simplicity . . .

This stunning outfit taken by Garance Doré is simply chic - the Alexander Wang skirt paired with a loose fitting tee and sky-high heels is exactly the look I'm going to try to achieve when getting dressed for my new job. Sometimes the simplest ensembles are the hardest to create. I'm hoping Mrs. Erin can come over to help me pair together some looks for my first week.

To get more inspiration, I've downloaded Bill Cunningham New York movie to watch on the plane to Portland this afternoon. Can't wait to finally see it!

Photos via Garance Doré

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

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

memories . . .

Last night I was sitting in front of my computer drinking a cup of my favorite tea and it brought back memories of Paris. I'm longing for a few days there wandering around discovering hidden gems, lounging in a cafe reading French Vogue and saying "bonjour" to all of my favorite shopkeepers in Saint Germain.

Hopefully, I'll be able to make it back to the city of love in the near future, but until then I'll be living vicariously through a best friend who is there right now.

*photos: miss wallflower and boubouteatime

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.

Paris Map

Last night I spent a long time looking through my Paris and London guidebooks. But instead of looking for shops or restaurants I should pay a visit to, I ended up studying the maps of both cities. Since I was a little girl I’ve been interested in geography and maps. I’m known as the person to always call if you need directions. In my search for a cool map last night I found this pretty one, which I thought I would share. It’s not useful by any means but I love the colors. Only four more days and I’ll be up, up and on my way to Paris!

Packing: Inspirational Outfits

These pictures are my inspiration for packing tonight. I’m hoping my outfits look as cute or should I say chic as these women.

{photos from The Sartorialist}

Weekend: It's Time to Pack

I've got to get organized for my trip. I've got eight days before I leave on a jet plane to Paris and London. Not only is my vacation approaching faster than I expected but we've got family in town until I leave. It's going to be a whirlwind but I'm just thinking to myself "Paris, Paris, Paris."

Packing the Basics

{photo courtesy of The Sartorialist}

It’s time to think about packing. Since my Mom’s already half packed for Paris and we still have ten days until we leave, it’s time for me to buckle down and organize my thoughts on what to bring. One rule I have for myself is to never bring anything I haven’t worn. I used to pack things I’d never worn because I thought that a trip was the perfect opportunity to try something new, that isn’t the case. I want to feel like I’m at home, but in a different city; so I tend to pack what I always wear. That way I don’t have to think about outfits. I can throw on what I love and hit the streets. There are a few staples that I won’t be leaving behind; My Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote, skinny black pants, black ballet flats and my Park Vogel long cardigan. I have a feeling this is what I’ll be wearing most of my trip. Now on to thinking about the non-basics.

{photo's from Louis Vuitton, J.Crew, La Garconne, and Park Vogel}

Tre Chic: Sofia Coppola in Paris

I’ve been researching what to do in Paris (only twelve more days) and came across this old article that was featured in The New York Times Magazine about Sofia Coppola’s Paris. Although her family is Italian, she interned for two summers with Chanel and rented an apartment on the Boulevard Saint-Germain. I’m staying two blocks from Café de Flore where she used to have production meetings. Her take on Paris has truly inspired me to start my packing and start writing down just a few places I want to go. There are definitely some tips I’m taking away from this article.

{Photo's by Andrew Durham for The New York Times}

Obsessed with Isabel Marant

Paris is all my brain can focus on right now. Fellow blogger Lena took a picture of Isabel Marant’s store in Paris, which is the first shop on my list that I’m going to pay a visit. It’s going to be a dangerous place for me to enter. Mom, you better take my wallet away from me.

Only sixteen more days until I’m up, up and on my way to Paris!

{photo from Lena}