Spring into Velvet

Velvet is one of my favorite textures. And it's no longer reserved just for cold winter nights, Louix XVI Settees or luxurious throw pillows - Velvet is getting a light and fresh opportunity this spring. Re-interpreted in the soft pastels which are trending this spring,  I think it's the perfect unexpected texture to bring into your interior. Here are some of my pics:

Chair
Album
Stools
Settee
Album
Belts
Pillow

Color Case 21: Got Mint?

Ok so looks like I'm not the only one jonesing for some mint green. It's everywhere! From nail polish to refrigerators this color looks like it will be taking spring by storm.  One of my fabulous ladies Erin at Apartment 34 has this color down pact! Check out her amazing mint mood board here.

And now for my take...

1 2 3 4 5

Getting a Talented Holiday in Italy

With February gone and spring right around the corner my dreams of a summer holiday are starting to take shape. I've always had a thing for The Talented Mr. Ripley - well the styling anyways. The smells of the sweet southern Italian coast are calling my name. I love associating smells with a specific memory or special moment and in this case I can see Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford being just that. It kinda has an aqua de Parma feel, but it's a bit lighter and slightly more feminine so pretty much just what I was looking for. 

1 part aristocratic rebellion. 

1 part unexpected ease

and a dash of  fresh italian romance. 

equals  a dream holiday fulfilled. 

Image Links: 1  2  3  4 5


Background Image US Vogue Nov 2005 - Josh Harnett & Gemma Ward. Photographed by Mario Testino. More images from the article here

Getting Rad & Refined

I came across this awesome website last week (http://radandrefined.com/). I love places where you get the edited feel of a small boutique with the convenience and edge of an online platform. Featuring designers such as A Peace Treaty, Opening Ceremony and Myne this place definitely has items to add to the "need it" list.

Rad & Refined was started by the fabulous Jacqueline Rezak who travels between LA and SF spreading her unique style and even at the young age of 24 she has created a great mix of polished looks that have serious edge appeal. 

So what's on my list? Check out some of the awesome pieces which will hopefully grace my wardrobe very soon. 

Natalie Cami by Rory Beca

Simple sophistication. 

The Sage bag from House of Harlow 

Shaking up the traditional equestrian satchel. 

Djado Neclace in Silver 

Arts & Crafts style meets LA luxe. 

Opening Ceremony Jinx Sunglasses in Tortoise 

A classic pair of tortoise wayfarers given an edgy update. 

Happy Shopping!! 

A Very Vintage Christmas

So I just spotted the latest Christmas album from She & Him, the band is an unlikely pairing including country folk artist M. Ward and actress Zooey Deschanel. It's a nostalgic Christmas trip which to me feels very at home for SF, so with that in mind (and I know I'm a bit early on this one)

 I'm inspired by dreams of a vintage Christmas. 

From thebeehivecottage.blogspot.com

From Anthropologie.com

From thecraftingchicks.com

From etsy.com

The ultimate Christmas apparel From http://www.modcloth.com/

What would Christmas be without a little baking. These no bake fudgy snow balls look delish and they are dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, vegan - looks like this one could be a winner.

From http://www.skinnytaste.com/

From 1.bp.blogspot.com

Lino print tree ornament From flickr.com

Prematurely...Happy Holidays!

A Mess Free Monday

When tackling kitchen mess most of us reach for the classic red and green Scotch Brite, but much like my determination to find an alternative to the oral-b, I knew that there had to be some alternative to these banal cleaning instruments. It's a unfortunate reality that these cleaning supplies will be left out to dry and as a result can cramp your kitchen style, but not with these elegant alternatives. I have to say that I wasn't overwhelmed with choice, so if anyone has any suggestions for alternatives please comment!  Where to source the awesome finds I did manage to discover? My favorites are Caldrea, Williams Sonoma and Full Circle.

European "pop up" sponges. Gives you the look of a classic natural sponge - no garish colours here. $16.95/12pack from www.williams-sonoma.com

Also pop up sponge $10/10pack from www.caldrea.com

Dishwashing brush $5 from www.caldrea.com

High & Dry Scrub Brush $7.19 from www.fullcirclehome.com

Grip Scrub Brush $6.29 from www.fullcirclehome.com

Laid Back Dish Brush $7.19 from www.fullcirclehome.com

Let's Reminisce - Back to school

Okay, so I admit it. I was definitely one of those kids that eagerly awaited the first day of school. The fresh crunch of leaves under your feet, a new chunky sweater, the smell of library books and the notion of a fresh start for the year all kind of got my heart pumping. So while I may not be returning to my collegiate roots, this time of year always brings back fond memories so join me in reminiscing... with style.

From socialsurvival.tumblr.com

Take notes in style with these large Postalco notebooks from Gravel and Gold in SF gravelandgold.com

Faber-Castell Ambition pen - one of my absolute favorites for its simple lines. Shown in pear wood which ages beautifully. $90 for fountain pen - available at amazon.com

Felt always speaks autumn for me. From Joe V Leather shop $49 on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/

Quite possibly the most beautiful backpack I have ever laid my eyes on - SO wish I had this in high school. Also available in dark brown and black From Bill Amberg http://www.billamberg.com/shop/casual-bags

The ultimate back to school look - penny loafers an oversized blazer. Also love her red hair, but think i'll stay brunette for now. From thesartorialist.blogspot.com

Keep pens and pencils organized in style From notemaker.com.au

Another great felt piece - for iphone/ipod Byrd and Belle - Etsy Shop etsy.com

From notemaker.com.au

Love the monocle shop - esp their stationary. From shop.monocle.com

The ultimate bag - Delvaux Newspaper/President's Bag - http://www.delvaux-eshop.com/

Whites & Stripes - All Aboard!

Yesterday I passed the banners on Market street announcing the 2013 America's Cup. I've always loved being on the water - throw in an adrenaline rush and an excuse to rock a pair of Sperry's and I'm one happy girl!

Jack & Jackie watching the 1962 America's Cup.  Credit: National Archive Photo by National Archive

Nautical style is nothing new, but some things never get old. It is a look, however which can easily fall into the "theme" category. This means everyone from Uncle John to your best friend Sue will show up at your door with nautical paraphernalia and before you know it you will be seeing nautical at every angle. Themed rooms tend to look contrived and lack personality so grab a large pile of crisp whites and some classic stripes, but make sure to make it your own!

 From Elle Decor 

I love this example of nautical style. Elegant, understated and super crisp. Contrast piping is one of my favorite design details - it draws the eye to the clean lines of the sofa, and gives what could be a simple sofa a custom and unique feel that looks incredibly chic. This example is from the very talented 

Sherrill Canet http://www.sherrillcanet.com/.

Love the striped wallpaper - A darker shade of white or a neutral on the cabinets could make this feel dull, but looks beautiful against crisp white cabinets. A darker shade of white or a neutral on the cabinets could make this feel dull. Farrow & Ball does a great closet stripe which is similar. http://us.farrow-ball.com/closet-stripe-st-365/closet-stripe//fcp-product/200365

Sperry Topsiders - Classic.  From http://www.unabashedlyprep.com/

Absolutely love the dark walls (Hague Blue #30 from F & B is gorgeous) - and striking against painted white woodwork. From dashboard.bloglines.com

Great example of how to incorporate the nautical feel in a modern interior. Simple and restrained, but makes a great statement. From elementsofstyleblog.com

From 1.bp.blogspot.com

From starsmasquerading.tumblr.com

Happy Sailing! 

Bring on the Bicycles

I have been doing A LOT of walking in SF lately. Exploring the different neighborhoods with their edgy coffee shops (http://www.bluebottlecoffee.net/), retro meets industrial antique stores (http://www.zonalhome.com/) and awesome bakeries (http://missionminis.com/) and while I do enjoy a thorough walkabout I am seriously jonesing for a bike so I can explore things a little more efficiently. What bike is on your dream list?

Stunning - more pics at http://woodandfaulk.com/make/french-porteur-handlebar

From stadeco.tumblr.com

From girlyme.tumblr.com

From classy-in-the-city.tumblr.com

The always awesome Public Bike. Bike from http://publicbikes.com/ Image from classy-in-the-city.tumblr.com

I'm a huge fan of Brooks saddles and I this Sackville Saddlesack is a great partner. From rivbike.com

From anothermag.com

http://www.rivbike.com/