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!

Tuesday Eye Candy... Colorful Camping

Great fashion photography by Miles Aldridge...

(Flower-Filled) Scenes from My House

I planned a big gala event this weekend which involved many, many lovely dahlia arrangements. So guess who got to bring home some flowers to decorate her home? I broke them up into big and small groupings and scattered them around the house, from the living room coffee table to my kitchen window, so no matter where I am in the house I'm surrounded by beautiful blooms! Here are some of my favorite vignettes...

Gorgeousness, yes?

My bedroom dresser. The funny silver bulldog is a HomeGoods find...

Woof!

One of my jewelry displays... just an Ikea bulletin board covered in muslin...

The office sofa with a glimpse of our fun picture wall... I think the terra cotta roses look gorgeous on the neon yellow drink tray!

The kitchen window is full of playful knicknacks, which makes washing dishes much more pleasant. The turtle flower planter and the hob nail pitcher are flea market finds. And the Dunnies are courtesy of my friend Ingrid's wedding (she wrapped them up as favors!)

Mad About Jak & Jil...

Lately I can't get enough of Tommy Tonn's amazing street style blog, Jak & Jil. Can you believe all of this delicious fashion eye candy?! I love the detail shots in particular, like seeing a jumble of bracelets on an arm or a dotted stocking with leopard and lace stilettos. Divine!

(Images via Jak & Jil and Style.com)