I've developed an affinity with brass - yes, that yellow alloy of copper and zinc. I find the metal rather unique as it can make a strong statement in even the simplest form. It can also lend to particularly modern aesthetics, or, equally, more traditional pieces. Brass evokes its own glamour without much exertion or force. Above, a 6" brass knot via One Kings Lane, a fun objet for the home. Also loving this tiny "c table" from CB2.
Tom Scheerer
Love this little morsel of a loo by one of my favorites, Tom Scheerer. The wallpaper and hat collection lured my eyes closer.
Magnificent in Milan
The Sartorialist captured this beauty on the streets of Milan. Sensual, confident and feminine, thumbs up in my book.
Getting it Right: Typeface
Garance Dore just gave her blog a facelift thanks to the fabulously french talents of Colorz, a digital strategy agency.
In true Hermès fashion, they have brought play and style to e-commerce. Their graphics and font provide a well-rounded web experience. 
Meredith Melling and Valerie Boster's creative consultancy has a sharp but concise web presence. I suppose that is to be expected for the former Vogue editors... 
The chic San Francisco interior design firm Elizabeth Swift Design just launched their site and I'm loving the graphics and font on their "contact" page.
I'm working on a new project for a client and love exploring different typefaces. Typography, the art and craft of arranging and designing type to make the written language most alluring, can have a dramatic influence on how the brand or product connects with the consumer. Above are a few typefaces and designs I'm currently coveting.
The Ultimate Luxury
This weekend certainly had me thinking. I spent it with my two best friends, soaking up the sunshine across the Golden Gate bridge at a dear friend's home. Early mornings were spent with refreshing swims in the pool, followed by coffee on the terrace while listening to the birds hum their morning tune and watching the sun fill the yard with its warmth. We hunted for fresh cherry tomatoes and scallions in the garden for omelet ingredients, and later poured ourselves into books and magazines by the dark-bottomed pool. I found myself reflecting on how simple our days were, yet how happy they made me. Perhaps this is the definition of summer to many, however that definition changes when you live in San Francisco. Just the vision of lush shrubs and greenery and the act of sourcing our breakfast ingredients from the garden filled my soul with delight. A joyful garden, in my opinion, is an ultimate luxury. I am devoting this post to the simplicities of life and the beauty and luxury they often bestow.
Images above are from Mark D. Sikes' curated collection via Pinterest. Be sure to follow his blog, also, a C&C favorite!
Chef
I just saw 'Chef' the delightful feel-good flick meets culinary comedy about a chef who in the depth of his career, takes a risk to follow his passion for cooking, ultimately bringing him close to the things that matter most in his life, namely, his son. Thematically, we've all seen films of this sort, however I found it refreshing as a new-age, lighthearted reminder of the things dear to our personal joy. The film is accompanied by a fun cast, snappy soundtrack, and a road trip to some good old-fashioned cuisine capitals. View the trailer, here.
Sentiments
Today marks the third day in a row where I've come across geraniums - either in person or via photograph. They immediately make me think of my Father, who had a collection of geraniums in various terra cotta pots in his home office growing up. They dotted the window sill in hues of pinks and reds, next to a bookshelf chalked full of CDs, cassette tapes and stereo equipment. Along with his boat log, chappy motorcycles and pretty much any possession relating to any said water sport, his geraniums provided him with great joy - and were not to be touched. I learned this the hard way when I "borrowed" a few of his geraniums to spruce up my backyard at my summer pad in Newport. When my parents came over for a barbeque after a night out on the water, my theft was revealed. I was scolded and told to promptly return them to their rightful, nurturing proprietor. To my credit, the potted geraniums made a fabulous addition to my backyard.
Frothy Fiction
After I finish my current read for book club, I plan on getting my hands on The Vacationers. NPR dubbed it as a "frothy beach read" and Preston Davis gave it the thumbs up, so you know it's a good pick.
Slim on Inspiration
I've been perfecting my French Press techniques the past few mornings and as a result, I have consumed more caffeine than necessary. Busy days and early rises have left little time for channeling my inspiration for posts, so today, I leave you with Slim Aarons (again). Hotel Belair, circa 1991 (as if the bikini didn't give away the 90's vibe...). That pool looks like a good time.
Just What I Needed.
I woke up feeling uninspired this morning, until I went through my archives and found this photograph. Pure spunk! This woman is fierce and fabulous in Prada, captured on the street in Paris via The Sartorialist.