Escape

to an island retreat

to your backyard

to the beach

to a lake house

to the mountains

it doesn't matter where, just take some time for your-self this weekend!

I'm taking off for a few days for some much needed R+R, enjoy the long weekend. I'll be sure to do a July 4th post, as it's one of my favorite holidays!

Images: Lloyd Ralphs Design

SoWa Vintage Market - Boston

I live about twenty miles from Boston, so I venture into the South End for brunch and the SoWa open Market every now and then. I thought I'd share a few shots from my trip last Sunday. We started our day with brunch + a spicy bloody Mary at Gas Light. I love French Bistro's..then my friend, children {I'm starting them early} and I walked down to the market....here's a snippet of our day..

This original map is also available in a print at The Roving Home! {would look cool in a child's room or study}

Tripod Lamp also available through The Roving Home. {an inspiration shot below}

My little "curly blond" assistant, preferred to push his carriage! I often drag him to flea markets and vintage shops, he seems to enjoy it {especially if he scores a match box car or two}! Also, pictured is my good friend, she was checking out a trio of gold leaf tables!

I almost snagged an elephant garden stool. I've wanted to purchase one for my porch for a while. Circa Who, also has a great selection! {below image}

I did purchase this beautiful over sized hobnail vase {i love all things hobnail} from Timeless Settings. I envision filling it with huge peonies or hydrangeas. I quickly clipped some flowers from my yard today! {below image}

of Note: I also collect + wear chunky vintage jewelry, which they had a pretty decent selection of.

The images below are a bit dark but there was also quite a bit of vintage glass, signage and furniture being sold!

liked the "hot pink" lust sign {above - very Sixx Design don't you think?}

peace out for now..have a great day!

Working on {personally}

a picture wall in my entry-way! It's almost done..I'll be sure to post it soon!

images: Jonny Valiant, via white and wander blog, lonny mag

Inspired

J. Crew is undeniably on fire lately! I am continually inspired by well "everything" but today it was by the adorable video on their site! {i need to download that french song}. I bought this shirt a few weeks ago..and love how they mix it up.{imagine having those legs-you could wear anything} I can't get enough of stripes lately {i'm sure this will pass}.

I often use fashion as a starting point for my design projects, you could build a room on these three images alone! {see below for some ideas}

love the bend wood chair in a weathered version. {i have one that I need to revamp, still toying with some ideas - but this looks cool}

Also like what "Ascot Friday" did with her stripes..the tan, black look is working for me!

this is sort of how my brain functions and where the inspiration begins to take me design wise! { i work this way for all my clients - now you know why i LOVE my job!}

this rug is a steal right now here!

{throw in some crisp white drapes and either a weathered dining table and lacquered Thonet bentwood chair or the reverse and your done!}

this rug is from Madeline Weinrib

I'll leave you with a quote my husband received this week..

Fortune Cookie Wisdom:

"Your happiness is before you, not behind you! Cherish it."

{I'm living for the moment, I can't look to Fall fashion just yet}

Have a lovely weekend!

xx.

images: bentwood chairs and chandelier via Pieces Inc. , final image:via the glam lamb

Bungalow Love

I've long had a "thing" for bungalow style homes..I'm not sure if it's their approachability of design, or their creative potential..but I'm always keeping my eyes open for that chic bungalow by the sea..I love the graphic use of charcoal, white + yellow on this home above. It's by Tamara from "House of Honey" {love the name btw}. for more of her "sweet" design click her site here. She also has a shop! {would love small store front someday}

+

another fabulous bungalow style home: Anna Spiro's new getaway..for more images see her blog here. {i continually admire Anna's colorful approach}

Richard Avedon @ the Peabody Essex..

I've always admired the work of photographer Richard Avedon so I was thrilled to find out that his images of the Kennedy Family are on view at the Peabody Essex Museum. {which is right down the street from my house}

Here's a peek at some of his work..

Fashion

The Famous

Calm + Collected

I love using color and pattern in my work, but I also find the use of subtle color and texture very appealing. The color use, balance of modern and more traditional elements and the art collection infuse this space with a wonderful sculptural quality! These images leave me wanting to see more of this house!

(images by: Virgina MacDonald)

Gnarly

{Steven Gambrel's beach home - I'll post the rest if you'd like}

find a similar table here..

I love when found objects are transformed into furniture, accessories, art etc.. in this case I'm referring to driftwood. You can't go wrong mixing one of these in with other causal or {not so} pieces!

{Kelly Wearstler - Sands hotel}

this version available here!

Chase Booth's bathroom as seen in Domino

the mirror above is available here!

Image #1 - Steven Gambrel's Sag Harbor home scanned by Shelter from Rooms to Inspire in the Country

ONE WORD

Dreaming

of where I'd like to be right now.........{can you guess in which moment in time?}

Most of you have probably heard of or love {like I do} the work of photographer extraordinaire Slim Aarons. He is best known for capturing beautiful people enjoying the "good life". His use of light, attention to detail and architectural backdrops are stunning. His three books listed below are on my wish list! I'm always looking to build my design library!

Image: from the fabulous Mrs. Lillien styling house