escapade: 2/1/10

Showing newest 11 of 31 posts from 2/1/10 - 3/1/10. Show older posts

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Paradis found

Trudging through slushy streets today has had me longing for a warm escape - sunny skies and warm breezes, the feeling of endless afternoons, a moment to ponder to yourself, to pause ...
and reflect on the beauty around you, indulge in a little afternoon nap...

I was instantly captured by Vanessa Paradis' stunning photoshoot for Vs magazine, tranquil home with it's simplicity mixed with flourished details - an ornately carved wood gate and the carved wood panel above the fountain, and the bright billowing bougainvillea against minimal and almost primitive accessories. The contrast adds an element of intrigue to the space. Overall, there's a beautiful sense of calm.

Hope you're all enjoying a lovely weekend, here are some fun things to check out:

- Who's that girl? series at J. Crew
- the incredibly graceful Virtue and Moir
- Mrs. Literary Book Club
- Bright stripes for Spring
- a chocolate chandelier
... and of course, don't forget to enter the give-away!

{Images: Vanessa Paradis photographed byEric Guillemain and Vibe Dabelstein forVs magazine, Spring/Summer 2010;
Exteriors: The Dilling House}

Friday, February 26, 2010

Statement piece: White orchid necklace

The cold winds today left me dreaming of the warmer weather ahead and the chance to shed all the layers of clothing and step out with a simple sun dress accessorized with a big statement piece. This beautiful necklace created with 39 different layers, has a delicate shell like quality while still being bold and impactful.

{Photos: Orchid II by NervousSystems, discovered via LivingWithWhite}

Thursday, February 25, 2010

A classic in black + white

While I always love discovering something new, sometimes there's nothing like coming back to an old favourite. These bedroom was one of the very first things I added to my inspiration file, and I have to say I love it just as much now as I did then. Romantic, dramatic, clean and simple all at once. With feminine details like the crystal chandelier and slinky draped curtains the room has a sultry, sophisticated edge. It's balanced out with stronger, masculine details - the striking black closets, heavy clean lined chairs and basic bedding and nightstands.

I was excited to see the rest of the home carries through the same black and white theme - with artistic flourishes throughout. I love the casually leaned artwork in the kitchen there's no reason why art shouldn't be throughout the home - in kitchens, and through unique pieces like the striking chandelier that are functional pieces of art themselves.

{Photos: Rose Uniack via Remodelista}

Butterflies + Inspiration

...always captivated by butterflies - they seem to bring positive energy and a message of hope and happiness. I was especially delighted to find this beautiful print - a flourish of dramatic black butterflies sailing skyward with a inspiring and important daily reminder
- 'It's never too late to be who you want to be'
and in finer print 'There is no time limit. Start whenever you want.'

So often it's easy to get discouraged when we don't live up to the ideals or standards we set for ourselves -whether it's breaking an old habit, trying to stick with a new one or just the way you've handled an encounter at work or a relationship. It is definitely important to keep those ideals and keep striving to grow, learn and do better, however, in the event of a misstep (or maybe a few) don't spend time beating yourself up or giving up. Every new moment is a chance to try again, to become the best version of you.

{Just had some exciting news on a possible new apartment, this print is now at the
top of my wish list for my new home office space.
Butterflies, black + white, and an important message I need to be reminded of daily. Perfect.}

{Image: Never too late by Eva Juliet on Etsy}

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

A perfect Spring wardrobe, Built by Wendy

Very rarely does a collection come along that is so beautiful you want to own every, single piece. That's how I feel about the Spring 2010 collection by Built by Wendy, this is exactly how I want to dress every day. Easy, breezy summer dresses and simple classic pieces that just appear to be effortlessly chic, perfect to wear through the Spring and all summer long.

{All photos by Annabel Mehran for Built by Wendy. Can't remember the lovely blog I first saw this at - but thank you! x}

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Toffee + Cream

The fresh snow against the last of the toffee coloured fallen leaves is such a beautiful contrast - warm, rich cognac tones against a stark white. There's something so appealing about this rich combination - perhaps because of the reminiscence of delicious toffees and and caramels cream white whipped cream.

{No wonder I love this combination so much - exactly like little Javier's coat.}

{Photos:1,4 - PetitBouchees via Happy Lady Eats (tweet at tig), 2,5 Kml Designs,
3 - LivingEtc via Classy+Glamorous, 6 - Laura Resen, 7 - Javier by myself }

Monday, February 22, 2010

A very fabulous give-away + the perfect Spring accessory: a Coach Carly handbag

Just thrilled to present an especially special give-away - the perfect Spring basic
- a Coach Carly handbag.
In Coach's signature 'C' khaki jacquard fabric with white leather trim and rich, brass hardware; it's a beautifully fresh basic that no doubt will be a staple through the Spring and Summer.

In the larger slim size, it measures: 15 3/4" long x 11 1/2" high and 2.5" wide

To enter: leave a comment below stating your favourite thing about Spring.

{Good luck!}

A winner will be randomly selected and contacted, March 21st 2010 (the first day of Spring!)
This give-away is open to all readers including international. If you don't have a blog, or contact email on your blog, please be sure to include an email address for notification. Follow this blog or share this give-away on Facebook or Twitter then leave an another comment below for an additional entry.

** Update: #6 - L.C was the winner of the Spring give-away for the Coach Carly handbag.
Congratulations!

Thank you everyone for entering, it was alot of fun! I am working on a Spring post to incorporate some of your beautiful Spring ideas. Thank you for the inspiration!
Stay tuned for another give-away coming soon!

Cup of tea + a thought

Inspiration for the new week : becoming fearless...

{Happy Monday!}

{Photo: With Love, by Détailliste on Flickr}

Friday, February 19, 2010

Sculptural details

Nothing beats lavishly ornate architectural details kept understated in a simple white.
Sculptural art built into the decor - all you need do is keep it simple and let the details shine.
The ornate details are balanced out by earthy casual details
- an organic jute rug and relaxed sofa.

{Photos: Prue Roscoe for Australian Vogue Living, March/April 2010}

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Feast your eyes...

... on the eye candy that is Mrs Lilien's new site!

...and promising lots of delicious new things to come. Hurray!

(...and now I want a cupcake. And the gold Loeffler Randall shoes. And some candy(!)
- because I'm just that greedy...)

{All images: MrsLilien}

A Danish Apartment

My obsession with all-white interiors is undying and this week was no exception. This beautiful apartment in Charlottenlund, Denmark is the home of designer Nina Kejser and her Italian husband. An all white palette with silver accents is the perfect base for a beautiful marriage of style - sleek Italian and romantic Scandinavian, the results are just gorgeous.

Yet another example of how a simple, consistent palette (in this case, white + silver with earthy neutrals) used throughout a space gives it such a beautiful sense of flow and automatically lends a sense of sophistication and design savvy. So easy, no huge budget or fancy designing,
just keep. it. simple.

{Photos: KmlDesigns discovered at Desire to Inspire}

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