{happy weekend + bar carts}

{Jacob Hertzell, stylist; via emmas designblogg}

Looking forward to a little down time this weekend, especially time outdoors on our recently refurnished patio . . .

Not certain if anyone still uses bar carts, but sitting and dreaming en plein air for a few moments somehow made me think a moveable place for water and lemons and fizzy drinks and wine would work out beautifully . . .

{via i suwannee}

{Hazelnut Lovejoy Vodka; label design by ID Branding; via Ruby Press and Design Crush}

{photography by Deborah Jaffe for domino}

{Watercreek Carafes from the American Summer collection at Ralph Lauren home}

{Hanover Bar Cart from Restoration Hardware; via Apartment Therapy Los Angeles}

{Lovejoy Vodka; label design by ID Branding; via Ruby Press and Design Crush}

{Marc Jacobs for Waterford Jean Footed Decanter}

{warm + woodsy}

{photography by Patrick Van Robaeys for Coté Est}

Never imagined falling for a wood interior, finding the overuse of wood to be, at times, dark and a little out of fashion . . . That is, of course, until I happened upon this beautiful ancien hôtel particulier, a home overflowing with French style in the English countryside, where everything feels comfortable and inviting, and infused with warmth and a wonderful mix of French glamour and English country charm . . .

{top five things i can't live without}

{photography by Juliana Sohn}

Always new and exciting things happening, including a new feature, Top Five Tuesdays: discovering fun and intriguing things about fun and intriguing people . . .

First up is the very cool and down-to-earth Monika Eyers, Contributing Editor, London, for domino magazine, who shares her list of the Top Five Things She Can't Live Without . . .

{iPod Touch}

ipod touch to organize my life: I tried desperately to go the pen & paper diary route but there is something so useful about having everything there at the click of a button. Calendar, contacts, google maps, music, etc. I never leave home with out my ipod touch (I'm waiting for next year's improvements before upgrading to the iphone). Now I scribble out the dates on my gorgeous old Smythson diary and use it as a notebook instead.

{must confess that I also love my iPod Touch, relying on it to catch up on the latest runway shows through video podcasts . . .}

{Peugeot herb chopper}

Moving to London has miraculously domesticated me in the kitchen. I am borderline obsessed with my wooden handled Peugeot herb chopper. It does the trick in seconds and makes me feel like a bona-fide chef!



{Dyptique Chene candle}

There is something so lovely about walking into a home that smells good. It's like being in Paris where every shop and hotel exudes a sultry fragrance. Dyptique's Chene candle is my scent of choice and rarely a day goes by where the candle isn't lit for an hour. I recently found out they are soon discontinuing the Chene room spray (eek!) and have since stocked up on that as well.

{Peonies in May}

Peonies are my absolute favorite flower. They smell as gorgeous as they look and as all good things must come to an end, they have a torturously short season. For this reason, come the 1st of May, I make sure to have a constant supply of fresh bunches at home for as long as possible. They always make a room feel just a little bit more special but run, don't walk, they'll be gone in just a few weeks!

{Waterworks baskets}

I have a bit of a reputation for being a hoarder when it comes to papers, magazines, newspapers, etc. Without my trusty natural abaca baskets from Waterworks, my husband would surely divorce me. They keep the chaos neat and tidy and I especially love that they have handles for easy transport - you never know which room you'll want to settle down in and getting sorting.

{a little ruffled}

Love Sarah Watson's pretty new shower curtain designs, made by traditional weavers in Italy, Lithuania and Portugal. There are four designs in all, including the charming and ruffle-trimmed, Catherine.

{ultra modern}

{from Elle Decoration May 2008}

The panels of Sarah Dorkenwald and Ruth Spitzer's Wallfurniture LC2 wallpaper {above} will instantly open up a small space into a view of an ultra-stylish and modern lounge . . .

Also like the effect of using one panel of Tracy Kendall's Plates wallpaper, installed as artwork next to a powder blue Smeg and metal colander.

{a peek inside my refrigerator}

{photography by Ben Dearnley}

This is not my refrigerator. It looks like it could be, but I live with a {rather charming} Brit, so ours is large and stainless steel. If you happen to visit Rachel’s lovely blog, BlackEiffel, you will find a sneak peek inside our refrigerator, as well as those of other bloggers . . .

{summer wardrobe}

Continually impressed with Loeffler Randall, who are inspiring me to reconsider my entire summer wardrobe . . . {flutter dress, olivia boot}

{hard to believe they've only been around for 4 years}

{flutter sleeve jumper, romy suede platform bootie}

{dropwaist dress, eleanor gathered platform + really adorable socks}

{room for two}

A perfect way to do the dishes side by side . . .

{from Colonial Homes, via Classic Style in the City}

{work + play}

Have always been fascinated {and often inspired} by the workspaces of others, such as this pretty, remarkably comforting and creative space.

Have a borderline obsession with stationery and office supplies and have been known to use only my own pens, in any given situation.

Love the Japanese styling of this assortment -- bright and cheerful, with the perfect combination of work and play . . .

{images: 1: a.n. on flickr via Creature Comforts; 2+3: stationary products from Japan from So-En Magazine via Scout-Holiday}

{tropical elegance}

{photography by Mark Seelen for Elle Decoration UK}

Not normally fond of green plants, preferring numerous bouquets of fresh-cut flowers in vases scattered about, but there is something about these oversized splashes of green against fresh white interiors that seems to exude a relaxed easiness and tropical elegance.

{ photography by Laura Resen for Domino April 2008}

{via classic style in the city}

{mollies in auckland}

Browsing for hotels again for an upcoming trip in late summer; last time, my searches led me to the sexy Ca Maria Adele in Venice, Italy, which is much closer to where we’re travelling than this small and luxurious place in Auckland, New Zealand . . .

Mollies, a beautiful boutique hotel that's full of charm, combines a mix of new and antiques together to create warmth and all around prettiness. One of its many features includes four premier suites complete with a baby grand in each room, and views of Auckland Harbour.

Of course, the best part of any hotel is an inviting, un-hotel-like feel, making it a true home away from home, and Mollies' wonderful warmth and vibrancy makes it just that.

{paolo roversi}

Have been waiting for a current photographer to replicate the classic, black and white, devastatingly glamorous work of Henry Clarke, and was delighted to come across Paolo Roversi, who does it brilliantly. The dresses, the setting, the sultry play of light and shadows . . . It's all really quite romantic, with a wonderfully modern edge.

{links to this post:}
indelible images of elegance
white sands - new mexico
an english rose - chris nicholls

Magazine: Vogue Italia; Issue: March 2008 Title: "Individuallure";
Model: Freja Beha Erichsen; Photographer: Paolo Roversi

{via linka_lebedeva at foto_decadent}

{sheaths of silver & gray}

It's been a while since I found a design that I was as crazy about as the {3.1 Phillip Lim Citron silk pleated Grecian dress with boned bodice}, but this {Donna Karan Bi-color halter dress}, made from sheaths of chalky white and silver gray satin, comes close . . .

{paired with: Michael Kors rattan rectangle clutch; Jimmy Choo Elipse leather sandals}

{daffodil silk}

Sometimes all it takes to bring a new, ultra-chic energy into a room is a few sun-drenched accessories in shades of canary and daffodil . . .

Have much more fun at work {above} with a Ray and Charles Eames Soft Pad Chair, comfortably beautiful in happy yellow leather.

A vibrant painting {this one is by Andrew Spence}, an Eero Aarnio Cognac chair, and cushions from Marimekko bring a sense of play to a modern, all-white bedroom.

Drift off with elegantly blissful dreams in a Parisienne bed upholstered in daffodil silk. {Ochre bedside lamp.}

{images 1+3: photography by Mel Yates, image 2: photography by Douglas Friedman; Livingetc. April 2008}

{couture}

Newly revealed in Milan, Couture, Dutch designer Marcel Wanders' collection of wallpapers for Graham & Brown.

{from Graham & Brown:}
"Couture . . . is a collection of eight striking wallpaper designs. Each pattern in the Couture range is named after a glamorous woman, or man, with an inspirational name; Suzanne, Alice, Grace, Kelly, Audrey, Isabella, Stella and Henry."

{from Marcel Wanders:}
“I love the hard definition of architectural space. I love the naked fragility of the human body. Unfortunately the naked human body cannot live in clean architectural space.

We need interiors because architecture is too technically hard and rational to live in. Therefore I love to blur the boundaries between architecture and interior, between walls and furniture, between furniture and fashion.

As our fashion dresses our bodies, wallpaper dresses our walls. Wallpaper and fashion mediate between our naked bodies and architecture. In this way, architecture and man can live together with the sophisticated illusion of Couture.”

Flying models not included.

{Special thanks to Mark for sending along the link}

{sources: mediabistro; dezeen}

{a perfect complement}

Blue sashes {and belts in general} appear to be the most stylish way to complete a Spring outfit. Anne at Perfect Bound sent along another variation of the look from Heidi Merrick -- a lovely long blue sash complements a neutral sleeveless dress with perfect elegance . . .

{links to this post:}
blue satin sashes
sex and the city fashion trend

{a celebration of sunny days}

{Natalia Vodianova photographed by Mario Testino}

If you're feeling the full affects of Spring fever and are ready to commit to more than a few vibrant accessories, drench your walls {and disposition} in sunshine:

"Yellow is a happy, bright, and uplifting colour, a celebration of sunny days. It is associated with the intellectual side of the mind, and the expression of thoughts. It therefore aids the powers of discernment and discrimination, memory and clear thinking, decision making and good judgment. It also helps good organization, assimilation of new ideas, and the ability to see different points of view. It builds self-confidence and encourages an optimistic attitude."

{via desire to inspire}

{unless, of course, you are a sulky heiress . . via All Things Bright and Beautiful}

{christian louboutin's countryside chateau}

{Jeffers Design Group}

{photography by didier delmas for elle decoration}

{photography by Paul Costello for Domino}

{luxist via design smack}

{via retro home by suzanne trochme}

{The Yellow Oval Room in the White House, via Surroundings}

{via hidden in france}

related links:

the gallery affect
spring things

{creme de la mode}

My BlackBerry was working overtime this morning, and one of the messages was from the superfun and hilarious Creme Girls, who wrote a perfectly funny and witty review of T.I.G. on Creme de la Mode, a site that seeks out "the best fashion, decor, food, design, humor and randomness the web has to offer." The writing is good, and the site filled with great finds, including fun Photoshop before and afters and posts titled, Bangs are the New Botox. {Click here to read the review.}

{blue satin sashes}

Completely fell in love with this photograph of Jen Gotch's whirlwind trip to Vegas -- the lacy strapless dress with blue satin sash and matching shoes are just perfect and très romantic.

Carla Bruni was said to have worn a sleeveless, knee-length Hermès dress with a 10 cm-wide marine blue ribbon for her wedding to French President Nicolas Sarkozy. {Unfortunately, since no photographers or press were allowed at the "secret" ceremony, we may never see the dress, but Carla was described as ravishing by Francois Lebel, the mayor of the 8th district of Paris, who officiated their marriage.}

Above, the image that began my love for white dresses with blue satin sashes, Sarah Humphreys, from the final issue of Blueprint {January/February 2008}.

{Thanks to Kathryn of Snippet & Ink, for sending along the last three photos.}

{vintage wooden bowls}

Love the warm, time-worn look of these vintage wooden bowls . . .

{sf decorator showcase}

Leah at More Ways to Waste Time attended a press preview for the 2008 San Francisco Decorator Showcase recently and returned with some great photographs, including a stunning silver-leafed ceiling adorned with silk butterflies by Candace Barnes {detail shot below}.

A pefectly sophisticated office by Matthew Leverone that reminded me of Chris Miller's office space . . .

And a wonderful, wonderful portrait in a guest suite by Owen Design, that would have fit in perfectly with this collection.

{all images More Ways to Waste Time}

{an english rose | chris nicholls}

The softness of the gray background plays perfectly with ultra feminine details . . .

{British-born father of three Chris Nicholls includes Elle, M.A.C. and The New York City Ballet as some of his clients.}

A more avant-garde photographic series displaying Nicholls' exceptional talent and range follows.

{white sands - new mexico}

Positively mesmerized by the serene, sculptural quality of the White Sands - New Mexico series by Chris Nicholls . . .

The images, infused with a nostalgic feel and quiet elegance, remind me very much of Henry Clarke's beautiful, beautiful work.

{images uploaded by duckiefaced}

{wistful + longing}

Another web of links, another beautiful discovery -- wistful, longing shots of Paris, on nordljus, an incredible food blog with beautiful, nostalgia-laden photography and delicious recipes that may inspire even me to take up cooking . . .

{Happily discovered through this blog.}

{random inspiration}

1. Turquoise chandelier in a Union Street Office by San Francisco based Massucco Warner Miller

2. Irina in Electric Feathers dress by New York-based Leana Zuniga
{via glamchic; The New York Times; photo: KT Auleta/Phillips de Pury & Company}

3. Mother's Day gift ideas, beautifully shot with sweet peas at The New York Times {Thanks, Mark!}
{Photo: Eugene Gologursky for The New York Times}

4. Hand-forged branch table in gold leaf finish from Candace Barnes Antiques

{mixd}

There seems to be a renewed emergence of artist collectives and forums. Described as "a mix between an online-shop and a portal for creative designers," mixd will introduce a new designer every two months, the first being Belgian, Kaat Pype. {Click here to view her work -- shown: wall paper, print on canvas}

{day}

The Spring/Summer 2008 collection by Day Birger et Mikkelsen is so playful and the photography so fun and fresh that it's no wonder the company's manifesto to is to "put a bit of party in every DAY dressing, for work or play. . ."

{vintage portraits}

An artist once requested that I sit for a portrait, and although I graciously declined, it has been great fun being swept up in the beautiful world of vintage portraits - searching for the perfect one, and following the discoveries of others . . .

{via a beautiful living}

{portraits with a neoclassical twist at JDG}

{portrait of woman from Santa Barbara at paris hotel boutique}

{via a beautiful living}

{Shoot Factory via absolutely beautiful things}

{photography by Roger Davies; O at Home Spring 2008}

Completely inspired by this collection of portraits of varying sizes and frames --flanked by a pair tufted fuchsia chairs, it is an arrangement of pure sophistication.

{links to this post:}
the gallery effect; a great loss; a great find; vintage lady portraits

{images: 1 - flickr; 3 - JDG; 4 + 7 - Paris Hotel Boutique Journal}

{ca maria adele | venice}

While sorting through the papers on my desk the other day, came across the travel section of an old British newspaper, which fell open to La Sala Noir, one of 5 concept rooms at Ca Maria Adele in Venice, Italy. Was immediately lured by the yards and yards of luxuriously sexy silks, moody ambiance, and black Murano chandelier . . .

"The hues of pepper, cocoa, clover and other rich spices melt here in an incredible mosaic of colours that will charm your senses. The result is a room voluptuous and hot like the load of the ships which from far-away lands carried the products building for centuries the richness of Venice."