Peacock Feathers

vrooom, vrooom...

2012-01-16T00:28:00.003-05:00

It should not be surprising that I want a pair of these Prada hot-rod stilettos, like desperately...

(All Prada SS2012 via Style.com)

the perfect coffee table...

2012-01-10T23:17:00.002-05:00

... for showing off a collection of books

Meanwhile, the rest of the place ain't bad either...

(Photos by Claiborne Swanson Frank for Vogue.com)

luxury want.

2011-12-07T23:56:00.003-05:00

These feathery, sparkly Jimmy Choos might be the most lovely shoes...EVER:

(Jimmy Choo "Marlene" sandals at Net-a-Porter.com)

want.

2011-12-01T23:24:00.003-05:00

This Marc by Marc Jacobs choker is pretty delightful. Why am I just coming across it now?

Luckily, it's on sale at Nordstrom. I think this will be an addition to my holiday wish list....

("Claude" statement necklace by Marc by Marc, image via Nordstrom.com)

patio swoon

2011-11-30T00:38:00.003-05:00

Can't help but crave a scene such as this, especially with winter on the way...

(Photo by Ngoc Minh Ngo)

wallpaper swoon

2011-11-30T00:36:00.000-05:00

(Image via House Beautiful)

bird swoon

2011-11-30T00:34:00.003-05:00

All my favorite colors, plus a fancy version of a disco ball...

(Interior design by Katie Ridder; image via here)

{what i'm wearing) preppy leopard

2011-11-16T22:50:00.002-05:00

Piped blazer, J.Crew (similar here); leopard spot dress, Forever 21; boots, Alexander Wang (similar here); scarf, DVF (similar here); Edie Purse, J.Crew;Baroque cat-eye sunnies, Prada; mink flower brooch, vintage

i'm doing this

2011-11-16T22:47:00.001-05:00

So cool, so vibrant and pretty.... I want a drawer full of neon-dipped silverware just like this!

(Image via Apartment Therapy)

{what i'm wearing} paisley & leopard

2011-11-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

It's handy having so many empty lots with graffiti-covered walls in my neighborhood. They turn out to be the perfect backdrop for an autumnal photo shoot....

dress, Zara; sandals, Christian Dior; bag, J.Crew "Edie"; belt, vintage Margarita Barrera (thrifted, but similar found here); long pendant, Juicy Couture; serpent choker, Pade Vavra; bracelets, vintage, Saks and Forever; earrings, Ted Muehling; nail color, Essie Material Girl

abstract love

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

This Keith Haring/Kelly Wearstler-inspired graffiti wall by Nicole of Sketch42 is the most fabulous thing ever. I might finally have to try a project like this in my house! I'm totally inspired...

(Photos: Sketch 42 via Elle Decor)

{what i'm wearing} marni & miu miu

2011-11-09T22:12:00.002-05:00

A warm November day calls for bare legs and my new strappy Miu Miu heels....

jacket, Marni; polka dot blouse, Zara; necklace, Madewell; bracelets, vintage and Forever; heels, spring 2011 Miu Miu; nail color, Essie Wicked

(photos by Courtney Apple)

violet fantasy

2011-10-12T00:21:00.000-04:00

Photo from House to Home via my Pintrest)

things that are awesome

2011-10-07T00:27:00.004-04:00

This week, I present a rather random selection of things I am loving and/or have my eye on. First up, glittery stiletto sandals and a kelly green leather clutch. Both currently reside in my closet...

Amazing combination of color and texture. How divine is that crimson velvet pump with the pastel green paillettes?

A Cy Twombly gallery poster (want!) and my most favorite new beauty product, the limited edition Chanel eyelash curler...

And nothing beats a delightful bouquet of peach and violet carnations...

(from top: sandals via Zara; Pour La Victoire clutch via Nordstrom; street style shot by Tommy Ton via Style.com; Twombly poster image via Look Linger Love; Chanel curler via Nordstrom; carnation bouquet by Katie Osgood Photography)

serious swoon

2011-09-27T20:49:00.002-04:00

From (Dorothy Draper protege and master interior designer) Carlton Varney's new book, Mr. Color: The Greenbriar and Other Decorating Adventures... a must for my coffee table for sure!

(Photos by Michel Arnaud, via Good Bones Great Pieces)

need.

2011-09-23T20:13:00.002-04:00

Spied these St. Kilda enamel lip cuffs on Garance Dore's blog today, and now I'm obsessed...

(Via here)

fashion week fantasies {jason wu}

2011-09-20T00:30:00.002-04:00

In my fantasies, I dream of dressing like this every day....

(divine dresses from Jason Wu's Spring 2012 runway collection via Style.com)

obsessed and inspired {marcus hay)

2011-09-20T00:16:00.003-04:00

I can't get enough of these lovely interiors from stylist Marcus Hay. So much here inspires me in regards to my own home. The french doors would be perfect for letting more light in, and the gray walls are the perfect backdrop for the works of art and whimsical collections. For more eye candy...

(all photography by Jonny Valiant via here)

a rainy day...

2011-09-08T16:15:00.003-04:00

It's been grey and gloomy in Philadelphia this week, which has me craving softly-muted interiors such as this lovely one above. The color palette is so relaxing, but I like that there's still lots to look at with the gallery-style walls and unique accessories. Hopefully the sun will return soon, but for now having spaces like this to dream about isn't a bad thing.

(Photo via Casamidy)

so chic!

2011-09-08T01:37:00.002-04:00

Judy Aldridge of Atlantis Home is one stylish lady. Observe...

Seriously, this is one of the best day outfits I've seen in a while. Her way with color is exceptional, and wow, does she know how to rock the accessories...

These pics are going up on my wardrobe inspiration board immediately. Love love love!

(All images via Atlantis Home)

tuesday eye candy: painterly patterns

2011-09-06T23:26:00.005-04:00

With Fashion Week about to kick off, I'm swooning over photographer Erik Madigan Heck's images of Mary Katrantzou's Fall 2011 collection...

(All photographs by Erik Madigan Heck via here)

things i like together

2011-09-01T14:25:00.004-04:00

Pal + Smith's newly designed boutique, with it's cool book wall, bold pops of color and bits of sparkle and shine, makes me totally happy. So does Christian Louboutin's miniature Trash handbag! I'll take either...or both!

(interior via Pal + Smith; bag via Racked.com)

tuesday eye candy: blue rooms

2011-08-30T12:18:00.004-04:00

(from top: Jane Packer, Chatelaine, Diamond Baratta Design, Style at Home, Vogue.com)

hallway inspiration

2011-08-30T12:06:00.003-04:00

I've been working on my master hallway/dressing area for the past few weeks, trying to make it more funky, fashionable and cozy too. In my search for inspiration, I keep returning to this delightful space belonging to actress Amy Sedaris. I love that there is so much going on in a narrow space, with the flocked Osbourne and Little wallpaper and framed pictures and wooden bats. It's certainly an example of "more is more," which I'm all about!

(Image via NY Magazine)

surreal beauty {alexis bittar}

2011-08-26T23:56:00.003-04:00

Another jewelry-themed post before the end of the night... Alexis Bittar is one of my favorite jewelry designers, and his boutiques are fabulous too since they always feature some tremendous piece of taxidermy (such as the lion I am photographed with to the right.) These totally surreal images from his 2012 Resort look book do not disappoint either. They are so good in fact, I would love if they came large enough to frame. For more of this crazy eye candy, go here...

(Alexis Bittar via Racked)

band of gold

2011-08-26T21:54:00.004-04:00

I'm always lusting for more jewelry, and rings are usually at the top of my list...

Whether slim and delicate, or brutalist and bold, or with quirky critters and skulls... a beautiful gold ring (or two or three) for my hand makes me a happy lady. I suspect it's because I can look down at it all day long!

(from top left: Alex Monroe 22k gold-plated scroll heart ring; Mathias Chaize Avec gold-plated and silver ring set; Alex Monroe 22k gold-plated horseshoe diamond ring; Yves Saint Laurent Arty gold-plated glass ring; Dominic Jones Scarab 23k rose gold-plated ring; Yves Saint Laurent Arty Too gold-plated Swarovski crystal ring; Marc by Marc brass mouse ring; Alexander McQueen enameled brass skull ring; Aurelie Bidermann Mamba 18k gold-plated snake ring - all via Net-A-Porter)

love + donkeys

2011-08-26T21:32:00.001-04:00

So romantic and lovely, via This Modern Romance (via I Suwanee)...

happy monday + pretty patio

2011-08-22T16:18:00.002-04:00

Seeing this adorable patio has me thinking about redecorating my own outdoor space. Even though it's late summer, I figure there's still enough time to enjoy a sunny little sitting area, especially if it includes a yellow-fringed umbrella! Perhaps I have a project ahead of me for next weekend. I hope this past weekend was a lovely one for all of you, it certainly was for me. Looking forward to sharing more colorful, end of summer inspiration as the week goes on!

(Image via Marie Claire Maison)

my wedding at green wedding shoes...

2011-08-17T11:36:00.003-04:00

How lovely! Thank you to Jen over at the fabulously stylish Green Wedding Shoes for featuring my June 2010 wedding today! It was a treat to share my inspiration for the look and feel of the day, and to describe how all the various details came to fruition. Jen was kind enough to reprint my comments in full, so if you would like to learn more check it all out here...

(All images by Heidi Geldhauser for Our Labor of Love Photography)

bright color + dark accents

2011-08-17T00:46:00.003-04:00

(All via my pintrest)

menagerie

2011-08-16T21:41:00.002-04:00

This is truly a fantasy land of a house. I imagine the animals coming to life at night and whooping it up around the dining room table. I have a feeling the zebra is the life of the party!

(Images via Interiors)

happy monday + having fun on pintrest

2011-08-15T23:50:00.003-04:00

Late to the party as usual, I finally got going on Pintrest today. I had fun adding some of my favorite images and inspiration, including these wonderfully graphic mid-fifties book covers (which as you all know I love to collect!) I hope you will come visit me over there, I'd love to share what I find with you!

Also, I finally created a Facebook page for Peacock Feathers, which I would also love for you to come visit!

Hope you all had a happy weekend and a happy Monday too...

(images via ASB Cover Archive)

dark and romantic

2011-08-11T00:48:00.005-04:00

A few from the inspiration files...

(from top: Living Etc, Miu Miu Fall 2011 campaign starring Hailee Steinfield; image by Claiborne Swanson Frank via Vogue.com; Jak &Jil; Ngoc Minh Ngo Photography; rose thorn studs by Lee Hale via Egan Day; image unknown; kitchen via House Beautiful; Miu Miu shoes via Sea of Shoes; Lonny Mag)

dreamy closet + library

2011-08-07T00:26:00.000-04:00

Love everything, especially the wall colors, in these spaces. The charcoal in particular really makes the book covers pop....

(Images via Vogue.com)

someday...

2011-08-03T22:41:00.002-04:00

As I've probably mentioned before, while the name of my blog is Peacock Feathers, I do not actually have a thing for peacocks or collect peacock-decorated things. Having said that - I am dying for a gorgeous taxidermy peacock like the two showcased in Deborah Lloyd's home. Totally glamorous and decadent, I dream of a grand foyer with that white peacock greeting guests as they enter. Sigh... that would be fabulous!

(images via The Coveteur)

happy monday (a day late)

2011-08-02T00:11:00.000-04:00

Hope you all had a lovely weekend! I was lucky enough to spend my Saturday lounging by a pool with one of my best girlfriends. We read a stack of fashion magazines and I found myself dreaming of these Prada Baroque sunnies...

(Though in reality I'm aiming for this style, which is a little more realistic for my day to day life...)

So, what were you guys up to? Any fun-in-the-sun or fantasy shopping stories to share?

(top and bottom image via Style at Home)

i need... these j.crew pants

2011-07-27T20:35:00.002-04:00

... and I don't even wear pants! But I need these. Fuschia, cropped, with leopard accessories? Yes, yes, yes!

(image via J. Crew)

je t'aime...

2011-07-25T21:54:00.002-04:00

(Graham and Green via Desire to Inspire)

a few things i like...

2011-07-14T00:13:00.003-04:00

For one thing, this living room:

Also, these clutches:

And finally, colorful pants, short with heels, plus the most amazing trench ever:

(from top: Elletra Wiedemann's home photographed by Claiborne Swanson Frank via Vogue.com; J.Crew Tangiers clutch; Kate Spade Pride and Prejudice book clutch; Dsquared Resort 2012 lookbook shots via Style.com)

candy colors

2011-07-11T10:36:00.005-04:00

I came across Extasia's collection of intaglio jewelry at an adorable jewelry boutique in Cape May, NJ called Victorious. I love the opaque, candy-colored German pressed glass that is used to update these Victorian designs. The colors truly pop, especially the acid green and the periwinkle, and some like the orange are approaching neon territory! So fun!

breakfast time

2011-07-11T10:19:00.004-04:00

I'm enamored with this chic and cheerful breakfast nook and kitchen that was featured in the July issue of Southern Living magazine. Using a sofa in place of a more expected banquette is such a genius idea , and it looks great with the mod Saarinen table. I'll definitely be saving these images for my inspiration folder, for that day when I have a kitchen large enough to accommodate a dining area.

(Photographs by Laurey W Glenn, styling by Anne Turner Carroll for Southern Living magazine)

i want to be here

2011-07-06T23:42:00.002-04:00

(Via here)

Love this... Love Sign

2011-07-05T21:00:00.003-04:00

...and the rest of the room is pretty great too!

(Via Living Etc.)

summer colors

2011-07-02T16:53:00.007-04:00

I love coral and turquoise, especially with a bit of lucite worked in!

(Images from top left: Desire to Inspire, Emilio Pucci Resort 2012 via Style.com; lucite necklace and leather clutch via Kate Spade)

a swoon-worthy wedding

2011-06-30T18:35:00.005-04:00

So inspiring! I haven't seen such a colorful, creative and fun wedding in a long time. Via Style Me Pretty...

(Photography by Arrow & Apple via Style Me Pretty)

magical

2011-06-29T22:35:00.004-04:00

I can't get over this illuminated greenhouse... so dreamy, don't you think?

Also, I've been away for a while, but I'm back. The past week was spent in Alabama with the folks. I was lucky enough to snag some fab vintage jewelry while there... I'll try to share some pictures soon!

(image via NY Times)

gallery + happy (early) weekend

2011-06-16T22:09:00.002-04:00

I love a good gallery wall...

Meanwhile, I'm signing off early for the week. I have a wedding to attend in Cape May, NJ - it should be the perfect opportunity to wear some of my most colorful summer clothes and shoes...

Happy weekend one and all!

(images via here and here)

creative painting

2011-06-15T21:35:00.004-04:00

First of all, the colors in this space are totally me. And then there's the awesome paint treatment at the ceiling. If I had high ceilings, I would totally try this "unfinished" look. Such a great idea!

(image via Living, Etc)

watercolors

2011-06-14T23:00:00.000-04:00

Dreamy photos from Chris Benz's Resort 2012 resort collection. I want all the clothes by the way, especially the chambray trapeze dress with animal-spotted lining. So fun...

(Images via Style.com)

feathers

2011-06-13T08:00:00.004-04:00

Added to my luxury wish list: gorgeous, feathered fine jewelry by Wilfredo Rosado...

(images via Wilfredo Rosado)

surprising details

2011-06-09T08:00:00.001-04:00

Delightful colors and patterns unexpectedly adorn these antique book spines... via The Selby

making an entry

2011-06-08T23:31:00.004-04:00

It's not my usual look, but I could go for a clean, white space like this - especially as a sun-filled entryway. Very modern, very chic... I'm kind of in love.

(not sure where I came across this, but it's originally from Pia Jane Bijkerk)

what do you wear and where do you shop?

2011-06-07T21:36:00.003-04:00

I wear dresses, almost exclusively. Where do I buy them? More likely than not, it's Zara...

Unless you happen to catch me at home (as in, in my house) during the summer when I'm wearing cutoffs and a gingham button-down, I can almost promise you I will always be wearing a dress. Riding through Rittenhouse Square on my vintage Schwinn? Dress (and heels). Grocery shopping on Monday morning at Wegman's? Dress (and again, probably heels). Rock concert, barbecue, cocktail party, Target - it's my look, all day, every day.

As for where I get these frocks, I can't get enough of Zara. Sure, I shop at Neiman Marcus and J. Crew and Forever and vintage boutiques, but Zara is my go-to for every day, work day and going out. I've been shopping there for years, and thankfully we got a store in Philly several years ago which makes updating my wardrobe a snap. I like that their look is fashion-forward, grown-up and affordable. It's not teeny-bopper like Forever 21, or suburban like Ann Taylor Loft, or folksy-twee like Anthropologie. They have bold colors, clean lines, modern shapes and plenty of runway references without feeling like a complete rip-off (except for some of their pieces this spring, which were taken straight from Prada's runway...but for some reason I am completely ok with that.)

Needless to say, I am a total and complete fan. I also like their separates, which I don't get as much use of but find tempting nonetheless. Kimono jacket over shorts? Yes, please...

So now that I have waxed rhapsodic over my favorite clothing item and my favorite store, tell me... what is your go-to wardrobe item and where do you get it from?

(images via Zara.com)

from the inspiration files... turquoise and neutrals

2011-06-07T11:00:00.000-04:00

I'm so predictable I know, but I can't get enough of this color combination...

(from top: image via Adore Magazine; Burberry Prorsum Resort 2012 collection via Style.com; Pucci book image via Lonny magazine; Jeffrey Campbell Garret heels at Nordstrom and Lulus.com; dining room image via Lonny magazine; beaded necklace by Assad Mounser)

two takes

2011-06-06T21:10:00.003-04:00

... on the same aqua/green color palette. I love this dreamy vintage kitchen via Vart Nya Hem and the mod, dotted dining room by Diamond Baratta Design.

(left image via Decor 8 via Vart Nya Hem; right image by Diamond Baratta Design)

happy weekend!

2011-06-03T23:29:00.003-04:00

I leave you for the weekend with a few bits of eye candy that are making me particularly happy. First of all, I could totally live in the home pictured above. Big windows, oversized artwork, a rattan elephant side table and a shaggy dog ottoman - all in a palette of lilac, pink and yellow? What more could one ask for?

I'm also desperately craving this Marc Jacobs confection, which can be found at The Outnet (among many other items that would fit perfectly into my closet). Finally, I'm loving this home by Marmalade Interiors that was featured on Made By Girl the other day. A turquoise dresser and purple velvet chair have been added to my home wish list!

Hope you all have an incredibly happy weekend! See you on Monday...

(top image via Desire to Inspire)

pairings

2011-06-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

Some of my favorite recent interiors paired with chic, summertime looks from Rachel Zoe's 2012 resort collection...

(All interiors via Interiors Magazine; Rachel Zoe 2012 resort runway photos via Style.com)

book display

2011-06-01T20:41:00.004-04:00

I love the idea of shelving that allows for outward-facing book covers. It's an art wall combined with storage - ingenious and totally stylish, don't you think?

(Image via Living, Etc.)

tuesday eye candy: colorful closet

2011-05-31T22:34:00.002-04:00

... via The Selby...

happy {memorial day} monday!

2011-05-30T23:11:00.003-04:00

Here's hoping you all had a lovely holiday weekend, full of picnics, barbecues and various outdoor celebrations! Looking forward to catching up with everyone tomorrow...

(Image by Morten Holtum)

fruity

2011-05-26T23:25:00.005-04:00

Perfect looks for hot summer days, yes?

(from top: shoes by Charlotte Olympia; photograph by Simon Upton for Elle Decor; fruit print blouse by Zara; street style photo via Jak & Jil)

from the inspiration files....soft and pretty

2011-05-25T22:14:00.005-04:00

(from top: fashion photograph by Koray Birand for Vogue Hellas via Fashion Gone Rogue; bathroom image by Patrick Cline via Lonny; purse image via The Coveteur; fur and shoes image photograph by Morten Holtum; Karen Elson editorial photographed by Craig McDean for US Vogue; sparkling puppy dog by Aaron Ruell; cupcake photograph by Courtney Apple)

a gold birdcage

2011-05-24T23:58:00.004-04:00

At the flea market this weekend, I was momentarily intrigued by a gold birdcage and stand...

... but then I became distracted by a table of vintage costume jewelry and that was that. Now, I come across the gorgeous home of fashion designer Erin Fetherston which features a beyond lovely birdcage in her beyond lovely living room and all I can think is, why didn't I pay more attention to that damn birdcage when I had the chance?

At least now I have a shopping mission when the next flea market rolls around. Oh, and by the way, Miss Fetherston's bedroom is quite lovely too...

(Photographs by Claiborne Swanson Frank for Vogue.com)

stunning... prabal gurung for j.crew

2011-05-24T22:22:00.004-04:00

Oh my, where to begin?! These pieces from Prabal Gurung's new collaboration with J.Crew are beyond fabulous. I want all of it. Sadly, they are all sold out online, and probably going for triple the original price on eBay. Hopefully the pink and black blouse with reappear, because I need it desperately for my summer wardrobe.

(Images via J.Crew)

happy monday + a belated round-up

2011-05-23T14:29:00.004-04:00

Hope you all had a lovely weekend! I was able to do some successful flea-marketing with my friend Lisa of ...Just Over the River (we bought tons of fun vintage jewelry for song!) and enjoyed a single day of sunny weather before Philly reverted to its recent standard of gray and gloominess. I also realized that I forgot to post on Friday - I meant to offer a round up of things I've been liking lately. So why not share them with you today?

What a cool bedroom (above) from M Design Interiors. I love the sparkling accents, which add a bit of luxe to the funky-boho surroundings.
Photographer Aaron Ruell's website features some eye-popping interiors that will put a smile on your face.
Holy cow - Missoni for Target?! Could this be true? If so, I can't wait until September...
I need a new summer hat. Something appropriately quirky. This one from Kate Spade would be perfect.
Did you see those ridiculously amazing party balloons be Geronimo Balloons that Oh Joy! featured the other day? I need to have a party immediately!
Have you been following coverage of the Cannes Film Festival? There are so many good movies coming out later this year. I'm particularly interested in Melancholia, starring Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg, despite the controversy regarding the director's tres inappropriate remarks at a press conference. How dreamy is this image from the movie's poster...

And finally, this performance by The Twilight Singers on David Letterman rocks my world. In addition to being my favorite band of all time, they are lovely friends of mine who put on the best rock show you will ever see. I mean it. Check them out live as they tour the west coast this week, followed by the southwest the next...

summer clutch

2011-05-19T21:02:00.006-04:00

I love oversized flat clutches right now (this one in taupe from American Apparel has been my go-to of late), and this aqua leather version from ASOS might be the perfect pick for summer. The color is divine and I love the envelope closure and gold-tone clasp. Particularly cute with neutral separates, but I think it will work with my more colorful outfits too...

decadence

2011-05-19T20:06:00.005-04:00

Gorgeous clothes and shoes, from the closet of Canadian socialite Suzanne Rogers... via The Coveteur...

pattern of color

2011-05-18T22:59:00.000-04:00

I've noticed a variety of black and yellow inspiration in my style files lately...

I recently ordered this poster, which is the artwork from the British first edition of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway, designed by Vanessa Bell in 1925. Such a delightful book cover, one of my favorites ever. (For those of you interested in vintage first editions, this particular novel goes in the tens of thousands of dollars - holy moly!) Meanwhile, the scarf by Diane von Furstenberg has been on my wish list for months, ever since I saw it at the DVF boutique in LA...

Have you found yourself attracted to certain color combos lately? If so, which ones?

(top image by Patrick Cline for Lonny Magazine; Mrs. Dalloway poster via PopArt UK ; Masons Deux scarf by Diane von Furstenberg)

New Paintings from Vivienne Strauss

2011-05-17T22:21:00.003-04:00

I'm coveting these new, slightly darker, oil paintings from the fabulously talented Vivienne Strauss. If you recall, I shared some of her more colorful works back in December. These have a similar sense of humor, but are so much more moody and mysterious. I'd like to add the masked lady to my hallway - I think she would be the perfect counterpoint to my more playful prints. For more, check out Ms. Strauss's etsy store here...

(Iris H. Incognito, Unexpected, and The Uninvited Guest - limited edition prints from original oil paintings, all by Vivienne Strauss)

i think i need a record player

2011-05-17T18:59:00.005-04:00

I've been wanting a cool little music set-up for a while now, and seeing this totally stylish living space makes me want one even more. I love the idea of keeping it simple, with just a turntable and sleek Tivoli radio/speaker. A simple cabinet for storing records and a wall covered in gorgeous metallic floral-print paper would be nice too...

(Image via Canadian House & Home)

neon things i like

2011-05-16T23:04:00.007-04:00

I think these are the perfect accessories for injecting a bit of fun into my home and wardrobe!

(from top: "Eccentric Glamour" art print by Simon Doonan, 20x200; Lanvin horsehoe-heel patent leather pumps; street style image, Jak and Jil; Kate Spade lemon drop-framed Lella clutch ; Miu Miu cut-out leather lace-up heels; Marc Jacobs metal and enamel stud earrings; Tom Binns hand-painted Swarovski bracelet; Aurelie Bidermann mother-0f-pearl charm bracelet)

bright and sunny monday

2011-05-16T10:53:00.002-04:00

I've been away for a while but am happy to return on this bright and sunny Monday with new blog posts and lots of colorful eye candy. This interior from the new issue of Lonny makes me swoon and feels like the perfect image to start off the week. Hope you all have a great day!

(Image by Patrick Cline for Lonny)

i need this!

2011-05-05T10:08:00.002-04:00

Yes. A straw elephant purse from Kate Spade would be the perfect addition to my summer wardrobe.

(Royal Plantation Elephant Basket by Kate Spade, at Kate Spade.com)

crazy patterns

2011-05-04T21:42:00.004-04:00

This bedroom is insane, and I mean that in the best possible way. The rest of the house is pretty wow too...

(Home belonging to interior designers John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon, photographed by Dean Kaufman for New York Magazine)

peek of color

2011-05-04T18:00:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure what this space on the left is... it appears to be some kind of tiny napping nook next to a pantry. And that sounds (and looks) pretty great to me! Aside from it's function, I also love the contrast of stark white with glossy black. I want to see more white houses with boldly painted closets!

(Image via Marie Claire Maison)

dazzling dining rooms

2011-05-02T23:43:00.003-04:00

I like over-the-top, and I think the dining room is the perfect place to let all your bat s#!t crazy design ideas come to life. Maybe because it's a room most people don't use every day, and therefore one doesn't have to worry about making it totally livable or cozy. Or maybe it's just a fun way to impress/freak out friends and family when they come for dinner. Either way, I love these two examples from M Design Interiors. So crazy, so colorful, so sparkly, so fun!

(Images via M Design Interiors)

more meow

2011-04-28T22:50:00.004-04:00

I wear tons of leopard print (it's a neutral, you know) but haven't found a way to include it in my home. After seeing this image from Anne Coyle Interiors, I am inspired to find the perfect spot for this always-chic pattern...

(Image via Anne Coyle Interiors)

meow!

2011-04-25T17:35:00.004-04:00

I think these new cat eye sunnies from Christian Dior would be a perfect addition to my spring wardrobe. What do you think - red or purple?

(Mohatani and MotuOne sunglasses by Christian Dior via Racked)

happy weekend + courtney apple photography

2011-04-22T23:29:00.003-04:00

I hope you all had a great week! Mine ended on a particularly fun note as I had the opportunity to work with the immensely talented food and lifestyle photographer Courtney Apple....

Courtney spent a day photographing my newly re-decorated house for some upcoming projects that we've been discussing. What a treat to have such an accomplished and talented lady come into my home and apply her creative eye to my various home design projects. It was very flattering, and I can't wait to share the results with you down the road. Until then, please make an effort to peruse her lovely website and blog, which are full to the brim with delicious eye candy!

(All images by Courtney Apple via Courtney Apple Photography)

spring wardrobe

2011-04-21T00:09:00.000-04:00

I need these spring looks from Rachel Roy in my wardrobe, immediately. Love the fresh silhouettes, and the colors are divine...

(Rachel Roy Spring 2011 collection via Style.com)

tuesday eye candy: flower power

2011-04-19T21:19:00.009-04:00

I'm always in the mood for florals. Here are some of my favorite flower-festooned items and images of the moment...

(from top left: photograph via Lulaland; floral print flats by John Derian for Repetto; living room via Style at Home; dress via Forever 21; paper flower nosegay via Hello Lucky!; bedroom photograph by Ngoc Minh Ngo; my wedding bouquet by Dillon Douglas Designs via Peacock Feathers)

happy monday + prints charming

2011-04-18T22:01:00.008-04:00

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you had a lovely weekend...

While I wish I had spent the weekend lounging around in an extravagant floral caftan, with big jewelry and even bigger hair, I actually found myself cooking and gardening, which offer their own mood-brightening effects. Now if I had a million dollars, I am certain that these boldly-graphic dresses and chairs would do an excellent job brightening up my closet and home. A girl can dream...

(from top: photograph by Garance Dore; dress by Jil Sander; bespoke YSL scarf-print chairs by Suzan Fellman; bottom left dress by Mary Kantrantzou)

wedges are a good thing

2011-04-14T21:57:00.005-04:00

...especially when they come in fun, summery prints like these!

(from top left: Theodora and Callum, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Loeffler Randall for Suno)

tuesday eye candy: turquoise tear drops

2011-04-12T19:43:00.004-04:00

I'm in love with this light fixture.... I have a feeling I will be dreaming of it tonight.

(Photography by Angus McRitchie for Style at Home)

ruffled perfection

2011-04-11T23:06:00.004-04:00

What a fabulous way to start the week...

This amazing design by the always-great Miles Redd may be my favorite interior in a long time. Purple, turquoise and citron is such a delightful color combination, and here Redd uses it to perfection. So what was I referring to when I said "ruffled perfection"? Check out these window treatments...

Divine, yes?

(Images by James Merrell for House Beautiful)

pink makes me happy

2011-04-08T09:13:00.007-04:00

Just a few things I've had my eye on this week. Have I mentioned that I need a pink poodle...

(from top left: Isaac Mizrahi SS 2011 via Style.com; dining room interior photographed by Simon Upton for Elle Decor; "Tropica Jocelyn" flamingo clutch via Kate Spade; child's bedroom interior via Apartment Therapy; street style photo by Jak & Jil - Eley Kishimoto laptop sleeve by Encase; tabletop look via 100 Layer Cake)

also obsessing over... suno

2011-04-05T21:54:00.009-04:00

I never, ever get tired of pattern, and right now no one is doing it better than Suno. Playful, exuberant, and modern - this three-year-young line defines how I like to dress pretty much every day. To see more, check out their newly-launched website here...

great room

2011-04-05T08:00:00.001-04:00

This enormous and fabulous dining room-kitchen is located in the former ballroom of an English country estate, recently renovated for a young couple and their family. I could die over the massive marble counter floating in front of sunny windows overlooking the grounds. The color palette is pretty inspiring too - medium gray walls with the pop of sorbet-colored chairs and lots of bright white trim. Love!

Photography by Magnus Marding via the New York Times

obsessing over... tom ford lipsticks

2011-04-04T22:35:00.005-04:00

Among my current obsessions (of which there are many) are these utterly chic lipsticks from Tom Ford Beauty. I'm a sucker for beautiful packaging, and honestly, this lipstick case is the ultimate - totally glam in heavy white enamel with gold trim, it looks and feels great coming out of your makeup bag! Even better, the lipstick comes in twelve classic colors and the formula is ultra-rich and saturated, with the delectably faint scent of rose petals and chocolate. I went for a bold color ("Moroccain Rouge" to be exact), but it comes in great everyday neutrals too. I picked mine up at Jeffrey in NYC, but you can find them online at Bergdorf Goodman too...

a stunning dallas home

2011-04-04T10:16:00.004-04:00

I came across this home featured on one of my favorite blogs, Atlantis Home, the other day (it originally appeared in D Home Magazine and was shot by Stephen Karlisch). What a stunner! Judy is such a stylish lady, it's no wonder she responded to these gorgeous interiors. I'm leading off with the child's bedroom because the display of pattern and color is so totally fab - but don't miss scrolling down for the show-stopping master bedroom...

All photography by Stephen Karlisch

sunlight

2011-03-30T10:12:00.003-04:00

I would not mind coming home to a living room like this. Pale colors, lots of sunshine, and a super cool coffee table too... so chic!

(Photography by Claiborne Swanson Frank)

spring (fashion) is here

2011-03-28T10:59:00.009-04:00

I proclaimed several weeks ago that I am officially done with winter. No more boots, tights, or parkas. I'm wearing spring clothes if it kills me...

Of course it was 40 degrees in Philly this weekend, so it's obviously not time for cotton dresses and totally bare legs yet. But there are ways to bring a lighter look to these last days of March! I'm wearing a lot of rolled up hems with funky, high-heeled sandals and bright color-blocking with nude heels and blazers. I'm also wearing this shoe a lot....

I'm not typically an Aldo shopper (I fully admit to being a shoe snob!), but these were sitting in the window at the store in Soho just waiting for me. Super high wedge, eye-popping pattern, and a great price - yay! They remind me of something from Suno's amazing SS2011 collection, which I have been obsessing over lately.

So tell me - how have you been incorporating spring looks into your wardrobe?

(Top two photos via Jak and Jil; bottom photo via Aldo Shoes)

love stamps

2011-03-28T10:49:00.003-04:00

For those brides getting married in the coming months who do not want to troll around on eBay searching for choice vintage stamps - these new Love stamps from the US Postal Service are a delightful, and much more efficient, option for those stacks of envelopes! Whimsical, colorful, modern...perfect! They come out on May 19 - just in time for late-summer and early-fall events...

(Image via USPS.com)

to dye for

2011-03-22T17:07:00.003-04:00

Tie dye can be so chic when done right, and this dress by Lindsey Thornburg definitely does it right! I think this would be an amazing look for the unconventional bride, very natural and pretty but with tons of style. I think it's swoon-worthy!

(Images from Lindsey Thornburg via Canvas and Canopy)

a chic baby's room

2011-03-21T18:21:00.004-04:00

Love, love, love! The unexpected choice of artwork really makes the room.

(Photography by Claiborne Swanson Frank via Vogue.com)

china blue

2011-03-16T23:50:00.005-04:00

Since painting my living room a particularly vivid shade of blue recently, I've become obsessed with adding touches of chinoiserie and Ming-style porcelain to my surroundings. Clearly, the ladies behind Rodarte were inspired by a similar aesthetic, as seen in their fabulous Spring 2011 collection. I love that the patterns are classic, bold, and eclectic all at once - making them as perfect for the runway as they have always been for interiors!

(Rodarte runway images via Style.com; top interior via Eddie Ross; bottom interior via Canadian House and Home)

a "wow" bouquet

2011-03-16T16:30:00.003-04:00

Stunning! The colors and textures of this wedding bouquet, designed by La Partie Events, make me swoon. I like it almost - just almost - as much as my own gorgeous bouquet.... ;)

(Image by Erin Hearts Court via Style Me Pretty)

collecting... vintage books

2011-03-15T16:25:00.003-04:00

Collecting - it's so much fun. While not obsessed with any one particular thing, I do keep my eyes peeled for unique vintage jewelry and clutches, art and design books, quirky animal knicknacks, and most recently, vintage novels from the 40s-60s with bold, graphic covers.

Especially now, with the addition of my built-in bookcase, finding these dazzlingly-designed book covers has become even more exciting since I have a special place to showcase them. It's great to find a classic work by a significant author, or a first edition in pristine condition, but I also love finding an obscure book with a fabulous, colorful dust jacket. They are perfect to decorate with too, like a small, unique work of art!

So how does one find books like these? I like to visit good used book stores, such as Brickbat Books in Philly, as well as flea markets, antique marts, and of course, eBay. With eBay, you need to know what to search for though. I search for specific titles and authors after looking at sites such as The Book Cover Archive or even Kate Spade.

Two questions for you - what kind of things do you collect? And what do you think about decorating with books?

i want this bedroom

2011-03-14T22:51:00.003-04:00

Also, that pink painting over the desk is great inspiration for a DIY project...

(Photography by Donna Griffith via Style at Home)

hello, ikat!

2011-03-11T10:58:00.005-05:00

I've been on a bit of a decorating tear lately. This week, it's been all about the guest bedroom/office. How great are these ikat curtains?

I made them in about 1 hour last night, using this fabulous $5/yard ikat (from Jo-Mar, the most awesome fabric store ever, for those of you who live in Philly) and a roll of Stitch Witchery. I'm calling this room my 48-hour project. A year ago it was a super cute little bedroom and office. But due to laziness and storage issues, it turned into a giant, messy closet and has gone mostly untended since our wedding.

But since Wednesday, I've cleaned out the boxes and junk and refreshed the whole space using decorative objects I had lying around the house. I did a quick recover of the headboard (please ignore the ugly air vent above it), using a scrap of fabric found at an Urban Outfitters sample sale. The pink and orange pillow came from that sale too -$3 - yay! - and the small peacock pillow was made for my wedding. The framed print is from Lulaland and was a wonderful shower gift that had yet to find a home.

The Tord lamp and the Thomas Paul pillow were holdovers from the original version of the room, and the office supplies are from the Container Store and those adorable Liberty-esque storage boxes are from the Christmas Tree Shop.

I still have a few more things to do - clean up the craft corner and organize my desk - but it's coming along nicely I think. The best thing though is just having a bright, colorful, pattern-filled space to enjoy...