have fun out there




Have a fun day today. I am off to play with my litte robot and ninja. School parades and block parties make for a busy day of spooky stuff.
 Back tomorrow!  
Boo.

image: ©canvasstyle please link back thanks
ps: these amazing pumpkins were made by Joanne and Todd at canvas interiors

Thinking of you

I have sat down to write a post numerous times today but it feels a little inauthentic given what is going on with the storm's aftermath. Writing about clothes or living rooms seems unimportant today. 
I am thinking of all of those affected by Sandy. 



Watching images of heroic nurses rescuing newborns from the NICU in NYC has put it all in 
perspective. 
Hug your little ones (or big ones, or friends, or pets) today. 

xoox 
Catherine


image found: here

New Orleans gem by Lee Ledbetter

Today I will share with you a home that had me looking at the article in AD twice in great detail. The idea of renovating an historic property always captures my imagination. This reno speaks to me for many reasons. Not the least of which is the white paint used throughout.  

Architect and designer Lee Ledbetter set the stage for beautiful natural light by widening many of the 3 foot doorways to 12 feet, allowing light to travel from room to room and creating an open flow. His carefully curated antiques and contemporary pieces all work together to create a dramatic yet inviting space in this circa 1829 home. There is glamour. But there is also the idea of comfort, light and character. All things that appeal to my senses. 


a sunny corner



lofty and bright entry, carefully curated for maximum impact



with white as the base, black and grey create quiet drama



dining tables make specific and artful statements



sunny windows make this a perfect reading spot



I would never leave this master bedroom suite



nor would you get me out of the master bath and closet 



drama in grey with crisp white - breathtaking



a guest room like no other I've seen



charming exterior ties the impact all together

This home is such a beautiful example of old meeting new and living together beautifully.
While it looks rather glam, there is underlying simplicity here. White paint, clean lines, lots of light and not a lot of clutter... the same thinking that goes into a beach shack can also be applied on the more glamourous scale.  Not a lot of pattern, not a lot of wild turns visually.  

That is simply glamorous.



You can read the full article here
all images AD




grey matter

There is something about grey that I love. It is both soft and steely. Cozy and dramatic. If this is your first visit to the blog, I will tell you that I do love things that have a dual nature. I am you see, a Gemini. (The balanced kind, not the crazy kind right Mr. K?) 

Here is why I like grey:  

Its neutral
Its simple
Its classic

..which makes it a style staple in my closet

wrap up in layers



a grey blazer adds structure to a soft floaty shirt



basic grey sweater acts as the favorite go-to 'sweatshirt' 
with cozy socks to boot (sorry, couldn't help myself)



channel a romantic moment 



at the cabin - soft and unstructured



in the city - a little sparkle



simply divine


For the holidays I will be recycling one if not two grey dresses from years past. 

Dreamy or sparkly grey in all of its moods
 is 
simply beautiful


images found: 1 & 2 // 3 // 4 & 5 // 6 // 7 & 8 // 9 // 10




black & white

Or should I say white and black. Nothing like a little crisp white and touches of black to calm the eye and cut through the clutter. I felt very happy looking at images for this post. The overall feeling is both strong and soothing. Not a lot of visual clutter. Just the right amount of drama.  





















Keep it simple.
Hard to do sometimes but worth challenging ourselves to remember 
that most of the time
less is more.




images found: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 


totally random

Hello and hope you had a lovely weekend. Today I thought I would try something new. Just a few random thoughts on things that caught my eye over the weekend.

Swedish style blogger Elin Kling designs a collection for Marciano.  Yes, that Marciano as in Guess.  But this is not the stuffed-bustier-pouty-lips Guess of yesteryear. This girl has serious style and it is a really interesting collection.


I am intrigued by the T-strap thing (these from jcrew)
could be fun to try for a little something different


Havaianas boots... I know - we all love the Hunters but these are fun (and less expensive).



And possibly the best news I learned all weekend is that three fabulous UK brands are now housed under one roof and available in the US.


You can find oasis, coast London and warehouse all together on andotherbrands.com  I am seriously excited about this!  You will find a large selection of really fun and affordable goodies - especially fun for those holiday parties. 

I will collect more totally random things as the week goes on and share them next Monday. 
Maybe a new tradition?  


display this and that

Today I am focused on the fine art of display. Some people like lots and lots of stuff displayed.  Some people like it spare. I am somewhere in between. I have been collecting images to inspire us in the store  and thought I would share some today. 

I do like lots of white (but you already know that)


a little bit country, a little bit contemporary



simple organic shapes like flowers and vintage finds



found objects and collections curated together to tell a story




everyday items of similar tone and texture placed like art objects




collected groups of meaningful things





logs as art



black and white and more white


As you look around your home challenge yourself to move things around for a fresh look.  I just did.
 I got up from writing this post and have just returned to the computer an hour later after repurposing a few items here and there.  
I just can't help myself.

For more display goodness check out my pinterest board 'display this and that'

(you will see a lot of these images there - photo credits have been traced back beyond pinterest 
to as many original sources as possible fyi...)


images found: 1 // 2 & 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 & 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 & 12 // 13 // 14 // 15 & 16

inspire//desire 'mood' board

Here are a few things catching my eye today.  

A little attitude, a little smile, a little leather. 


And depending on your mood, here are some shopping links:


The good news is, whatever your mood might be, any of these pieces will work together 
so you can really be in more than one frame of mind.  
Again, appeals to my Gemini tendencies.

 a little daring + classic
sassy + you mean business
mellow with a touch of tough + you really mean business
See? Fun! 

This has been a fun project for me today. 
I think I will tackle another inspire desire 'shopping mood board' soon!  
Hope you enjoy it!


images collected: here

cozy nook

Sometimes a little inspiration and a couple of throw pillows is all you need to create a cozy nook in your home. Do you have a spot you could claim as your own and make a cozy nest?  Here are a few images to inspire you as the weather turns a little chilly. Collect coffee table books, blankets and maybe hang some curtains. Make a cup of tea and settle in for a few quiet minutes of reflection and relaxation.  I certainly am going to try. We have a landing at the top of the stairs that is calling my name.

































A nook can take on so many personalities. Exotic, cabin, preppy, graphic, serene, colorful, feminine. It is the perfect place to express a little personality without making a huge visual commitment. My favorite? The blue and grey one - just the right idea for the top of our stairs. A transitional space leading into the kids playroom, this spot could also double as an overflow guest sleeping nook.  

A spot like this becomes a place for reflection an relaxation just by the nature of the space.  
I am motivated to create this special place as we head into the chilly months.  
Wish me luck! 



images found:  1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10




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