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11.25.2013

Blurred Art

Thom Filicia Lake House via House Beautiful
Ever since seeing this image of Thom Filicia's lake house in the photo above, I've been a bit obsessed with the blurred piece hanging above the credenza. The hazy ambiguity provides just enough narrative (mother, child, beach) while still feeling abstract and arty. Initially I thought it was a photograph but after staring at it for so long I'm not so sure (I couldn't find a source). Either way, I'm tempted to throw a gaussian blur on all my photos and have the printed out and hung all over my room. Crazy, yes? I smell a summer project.

The fascination eventually led me to discover the amazing work of Philip Barlow. I just love his paintings in which he captures this same blurred quality. To me, the genius in Barlow's work is truly his ability to understand and recreate light.
Sea of Glass by Philip Barlow
Glow 2 by Philip Barlow
Slipping by on 34th Street by Philip Barlow
Light Space by Philip Barlow
Pretty spectacular in my opinion. I'm feeling inspired. Have a wonderful Monday my friends!
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11.21.2013

A Golden Typewriter

I'm sure by now you've all seen Lauren Conrad's new office set up over at Domaine. What did you think? I'm a little bit obsessed. But the thing that really caught my eye during the entire tour was her golden typewriter. I can't get it off my mind.
 I have always been drawn to vintage typewriters. I've considered purchasing one several times at antique shops and flea markets, but have never pulled the trigger. Not only are they charming to look at - For me, they represent my love for old literature and the written word. I have a degree in Honours English, and have always loved to read and write.
They also symbolize a sort of meticulous, careful execution. There is no backspacing on a typewriter - it's all about taking your time, really thinking about the words you are going to type, what you want to say. No chance for editing (unless you want to retype the whole thing).
You get one shot - and there is something golden about that, my friends.
If anyone knows where I can get my hands on a golden typewriter (slash add it to my list of fancy things I will buy one day when I can afford fancy things), don't keep it a secret! My guess is that it's a well preserved vintage. In the meantime I will keep myself contented with this golden stapler  from Shop by Monika. Have to start somewhere guys.
xox
All images via Domaine. See the rest of the tour here.
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11.20.2013

Bar Cart Art: Perfect Prints to Hang over your Bar

Holiday season is upon us - time to start planning for fabulous parties with lots of sequins and of course flowing drinks. Is your bar cart in order? If you are me, the answer is no...no it is not. But let's pretend it is styled with pretty champagne flutes (THESE are on my wishlist..please Santa?), striped straws, and a well stocked selection of liquor. All that's left is the blank wall space above. This calls for a round up of perfect prints for the party girl in all of us:
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 /6
I think these are so sassy and fun. If the holiday bash isn't at your place this year, wouldn't one of these make the perfect hostess gift? Bonus: Each print is under $30.
My heart belongs to the black and white Chanel one, it would go perfectly in my place....Santa, are you still reading?
^ Mackenzie Horan via Glitter Guide
via Read Between the Lines
DIY art via Whatever is Lovelier
Now bust out your sparkliest dress and the rum and egg nog. It's time to celebrate!

You might also like:
Flea Market Find - Brass Bar Car

How to Style a Bar Cart
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11.12.2013

My Three Muses Pillow

Awhile ago, the lovely Erika of Small Shop Studio teamed up with Michelle Dwight Designs to giveaway a custom 'Three Muses' pillow to one lucky reader. Imagine my glee when I found out that I had won! It's here and it's good - in fact, I couldn't be happier with it! It's just so much fun and a great conversation piece.
When deciding on my muses, I tried to choose three women who represent different points of inspiration for me.

The first is Carrie Bradshaw. Although fictional, Carrie is a strong, independent women, a successful writer, and one hell of a dresser. She is my fashion muse, reminding me to always dress for myself - not a man, not the trends, just me. And to always, always, be a good friend.
 "The most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you YOU love, well, that's just fabulous" - Carrie Bradshaw
 
'They say nothing lasts forever; dreams change, trends come and go, but friendships never go out of style.'
Read more at http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/blogs/suzannah-ramsdale/542963/sex-and-the-city-the-best-carrie-bradshaw-quotes.html#DTCshEAvioidhSrA.99
'They say nothing lasts forever; dreams change, trends come and go, but friendships never go out of style.'
Read more at http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/blogs/suzannah-ramsdale/542963/sex-and-the-city-the-best-carrie-bradshaw-quotes.html#DTCshEAvioidhSrA.99
 Kelly Wearstler is an obvious choice - my design muse. She is a visionary whose interior spaces read as stunning works of art. I always look to her work when I feel I am playing it too safe, when I need that extra push to be bold and fearless with my creativity.
"...there is genius in boldness. Fortunately...it is not a genius that is out of reach. All it requires is a willingness to make mistakes and to experiment, with a few considerations for the laws of attraction" -Kelly Wearstler

Last but not least, Audrey Hepburn, who I have always upheld as this sort of  standard of grace and class that I try to hold myself to each day. She was a Unicef ambassador and had such a positive outlook on life. She is also my eyebrow muse...if there is such a thing.
"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles" - Audrey Hepburn

So now it's your turn! Comment below and let me know who your 3 muses would be.
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11.11.2013

Remembrance Day: My Pinboard Wears a Poppy All Year

Today is November 11th, Remembrance Day.
Each November, we start to see poppies on everyone's jackets. It's a touching and simple way to salute the soldiers who have died in the line of duty, for all those who fought and continue to fight for our rights and freedoms - a tradition beginning after WWI and the famous poem "In Flanders Field" by John McCrae.
Every time I pin a poppy to my own jacket, however, I seem to lose it (how is it that we have 3D TV and not a better poppy pinning system?!). Instead, I keep a poppy on my inspiration pinboard all year long as a quiet reminder to myself to never forget.
 To some, this stark symbol might seem out of place amidst images of fashionistas and pretty wallpapers, but for me, there are no rules or limitations on inspiration, on the things that motivate me. Yesterday I was organizing my board (I will share the entire thing another day), and as I repinned my poppy into place, it occurred to me just how inspiring it is.
Each time I look at it, my dziadzia comes to my mind. (Dziadzia is Polish for Grandpa, pronounced Jah-Jah).
 My grandfather, who fought in WWII and saw horrors I cannot even imagine.
My grandfather, who was discharged after shrapnel from a bomb burned into his arm, a blessing in disguise - He was one of the lucky ones.
My Jah-Jah, who taught me to play checkers,  who passed away when I was eight years old.
I miss you. I hope I am making you proud.
Today is for the people who fought along side my grandfather, who fought in wars before him and wars after him. I thank you and I pray for the day the world is at peace.
Lest we forget. 
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You might also like:
Tassel Garland Pinboard / DIY Ribbon and Linen Pinboard