I LOVE . . .

One of my favorite new handbag companies, Les Composantes, came up with a fun blog post - if only mine looked like these. I've been looking for a new handbag since last Spring - can't wait for the gray on to be deliver! I love that you can carry it or put it over your shoulder. It's perfect for all the traveling I'll be doing in the next few months.

Don't speak French? Don't fret, the Les Composantes site will be translated to English by March! Can't wait since I'm currently trying to translate it myself with my broken French.

PS. They also ship to the US!

*Photos: Les Composantes

french living . . .

Every single inch of this house in Southern France is breathtaking - the dining room, kitchen, living room and the furniture. The rustic and modern mixed together is perfection. My favorite thing about this space has to be the dark gray painted half way up the wall. I've never seen this done in a way that I like, but maybe it's because it's gray (my fave color).

Don't you wish you had a home like this to go to on the weekends? I do!

*Photos: Nicolas Mathéus via French by Design

french countryside . . .

Lying in bed the past three days, I've been daydreaming about spending my summer in the French countryside. Going to farmers markets, riding a bike through sunflower fields, eating endless amounts of cheese, and lets not forgot about drinking champagne.

Thank you everyone for your well wishes. I appreciate all of the lovely comments, I'm finally feeling better.

*photos: diversion project

longing for the French countryside . . .

During this time of year I day-dream about living in the French countryside for the summer. I would spend time enjoying long summer days, bike riding to the nearest town for food, reading for endless amounts of hours and not having a schedule to worry about. When I came across this beautiful home - I instantly fell madly in love with it.

All I want to do is transport myself to this home. The kitchen is dream-worthy; the simplicity is refreshing and the touches of blue just pop. To read the full story, head over to poppytalk or Bodie and Fou.

{photos: frolic via poppytalk via BODIE and FOU}

10 Things That Make Me Happy: automatism

Happy Monday everyone! I've very excited to have Lori from automatism guest blogging here today. When I received her list over a week ago, I was so inspired. Everything was fresh and new. I want the lamp and Eames chair right away, which are now at the top of my wish list.

Lori is a digital collage illustrator working for various magazines and newspapers by day and has her own atelier of her one of a kind fine art prints available at her etsy shop. Her work is spectacular and from now until February 15, 2010, 50% of the money earned from each sale on the automatism atelier will be donated to the Red Cross.

Thank you Lori for taking the time to put together this wonderful post!

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Hello, Lori of automatism here! I've really been enjoying Caitlin's wonderful 10 Things That Make Me Happy series, so when she asked me to contribute, I was more than happy to share my own little list and be a part of this fun feature. I hope you enjoy it!

1. Morrison - I pretty much love everything from this wonderful clothing company. Perfect, I think.

2. The Fun Pendant Lamp - Designed by Werner Panton in 1964, its combination of pretty natural elements (seashells) and modern design is so appealing to me. twentytwentyone: Sea shell £665.00

3. Marie Claire Maison - One of my absolute fave interior design mags, and one I eagerly look forward to each month. Month subscription of Marie Claire Maison: 26,50 €

4. Domenica More Gordon - Love her sweet series of hand made felted dogs, each filled with such personality and charm. Click here for details.

5. Eames DSW Side Chair - A perfect balance of clean modern design with the warmth of wood. Design Within Reach - Eames® Molded Plastic Side Chair: $399

6. Paris - Loved it when I visited several years ago, and just can't wait to go back. Amazing city. Image from weheartit.com/

7. Billy Collins - A wonderful poet, who I find myself returning to again and again. Find his book on Amazon.

8. Food Blogs - Besides design blogs, I also love browsing food blogs, such as honey & jam, with great recipes accompanied by the stunning photos of Hannah, its editor.

9. Wallpaper - There seems to be more and more pattern creeping into interiors these days. I'm really liking the look of mixing a trad pattern (like Josette by Laura Ashley) with modern pieces.

10. Rings - I love to wear chunky silver rings, such as this ring by Gorjana.

Isabel Marant

When it comes to fashion, Isabel Marant is one of my favorite designers. She has mastered French dressed-down chic. I appreciate the streetwise way Marant mixes a casual but elegant style.

This weekend we're taking our engagement photos. I started looking for inspiration for an outfit. The first designer that popped into my was Marant. These photos from her Spring 2009 runway show did not only inspire me for our engagement photos, but also for my upcoming trip to Paris in less than three weeks.

Isabel Marant, thank you for the inspiration!

{photos courtesy of Isabel Marant}