So You Think You Can Dress?

I can't believe I am writing this post.  My roommate and I often fight over Fox's So You Think You Can Dance? host Cat Deely - he loves her, I can't STAND her.  Oh, she's a nice enough woman (truth - I onced helped her pick out a cashmere sweater at J.Crew during my retail working days), but her television persona bugs me.  Also, her wardrobe is normally a train wreck.  Except, her dress last night (I think it's Roberto Cavalli?) got me thinking how much her wardrobe has improved this season and last.  I must give credit where credit is due and I try to keep my mind open to people being able to change.  Way to turn it around, Cat!

(a cute vintage number)

(looking divine in Zac Posen)

(great color in Pinko; debateable hair)

(smokin' in Elise Overland)

(another classic vintage)

I case you were wondering if I'm a true convert, I am not:

(not a fan of her in this Lanvin)

(boob tassels do not look good on anyone, I don't care if it's Jean Paul Gautier)

Tuesdays with...interior designer Jonathan Adler

I was walking home on Newbury about 9 months ago, when I spotted a store, tucked away, but bursting with color.  I had walked this same way 100s of times, yet for the first time, I saw this store.  I wandered in and the clerk greeted me.  "Are you the owner of this place?" I dreamily asked.  She was taken aback.  "No, ma'am," she said after a second.  "This is Jonathan Adler's store."  The only reply I could muster was, "Well, you should tell him it's fantastic."  She laughed.  Now, I know why.  Since that day, Jonathan Adler has been all over my radar and seems to show up everywhere.  It seems this man as taken the interior design world by storm not only with his great interior design perfection, but actually with his own stuff - stylish pottery, retro prints and infamous faux bamboo furniture.  And while I've never met him, I felt like I knew him after reading his hilarious and honest manifesto.  Now if only I could afford all of his fun and wonderful pieces...

Now let's put it all together....

(a private home in New York)

(the all-Adler designed Parker Hotel in Palm Springs)

(Boston's own Urban Showcase)

happy list: weddings

The Boston University crew is reuniting for another wedding extravaganza this weekend in Mamoroneck, NY, this time to celebrate our dear friend's nuptials, David "Delo" & Zabrina (now lovingly referred to as "Zelo").  I love weddings - friends, merriment, dancing, food, drinks and everyone looks so fabulous.

*Images courtesy of Emerson Made, ISuwannee, Ariella Chezar & me

the blue room

Growing up, my family would depart California or Las Vegas in the summer to spend three weeks seaside at my Grandmum's amazing home on the North Shore of Massachusetts (where else?).  The house was ancient and wonderous and the grounds had rolling lawns and even a salt water swimming pool.  But my most vivid memory was the Blue Room, which my brother and I shared many a summer on the third floor.  I loved the blue twall head boards, blue walls, white and blue hooked rug and dark wood furniture.  It was airy and perfect for waking up in to the sound of foghorns.  I covet my own blue room for guests someday.


*Images courtesy of House Beautiful, ISuwannee, JK Place, Michael Partenio, Outer Banks Trading Group, The Little Big House, & T. Keller Donovan

south end comfort

I almost didn't move to the South End.  I was on a pretty heavy hunt to move to Beacon Hill.  Now, I can't imagine living anywhere else in the city.  I love how dynamic the neighborhood is, how central my apartment is to everything in the city and how the best restaurants are at my fingertips.  I love taking evening walks - I always see something new.  It's just...home.

new art

A Clam Festival purchase, this sweet watercolor print entitled Friends by Belmont, ME artist Ardys Arlin is now in my possession.  What do you think?  I like it because it captures the simplicity of summertime in Maine perfectly and simply makes me happy.  I am off to Target today to find a frame for it and will hopefully find some space on my gallery wall (this needs to be redone due to the new nightstand's home).  I will follow up with pictures.

maine scene: a lovely backyard

I simply love Maine in the summertime.  It's the closest thing I know to magic.  A friend invited me to her mother's house and she had my most ideal back yard.  Patio, flowers, vegetables, outdoor shower, pool, veranda, Kennedy chairs and a rolling lawn.  It was relaxing and heavenly.  Don't tell me you don't want to be there right now.

another weekend getaway: THE Maine

I am off to the Yarmouth Clam Festival in The Maine this weekend!  Looking forward to reporting back from such a magical place.  Have a fabulous weekend!

*Images courtesy of yarmouthmaine.org

martha's vineyard fashion: jack wills

While poking around the uber sophisticated Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard (and walking away from one glorious lobster tshirt), my friend Nicole insisted we pop into Jack Wills.  She perfectly described it as an "adult abercrombie."  It looked to me like a super fun Polo Rugby.  Their website says "Fabulously British Clothing."  Whatever.  It's  fantastic.  Sure, some of it a bit juvenile, but don't we all sometimes need that in our life?  Besides, it fit in perfect with the carefree and preppy town.  I oodled at the fun & preppy, yet trendy pieces and their store was simply rad, too.

(vintage pictures up the stairway to the third floor)

(a homey dressing room)

I was a fan.  I tried to get myself invited to their Boston store opening, coming soon!  Alas, for now, you'll have to catch the ferry either to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket to gander at their store in person (what kind of snobby place only has US stores on the islands?  Don't get me wrong - I think it's brilliant).

I walked away without this number in red (and am jealous that my friend Christine did not):

What, you didn't hear?  I am frugal now.  Yup.  

Mostly. 

happy list: rooftops

Take me away, over looking the city, lounging out, enjoying a drink and good conversation and laughter among friends. 

(the view from my own rooftop)

*Images courtesy of daucus carota, apartment therapy NY & my handy-dandy iPhone