A Bittersweet Farewell

Today is a bittersweet, but exciting day. My big brother Taylor packed up all of his things and took off towards Portland, Oregon. In a mere couple of weeks, he will be settling into his apartment - err, yacht - with his best friend. I am so excited for his new adventure in life, but selfishly sad that he won't be "home" anymore (and a bit jealous that he'll be in such an awesome city!). When my parents moved to Colorado a few months ago, I realized things would be different, but now that my brother is gone too... I have to face the realization that my family is not within driving distance anymore! It's sad, but at least I have a good excuse to travel, right?!

Oh and P.S. Wasn't baby Taylor the cutest? He still makes that same expression!

You will be missed, brother. I love you!

Stylist Rachel Jones

I had never heard about stylist Rachel Jones until I just came across some of her work on the lovely Desire To Inspire blog. Needless to say, I want to see more more more! Aren't these photos just magical?

Hi Deer

{via lolita}

Hair Dilemma!

So... I need YOUR help! I'm trying to decide what to do with my hair. It's been nearly every color of the rainbow, and most people who know me are shocked to hear that I'm a natural blonde. I've been dying my hair dark since my junior year of high school. I'm pretty sure I like it best dark brown (picture 3), but something in me lately has been thinking about going a little more blondey and different. Not super blonde, but kinda a dirty blonde again (like picture 1) or light brown? As you can tell, I really need some second opinions. Help, please?

Happy Spring Weekend

I am beyond excited that spring is upon us! I wish I had this old, classic convertible to ride around in this weekend... don't you? The outfit and scenery would be nice, too. Here are some of my favorite posts from around the blog world this week:

this layered, comfy look.

a quaint, beautiful home.

gray ruffle chair.

artwork that makes my head spin.

fun bathroom signage.

the new fey handmade.

this air mail set.

{photo from Vogue US June '08 via This Is Glamorous}

[Cup And Saucer]

I absolutely adore this cup and saucer from Bailey Doesn't Bark. Tea, anyone?

Via Bloesem.

Black & White Inspiration

Loving these gorgeous black and white photos by Bruno Dayan. His work blows me away!

Rooftop Adventures

I want to go exploring here so badly! How amazing would it be if your rooftop was a beautiful garden?

Photos via Max Wanger.

Pretty Pretty Package

The Lovely Package is one of my favorite daily visits. If you're a sucker for pretty packaging like I am, you'll quickly fall in love too!

Have A Lovely Weekend

{photo by microabi}

Happy Weekend! What will you be up to? I'll be busy exploring some boutiques I haven't visited in awhile (just for inspiration, I don't need to be buying!). The weather is supposed to be gorgeous again, so exciting! Back on Monday... have a lovely one!

[Fashion] Brighten Up

Yellow. Pink. Blue. Orange. What do you think when you see these colors? I know you might freak out, but brighten up this spring and embrace them! Opting for a punchy hue will definitely give you the “wow” factor that you’re looking for. It says so much about your personal style, so have fun with it!

When in doubt, stick to blues, reds and pinks, which are often the easiest and most universally flattering colors. Although bright yellow and orange are totally in, these can be really difficult for many of us to pull off. But remember, all that’s really necessary to pull this look off is confidence!

Photos from Style.com.

Don’t try to wear too many bright colors at once... You don’t want to overpower the eye!

1. Pair a vibrant top with your everyday jeans.
2. Throw on a daring dress and keep the accessories and makeup simple.
3. Wear a vivid blouse with muted pants or a neutral skirt.
4. Layer it! Throw on a top with a splash of color and a jacket or blazer over it.
5. Try spicing up your favorite dress with bold stockings or a neon belt.
6. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Just because a certain shade of red doesn’t work for you, doesn’t mean that all things red are off limits.

Still hesitant? Start off slow by incorporating bright bags and jewelry into your usual wardrobe. Even a minor touch of eye-popping color can be enough to carry your whole look!

Hansel from Basel

I buy way too many socks. I even have two of the same stripey pair, just because I love them so much. Patterned knee or over-the-knee socks are my absolute favorite! How cute are these at Hansel from Basel? And, if you subscribe to DailyCandy, you'll get 25% off all her socks and tights. I'll take one in every color, please.

Photoholic

I would consider myself a very visually creative person... the root of my creativity comes from the things and places that I can see, touch and experience visually. I've pulled together some of my favorite photos from Photoholic and am feeling very inspired today... Now if only I could get outside with a camera to relish this gorgeous day!







{photo credits} 1. cappucino by ineedchemicalx 2. grace-notes by moggsterb 3. rainbow by friedemann 4. breakfast by dizzi-bizzi 5. brushes by beth teresi 6. loving pencils by legendsoriental

Love Is In The Air

{photo by pietruszka}

I have fallen head over heels. As you may have noticed in one of my posts earlier this month, Rodney Smith creates breathtaking photos. He has spent time wandering about Jerusalem, India and Paris and his work is represented in galleries across the globe. A few of my favorites below:

Hope they make you smile today, like they did for me!

{A Lovely Day For Tea}

May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you and all your heart might desire.
{An Irish Blessing}

{photo from three sixty-five}

Friday!

I could not be more ready for the weekend! I'm exhausted and am so looking forward to curling up with my hubby, a bowl of butternut squash soup and Paris, Je T'aime tonight. What are your plans? I wish you all a relaxing weekend full of inspiration!

Photo by Alexandra Gershman.

Uninspired...

Blahhh. I am feeling so unmotivated and uninspired this week. It could be the dreary weather, it could be work… I guess it could be lots of things. I randomly decided to go to Flickr and type in ‘inspiration’ to see what I could find (yes, I’m that uninspired). Here is the photo I found and a few words that are helping me get through the day.

What do you do on days when you feel like this? Any inspiration to share?

{photo by laurie :: liquid paper}

If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.
William Arthur Ward

Damien Who?

Confession: I have a girl crush... Last night, I had the privilege of seeing Lisa Hannigan in concert, at The Belcourt no less! I was able to get free tickets through a work connection, and my friend Beth and I had a blast. If you're unsure who Lisa is, you might recognize her as the angelic voice behind many of Damien Rice's songs. And she just so happens to be the cutest girl ever. Her debut album Sea Sew is earning rave reviews and being named by some music critics amongst the best Irish albums of the year. I would certainly have to agree! Check out her fun, quirky video for "Lille" below.

Red Dress

Wow. Beautiful photo by Anna Wolf.

Dark Was The Night

Has anyone else heard this record yet? I've been hearing and reading a lot about it and finally got my first listen at a friend's house this past weekend. It's so beautiful and mellow and includes some seriously awesome artists (Bon Iver, Feist, Grizzly Bear, Iron and Wine, Sufjan Stevens and the list goes on).

Dark Was The Night is a 2-disc compilation that released late February and includes 31 (yes, 31!) exclusive tracks. Sales will benefit the Red Hot Organization – an international charity dedicated to raising money and awareness for HIV and AIDS through popular culture. Listen to a few songs below and help spread the word! I ordered it through Amazon for only $10.49... that's less than 34 cents a song!

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover?

I can't deny it... when I'm shopping for new reads, I can't resist picking up a book because of its inviting cover. I was thrilled to find out about The Book Cover Archive, and could spend hours going through them all.



{via fieldguided}

Stefanie Augustine

Stefanie Augustine's collage work is so beautiful...

Via dear ada.

Happy Weekend

Have a lovely weekend! What are you up to? I am definitely looking forward to sleeping in this weekend, after a whirlwind of a week. And the weather here in Nashville is supposed to be fabulous (in the 70s)! See you Monday!

{photo by rodney smith via absolutely beautiful things}

[Fashion] Tapered Trousers

Photo via ASOS.

I have been so hesitant on the tapered trouser trend but they are slowly (and surely) beginning to grow on me... I have no problem with the wide-leg trousers or super skinny jeans, but can these really be flattering? I believe so. They are made to be a bit more baggy with a relaxed fit, which in turn makes them very figure-flattering for most. Pair them with a lightweight top (I prefer tucked in) and some killer heels, and you're ready for a sophisticated spring!

1. Keyhole tapered trouser at Topshop.
2. Silence & Noise side tap trouser at Urban Outfitters.
3. Richard Nicoll trouser at Topshop.
4. We Who See Cutout Heel at Urban Outfitters.

Spring Fever

This headboard is so cheery and makes me crave spring even more!



{photo by brian park via desire to inspire}

Jacqleen Bleu

Pretty pictures by Jacqleen Bleu. Buy one, get one free at her Etsy shop.

Via oh, hello friend.

Photo Album Wall

I've been dreaming a lot lately about the boutique I long to open one day, and this frame wallpaper from Swedish designer Lisa Bengtsson would be amazing on one of the walls. So unexpected and fun! Wallpaper available at le souk.

{via pink cupcake vintage}

Paperwink Address Stamps

My current obsession: These custom rubber stamps from Paperwink. They are only $18! It's taking everything in me not to push 'add to cart' right now. But which one should I pick?

Via design*sponge.

Metro Chic

I'm loving my new nail polish... Sephora by OPI in Metro Chic. What's your favorite nail color right now?

{photo by mskatee22}