Admittedly, this particular catalog is usually put in the stack of discarded mail, however this month, it gave me pause. The cover is perfectly enticing and all things Spring, showcasing a garden oasis with two chic seating areas. It is a scene I would teleport to in an instant - truly my definition of heaven. If you're in the market for outdoor furniture, I encourage you to look at Frontgate. Currently, they are offering 20% Savings on all furniture sets. My pick? The Grayson Collection in white with jade cushion fabric.
Images via.
The Sign of a Good Party
My parents are very social creatures. I have a distinct memory of them revealing one Sunday morning that they "broke" their friend's kitchen counter-top from a late night dance party the night prior. (I think I was about 12 years old and too young at the time to appreciate their strong social pursuits). I've come across old Polaroids of belly dancers at my Dad's 30th birthday party, boozy couples cruises in the Bahamas and some "cheeky" photographs of a husbands vs. wives mooning competition at our neighbors house two doors down. Well, like Mom & Dad, I've thrown a few parties in my day and smirk thinking about some of the wild tales that developed from such nights. There are the noise violations from local policemen, a broken coffee table from a passionate (and very sweaty) co-ed karaoke to Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," muddy footprints on the sunroof of my old Saab and many other tales that will forever refrain from being divulged.
The point is, these obstreperous tales are what often, make a party a success. So, as host, embrace the quirky - sometimes stressful in the moment - party fouls, and carry on.
Bon Weekend!
(Above: a simple tablescape from our dinner party last eve).
A Table in the Making
We are hosting an intimate dinner at our house this evening and I've been thinking about the tablescape for days. I've had visions of greenery, soft candlelight, Spring blooms and anything outdoors on the brain. I've curated a collection of inspiration above to help me design our tablescape. Now I have to get working on the playlist and chill the rosé...
Images via here & here.
Currently Coveting
I love a good hunt. Put me in a consignment store and I'll dream about upholstering a dilapidated love seat or shining up a forgotten sterling silver tray for my tableware collection. Put my Mother and I in the same environment together and we'll scheme for hours. The recent discovery of Shop Latitude gives me the same sort of enjoyment. The site is a curated online marketplace for one of a kind travel finds in the form of clothing, accessories and souvenirs from the around the globe. Above is a sampling of some of my favorite pieces. Now the only problem is, I need a global escapade!
The Calling
We enjoyed some phenomenal weather this past weekend in San Francisco and if you didn't spend the majority of it outside, well, you missed out. The above farm-house is one of Ken Fulk's wine country projects that accurately evokes the type of ease that comes with living in Napa Valley. It's a funny feeling when you experience beautiful weather like we did, as I find myself craving more. I wish I could teleport to this farm-house for the day to enjoy laps in the salt water pool, lawn games with iced tea in hand and wine on the patio with a crackling fire before a candlelit al fresco dinner. Off to work I go...
Get Lost in the Music
I've found myself in a very contemplative state the past few days reflecting on personal goals, friendships, travel and pretty much every component of my young adult hood. (I've been told this is normal?)
Music has always comforted me and forced me to find perspective. I find myself drawn to it more and more. Whether it's the sound of The Wailers, Bruce Hornsby, Stevie Wonder or new artists I have on repeat via my Spotify account, they seem to do the trick. Above, model Saskia de Brauw with the sensational musical duo Daft Punk shot by Peter Lindbergh. The spread was featured in the December 7th issue of French publication M le Monde. See more photographs here.
Evolving Appeal
Photographed by William Waldron for Elle Decor, the feature on the Edwardian home in San Francisco's Presidio Heights neighborhood found me while thumbing through the magazine in the park. (I also realized the home is one I admire frequently on my running route in the neighborhood). Although I personally think the dining room resembles more of a boardroom I'd picture in Aerin Lauder's office for example, I keep examining the space. While I appreciate photography as an art form, I have historically preferred seeing paintings, sculpture and the like in what I believe should be kept as a formal room. This photograph however has me thinking differently. The design elements are modern and fresh but because it's juxtaposed by dark wainscoting and beautiful moldings, it works for me. The home was done by San Francisco designer Palmer Weiss.
View more images of the home below.
Mind Your Methods
When I spent more time working on my creative writing hobby and dreaming up characters, I would paste a collection of photographs torn out of magazines into my notebook as a method of creating and developing the character. If the protagonist was a chic city Mother/renowned architect for example, I'd imagine what kind of perfume she would wear, how she met her husband, her favorite experience abroad, or perhaps think about her most remarkable achievements, and sketch them out on paper. The visuals helped me to connect the dots and bring the character to life.
It seems every time I turn around someone is moving, redecorating, or renovating. I find the same method as described above particularly helpful in creating a new space. (Clearly, a little thing called Pinterest figured this out, too). The above images are from Ashley Whittaker's portfolio, one of my favorite interior designers. I find her projects to successfully blend light, texture and tradition into a harmonious balance of sophisticated ease. I have always kept the above photographs in my arsenal for when I needed inspiration to bring interior spaces to life.
LKRE
Meet Libby Kirwin. Libby, is my former boss, mentor and friend who played a large role in the beginning of my career. She is, more importantly, the founder of Libby Kirwin Real Estate ("LKRE") a boutique real estate and property management firm headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island.
From the moment Libby and I met, we clicked and I couldn't wait to work for her - I never felt so confident trusting someone so quickly. She has the most discerning eye, infectious work ethic and unrelenting passion for her work. She is akin to that senior girl in high school that was untouchably cool. I couldn't wait to learn more from her every day and every moment with her was a learning experience.
As Director of Marketing for LKRE, I was responsible for developing and executing all marketing and PR strategies as well as leveraging our brand strategy. In time, LKRE really took off and exemplified the modern leader in what was traditionally, a rather stuffy, stale industry.
Above: My first marketing campaign at LKRE, our "Inspiration Campaign" in 2011.
Given Libby's keen eye and exquisite taste, I believe one of her strengths is her design and renovation consulting business. Below are an assortment of transformations she is behind. Be sure to visit her website for the full LKRE experience. Thanks for your inspiration, Libby!
17 Oliver Street: Before
17 Oliver Street: After
22 Thurston: Before
22 Thurston: After
18 Burdick: Before
18 Burdick: After
Photo credit: The talented Melissa Quintal Photography