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.

Destination Stay-cation

Take me away...but not very far!

Small oases in the midst of home.
1,2,3,4 and 5.

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

A Vibrant Start

via

Here's a fun way to start 2012: incorporate Tangerine Tango, Pantone's 'color of the year' into everyday life. You can challenge your creativity and use the color in different facets of life: from inside the home to elements of personal style.
I've already begun searching around for the vibrant color. You can follow my style board on Pinterest as I hunt for more. For now, here's a few items that have caught my eye so far:

Find them here: Parlour chair, Platform heel, Shift dress, Blouse, and Sleeveless button-down.

A Monochromatic New Year, Plus Sequins

via Tumblr

New Years is a time to raise the stakes. It has a carnival-esque feel that borders on costumey. If this suits your personal style, by all means dress the part. My style is reined in, and I prefer to be inspired by costumes and incorporate elements here and there. Sequins up the excitement with every outfit, but they're best in pieces rather than all over. Below are a few items you can add to any outfit for instant glam:

Find them here:





Pants, shorts, tunic.

via Tumblr

This years has been very eventful for me! I have graduated from college, travelled, worked in a career I love, entering grad school and started this blog. I hope 2012 brings many more great experiences for me and all you readers. Have a wonderful New Year!

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.