fasionable but perhaps not functional?

Are there ever spaces that you love the look of but are also baffled by? That is how I feel about eat-in kitchens (the most extreme versions of them). I just adore them when I see them in magazines but I just don't understand how anyone could actually cook in them let alone entertain. Am I alone in this feeling? Or am I just missing an eat in kitchen trick?

(via house beautiful, veranda, marie claire maison, marie claire maison, windsor smith via absolutely beautiful things)

cheap(er) chic: nautical navy

I adore navy blue! Although it is a dark color the nautical connotations associated it with it cause lovely daydreams of sailing and watching the sunset over the ocean--making it the perfect color for summertime.

shell from j.crew ($59), sandals from kate spade ($195), headband from jennifer ouellette ($65), tibi dress ($178), serving bowl from anthropologie ($24), tory burch shorts ($88), j.crew clutch ($98), gladitors from sam edelman($89), tory burch cosmetic case($85)
Also, if you are looking for amazing deals on designer items and have not already checked out the new online site theOutnet I highly recommend that you make a visit.

citrus never looked so good!

Perhaps it is because I am under the weather but citrus has never looked better to me than in these stunning photos from the website of clothing company, 88 Orange. They just exude such warmth and whimsy. And the styling in the product photos is just amazing.

They definitley made me smile and want to buy their orange blossom fragrance so I can escape to these orange groves anytime I please. Ok, be back in a bit!

event inspiration [april showers bring may flowers]

It has been a while since I have had the time to put together an inspiration board and I thought it would be fun to try and translate the idea of "april showers, bring may flowers" (which I told myself everyday in April) into a color palette for an event. And the result is a soft palette of cool blues, soothing grays and the palest of pinks. I think is just perfect for a spring or early summer affair.

(bride on stone wall via southern weddings blog, pink and gray invitations via pancake & franks, chandelier via polly alexandre, flowers via martha stewart, bouquet via amorology weddings, couple in the rain via elizabeth messina, gray dotted cake via the cake girls, pink feather via rebecca thus, white drinks and gray confections via amy atlas, pink marhsmallow favors via martha stewart, bride with bridesmaids via amorology weddings)

mix and match style

I saw a glimpse of the home of Temple St. Clair Carr in the portfolio of photographer Eric Piasecki and was very intrigued by the warm mix of modern, ethnic and traditional decor. I was beyond thrilled to come across a more extensive tour of this jewelry designers home in the book So Chic by the editors of Elle Decor.






What are your thoughts on mix and matching different styles?

small space solution [seperation by tile]

I adore this eat in kitchen! I just love the blue and white tiles and the way they create the appearance of separation between the cooking and dining areas--a great small space solution.

(via paul barbera)
What is your best small space solution?

a shimmering spring

I used to think that shimmering styles were only appropriate over the holidays. But these neutral options prove that paillettes, sequins and crystal embellishments are more than appropriate for the spring season.

(celestina pina oakwood clutch, stella mccartney racer back tank, derercuny pocket dress, zac posen cardigan, pedro garcia sandals, 3.1 phillip lim shift dress, L.A.M.B pumps)

designer crush [michelle williams]

When I was at O'Hare en route back to Wyoming yesterday I was casually flipping through Chicago magazine and came across a fantastic feature on the seasons must-haves according to some design savvy Chicago women. The picks of interior design, Michelle Williams, completely hit a chord with me as did the way she described her style "adventurous, thoughtful and playful." I instantly couldn't wait to check out her portfolio and I was not disappointed!



I just adore her style and discovering her definitley made up for the stress that flying causes! Hope you are all having a great weekend!

celerie kemble book review [at the city sage]

I am beyond flattered to be guest posting at the city sage today, while Anne and her hubby are honeymooning in Hawaii. So, Pop on over for a little review and peak inside of Celerie Kemble's lovely book, To Your Taste.

the softer side of the loft

When I think about loft spaces, the words light filled, warm and glamorous are not the first that come to mind. However, this loft embodies all of those unexpected qualities---from the large windows, warm wood floors and elegant decor touches. It is also well divided with high backed furniture and well placed screens.

I just adore the long curtains that soften the industrial style windows and the light white ceilings that open the space up even more.

And then there is the fun touch of architectural detail at the tops of the supports--further softening the industrial bones of this loft.

(all photos via nuevo estilo)
What qualities come to mind when you think about lofts?