{places: backstage at miu miu}

. . . moments of calm before it all begins . . .

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r e c e n t p l a c e s :
* at the ballet
* at the gallery
* at an oceanside cottage
* in the kitchen
* backstage at valentino


{images: backstage at miu miu, fall 2011 collection, via honey kennedy}

{décor inspiration: patterns & texures}

. . . only a few moments this morning before brunch, to flip through the latest issue of lonny, and instantly fell for the chicago home of designer lauren gold; and while a little surprised to be drawn to such deep shades at a time of year when the world feels awash with sunlight, could hardly tear away from the richness of the patterns and textures -- leopard print and tufted velvet, vintage glass and high gloss black, leather and gold . . .









{images via lonny july/august 2011, more at the inspiration board}

{two lovely things: ruggedly refined}

. . . it's always interesting when one's tastes begin to change, however imperceptibly, and even if only for a moment . . . here, one has come to expect light and bright and a glittery glimmer; a dash of ornateness and maximalist tendencies -- and yet -- inexplicably drawn to the soft black leather and dark, heavy drapery of these rooms, rugged, and yet refined, beckoning and yet a little mysterious . . .



{or perhaps it is lure of bright panelled walls and perfect pools of light?}

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{p.s.} recent two lovely things:
* books & blossoms
* gilded chalkboards & garden sheds
* green & white
* open shelves & elegant black
* bar carts & blossoms
* books & bouquets
* a paris apartment & hermès
* secret gardens & on the terrace


{images: one - photography by pia ulin via head over heels; two - photography by bryan w. ferry of the blue hour}

{two lovely things: open shelves & elegant black}

. . . while lately have been favouring wallpapered cabinets, {especially in romantic spring florals}, had forgotten how classically beautiful shades of onyx and midnight can be for showcasing stacks of beautiful books and antiques, or a collection of everyday dishware and fine china, and adore how strikingly lovely the palest pink of the roses and stacks of gold-rimmed teacups look against such a background . . .

{p.s.} more black shelving


{images: 1 - patrick cline for lonny; 2 - high gloss}

{fashion inspiration: classic neutrals}

. . . with plans to spend the summer in nothing but fluttery summer dresses and billowy pleated skirts the colour of champagne, instantly fell head over heels for the washed silk charmeuse dresses and pretty pencil skirts of this recent collection by edelweiss by sarah, infused with pure 1940's hollywood glamour and a wonderfully modern approach to vintage style, every piece is perfect for a day at the office and a date afterward . . .


{images: edelweiss by sarah fall 2011 via greedy girl}

{colour inspiration: deep onyx & bits of gold}

. . . daydreams may float with vibrant colours and spring breezes, but scarcely february and have just purchased a new pair of tall boots to replace the three ruined by snow, sleet and rain, and still stepping out in cool & classic shades of ebony and onyx; and while some days, there may be clouds, here, they are always lined in gold -- and so, a perfect intermingling of the two . . .




limited edition bruno frisoni for roger vivier accessories collection | amelia earhart collar by story via all the mountains | minx nails at alexander mcqueen s/s11 | 18k pink gold day-date oyster perpetual rolex via 1stdibs | backstage.com at nina ricci | maison martin margiela envelope clutch | gold sequined ribbon, iphone photograph by roséline for this is glamorous| limited edition bruno frisoni for roger vivier accessories collection

{p.s.} more black & gold
* modern matallics
* dancing until dawn
* gold lamé & black velvet
* day & night
* artful arrangements

{top image: vauthier couture via another}

{runway inspiration: chloé, new york}

. . . and the more these wintry days linger, the more drawn to bright and vibrant colours, and so much, that have all but abandoned all the shades of black hidden in the dark recesses of the wardrobe, and had nearly forgotten how pretty and easy shades of midnight and january skies can be . . .

{p.s.} more runway inspiration:
* bcbg max azria
* gucci -- one & two

{images: chloé pre-fall 2011 collection, style.com}