Such Ambition

There's nothing I love more than watching a good episode of House Hunters and pining for the happy couple that has totally settled, both in life and in their house*. Hours from the city but multiple home offices and room for "Rover & Bailey" to play in the backyard, this couple couldn't be happier.

Looking at trendy Swedish design websites definitely veers me away from that direction. Check out the gorgeous peachy wallpaper in the 1st image! One of my absolute favorite things is the late 90s/early 2000s take on retro (see Austin Powers, Charlie's Angels...). Think retro elements like swirling patterns and designs but everything is glossed over and industrial.

*No offense to those who like it- all the power to you, but that's not my bag baby.

[ Parquet flooring, colorful walls, architectural lighting, 20 ft. cielings...so perfect. ]

[ L: Philip Van Leewen low-lying sofas are insane. Clashing in the best way possible. | R: Breakfast nook! Nuff said...]

[ L: Craftsman style house painted papaya and lemon?! | R: All people who live in Cali have a veranda. Le duh! ]

[ Cute little blue kitchen...with a bubblegum pink fridge! ]

[Finally, a house is not a home without...KITTENS!]

 

I have no doubts in my mind that this is happening.

"California"- The Kooks//Yyellowbird photography

I thought image no.1 looked familiar...oh yeah, it's from the Aritzia summer 2009 shopping bag! Imagine just starting up a Flickr one day for fun and then before you know it, a major chain store is featuring you on their shopping bags. Yyellowbird's scenes are just so perfect for this summer- blinding sunlight streaming, unfocused lights & sparkles, and hazy city views are the characterization of what I'm feeling right now. In those words exactly, all blended together with a soundtrack of the Kooks! Don't you wish you were in Cali right now?

[Photos via Yyellowbird on Flickr]

 

Summer projects// Item 1: d.i.y.

Last exam last Friday! I've had the best summer yet thus far & it's only like day 4. During classes, I've been dreaming up a prolific list of "activities" that I've always wanted to do. Definitely not a bucket list, it's just a bunch of creative endeavors that I've been meaning to start for a while. This summer there will be *NO SLACKING OFF. It will definitely be an exercise of self-control but I honest to god want to get productive. In the spirit of Murray Hewitt, I will compose my list in the attempt to remind myself of should-be obvious things like DO FUN STUFF.

* Excludes movies: I plan to watch as many culturally-enriching films as possible: my intentions are entirely scholarly.

[Ashish photos via Elle.com]

Discovering Ashish from the Atlas of Fashion Designers, I perused his collections on Elle.com to find the amazing spring '10 collection. I love this because it's not just inspiring in a "oh pretty, I'll wait 'till that trend comes to Zara" way, it's actually super original. This collection totally inspires me to get out my scissors, sewing machine and stud gun (I wish...)! I'm planning on tackling the weird cut up tassle thingy with beads (see right) first, seeing as there is no sewing required, but that'll just be my gateway drug to d.i.y.

Anyone know any good d.i.y. blogs?

Unfortunate Priorities

[vintage Miu Miu ad- tfs]

 

Almost summer, emphasis on almost.

I will remember what fun, frivolity, free time, and the like mean when I have finished those pesky exams.

One Oh One

What? An outfit post? Not really, just an homage to my Rodarte-inspired sweater (Wilfred).

I've discovered the joys of the Poladroid- it makes even the most boring photos fun.

Look forward to CRAZY FUN AND INTERESTING posts to come...when I'm not consumed by schoolwerk.

Albert Hammond Jr.- "101"

Spring-spiration!

1. Cat-eye sunglasses! (Chloe) 2. Pastel Streaked Hair (Giles) 3. Sailor Striped Slouch Sweater (Vince) 4. Gladiators w/ a Twist (Loeffler Randall) 5. Summer entertainment! (the new i-D magazine, cds: Albert Hammond Jr. & Hole). 6. Hunter Wellies for music festivals! (Hunter) 7. Easy Fit Boyfriend Shorts (R13) 8. The Alexander Wang "Brenda" Bag of course :P 9. The Nars Multiple for a monochrome look. 10. RINGS! (All from ZOE online boutique).

Spring! (sorry for the silly title...) Even though spring is in full swing, it's never to late to elaborate on what my Spring Must Haves are. I was really inspired by yyellowbird's photos on Flickr, like the one in the collage above-  for some reason, just soo inspiring. Although I do not live in Cali, I would love to dress like I do. Hunter wellies are ideal for the Coachella Valley music festival & abundant spring showers. Slouchy basics are a great start for spring because one can gradually add on more "statement" or "trendy" pieces as the season goes on (not to mention accessories!). It's just such an inspiring season for everything either new or  newly discovered (music, magazines, photography, etc.) not to mention the beautiful muggy weather, and that's what makes it my fave season.

Biking

[Images via The Cobra Snake]

Jessica Stam (blondie), Yasmin Sewell (brunette), & chic friends biking in Paris! How much more fashionable could this get? Maybe if one of these cyclists were wearing some colors...(seriously,  it's spring!) Biker chic is fine for motorcycles, but this is BICYCLE chic, which should involve florals, chambray, and smiles!

I'm really loving the big wire baskets on the front of those rent-a-bikes. The Chanel and Dior bags transform them into high end bike accessories.