A Little Gray Today

Perhaps it's the post-holiday blues or the frigid temp outside but gray seems to be my color of the day. Not that that's always a bad thing! I've used gray paint in my last two apartments and I am planning on using it for my nursery (since it's gender neutral and we're taking the surprise route). In my hunt for inspiration I came across some gorgeous gray rooms that are actually quite cheery!

Photo from Design Within Reach

Photo from Abbot Houston

Photo from Crown Paints

Photo from ZoeJoe

Monique Lhuillier's home by Jennie Abbott Interiors

Photo from LivingEtc.

Photo from Urban Grace interiors

Photos above from Decor Pad

Photos above from ZoeJoe

Birds of a Feather

As birds go, the peacock is one sexy beast, and they know it... why else would they strut around all fanned out like that. We certainly agree and that's why it's not surprising that they constantly inspire designers and artists. Here are a few examples of works inspired by, or created with, the oh-so-lovely peacock and their feathers...

The Peacock Edition by Albert Angus Turbayne

Vintage Peacock lamp

Bleached Peacock feather necklace by Miss KK

Invitation on Etsy

Haviland "Syracuse" Dinnerware at Neiman Marcus


Peacock Doorway Inside City Palace
City Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Peacock Mirror from Wisteria

Dress from Monique Lhuillier's 2009 collection

Sideboard from Jimmie Martin



Boy selling Peacock feathers in Pakistan

O’Hare & D’Jafer Peacock Rugs

Note cards from Etsy

Ferm Living feather wallpaper


Pedro Garcia Minnie feather pumps

Giambattista Valli, Spring 2009


Designer, Elizabeth Mayhew's living room

Wedded Bliss

This past weekend I was invited to attend the Bridal Market in New York (thanks Michele of M Bride). Silk, tulle, ruffles, beading, ruching, embellishments and all the glamor one would expect from a bridal show was present. I was pleased to see that a few of the trends from last year were noticeably absent. Gone were the large colored sashes, floral prints barely masked by layers of tulle, and there wasn't a pocket to be found. There seemed to be a slight movement away from the slinky, lingerie look, which in my opinion is a welcome evolution. Call me traditional but I think a bride should look like a bride. That said, I was not disappointed with this year's high glamor and I think the brides of 2010 and 2011 are going to look amazing. Here's a sneak peek...


Ines DiSanto

Above Photos by The Knot

click on photos below for a larger view

The dresses were all fabulous but what really got my attention were the accessories. The jewel encrusted, black ribbon head pieces by Maria Elana really made me giddy, I would love to have one to wear with a LBD. But the show stealer was the fingerless gloves covered with crystals. The photo above doesn't do it justice, but trust me, every girl should have at least one pair!

Junko Yoshioka

Junko's line was, as usual, clean and sophisticated. Her dresses are structured so beutifuly they remind me of origami. This collection used some really fun patterns like stripes and checkerboard but overall, the pieces were true to Junko's style of tailored elegance.

Ulla-Maija

Lots of Duchesse satin and embroidery at Ulla-Maija

Monique Lhuillier

The dresses had all of the glamor one has come to expect from Monique Lhullier, with lots of textures and embellishments. Too bad the hair and makeup fell short, the models looked like they just rolled out of an infirmary bed and stuck a feather on their head.

Temperley London

I didn't get to see the Temperley London line in person but I would be remiss to not include them. As a fan of their non-bridal collections it only makes sense that their bridal line would wow me as well. These designs do not disappoint. Can I walk down the aisle again please (same groom of course)!