Inspiration 11.9

Reinforcing my love of lacquer...

(via This is Glamorous)

Inspired by: 90s Revival

I'm sure many of you have picked up on the 90s revival trends that became the urban hipster's summer uniform, and started turning up in tons of fashion week collections (like Charlotte Ronson pictured below).

Think faded, twee florals, ruffly dresses paired with tough boots, and grungy plaids for fall. Those of you who were teens and older in the mid 90s are probably gagging now, but I have to admit that I LOVE it.

Unfortunately for those of you who are getting Josie Grossie-esque HS flashbacks from this post, I'm pretty sure this trend will be around for a while. Of course, we're also seeing it spill into interiors, and I'm noticing a similar revival in the 90s darling Shabby Chic look (But, God, how I despise that name).

Heck, even the creator of "Shabby Chic" Rachel Ashwell has been featured in the September issues of House Beautiful and Lonny Mag.

However, as much as I'm loving all of these pretty details, I absolutely believe they need to be paired with clean lines and unexpected pieces to avoid looking dated.

Case in point: After years of having two mismatched sofas in my living room, I finally bought a neutral, modernish sectional to take its place. To keep it from being to boring/cold, I plan to style it up with a mix of vintage floral pillows, like these from Octavi, and more basic ones. I can't wait to share when everything gets set up in November!

So, tell me, are you ready for the return of the 90s??

Want: Modern Vintage Florals

I'm frequently impressed by the preponderance of pretty but affordable home goods available at Urban Outfitters. Right now, I'm absolutely loving these "modern vintage" floral prints popping up all over the site. Even though I have nowhere to put it, I'm dying to get the small faded floral rug at the bottom for just $18.

1. Russian Scarf Medallion Shams ($36) 2. Striped Cabbage Rose Shower Curtain ($38) 3. 2x3 Faded Rose Rug ($18)

Custom floral notes from Rifle Paper Co.

So. This just happened. Two hours ago, I swore I was going on a spending freeze. Which is stupid, first of all, because this is fall and no one with any sense goes on a spending freeze now.

Stupid secondly, because, two hours after making the pledge, I thought to myself, "Hmm, haven't been to Rifle Paper Co. in a while -- I wonder what's new."

Well this completely awesome calling card/flat note combo is what's new. So, I had to get it. Every girl needs a personalized stationary set, right? Right???

Purchase your own set here.

Inspiration 6.24

Lovely, warm mix of patterns...

Via Plush Palate

Inspiration 6.18

Another fab wallpapered bedroom...

via Automatism

Pattern Love

There was a post on The Sartorialist a few months ago that I loved, and for once it wasn't about the pictures. Scott had just published an ultra quirky photo and a lot of the commenters were criticizing it for one thing or another.

His response post was titled "Abstract Inspiration" and the summary point was "sometimes,...images can make you think about something totally different than what the actual shot portrays."

I'd like to do more of this on my own blog, but I often worry that anything I put on here comes with an implicit endorsement of the whole photo or might seem too far off-topic.

I've been trying to get over that inhibition, and lately I've been especially inspired by photos where patterns take center stage -- I find that the content of these photos constantly spill over into my ideas on fashion, interiors and more.

So, I thought I would share a few with you and I hope you get something out of them too -- even if it's one of those intangible things that hangs around in the back of your head, but inspires an aesthetic decision unknowingly.

Photo Sources 1. Little House by the Sea 2. Audrey Hepburn Complex 3. and 6. For Stars will Rise Again 4. and 5. Pattern Blog 7. Clouds; Wired Science 8. Garance Dore 9. Just be Splendid 10. Resurrection Fern

Inspiration 6.8

It's funny. I've always loathed the term "granny chic," and yet, it seems some prime examples of the genre snuck their way in here on my blog. While I can't say I love everything about these spaces, I think there are some very glamorous old world touches throughout that can easily be applied to more contemporary settings.

For example, the top photo where gorgeous floral fabric is paired with white-washed walls and floors, or the mixed floral patterns in the middle photo.I also love the tiny bit of wit in the bottom room, where the damask pattern in the wallpaper so subtly matches the fabric on the chair.

Photos from This is Glamorous and Portland Mitchell

Inspiration 3.3

Too pretty not to post...

Image credit: Rose Hammick

Shop With Me: Everything's Coming up Roses...

When I walked out of my apartment this morning, I was thrilled to be greeted with mild temperatures and the faint smell of fresh-cut grass. It reminded me of early spring, when most of the landscape is still muddy brown, there's frost on the ground at sunrise, and the very first pink and red flower buds begin to pop open. With that inspiration in mind, I decided to do a little digging to find some pretty, little items that would remind me of that feeling all year long -- delicate, feminine florals, vintage-inspired frocks, pale and shimmering neutrals and of course, roses everwhere.

Image via White Trash Beautiful

Left to right: 1. Kimchi Blue Floral 80s Strapless Dress (Urban Outfitters) 2. Tissue Sparkling Rose Tee (J.Crew) 3. and 4. Cabbage Rose Underpinnings (Anthropologie) 5. Slub Silk Daydream Floral Lorelai Dress (J.Crew) 6. Smith's Minted Rosebud Salve (Anthropologie) 7. 1928 french paperback book (French Blue & Company)

1. Abundant Callas Necklace (Anthropologie) 2. Rose Fight Knuckle Ring (Free People) 3. Tea Rose Necklace (Urban Outfitters) 4. Girl's Night Out Necklace (Bejewelled Bespoke) 5. Iced Rosette Clutch (Anthropologie) 6. and 7. Rosette Necklaces (Flora Bond)

1. The Warbler Embroidered Collage Pillow (La Pomme) 2. Filigree Gocco Print (Flower Press) 3. Moonflower Pillow Cover (MishMosh) 4. Vintage 1960s Flat Top Sheet (The Linen Lavoir) 5. One of a Kind Ceramic Plate (Anthropologie) 6. Garden Party Curtain Tie Back (Urban Outfitters)

1. Image via Wedding Whims 2. From O'Keeffe Necklace (Anthropologie) 3. Allamanda Necklace (Anthropologie) 4. Mute Blue Rosette Ring (Brydferth) 5. Olivia Flower Bib Necklace (Bebecha)