xoxo, lesley

pugiversary.

2012-02-10T15:27:00.004-05:00

one year ago today, my husband and i took home an absolutely adorable seven-week old pug puppy. now he's all grown up and brings us joy and laughter every single day.

happy pugiversary, elmer!

design crush: logos in black + white.

2012-02-09T17:26:00.006-05:00

{a bit of crumpet by super_furry}

{old faithful shop by PTARMAK}

{sfgirlbybay logo by shanna murray}

{cast iron design company, via designspiration}

{cal's classic american tavern by taylor pemberton}

{allude by bibliothèque design}

april awakening.

2012-02-07T16:01:00.004-05:00

etsy's taste test can be hit or miss, but they hit the nail on the head when they recommended i check out april awakening.

i am enamored with april's irreverent combinations of vintage and modern... from neon-painted lace doilies to geometric stamped victorian portraits, every single item in her shop is a winner. add it all to my wishlist!

paris patina.

2012-02-03T12:31:00.000-05:00

paris is a beautiful place... no one can dispute that.

but one of my favorite things about the city is the layers of beauty that lie beyond the postcard-perfect churches, gardens, and monuments. i am captivated by the way the years have perfectly aged every surface. i (and my camera) adore all the faded, worn colors and textures of the city.

here are some shots of the grittier beauty of paris from my most recent trip...

love these images? check my etsy shop for prints.

cute spring jewelry on the cheap.

2012-02-01T17:33:00.003-05:00

looking to update your look with on-trend jewelry for spring... but don't have a huge budget? look no further than forever 21, my go-to spot for inexpensive, super cute accessories.

i'm really digging their spring jewelry collection this year, and - ready for this? - none of these pieces are over $10. score!

clockwise from top left:

colorful pyramid bracelets, $5.80 each

geometric gem studs, $4.80

fringe statement necklace, $8.80

floral knuckle ring, $4.80

neon pink tribal choker, $5.80

painted bangles, $6.80

floral stud earring set, $4.80

geo crescent necklace, $5.80

lacquer triangle cuff, $7.80

our first date.

2012-01-27T15:36:00.004-05:00

{our first date treasury on etsy}

my husband and i recently celebrated the eight year anniversary of our first date... it was such a sweet, perfect night that i'll remember forever. i can't believe it's been that long!

i was an undergrad and he was a grad student at the university of maryland. he brought flowers of course, and took me out to this cute little italian place in town (which sadly closed a few years ago!). he still jokes about what a cheap date i was... all i ordered was an $8 plate of ravioli!

after dinner we went back to my cozy studio apartment and watched amelie... which is still one of our favorite movies. it was a wonderful first date that led us to where we are today!

here is what we looked like back then... so young and in love :)

do you remember your first date with your significant other? tell me about it in the comments!

this is what i did last week.

2011-11-16T12:17:00.002-05:00

what an incredible, challenging, surreal, transformative experience. mèsi, ayiti! i will be back.

habitat for haiti.

2011-11-04T14:36:00.003-04:00

{"home sweet home" photo by jeremy cowart}

tomorrow i leave for haiti to help rebuild houses for 100 families who lost everything during the 2010 earthquake.

it's going to be lots of hard work and i know i'll miss my family and my puppy terribly... but it will all be worth it if i can help get just one family into a new, safe home!

see you in a week.

coco rocha x senhoa

2011-11-02T13:58:00.003-04:00

i am blown away by coco rocha's new jewelry collection for senhoa. all the pieces are absolutely gorgeous... totally glamorous with just the right amount of punky edge.

if the pieces themselves aren't enough to make you fall in love, check this out... senhoa uses 100% of its profits to help victims of human trafficking by creating income-generating opportunities, social reintegration, and self-empowerment programs for women and children. read senhoa's mission statement here.

treat yourself to a beautiful new piece of jewelry and support a worthy cause... truly a win-win.

LAST CHANCE SALE + an extra 10% off!

2011-10-25T12:27:00.000-04:00

i'm clearing out my etsy shop to make room for a whole crop of new photos... and that means great deals for you!

everything in the LAST CHANCE SALE section of my shop is now 30% off!

and as an extra bonus for my blog readers, i'm offering an additional 10% off any order... just enter the code EXTRA10 at checkout.

as the name implies, these photos will be gone for good once the sale ends, so get 'em while you still can! the sale ends november 21st.

milan street style.

2011-10-24T11:34:00.000-04:00

these girls spotted on the streets of milan aren't afraid to take fashion risks. color blocking, glitter, extreme patterns, sky-high stilettos, and head-to-toe leather... just a few of the bold, fabulous trends for fall! fashion is supposed to be fun, so go big or go home!

photos via refinery 29.

color & light.

2011-10-20T10:59:00.003-04:00

untitled photograph by ross bleckner, limited edition print available from artspace.

my favorite fall accessory . . . tights!

2011-10-19T23:07:00.003-04:00

clockwise from top left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

sit for a while.

2011-10-17T13:46:00.004-04:00

one of my favorite paris pasttimes is sitting outside at a sidewalk cafe, sipping espresso, and watching the world go by.

this one i spotted in the 6th arrondissement looks particularly inviting, don't you think?

pink paint.

2011-10-12T12:10:00.000-04:00

{photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10}

i recently borrowed an issue of house beautiful magazine from my mom that had a whole section on decorating with pink. now, i can't get all those gorgeous pink interiors out of my head!

i love the idea of orchid pink, almost verging on lilac, walls. paired with crisp white trim and taupey-grey accents, i think it could be so beautiful and sophisticated... dare i say even a bit parisian?

what do you think... are you brave enough take the plunge and decorate with pink? and how do i convince my husband that we need a pink room in our house?

wine & food... and plenty of it!

2011-10-11T16:47:00.004-04:00

{burger bash photo via popsugar}

it's been over a week now, but i'm still recovering from this year's new york city wine & food festival. i consumed way more food and drink than one person should probably consume in a month - over the course of three days. i think i must have gained ten pounds!

while all the events were amazing, the standout this year was definitely the blue moon burger bash. 21 of the city's best restaurants and chefs came together in a warehouse under the brooklyn bridge to determine who serves up the best burger in new york. i don't necessarily recommend tasting 21 burgers in 3 hours, but my family and i were on a mission to find the best one... so we did! there were tons of great contenders, and while we might not have all agreed once the winners were announced (i'm still rooting for shake shack and quality meats!), a good time was had by all.

i also got to mix and mingle with some of the hottest celebrities in the food world. some of my favorites... bobby flay, giada delaurentiis, robert irvine, paula deen & family, and ming tsai!

all in all a spectacular weekend... a big thanks to my parents for inviting us to tag along. let's do it again next year!

dream downtown (& my next adventure!)

2011-09-28T15:59:00.004-04:00

well, i've been home from paris for a couple days now and i'm already missing it terribly. in fact, my husband and i went to see midnight in paris for the second time last night to help ease the transition back to normal life! if you haven't seen it yet, please do... it's the next best thing to actually being in paris.

while it's always sad to leave the city of light, i'm on to my next adventure this weekend... the new york city wine & food festival!

i went to the festival with my family for the first time last year, and it was a blast. waaaaaay too much delicious food, fun demos, freebies, and lots of food celebs!

this time around we're spending the weekend at dream downtown, a fabulous boutique hotel with a really cool, modern design aesthetic. check out the pictures from the website... it looks like a dream come true (pun very much intended)!

i'll be sure to report back on all the details... au revoir!

rue mouffetard

2011-09-25T14:46:00.005-04:00

just a few photos i snapped at the market on rue mouffetard... a feast for the eyes and le ventre, of course!

p.s. tomorrow is our last day in paris - so sad to leave!

view of paris...

2011-09-23T17:47:00.002-04:00

from the top of notre dame. the best view in the city, je pense!

toi et moi.

2011-09-22T04:12:00.003-04:00

four years ago today i married the love of my life. happy anniversary, robin. je t'aime!

whisk me away to paris...

2011-09-19T12:29:00.000-04:00

{montmartre view photo available from my etsy shop}

i'm off to paris for the week... i've been looking forward to this trip all year, and finally it's here!

i can't wait to stroll along the seine hand in hand with my husband, eat macarons in the jardin du luxembourg, and rummage through the beautiful old junk at les puces. i'm bringing along my new camera and my trusty netbook, so i hope to be able to post some highlights from abroad.

au revoir, mes amis!

missoni for target.

2011-09-16T17:07:00.005-04:00

the missoni for target launch was so huge it crashed the target website for most of the day tuesday, leaving many eager shoppers in the dark. luckily, i went to my local tar-jay at 8 a.m. and was able to score some amazing designer loot! and don't tell my husband, but i may have also ordered a couple more irresistible pieces once the site recovered from the rush of traffic. here's what i picked up...

clockwise from top left:

tote bag; glass jar candle; black and white patterned blouse; silk scarf; one-piece bathing suit; silk pajama shorts; black and white ottoman pouf; men's chevron socks

habitat for humanity + haiti + me = one amazing opportunity.

2011-09-12T15:09:00.004-04:00

so, dear readers... my life just got a little bit crazier, and i need your help!

i have been chosen as a volunteer for habitat for humanity's 2011 jimmy & rosalynn carter work project in léogâne, haiti. over the course of a week in november, 400 volunteers will work alongside president and mrs. carter to build 100 earthquake-resistant homes and help families in need.

there's just one catch... i need to raise $5,000 by november 30th in order to participate. yikes! the funding will cover chartered transportation, lodging, food, building materials, and ongoing support for habitat in haiti. most of the other volunteers have had since june to raise the money, but because i was chosen from a waitlist, i am in a bit of a time crunch!

if you can donate anything at all, even just a few dollars, it would mean the world to me... and to the people of haiti, who have had nowhere to live for the past year and eight months.

here is the link to my personal fundraising page:

http://www.habitat.org/cd/cwp/participant/participant.aspx?pid=93531879

if you can't afford to make a donation, i would really appreciate it if you could spread the word by posting my story and fundraising link on your blog, facebook, or twitter.

thank you so very much, from the bottom of my heart!

p.s. you can find out more about the 2011 jimmy & rosalynn carter work project here.

je ne sais quoi.

2011-09-09T13:17:00.001-04:00

i'm back from portland, and now i've got paris on the brain... we leave in just over a week! i feel like such a jetsetter... but it'll be so nice to just relax in my favorite city and not worry about all the craziness that's been going on stateside.

one of the most fun (and sometimes challenging) parts of travelling abroad is planning your wardrobe! when visiting paris, the fashion capital of the world, it's essential to look chic and put together. this time around i'm going for classic pieces that i can mix-and-match seamlessly. here's what i'm packing... my top 10 pieces to help you achieve that certain je ne sais quoi no matter where life takes you!

1. oversized sunglasses.

perfect for dodging the paparazzi or hiding jet-lagged eyes. i am forever losing sunglasses when i travel, so here's a tip... forever 21 has tons of stylish frames at rock-bottom prices, so if they don't make it home with you, it's no big deal. from forever 21, $5.80

2. a boldly-colored clutch.

in a city where most of the residents wear head-to-toe black nearly every day, it's nice to mix things up with a jolt of color. i love a boldly-colored envelope clutch to finish off an evening look. from endless, $78

3. sleek black booties.

if you don't already own a pair of black high-heeled booties, run to your nearest retail outfit and pick yourself up a pair. trust me. they make any outfit infinitely more chic, and paired with opaque black tights, they make your legs look like they go on forever. from nordstrom, $138.95

4. a motorcycle jacket.

most of the pieces here are classic and understated, but every now and then you need a little bit of edge. an on-trend leather motorcycle jacket is the perfect way to rough-up an otherwise demure look. from nordstrom, $398

5. skinny black pants.

a pair of skinny black pants is one of my wardrobe staples, at home and abroad. look for a fabric that has some stretch to it, so they'll be just as comfy on a 12-hour flight as they are lounging around the house. also look for details like exposed zippers or decorative seaming to make them a little more special. from revolve clothing, $74

6. a striped shirt.

i know, i know... it's such a cliché when it comes to french fashion. but seriously, you will wear a shirt like this over and over and it will never, ever go out of style. i must own about 15 of them and they i reach for them constantly, whether i'm headed to the farmer's market or out for a date with my husband. from j. crew, $45

7. ballerina flats.

you can't walk around paris in sneakers if you want to blend in. a pair of classic ballerina flats are a million times more stylish, and just as comfy. don't be afraid to spend a little more for the right pair... your feet will thank you! from asos, $54.89

8. a chic scarf.

a patterned scarf is the perfect finishing touch to a casual outfit. i love infinity-style scarves... just loop them around your neck a couple times and they instantly look perfect and artfully draped. from loft, $34.50

9. a sharp blazer.

a tailored black blazer is the perfect travel companion. it layers nicely over almost any top in your closet, and adds a bit of polish to a t-shirt and jeans. the slight puffed-sleeve detail on this one lends a little extra dose of femininity. from piperlime, $69

10. a pleated miniskirt.

you have to have at least one flirty, whimsical piece in your suitcase when you're visiting the most romantic city on the planet. an accordion pleated mini is right on for fall, and the light blush color gives it an airy, ethereal appearance. pair it with your moto jacket for the perfect mix of hard and soft. from asos, $32.93

crazy life.

2011-08-29T17:26:00.004-04:00

{free printable via simple as that}

between an earthquake on the east coast, a vacation cut short by a mandatory hurricane evacuation, and an unexpected upcoming trip back out to portland this weekend... my life has been a little crazy lately! hope everyone in the path of irene is safe, and hopefully i will be back to blogging sooner than later.

best beachwear . . . one-piece suits

2011-08-12T12:00:00.002-04:00

if i've been absent from my blog lately, it's because i've got vacation on the brain... i'm leaving for a (much needed) two-week beach holiday with the fam this saturday. since i can't seem to focus on anything else, i decided to dedicate a few posts to beach fashion :)

as any woman who doesn't fall into the sports illustrated swimsuit model category knows, finding a bathing suit you actually want to wear in public can be torture. i've rounded up some of the chicest, most flattering one-piece suits on the web... hopefully you'll find one that works for you!

1. a graphic-print tank by we are handsome is softened a feminine ruffle at the neckline. from net-a-porter.

2. this ditsy floral print suit with side cutouts is the perfect balance of sweet and sexy. by free people.

3. ahoy! i love the retro styling and nautical details of this one-piece by red or dead. from asos.

4. tribal prints are super hot right now, and the bright color and flattering cut of this robin piccone suit will work on almost any figure. from nordstrom.

5. it doesn't get much more chic than a signature missoni-print swimsuit. even if you're vacationing on the jersey shore (like i am), you'll feel like you're in saint-tropez! from net-a-porter.

6. i love the sporty/sexy vibe of this striped, button-detailed monokini. by quiksilver.

7. this star-printed tank by river island is simple and whimsical. from asos.

8. a seersucker halter nails the breezy, summer-in-the-hamptons look. by j. crew.

wordless wednesday . . . rooftop picnic.

2011-08-10T13:10:00.002-04:00

via pinterest.

friday fave finds . . . happy summer!

2011-07-29T12:13:00.001-04:00

1. happy summer banner via you are my fave

2. pretty pink + gold drinks via 100 layer cake

3. pie chart magnets by studio fludd

4. striped ballerina flats by anniel

5. tie-dye backpack by baggu

6. diy tassel banner via prudent baby

7. pastel manicure photo via lovelyish

8. macaron ice cream sandwiches from jeni's splendid ice creams

pretty packaging . . . marvis toothpaste.

2011-07-28T12:54:00.000-04:00

if this toothpaste wasn't over $10 a tube (yikes!), i'm sure i'd have one adorning my vanity right now. prettiest dental hygiene product ever? i think so.

wordless wednesday . . . girls in the windows.

2011-07-27T12:33:00.000-04:00

photo by ormond gigli.

signe vilstrup.

2011-07-26T12:48:00.003-04:00

today i'm inspired by signe vilstrup's enchanting photography.

wish i was here . . . alam shanti, ubud, bali.

2011-07-25T12:00:00.000-04:00

in my mind today i'm lounging by the pool at alam shanti in bali. why am i not there right now? seriously... rooms start at only $75. that's right, $75! now if only i could find someone to pay for my plane ticket... any takers?

friday fave finds . . . aqua + gold

2011-07-22T12:23:00.000-04:00

1. ring by rachel leigh jewelry, via shopbop

2. photograph via beach bungalow 8

3. mixed media artwork via rectangular objects

4. vintage grain sacks from online fabric store

5. soft aqua espadrilles by pour la victoire

6. gold sequined shift dress, via we heart it

7. bicycle photo via earthboundwinglessdream

8. embroidered pillow from anthropologie

wordless wednesday.

2011-07-20T12:09:00.000-04:00

via this isn't happiness.

party ideas . . . backyard movie night!

2011-07-19T12:11:00.000-04:00

i am so doing this before the summer ends! such a fun, simple idea... all you need is a projector and a white sheet... then grab some friends, candy and popcorn and you're ready to go! any suggestions for what movie i should screen?

image sources: design*sponge, symphanie, at home with kim vallée, snippet & ink, celebrations at home

advice to sink in slowly.

2011-07-18T12:19:00.001-04:00

via flickr

friday fave finds . . . cosmic thing.

2011-07-15T12:40:00.001-04:00

1. custom-made constellation pillow by regan's brain

2. 4x6 photograph by eternity in days

3. cosmic print lita boots by jeffrey campbell, via solestruck

4. silver sparkle post earrings by tiny galaxies

5. outer space-inspired nail polish via we heart it

6. galaxy birds t-shirt from delia*s

7. orion nebula photo from deep space photography

8. stairway to the stars photo by honeytree

taste this . . . veggie bahn mi.

2011-07-14T12:47:00.003-04:00

despite the fact that i love all types of asian cuisine, i have somehow neglected to try vietnamese food until my recent trip to portland. while there, hubby and i visited a lovely little place called silk vietnamese restaurant, where i fell head-over-heels in love with their delicious bahn mi.

a banh mi is basically just a sandwich, but let me tell you it is no ordinary sandwich. you start with a freshly-baked french baguette, then pile on toppings like pickled veggies, spicy jalapenos, and fresh cilantro. total flavor explosion!

i've been trying to take advantage of my local farmer's market as much as possible this season, so i was thrilled when i found a recipe for a vegetarian banh mi courtesy of raspberry eggplant.

it seemed a little intimidating at first because there are a lot of components to the recipe, but it really is simple to make and doesn't require a lot of specialty ingredients. oh yeah, and it was DELICIOUS. seriously... try it. you'll thank me later. check out the photos of my version above if you're not convinced :)

Banh Mi Chay

(Serves 2-3)

For the pickled carrots:
½ cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2 carrots

For the marinated mushrooms:
Juice of ½ lime (about 2 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 cloves of garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon sriracha sauce
3 portobello mushroom caps (about 6 ounces total), cut into 1” strips

For the sandwich:
1 large baguette
2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise
½ medium-sized seedless cucumber
½ jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced
¼ cup cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon soy sauce

***************

Make the pickled carrots:
In a small saucepan, bring the vinegar, sugar, and salt to a boil. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.

In the meantime, peel and coarsely shred or finely julienne the carrots, then transfer the shredded carrots to a non-reactive bowl or container. Pour the vinegar mixture over the carrots. Refrigerate overnight. (If you’re in a rush, you can leave it at room temperature for an hour, but overnight is best.)

Prepare the mushrooms:
Mix all the ingredients for the marinade in a quart-sized plastic bag. Add the mushroom strips and marinate overnight in the refrigerator or for 1 hour at room temperature.

Assemble the sandwich:
Heat oven to 400° F.

Put the marinated mushroom strips and the marinade in a baking dish and bake until the mushrooms are soft, about 12 minutes. Let them cool for at least 5 minutes.

Cut the baguette open by slicing it in half but not going all the way through. Spread the mayonnaise on one side of the baguette. Place the baguette on a baking sheet and heat it until it is crisp and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before assembling the sandwich.

In the meantime, cut the cucumber lengthwise into ¼” thick slices and squeeze the liquid out of the pickled carrots.

Assemble the sandwich by arranging the cucumber slices in a single layer on the baguette, then topping them with the mushrooms, pickled carrots, and cilantro. Sprinkle the soy sauce on top and close the sandwich.

Cut into 3 or 4 sections and serve.

lucile's kitchen.

2011-07-13T13:41:00.002-04:00

delicious-looking food + pretty handwriting + lovely pastel colors = lucile's kitchen.

in addition to prints, lucile offers gorgeous poster-sized original watercolors for $65 usd... a price that's hard to beat for a one-of-a-kind piece of art!

wordless wednesday.

2011-07-13T12:10:00.000-04:00

photo by alain delorme.

etsy front page . . . times two!

2011-07-12T12:35:00.001-04:00

yesterday i was thrilled to find out that i was on etsy's front page not once... but twice!

my bicycle photo was featured in treasury #1, and my delacroix photo in treasury #2! this has never happened before and it was definitely a surprise... but a very good one :)

special thanks go out to daphne of la cravatte du chien... the über-talented curator behind both of the featured treasuries! she is also an amazing illustrator and jewelry designer... check out some of her colorful, whimsical designs...

merci beaucoup, daphne!

embroidered portraits by daniel kornrumpf.

2011-07-11T11:37:00.000-04:00

i am completely blown away by these amazingly detailed embroidered portraits by daniel kornrumpf.

i can only imagine how much time and love went into these pieces. i took a six-week embroidery class once, and by the fourth week i'd had it... i have no patience for such painstaking work!

via drawworm is drawing.

friday fave finds.

2011-07-08T12:16:00.001-04:00

1. prize ribbons from the curiosity shoppe

2. tassel-back wedges by dv dolce vita

3. layered tank from anthropologie

4. color angles brooch by lepidoptery

5. farmhouse lounge chair from yliving

6. vintage graphics from vintage me oh my

7. ladurée macarons poster via

8. geo scarf by echo design

1970s platforms... yes or no?

2011-07-07T12:56:00.000-04:00

i'm definitely a high heel girl, and i've always been pretty adventurous with my shoe styles... but these sky-high platforms are pushing the limits, even for me.

what do you think? insane platforms... would you or wouldn't you?

{top to bottom: dear golden vintage, lori's shoes, lori's shoes (again), asos, steve madden}

p.s. the sparkly pair totally reminds me of 70s era jenny from forrest gump!

sky series by eric cahan.

2011-07-06T12:40:00.002-04:00

have you looked at the sky lately? eric cahan has.

dip dyed hair.

2011-07-05T12:41:00.003-04:00

i've always had a weakness for hair color. no color is off limits, from beachy blonde to mysterious brunette to punky fuchsia! but sometimes coloring your entire head of hair is intimidating, especially when the color is a little out there.

here's a fun solution: dip-dyed hair! i love this bold, festive look for summer. and the best thing about it... when you get sick of it, just cut it off!

check out the dip-dye tutorial at mod.

p.s. hope you had a fabulous fourth of july weekend... i know mine was filled with great friends, family, food and fireworks!

friday fave finds.

2011-07-01T12:49:00.000-04:00

1. my dream bedroom, via mila keln

2. diy christmas light artwork! via apartment therapy

3. photograph via dress design decor

4. lovely floral platter from anthropologie

5. wish bracelets by ayofemi jewelry

6. watermelon mojitos, photo via bippity boppity boo

7. photograph via ein sommernachtstraum

8. missoni swimsuit, via net-a-porter

happy july and happy weekend!

the lbd of my dreams.

2011-06-30T12:51:00.000-04:00

i'm pretty sure it tops every list of fashion essentials ever compiled, but i've never been able to find the perfect little black dress... a dress that fits like a glove and makes me feel confident, sexy, and ready to take on the world.

well folks, after years of searching, i've finally found it. behold... the caruso dress by temperley london:

i've been lusting over this dress for months... maybe even years... but i never thought i'd be able to afford it. then one day it showed up on gilt... for 70% off!

mind you, it was still about four times what i'd normally pay for a dress. but this is an investment piece i'll wear for years to come. plus, it's the lbd i've been searching for all my life... how can you put a price on that?

minoux jewelry.

2011-06-29T13:53:00.000-04:00

love it all.

link

wordless wednesday.

2011-06-29T12:01:00.000-04:00

photo by andrea galvani

color theory . . . day-glo yellow.

2011-06-28T12:02:00.001-04:00

a touch of neon never hurt anyone.

1. pinterest 2. american apparel

3. the pandorian 4. these tings take time

5. angeline tournier 6. pinterest

words of wisdom from roald dahl.

2011-06-27T12:01:00.000-04:00

roald dahl was one of my favorite authors as a kids, and continues to be a favorite to this day. he always had such a wonderful imagination, a distinct and creative voice, and an uncanny ability to convey the magic of children.

his short stories for adults are really something special... they are one part whimsical, one part grotesque, and always wickedly funny. those of you who haven't yet discovered them simply must give them a read. i highly recommend kiss kiss... "parson's pleasure" is especially delicious.

hope you have a magical monday!

{image via madi illustration}

friday fave finds.

2011-06-24T12:58:00.000-04:00

1. personalized silhouette papercut by the path less traveled, $15

2. amazing leather and lace jacket by erin fetherston, waaay on sale (and still out of my budget) for $373.75 at the outnet

3. photograph of the ever-stylish jane birkin via joopy:notes

4. thé noir violette (black tea with violet essence) from technique indiscrete, €15

5. love-ly lettering via en mammas dag

6. shut up and kiss me! via we heart it

7. beautiful, understated packaging... found on pinterest

rent the runway.

2011-06-23T12:07:00.001-04:00

if you're like me, you absolutely love designer fashion but can't exactly afford to splurge on this season's hottest looks. rent the runway has the perfect solution... a website packed with tons of amazing designer dresses, handbags, and accessories that you can rent for a fraction of retail price!

if you've got a special event coming up and want to knock 'em dead with a gorgeous, stylish look, you've come to the right place. rent the runway will send your choice of dress in two sizes, so a perfect fit is almost guaranteed. when you're done, just toss the dress into the pre-paid shipping envelope and you're done! how easy is that?

dress rentals start at just $50, so now you have no excuse not to look fabulous! click here to sign up.

here are some looks i've put together to help you look amazing for your next party, holiday, or date night...

dress by temperley london. retail: $1,550 rental: $200

earrings by badgley mischka jewelry. retail: $65 rental: $25

ring by erickson beamon. retail: $408 rental: $45

dress by badgley mischka. retail: $510 rental: $75

earrings by miguel ases. retail: $400 rental: $50

clutch by lauren merkin. retail: $195 rental: $25

dress by carlos miele. retail: $1,100 rental: $150

necklace by gemma redux. retail: $680 rental: $50

clutch by judith leiber. retail: $995 rental: $100

dress by brian reyes. retail: $1,250 rental: $150

cuff by kara ross. retail: $395 rental: $40

clutch by kara ross. retail: $975 rental: $45

emmaline bride.

2011-06-22T14:09:00.000-04:00

i'm not planning a wedding (hubby and i have been married for almost 4 years!)... but if i was, my first inspiration stop would definitely be emmaline bride. it's billed as "the wedding guide for the handmade bride," and they have tons of gorgeous, unique ideas to make all the details of your big day just as special as they should be.

wordless wednesday.

2011-06-22T11:27:00.000-04:00

via the girl in the black beret.

stina persson.

2011-06-21T12:44:00.002-04:00

stunning watercolor paintings by swedish illustrator stina persson.

etsy love.

2011-06-20T11:29:00.001-04:00

happy monday! just wanted to share some new favorites i found through the etsy entrepreneurs team...

{zebra tote by grace design}

{springtime in paris photo by sonja caldwell}

{you and me print by mursblanc}

{fringe tunic by wear the canvas}

{pillows by cewbespoke}

friday fave finds.

2011-06-17T12:31:00.002-04:00

1. assorted french macarons from sparkles kitchen

2. photo via design minds

3. photo by francoise rachez

4. colorful wedges by michael antonio, via dsw

5. coral lace bralette and pineapple boyshorts from topshop

6. lavender lace bralette and lime green boyshorts from topshop

7. aqua lace bralette and coral striped boyshorts from topshop

8. raspberry photo from images by cassandra

in search of . . . the perfect summer tote.

2011-06-16T12:11:00.000-04:00

why is it always so hard to find the perfect summer bag?

it needs to be big enough to hold all the essentials (beach towel, a good book, bottle of water...), but i'm looking for more than just a shapeless sack. it has to have lots of extra pockets for sunscreen, snacks, shades and all the other little things. and of course a cute design that bridges the gap between the beach and the street is a must.

here are my picks for this summer... which one is your fave?

1. bright stripes scream summer, roomy cargo pockets on the front hold all your stuff, and the price can't be beat! from target, $16.99

2. i love that this bag converts from a standard tote to a fold-over shoulder bag. it's like getting two bags in one! by ray design, $115

3. super unique marbled fabric and rugged waxed canvas combine to give this bag a chic factor that's off the charts. by bees'netta, $155

4. this bag has a classic, effortlessly cool look... i love the colorful bungee cord handle! by j. crew, $62.50

5. i adore the beetle graphics and dark leather trim on this tote... sadly it's not in my price range, but i'm keeping my fingers crossed for a sale! from anthropologie, $148

6. an adorable bike graphic and sunny yellow hue make this french-inspired messenger a winner. by ikabags, $69.74

7. the metallic fabric is cute on or off the beach, and the zip top is super practical (no more sand in the bottom of your bag!). by lesportsac, $88

8. i love the rugged-meets-chic look of leather and canvas, and this one has pockets galore! by nine west, on sale for $54.99

just the little things.

2011-06-15T13:47:00.002-04:00

this adorable tumblr reminds you to appreciate the little things every day.

wordless wednesday.

2011-06-15T12:01:00.000-04:00

via hair romance.

homako.

2011-06-14T12:32:00.000-04:00

on today's wishlist: whimsical textile jewelry from homako.

cedric rivrain.

2011-06-13T12:45:00.003-04:00

beautifully detailed fashion drawings by cedric rivrain.

friday fave finds.

2011-06-10T13:03:00.000-04:00

1. set of four insect postcards from f2 images

2. printed red kaftan dress by mara hoffman, via free people

3. orange leather + key bracelet by ettika, via max & chloe

4. skull + tassel keychain by alexander mcqueen, via ssense

5. custom calligraphed envelopes by perch paper co.

6. gorgeous printed dress by mara hoffman

7. leather sandals with tassel by fratelli rossetti, via zappos

florafauna.

2011-06-09T12:53:00.000-04:00

show off your great taste in music and art with one of these limited-edition posters from florafauna.

huge giveaway via oh happy day!

2011-06-08T14:41:00.000-04:00

if you're anything like me, you've been obsessively following jordan ferney's blog oh happy day since she packed up and moved from san francisco to paris. over the past four months, jordan has been exploring all over paris and sharing gorgeous photos and great tips on where to go and what to do when visiting the city of light.

now, the uber-generous jordan is offering an absolutely a-maz-ing giveaway to her blog readers... a seven-night trip for two to paris! yes, you read that right. you could be going on an amazing vacation to paris, and jordan herself will foot the bill. and all you have to do to enter is comment on her blog. i mean, come on... how can you say no to that?!

wordless wednesday.

2011-06-08T12:33:00.001-04:00

via favim.

a delightful dining room makeover.

2011-06-07T12:38:00.000-04:00

love this gorgeous dining room makeover via addicted 2 decorating. the turquoise piano is one of the best things i've seen in a while... i totally want one for myself!

stitchasaurus rex.

2011-06-06T12:33:00.002-04:00

sweet hand-embroidered vintage linens from stitchasaurus rex.

heat wave!

2011-06-01T12:20:00.004-04:00

{photo by blue sky clouds}

i'm back from portland, where it was a brisk 55 degrees and misty... only to return to 90 degree, sunny, humid weather in new jersey. yikes! it's only june 1st, but it already feels like the dog days of summer.

my husband and i had a great time in portland... lots of good food, laughs with old friends, and exploring all over the city. more on that later!

for now, happy june to you all... try to stay cool!

off to portland!

2011-05-25T12:28:00.002-04:00

image credits:

1. victor vonsalza 2. the impression that i get 3. osucommons

4. vintage indie 5. rios-enriquez 6. anty diluvian

7. sfgamchick 8. joseph readdy 9. stargayzerr

i am in desperate need of a vacation... so the hubby and i are off to portland, oregon for an extended memorial day holiday!

portland has been majorly up-and-coming in the past handful of years... you can't turn a corner of the blogosphere without hearing about another amazing artist who calls the city home. lucky for me, my husband makes the perfect tour guide - he was born and raised in good old portlandia :)

hope you all have a fabulous week/weekend... be back next tuesday!

marta lugo jewels.

2011-05-24T13:04:00.001-04:00

these gem-inspired pieces from marta lugo jewels are just my kind of jewelry... one part quirky, one part girly, one hundred percent awesome.

three red apples.

2011-05-23T12:26:00.000-04:00

i simply adore these works of textile art from three red apples. the bohemian, gypsy vibe is adorable and makes them the perfect gift for the free spirit or globe-trekker in your life.

friday fave finds.

2011-05-20T12:31:00.005-04:00

1. geometric patterned blouse from anthropologie

2. ruched maillot from j. crew

3. anchor necklace from yellow heart art

4. nautical-inspired handbag by fred perry, via zappos

5. navy velvet settee via home portfolio

6. rue de la lune photo by magalerie

7. crown and laurel wreath pillows from helkat design

8. puppy peacoat from rover

manly gifts from kaufmann mercantile.

2011-05-19T12:52:00.000-04:00

father's day is coming up, and you know what that means... we all need ideas for manly gifts! here are some rustic, beautifully designed gift ideas from kaufmann mercantile.

bonus - they offer free shipping with any purchase over $25 and $7 off when you sign up for their e-newsletter!

from top:

handmade leather football, $115

canvas backpack, $145

camping hatchet, $36

cloth-bound notebook, $19

deerskin work gloves, $45

wordless wednesday.

2011-05-18T12:04:00.002-04:00

okay, just one word: yum.

slight clutter.

2011-05-17T12:35:00.004-04:00

these dreamy images from slight clutter photography just make me want to spend more time outside. just my luck, it's supposed to rain all week here! at least i can live vicariously through her lens :)

broundoor.

2011-05-16T12:44:00.002-04:00

i love anything bird-themed, so obviously i can't resist these adorable purses and pouches from broundoor. check out the rest of the shop for some super awesome wallets, passport covers, journals, and more!

weekend project . . . plant an herb garden.

2011-05-13T12:38:00.004-04:00

there's nothing quite like a handful of fresh herbs to brighten up a summer meal. i've always wanted to grow my own herb garden, but years of apartment living with no outdoor space didn't exactly help me develop my green thumb.

now that i've got a house and a yard, i'm ready to take the plunge! i have the unfortunate tendency to kill every plant i touch, so i'm taking a bit of a shortcut and using some herb seed bombs i purchased from visualingual. such a fantastic idea for the novice gardener!

hope you have a fantastic weekend... see you on monday!

p.s. no fave finds today... they'll be back next friday!

wordless wednesday.

2011-05-11T12:17:00.000-04:00

photo by scarlet beautiful.

party decor by bhldn

2011-05-10T12:45:00.001-04:00

bhldn, sister shop to perennial favorite anthropologie, recently released a lovely decor collection. perfect for adding that handmade touch to parties and weddings, even when you don't have the time to do it yourself!

dying to try . . . socks with sandals (!)

2011-05-09T12:30:00.001-04:00

{via fashiontoast}

{via jilted lover}

{burberry via the yay or nay}

{image via drake journalism}

once thought of as a hardcore fashion no-no, socks with sandals are starting to appear on stylish bloggers and street-chic girls everywhere! over the past few seasons, i've fallen hard for the sweet, girly-girl look of ankle socks paired with strappy wedges or platforms.

what's your take... can a normal girl wear this combo, or do you have to be a leggy, super tall model-type to pull it off? should i try it out myself or leave it to the pros?

friday fave finds.

2011-05-06T12:20:00.000-04:00

1. photo via we heart hair

2. box of colorful paper twine from bhldn

3. lace-up wedge sandals by loeffler randall

4. playful orange boyshorts from victoria's secret pink

5. painted vintage picture frames from mandolin goose

6. metal scroll chair from anthropologie

7. every day is the best day gocco print by heather jeany

8. image via deja vu vintage

laura george.

2011-05-05T12:49:00.003-04:00

every now and then i come across an etsy shop that just makes me smile. laura george's little corner of etsy is one of those special places. laura's weird and wonderful artwork is sure to lift your spirits and make the world seem like a happier place. any one of her quirky prints, paintings, or notecards would make a great gift for a friend... or yourself!

wordless wednesday.

2011-05-04T14:10:00.002-04:00

photo by nevil zaveri

my latest obsession . . . bensimon sneakers

2011-05-03T12:24:00.003-04:00

i'm pretty sure i need a pair of bensimon sneakers in every color and style.

here is why:

1. they are french. enough said.

2. they have been worn by fashion icons like jane birkin and brigitte bardot.

3. they literally go with everything, from lived-in jeans and a t-shirt to a sweet summer dress.

convinced? i certainly am :)

pigeonhole.

2011-05-02T12:34:00.001-04:00

reasonably priced, amazing looking jewelry? sign me up!

via pigeonhole

p.s. my birthday is coming up... just sayin ;)

friday fave finds.

2011-04-29T12:20:00.000-04:00

1. striped canvas kindle cover by kate spade

2. yusuke aida tea cup from far 4

3. personalized stationery by silhouette blue

4. green stripes art print by peggy wolf

5. minimarket tokyo sunglasses from urban outfitters

6. striped sandals via the fashionables

7. photo from madcapmagician2009

8. striped kilim floor pillow via hipster chic

do not adjust your television set.

2011-04-28T13:37:00.003-04:00

in a stroke of shear genius (or shear stupidity), i created this minimalist treasury late last night. i think it's the most creative (or least creative) collection i've ever put together. what do you think?

wordless wednesday.

2011-04-27T15:33:00.000-04:00

via bunting boutique.

sneak peek... my living room & dining room

2011-04-26T12:59:00.000-04:00

this will be the last round of house pics for a little while... enjoy your sneak peek into my living and dining rooms!

i love my living room chairs! i've been obsessed with the ghost chair for years, and i'm so happy that i finally own one. the pillow is from karen hilton, a long-time etsy fave based in london. i also love the exposed brick wall and our newly refinished original wood floors :)

my mantel. the rustic wood is totally different from everything else in the room, but i liked the contrast so i decided to keep it. the super bright artwork is by kathryn dilego, and the ampersand is from tucker reece. the round mirror was a diy project... it started as a colorful magazine frame from urban outfitters, which i painted matte white.

the dining room, my favorite room in the house! the color palette is so calming (compared with the crazy brights everywhere else in the house!). i was inspired by paris, so i decided to display some of my favorite photos on the far wall. the pendant from shades of light was a pain to install, but i love it! the feather tray is john derian for target.

i've been completely obsessed with using ceiling medallions as wall decor since i first saw it in a home decor magazine years ago. i'm so glad i decided to try it out in the dining room! the medallions are from architectural depot. i'm also really pleased with the paint color... it's called sharkey gray, and it is from martha stewart's paint collection. the perfect taupe-y, mushroom-y, warm grey... just what i had in mind.

well, that's all for now! i'm actually planning on re-doing my living room in the near future, so hopefully i'll have some new stuff to show off soon :)

dear pumpernickel.

2011-04-25T13:18:00.003-04:00

gorgeous watercolor originals and prints from dear pumpernickel. if you're a bird lover, each piece of artwork comes with an extra bonus... 10% of the purchase price is donated to the royal society for the protection of birds.

friday fave finds.

2011-04-22T12:14:00.002-04:00

1. vintage spoon garden stakes from hammermann

2. linen and lace dress by bayou salvage

3. vintage trophy from sara kate studios

4. concrete planters by a.t. designs

5. ballet-inspired sneakers by bensimon via words, a blog.

6. vintage tolix chairs via porchlight interiors

7. succulent wall via cactus blog

8. ceramic candles by astier de villatte

9. vintage horseshoe collection from laurel leaf farm

the artist is present.

2011-04-21T12:32:00.001-04:00

in 2010, marina abramovic embarked on her longest-ever piece of performance art. for 72 days, she sat in front of a small table in a gallery at moma, inviting visitors to sit silently across from her for the duration of their choosing. some stayed for only a minute, others sat quietly for hours, and a portrait was taken of each visitor.

there is something strangely compelling, intimate, and overwhelmingly human about these portraits. some people have tears streaming down their faces, some reappear again and again over days and weeks, and some look only vaguely familiar until you realize you are staring at the face of a famous person (i see you, james franco).

i could literally spend an entire day poring over these photos of strangers. click here to see the entire set on flickr. what do you think? what is it that makes them so enthralling?

wordless wednesday.

2011-04-20T12:04:00.000-04:00

via integrity studio.

heartsy + lesley sico photography

2011-04-20T10:02:00.001-04:00

i'm so excited about this... today on heartsy, i'm offering a deal of 66% off everything in my photography shop!

for a limited time, you can get a voucher worth $32 for only $11! that's three 5x5 prints plus shipping, all for only $11. but if you want to snag this deal, you'd better hurry... there are only 50 vouchers available!

stumped.

2011-04-19T14:33:00.000-04:00

is this not the most adorable little side table ever? it's tough to pick a favorite, but i'm leaning toward the lavender.

from twinkle twinkle little one.

dying to try . . . fashion forward fingers.

2011-04-19T12:09:00.001-04:00

{via the door in my wardrobe}

{via fashion wave}

{via bespoken4}

{via beautygeeks}

{via lacky nails}

i feel like i've been seeing all kinds of modern, chic, colorful manicures lately. from mirror-like metallics to reverse french manicures, they've been all over the runways and the streets.

i've never been the type to keep my nails perfectly polished, but i'm really into the idea of making my fingers into their own little fashion accessories. what do you think? which look would you try?

sneak peek . . . my new & improved kitchen!

2011-04-18T12:23:00.004-04:00

here it is... your sneak peek into my freshly painted kitchen...

i know you can't tell much from this little corner, but trust me, the new paint does wonders for my little retro kitchen! the walls were previously a dingy, flat, stark white. the color we chose really warms the space up while still keeping it bright and fresh. the rest of the space is still a work in progress, but i have tons of amazing ideas.

another project i've been waiting to reveal... my chalkboard fridge! the appliances that came with our home aren't exactly what i would have chosen, but they are fully functional so i can't justify buying new ones. the one thing i really hate is the ginormous black fridge that you walk into as soon as you enter the space... so i decided to spruce it up with a coat of chalkboard paint! what do you think? très cute, no?

another fun little project... my diy mason jar soap dispensers! such a sweet detail to add to the farmhouse kitchen vibe i'm aiming for. this project was soooo easy... check out the tutorial from girl in air here.

here are some other elements i am hoping to incorporate into my new and improved kitchen....

1. adorable vintage bird egg prints i purchased from vintage foster care.

2. i really want a schoolhouse ceiling light like this one from lamps plus.

3. i've been debating over what chairs i want to use for our tiny eat in space... i think i've decided to go for a french-industrial look with these stools.

4. a pink teapot! from reston lloyd.

5. i bought this vintage street sign ages ago from bella lulu vintage, and now i finally have a place for it!

6. my sister gave me this retro clock, and it is absolutely perfect for the space.

7. i just ordered this repro holophane glass pendant for above my little eat-in table. from rejuvenation.

8. air plants! i would love to see a row of these little beauties on my window sill. these ones are from air plant supply co.

9. i've been eying this vintage metal tray from vintage now & then for a while now... and i finally have an excuse to buy it :)