Wash the Blues Away

I don't need many extravagances but this indoor/outdoor shower of Mediterranean blue and white, Greek key tile pattern, and frosted glass (to let the sunlight in and keep peepers out) would make me verrry happy.

Image via Coastal Living.

Get the Look: Bicycle Wall Art

(Sheryl Crow's living room, via Architectural Digest)

Many of you are aware of my fondness for bicycles, especially the retro beach cruiser types. Though I'm currently on the disabled list (long story, but hence my lack of typing) and the weather in these parts is still wintry and unfavorable, I'm counting the days until I'm pedaling down beach roads again. While those dreamy days may still seem in the distant future, we can enjoy the carefree feeling of a vintage bike all year round with this ultra cool wall art. I first saw this great decor idea in the recent issue of Architectural Digest, featuring Sheryl Crow's Hollywood Hills home, a 1926 historic Spanish Colonial. Called a "boneshaker" for its uncomfortable ride, the 19th century American bicycle adds an element of authentic eclecticism to the whitewashed walls and neutral foundation of the home. While Sheryl purchased hers from Obsolete in Venice, California, you can get a similar look on the cheap with this bicycle wall sculpture from Home Decorators Collection:

(bicycle wall sculpture, $79)

Definitely going on my wish list! And if you haven't yet, be sure to check out the new Architectural Digest with ex Elle Decor editor-in-chief Margaret Russell now running the show. She has given the magazine a much needed modern update and it looks wonderful! Consider me a subscriber.

Costume Obsession: Swan Lake

Ever since I took a costume design course in college, I've been captivated by the beautiful intricacies of costumes in movies and theater. Last night I had the pleasure of attending a performance of the New York City Ballet's Swan Lake - a ballet I have always wanted to see but even more so since seeing the fantastic and psychologically gripping Black Swan. While the performance was nothing short of stunning, I was thoroughly amazed by the costumes and how they expressed the emotional themes of the story. I couldn't help but compare them to the marvelous costumes by Rodarte and Amy Westcott in the movie:

(costumes designed by Per Kirkeby in the New York City Ballet's 2011 adaptation of Swan Lake) 

To see the other beautiful Swan Lake costumes, click here.

Video via Styleite. Images via Elle.com; Style Caster; Clothes on Film; NY Times.

Quote To Live By

"In the midst of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer." -Albert Camus

Image via Pretty Stuff

Shop Love: Furbish

I've taken some time off this past week to de-stress, unwind and visit friends down south. The weather was amazing, the people were nice, and I was reminded of how much I love the quality of life below the Mason Dixon Line. All winter I've been surrounded by Jess-sized snow piles, a driveway rivaling a hockey rink and a furnace that only works half the time, when just 7 hours down Route 95 it was 65 degrees, sunny, and there was no snow in sight! I hadn't seen green grass since November. Needless to say, I'm contemplating a move back...SOON! I'd love to say I feel recharged and invigorated but unfortunately I've been fighting a bug that just won't go away and I've been home all day trying to recoop. At least that gave me time to finally finish issue #1 of High Gloss, which I am obsessed with. I could go on and on about all the features on interior design, fashion, entertaining and travel but I'd have to say my favorite story is on interior decorator and Furbish Studio owner Jamie Meares. Her blog, I Suwannee, is a staple of mine so I was thrilled to find a profile on her by Erin Gates.

 (Meares' kitchen. Love the Navajo inspired flat weave rug against the wood floors, white cabinets and stainless steel appliances)

(Bedroom in Meares' Raleigh, North Carolina home)

I love Jamie's bright, bold southern style and how she mixes elements you wouldn't normally think to place together, which is especially evident in this spunky but grounded bedroom. Naturally, I was thrilled that I had the chance to visit her store, Furbish Studio, while I was in North Carolina this weekend. The shop is reminiscent of her own home - fun, decidedly southern, colorful, eclectic and thoughtfully curated in a carefree way. Her offerings include everything from patterned throw pillows (a fantastic selection, I might add), jewelry, characterful dog beds, refurbished furniture in distinctive colors, and bright trays made from Meares' favorite fabrics. While I had a hard time narrowing down my purchases, my friend and I came home with these great throw pillows:

Good thing you can now shop Furbish online, because I still have my eye on these great pieces:

(faux python tray)

(porcelain starfish)

(flamestitch long tray)

(seashell ottoman and velvet stripes pillows)

(boho elephant bangle)

(marbled lamp)

(driftwood mirror)

(vintage bolivian rug)

Images via Elements of Style and Furbish Studio.