So I'm sort of loving this Sherwin Williams ColorSnap app for smart phones. It allows you to take a picture of anything and match it to an exact paint color. And yes, it's completely necessary. Why? Because it distracts me from my mounting to-do list, which took a grand total of forty-five minutes to compile. Plus, what if I see a gorgeous red apple and must have that exact color for my front door? See what I mean?
What apps are you lusting over?
Over the past few weeks, I've developed a bit of a sweater obsession. This crisp autumn weather just makes me want throw on a cozy knit and frolic around in the dried leaves. Really.
On another note, I recently organized my closet, which now spans from tank tops on the left, to sweaters in the middle, and coats on the right. Of course, it is further categorized by color. I'm in a bit of grey, black, and taupe kick. I just can't seem to get enough of neutrals this year. I love them paired with a bright scarf.
What's your color palette for this fall? What are you current wardrobe obsessions?
It's been several weeks since Steve Jobs has passed, and yet, he has not fully left the hearts and minds of his followers. With the release of his new biography today, there has been an outpouring of emotion.
Why is it that we feel so connected to a man most of us have never met?
Like any true hero, Steve Jobs inspired everyone he touched. And he will continue to inspire designers, photographers, and visionaries to follow their dreams with abandon. And never, never, give up.
Due to an insane increase in business over the past few weeks, JUST something special is going on a mini hiatus. I absolutely refuse to compromise the quality and frequency of posts. So, I've decided to take a week off to (ahem) get my stuff together and develop a better process for incorporating blogging into my everchanging schedule.
I will continue to inspire and amuse everyone upon my return. I promise.
Please have a wonderfully relaxing week lovelies.
Today is the first wednesday in october, which means I get to post an october themed furry creature. This beautifully spooky black cat was really my only option. It's a gorgeous image. But aside from that, it really got me thinking.
Why are black cats considered evil omens?
The story of the black cat begins in Ancient Egypt. It turns out, the black cat wasn't always considered bad luck. In fact, in 3000 BC, all cats were revered by egyptians. To kill one was actually considered a capital crime.
Fast forward to the Middle Ages. Europeans began to enter a phase of what I like to call witch hysteria. During this phase, many kind old ladies were accused of practicing black magic. Unfortunately, these same old ladies took it upon themselves to feed and care for abandoned alley cats. When the witches were executed, their cats companions were guilty by association.
But I guess the real story begins in a little town called Lincolnshire. A father and son were traveling one moonless night when a black cat crossed their path. They proceeded to throw stones at it until the helpless creature dove into a nearby house. The woman who lived there was a suspected witch. The next day, the woman left her house covered in bruises. Concidence? They thought not. From that day forward, witches were thought to transform into black cats at night.
Thus, an animal once revered became an evil omen. And we carry this belief with us to this day.
I first came across Dana Tamachi's work over the summer. Needless to say, I was totally wowed. In a world full of copycats, this recent graduate is bringing something awesomely new to the table. Custom chalk lettering is just plain cool. And it's such an innovative way to create a unique vibe in a bedroom or office. Don't even get me started on the multiple ways this could be used to promote a product or service. To view a time-lapsed video of this artist at work, click here.
Hello lovelies... hope you're all having a wonderful monday. I've been fighting off a bit of a cough all weekend. Nothing a little caffeine can't fix. Of course, I've made sure to hydrate and sleep, but I had several engagements this afternoon that simply could not be pushed. So my day was filled with green tea, espresso, and coffee.
On a lighter note, I love the way the above quote is displayed. It's actually little ceramic letters adhered to wooden beams. Even better, these ceramic letters can found at this online shop and are offerred in various font styles. Cursive, calligraphy, caps... you name it, they have it. What an adorable decoration.
What do you think lovelies? What phrase would you create?
I thought this was the cutest idea for a quick photo session. So creative and simple. I must try this as soon as my camera charger replacement is shipped from Amazon. Yes, I lost my camera charger. On another note, this would look great in an all white kitchen.
P.S. I think I'm developing a cough. I swear it's all this crazy weather. Rain, Hail, Heat, Humidity... I can't keep up. Thank you global warming.Thoughts?
When I was little, my favorite children's book was When the Sun Rose. If you haven't read this book, you must. It's magical. It's about a young girl who receives an unusual visitor. This visitor, who is a pretty girl with blond hair, arrives in a carriage as bright as the sun along with a majestic lion. The two girls play with their dolls and paint rainbows, while the lion dines on blueberries and cream. At day's end, the visitor departs into a glowing sunset, promising to return.
In case you can't already tell, the story made quite an impression on me. I have actually spent the past twenty minutes trying to figure out the title by typing random words into google. After several combinations involving "friend", "pet lion", "blueberries and cream", and "playdate", the book finally popped up. Yay google.
When it comes to interior design, I am definitely into minimalism. There's just something about a clean aesthetic that really gets me going. I'm the type of person that can't stand anything messy or cluttered. And I tend to be a bit obsessive when it comes to cleaning. I have an intense compulsion to get rid of pretty much everything I am no longer using, whether it be a shirt I haven't worn for a year, or a vase that's past its welcome.
So when I came across this room, I died. I love the combination of industrial materials, wide glass windows, and natural wood floors. It reminds me a bit of this and this. Sort of fabulous. I can definitely see myself lounging in here with a good book and glass of bordeaux.
What would you use this room for? What items would you add to make it yours?
P.S. I have about a million and two images stored for these posts. So if there's something specific you'd like (i.e. "Jenna, I'd love it if you'd post a baby owl next week"), please don't be shy.I have to admit. Sometimes I feel a bit like this guy, overwhelmed in a sea of grey. Most of this week reflects that sentiment. I think I've fallen behind on just about everything, posts included. Still, I can't complain. I'm doing what I love, which somehow makes everything worth it. Plus, I really don't want to become one of those people. You know, the ones that talk about how stressed and busy they are all the time. Super annoying. I will not be one of those people. So I really can't complain.
Enjoy the puppy lovelies and try to give yourself a much needed break!
To celebrate their forty year anniversary, Starbucks has invited three designers (Sophie Theallet, Alexander Wang, and Billy Reid) to create coffee-inspired t-shirts. And to be totally honest, I'm not quite sure how I feel about this. Yes, fashion is supposed to be fun, but spending $85 at Nordstrom is a little much for a simple cotton top. Then again, I probably drink that amount per month in lattes. This, my dears, is another problem entirely.
What do you think? Will a starbucks designer tee be a fun addition to your wardrobe? Or do these shirts make you want to rethink your morning machiatto?
Last night was spent watching two hours of the EMMY preshow, plus one hour of the EMMY pre-preshow. As you can tell, I found the fashion a bit more interesting than the awards themselves. My channel of choice for these types of things is always E! ... E!'s host, Giuliana Rancic, is amazing at describing the gorgeous gowns and dazzling stars. She always manages to make me feel so involved in the show. Almost like I'm actually attending. Even though more often than not I'm cuddled in bed eating directly from a carton of cookie dough ice cream and forcing boyfriend to feign interest. Conversations usually go something like this.
ME How amazing is that dress...
BOYFRIEND Can we watch Thor soon?
ME I mean, do you see that dress? I died. I seriously just died.
BOYFRIEND Oooo, I like that dress.
ME No you don't, you just like Sofia Vergara...
BOYFRIEND True.
I think you get the picture. Boyfriend actually pointed out Sofia Vergara's dress three times last night... Still, I must give him major points for watching.
The major trend of the night was red. Kerry Washington's Zuhair Murad and Nina Dobrev's Donna Karen were my favorites. Both are shown above. I'm not sure who designed Guiliana Rancic's dress, but hers was fabulous as well. I am now inspired to find my very own red, strapless, floor-length gown. I'm not sure what I would wear it to, but that is completely irrelevant.
What was your favorite look of the night?
Thought this creature was sort of magical... I'm not sure if it's a baby wolf or a husky puppy, but I would definitely adopt him. What a beautiful creature!
P.S. My favorite fashion show of the day was without a doubt Badgley Mischka. It might even be my favorite show of the season. However, I cannot yet find a video of this on YouTube, so I'm holding off on posting until one appears. I just don't think static images can really capture the incredibleness of the line. Stay tuned...This past week, the Kardashian Clan was shot by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz for their new clothing line (Kardashian Kollection for Sears). These iconic images were the result. Whether or not you're a fan of the line, one thing's for sure, the photography is tres fab. The shots also make the clothes seem a bit more luxurious, which is always a good thing.
What's your favorite image? I'm partial to the leopard...
When I first entertained writing this post, I thought for sure I was going to choose Vivienne Tam as my favorite show of the day. I was absolutely in love with her collection from the moment that first model strutted down the runway. However, after watching Monique Lhuillier's show at 7 o'clock, I abruptly changed my mind. The collection was unexpectedly sporty. Colorblock paneling, sharp lines, and racing stripes were just a few ways the designer infused the line with an activewear vibe. Even the runway had a bright blue racing strip down the middle. In this case, sporty does not mean androgenous. On the contrary, these looks were strong, sexy, and dare I say fierce. I think her collection will have several red carpet moments. Thoughts?
Friday's fashion week favorite is (without a doubt) LUCA LUCA. I am obsessed with this line. It clean, it's fresh, it's fun. It's also minimalism at it's finest. I'm loving the white on white, the black on black... and that electric blue dress at the end is fantastic. I'm also falling hard for the makeup. The combo of bright pink lips paired with barely there eyes is just perfect. Definitely going to try this look come spring. So chic. So simple. So sexy. Thoughts?
P.S. The show notes reveal that Tadashi was inspired by the tulip. This made me love the line even more.Today is the first day of New York Fashion Week and I am ridiculously excited. I must admit I've been watching the shows at home on my laptop via LiveRunway. If you're unable to attend the actual shows, this is an awesome way to feel like you're sitting among the celebrities, socialites, and lucky bloggers. For those of you who don't have time to sit in front of your computer all day absorbed in this amazing event, I'm going to cover my favorite shows of the week right here. Specifically, at the end of every day, I'm going to showcase my favorite show by posting it here for your viewing pleaure. Enjoy!
Today I have to say my favorite show was Tadashi Shoji. The colors and silhouettes of these gowns are truly magical. They're pretty, feminine, flowy, ethereal...I can just see these pieces being perfect for an evening wedding, gala, or award show. Hey, a girl can dream. And I am definitely dreaming of wearing that strapless purple gown. Absolutely stunning. I would just die.
Are you in love with the Tadashi Shoji Spring collection as much as I am? What's your favorite look?
It's another wednesday and another furry creature. This may be the most intense cat I've ever seen. He looks sort of annoyed. Which is exactly why I chose him. It's been one of those days where I've been battling technology. If you haven't already guessed, technology is winning. So instead of forcing some adorable little puppy or chicken or bunny into this post, I've gone with this. I'm not really in an adorable kinda mood. However, I do believe the image is still amazing. And I hope you enjoy.
Came across these fun Charlotte Olympia flats today. Perfect with a pair of black pants and simple white t-shirt. While I will most definitely not be indulging (as they run around $660 before tax), looking at them is still fabulous. However, if you can afford to spend this amount on a pair of shoes without fainting, I highly recommend her Dolly Velvet Platform Pumps as they are slightly less eccentric and will most likely go with more of your wardrobe. They're also sexy. And let's face it, for this amount, boyfriend better be drooling.
I came across this tattoo on pinterest and thought it was just stunning. If I were to get a tattoo, it would probably look like this. Birds are messengers, protectors, and visionaries. They soar across the sky, completely free, but at the same time are able to land whenever they please. Allowing them to stay grounded while chasing their dreams. At least these are just some of the things I think of when I happen to see a hawk gliding above the trees or a seagull perched on a rock.
Regardless, I don't think I'll be getting a tattoo any time soon. They're so permanent. And until I'm absolutely sure I'd want to be connected to an image for the rest of my life, I'm holding off.
Do you love this tattoo as much as I do? If you were to get a tattoo, what would it be?
With fashion week fast approaching, there's been a certain buzz in the air. It's an exciting time for editors, stylists, and bloggers. Even the general public gets sucked into the creative whirlwind as designers rev up to display their masterpieces. Fashion week is extravagant, decadent, and most of all, just plain fun.
However, fashion week can also be very damaging.
These shows receive a ton of attention from every visual media outlet. Consequently, the general public looks toward these designers to forecast what shapes, sizes, and colors are beautiful. And it's clear to anyone watching that designers favor a smaller frame.
While being six feet tall and a size zero is great, a curvy size six is great also. In fact, most men prefer women with a little more meat on them. Ask your boyfriend, husband, brother or father whether they find the models that walk down the runway attractive, and you'll most likely be met with a resounding no.
On a daily basis, we're bombarded with images of the "ideal body" left an right. Whether it be on a billboard, magazine, or commercial. It seems that as a society we forget that beautiful comes in all shapes and sizes. So this fashion week, please don't allow yourself to get sucked into the hype that skinny is better.
It's not. It's equal.
It would be nice if as a society we began to embrace a healthier ideal. Especially in the fashion industry. It would be nice if these incredibly talented designers created clothes for a size six, or ten, in addition to a size zero. But until this happens, please keep reminding yourself that you are beautiful. Just the way you are.
I cannot believe it's september already, but I have to say I am so excited. The beginning of every season is always my favorite part. And I just can't wait for september's crisp weather, delicious flavors, and cozy fashion. I was so inspired by the turn of season I even signed up for a private horseback riding lesson. Wish me luck and happy september 1st everyone!
"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns" (George Eliot)
It's another wednesday and another furry creature. This little puppy is just the cutest thing I've ever seen. I say this every wednesday, I know. But he actually makes me want to drive my honda to the pet store. And I would totally do this if I didn't have a very tempermental persian kitty living at home with me. Someday... For now, I guess I'll just have to settle by gazing into his sad little puppy eyes.
Enjoy and happy wednesday everyone!
Dear Hurricane Irene,
I'm writing this letter because I'm a bit disappointed.
To be totally honest, I expected more. It's not often we get to experience a major hurricane here on the East Coast. We New Englanders are a bit spoiled when it comes to dangerous weather. We get our fair share of blizzards and heat waves, sure, but it's not often we get to see a full-fledged hurricane.
Being good hostesses, we were prepared. We braced ourselves for a crazy weekend here. We evacuated our homes. We bought thousand dollar generators. We made 5am runs to home depot. We taped and boarded our windows, expecting 100 mph winds. And we watched the news expectedly, waiting for your arrival.
But by the time you got to us, you just fizzled out...
This was not the exciting weekend I had planned for us. And to make matters worse, you were a bit annoying. You flooded our streets, houses, and parking lots. You blocked our roads with fallen trees. You even knocked down a few power lines. I admit, it made for a few cool photos. But that was about it.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is, next time you promise us a category 4 hurricane, please deliver.
Yours Truly,
Connecticut
Nigel Parry is one of my all-time favorite photographers. Judging by the above three images, I'm sure you can tell why.
Since beginning his career in 1988, Parry has photographed hundreds of celebrities and influential figures. His iconic images have been displayed in galleries and festivals across the globe. He's created three books (Sharp, Precious, and Blunt) and has photographed for several prominent magazines (including Vanity Fair). As far as I'm concerned, he's the J.K. Rowling of photography.
Striking model Anna Selezneva graces the pages of this month's Vogue Russia, leaving a lasting impression. I found these images on Monday, and have been holding onto them all week to share. I'm captivated by Anna's sensual red lips, perfectly defined eyes, and angular cheekbones. The soft feminine pieces look just as stunning as the minimalist masculine look. I'm just loving the long, lean silhouettes. All in all, a dramtically rich entry into fall fashion.
Sometimes, the simplest things in life are the best. This little note from Sapling Press is just one of those things. Hope it brings a smile to your face. It certaintly brought one to mine...
While perusing the internet, I came across these beautiful images of model Danielle Hayes. I love the juxtaposition of skin, rock, and textured garments. The photographs are minimalistic and raw and I'm really feeling them.
I also think Danielle is the perfect model for this shoot. She has such a unique and interesting look. Her heavily freckled face, dark wavy hair, and piercing gaze are quite the combination. This being said, I think she could stand to eat a sandwich. I'm hoping that in the coming years we return to a healthier ideal when it comes to beauty. Or at the very least, more variety.
How do you feel about these pictures?
