I’ve been on a learning kick lately. After years of being out of school, I’ve been eager to learn new skills and brush up on old or current ones. It helps that I live in a city that has classes or workshops on just about every subject. So instead of opting for material gifts for our anniversary this month, I got my fiance a cooking class at the Pantry at Delancey. I’d heard good things about their classes, which sell out quickly, from a coworker. He’s already amazingly good in the kitchen, but he’s always looking for new things to cook. Since he’s been excited about the return of tomatoes with the warm weather, I decided on this particular class.
As for me, I’m looking for something craft- or design-related. Anything that gets me away from the computer and making things with my hands, really. Would love to hear about any cool classes you’ve taken recently!
Just when I think I’ve seen and heard of everything around this small city, I still stumble across surprisingly good finds like the store Object. The worn in warmth of brass makes these pieces so appealing to me right now. Would love them for my home, for my wedding, or both.
I’ve been drawn to the subtle synchronicity of a soft monochromatic outfit, which should be no surprise after my last post. Subdued shades of grey and black with hints of taupe that say more spring than winter, and organic prints that evoke animal hair, ink blots, and watercolors. Take a look at my GOODS board on Pinterest for more of what I want to add to my (dream on) closet.
After spending the last couple of springs and summers in warmer neutrals, I feel very inspired to take a turn into a cooler direction. Strong in cut and minimal in styling, with the gradation of color to keep it fresh. These looks from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Rachel Comey, and doo.ri are where it’s at.
As an SGV girl for life, I gotta support my homegirls like the infinitely talented Rodarte sisters. I was even sporting Rodarte Spring 2012 inspired hair and clothing by chance when I got engaged. I fell in love with this particular hairpiece that they used in their Fall 2012 collection, and I’m now on the lookout for it for my wedding day. It’s not so much about the stars, but I love how they look serendipitously sprinkled in and how it wraps around the head just so. Have you seen anything like it in person? I’ve already asked my lovely maid of honor in L.A. to keep an eye out, but please do let me know if you spot anything similar!
I took home these 5- and 6-foot-long branches from my part-time job as a visual merchandiser. Oh yes, there were birds included. Now, what to do with them? Loving the ideas I found on Apartment Therapy to use it as a shelf, to hang lighting, or to display clothes. I’m leaning towards the lamp idea, but would love to hear suggestions!
Wedding // I won’t be turning this into a bridal blog, since I am already keeping my ideas up on Pinterest, but I’d love to share my ideas on styling with you from time to time. Yes, you all who happen to be the most creative people I know and am inspired by. Would you believe I’ve only been engaged for three weeks, but already have the following lined up?
RING: Boyfriend (or fiance?!) proposed to me with an antique ring like I always wanted. I won’t drop specs like that ever mattered to me (and because I don’t know, haha), but the ring is basically bangin’. #sparklesfordays He picked it out all by himself! // VENUE: A 1920s Italian villa just east of downtown L.A. that has barely begun hosting private parties, but already one for Lanvin. It has the right mix of raw, rustic, urban, and airy that I’ve always envisioned. // DRESS: Lace, gold leaf, and scallop detailing from L.A. designer Claire Pettibone. True or false – I’ve had this dress sitting in a box in my parents’ house for over two years now, after purchasing it as a sample at 50% off shortly after it was discontinued.
SHOES: Metallic canvas bows, a wood heel, and gold detailing from Stella McCartney make up the perfect shoe for my dress ever since I laid eyes on it three years ago. It’s been a futile search for them ever since. But the stars aligned when I came across them the week after I was engaged, heavily discounted and one pair in my size. // PHOTO: Romance and reality captured on film from a couple of rad women who I had the stinking good luck to have come across. Do you know how hard it is to find a photographer who shoots analog, uses natural color, and could care less for poses?? And they have spent time in the Northwest so we’ve been swapping Seattle favorites! // PLAN: Though officially on break from wedding planning (and not permanently I hope!), my friend Lacey has been above and beyond amazing in helping me sort out initial wedding details. I’ve always been amazed of her creative vision that shows in such a beautiful home, and pretty much everything she touches, so I couldn’t have found someone with better taste to advise me.
I went home to California last weekend and came back fuller, tanner, and much happier. It was quite the event-filled weekend – BF’s oldest niecey celebrated her 18th(!!) birthday with a debutante ball on Saturday, and then his family threw a surprise birthday party for him Sunday. But it looks like he surprised us all when he proposed to me downtown, on the 4th Street bridge, overlooking the city skyline. Of course we sandwiched it in between a dinner at Church & State and boba at Urth Caffe, so it was as understated and everyday as our old DTLA lives. Just like I wanted.
We later shared the news with our immediate family. (My parents already knew, and Mom cried!) Lots more tears, love, laughs, and even a push to do a destination wedding. I’d say blessed is an understatement.
Spring 2012 // The color palettes of this season were a bit of a disappointment for me: I am just not a fan of dressing in pastels, bright colors, and definitely not neon. If LA Gears in the 90s means anything to you, I think you understand.
After spotting the incorporation of fluorescent yellows, greens, and even pinks as a pop on neutral palettes from Zara’s spring collection, I quickly became a convert.
Northern CA // You may already know that I was back in Los Angeles for the holidays, soaking up the (80-degree!) sun. We made the 18-hour drive south and just as we were entering California, this sight of a sky-full of birds probably migrating for the winter came across my window. It is the perfect visual for this new year for me: I had a phenomenal 2011 that went beyond my expectations, even with a new move, new job opportunities, and a new place to call home. I made no resolutions to distinctly improve 2012, but to just keep going and expect the unexpected.
Believe it or not, this post began as a farewell note of sorts. I had plans to close down this blog that hasn’t been updated in months, but I had a recent bout of inspiration that led me to believe that it just needed a change in content. I’m exploring a possible career shift right now. I’ve spent most of my career designing on the computer and for the screen, and now I want to work in a more dimensional environment with tactile tools. And I’d like to share my inspirations and progression with that here.
I’m still also on Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest, but for now, let’s see where this blog takes me. Expect the unexpected.
