casual summer [lauren moffatt]

I went into one of my favorite clothing boutiques today and almost everything that I gravitated toward was from designer, Lauren Moffat. Her pieces are incredibly playful and are the greatest colors--perfect for a casual summer affair.




Now if only this rainy and cold weather would stop long enough to actually warrant an outfit like this!

jade and coral [and perhaps a dash of yellow]

I almost always find that I am drawn to the rooms that utilize at least three colors, even if they are all neutrals. Take coral, which seems to be everywhere lately. A coral room dotted with few different patterns and materials and perhaps a neutral here and there can be lovely. But add a cooling jade or teal to the mix and the warmth of a space drastically increases.


Add yet another layer of color to this palette, such a brilliant yellow, and spaces grow even more inviting.


( via british home and garden, ashley whittaker, nate berkus, April House Beautiful uk)
Are your more restrained when using color or do you prefer many layers of it?

cheap(er) chic: soft gold accessories

I did a little window shopping today and I was blown away by two things--the amount of neon everywhere and the plethora of incredibly luxurious soft gold accessories! I love metallics and think the softer shades of it are great for summer and spring accessories. Unfortunately none of the items I admired earlier today are within my budget but I was pleased to find that there are some beautiful affordable options as well:


flats from d.v ($69), clutch from Arden B ($38), sandals from Old Navy ($19.50), headband from jennifer oullette ($65), orb bracelet from anthropologie ($38), belt from anthropologie ($28), sandals from musa ($191), clutch from j.crew( $78), portable media case from kate spade ($95)

a few lovely succulents

I was completely enamored by the lovely table (and the overall room design) in the conservatory of the Showhouse that I keep mentioning (promise this is the last time!) I adore succulents and natural materials-making the beautiful table in this room completely dreamy to me. I may have to do something similar at my next dinner party!



Sorry for my poor and slightly crooked photos! Oh and I can forget to tell you that this space is the wonderful creation of Frank Ponterio.

designer spotlight [michael delpiero]

This morning I once again visited the Showhouse benefiting the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. It is amazing how when you go through a space for the second time how new rooms and new details make an impact. Today it was the room of Chicago based designer, Michael DelPiero. Her work is beautiful, unexpected and exudes an understated elegance. So of course I quickly came home to scour her portfolio and I was not dissapointed. I especially loved this neutral and well accessorized living space.


Isn't the collection of artwork over the mantle amazing? I also love her philosophy that "A commitment to true style (rather than mere taste) ensures the creation of a canvas for living". Do you have an interior design philosophy?

classic color combo [navy and canary]

Canary and navy is by far one of my favorite color combinations. All of these pieces add a nice modern touch to the classic combination.

(via lanvin, t-bags, marc jacobs, tory burch and pucci)
What is your current favorite color combination?

[mirrored] glamour

This seems to be the week of mirror posts, from mirrored fireplaces to no mirror in a bathroom and now to lovely walls of mirror. These spaces were in the April Elle Decoration and I find them completely mesmerizing for their playful brick like appearance as well as for their placement. They add such a glamorous drama to the living and kitchen/dining spaces of this apartment.


I also went to an absolutely wonderful charity showhouse last night (I was truly blown away) that I will be posting more about later this weekend. Hope you are all having a lovely Saturday.

{bright+white} home office envy

Good Morning! My parents have the most amazing home office--it is in their beautifully renovated hayloft (part of the house used to be a barn) and has a huge picture window (which used to be the hay doors). It makes me long for one as equally as fabulous and light filled. Anyone of these bright and white spaces would be just fine with me.




(via nuevo-estilo, abigail edwards, abigial edwards, erik johnson, paul barbera)
What is are the essential elements in your dream home office?

calling cards!

Sorry to be MIA today but I have been traveling (my least favorite thing) and just arrived to my parents home in Chicago, where I will be for the next week. When I arrived home I found a lovely little surprise--letterpress calling cards and a cute little canary case for them (which goes perfectly with the navy blue type!)

Sorry for the poor photo (they are from my iphone). I promise to be back in full posting force tomorrow! In the meantime, do you have calling cards? Ok, off to peruse the lovely stack of magazines stacked by my bed!

could you do it?

I adore this bathroom for the lovely collection of simple prints but I am not sure I could handle not having a mirror? Could you?

(via amanda nesbet)

eco chic: mad imports

Given that it is Earth Day ( Happy Earth Day!) I thought it would be appropriate to post one of my favorite (and reasonably priced) eco-chic lines in celebration! The line is Mad Imports, a socially and environmentally responsible company selling handmade handbags from Madagascar and Kenya. Their colorful handbags are made using renewable raw materials. I am especially fond of their small handbags and clutches--the perfect summer accessory!

How are you celebrating Earth Day?

rethinking [bright] pink

I have long loved pink as the shade for the clothes in my closet but have been a little weary about adding to my home, especially the brighter versions. However, I think I am coming around. Especially after seeing the both fun and sophisticated statement that it makes in a space, whether all over or just in little touches.




(via sandra lane, m design, erik johnson, hallie burton)
What is your take on pink? Be back later with a special earth day post!

and this little piggy...

I am completely crazy for one of my absolute favorite blogger's (Kimberlee's) new online store, Brown Button Trading. It is just full of beautiful housewares, jewelry, stationary and some fantastic ribbons. I cannot wait until she starts shipping to the US! I am especially smitten with the "if pigs could fly" statue and pig chalkboard sticker:


Pigs just happen to be one of my favorite whimsical motifs. What is your favorite decor motif?

a secret garden

The weather has just been just wonderful here the past couple of days and I have had no desire to be inside (hence the sunburn). It leaves me yearning for a room that would allow me to be to be inside while still enjoying the wonders of the outdoors. Perhaps one with a little chandelier?

Or a citrus filled orangery with the perfect settee.

Or maybe a peaceful and more traditional conservatory...


(via flickr, madeline soder , haven and home (via country living), southern accents, lucyina moodie, erik johnson)
Do you have a dream room addition?

breezy [aqua] blues

To say that I got a little bit of sun over the weekend would be an understatement--scorched may be a better word. I got a little overzealous at the first sign of spring and completely forgot how strong the Wyoming sun can be! So, the only colors that I can wear at the moment that tones down my pink cheeks are cool and breezy aqua blues. Any of these pieces would do the trick:

(dress by tibi, earrings from anthropologie, fish necklace from banana republic, sleeveless dress by antik batik, purse by mulberry mitzy, cuff by monica vinader, sandals by cynthia vincent)

[casual] dining + a guest post

I have to say that I always preferred formal dining areas for dinner parties to casual ones but at the moment I am just craving a more casual spot to host a simple midweek dinner. I don't really have the space for one right now but these are some dining rooms that I am storing away for future inspiration...






(via unknown, anson smart, hallie burton, erik johnson,prue ruscoe, prue ruscoe)
Which do you prefer? Casual or formal?

Also hop on over to Design Lovely for a special cheap(er) chic guest post I put together for Rachel while she was away on her honeymoon!