/summer

All About A Dress

It’s amazing what can come from the simplest starting point. With one spark of inspiration, a whole world of ideas can be fanned into flame. Take today’s post, for example. All inspired by one sweet and simple dress. But let me be clear: this is no ordinary dress. It is a dress that led to a picnic, and that picnic led to a photo shoot, and that photo shoot led to a video shoot, and that video shoot led to an adventure. But I’m getting ahead of myself. For now, the dress.

From Anthropologie’s Fit and Flare collection, this shapely little shift is perfect for girly curves. Light as air, beautifully tailored and whimsical, it had me at hello. Add to that the hidden pockets {perfect for storing secret love notes} and it’s all a girl could hope for in a swinging summer frock.

All photos by the very lovely Gabriela Hansen.

More tomorrow!

xo
s.

By |August 27th, 2012|2 Comments

Making Summer Last | Outdoor Fire Pits

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the days have started to get shorter. As this terrestrial ball takes yet another spin around the sun, the glorious season of freckles and flip flops is starting to bend her knee in a gentle curtsey. The endless days of summer have started their slow-motion run straight into the awaiting arms of Autumn.

I love the Fall for all it’s splendor. The colours, the crispness of the air, the cozy sweaters, the Fall harvest and the heart-warming meals. But I’m not ready to go there just yet. Summer and I have a few more memories to make together first.

For me, one of my favourite memories is snuggling up by the fire on a summer’s evening under the stars. So for today’s inspiration, I’m featuring two of my favourite fire pits along with a couple of campfire essentials to go with.

As Leonardo DaVinci said, “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” I think that sums these two different yet sculptural simple fire pits quite nicely. Both from Design Within Reach, they have distinctly different personalities. The fire pit above has a more casual air about it, and given its handles could easily be transported in the back of the car for impromptu beach bonfires. The fire pit below has a stronger, more architectural presence to it with it’s very angular, crisp lines. I love that it also metamorphoses into a coffee table when not ablaze.

No childhood campfire would be complete without s’mores! Let’s face it, most grown-ups love them too. I don’t eat sugar so I can’t partake, but I’ve still fallen head over heals for the design of this marshmallow roaster from Terrain.

Organic, elegant and reasonably priced, it adds a designer’s touch to the experience of roasting those white fluffy orbs to golden perfection. Speaking of which, why not have designer marshmallows while we’re at it? Cinnamon Sugar, square and handmade in LA, these are perfect for the foodies in our midst.

Last but not least, why not get designer with your chocolate, too? Artisinal chocolate purveyor Antidote has a banana chili chocolate that will no doubt make campfire conversations much spicier!

However you plan to spend your last few weeks of summer, I hope they are filled with the stuff that memories are made of. If you’re like me, you’ll definitely make time to snuggle up and watch for shooting stars.

xo
s.

By |August 24th, 2012|0 Comments

A Summer Affair | Anthropologie

I have a house full-to-bursting with flowers today as I am working on floral design for a client’s son’s wedding. The celebration is tomorrow and will be a modern, elegant affair. If, like me, you have weddings to attend and need a little wardrobe inspiration, today’s post is for you! Feast your eyes on these two beauties and the stunning, fit-and-flare dresses they are wearing from Anthropologie’s summer collection.

Mariposa Lace Dress + Sparkled Agate Bib Necklace
Revisited Impressionist Dress

From vintage and lacey to artistic and flattering, there really is something for every taste and figure at Anthro. Well worth a look for a frock to wear to your next summer affair!

xo
s.

All photos by Gabriela Hansen

By |August 16th, 2012|1 Comment