moodboard

Inspiration Board: Bathroom Facelift

  

1. Black Waffle Weave Shower Curtain, $24.99 2. John Derian Gypsy Tray, $66 3. Saipua Flowers 4. Small Locker Basket, $12.49 5. Ikea Lidan Basket, $9.99 6. Vintage Bottles on Martha Stewart

This is the moodboard I've put together for a bathroom facelift. That room is the bleakest thing in our apartment. Just sparse white walls, 1980's style vanity and a mottled green vinyl floor, which makes me want to cry. The only thing we have up is a clear(!) shower curtain. 

Almost everything we own is packed up and in storage, so I have to work with what I have or spend minimal money. I have several vintage locker baskets bottles that I've lugged with me from move to move, so they could be used for storage. There's an old black bench hiding at the in-laws that I think they would fit on. I also picked up a larger version of the Ikea Lidan Basket a couple of weekends ago that could be used as a mini hamper tucked in the corner.

As for the walls, I'm dying to paint them black, but since I can't I'm thinking about a black cloth shower curtain. And I can't make holes in the wall, so perhaps a vintage style tray to add some color on the sink. To finish off the room, some of my vintage bottles filled with fresh flowers or the cottons stems from my wedding.

But knowing me, my mind could change over the weekend depending on what inspiration I stumble on. I have dreams of a sexy, decadent bathroom with a chandelier and crystal decanters but for now simple and easily changed is on the menu.

Fall 2010 Wish List: Short Black Boots

 

 

1. Fiorentini & Baker Eli Boots, $485 2. Jeffrey Campbell Harness Harley Boots, $268 3. Rag & Bone Motorcycle Boots, $550 3. Boutique 9 Cathy Boots, $199

 

 

1. Rachel Comey Penpal, $360 2. Acne Pistol Short, $559 3. Madewell Shortcut, $225 4. Rag & Bone Newbury, $495

 

 

1. All Saints New Military Boot, $250 2. Marc Jacobs Shearling Boot, $965 3. ASOS Archive, $110 4. Nine West Kender, $79

I'm getting ready to do inventory of my fall items, but I already know I have a hole in my closet when it comes to shorter style boots. I searched everywhere last year for heeled lace up ankle boots that were easy to walk in, but to no avail. 

I'm still have those on my list for this year, but I'm also wanting some short motorcycle boots. I may have already ordered a pair *whistles* but I'll wait until they arrive to give a review. I've also wanting a Cuban heel style pair of booties after seeing Kate Bosworth rock them at Coachella. 

While looking for lace up heeled boots I came across several flat soled versions. I own an old made in England pair of Docs, but these lace-up versions don't seem as clunky. The Kender especially looks like it could be the perfect get around town pair that already looks like they have taken a beating.

Credits: Caroline Trentini/WhoWhatWear.com, Golestaneh, Kate Bosworth/JustJared.com, CarolinesMode, Helli's Fashion Scans

 
 

Three Components to Jen Brill's Home Style

I've liked Jen Brill's style for some time now, and was happy to see a peek into her home in the August issue of Harper's Bazaar.  

How to achieve her apartment's girly yet modern look? Three major components build the foundation in her rooms: feminine artwork, gorgeous sofas and luxurious rugs you can sink your feet into.

 

1. Kareem Iliya Artwork 2. Sheepskin Rug, $259 3. 1920's French Sofa, $5,900

 

 

1. Kareem Iliya Artwork 2. Color Reform Rug, $1199 3. Richard Himmel Settee, $8500(set of 2)

 

1. Kareem Iliya Artwork 2. Goatskin Rug, $105 3. 1940's Custom Settee, $4,400

I really want a Kareem Iliya piece, can you tell?  And I'm dying in love for Jen's platinum velvet sofa.

Jen Brill's images created from US Harper's Bazaar August/Photography: Max Farago
 

Fall 2010 Wish List: The Grey Sweatshirt

 

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I was wanting a new grey sweatshirt, and I've found a couple more to add to this list. I'm in the mood for slouchy clothing, a little 80's, but done with a modern twist.

I love pairing a basic with something baroque, as shown in the Dries Van Noten Fall 2010 Collection. The girl on the right I believe works for Vogue and was part of their 5 Days, 5 Looks Vogue.com column. I can't seem to find her again, so maybe I'm wrong and it is from Elle.com!

 

1.JCrew Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt, $69.50 2. T by Alexander Wang Sweatshirt, $105 3. Vanessa Bruno Athe Sweatshirt, $175 4. French Terry Athletic Top, $18

More Denim Short + Cream Top Combinations

Finally back from Orlando madness and brought home many things, including a cold. I've spent all day dreaming about eating hot, spicy Korean soup and reading up on blogs. Love seeing Alexa Chung and Rachel Bilson in denim shorts with vintage style cream tops, a look that has been a favorite of mine this summer as well.

Images via JustJared.com

 

Interior: Carolyn Quartermaine's House in France

Designer Carolyn Quartermaine's home has popped up in numerous home magazines in the last several years, but this is one of my favorite editorials. It showcases her home in the South of France, which was a former art gallery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images created: Moodboard/Elle Decoration October 2003/Photography: Jacques Dirand

  

 

Home Profile: Designer Jennifer Nicholson

 

I've been slowly storing up vintage items for fall, and there is no avoiding the August magazines. But before I dive into the next season, I want to enjoy being in the middle of summer, especially as we are heading to Florida next week. 

Designer Jennifer Nicholson's quirky Santa Monica home(I think she has since sold it) reminds me of summer, with its location near the beach and sea shell accents. 

 

I see old sea shell encrusted items at the thrift all the time, but I've never seen a mirror covered in gems. 

 

I wish they would have shown more of Jennifer's 19th Century Chinoiserie table. I'm not crazy about the chairs paired with the table but love the mirrored side consoles and sconces.

 

Crystal ship chandelier, ca. 1920, with vintage leopard velvet chairs.

 

I'm wondering how expensive that marble kitchen floor was, gorgeous.

I love that she kept the original turquoise linoleum in her tiny sunroom. Her theme was "the romantic notion of a sailor's valentine"

 
Images: Moodboard/Photography:Paul Costello/House & Garden Magazine August 2006 

In Her Closet: Weekend Style

 

I don't have a boyfriend who also happens to be a talented photographer on the side, so you get non-editorial like, standing against a wall pictures at Moodboard. I decided to try to take the photography outside so there wasn't just a boring white wall behind me, but I think I'll stick to inside shots from now on. Pretending not to feel silly taking "action" pictures while ignoring gawking bystanders results in tense, non-model like body language.

The top photo was taken with a wink at the broken wrist/fist that seems to be a popular way to pose. I have to admit, it does solve the problem of what to do with your hands, because if you let them just hang in the front they appear to be mammoth baseball mitts.

 

-1940's pale pink top w/embroidered butterflies
-J.Crew Silk Shorts
-Nine West Platform Sandals
-Whiting Davis Gold Snake Bracelet
-Chanel Nouvelle Vague on fingers, Nars Purple Rain on toes

I wore this outfit to go see Despicable Me on Friday night. I love this top, but trying to figure out making the fit work is driving me a bit crazy. I feel it needs a belt, but I've tried a million different ones and it cuts my body off and makes me look top heavy. Obviously, the woman who owned it 70 something years ago was quite a bit shorter and it fit more proportionate. 

 

-1940's Blue Day Dress
-Hermes Collier de Chien Black & Gold Cuff
-1980's Black Leather Studded Bag
-MaxMara Peeptoe Booties

This outfit was for brunch at our favorite cafe. The dress is a size too big, but it works out since I finally have my appetite back and eating everything in sight.

 

July 8 Wish List

1. Amy Ruppel Carbon Copy Buffalo, $700 2. J.Crew Camden Two Tone Brogues, $250 3. American Apparel Tri-Blend Pullover, $36, 4. Cherry Wood Spoon Made in France, $5.58 5. Chanel Rouge Coco Gabrielle Lipstick, $30, 6. Pamela Love Obsidian Arrowhead ring, $550

I'm so in love with Amy Ruppel's latest collection, Carbon Copy. Such a sophisticated take on her work with wax and I'm dying to own the buffalo one. For the thousandth time can I mention how much I love black paired with rustic wood? And for the thousandth time I've included a pair of J.Crew brogues in one of my wish list moodboards. I love this color combination but not sure if it will work in my closet.

I think I'm the only person on the planet that doesn't own the American Apparel Tri-Blend pullover and I think it is about time I bought one. I have a couple of things I want to pair it with for fall if the fit is right.

Lastly, I've  been craving red lipstick and had Chanel Coco Rouge Gabrielle in mind as the perfect color. I went to try it on today and while I liked the color, I couldn't find a sales assistant and wandered over to the MAC counter.

 

I remember reading that Roxy from The City liked MAC, and since she always has a perfect red pout I tried that one.  MAC Red filled my want nicely but I haven't given up on Chanel yet. And maybe a YSL version as well;)

Oh, and I stole their hair style from this episode too. So easy, Olive Oyl bun in the back with face framing layers in the front.

Look of the Day: Reese Witherspoon in Long Cardigan

 

So now we are going to swing from couture to highlighting cute everyday life clothing. I love cardigans and jackets that almost reach the hem of my dresses.

Images via Justjared.com