goodbye January

Reflecting back on this month I'm so grateful for everything that has happened, and it's only the beginning of 2011.

First and foremost, I want to thank all of Sacramento Street's wonderful January sponsors! Are you looking for one-of-a-kind pieces for your home? Head over to Ruby Lane, I've got a few things bookmarked for clients. Can't make it to this month's flea market, don't fret, you can pop over to Cottage Farm for beautiful vintage finds. If you're like me and have a lot of events in the near future but want to add a little bling to your outfit, be sure to check out Elva Fields, she just added some beautiful pieces. And let's not forget about JVW Home and Bustle Event Design. I feel like one lucky lady to have had such amazing sponsors this January!

In other news, I've already hit the ground running with my new clients - they are such a fun group to work with. Can't wait to show all of you the finished project.

Can't wait for a fabulous February!

Interested in reaching thousands of readers every day? Become a Sacramento Street sponsor. We still has a few sponsorship spaces open for February. Email sacstreet {at} gmail {dot} com for information.

*Photo: Patterson Maker

paris: oh so lovely

Why am I coming across all of these breathtaking Parisian homes? I now have an even bigger itch to move there for a few years - dreaming but hopefully one day. What drew me to this home was the open floor plan, something I'm a huge fan of. It's the perfect home to host a dinner party - I love throwing soiree's!

This home has everything and then some - especially the windows, they are absolutely stunning!

*Photo: by Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer for Vårt Nya Hem

dear monday

I'm going to start thinking about the rest of my Mondays - as "my day" - why didn't anyone think of this earlier? I agree with Leah, it sounds like a whole lot better way to start off a week. Cheers everyone, I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead of you!

*Photo: Patterson Maker

TGIF!

Happy weekend everyone! Hope it's a lovely and relaxing one.

I'm ready to spend the weekend getting things on my to-do list crossed off (it's a mile long), prepping inspiration boards for my new client, lunching with girlfriends and spending quality time with Eric.

I've got a little skip in my step to get organized so that I'm ready to hit the ground running next week!

What are all of you up to this fine weekend? Whatever you might be doing, I hope it's a good one.

xoxo,

Caitlin

*Photos: 1. Crush Cul de Sac 2. The Coveted 3. & 5. Patterson Maker 4. Mary Kate McDevitt

paris: simply beautiful

The neutral palate (with a few pops of color of course), sleek design and minimalist aesthetic of this Paris home has me speechless. What more can I say, it's lovely!

Read the full story behind this home over on Design Traveller.

*Photo: Jean-Marc Wullschlege via Vårt Nya Hem

belt it up . . .

Since we're having oddly warm weather here on the West Coast, I've been trying to figure out how to wear my warm winter knits. This outfit is perfect - the bare legs with a big chunky knit dress is exactly what I've got to wear in this weather. It's not quite time to put them away because let's face it - we're not going to have this 70 degree weather for long.

*Photo: Jane Kim via somethingnavy

psst . . . matchbook magazine launched!

The premiere issue of Matchbook Magazine is here - full of fabulous interviews including the one and only Rita Konig, the fabulous Lela Rose (my bridesmaids dresses where designed by her) and the oh so dapper John Derian. I feel incredibly lucky to have had one tiny feature - they asked a group of us What film has had the greatest influence on your personal style? - I feel honored and privileged to be amongst some of the best; Joanna from A Cup of Jo, Grace from design*sponge, Anna Spiro of Absolutely Beautiful Things, Roseline from This Is Glamorous and many more.

If you haven't been able to dive head first into the first issue be sure to head on over. I'd love to know what your favorite section is!

A BIG thank you to the Matchbook team for bringing us a BURST of inspiration. You ladies did a phenomenal job on this issue!

*Photos: Matchbook Magazine

casually on the go . . .

When you combine stripes, a tan blazer, a classic black scarf and of course a Chanel handbag, it pretty much equals perfection in my fashion notebook. Wishing I could dress this effortless and look half this chic!

Photo: hanneli

office envy . . .

The latest issue of CS Interiors (now online) features Summer Thornton's office she now shares with her new design partner, Whitney. They are definitely not afraid of bold and bright colors - it's something I love about Summer's aesthetic. Click over to CS Interiors to read the full story and see more envy-worthy images.

Photos: CS Interiors

highlights from altitude summit

Many of you have been asking about my experience at ALT - my head is still brimming with inspiration and I've got a to-do list a mile long, boy do I have my work cut out for me. Here's a little recap of what I took away from the panel's I throughly enjoyed.

Tips + Tricks: (Megan Reardon, Erica Reitman, and Susan Brinson)

* Capture online screenshots with Skitch (sorry, only available for Mac users).

* Want a place to organize all of your images, links, notes, etc. check out Evernote. Best part - you can snap a photo of a business card with your phone and have it stored within your Evernote account. You'll never have to go searching for a lost card again - genius!

* I'm newly obsessed with Zinio - a magazine reading app.

* Lastly, most of you know about Pinterest but if you don't click on over because it's an amazing bookmarking website. Beware, you'll be sucked in for at least five hours.

Advertising Beyond Banners: (Erin Loechner, Liz Gumbinner, and Maggie Mason)

* Reinvent the wheel - get creative.

* Be sure to tell your readers when a post is sponsored. You don't want your readers to feel tricked.

* Measure your digital footprint. Be sure to have something beyond your numbers, like a press page. It gives you an "at a glance credibility."

* Always be authentic and transparent to your readers because if you are your readers will cheer you on.

* Pitch your passions.

Blogging Ethics + Etiquette: (Emily Newman, Grace Bonney, and Joy Cho)

* Commenting - If you start to get a lot of negative comments, be sure to come up with a comment policy. It's important to have it posted somewhere just in case you need to point it out to readers.

* Crediting - Always, always, always credit anything you put on your blog (photos, sources, etc.). Some sites you should look into that Grace recommends are tynt.com and tineye.com. Both tell you where the photo has been and can locate the original source (amazing!).

* Giveaways - They should be saved for items you truly love and want to feature. It's a special post about the product and you're giving it a lot of press by featuring it.

* Social Media - It's another outlet to get genuine readers, but always remember quality vs. quantity. Grace's way of using twitter - 30% business // 30% communicating with users // 30% fun // 10% to fill in where it's needed.

Another fun panel I was able to go to was "The Best in Up & Coming Blogs" with Amy Turn Sharp, Danni Hong, Joslyn Taylor, Liz Stanley, Melanie Blodgett - although some of my favorite blogs were outed (grrrrr...), I found some new blogs I'm loving. To see the full list click here.

Hopefully these notes helped you out a little bit - I tried to take as many notes as I could for y'all. If you have any questions feel free to email me.

I'm truly inspired by so many lovely ladies I met over this trip, including Lisa F, Karey, Joslyn, Rebecca, Megan, Camille, Suann, Anna, Crystal, Lisa and many more amazing bloggers! And I couldn't have asked for better roommates - Erin and Kirsten - I'm having withdrawals . . . and my outfits consultations aren't the same (Eric isn't as fashionable as you two ladies).

If you didn't attend this year, come next year - it doesn't disappoint. And for those of you who did attend this year, I hope to see you in Salt Lake next January! Only 360 ish days away.

Photos: Alt Summit flickr stream and Kate Spade photobooth

happy monday!

What a whirlwind the past few days have been! Attending Alt Summit was fantastic – my head is still spinning with inspiration. Highlights will be posted soon.

I'm ready to hit the ground running this week. What's a better way than with this lovely Parisian woman – she's drop-dead gorgeous with her black and gray ensemble. Is she classic or what? I might need to recreate this outfit sometime this week.

Hope all of you had wonderful weekend's! Anything exciting happen while I was away?

Photo: Vanessa Jackman via Global Atelier

spring fever

Temperatures in San Francisco are warm with bright blue skies - no clouds or fog in site. Talk about making us crave Spring. It makes me want to break out my light weight jackets and store my cold weather essentials. I know it is too soon, but I can dream, right?

*Photo: the sartorialist

to cover or not to cover?

I've thought long and hard about covering my books that I display on my bookcase. This image solidifies my thought about doing it - they look beautiful. Although, I don't think I have handwriting like that.

Wouldn't they look wonderful placed on your shelves? I sure think so.

Photo: design*sponge

winter style

Wonder how women can dress chic in 20 degree weather? Ta da! My friend Jennifer. She was photographed by The Photodiarist on Bleecker in New York City. Let me tell you, she always looks beautiful and her outfits are always perfectly put together. I'm surprised she hasn't been photographed before by The Sartorialist. She's got impeccable style and this solidifies it. I love the entire ensemble - the knee high socks, boots, coat and her chunky knit hat (love!). Don't you love her style?

*Photos: The Photodiarist

Alt Summit Bound

By the time you read this I'll be airborne on my way to Salt Lake City for Alt Summit. I'm excited to be attending this year and can't wait to meet so many people. But don't worry, I've got posts regularly scheduled and if you're interested in what's happening at Alt - be sure to follow me on twitter, where I'll be updating about all of the fabulous things going on!

*Photo: That Kind Of Woman

culinary oasis

I've been saving lots of images of kitchens lately, I don't know why, but it's possibly due to the fact that ours is tiny. I dream of having a big kitchen where everybody can hang out. This one in particular I love - the all white and stainless steel is very nice. It makes for a clean look. The only thing I would change is the light fixer. I envision something bigger and a little more rustic. What do you think?

Photo by Per Gunnarsson

tea time

Since I'm addicted to tea, this image rang true to my heart. I love sipping tea out of antique teacups I find at the flea market. Each one has itsown personality.

Now, I'm craving a cup - I think I'll go get myself a cup of English Breakfast!

*Photo: vinaigrette

fashion: alt summit wardrobe

With a busy week ahead, I had to pack this weekend for the much anticipated Alt Summit. You've been hearing me talk about it here and on twitter - everyone that's going has been counting down the days since October. Packing for Salt Lake was tough, because of frigid weather, lifestyle bloggers with amazing fashion sense and parties being announced that will be hosted by he Girls With Glasses and Kate Spade, HGTV, Wilsonart and Provo Craft - how's a girl supposed to even begin to pack?

Well, here is a little peek at what I'm bringing with me - lots of layers, sequined tops, jewels and belts to accessorize with and my favorite pairs of shoes. Let me tell you, there is a lot of black and navy going on in my wardrobe! Whoops.

Can't wait to board the plane and be on my way Wednesday morning! Plus, I have the best roomies (Erin and Kristen) - I think we'll be getting into trouble together.

See you all there!

ps. If you need help organizing your suitcase, you can print out this packing list created by the wonderful Kelly of Design Crush.

*Photos: 1. musings in femininity. 2. Envie Moi 3. Garance Doré

happy monday!

I am wishing I had another day to be at my leisure enjoying time with Eric and packing for Salt Lake, but alas I have work today.

This weekend San Francisco was graced with warm weather - no coat needed! It felt as though summer came early. I took full advantage by hiking along the Pacific Coast trail, spending time outside, and seeing friends. It was heavenly.

What did all of you do this weekend? Did you see any good movies? Eat at any new restaurants?

ps. I'll be showing you a few photos later today of what I'm packing for Alt Summit - I was lucky enough to have Alicia come over to help me style a few looks! She is good people, I think she needs to become a personal stylist.

*Photo: musings in femininity.