keeping it casual . . .

With the holiday weekend right around the corner, all my mind can think about is enjoying the beautiful weather, eating delicious food and throwing on my comfy basics - I mean what more could a girl ask for? I can't wait to enjoy the empty city with family and friends.

What are you looking forward to this holiday weekend? I'm counting the hours until we are out tomorrow afternoon!

Photo: Pure Ruscoe

Clothing: Striped Tank / Necklace / Jean Shorts / Sandals

a stunning abode . . .

When I came across this stunning petite bungalow over on Jessica's blog - my mouth popped open, my heart started beating rapidly and my eyes couldn't stop looking at all of the lovely details in every photo. From the Spanish architecture to the marble fireplace to the way it's designed - it completely embodies what I love most about homes. Can you imagine how lovely this must be in person? I can only dream . . .

Miss Jessica sure is lucky to work for such a brilliant designer - lucky duck!

Photos: House Beautiful via Chris Barrett Design (click on images to enlarge)

let it shine . . .

I was just thinking that San Francisco wasn't going to get any June gloom, but today felt like we zoomed past summer and fall, right into December. It was pouring buckets of rain, dark and humid - not a great combination. So I started day dreaming about the sunny days that are about to grace us and how I want to relish them. San Franciscans don't take warm sunny weather for granted. If you've got the sun shining down on you - get outside, only if it's for a walk or to run errands or to sit with a cold glass of ice tea and your favorite summer read. Enjoy it!

*Photo: Vakre Hjem & Interior

a taste of summer . . .

Although there is fog in the city, it doesn't mean that we don't get to enjoy summer weather - let's just say you've got to get creative. Like hopping in a car and driving up north to Napa. But on the rare summer days that are warm in the city, you'll find me soaking in the sun in the back yard with my a good book and enjoying one of these delicious mojitos. My best friend from high school and I always meet up for them at our favorite joint in Portland, but this year we might have to make them ourselves. I can tell you one thing, I'll definitely be indulging in these over the next few months!

*Photos by What Kate Ate

a brand new week . . .

Happy Monday everyone! I hope all of you had a fun, rejuvenating weekend - I sure did. I felt like I accomplished so much the past two days and enjoyed some quality time relaxing. It ended with an impromptu trip up to Napa yesterday for a garden party - lots of delicious food (I ate entirely too much), lots of sunshine and I met some amazing people.

Now, I know on Friday I said that today would be the day that you would see my apartment, but I received an email this morning that it's been postponed two weeks. I'm terribly sorry and I hope you understand. The photographer that I worked with, Michelle Drewes and I put together a little something special for Sacramento Street readers for when it's finally revealed - it's worth the wait, I promise. In the meantime, I wanted to share one photo that isn't being used. I love the way these anemones look in photos.

Hope all of you have a wonderful week ahead of you. Be sure to enter the amazing West Elm giveaway that went live yesterday and thanks for understanding!

Photography by Michelle Drewes of Caitlin Flemming's home

GIVEAWAY: A West Elm . . .

Just two weeks ago I got the Parsons Tower from West Elm. My husbands first thought was "where am I ever going to put this" - well with a little re-arranging and then a bit of re-decorating, it now has a special place in our dining room. In all honesty, he should know that I always have a master plan in my head. Once it was all done, I began thinking about how others would decorate theres Parsons Tower.

West Elm is giving away a Parsons Tower to one lucky Sacramento Street reader. Do you have the perfect spot for the Parsons Tower? If so, how would you see yourself decorating it? Would it be with beautiful books, travel treasures, family heirlooms?

1. To enter, leave a comment (with your name and email) letting us know where and how you would decorate your own Parsons Tower.

2. Pop over to the West Elm Facebook and Twitter page and follow/like both them. (if you already “like” it then you’re already entered.)

An important detail. You must live in the United States to enter this giveaway. This giveaway ends July 8th.

*Photos taken by Caitlin

it's friday + exciting news!

Phew, I'm ready for the weekend - it's time to kick off my heels, grab a glass of wine and spend some quality time with Eric and my girlfriends. Tomorrow I'll be heading down to the ferry building for some farmers market shopping because after last night’s dinner, which was 100% from the farmers market, I think it's safe to say I'll be doing it as often as I can this summer. There's nothing like a fresh home cooked meal. The rest of the weekend I'll be meeting up with girlfriends, going to a baseball game and spending time on Sunday at home (my pile of books and I have a date).

It's the first weekend of summer, what are all of you going to do?

A few last things before we part ways this weekend:

*Today, make sure you pop over to Effortless Style for my "In Her Shoes" guest post. You'll get a glimpse into my everyday life and Eric's baking skills!

*Be sure to check back here on Sunday for an awesome giveaway! This is a big one ladies and gents - I'm super excited for it because it's something I have in my home that I truly LOVE.

*Lastly, I've received tons of emails from readers asking if I'm ever going to feature my apartment on my blog. Well, it's finally time to reveal it. Monday is the BIG day and it's being featured somewhere that inspired me to start this blog.

I hope each of you lovelies have a fabulous weekend!

xo, Caitlin

dining room chairs: which one do you adore?

When it comes to dining rooms - the chairs totally make a HUGE difference. They can either make or break the entire room. In my apartment I have old wood chairs from Barcelona (thank you mom for spotting them at an antique shop) - they are beyond amazing and some of my favorite items in my house. Sometimes I want to mix it up and try using different styles around the table; modern, antique, contemporary. I think everyone has their own preference, what's yours?

Photos: 1. Othilia Decor 2. Skona Hem 3. David Christensen 4. canadian house and home 5. unknown (anyone?) 6. emmas.blogg

I N T E R V I E W: Audra Canfield of Designer Fluff

When it comes to throw pillows I am picky, so picky that my sofa is still bare after months of living in my apartment in fear that it will look like a West Elm catalog. But fear no more, designer Audra Canfield of the newly launched Designer Fluff has created a collection of throw pillows sure to make any space feel curated and unique.

Audra Canfield, designer and founder of DF, says the ‘fluff’ in Designer Fluff “is the finishing touches of a room.” Whether you’re racing around during the last moments of styling an installation or getting ready for a dinner party, a little ‘fluff’ goes a long way. Through the use of exclusive designer fabrics and five varying sizes, Canfield describes her handmade pillows in one word, personality. “Pillows should have personality. Individuals are unique, inspiring and unexpected, so why not carry this concept into your home? They are works of art, but instead of getting them framed, we spend our lives lounging on them.”

Material Lust had the chance to interview Canfield in her design studio and townhouse in Brooklyn, to see just how her works of art surround her every day. Designing begins at her Kitchen counter. “I will have laundry going, dinner cooking, and fabrics spread out all over the floor.”

Influenced by her recent travels all over Europe, Africa and time spent living in London, the collection has a graphic illustrative and well traveled tone. She has been holding onto each of these fabrics (including the Angles pillow) for years in her personal Library.

When designing the Interiors of her home, Canfield says she has two design philosophies, “always have black and white in a room. Or in my case, a lot of black. Black grounds the space, white gives relief. Two, try not to have a color scheme. Mixing colors that are beautifully related, yet not matchy matchy, is real design in my opinion.”

Most apparent in her den, or rightfully titled ‘Green Room,’ are the bold colors thoughtfully layered against the moments of black and white to ground the space. The bold abstract painting by artist (and friend) Tyson Meade, that is layered against the Neidermaier bust and the abundance of throw pillows (surprise, surprise) carries a collected quality reflected in her pillow line.

Not to miss down the hall is her Master Bedroom, which she says is her ‘leftover furniture’ room, full of family pieces such as her husband’s heirloom iron bed on casters. “The room that inspires me is always the one that is unfinished. I spend many thoughts designing it, whereas the rooms that are finished, I just simply enjoy.”

Make sure to add a little fluff into your life with Designer Fluff and ‘simply enjoy’!

*Big thank you to Lauren & Christian of Material Lust for writing and photographing this feature!

a hint of inspiration . . .

Usually I have a huge case of the Mondays, but this week I'm ready to work, work, work. It's probably because the weekend was so relaxing. Eric and I were super productive with cleaning out our closets and of course the sun was shining bright, which made it that much more sweet.

This week I intend to spend as much time outside during my lunch break and after work, going to the farmers market for fresh produce and trying some new recipes (hello, look at those peaches!).

Hope all of you have a lovely week ahead of you!

*Photos: Brown Dress with White Dots, A Well Traveled Woman, Williams Sonoma Recipe, and Houzz via Pennyweight

snapshots: tennessee valley

I spent this past Saturday afternoon in Marin hiking in Tennessee Valley. It instantly put my mind at ease - there is nothing like being surrounded by nature. This walk in particular is one of my favorites because when you turn that last corner and see the big ocean in front of you it feels like there is no other place on earth like it.

*Photos by Caitlin Flemming

TGIF!

Our days are currently being filled with lots sunshine and I couldn't be happier - it calls for spending more time outside (I'll find any excuse to be in the sun), finding a sun filled corner of my apartment to enjoy reading a good book or perhaps my new Vogue Living and a hike over in the headlands. I'm quite excited for the next few days off . I'll be putting on my comfy weekend wardrobe, stripes are a must and embrace every ray of sunshine (even if it's a little breezy).

Have a fabulous weekend everyone and I hope it's already off to a fantastic start!

xo,

Caitlin

Photos: 1. Unknown (Anyone?) 2. You Are My Fave 3. Design*Sponge 4. Erica Tanov's Home via Undecorate

pure happiness . . .

Love these sisters laid back and effortless style - it's something I try to achieve every day. You can definitely get a sense of each sisters distinct style. The fact that they are wearing similar style sweaters (not in color of course), yet they dress completely different is something I enjoy seeing with siblings. Each evoke a wonderful sense of style.

Photos: The Sartorialist

{still} currently loving . . .

Alright, as most of you know I'm a huge stripe-aholic (thanks to Erin) - it's an addiction! My pile of shirts is growing weekly. When I came across this feature on Lucy it completely solidified my love for stripes and why I'm so obsessed. Most trends come and go but I think this ones going to be around for awhile. What do you think? Are you equally in love with stripes?

Photos: Vanessa Jackson

vanity: which one do you adore?

Vanity's are kind of known as being a thing of the past, but recently they seem to be more and more popular - popping up in magazines and all over blogs. If I had space in my tiny apartment for one, I would. It would be filled with my treasured jewelry, makeup and of course a few beautiful perfume bottles. I'm definitely all about simplicity when it comes to vanities’. What would you look for if you had one? Is there one above that strikes your fancy?

Photos: 1. Lonny Magazine 2. Mary McDonald 3. Photography by Chris Everard via this is glamorous 4. House Beautiful June 2010 by John Granen 5. Jan Showers via this is glamorous

happy monday!

After a hectic little weekend filled with seeing family and prepping for the photo shoot (which I'm incredibly happy with the way the turned out) I had very little time to put my feet up! This week I'm inspired by beautiful interiors, delicate lace and sleeveless blouses for sun filled days. Is there anything in particular inspiring you this week?

Hope all of you had wonderful weekend!

*Photos: Ara Studio and Seesun

it's friday!

Happy weekend! Phew, this week has been something else - I apologize for the light posts. Last night Eric and I were finally able to make a homemade meal together. It was pure bliss.

Wishing this weekend would slow down, but it will be filled with family in town, baseball games, bridesmaid dress shopping and Sunday we're shooting my apartment for something, I'm over the MOON excited about it! Details will come soon my dears.

I hope each of you have a fun filled weekend ahead - anything exciting happening? Enjoy yourself!

xx, Caitlin

Photos: 1. Unknown (anyone?) 2. House and Home 3. flickr 4. Lucas Allen for Donimo Magazine

dream kitchen . . .

Why hello there kitchen I've been dreaming about my entire life! The open shelving, white cabinets and of course a Viking stove is making me swoon. You're really tempting me to rip out my current kitchen . . . if only I didn't rent. This is going straight to the top of my kitchen inspiration file!

*Photo: Apartment Therapy

floor: which one do you adore?

Over the past few months I've been noticing flooring of homes more and more. Maybe it's because my aunt is in the middle of a re-model or possibly because another friend is debating if she should paint her floors white. I'm personally a sucker for old herringbone floors (number 5) or a wider and darker wood floor (number 1) but when it comes down to it, it completely depends on your aesthetic and what you love.

What would you prefer? Herringbone? Dark hardwood planks? Light hardwood? White painted floors? Cement? Chime in!

Photos: 1. Elle Decor 2. Convoy 3. Douglas Friedman 4. Barbara Hill Design 5. A Note on Design

a hint of inspiration . . .

After a weekend filled with a jaunt over to Marin for a little shopping date with a girlfriend and spent some much needed quality time at home before a busy week ahead. This week I'm inspired by layered bracelets and khaki trenches; fresh cut flowers and stacks of old magazines; inspiration boards place in beautiful workspaces. What's inspiring you this monday morning?

Have a lovely week everyone - hope it's off to a fantastic start!

*Photos: Jak and Jil, Pia Jane Bijkerk, and Pia Ulin

TGIF!

As temperatures rise across the country I'm longing to see a break in the clouds with a sliver of sunshine beaming down. It's high time for Bay Area weather to peak over 58 degrees. So I'm bringing myself a little bit of hope and inspiration for when those days come in the near future (right Mother Nature?) . . .

A light and airy summer dress is definitely a must-have for warmer temps and of course who wouldn’t want to pair it with a chic hat . . . do you have a favorite this season?

Warm days call for spending as much time outdoors - eating breakfast while reading the newspaper, curling up in that perfect spot to catch some rays and of course throwing impromptu dinner parties to savor the sun setting a little later as each day passes. What do you have planned to take advantage of the warmer temperatures? Indulge me because it's supposed to rain this weekend.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Enjoy the sunshine where ever you might be.

xo,

Caitlin

Photos: Liz Sampson via Lookbook.nu and Fashion Toast

what are your getaway essentials?

Summer vacations are starting to get booked, wardrobe staples are being coveted and I think all of us are ready for some much needed getaways in the sunshine. This Vogue "Summer Getaway" article instantly got me thinking about what my summer essentials would be. The items that immediately pop into my head are my K. Jacques patent nude sandals, Vanessa Bruno tote, Eres bikini and of course OPI bright nail polish . . . I'm sure there are many more essentials.

I'd love to know what are your getaway essentials? I'm always on the lookout for what others are loving. Chime in!

*Photo: Vogue