Wedding Weekend

The next couple of days are filled with wedding festivities. A good friend is getting married here in San Francisco this weekend. The ceremony is taking place at St. Ignatius Church, which is the church built on my old college stomping grounds,  the University of San Francisco. Then we will be heading to the reception that’s being held at the Bentley Reserve in the Financial District. I’ve been hearing about the details for months and months and can’t wait to see how the whole wedding turns out. I know it’s going to be beautiful, especially her Monique Lhuillier dress!

{photo courtesy of Project Wedding}

Inspiring Apartment: Deborah Needleman

Deborah Needleman, Editor-in-Chief of Domino Magazine was an inspiration to interior designers throughout the world. It’s heartbreaking that we have to live without Domino Magazine these days. I came across these photos taken of Deborah’s Tribeca loft in New York City by the New York Times. The way she designed her loft is what I aspire to have in the future. Although it’s a loft, she made it feel like there are different rooms/areas of the one big living room. One thing that draws me to her design aesthetic is how she combines antiques with modern pieces, like the lucite coffee table. The color palette Deborah uses is refreshing and natural. She painted all of the walls white, which was a Domino trick. Because she has everything so calm and simple in her loft you can tell that it is a peaceful place to live; Even with the kid’s castle set up in the living room. But that’s what makes it feel real.

In the dining room, I love the mix of high-low end pieces she mixes throughout the room. The table and chairs with the huge paper lantern is one example that I can’t get enough of.

In the master bedroom, the bed looks simple yet chic with the headboard that Needleman designed herself. She also uses the round lantern effect that she has throughout the house in several rooms.

I love the color used in the kid’s rooms. Especially the LOVE pillow.

{photo courtesy of the New York Times}

Rubie Green Giveaway!

I’ve been following Michelle Adams, a former Domino editor, who founded Rubie Green in 2007. She produces eco-friendly textiles in unique patterns. Her classic and stylish prints are perfect for any home. If you’re obsessed with Rubie Green like me, head over to ShelterPop. You can enter to win a queen set of Tillinghast sheets and cases (worth $179). But hurry, the giveaway only goes until Friday.   

{photo courtesy of Rubie Green}

Home from the Southampton

Southampton was a blast. We went to Coopers Beach, where the weather couldn’t have been more beautiful. It was not too hot and not too humid. The pictures below are on the way to Cooper Beach on Meadow Lane. I couldn’t resist getting out of the car to get these shots!

We stayed at the 1708 House, which is a Bed & Breakfast on North Main Street. It’s the perfect location because you’re only a few steps away from the “downtown” area of Southampton. If you’re looking for a good place for lunch be sure to head to the Golden Pear, which is a Southampton sandwich shop. It was so good we had it two days in a row! After lunch at the Golden Pear we were craving gelato so we headed to Sant Ambroeus on Main Street, which was a recommendation from Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic. If they have the Pistachio, I highly recommend it. Oh, one more thing; The funniest thing about Southampton is that they have signs everywhere saying “Notice: All Persons Are Required to Wear Proper Attire on Our Public Streets.” Love this sign!

The wedding celebration on Saturday was a traditional East Coast Clambake. I’d never been to a clambake before and I wish they could become a tradition on the West Coast. The lobster was amazing, the clams and mussels were amazing and the steak was to die for.

Sunday was all about driving around Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton and all the way up the coast to Montauk. We stopped on highway 27 for seafood at Lobster Roll. It’s a famous restaurant that’s been serving the same lobster roll for forty years. Spending the day driving from town to town with Eric was a treat. It was nice to spend some quality time together. As we drove back to New York we kept talking about how glad we were that we got to go on this trip together. It was a fun adventure we had in the Hamptons that we’ll never forget.

{photos by Sacramento Street}

Hamptons Weekend

I'm off to the Hamptons tonight for a friends wedding. I packed big sunglasses, my Eres bathing suit, a beach bag and a scarf to keep my hair from flying in my face. I've never been to the Hamptons before so this is definitely going to be a fun experience. Especially since the bride and groom rented out a big eleven bedroom house for everyone to stay in. See you back here on Monday. 

{photo courtesy of Habitually Chic}

The Sartorialist Book!

 I think I’ve dead and gone to heaven. I can’t wait to have all of the Sartorialist’s photos in one book. The question is, do I buy the paperback or hardcover? Decisions, decisions, decisions. What is a girl to do?

It comes out August 12th in the US, and worldwide by early September. I’d pre-order it if I were you!

{photo courtesy The Sartorialist}

Wedding Update: Save-the-Dates

Planning a wedding is both fun and overwhelming. I’ve mostly been having a lot of fun because I love planning events. I’ve noticed that sometimes everything comes rushing at me at one time, and then a few days later it’s laid back (what’s laid back? You need a subject). I’ve already got my wedding dress ordered, our photographer picked out (Erin Beach), the venue picked out (Yountville, CA), bridesmaid dresses picked out and the menu set. I’m currently working on our invitations with Cheree Berry and flowers.

Cheree Berry is a stationer based out of St. Louis. I’ll write more on her later when I show you the invitation we’re using as inspiration. I love stationary and all paper goods (I blame my mom and aunt for that). Flower meetings are next week. There’s something about flowers that always make me smile, so these meetings are going to obviously put me in a good mood. 

The main reason why I’m writing this post is to share the Save-the-Date’s we just sent out to our guests. We wanted to do something simple and since we’ve been together for eight years we figured that a picture from our past would be appropriate. We used a photo from our 2003 prom. It’s one of our favorite photos because it depicts how we interact with each other on a daily basis. Eric can always find a way to make me laugh. 

I hope that our Save-the-Date inspires you as much as it did for me.

Not to be Missed: Summer Reading

The Glass Castle is a beautiful and heartfelt memoir by Jeanette Walls. She recounts her childhood as they move like nomads from one small town to another. Growing up with an irresponsible, unstable family is sad, but through the heartfelt stories you can imagine what it was like. It’s such a compelling story that it makes you never want to set the book down. 

M . I . A .

The past two weeks felt like two months. I want to apologize for not keeping up with my blog over the past few weeks. When I got back from vacation in Europe I had a lot to do at work; Then last Monday, I found out my Opa (Grandpa in German) passed away. I immediately took care of things in San Francisco and hopped on a plane to Portland. I had time to blog, but just didn’t have any creative juices to get me blogging. It was both draining and sad, but at the same time it brought our whole family together again to celebrate my Opa’s life.

I’ll be catching up on my posts this week. I’ve got some stories about my adventures in Paris and London to still talk about. Thursday, I’m getting on another plane. I'm off to the Hampton's for a wedding. I just can’t seem to stop traveling this summer.

Keep an eye out for some new posts because they’re coming your way.

xo, Caitlin

Wishing for a White Wonderland

The weather is warming up in the Bay Area. Let's just hope it sticks around for more than a day or two. When it heats up I wish I could redecorate my entire apartment in all white. White makes everything feel new, crisp and fresh. Here are a few images that are inspiring my current white obsession.

{Photos courtsey of The City Sage, At Home with White and Flickr}

Bon Jour!

Paris and London were amazing. It's been a rough transition getting back in the swing of things but I feel like by the end of this weekend everything will be back to normal. I'll be writing some blog posts this weekend about my numerous adventures. Have a fabulous weekend!

{image from decor8}

Au Revoir

Off to Paris and London for two weeks. I'll be writing about my adventure when I get back. Au Revoir!

Vanessa Bruno’s Paris Apartment

Vanessa Bruno’s apartment has always been an inspiration for me. It’s not overly decorated and her subtle style is perfect, in my eyes. Her apartment is in the Marais section of Paris. Her store in Paris is at the top of my list for stores I want to visit while I am there. Only two more days until I leave!

{photo’s by Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer for Domino Magazine}

Inspiring Fashion

{photos from The Sartorialist}

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."

Day Dreaming: A New Bed

When I want to redecorate a little something in my apartment I usually get a new pillow, candle or pillowcase. Lately, I’ve had a hankering to do something bigger. Since we’re not moving anytime soon something’s got to give, right? 

First of all, I want to buy a queen mattress. I’m tired of a full size bed. We really do need that extra four or five inches that the queen offers. Second on my list is a cushioned headboard. Every time I look through my old domino magazines (tear) I just tell myself over and over again that we need to buckle down and get a beautiful cushioned headboard. Not only are they sleek and stylish, but when you’re laying in bed reading it’s just more comfortable. One of these days I’m going to break down and buy one, but in the mean time I’ll just day dream.

{photo's from flickr and coco+kelley flickr}

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}