les rêveurs

this weekend, i had the pleasure of finishing 'Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern, which is quite possibly the best book i have read in a very long time. i couldn't put it down. the novel was completely magical, entirely enchanting, and wholly romantic. the style was luxuriously detailed, the plot was layered and exciting, and the whole thing was so dreamy that i felt spellbound. if you haven't gotten your hands on this book yet, you really should. 


regardless, as soon as i finished reading, i put together two outfits that i would wear as a rêveur at the night circus if it ever came my way:

Hervé Léger dress/ Michael Kors wedges/ Love Quotes scarf/ Céline clutch/ Night Circus book/ Mango blouse/ DvF shorts/ Pour la Victoire sandals

i love the starkness of a black and white color theme, but pops of red really can make a whole outfit dramatic and fit for a mysterious and magical adventure. have you read the novel? are you as inspired by it as i am?

inspired by: roadside blooms

yesterday was one of those days that was so rainy and grey that i was taken by complete surprise when out on a jog i encountered tons of vibrant colors among the roadside wildflowers. i don't know if i just never noticed them when i was out before in the hazy heat that has become the norm this july, or if the most recent rainstorm inspired the blooms, but either way they were absolutely beautiful to me.

the lush greens, elegant queen anne's lace, rich purple-y pinks, pops of orange, and pale blues of the wildflowers inspired the dream date look i created for my trip to new york this weekend. i'm absolutely in love with the sequin embellishments on the dress, and both of the bracelets are gorgeous in detail. here's to everyone having a pretty and inspired weekend!

ponte boyfriend blazer/ emerald earrings/ embellished dress/ Tory Burch wallet/ floral gardens bangle/ meadow inspired bracelet/ Essie polish/ floral perfume/ Steven pumps

elie saab: couture king

i didn't believe it was possible to love a collection more than i loved Elie Saab's haute couture spring/summer 2012 collection... but then came along his fall/winter looks and i just about died. every single of the 46 dresses were delicate, opulent, elegant, and oh-so beautiful. everything from the simple, dewy makeup, to the perfectly braided hair announces the arrival a sophisticated and gorgeous woman. on his website, Saab's work is described as 'the art of glorifying women,' and that his goal is to 'inject beauty into women's lives.' the fall collection does this perfectly. anyone in presence of these dresses could just look at them and feel like a princess.

all images via Vogue

all mixed up

mix and match chairs (and other furniture for that matter) is a look that i've always been drawn to: unique pieces that don't match but compliment each other makes a room seem more lived-in and inviting to me.  however, i find that if not mismatched in a fairly delibrate manner, a room can easily become overwhelmed by mix and match furniture. my favorite look is mismatched chairs that are all the same color or within the same range, it makes for diverse design that's easy on the eyes. are you into mix and match pieces? how do you keep them from visually cluttering a space?

images via 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

tunes for tuesday: walk the moon

sometimes, i just want to bop along to some poppy, fun music and Walk The Moon definitely delivers. check out this video for 'Anna Sun,' you'll want to get up and join a choreographed dance party (look at 1:57 for inspiration) or paint your face like a summertime warrior. happy tuesday!

orange you glad

after a hot and humid weekend, i'm often craving tangy citrus flavors and lively pops of color to shake me out of my lazy state. orange and tangerine hues are the perfect accent to brighten up a room (in fact, 'tangerine tango' is Pantone's color of the year!), or to jazz up an otherwise average ensemble. so whether you are adorning your home or your body, taking a bite out of the orange trend is sure to juice up your look.

bright orange couch and details in the ottoman give focus to an otherwise neutral living space.
(image via here)

the armchair is a tangerine dream and the bookshelf pulls it all together.
(image via pinterest)

orange baubles to brighten a white tee/ frames to add color to your black and white photos/ beautiful floral fabric to make curtains or accent pillows/ side table for lamps and books/ print for your walls/ shocking satchel to boost your mood/ vibrant watch to act as arm candy/ delicate chair to prove bright does not always mean bold/practical sofa that makes a statement/ zebra pillow to pretend that everyday is safari day/summery polish for sassy fingers/a citrus-musk candle that your boyfriend won't hate/Pantone iPhone case because even your phone should get dressed up

maxed out

i love a good maxi dress: easy to wear, comfortable, diverse, and can transition from day to night no problem. with all that, it's no surprise that mine have been on repeat the past few weeks. start off with brown leather sandals, simple gold jewelry, a sun hat, and a neutral bag for day time casual, and pull on a crisp jacket or blazer, statement necklace, clutch, and heels for nighttime. easy-peasy!

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

i'm loving the cutouts on #1 and the grecian style of #3, but for the moment i am most drawn to the bright pink and fluttery details of #7. do you love your maxi's as much as i do?

seeing spots

image via J.Crew

being the huuuge j.crew fan that i am, it's no surprise that i scour their website for styling ideas and tips for current trends. i was excited to see their current online feature for polka dotted styles, a trend that i've noticed is popping up all over the place.

images via 1. 2. 3. 4.

polka dots are whimsical, fun, and when styled in the right way (like the ladies above) aren't overwhelming in the slightest. how do you wear your dots?

Dorothy Perkins dress/ Kate Spade pumps/ Brahmin tote/ AG black polka dot denim/ J.Crew popover/Mink Pink dress/ Topshop satin bow/Madewell tee/ Kate Spade laptop sleeve/Keds for Madewell sneakers

middle ground

hi all. sorry about the late posting today, i just got home from visiting the boyfriend in the adirondacks for the past couple days. you see, vin and i participate in what is somewhat-fondly referred to as a "medium distance relationship," which basically means that we live close enough that we can drive to see each other, but far enough away that our differing schedules means sometimes we go weeks without spending time together. 


now, don't get me wrong, we did the long distance thing for a while when i was living in california and the MDR is waaaaaay easier than the LDR. but, that doesn't mean it's any less crushing to leave him after getting to spend only a couple days together. and it doesn't mean that i don't go into a sort of panic sometimes wondering when we will be able to make the time to make the drive to reunite next. 

image source unknown

despite all this whining and complaining, it was wonderful to see him, and we did have tons of fun hiking and swimming and playing with our pup. it's just that we are experiencing those 20-somethings growing pains, and it's going to take some time until we have our feet under us and can be together-together again. i'm lucky to have such a good teammate as him and that this medium distance relationship is merely an interlude in our lives together.

tunes for tuesday: french kicks

kinda obsessing over this track 'Sex Tourist' from French Kick's album 'Swimming.' it's pretty awesome that the group records their music themselves, and most of it is recorded live-- hence the completely uninhibited sound they produce. i like the quote from their facebook page saying they make "intelligent pop music..." give it a listen, why don't ya?

lacy pretty things

i believe a girl should dress to feel her best, and for me an important part of that is having nice, pretty underthings. they don't necessarily have to be as lacy and colorful as the ones below (although that's what i personally love-- all the feminine detailing is wonderful); it's just nice to have the secret knowledge that you look gorgeous and sexy through and through: a great way to boost your confidence and help you feel powerful and strong.

which of these styles do you like the best?

clockwise from top: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.  12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

weekend warrior

unfortunately, it appears that my weekend is going to be spent running errands and getting mundane tasks done (cue car inspections, house cleaning, laundry, and trips to the bank), rather than my usual hiking fun and various adventures.

errands wouldn't be so bad if they were all bike rides to get fresh flowers!
(image via Beg Bicycles)

 despite my lack of enthusiasm for my weekend plans, i do love my errands ensemble: cropped-cuffed denim (Citizens of Humanity 'Thompson' is my fave), flats, cute t-shirt, and simple jewelry. 

J.Crew ribbon-stripe boatneck tee/ Citizens of Humanity Thompson (now on sale!)/ Elizabeth and James Mushroom Posts/ Shashi Zen Hoops/ See By Chloe Wallet/ Michael Kors Chunky Chain Bracelet/ Asos Ballet flats

happy weekend everybody, regardless of your current plans :-)

shelf it

in my humble opinion, the most important thing in a home is the collection of book housed within. of course, how you display your books is pretty important too.

the warm honey wood tones against the stark white wall is a biting contrast that really wakes this room up. i'm also loving the vintage chest coffee table.

shelves that take up an entire wall are pure inspiration to me. i love how this one is broken up with books turned horizontally and the gorgeous shells front and center.

the enclosed bookshelf is a way to keep things contained. the art pieces in this room are phenomenal as well. 

i adore this room. the rustic ladder is the perfect accent, not to mention that chair and PILLOW.

over the door and color coordinated-- makes the books the complete focal point of the room.

one of my favorite bookshelf displays, not only boasts that amazing bust, but darling art prints and matching peachy/coral tones.

i love this close up of other ornaments you can use to break up the monotony of a bookshelf: figurines and mementos of the places you've been.

curved wall... so awesome! also how great is that grey wall color?!

i love the bust on the sixth bookshelf, and the display of knick-knacks besides books also strikes my fancy. what's your favorite bookshelf design?


(images via: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.)

tickled pink

flipping through some old photos of a previous trip to spain, i came across this bright pink flower that became inspiration for today's post. pink is one of my favorite colors, it can be bold or soft and subtle depending on how you play it. out of the collection below, i am especially wanting the Rachel Pally maxi dress, but also dying over that adorable Lilly planner. how would you choose?  

NARS blush/ Rachel Pally maxi dress /J.Crew bubble necklace/ Rebecca Minkoff satchel/ Essie polish/ Stella McCartney sunnies/ Madewell Honeydew bra/ Epice linen scarf/ Matt Bernson sandals/ Jonathan Adler keychain/ Kate Spade watch/ Lilly Pulitzer planner/ Joie top/ Madewell shorts/ Vince shift dress/ Marc Jacobs perfume

tunes for tuesday: tennis

the sounds of Tennis' retro 60's pop coming through my speakers is both fun and thoughtful; perfect for a calm, summer afternoon, and instantly have been put on repeat. the band started out as a husband-wife duo but now boasts three members (Patrick Riley, Alaina Moore, and James Barone), a killer sound, and a new album. check out their website for a couple free downloads, and their facebook for more info. 

poolside

image source unknown

today, i've been dreaming of an afternoon spent soaking up the sun in a bright yellow bikini, surrounded by the chic-est accessories (hello, sunscreen!), sipping on a fruity cocktail, all while laying in my hot pink pool floaty. hey, a girl can dream, can't she??

Essie 'Fear or Desire' polish/ Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunblock (my favorite non-greasy sunscreen)/ Kate Spade clutch & beach towel (seriously, why am i obsessed with everything KS does?!)/ Juicy Couture cockatoo ring  & pineapple earrings/ Ray-Ban sunnies/ L*Space fringe bikini

all in the golden afternoon

one of my most favorite places in the world is the von trapp greenhouse in waitsfield, vt. the boyfriend and i make a point to try and get there at least once every summer to play around in the flowers, and admire the fields and mountains in the background.

 i love the wild feeling that these gardens have. you feel as if you're in this wonderful secret garden somewhere.

next time we go, i hope to be frolicking around in an outfit similar to this:

/watch: Michael Kors/trilby hat:Topshop/denim vest: H&M/perfume:Marc Jacobs/wedges: Dolce Vita/ shift dress: Dolce Vita 
what would you wear when playing among the flowers?

put your sunnies on

the skies are blue, the sun's coming out, and it's time to embrace the day. never leave the house without a great pair of shades and sunnies-inspired accessories (i've been totally dying over this scarf from Madewell). and if you haven't ever used hair ties like these from Anthro... well, you're missing out. they don't crease your hair and look super cute on your wrist with a bunch of bangles. accessories can be practical and pretty!

/hair ties: anthropologie/ top: J.Crew/ shorts: AG Pixie Short/ sunnies: Madewell/ scarf: Madewell/ bracelets: Baublebar and J.Crew/ sandals: Jack Rogers 

america the beautiful

at a glacial lake in the Rocky Mountain National Park 

i'm celebrating the fourth by climbing some mountains and reveling in the gorgeous natural landscape of this country i'm lucky to call home. have a happy day!

tunes for tuesday: tiger waves

Tiger Waves' "From The Start" is the sort of breezy summer sound i look for on a hot july day. upbeat, semi-phsycadelic, and perfectly bright, their EP "Don't Be Yourself" will get stuck in your head and you won't want it out. whaddya think?

*i don't own the rights to this song or this music video. 

independence day

for the fourth, i find it's easy to go overboard in red, white, and blue; stars and stripes forEVER (you should have seen my ensemble last year. i'm really, really glad you didn't) this time, i decided to incorporate elements of the holiday, without making it so blunt that i look like a walking american flag.  

top: Milly sunnies: Ray Ban chambray: J.Crew earrings: Gorjana denim: Current- Elliot bag: Rebecca Minkoff perfum: Dolce & Gabbana bangles: Stella and Dot flats: Tory Burch

what's your favorite thing to wear on the fourth?

july, july!

i'm so excited for my favorite month of the year: the excessive consumption of melty popsicles, fresh-picked raspberries, long days on the lake, escapes to salty ocean air...bathing suits, sunscreen, good books, fireworks!

image via A Well Traveled Woman