Recent Acquisitions

Despite the cold, rainy weather here in Chicago I have not taken these lovely sandals off since I purchased them at J. Crew last week. I went through a period of hating silver - I blame it on the abundance of Tiffany's jewelry I wore in middle/high school - but just recently I've fallen back in love with the sophisticated metallic.  Don't get me wrong, I'm a golden girl through and through but sometimes it's nice to switch things up at bit.  The silver is understated yet chic and seriously spices up any outfit.  I contemplated buying a second pair but instead opted for a Moroccan wedding blanket (details to follow) which just so happens to coordinate.  Bling, bling.

image by kristin kerr luber for simply smitten

Office Envy | J.Crew

I came across some images of the recently remodeled J.Crew corporate office on Instagram and I haven't been able to stop stalking looking at the stunning interiors since.  I have a serious case of office envy!  Serge Mouille lighting, vintage Beni Ouarain Moroccan rugs, Milo Baughman chairs, herringbone raw oak floors, and a striking hot pink sofa...I mean I don't think it gets much better than this!  I would have no problem working around the clock in this space because it feels more like a home than an office. I put together an inspiration board based on some of the photos I found on Instagram and it has be contemplating redecorating my entire apartment! So inspiring!

Beni Ouarain rug / Siena sofa by Organic Modernism /  Major brass chair by MGBW / Leila Jeffreys' Vincent photograph / Metal alcove wall shelf from CB2 / Praying mantis floor lamp / Fritz low bookcase by MGBW / Black gallery frames from West Elm

images nettysetgo, jolalangford, dwittybunny, jack_oc

Gift Guide | The Luxe List

1. Nothing says luxe like a rich, brown Faux Fur Throw $128 | 2. This solid brass Round Match Striker is the perfect coffee table accessory $190 | 3. Assorted pearls, smoky quartz and pyrite make the Ready Steady Girls Necklace the ultimate statement piece $736 | 4. Cabernet Cashmere Snood will keep you warm when you can't get your hands on a glass of wine $168| 5. This Leather Bulldog may not be a real but at least you don't have to let it out  | 6. It's hard to belive that this limognes malachite-patterned pot houses a candle $125 | 7.  Add a small but powerful shot of modern glamour to your dresser with this Mini Bauble Box $150 | 8. The Hermes scarf hanging system (available in stores) comes complete with five wall mounts that magnetically hold scarves in place—without damaging the silk  $305 | 9. Inspired by Florentine stone tiles just about every piece in the Pierre Hardy Cube-Print Collection is on my wish list $895

Runway to Room | J.Crew + Steven Gambrel

Offbeat, mix-and-match layering, loads of saturated hues, classic prints and scrumptious textures – I can’t help but notice the similarities between the looks in J. Crew’s Fall presentation and designer Steven Gambrel’s interiors.  J.Crew's head designer Tom Mora, who was inspired by photographer Irving Penn, perfected the brand's classic eclectic-preppy aesthetic and created a plethora of perfectly tailored pants that rival Gambrel's line of custom upholstery.  These looks have me praying that Jenna Lyons' interior obsessions and dreams of a J.Crew home line come true!  

(Images Style.com // Steven Gambrel)

Because Everything is Prettier in Pink...

...don't you think?!  This photographer won me over with the serge mouille floor lamp, zebra rug, and layers of vintage frames over bright pink walls.  Getting a peek at J.Crew's spring collection isn't bad either. I'm obsessed.

ralph lauren paint in sedona pink / silver leaf gallery frame  / jayson home and garden antique gilt frame / serge mouille three-arm floor lamp  / john derian dromedary loveseat / saarinen low oval coffee table  / zebra hide rug / anthropologie flokati diamonds rug

Black, White + Leopard

J. Crew has done it yet again.  Their fabulously styled Fall 2011 lookbook is, well, beyond.  I'm completely inspired by this look - it's how I want my apartment to feel.  Masculine yet feminine. Classic yet modern.  Tailored yet casual.   I love the varying textures - wool coat, patent shoes, crisp white shirt.  Gray, black, a dash of pink...and, of course, a touch of leopard.

Image: Style Caster

Why Don't You?

...upholster a folding screen?  It's a brilliant way to add volume, texture and a pop of color to a space. Coco Chanel is believed to have owned 32 folding screens, which she freely used in ways other than for what they were intended — she dressed her walls with them, like wallpaper, or used them to give structure to her private space.  In my new apartment I want to channel the warmth of this gorgeous coral screen from the J. Crew bridal boutique.  The mix of bright coral and mousy gray contrasting with the stark white is spot on.  Windsor Smith sells a lovely velvet screen in her home collection but if you're a girl on a budget, like me, check out Jenny Komenda's fabulous DIY version over at Little Green Notebook.
Images: Frank Oudeman for J.Crew

Runway to Room | J. Crew + Nate Berkus

Those who know me personally know that despite the bright, patterned and girlish content of this here blog, my own personal style is far more tailored and subdued.  Over the years, I’ve wasted more money than I’d like to admit on trendy patterned pieces only to wear them once then ban them to the “someday” bins under my bed.  Take a look at my closet and apartment today and the only patterns you’re likely to see are stripes, ethnic prints and those of the animal variety (they’re classic and go with anything!).  My bedding – white.  My sofa – grayish.  My throw – fur.  My rugs – sisal.  I stick with saturated, textured solids that I can mix and match to create a cozy, layered feel. Was I tempted to hop on the Imperial Trellis train? Yes sir! Am I glad I didn’t? You bet!  I'm a girl on a budget so I leave patterns for pillows and other small accessories.  For this reason the colorful yet tailored pieces from J. Crew’s fall line and Nate Berkus’ always scrumptious layered interiors have me weak in the knees. Who can resist unexpected combinations of rich saturated colors and luxe-looking designs that are sure to stand the test of time? Not me....

images: fabsugar, nate berkus and roger davies for elle decor

Inspired Interior: J. Crew + Hans Hofmann

One thing I love about writing this blog is that I find myself making connections between the things I love.  When I read that Marissa Webb, head of J.Crew’s women’s design, chose painter Hans Hofmann as her inspiration for the spring collection I immediately envisioned a Hofmann-inspired interior.  When describing the pieces for the upcoming season she used the words “Colorful. Uplifting. Intense. Warmth.” 

This library/dining room comes to us from the London townhouse of Christine d'Ornano, cosmetics executive for Sisley.  I've adored this interior shot since first setting eyes on it.  Like the J. Crew collection, there's a perfect amount of whimsy (the framed butterflies and wire dog sculpture) combined with cheery Hofmann-like color on traditional pieces like the Louis XVI–style chairs and chesterfield sofa. The painting above the mantle is divine! I also really love the soft grey walls and the way they complement the room’s rich hues.  Most importantly, I could absolutely see myself entertaining in this room...could you?

ZGallery Jupiter Chandelier I Ballard Designs Louis XVI Chair I Saarinen Dining Table I Benjamin Moore Horizon Paint I Framed Butterflies by The Evolution Store I The Vanquished by Hans Hofmann I Maansi Walnut Linen by John Robshaw I Chester Sofa by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Side Note: Have you heard the news?  Get your bookmarks ready - J. Crew is starting a BLOG!

J. Crew Goes Hollywood

The polished, Old Hollywood styling of the J. Crew Spring 2011 catalog has me yearning for a little more glamour in my life.  I mean, how great is this black + white image?  It makes me want to slip into a crisp, white shirt, tie a sweater around my neck and let the wind muck up my hair as I drive down the palm tree-lined streets of Beverly Hills.  I imagine it something like this...

I'd ride shot-gun in this...

then frolic like this...

...on my way to grab a few beverages at a patio like this...

and after all that fun I'd recover pool-side with a fabulous pair of cat-eye shades...

'Tis The Season

I love the new  J.Crew Holiday ad campaign created in association with Andy Spade, one half of the duo behind the always clever Partners & Spade. In keeping with the Holiday spirit of giving, the ad features a curation of Holiday themed websites J.Crew admires such as Living Christmas, a rentable Christmas tree company in Southern California.  If this ad doesn't get you in the Holiday spirit, nothing will!

Falling for Fall

Dear God,

Please fast forward 3 months so I can wear these Girl Scout-inspired, drool-inducing fall styles....

Images via the J. Crew Fall 2010 lookbook.

Photography by Daymion Mardel