears and have someone else finish and launch my design... This is beyond frustrating as I've already paid for the job!!! Ugh.
Hopefully I'll have something new and colorful soon....

Image one: Lonny, others as noted.

The hanging or "swing" chair

I have a great on-going project I'm working on. The client is a dream, and so easy to work with. We are in the process of finishing up her daughter's bedroom. The daughter's last request for her room: a hanging chair! Here are a few inspiration shots and ideas I sent over to the client! I think a white rattan version could work well in the space. They aren't easy to find and I don't really feel like having one painted. My fear is it won't wear well.

above is the egg chair by Danish designer Nanna Ditzel. This version costs upwards of $3,000. ouch.

The lucite bubble chair by Eero Aarnio (1968)

More rattan versions, the one above is from the Home Port Collection! I'm sure this is fairly priced.

and the steal of the day, a hanging chair from IKEA. I've seen this in person, it's fun and could work. I would add a plump pillow and maybe a sheep skin throw to the seat!

We'll see what they like!

images: House Beautiful, Domino, British House and Garden, getty, Lonny - Lee Klienhelter's home, 

Yowza..

I am loving everything about this home office! The finishes, furnishings, the antique rug, the fabulous wing chair with an element of surprise on the back side, the glamourous gold table, the light fixture, the fabulous caramel leather chairs, the lucite desk, the shelves..okay you get the point. LOVE! Happy Tuesday!

via: Atlanta Homes Magazine.

The following day...

Can you even begin to imagine how it would feel to win an oscar?  Often times I admire the lives of the rich and famous, although I'm not sure how happy a person can be living in a world without privacy. {maybe I could get used to it} What do you think about last night's results? It's fun, if only for a few hours to be swept away with "their" world.


 The above photograph of Faye Dunaway was taken in 1977 by photographer Terry O'Neil, Dunaway's then long time boyfriend. Dunaway is relaxing by the pool at The Beverly Hills Hotel the day after she won the oscar for best leading actress in The Network.
What do you think is running through her mind?


While I'm on the topic of Terry O'Neil, I thought I'd share, a fabulous photo of Brigitte Bardot. The first shot is the original photograph by O'Neil, below is the image blown up in a private residence! I would love to incorporate one oversized photograph by a famous photographer into my home design someday.

image: New England Home

Ahhhh

Spring are you around the corner?? I hope so because I want to wear looks like this! Don't these two look adorable? I love Tory Burch's approach to dressing. ;) These outfits would be very easy to recreate with less expensive items. Maybe just splurge on one of the belts or a pair of pants to pull it all together!

lived in..

I think it's important for homes to reflect their owners. Too many homes I spy in Shelter Mags. feel, stuffy, and impersonal so I love when I come across a home with a slightly off beat sense of style.  The pictures aren't all hung perfectly straight on the wall, the furniture is a little off key, the dishes aren't meticulously organized., etc. Don't get me wrong I LOVE an organized home, but truthfully while I sit here typing in my office I cannot help but notice my home is never perfect. I have a thing for custom pillows, so I have quite a few. My three year old son loves pillows as well but not in a decorative way, in more of a construction way. They are usually strewn all over the floor or haphazardly replaced after his last fort collapse. My picture wall that I spent hours hanging and leveling is always being bumped and jostled. I guess my point is I feel better knowing not everyone lives a perfectly buttoned up life.  Somedays I'm lucky to grab a shower and eat dinner. Life is busy, I only wish I had more time to clean and organize.

Images: Living Etc. March 2011.

Welcome Eden Blake and your Spring "must have"

My latest sponsor Eden Blake has designed an amazing line of clothing. Her creations are classically inspired {think Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O.} but the modern twist keeps her looks fresh, and updated! I love every piece, I think you'll agree!! Her latest collection is sure to beat the winter blues. Welcome Eden Blake!! 

The Aerin Blouse pictured below is the perfect must have piece for your Spring Wardrobe. It's adorable and so versatile. Plus, it comes in an array of colors!

on my radar

Hello, hello, sorry I've been MIA, I actually spent three days in bed with the flu this weekend! I don't want to complain, but I can't seem to catch a break on the "health" front lately. In any case, here are some shots of a few items that are making me happy these days. 

1. lamp from Chic 51

2. New ottoman via Serena and Lily

3. Ropes Wallpaper Below - Jonathan Adler - love this!!

4. Bracelets from Isabelle Harvey

fab closet: Ruthie Sommers. I need to frame something in gilded bamboo and colored mattes soon...

21 days

I recently read that to kick a habit you needed to last 21 days without breaking it! I have been on a mission to save some money {for my chic little bungalow by the sea, remember?}. I've been doing pretty well, {even while in NYC last weekend} but my goal has been to last 21 days without buying anything superfluous, say like a new lip gloss or my fiftieth tank top from Target.

I actually could really use some new clothes, especially some Spring items. I figure if I do save some extra cash, I'd rather put it towards two great pieces, then ten "not-so great pieces". When I make it to "21" actual days, I'll let you know. My Spring fashion muse? Is Olivia Palmero {I know I posted her image last week} but she's always tied together classically with a bit of a edge. {just my kind of style really, not too out there or but not too conservative}

Happy Weekend!!

Sommer Lovin'

After this winter I could seriously contemplate living in L.A...It's not going to happen because my wonderful family and friends live on the East Coast. I'll take the next best thing - Photos of Ruthie Sommer's home. It's no secret, I love Ruthie's style. I was thrilled to see these fresh shots in House Beautiful this month. Her cheery color choices, mix of vintage, and custom furniture, and architectural motifs are just, well simply put: fabulous! Enjoy {even if you have seen it}!! {on a side note, I know I'm overdue and need to share some recent work, I am just finishing a few details on a couple jobs} 

 images: House Beautiful, photos: Victoria Pearson