Birthday Suit!

Being that tomorrow is my birthday, I was thinking about what I might wear out to dinner with my sweetie if money were not an issue. Cassandra over at Coco + Kelley put together her dream b'day ensemble the other day, which inspired me to create my own!

I would go the glamorous 50s route, with a jade satin gathered waist dress (love the lace and tulle details) from Tracy Reese, worn with an embellished gold velvet clutch from Prada and classic black heels by Christian Louboutin. And a sparkling rhodium-plated panther bracelet by Pade Vavra would add just enough bling! Ahh, pretend shopping is so much fun...

(Images above via clockwise: Anthropologie, Petulia's Folly, Barneys New York)

Wish List, Part 2: Animal Bust Candles

I am totally obsessed with these animal bust candles from Anthropologie. Sir Rowf, Noble Steed and Mister Rabbit each come atop a resin pillar that can be reused once the original candle has melted. I think they are kooky and slightly macabre, perfect for my Halloween birthday which is tomorrow...

Wish I was wearing this today...

So chic. I have similar pants and necklace, but unfortunately the shearling coat cannot be duplicated with anything from my closet. Via J. Crew, of course...

Bright Interiors - Dan Duchars

I'm loving these cheery and colorful spaces photographed by Dan Duchars...

Tuesday Eye Candy... Ornate Pink and Aqua

(Via Living Etc.)

Wedding Photography - Our Labor of Love by Heidi

Happy Monday, everyone! Sorry I haven't been posting much lately - I've been a bit under the weather and also busy working on some house projects. Anyway, I wanted to give a little wedding update and share with you one of the vendors that will be working with me on my big day!  Heidi from Our Labor of Love is such an amazing photographer. Kevin and I feel ridiculously lucky that she will be capturing all of our wedding moments. This week we are having our engagement photos taken and I literally cannot wait! We have something fun planned, and I look forward to sharing the results with you all. In the meanwhile, take a look at this very small sampling of Heidi's work....

(All images via Our Labor of Love - by Heidi)

Wish Lists...

Don't we all keep a running wish list of things we want for our closets, coffee tables and jewelry boxes? I know I do!  It's always changing, depending on whether I'm lucky enough to find something on sale or whether something new comes to tickle my fancy. In honor of my upcoming birthday, I'm sharing my current wish list  - just some fun things that I have my eye on. So, what's on your wish list? Please share!

(Top section, images clockwise from left: textured jersey bouquet tee, J.Crew; classic leather belt in neon pink, J. Crew; Zebra Leaf wallpaper, Anthropologie; squirrel ring box, Jonathan Adler; J. Aldridge by Sea of Shoes tall lace boot, Urban Outfitters; Paris paper-cut map print, Bodie and Fou; Gabriella Kiss bird earrings, Egan Day

Bottom section: Gabriella Kiss opal ring, Egan Day; Crown Jewels necklace, Anthropologie; Tuxedo scout chino, J. Crew; Harry Allen pig bank, Open House; Momofuku by David Chang and Peter Meehan, Amazon, com; Glamour Dogs by Catherine Ledner, Amazon.com; Gerhard Richter: 40 Years of Painting, Amazon.com; Elspeth leather oxford, J. Crew; Jonathan Liberty forest creature belt, Anthropologie)

Kevin Waldron Illustration

I love children's book illustrations, and these from UK illustrator Kevin Waldron are about as good as it gets. I love the sweet, funny faces on the animals, the bold use of color, and the spare compositions. The selection here are from Mr. Peek and the Misunderstanding at the Zoo and the forthcoming Owl and the Pussycat. So tempting to order as a gift for a friend with kids, or just for myself!

(All images via Kevin Waldron Illustration)

Tuesday Eye Candy... Vintage Vacation

I want to travel somewhere exotic while wearing brilliantly patterned dresses and playfully poufy hair bows - oh, and plaid socks with my sexy high heels! - just like in these images by Patrick Demarchelier from British Vogue....

Kelly Wearstler Room Lust

Oh my, the walls in that foyer are AMAZING! And the ceiling... doesn't it make you want to try some abstract expressionism in your living room too!? Anyway, I've had these in my inspiration folder for a few weeks now, but they were begging to be shared today. They make me look forward even more to her new book, Hue, coming out in November. Amazon has a few preview images that I came across today...

Happy Weekend + House Projects

Here's wishing us all a happy weekend! It's been a crummy end of the week for me, what with the stolen bike, the freezing wet weather, and the fact that I have four (count em) stray cats living on my front stoop that I can't bring in the house because I already have three other cats. I'm hoping it dries out and warms up soon so the homeless kitties (and I) don't have to be so miserable. Anyway, I've got some fun projects to keep me busy until then. I'm doing some redecorating in the master bedroom, and am thinking about painting the dresser white (which is why I've included some inspiration shots above). Also, the awesome #2-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (my alma mater) will be playing tomorrow night and I'll actually be home to watch the game.  So hooray, Roll Tide, and happy weekend to you all!

(Images from top: Canadian House and Home, M Design Interiors, Louisa Grey, Canadian House and Home)

Swirling Patterns

As soon as I saw these gorgeous images from photographer Solve Sundsbo on one of my favorite blogs, Beauty Comma, I knew I had to post them here. Trudi, the very talented lady who writes that blog, has such a great eye - the images she shares often blow me away! That's certainly the case with these fantastically vibrant swirls of color and pattern. Here are a few more...

On another topic, I am feeling pretty sad today as my beautiful Electra Amsterdam bicycle was stolen from in front of my house yesterday. In addition to being my daily transportation, it was also something of an engagement gift from my fiance. Living in the city has its costs, but this is just lousy. And so, today I will be mourning the loss of my "Cadillac" as I walk myself to my various meetings and errands.... booooo....

Craving... Accessories from Anthro

Ok, this one is a must have! Spied in the new arrivals section at Anthropologie, it was also featured over at Mrs. O today. As mentioned there, the necklace is by St. Erasmus, a UK-based jewelry line that until recently was only carried at Ikram in Chicago. A very similar version of this necklace was worn by Michelle Obama earlier this year! I find it interesting that Anthro doesn't promote the designer products it carries. The designer's name often isn't even mentioned in the description. Hmm... Well, no matter, I love this piece and am adding it to my ever growing wish list! Meanwhile, here are a few more pretties that caught my attention...

I'm always looking for awesome belts,which is tough because I find that they are few and far between. These rabbit and bear belts are though - a kind of rustic/whimsical version of the Christopher Ross belts favored by the fashionable lady here....

The floral choker and the robot pendant would each look great with a t-shirt or some other simple, casual top. Love, love, love both of them!