Chiang Mai Love

From top: The pattern on a pillow, lovely on a little stool, and in Kristen Bell's house (pre-foreclosure)

Always the early bird when it comes to decorating, I have started to plan for my first apartment. Never mind that I don't actually have a place and I won't be moving in until September, I've already decided it will be a good mix of functional basics with a few pops of color in traditional prints. As I will be working long hours in retail, my bed is of the utmost importance. I'm willing to splurge (breaking my rule of no single piece over $100) for my bed frame and mattress. The linens are the ever practical white cotton so I'm in great need of a pop.

Luckily, I came across Arianna Belle's shop on Etsy. Her patterned pillows are just what the doctor ordered. I opted for a custom cover (as I already had the insert) in the Chiang Mai Aquamarine fabric. I must be late to the party because it was the first time I'd seen Shumacher's lovely Chinese pattern. With almost every color, it ties my West Elm Swiss Dot Euro Shams and my Jonathan Adler Capri Needlepoint Pillow together. I'll be posting pictures as soon as I get moved in.

The Genius of Happy Menocal

I was first introduced to Happy Menocal's work some years ago while perusing a Jonathan Adler store. Her matador watercolor prints stopped me dead in my tracks but as a struggling young artist myself, the price tag forced me to walk away. It was just something about the colors and the fact that the figures reminded me of Quentin Blake's work (you know his work from Roald Dahl books). Unfortunately, Menocal made only 50 in the matador edition, so though I've heard rumors of few stragglers left in select JA stores, I've made my peace with the fact that I will never actually own one. 


Today I found myself on her website and come to realize she has an impressive resume: Vanity Fair, Stubbs and Wooten, Martha Stewart Weddings, and J.crew have all featured her designs. Seems the little lady has been discovered. 

The Great Gatsby

SO SO excited to see this opening weekend. I only hope that the movie is as good as the trailer. What a visual feast!

The Graduate

I've been a little MIA from the blog world recently, but I promise it's for a good reason. I've been finishing up my lifetime of schooling and figuring out what comes next. Having sold most of my wardrobe earlier this year, packing will be the least of my worries. But the real question is where will my tiny suitcase and I end up? I turned to "The Graduate" for answers. I was pleased to discover that kids of the 60s were just as confused as we are now. If I don't start up a destructive affair with any of my friends parents soon, I think I'll be just fine (how appropriate that I'm writing this on Mother's Day). But I digress. Take what wisdom you will from the movie, but I'm taking Katharine Ross's wardrobe, hair and makeup. The woman is a stunner with her false eyelashes and earnestness. She also rocks a widow's peak like nobody's business. I plan to channel her to my Simon and Garfunkel soundtrack while I finish up my pesky exams.

Giovanna Battiglia

The time has finally come to pay tribute to Giovanna Battiglia. A sartorial inspiration for quite some time, the Italian-born former model and current editor of W magazine is equal parts effortless and adventurous with her choices. She could wear anything but favors classic silhouettes with modern details. In her own words "too much is never enough." And don't even get me started on those Valentino studded heels. Whoever said kitten heels weren't sexy hasn't met these babies.

The Jean Jacket

From top: Miranda Kerr and Reese Witherspoon rocking the look in warmer weather, Jenna Lyons and an image via the sartorialist in layered looks. 

The jean jacket first made an appearance in my wardrobe back in middle school. I opted for a roomy 80s fit in a medium wash from j.crew (note this was when the brand was an ll bean competitor, before the lyons redesign).

Recently, I noticed my sister getting more use out of jacket then I was, so I decided to pass the torch. I gleefully hopped aboard the chambray shirt bandwagon but something was still missing. So I turned to Levi's for the classic dark wash, fitted and feminine take on the jacket. It arrived today and even has inner pockets for protecting valuables! Who needs a purse? I've reasoned that it works equally well with my black shift dress and white jeans.

In the fall I plan to layer it up with my peacoat and cashmere. This is a comeback I can get behind.

The Civil Wars

Here's one I've been listening to on a loop. It's the perfect song for some spring lounging.