shoes and a house

I know I talked about shoes on Monday, but I just need to share one more that I am slightly obsessed with and then show you the shoe designer's house. I am now slightly obsessed with that too. 

This is the shoe I am in love with:

Jenni Kayne's D'Orsay Flat 

Jenni Kayne's home is one that appeals to me on so many levels. Jenni and her husband Richard took an 80's structure and did a gut renovation, removing stainless steel details and sharp angled shapes. Pine siding from an old barn in Pennsylvania was used to infuse warmth to the expansive ceiling in the entry pavilion and hand- hewn oak from the same barn surrounds windows and doors. 

A mix of vintage finds and clean lined furniture make this a perfect blend of warmth and contemporary living.  It is the side of contemporary I gravitate towards and one of the first conversations Mr. K. and I had the night we met (considering he is in the contemporary furniture business I went out on a limb and told him I thought a lot of contemporary was too cold for me - bold move on my part).  

Thankfully we agreed that night that contemporary doesn't have to mean cold.  It can be infused with wood and texture and feel organic. Just like Jenni's place. This home is great inspiration for Mr. K and I.  It encompasses what we talked about that first night. A conversation had over a candlelit table in a castle in Ireland could very well be the roadmap to our 'future house'.  These images bring that future house to life for me.  

read the full article: Architectural Digest

photography: Roger Davies

all I want to do: is buy Sheryl Crow's house

Today's imaginary real estate purchase is Sheryl Crow's home in the Hollywood Hills. It boasts 3 houses set on 11 acres and has hiking trails, a gorgeous pool and endless views. The main 4 bedroom house is Spanish Revival (my all time favorite) built in 1924 with original Spanish tiles and beamed ceilings. Also on the property is a 3 bedroom Craftsman home built in 1909, and a 2 bedroom cottage built in 1885.

In my imagination, a family started in 1885 with the cottage and as their wealth increased they built the Craftsman and finally the main house in 1924. I am slightly obsessed with this property and would love to know more of its history.

A quick tour of the grounds and each of the 3 houses:

The main house

The cottage

The Craftsman

the view from the pool doesn't disappoint

Now step inside the main house...

Fantasy:  Buy this house site unseen, pack up and move to the Hollywood Hills, 

jump in the pool and take a long deep breath.  

Ahhhhh.  

I highly encourage you to look at the MLS listing and listen to the music as the slideshow plays. I just did it twice. There are many more images to see including the inside of the Craftsman and Cottage. Clearly Sheryl has an eye for history and has been to a few flea markets.  

Girl after my own heart. Maybe she'd cut me a deal?  

Incase you are wondering, Ms. Crow is asking: $15,950,000

images from AD and MLS listing 

can't.stop.staring.

I saw this image on pinterest and just about fell off my chair.  It truly is just about as close to perfect as I could imagine.  I can't stop looking at it.  So I dove through the web waves to find out more.

It is the home of photographer Adrian Nakic in Constantia, Cape Town. He and his wife have created an amazing balance of old and new by opening up the space, embracing the thatch roof style and combining comtemporary with antique in a spare way.

This is a perfect example of contemporary life and history meeting seamlessly.

Spare, white, graphic details mixed with antiques and books.  

A remodel that exercises restraint, yet is huge on creativity.  

And I cannot even imagine 

how you would get me out of that bathtub.

images by Greg Cox via 

hotel California

Sometimes a change of place turns out to be a simple pleasure. The anticipation of a trip whether far flung or close to home is exciting.  The hustle of packing, driving or flying is a whirlwind.  You arrive ... and then there is that moment where you take a deep breath and let your brain really process the fact that you are away.  Crisp hotel sheets, cushy robes and a mini bar ... even just for one night... to me is a a little slice of pleasure.  

While the Hotel Bel Air is not really 'simple' in price tag, this photography felt peaceful and airy and and quiet so I thought I would share the images with you.

This landmark hotel has just emerged from a 2 year renovation and looks lovely.  Next time I am in LA I intend to stop in for lunch.  Or dinner.  Or maybe even an overnight if I am feeling flush.  

It is amazing what a quick getaway can do for the soul.  

Do you have a favorite spot?  

Share your favorite 'run away from home spot' below and inspire each other to find new places.

images by: Rebecca Adler

dreaming of: the list

Home today with a cold and pesky cough so I thought I would indulge in a little planning for summer weekends.   It is a good feeling to clean out the closet which Mr. K and I did last weekend.  Now its time to edit one more time... what did I love last summer? What did I skip wearing?  Is there any more that could go in the donate/consignment bag?  Probably.  

In the meantime, my imaginary beach weekend packing list is shaping up...

after a long beach day, a little moisture on the lips always feels nice

I love the smell of this protective spray for the locks

 a little easy to pack dress for a casual night out 

a soft maxi dress for an afternoon cocktail 

this j. crew bikini  is at the top of my list to order 

and a j. crew soft tunic and slouchy shorts - comfortable and cool

now all I need is a little of this:

heavy sigh.  cough.