Beautiful? Yes. Functional? ...Maybe.

I believe in surrounding yourself with beauty. It's an outward form of inspiration. Just by looking around, you can be reminded of your own creative, artist power. Here are a few displays that create visual interest:

Sources: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six.

Peplum Cut: A Little Detail Goes a Long Way

One Spring 2012 trend I'm excited for is the peplum detail! A peplum is a flared or flowy piece of material attached at the waist or hemline. The peplum is best known as a classic detail, as it was made popular in the 1940's. These fashions were more modest however, and the contemporary peplum can be edgy and make a statement. This detail may seem small, but it can do a lot for a woman's body. A peplum detail can:

• Draw the eye to the smallest part of your waist
• Emphasize curves
• Reduce the look of tummy fat
• Add drama to any outfit.

Here are some examples for the coming season:

Find them here:
Alice + Olivia Dress, Burberry Jacket, Sleeveless Top, Bustier Top, Mason Dress with Lace,
Silk Skirt, Belted Skirt, Animal Print, Pencil Dress,  and Lace Dress.

For the DIY-ers, here's a quick post on creating your own peplum detail.

Reinvention: From 'stuffy' to 'stylish'

1. Oly Studio showroom
2. Contemporary sofa
3. Eclectic hallway 
4. Studded chair + stool

Bright, Cozy and Contemporary

Now that the holidays are over, I have to find other ways to make the winter months bearable. If you follow me on Twitter, I have made it plain that drinking hot apple cider gets me through most days. Also in constant rotation is my fireplace. It's one of my favorite elements of any home. The one in my home is quite large, stately and traditional. However, I'm always up for a contemporary upgrade. Here are few for inspiration:

                  

Sources: One, Two, Three, Four, Five.

A Quick Holiday Post

                  

Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays!
Images: One, Two, Three

P.S. -make sure to check out my Tumblr blog sometime!

Holiday Sweaters, Minus the Irony

It's common knowledge that people can go a bit overboard during the holidays. Sweaters can easily go from 'ironic' to 'cheesy,' we've all seen it. But there are still ways to get into the spirit without compromising your own fashionable standards. Here are a few ways to keep the holidays interesting and updated with graphic knits:

Find them here: 1. Wilderness sweater, 2. Cozy pattern pullover, 3. Bow detail sweater,
4. Snowman knit, and 5. Loose-knit two tone.

Sad Harry Potter image via Wikia.

P.S. I apologize for the lack of posts lately; my personal life took prevalence for a while. I look forward to posting more frequently in the future. Happy Holidays!

Contemporary Lace

When you think of lace, you most likely picture old doily cloths or ancient wedding gowns. Lace can look old and stuffy pretty easily, and it takes some effort  and innovation to take it from Old Lady to Contemporary Woman. This season it comes in all colors and cuts. Designers have transformed it from a safe, boring choice to a risk in fashion. Below are a few lace styles available this Fall.

Find them here: 1. Romper, 2. Dahlia Dress, 3. Lace detail boot, 4. Tank, 5. Melly Dress.