CURRENT INSPIRATION: CARAMEL

I am inspired by the simple and classic wrapping of these delightful little caramels. Something timeless about the sweets themselves; especially the ones immediately below, which are made within a small shop named Parlans, in Stockholm.

images via this lovely packaging board and martha stewart

THE FINE PRINT

Fall inevitably calls for richer textures and I am pleased by the sight of beautiful print flats such as the ones here and here. Animal print is widely seen, both in fashion and interiors; however, it can fall between classic and extravagant and indeed I always strive for the first.

From top to left | Joseph Noble croc leather | CH bedroom print canopy

Joseph Noble carpet | animal print detail via High Street Market

CURRENT INSPIRATION: NYFW

Somehow, this image transports me to an iconic New York City and the sophistication of Fashion Week. I find the color combination currently inspiring....

lovely image via fivestory new york

CURRENT INSPIRATION: LACE

As summer days make their presence, I could not help referring back to Neda's post (Peony Park) from a few weeks ago on beautiful lace.  I was really inspired by this elegant and airy wardrobe choice and I look forward to finding at least one great piece that would suit me for the season. Have a beautiful day!

lovely lace skirt found via pinterest | lace cuff available via etsy

CURRENT INSPIRATION: LAVENDER

Recently I was happily reunited with a long lost lavender-colored favorite while doing spring cleaning and I realized that my love for the hue has come and gone throughout the years. I was immediately transported luscious lavender fields and in searching for lovely images that could translate my current inspiration, I found myself literally taken away to the fields of Provence, thanks to the lovely Sarah Klassen on her 'take me away' series for this is glamorous.

lavender fields via this is glamorous
lavender place setting by kt merry photography via stylemepretty

CURRENT INSPIRATION: WHITE MAGNOLIAS

It is good to be back in this little space, I am sorry to have been amiss as I have been sidetracked by a beautiful upcoming project. There were numerous times within the past few days when I wished to have shared daily bits of inspiration, I wish nonetheless, to be able to share a bit this week and regain some momentum.

One of the beautiful sights these days were white magnolias, even on a cloudy day, the bright white elegance of these beauties brought a sense of happiness and inspiration. You might remember the beautiful  pink liliflora ones I posted at the beginning of spring, and these other species bring as much beauty to my surroundings.

white magnolias within bud vases: image photographed by Victoria Pearson for The best of Martha Stewart Living found via PW onbluepoolroad

many other lovely magnolia images were found via pinterest and were pinned within the 'florals' board. enjoy!

CURRENT INSPIRATION: STRIPES

I am inspired by classic black and white stripes, which are always stylish and versatile; whether used for interiors, wardrobe or details. I am drawn to the idea of combining with neutrals which are especially nice during the day, and going for a more glamorous look by using black and white stripes on their own.

canopy image photographed by Style Art Life found via Style Me Ptretty 
striped skirt found via a note on design
shower image by Erica George Dines for Atlanta Homes Mag found via Mimi + Meg
Marisa Berenson in classic Halston found via Pinterest
black and white long dress (image source unknown) found via pw

INSPIRATION: ANCIENT EGYPT

Recently I had the opportunity to visit an exposition where ancient Egyptian treasures were gracefully displayed and beautiful carvings on granite, alabaster, and limestone formed intriguing statues and other objects. I was particularly pleased by the colorful combination of red,blue,turquoise and gold on some of the beading works and I could picture wardrobe pieces or a table setting using some of that lovely inspiration.

As I entertained my ancient musing, I ran across this beautiful shoot done for rue magazine during the summer of last year. It is perfectly put together and I love the use of different materials for the table setting, very reminiscent of those described above. I love the use of tall crystal cylinders to house smaller mercury glass candle holders. I am immediately inspired for an outdoor gathering using bold color and rich textures.

all lovely images by Jose Villa for Rue Magazine / summer 2011 styled by Canvas and Canopy

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

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......

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

NEUTRAL HIGHLIGHTS

Spring is around the corner and it is nice to find images of bold and bright colors everywhere I look; including the continuing trend of neon hues; which in combination with beloved neutral palettes, result in the right amount of contrast.

A little splash of color to carry you through the rest of winter.....

 images: [left] society6 [right] marie claire

A BIT INTRIGUED.....

by the classic touch of tortoise when well balanced and combined with gold.......


image via zara

NIGHT AT THE OPERA

How lovely to start a brand new month, and a very loved-filled one indeed. I got to start it all with a
night at the opera. My husband planned the date well in advance and we were delighted by the sounds
of Verdi's La Traviata, where I found myself pondering at the great distance one may go for another.

                              lovely images via 1| 2| 3

Love is found both in small details and magnanimous sacrifices, and I could not help but be reminded
of my writings from several years ago..............

How to Preserve a Given Treasure

Do not let the everyday debris cover the beauty
of that wonderful treasure you have been given.

Go ahead; dust it off, as dust is superfluous,
it is worthless; it is nothing but particles of matter
regarded as the result of disintegration.
It makes it opaque; impenetrable by light.

Quite the contrary, try to polish it, to remove
the outer layers, so that its shine and beauty are everlasting.

Remember; dust is inevitable, but with a good piece of cloth,
and the willingness to make it shine; its beauty will be preserved
for years to come ..............

Do not let this happen to you, that when a day comes
that your treasure appears dusty and useless,
you dispose of it thinking it has lost its worth.

Someone then may unbury such wonder and polish it to perfection,
finding great enjoyment, in the midst of an ever dusty world ..............

have a lovely february, xoxo

HAPPY WEEKEND

 I hope you have a lovely weekend, enjoy some beautiful links:

love the globe pendant on this fabulous room
ornate architecture and clean design mix perfectly at the apple store in paris
inspired by the materials and calligraphy of these sweet designs
captivated by this mondrian moment, especially the slice of cake

typography via visual harmony

MORE LOVELY SHADES

So as promised, I leave you with some more spring colors; this time a combination of PANTONE 17-1463
and PANTONE 18-2140; which when balanced with off white create a wonderful statement. I especially
love the way these tones are used in HEIDI MERRICK'S spring'12 collection; which I first spotted on the
very lovely IHOD blog

///////////////////////////       ballet flats // handbag // belt        ///////////////////////////

RAINY DAY

Happy Monday to all! I hope the weekend was filled with good things. On Saturday the weather was
amazing, so a night outdoors with friends was in order. We spent a lovely one at our friend Laura's patio;
together with candlelight and a nice fire.

Today on the other hand it is very rainy and I began to think about what one of my friends shared on an
empirical method for weather prediction (las cabañuelas) used during the Hispanic diaspora. Spaniards

used the first thirty days of the year to watch for weather patterns during different months and today's rain

would correspond to September as we are currently on day 09.

With that in mind, I guess I might go for the rain boots on my wish list and perhaps even this DIY striped

umbrella tutorial......so no matter where you are or what the weather turns out to be, have a lovely week!

lovely images via one | two | three

SHADES OF TWENTY TWELVE

Color can transform our mood and lift our spirit while used in both fashion or living, and while we are still
a couple of months away from spring, I am glad to have found pantone's fashion color report for the season.

With shades such as tangerine mango and solar power, we can already feel some energy, and balanced by the
neutral palette of driftwood and starfish, the result is nothing but sophistication.
 
The boldness of cabaret, combined with the deepness of sodalite blue, work in perfect harmony; while soft
lilac and cockatoo play a very feminine role; not to forget the glowing margarita, a shade both refreshing and
chic.

I will be sharing inspiration boards with these amazing colors throughout the month, beginning with
PANTONE 13-0759 and PANTONE 18-1210 below.

/////////////////////     valextra isis ipad clutch // prism mirrored sunglasses     /////////////////////