Mad for Stripes

I haven't made my love for stripes a secret, one must only take a peek into my closet and will agree.  I am drawn to anything striped when it comes to fashion (see here), so why not translate that adoration to interiors.  Whether it be in a nursery, hallway, entryway, headboard, accent wall, or even a whole floor, stripes add just the right touch of interest to a space:

via Lonny

via Domino

via Lonny

via Caitlin Wilson Design

Abode Love via Made by Girl

via The Decorista

via Lonny

Elizabeth Sullivan Design via House of Turquoise

via Decorpad

via Decorpad

Bijou and Boheme via The Now

Image via Nate Berkus

Family Room a la Kelly Wearstler

I have been adoring this Kelly Wearstler designed room for quite some time.  Where to begin: the graphic rug, touches of yellow, gray velvet sofa, with some globally inspired accessories, and the perfect use of gold.  

It inspired me to find a patterned rug to unite my future family room space.  I am keeping the same sofa but adding some chairs and other accessories to give it a different color palette.  Starting with a mineral sofa, and a room decorated with muted variation of the same shades, I wanted to add more color and richer tones.  I chose shades of gray, black, white, mixed metals, and touches of yellow.  Of course, any space of mine wouldn't feel like home without having a globally inspired edge, which will be represented through my fabric choices and accessories.

I sought out rugs far and wide and had all but settled on this rug:

But was still a little reluctant to go ahead with the purchase, as I had not seen it in a space.  And then there it was in the current issue of Lonny in a different colorway:

It is available in quite a few stores (Garnet Hill, Rugs USA, Alice Lane Home, Surya).  I ultimately purchased it at a local San Diego store, Aja Rugs in La Jolla, which I would highly recommend!  They ordered me a sample so I could confirm that it is the right color, beat out every other price around, and shipping is free.

With the rug purchased, I was inspired to see how everything would fit together and hopefully create a cohesive space.  Now with this key piece in place I was ready to finish my family room mood board, which I will post soon...

Color Me Yellow

My favorite color has been yellow for as long as I can remember-and once Spring arrives it is the first color I turn to, as it instantly makes me think of sunshine crackling through the window after a foggy winter.  

Come Spring, I always begin to reminisce about my Spring wedding!  Although I didn't incorporate my favorite color into my wedding day, opting for a more romantic and elegant palette of whites, blacks, and blush reflecting my wedding location, you can be sure that I did pay my homage to this hue with my rehearsal dinner dress.  For me, this dress was the incarnation of Spring!

See more of my rehearsal dinner at Style Me Pretty.

And so, imagine my delight when I came to find that Kate Spade's website decided to go yellow this month.    I decided to do a yellow treasure hunt of my own with some of my Kate Spade favorites making an appearance:

1.  Furbish Studio St. Thomas Pillow $115
2.  Laundry Beaded Chiffon Halter Gown 
3.  Z Gallerie Jacquard Vase $49.95
4.  Kate Spade Seersucker Patent Treesh $295
5.  Moroccan Leather Pouf $225
6.  CB2 Venezia Mustard Yellow Chair $99.95
7.  Kate Spade Enchanted Garden Bib Necklace $275
8.  Zara Pleated Top $39.90
9.  Michele Large Yellow Jelly Bean Watch $295
10. Seychelles Long Lost Twin Sandal $34.97
11. West Elm Industrial Task Table Lamp $69

Destination: San Diego

I'm headed off for an Escape of my own...to my hometown of San Diego.  I can't wait!

I hope you check back here for regular posts...

*Image via Pinterest, Splendid Cotton Tank, Marc by Marc Jacobs Straw Bag, Tory Burch Flip Flops , Zara Scarf

Mirror Round-Up

One of my favorite accessories are mirrors.  I have been admiring some of these mirrors for sometime, contemplating which one I will make the splurge on to add to our new home.  

1.  Wisteria Octagonal Horn Mirror.  This one is by far in the lead, relatively new, I have had my eye on this number since it first popped up on my radar.  It's no coincidence it's number 1 on my list.

2.  Made Goods Tibby Mirror.  I have a penchant for mosaic patterns with a global influence.  This one has a Greek inspired pattern, and I am keenly aware of inlaid mosaics continually popping up on this round-up, each inspired from different regions around the world.

3.  Serena & Lily Grey Damascus Mirror.  This one has been my long-time favorite, I love the Moroccan influence.  This mirror, or it's black and mother of pearl variation I have been lusting over at the Wisteria outlet on some multiple visits, also could make an appearance in my home.

4.  Ballard Design Sunburst Mirror.  As ubiquitous as these mirrors are (I have one in dark wood), I still think a sunburst mirror makes a statement, especially in gold.

5.  Made Goods Ximon Mirror. I spot that mosaic pattern again.  How great would this full length mirror look propped up against a wall?!

6.  Made Goods Katherine Mirror. This mirror is made out of cut shells, I love the intricate pattern and how it brings out my nostalgia for the sea, although I may want to steer clear of beachy inspired accessories this go around.

7.  Pier 1 Honeycomb Mirror.  A copy of the Made Goods and Wisteria version, it's a steal at a fraction of the cost, but it certainly pales in comparison to the original version.  It's back on my radar since it's now on Clearance!

8.  Wisteria Traditional Venetian Glass Mirror.  I am inspired to use one of these Venetian mirrors from this feature I blogged about here.  It's one of my favorite designed homes written up in Adore Magazine and designed by Jamie Herzlinger.  

Hotel Spotlight: Casa Encantada

If I didn't share this charming boutique hotel with you, it would really feel like I was keeping a secret that is just too good not to share.

Casa Encantada, La Antigua, Guatemala

Finding a place to stay in Antigua, or anywhere for that matter, is the definitive link that solidifies a trip for us.  Gone are my hostels days, and I have realized that where you stay can often define your experience.  I spend countless hours poring over reviews and doing internet searches before I settle on a hotel.  

When you are met with impeccable service, a cozy lobby with oversized sofa and chairs in serene blues that looks out to the courtyard, and an atmosphere that reflects the surrounding location, it can really give you a sense of place and excitement.  This is what we found at Casa Encantada.

Entering the small gate of Casa Encantada, you are greeted by a lush courtyard where a glistening lap pool and fountain comes into full view.  An oasis from the city streets, bougainvillea towers over the walkway.

One of the guest rooms is behind the lobby, with stone steps over shallow water lit up by candles in the evening, you must walk over the steps to reach the room.  This room is tucked quietly in the back of the property and both for the peace and quiet and novelty effect that it affords, it is often sold out, so request early.

The rooms are furnished with white bed linens, and often a huipil (traditional Guatemalan tunics) hangs on the wall.  Walking through the common areas you discover other traditional touches, wood beams, candelabras, stone walls, and terracotta floors.  

On the second floor, a terrace awaits, where we had breakfast overlooking the nearby volcanoes, even though it was complimentary, a full menu was supplied, this was no standard Continental breakfast fare: plantains, black beans, guacamole, eggs any style...

This small boutique hotel has only 10 guest bedrooms, which only enhances its intimate feel.  We had the luxury of staying in two separate rooms, my husband surprised me with the suite for my birthday.  The wrought iron four poster bed that greeted us and the jacuzzi tub with jets was a perfect birthday treat.

The Suite

Even more so, when waiting for us after dinner was a room strewn with rose petals, lit candles, and a bottle of champagne with two champagne flutes.  And all this just for my birthday!

Birthday Dinner at Meson Panza Verde
Images via Travelmoon

House Progress

This is my first house progress update-the foundation has been poured and we are on our way.  We have been experiencing some beautiful weather here in Dallas.  In sum, so far so good-we are on schedule and it's full steam ahead.  Framing will begin shortly.  

View Towards Front of the House 

The concept of the lots is that they are narrow and long in order to accommodate a side yard/courtyard.  This makes for a pretty view when you are looking out the windows of your living quarters.

View from Side Angle

I love that these guys (girls?) greeted me today upon entering the neighborhood.  They don't look as happy to see me as I was to see them!

 

Spring Forward

This week marks the beginning of Spring and what better way to usher it in than with this transitional piece: the maxi dress.  Perfect for the increasingly warm days or throw on a jacket when the temperatures dip at night.


1. H&M Beach Dress $19.99
2. Tory Burch Petula Dress $550
3. H&M Dress $14.99
4. Milly Halter Maxi Dress $315
5. Forever 21 Striped Slub Knit Maxi Dress $12.90
6. Tibi Paisley Chiffon Long $583
7. Alice + Olivia Happy Tie-Dyed Maxi Dress £282
8. Thakoon Wave-Print Jersey Maxi Dress $750
9. DVF Yonni Leopard-Print Jersey Maxi Dress $325

Monday Escapes

I have seen this photograph pop up often in the blogosphere.

via Elle Decor

Most recently brought to my attention by Design Darling.  The photo was taken by Christian Chaize and is available for purchase here.

It got me thinking...this beach is in Portugal and looks familiar.  Wait a minute, I think I must have been here before or at least nearby:

Images via Travelmoon

Although my composition may leave something to be desired, the strikingly similar beach makes me long for the beauty and sunshine of Portugal's Algarve region.

Have a great week!

For Japan With Love

I am participating in the Bloggers Day of Silence in support of the disaster relief effort in Japan.  In memory of those who have been lost and for those who are affected by this disaster I won't be blogging tomorrow (March 18).  Please join in, if you can!

I have watched in shock and sadness at the news of the immeasurable devastation and find myself at a loss of how to help.  That's why it's so wonderful that Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours spearheaded the effort to mobilize for this cause, and with everyone's support the possibilities are endless.  I am heartbroken by this tragedy and even more so when I think of traveling through Japan: the people I met and the beauty I discovered.

To learn more visit Bloggers Day of Silence and For Japan with Love.  Then, click on the link on the right upper hand corner to donate to Shelterbox.

Mt. Fuji
Image via Travelmoon

St. Patrick's Jade

Guatemala is known for its jade--I was able to pick up a small bracelet that I will be sure to wear today.  The Mayans believed that Jade brings good luck and health.  Even though it can be a pricey alternative to wearing green, throw on some Jade for good luck today and avoid getting pinched!

1. Tiffany & Co. Paloma Marrakesh Dome Pendant
2. Bijoux Heart Earrings
3. Jades, S.A. Green Jade Bracelet
4. Ylang 23 Large Jade Ring
5. Tiffany & Co. Gemstone Open Heart Charm
6. Max & Chloe Jade Brava Earrings
7. YSL Arty Square Ring
8. House of Lavande Necklace

To Market, To Market

Sometimes there is no better way to intimately get to know a country than through visiting its market.  I have been to some wonderful markets around the world: Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, Ladies Market in Hong Kong, La Bouqueria in Barcelona, souks in Israel, the Grand Bazaar in Egypt, and now the most famous market in Guatemala: Chichicastenango.  

Grand Bazaar in Egypt

Chinatown Market, Singapore

Market days in Chichicastenango are Thursday and Sunday--we timed our trip to visit the market on Sunday--the largest market day.

Markets can often be jarring and Chichicastenango was no exception.  As soon as we walked on the streets we were inundated with small children thrusting magnets, pot holders, and handmade stuffed animals in our faces, unrelenting until we agreed to purchase something.  (You really can't manage to do this all day or you will end up broke!)  

Chichicastenango

Through the narrow stalls you must weave in and out of throngs of people, clutching to your belongings.  You have to be prepared to put your game face on to bargain (I mostly leave this to my husband as he has made quite an art out of the back and forth negotiations).  Both challenging, heartbreaking, and eye-opening, a trip to Chichicastenango was a necessary stop on our journey.

Images via Travelmoon

If you are wondering what my favorite purchase was from the market: it is a Mayan antiquity of a Sun God that was found nearby washed up along a river.  Is it authentic?  I'd like to think so!   

San Diego Home Tour

I wanted to bring you a home tour from my native San Diego.  This house belongs to a family friend, and was designed by Blackbird Interiors, but we must not discount the fabulous eye of the owner, who has impeccable taste herself.  The marriage between talented designer and owner makes for the best designed interiors.  

There was no detail not attended to: from the ceilings, to the doors, to each handpicked materials: limestone, travertine, a faux crocodile backsplash in a powder bath, and multi-hued glass tiles in the kitchen, to name a few.  The style reflects an Asian influence along with an open California casual feel.  My favorite part is the seamless indoor to outdoor living, with multiple entertaining areas, it is the dream party house.  

Love those Jonathan Adler chandeliers!

Images via Travelmoon