Motivation Monday...

It was approximately 2 and a half years ago when I moved from LA to NYC...
 I can't believe it has gone by so fast. 
Just the other day while browsing the web for some tabletop inspiration for an upcoming shoot, I stumbled upon this photo (above), it was my very first attempt at styling for my own business. While working with the owner of Luxury Monograms on something else, I threw this little look together on a whim and snapped a photo. After that I was immediately hired to come up with lookbook/campaign ideas and style it out. Now I see this image all over the place, especially on Pinterest. 
This picture was the birth of my styling career and I just have the fondest memories. It really reminds me that the only thing you have to do to go after your dreams...is actually just do it. 
I have really enjoyed working with you guys on fulfilling your dreams. I've watched tons of you create the most beautiful blogs after reading my blogging success book + now coaching you all into starting your own businesses has just inspired me to go next level myself. I love watching my peeps succeed!
Want something to look forward to?
Well a crew of us are making our way to Las Vegas this summer to tell our stories about how we turned our blogs into our dream careers and how we keep them going...its going to be so much fun! 
Save the date... July 29th.

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'

Every time I return to visit my beautiful city, Los Angeles, I swear I turn into a little glam bohemian...
It's only for a few minutes before I get my business hat back on but when I'm in it I feel like I'm in the middle of a daydream.
 There is just something about relaxed glamour, its so effortless and calming. Gazing outside (or inside) at beautiful palm trees, lush greenery and golden sunshine. It just makes me in such a good mood. The interiors look magical when white with muted neutral tones making such a statement. Outdoor eating has become almost an every meal affair, my goodness I'm loving this.
 Woods are highlighted and encouraged as well as outdoor elements like shells and metals. 
I'm not missing NYC one bit and soaking up all of this pretty business. 
The dream ends after the weekend though. I'll be back to the city and back to my busy-ness! 

images via thegiftsoflife

Flowers for the home...

While I would like to think I could be home to recharge and relax, I have no time to even think about taking a break or day off. Sigh. My newest client, however, has me incredibly excited to get to work. Before I jet to LA next week for LCDQ (is anyone going to be there?), I'll be styling a campaign for a really premier floral company here in New York. They are beyond one of the best in the business and I can't wait to get to creating this look book.  
 My inspiration will come from home decor. Not your ordinary tabletop setting, but looks showing how incredible florals can be in home decor. I love the way they look in china pieces. It's so feminine and pretty. I also love florals on the desk or anywhere really for that matter. 
 I love how fresh the green is on the stems of fresh flowers. The best way to show that off is through a gorgeous clear glass vase. 
all images via this page. follow more here and here.

Stylishly living in Spain...

While I was in Madrid, I didn't really care about buying any Spanish paraphernalia, but I did however, stock up on as many decor magazines as I could. Madrid has an incredible collection of decorating magazines. I couldn't buy enough of them, they are just too good. I love America, but we could really take a cue from the magazines over seas. 

Nuevo Estilo was my favorite one and this months cover feature was my absolute favorite. A completely California chic look in Madrid. I love everything about this space. It's charming, relaxed, collected and incredibly chic. As I said in yesterdays post, I really love a collected look and not just everything so contrived. I think partly because I relate to changing around my home decor almost daily, an ever evolving collection of beauty. Of course she happens to be a fashion designer, only a chic girl would have a striped bedroom.


 I find that the most stylish rooms have a very eclectic look. Key pieces that are on trend and mix together for a killer combo. That's so very decorista style. 
Chesterfield sofa + Slim Aarons print + gold bamboo table + exotic rug + glass coffee table = YES! 

 I have been seriously considering black and white stripes in my kitchen. Love this look.

images via Nuevo Estilo home of CARLA REBUELTA

My time in Madrid...aka La Decorista

While I was away in Madrid, I really tried to take some time away and refresh. After reading this post, I knew getting out of town would be the best thing for me. I needed to get away, see new things and become re-inspired. So, while I was in Madrid, visiting family, I did just that...

I mean, the second I got there I was blown away by the design. The airport was out of hand amazing. Photos cannot capture the bad-ass-ness of this place. I was madly in love with it. Shortly after, the first little spot we went to eat was so stylish and on point. Throwing little furs on the chairs to keep you warm. What?!? I loved it. 
 Every where in this town has serious style. Take for example, this art store. It was in an old school pharmacy with walls of drawers and it was incredible. All of the restaurants had the most interesting light fixtures, too. Speaking of restaurants to not talk about the food in Madrid would be a disservice to this city. The food was absolutely incredible. I ate so many amazing things, I just was blown away. So blown away, in fact, that I forgot to take photos...oops!
 This was one of my favorite restaurants, La Manuelo. The style was very art nouveau whimsical and just very, very cool. Stone walls, black and white striped curtains, curvy accents, metal elements, feather lights and gorgeous spanish tile. 
Obviously, the architecture in downtown Madrid was beyond breathtaking. 

Not surprisingly, I took pictures of all the doors in the city. The moldings and the woods were so gorgeous. Not to mention the door knockers. They were almost always in gold or brass + all the lions just stole the show.
My favorite part of Madrid was el Rastro. We went shopping for antiques all day on Sunday. Everything  was insanely good. 
How cool are these Paris letters?
I am seriously considering putting a cat in my home, and some religious paraphernalia too.
 This one store had a collection of suns that was out of this world. So in love.
All in all I had a wonderful time, resting, recharging and relaxing. But, now, its back to business. 

Fresh apartment inspiration...

All I can do is think about...
new apartment decor. It literally is an all consuming obsession, I've got no shame to my game. As you all know, I have been thinking of a warm and neutral living area but when I saw this little living room...I might have changed my mind. This adorable living room is mostly neutral with splashes of pastel color and gold. I am really into this look right now.
Look at the hardwood floors. I can't get over the beauty of all the gold fixtures in the kitchen either, thats some mighty good looking hardware. I wish my new landlord would let me have at the plain fixtures in my new kitchen. Ugh, the joys of renting...
 
I really enjoy this little office nook. Small enough for this space yet ample desk and eating area. Notice the brass pineapple figurines. Just like mine. Love those little cuties! I kinda want to create something like this in my new space.

images via achados

On a glamorous bed rest...

New York is absolutely freezing right now and I am having an affair with my bed. Unfortunately for me, I'm under the weather (the flu is the worst). So, what else is there to do but daydream of how I will work out the decorations in my new apartment, right? A lovely and calm bedroom perfect for freezing cold weather will absolutely do...

Thoughts of light gray, warm creams and lush lavenders are dancing in my head. Not sure if its because winter is a cool season and cool pastels are inspiring me so. 
What do we think? Which one is your favorite?

images via this board.

the weekend blues...

As I prepare for this holiday weekend and get ready for my Christmas plans I can't help but think about my family back in Texas and how much I am going to miss them this year. It's okay though, I have some very special plans in the city to keep me busy. But, I'll definitely be thinking about my grandmother and how much she loves the color blue, especially when it comes to interiors. So today my post is in honor of her...

Blue is always great for a bedroom or bathroom, so very cozy and relaxing. I always love how Kelly Wearstler does blue. This bar is so chic is blue and yellow. 
Something like this blue glossy accent wall is perfect for a rental apartment. Easy to do but packs a lot of punch! 
One of my favorite hotels in nyc is the Mondrian soho. They take blue to a whole other level...

images as follows:
Peter Mikic//Kelly Wearstler//Stephen Gambrel//Jenny UK//Jenny Hill Interiors//Mary Macdonald

LATELY LOVING: grey brick walls

One of the things I love about city living is that architectural elements and details in so many rental apartments. It's so incredibly inspiring when decorating around them. After Paris, I became secretly obsessed with brick walls. They are all over NYC but something about the ones in Paris really inspired me. However, red brick is just not really my thing so if I can daydream that my home had brick inside, I think I would want to paint it grey...

 Obviously grey is such a good neutral color and in my opinion would take an ordinary brick wall to the next level. A little grey paint makes it instantly more chic. So, in my next apartment (which I am still tirelessly searching for) I am going to look for a brick wall because now I am kind of a little obsessed with creating this look. It's good. 





all images were sourced here and here 

PARIS INSPIRATION...black and white checkered floors


So, as I settle back into the post holiday work days here in New York, I can't quite help but revel in the magic that I experienced in Paris. One of the main things I noticed was the abundance of black and white checkered floors. I mean, this look was absolutely everywhere, even on the city streets. It just confirms my adoration for this look that I already had but now I am loving it for much more than kitchens and entryways but now I am feeling it in any room...

Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms...it really works well in any situation. 

one//two//three//four//five//six//seven//eight//nine

MODERN BLACK + GRAY GLAMOUR

Let the inspiration just continue to flow. How about this home of a powerhouse interior designer + photographer couple. Hello, such a winning combination and their home... well its more than stellar. 
The dark floors, the dark walls and the above average light fixtures absolutely took my breath away. Not to mention this home is in Australia, one of my absolute most favorite places in the world...

images via ChelseaHing; photography by nike

MUSINGS: MURIEL BRANDOLINI style

Ever feeling inspired by my recent travels, I can't stop daydreaming about the decor in Paris (especially in the glossies). It's just filled with modern, edgy glamour that is out of this world. So, I have been on the hunt for gathering a collection of photos that represents the look. This apartment totally inspired me. It's gorgeous + greige, like my current abode and I would love to update my space with more modern, French + artistic elements....

I love love love the look of this space. The apartment is edgy chic with a dose of feminine, cozy glamour. The most prevalent part for me is the muted walls, the soft color just keeps the feeling romantic. 
A few more shots of her style that I love and inspire me to mix things up in my space...

all images decor by muriel brandolini

INSPIRED: Modern French Decor in Architectural Digest

While I am in France, I am hoping to be inspired beyond belief. I mean, you all probably know by know that I am just thirsting for something new in home decor and interiors. So, when I was perusing around my favorite blogs, I found a French pad on viva full house that probably re invented my style and everything that I love. This incredible space is designed by Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran who together make Dimore Studio...
Check out this insane style...

I love love love the different shades of blue on the walls. When I worked for Woodson and Rummerfield, they did the same kind of thing in a swanky hollywood pad once and it rocked my world. Look at the woods, art, sculptures, pops of pink (hello my favorite), lighting fixtures, etc. I mean swooooooon. 
This amazing Aztec style wallpaper is just beyond. I can't even deal. Just look at the bright gold hardware in contrast to the blue bathroom. It's beyond amazing, right?

PARISIAN FANTASY

With my trip to Paris coming soon I have been researching the things & places that I must see. Elle Decoration is one of my favorite magazines for art and architecture in France and I just can't get enough of it. I can't read or speak in French, yet, so I am not sure what this is of but I am blown away by this magnificently decorated home...

 I love how layered and artistic this home is. While I love how bright colored and funky patterns abound right now in American home decor, my eye is drawn to edgy pieces, curvy lines, sumptuous fabrics, muted colors, moldings, and very high gloss paint. 
 These things are totally refining my style and I am beyond excited to get inspired for some new projects I have coming up. Im ready to get bold in bringing in some unexpected items with history and using things that are ridiculously oversized. 
images via Elle Decoration

THE DOORS OF NEW YORK...

So. I have a new little project that has been taking up quite a bit of my time. I'm sure you are all as obsessed with INSTAGRAM as much as I am. I literally addicted. Living in New York I find so much inspiration, especially in the art + architecture of this city. Every corner I turn, I find something new and inspiring and I've been documenting, snapping photos (my new side hobby) of them for months. So, I finally am posting them on an instagram  @thedoorsofnewyork. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do, there are some seriously good doors in this city. Maybe one day ill make a book out of them...
 
 

it's summertime somewhere...

and even though its mid winter, I am loving me some bright colors and the pretty neon shades of yellow, pinks and oranges. I really think it's California that just brings out the happy and bright girl inside of me. Of course my clothes and my home decor accessories are always changing and I so love to add gorgeous bright colors in the rotation...

Art is probably one of my favorite ways to add color as most of you already know.
I love a bright pop of color on the couch when the rest of the room is neutral. It can really add a touch of whimsy to modern +  rustic decor. 

{one. two. three. four. five. six.}

art + room...woodson + rummerfield Pink Lady

So proud of my former bosses, Woodson + Rummerfield for making the cover of LUXE magazine with their fabulous pink bedroom at the Graystone mansion...they really nailed it with the pink and that has totally inspired me.
blush pink walls + pretty velvet sofa + candle wall sconces + proper painted lady =
domestic bliss
I am just smitten with the look of rose colored walls. I recently read that dusty rose is lucky for me on this birthday colorscope and since my birthday is in less than 2 weeks I want to surround myself with the best of luck + the beautiful color.
Rose is so feminine and so sweet and I really think that I am going to incorporate the pretty color into everything that I do from now on...





{images via. luxe magazine. domino. society social. elle decor. interior design. houzz}

Happy Monday Morning Decor Daydreaming

Every once and a while I get so inspired by ethereal decor...
You know, all white and super feminine, european touches that just give off that dreamy vibe. As most of you know, more often than not I love bold, glam and bangin'. However, on this beautiful October Monday (and crispness in the air), I am feeling on some dreamy-ness. I love the light blue dresser with black finishes and the retro camera so delicately placed on the pile of boxes.
I just adore the stacks of books and magazines (much like the ones in my apartment) They just make you feel like home sweet home, no?
This purple settee with piles of pillows...complete domestic bliss.
via SWEET HOME

Tablescape Tuesday: entertaining & tabletop ideas

I am busy as a bee today getting everything together for a big entertaining feature I am styling for Adore Magazine. Beyond excited because I get to make it as glamourous as I want...
So as I hit the town for fabulous finds, I will leave you guys with some beautiful tabletop inspiration.
I love the teeny stemware in the photo above, a collection of these can be so chic. 
I always love yummy desserts on tables...so girlie. All white with hints of gold just makes me swoon.
pretty pinks and silver really look sharp on an all white tabletop background.
images via lonnymag, rue, weheartit