inspired by: tim walker

one of the photographers i always come back to for inspiration is the amazing  Tim Walker, who is described as having "extravagant staging and romantic motifs [that] characterize his unmistakable style." i love the nostalgic quality of his work: dreamy and romantic in that hazy way which points to a magical moment past you just can't quite remember.  his photos are the type which are so detailed i have to go over them about a million times before i'm close to satisfied. i love the elements of fantasy and wonder in his work and would absolutely die to have one (or all!) of his books adorn my coffee table. any photographers you're loving of late?

tunes for tuesday: bahamas

weird tropical vacation images aside, this song is pretty awesome and definitely a good sunshine-y song for what will hopefully be a great day.

my internal clock is all screwed up… boulder weather is so much more mild than new england that i think it’s spring already…

Hermès Spring/Summer 2013

these images from the Hermès spring/summer 2013 ad campaign are so whimsical and wonderful i just had to share them with you. it's nice to have long summer dock-days with big blue skies to think about when you're wrapped up in your chunky knits on a chilly february morning.

i'm such a sucker for beautiful campaign imagery... have you seen any lately that really make you smile?

have a happy monday, friends.
xx

images via here

the basics brigade

striped tee & leggings.

is it just me or are there certain pieces in your closet that you pull out time and time again? don't know what to wear? having an i-feel-like-crap-but-i-need-to-go-look-presentable moment? i always reach for the same couple outfits. what is it about that ratty gray t-shirt that i can't get enough of (it's moved with me across the country...twice)? that old pair of jeans i'm wearing out, despite the fact that i have about fifteen other pairs in my closet. or those black stretch trousers that i cried over when my dog chewed through the corner. for a girl who loves fashion so much, i have a pretty solid collection of must-have basics, and so i've decided to compile a list of them from you (which are almost entirely from J. Crew...they know how to do classic). that way, just in case, that favorite sweater of yours gets lost with your luggage, you can have hope that my list-o-basics could maybe come close help replace it.

cozy sweater & denim.

tops:
1. v-neck tee (i like J.Crew's vintage cotton tee, mine's gray a.k.a. the most utilized shirt i have)
2. the fun striped long(er) sleeve tee (i'm all about J. Crew's rotating version of these, i have a sequined one from a few years ago i can't get enough of)
3. a comfy, slouchy, cashmere pullover (J.Crew has this one covered too)
4. basic, solid button up (Splendid's double pocket, in white, is top for me)
5. the chambray (hands down Madewell's ex-boyfriend chambray is the best)
6. a classic blazer (the schoolboy blazer from J.Crew fits me well and lasts forever)

pants:
1. a straight-leg denim in a classic wash (mine are a pair of Seven's)
2. stretch black pants, not leggings (the minnie pant... what would i wear without you??)
3. black leggings (lululemon's wonder under... no muffin top from these bad boys!)

simple accessories & favorite basics. 

mix in some simple jewelry, a pair of Frye boots, a chunky scarf, and Ray-Ban sunnies and you have my basic basics. what are some pieces on your list?

images 1/2/3

decor dreams: the living room

it's amazing how quickly time flies by when you're in the middle of big life changes... i hardly noticed that we progressed from 2012 to 2013 a few weeks ago. i just made a major move from vermont to colorado, and am pretty excited to see what the next few months have in store for me. 

the boyfriend and i have this great little apartment, but at the moment it is BARE. as in, devoid of practically all furniture, artwork, cooking supplies, etc... it's pretty amazing how little we actually need on a day-to-day basis. decorating and making this place feel like home is a long way off (the job hunt is taking priority right now!), but i can't help dreaming about what i want to do to our tiny space.  i'm thinking i'm going to have the most fun with our living room: it's open, has lots of natural light, and a fireplace!

when i started collecting images of pieces that inspired me, i was surprised by the preppy vibe i was exuding... but i think being in a new place is a great excuse to try tastes that are a little out of my wheelhouse. 

any advice for taking on a completely empty apartment? i'm all ears!

{{orange wingback chair/ Kate Spade 'live colorfully' pillow/ VOGUE february 1927 cover print/ wall mirror & chaise from Joss & Main/ diptyque candle/ Jonathan Adler happy pillow/ Scalamandre zebra glasses/ gold giraffe & elephant figurines/ Slim Aarons: Once Upon a Time book}}

holiday gift guide: for her

'tis the season to give a little to your special someone, and today's post is for the lovely ladies you want to spoil this season. the gifts on here are ones that most women would love to receive and cover a variety of price points. the trick to good gift giving is to give what the person would not necessarily buy for themselves, but isn't so outrageous that they'll never use it. and if you have no clue what her tastes are, opt for something simple, like driving gloves or travel lotions.  here are some of my top picks for the girls:

1.  a little lacy lingerie for your girlfriend or best friend, like these bra and panties separates available at Madewell, are perfectly spicy to offset the sweetness of the season. 
2. leather driving gloves are one of those can't-go-wrong necessities that also can be completely a chic gift. my mom always has cold hands, so an option like this one is classic way to keep her warm and not break the bank.
3. what girl doesn't love a little sparkle? these Lulu Frost for J. Crew earrings are oh-so gorgeous and would glitter perfectly with any new year's eve ensemble.
4. a classic silk blouse is a beautiful wardrobe stable, and this one fits to perfection. 
5. Laura Mercier's stickgloss is a lipstick for girls who don't like lipstick. There are lots of great colors and it's an awesome stocking stuffer!
6.  Splurge item! This Kate Spade wallet is perfect: bright, fun, flirty, and practical. 
7. le petite pâtisserie  quartet smells as good as it sounds, and its a great gift for the girl on the go.
8.  if your lady loves to add to her arm candy stack, this bracelet is a cute and sparkly addition, and now it's on sale for $30!
9. Again, a splurge. But if you live in a cold or slushy climate, these boots will keep her warm and dry all winter.
10. A Jill Bliss journal set has beautiful prints and is a thoughtful gift for the notetaker in your life.
11. Can't go wrong with classic leopard print ballerina flats, just get her size right!
12. A favorite childhood book is an amazing gift, she can use it as a coffee table book now! 

the sexiest night on television

last night was the airing of the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show, and i have to say, it's probably the show i look forward to most this time of year. completely over-the-top, glittery, and just plain sexy, i love every minute of it. this years' show didn't disappoint: the musical acts were good (i especially loved Bruno Mars and his band), the styling of each costume so elaborate and intricate that i poured over images of them after the show, and of course, the models looked phenomenal. the energy and attitude of the show is so fun it's infectious. my favorite part was the opening act of 'circus,' but i thought the pinball set for 'pink ball' was so cute, and 'angels in bloom' was so feminine and gorgeous it was a close runner up. 'silverscreen angels' was reminiscent of old hollywood glam, 'dangerous liasons' was decadent and oozing with sex appeal, and 'calendar girls' was pretty darn adorable.

above i picked my favorite looks from each act, and that was me seriously narrowing the list down. which are your favorites? do look forward to seeing the angels walk the glitter runway each year? and if you missed the show, you can catch a repeat of it tonight on CBS!

all images via here