moodboard

Inspiration: Kate Moss in Christian Dior by John Galliano

Two of my favorites in one photo.

Image from TheFashionSpot

Artist of the Week: Gather the Black Flowers by Joyce Kim

I know a perfect spot for this in my home. See more of her work here.

Home Profile: Balthazar Getty Tuscan Villa

 

I don't know about you, but with this disease threat weighing over the US I just want to curl up somewhere safe and beautiful until it passes. This Tuscan villa owned by the Getty family certainly fits the bill, and Mr. M wants to move there immediately.

 

After living in LA and our trips to Europe, an outdoor living area is required in our next home. I love the idea of curling up in a bed on an open porch and reading a good book.

 

Open shelving, check. Old farm table, check. Extra large vintage sink, check. Exposed beams, check!

 

I want that oversized vase perched on the rustic table. I found a small Italian vase while thrifting that will have to satisfy my want for it now:

 

Images scanned and created by Moodboard from InStyle October 2007/Photographed by Oberto Gili

Want of the Day: Emma Cook Zip Ruffle Platform Sandal

They need to make these in black leather with zippers or  I am I just late and they are sold out already? Topshop, $190

Vintage Dress & Lakshmi Menon

I fell in love with this Marni outfit after seeing it on model Lakshmi Menon(Stunning) in the May Vogue. Go grab a copy if you haven't yet, great issue and models on the cover, whoo! 

It made me remember this vintage dress I have tucked away for a future store/sale. I love the pattern, but unfortunately the fit didn't work for me. I'm short waisted, so the patterned part looks like it ends right below my chest, and the hem ends at my calf, which is never very flattering.

So now I'm thinking of having the top portion removed and making it a long patterned skirt to wear this summer. I'm always hesitant to hack up anything vintage, even if I think it is ugly, because there might be someone out there who loves it just the way it is. Also I think you have to remain true to the era of the item, or it looks as if you forced it to be something it isn't. 

I'm going to mull it over but feel free to add your thoughts.

Detail Shots of the pattern:

Image of Lakshmi from TheFashionSpot.com

Recipe of the Day: Salted Oatmeal Cookies

So I stumbled across my new favorite food blog Lottie and Doof via Refinery 29. Not only did I get to read a little interview with Sophie Buhai of Vena Cava(LOVE), but I also had to try out one of the many mouth watering recipes he has posted. 

Since Mr. M likes PLAIN oatmeal cookies, I thought this recipe would be perfect. I had a tin of french grey sea salt just waiting for a great recipe, which I applied a little too liberally as you can see from my photo below. 

Thin and Crisp Oatmeal Cookies with Sea Salt 

• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, but still cool (65 degrees)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• sea salt (I use Maldon)

I used organic butter and flour, but next time I think I'm going tinker with the recipe and use whole wheat flour, and up the brown sugar and lower the white sugar content. Despite the over abundance of salt and making them too big they were delicious and I've already had two this morning!

Zooey Deschanel Cotton Commercial

Have you guys seen this? I just caught it last night while flicking through tv channels and trying to catch up on magazine reading at the same time. 

What can be better than an adorable girl leaving an equally adorable apartment to go shopping at a flea market and try on cute clothes? 

Strike a Pose: Vintage Black Sundress

I'm practicing using the remote control for the camera, but I do envy the bloggers who have people take their photos for them. Then you have someone to yell at,"why did you make me look like a munchkin? Take the shot over!"

*Vintage sundress that I bought off Ebay. When it  arrived in the mail I noticed that it used to have accordion pleats(so now it fits more like a muumuu) and the straps had been cut by a previous owner. Bummer, but I liked the ribbon detail so much that I decided to keep it.

*Strappy black heels by Nine West

Detail Shots:

Home Profile: Andrea Stark (Stark Carpet)

 

So yesterday we talked about Ashley Stark's home, and today I've dug up her parents' home from an old issue of House & Garden(gone but not forgotten!). Ashley mentions in the Domino article that growing up she would follow her mother to auctions and antique shops, and you can see some of the influence here.

 

Recognize the Gabriella Crespi stools? Also the huge block of mirrored table echoes the one in Ashley's living room.

 

White lacquered dressers with lucite handles and baroque mirrors are loved by mother and daughter

 

A large statement making bed takes dominance in a room with a consistent palette.

 

Chairs like this are sprinkled throughout Ashley's home, where soft texture is mixed with the gleam of shiny metals.

Images scanned and created by Moodboard from House & Garden October 2005/Photographed by Pascal Chevallier

Home Profile: Ashley Stark (Domino Magazine)

So many things I love about Ashley Stark's New York apartment, which was featured in the March 2006 issue of Domino Magazine. There are so many textures, hard and soft, that make the home pop, even with a neutral palette.

 

I've obsessed for the last three years over her shiny hunk of table.

 

Snakeskin, which I find sexy, gives an edge to a Karl Springer bench.

 

A feminine dressing room with sleek armchairs uphostlered in fuzzy lambswool.

 

Osbourne & Little Sakura "Maiko" wallpaper reflects off a vintage mirrored vanity.

 

Another lucite bench to tempt me.

She has a great collection of vintage lamps and artwork.

Images scanned and created by Moodboard from Domino March 2006/Photographed by Paul Costello