mirror image [fireplace]

I have seen many cases of mirror backed built in shelves but I had never seen it done to a fireplace and I quite love it! Just as with mirrored shelves it definitely makes the space seem larger. I can't imagine how beautiful it looks at night when the candelabra placed inside of it is lit.

(via m. design interiors)
It almost make me wish that I had a non working fireplace (well at least in the summer!)What is the most creative non working fireplace decor/solution you have seen?

sustainable saturday [nugaard designs]

Sorry for the late post today but it is just such a beautiful day here that I just couldn't bring myself to come indoors. However, my pink cheeks told me that it was time to get out of the sun! I am very excited to share the beautiful creations of nugarrd designs with you. This stunning natural material jewelry line is the brainchild two young Brazilian women, Alessandra Feio and Erica Pacey. My favorite is their CAMPO collection which features pieces made from an remarkable shimmery golden natural grass grown only in northwestern Brazil:


Isn't the shimmer and texture added from the grass just amazing? I am just fascinated by it! Other pieces from their line feature real leaves dipped in precious metals and “Olho de Boi” seeds.

not your typical trench

I do not like wearing coats--which of course is not a very practical or comfortable item to leave home without in early spring. However, I think I could be persuaded to cover up if it was with one of these lovely twists of the traditional trench:

(via burberry, orla keily, aquascutum)
Or perhaps one of these candy colored collarless options:

(via chloe, eley kishimoto, orla keily)
And a very big thank you to everyone for their caring words and thoughts on today's earlier post. It is so nice to know that there are so many other people that care as much as I do! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

the love of horses

(me with horses on a ranch in Arizona)
I try to keep my posts light hearted but this morning I cannot help but post about a cause that I hold very near and dear, animal cruelty (specifically horse cruelty). I have spent my entire life around horses and actually had the privilege of owning two when I was younger. I can honestly say that my experience with these amazing creatures changed my life--giving me not only confidants but confidence. To me, there is no better feeling than walking into a barn and being greeted by your horse with a whinny or than being able to trust an 1,000 pound animal enough to lay down beside it. Which is why it completely breaks my heart when people treat them with neglect.

A couple of weeks ago, the New York Times wrote an article about the startling increase in abandonment and mistreatment of horses in the US due to the poor economic conditions. For many of those horses it was too late but today there is another heartbreaking story in the news. On the today show it was reported that 177 Thoroughbreds had been left to fend for themselves all winter long at a farm in upstate New York. These horses had been left for dead and were discovered emaciated, cut up and full of infections. Fortunately these horses were discovered and now 67 of them are in desperate need of a home. So, as the story stated "So if you have a big backyard, and a big heart, please consider getting one." You can learn more about what you can do by visiting the Columbia Green Humane Society Website.

I am terribly sorry to be so long winded but it is hard not to be on a topic that I care about so deeply. I just cannot imagine how anyone could dream of hurting such spectacular animals. Is there a cause that you have the same passion for?

pretty in poppy

As much as I love colors I have never really loved red. I was always told that as I blonde it is a good color on me but I quite disagree. It is just so bold and overpowering but I do love it when toned down with a pit of pink to create more of a poppy color, just like the lovely color on the bottom of Louboutins! I think when paired with yellow or a hint of green it is perfect for a summer affair.

(dress from pamella roland, flowers via martha stewart, stationary via cherry berry paper, christian louboutins via elizabath messina, drinks via michelle rago, petals via Snippet& Ink, matches via once wed, candles via mantas wright)
What is your take on poppy? Or red for that matter?

wiped!

The rainy/snowy weather is beginning to take a toll on me and about all I can think about at the moment is heading to bed. And sleeping would be ever so more lovely if it was in one of these lovely bedrooms:



(photos via joe schmelzer, kathryn mcdonald photography, paul costell0, celerie kemble)
What is your favorite bedroom feature?

designer spotlight [caitlin moran]

I love finding new (to at least me!) designers and was so happy to have found a new favorite when a friend of mine had joined the facebook group for Found, a new shop in San Fransisco full of 'rediscovered objects'. Not only is the shop wonderful but one the two owners, Caitlin Moran, happens to be a very talented and promising interior designer. Just a little taste of her portfolio...




She just has such a fun but also quite elegant style! And how beautiful are the moldings in that first space? I know that I will be adding the blog for her well curated store to my reading list.

cheap(er) chic: lovely in lilac

It is one of those days that I wish I didn't have a window in my office--as the morning started out with gray ominous clouds that are now just dumping wet snow. The warm weather this past weekend had me hopeful that the lilac bushes in the yard would soon sprout leaves and bloom. However, the current weather outlook for such an occurrence is bleak. So, I will just pine for lovely lilac clothing instead.

dress from cynthia steffe ($170), coming dusk necklace ($42), anthropologie clutch ($128), bruno magli flats ($157), j.crew patent belt ($35), alexis bittar bangle ($120)

DIY Ribbon Message Board

Are you one of those people that save gift wrap and ribbons from presents you have received? If so, then you probably already have all the materials (ribbon, staple gun and an empty frame) needed for this beautiful DIY ribbon message board.

(via April 2009 issue of Living Etc)
I sadly do not have a drawer full of ribbons but this may be just the reason I need to start saving them. I also feel quite inclined to empty a picture frame just to have one of these in my home.

seeing in black + white

Sometimes seeing things in black and white isn't always the best practice. However, in interior design the the stark contrast of black and white is definitely always a great bet! I think that it allows the patterns in a room to really stand out and help a clean and classic look to be achieved.






(via laura resen, mark seelen, lisa elsworthy, prue ruscoe, house beautiful, prue ruscoe, annie schlechter)
However, I think I do prefer a room that is predominantly white with black touches versus the other way around. What about you?