L.A. Lovin'

I’ve never been a major big city girl, even though I love the urban vibe of places like Paris, New York and L.A. They may be fun places to visit, but actually settling down and planting roots in a concrete jungle? The thought is horrifying! Luckily, I have many friends and family members who live the metropolitan lifestyle. In fact, my oldest daughter lives in Los Angeles, and I’ve been planning a little trip not only to see her, but also to check out some of the fun boutiques and flea markets the City of Angels has to offer. Hit me up if any of you have any suggestions as to where I should look for anything vintage, unique and/or French Charm-ing!

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: bicyclette.to, fifi-lapin.blogspot.com, lifeisarunway03.blogspot.com, mixedplateblog.com, pinterest.com, sarahsfabday.blogspot.com, thelovelydove.blogspot.com, untilthesuncomesup.tumblr.com, weheartit.com, weheartit.com

Bicycle, Bicycle

So I have to admit: I haven’t been on a bike in probably over 20 years. I’m not even sure if I could stay upright if presented with the opportunity to jump on and fly like the wind. Is the saying, “It’s just like riding a bike” even true? That once you learn the skill, you have it forever? I’m filled with trepidation over the whole thing. It seems so romantic to ride down the street to the grocery store and fill my bicycle basket with fresh flowers and goods. But at the same time, the thought is terrifying. I’d love to hear from any of you who might have had the experience of jumping on a bike several years after learning the skill as a child. Did you survive, or are your knees marred with scars from the lovely pavement?

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: bowerbird-blog.blogspot.com, cherry-lemonade.tumblr.com, fifi-lapin.blogspot.com, imgfave.com, weheartit.com, weheartit.com, weheartit.com

Stairway To Heaven

Honestly, it doesn’t matter where any of these gorgeous staircases lead; any one of them could go to a torture chamber where I know I’d be terrorized for the rest of my days, and yet, I’m pretty sure I’d still climb with a peaceful smile on my face. How could you not when each and every step is filled with so much beauty and wonder?

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: parisboutiquehotel.blogspot.com, bicyclette.to, indulgy.com, maictroutblog.com, seekingthemuse.com, weheartit.com

Mr. and Mrs.

 

I fell so completely in love with these prints from LeighViner and just had to share them with you all. They’re so simple, yet they evoke such glamour and femininity. I think it would be fun to frame a series of the prints and then add a playful manly touch like this monsieur pillow on a chair or settee below.

Well Suited

In the midst of a recession and an overall move toward green living, repurposing furniture has become more popular as ever. I’ve seen everything under the sun turned into décor — wagons, vintage windows and doors, leftover bricks, even tires! But one trend I’ve particularly noticed is transforming old suitcases into tables, shelves and chairs. It’s such a neat idea, and with so many trunks and cases to be found at yard sales and flea markets, it really is a wallet-friendly décor option.

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: pulpsushi.typepad.com, confettistyle.wordpress.com, the36thavenue.com, tarisota.typepad.com

Color Wonder

I’ve been thinking about repainting my bathroom, but I truly have no idea what color I’d like to choose. Each time I think I’ve narrowed it down, another stunning hue idea pops up (and trust me, when you do what I do for a living, millions of gorgeous design ideas are cropping up left and right!). What are some of your guys’ favorite color combinations?

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: imgfave.com, mixedplateblog.com

Child's Play

When I was in Florence, I was so stunned to see several high-end and designer children’s boutiques. Who knew there was such a market for baby couture? But there certainly is, and the tiny tot treasures nearly outsmart their adult counterparts!

 

All photos credited to socialbliss.com.

Glam Camp

We’re in the midst of summer, but I can’t help but start to feel the dread, knowing that the warm days are almost over and I’ll have to start bundling up against the cold, icy wind that fall days begin to bring. I’m trying to really submerse myself into enjoying the dwindling days of summer, and I’ve been doing everything from sipping honey iced tea and fishing to watching outdoor movies at the park. Next on my list: Camping! And you can bet that this super warm and luxurious pom pom throw is coming with me! Because, as I like to say, why the heck not?

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: kellibird.tumblr.com, imgfave.com, maisonboheme.blogspot.com