a few things i like...

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

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

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

(Via here)

Love this... Love Sign

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

(Via Living Etc.)

summer colors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(images via Wilfredo Rosado)

surprising details

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

making an entry

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?

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)