Design Profile

When you think of Scandinavian design the first thing that comes to mind is Ikea, but there are hundreds of other companies out there— Bolia, for example. The designs are always clean, cool and sophisticated. Their aesthetic is so edgy and yet functional. Bolia makes you feel like you could host a dinner party, even in the simplest of rooms. Photos from the 2012 catalogue:

Midweek Mood Board: Earth Tones for Leather and Knits

This week's mood board is dedicated to the best aspect of fall weather: making us want to get comfy. What better way to embrace the current season than creating the simplest fall palette? Earth tones represent quite a few autumn elements like durability, protection and rich warmth. You can usher in the season with neutral earth tones from the board below:












Find them here: First row- Infinity scarf, Legwarmers, Knit sweater, Portfolio clutch,
Second row- Leather trousers, Worn-in boots, High-waisted shorts, Cardigan.

Etsy + A Nod to the Past

Etsy is a creative site full of vintage and hand-made items. The sellers always have unique aesthetics and you can be sure every product you purchase is special. Etsy is for the consumer off the beaten track looking for things that will set them apart, from  quirky accesories to inricately made items for the home. Of all the categories etsy offers, today I'll showcase a few vintage pieces that people are always on the hunt for.

Find them here: 1.Pocket watch, 2.Mason jar, 3.Camera, 4.Suitcase, and 5. Dresser.

Monday Motivation: Embrace Nature Year Round

With fall weather approaching, it is only natural to escape the cold and seek solace indoors. I can appreciate the change in the landscape during the fall/winter seasons, but I will miss the life and color I see during the warmer months. One solution is to bring the outside in with beautiful plants you can enjoy year-round. Now there are creative ways to display them and give your home a unique organic feel, even when the landscape outside your window is lacking.

Sources: 1. Tropical bathroom, 2.Vine leg table, 3.Organic Entryway, 4.Living wall art.

Midweek Moodboard: Animal Textures Continued

I have become quite fond of clothing inspired by animal print/fur this season. I want to note that I do have a love and respect for animals, but I've noticed that their fur/skin looks fierce on me as well (just do everything in moderation and embrace faux options). Last week's moodboard focused on trendy items, but this week is inspired by the autumn season. Trends are fun, but functional items that look amazing are a win-win. Fur is prominent this season in all its forms, and cozy West Coast 1970's influences are popping up in quite a few editorials. In short, warm animal textures are all over right now, including below:

You can find these items here: 1.Aplaca-blend sweater, 2.Fur and suede boot, 3.Faux-fur jacket, 4.Two-tone jacket, 5.Shearling vest.

Fall Spotlight

Alice + Olivia always delivers fresh and fun ready-to-wear items.There's a perfect mix of clean contemporary lines with rich colors and dramatic textures. Each season the collections become more and more refined, in my opinion. This fall collection is my favorite by far, mostly due to the historical fashion references in every piece. There are elements from the 1950's, 60's and 70's, and quite a few nods to Audrey Hepburn. The pics below are fitting as today is the 50th anniversary of the classic film Breakfast At Tiffany's. Here's a quick glance via Shopbop:

Monday Motivation: Organization



via Bolaget

Start the week right by creating an inspiring, uncluttered space for yourself. Take it one week at a time. The more you see your life planned out in front of you, the more willing you will be to go forward and take control. So make life easier on yourself, and keep a positive outlook for the days to come. Have a great week!

TECHniqe Profile: Ombre

Ombre is the process of dyeing fabric to create a gradated color pattern. The pattern can range from light to dark, or begin with one color and progress to another. In layman's terms, it's basically a really controlled tie-dyeing technique (but you can't repeat that simplified statement to anyone who takes design seriously; tie-dye is...just bad). Ombre has developed a larger following over the last few years and can be seen on celebrities, in high-fashion and even on this season's Project Runway (season 9). Ombre is usually pretty expensive because of the amount of skill one needs to perfect the technique, but cheaper methods have been used -like spray paint- and the price will instantly give it away. A few items available this fall: 1.Alexander Wang clutch 2.Juicy Couture scarf 3. Herve Leger bandage skirt 4.BB Dakota coat 5.Modcloth dress.

For all you visual learners out there, here's a basic, step-by-step video: Ombre Fabric Dyeing Technique.

Midweek Mood Board: Fur, Feathers and Scales

The most intriguing design inspiration this fall: beautiful animal print. It's popping up everywhere from coats to accessories. Nowadays it's not necessary to pay up for the real deal- faux fur is just fine. Here are a few swatches to get you inspired, and samples from Fall 2011 lines:

Three items to consider if you love this trend: 1.Peacock print dress 2.Max and Chloe leopard print cuff, and 3.Jefferey Campbell snakeskin heel.

Ikat: From Fabric to Tile

I always appreciate when artists have the imagination to transfer ideas from one medium to another. At New Raven Mosaics, designers took the visually interesting Ikat textile to vertical limits, creating vibrant, dynamic wall tiles. No matter how small or boring a space, this design element will definitely bring exciting energy to any room.

via Apartment Therapy

Monday Motivation: Keep It Light

I love chandeliers. Not only because they're pretty to look at, but their positive elements seem to transfer from the object to the viewer. How could one not be inspired by light, elegance and intricate creativity? Chandeliers don't have to be old and stuffy- they come in all shapes and sizes. Here's a few of my favorites to start your week off on a positive note:

From top to bottom: 1.table chandelier  2.mason jars 3.mini 4.color  5.industrial

Midweek Mood Board: Cocktail Attire

All this talk about New York Fashion Week's got me in the mood to party and socialize. But as a Stylista, we all know you have to take this tradition and make it your own. Besides, the whole idea of cocktail parties is to take things to the next level while still keeping it classy. Here's my take on cocktail apparel:

Dresses from Asos: Contrast, Bandeau, One-shoulder

Affordable Cocktail Rings from Fantasy Jewelry Box: Citrus Orange, Contemporary, Octopus

Unique Clutches from Modcloth: Black, Beige, Tan

Shoes from Shopbop: Glitter Pump, Taffeta, Platform

Tuesday Tunes

It's always fun to let other creative mediums influence your fashion choices. You could be inspired by the vibe a song gives off, or imagine how one would dress if a song were the soundtrack of their life. Recently I've been listening to The Kills latest album. Words that come to mind to describe the vibe are: downtown, nonchalant, daring, artfully-disheveled. Here's a a few pieces I've selected inspired by the music:

Find the look here: purse, animal print dress, jacket, chain-link bracelet, studded heels.

Monday Motivation: Back to School

It’s time for a little review session. What’s the difference between a Fashionista and a Stylista? Answer: Fashionistas are people who follow fashion. They always showcase trendy items they’ve collected to let everyone know they are en vogue. The Stylista takes note of the trends, but always stays true to own aesthetic. Stylistas pick and choose from the fashion of the day, incorporating their own personalities into every outfit.
Now that we’ve had a review, we can put our lesson into practice. There’s no topic as timely as the ever-so-cyclical ‘back to school’ theme. I urge you to pick and choose pieces that speak to your own personal style and make them work for you. Good luck!

Get started on your back to school style with some of the hottest trends this fall: 1) loafer heels, 2)black and white button down, 3) tortoise shell frames, 4) midi-skirt, 5) trousers, 6) cheetah print slippers, 7) snakeskin clutch, 8) elbow patch crew sweater, 9) Missoni sweater, 10) faux fur coat.

P.O.T.W.

Sorry I haven't been posting this week...Hurricane Irene hit my area pretty hard. Here's the next photo of the week. It's one of my favorites from Vogue this month.

via cocoaluxe

At Ease

Model -Jordan Dunn