INTO THE DETAILS

This weekend we are honoring my mother, as it marks her 10th death anniversary, and given that she had a great love for flowers and beautiful details, the plan is to gather at the park where a memorial bench was placed in her honor after her passing. The bench is under a beautiful tree and next to a field where wild flowers bloom during this time.

We will each bring a white balloon and release at some point during our gathering, and we will get to remember all the beautiful moments that we shared during her life; which we hold very dear up to this day.

I am planning on making beautiful flower favors as the ones pictured below, for family and friends to take home. It will be a simple; yet special way to remember and honor a beautiful soul.

---------  happy weekend ----------

wildflower field by Mark R. via flickr // white balloons by dustin & whitney via oh darling
little girl photographed by jewelimage found via pinterest // doily flower wraps via papermash

COLLECTION № 16: DAFFODIL YELLOW

1. peeptoe leather shoes // 2. leather clutch // 3. pamplemousse savon de marseille

4. wooden bracelet // 5. kim seybert napkin ring // 6. west elm modernist bowl

7. kate spade statement necklace // 2. anthro henri dinning chair 

CURRENT INSPIRATION

Lately I have been greeted by beautiful spring daffodils and this morning at the market was not an exception. I captured a little image and posted it right here. Taking the inspiration a bit further, I now share the below beauties, which make my heart glad and ready for many sun-kissed days......

bedroom photographed by Mel Yates for Living etc. / spotted via apartment theraphy
jonathan saunders dress / spotted via wit + delight

ENTERTAINED: BRUNCH WITH FRIENDS

lovely image by Roséline Lohr of {this is glamorous}
I was delighted by Cortney's quote above, when reading her wonderful interview on the latest Matchbook issue. I identify and agree with every word, and I cannot wait for the next opportunity to gather and celebrate. This coming weekend, we have invited good friends over for brunch and I am having a great time planning little details for food and decor, including a mini version of my favorite fluffy ricotta pancakes inspired by this lovely image, and other fun mini versions of our brunch favorites. A mimosa bar will not be amiss, and flowers are a must atop the table and drink station. Usually a place setting is worked into the equation by re-purposing beautiful materials used in past occasions and many details are added as last minute inspirations while setting everything up. How about you? Do you enjoy entertaining?

TIMELESS BEAUTY

As this week takes off, it is probably appropriate to share a lovely little find that will inspire me for years to come. Anytime I see a stylish elderly woman, I cannot help but be inspired by their up-kept beauty, dignity and femininity. Ari Seth Cohen understands and captures this lifestyle through his Advance Style project, roaming the streets of NY to find the most stylish silver-haired ladies around.

Within Ari's blog, you may find plenty of style wisdom; including a lovely column, Meows by Mary and inspiring interviews such as the one with a very classic lady, Marisela Federici.

A lovely book by Ari Seth Cohen will be released on May 22, 2012 and may be currently pre-ordered. I find the book's description fascinating:

"Advanced Style is Ari Seth Cohen’s blog-based ode to the confidence, beauty, and fashion that can only be achieved through the experience of a life lived glamorously. It is a collection of street fashion unlike any seen before—focused on the over-60 set in the world’s most stylish locales. The (mostly) ladies of Advanced Style are enjoying their later years with grace and panache, marching to the beat of their own drummer. These timeless images and words of wisdom provide fashion inspiration for all ages and prove that age is nothing but a state of mind."

Ari Seth Cohen started his blog inspired by his own grandmother’s unique personal style and his lifelong interest in the put-together fashion of vibrant seniors. Each of his subjects sparkles like a diamond after long years spent refining and perfecting their individual look and approach to life. The Advanced Style book will showcase, in luscious full-color, the best of the blog, but will also act as a true guidebook with all-new material featuring wardrobes, interviews, stories, and advice from a cadre of his most chic subjects, along with a large selection of never-before-seen photography—fresh off of sidewalk catwalks around the world!"

So as you may find, style is built throughout the years, as each person embraces their unique beauty and worth. Much is to be learned from these lovely ladies, much indeed......

I AM ONE LUCKY GIRL ...

Today I am grateful for all the little things that make my life very fortunate, I hope that you get to celebrate your own little fortunes as well!

I leave you with a few words that I wrote a while ago when reflecting on this very topic:

Not so long ago, I had the realization that I am one lucky girl. I heard someone say that whenever the clock indicates 11:11 you could make a wish, so I remember riding my car in the morning, turning the engine on and casually looking at the clock, only to find that it was 11:12. Ah!, had I turned the car a minute before then, I would have made my wish, so then I realized how great my life is....... I do not have to wait for a penny on the street, a four-leaf clover, a wishbone, or 11:11, because at any time and anywhere, I can say a prayer and express my innermost wishes, and it is He, who grants the true desires of my heart.

I am glad I trust Him to ultimately decide what to grant and what not to; after all, they say be careful what you wish for, and so I rely in His most perfect will....
 

lovely image via tinypic

COLLECTION № 15: LUCKIEST GREEN

1. framed ring // 2. de'longhi espresso maker // 3. c&b side chair
4. green onyx bracelet // 5. dorothy perkins shoulder bag
6. green hunter wellies // 7. diane von furstenberg leather belt

GREEN AND GOLD

Feeling a bit festive here; therefore my eye is currently drawn to hues of green and gilding, reminiscent of shamrocks and pots of gold. I am specially inspired by this beautiful front desk at the Viceroy, Santa Monica. Designed by the amazing Kelly Wearstler, she uses her creative genius and provides a balance between color, texture, and pure elegance.

I am also inspired by the use of nude, green and gold to create an elegant wardrobe choice to be worn in great confidence. Finally, the ornate doorknob detail transports me to old Europe and fits perfectly with my current Irish musing.......

1 // 2 // 3

SOMETHING GILDED: SPRING INSPIRED

paper mache gilded bowl // vintage birdy ring // scalloped bikini // ginger rosewood soap

COLLECTION № 14: GARDEN FLORALS

1. mallarino gold earrings // 2. missoni aeonium pillow // 3. anthro conservatory chair

4. jcrew floral flats // 5. blydesign floral cuff // 6. lollia hand cream

7. anthro petals dinnerware // 8. floral scallop bikini

PRETTY PACKAGING // DIPTYQUE

Beautiful candles are a must in any home as they may prove not only eye catching, but also versatile. Apart from the glow and scent these provide, pretty packaging can add a decorative element during the times a flame is not burning bright. Either displayed on trays or atop a pile of books, a candle is the perfect touch.

I have been thinking about diptyque candles as an example of the above, as they not only look great while displayed, but allow the opportunity to display little items after it has been completely burned, making for a lasting and simple design.

 images: diptyque jar displaying makeup brushes

diptyque candles displayed on lucite tray

INSPIRED BY FLOWERS

Here the weather is getting warmer and I can't help but think of spring and beautiful flowers...... I am also inspired by the latest closet and casa post via ohjoy!

image by liz ham via eclat event design