The Sweet Style in Samantha Pleet's Fall Collection

Having recently studied Northern Renaissance art and having discovered the works of Stephan Lochner, I was pleasantly surprised to see Samantha Pleet's beautiful fall collection.




The color palette is seems to come straight from a Lochner canvas - complete with gilded halos.




I am absolutely loving the cuts and draping in this collection, the fabric is amazing as well, the colors are very rich and vibrant. You can view more photos of the Fall Collection here.

A Very Downton Valentine's

Well, it's Valentine's Day. My lovely hubby surprised me with a very sweet card this morning. We don't usually make Valentine's Day a big deal and we don't do the dinner out at a crowded restaurant. Instead I'll be home tonight eating chocolate, procrastinating (there is a ton of studying I need to do)and watching the end of series two of Downton Abbey. I love this show, and I'm excited that series three will bring Downton into the 20's.

Are you among the many that love this show? It's a bit soap oper-y, but it's so entertaining. I'm hooked.


You can find out what Downton Abbey character you would most likely "be" here.

But, since it's Valentine's Day I wanted to find out which of the following Downton Men would be your dream date for a romantic dinner. From the Kitchen to the Drawing room here are Downton's Eligible men...

The refined "romantic figure" Mr. Bates




The heir Matthew Crawley





The revolutionary chauffeur Branson




The sweet footman William




Or, (forgetting the fact that he's well dead) would you have done as lady Mary and fallen for Kamal Pamuk?



Who would I choose? I'd probably runaway with Branson to fight injustices around Europe.

Closet Editing Challenge

Since moving to a much smaller space, I've been on a roll paring down belongings and really trying to achieve that perfect minimalist lifestyle. Ok - so it's the goal, but I am am far from it.


But after reading this about blogger Emily Wall's (of DC Here Now) style philosophy, and seeing photos of her perfectly edited closet - I've been inspired to really tackle my closet. I've attempted this before - in the sense that I weeded out stuff that didn't fit and stuff that I hardly ever wore - but, I've never attempted to try to get down to just one closet. (She actually has just one rack).

In the following weeks I'll be listing items on ebay, consigning, gifting and what-not. I'm curious to know if anyone has tried to list items on Poshmark?

I'll be documenting my wardrobe overhaul in a sort of "Closet Visit". I may even turn to you to ask for advice on what to keep and what to let go.

Solidifying my all-things-1920's obsession

It all started with the Korakia. When we were in Palm Springs last winter we came across the lovely Korakia Pensione. The Property has two main villas the Moroccan Villa and the Mediterranean Via. The second I saw the entry way to the pensione I pictured Valentino. I later learned that he had in fact frequented the villa along with many other stars of the time. I've talked about the Korakia here before. I can't help but go a little overboard when I find something I like. I started watching silent films Clara Bow, Valentino, Louise Brooks.


After seasons and seasons of being atomic prints and Madmen-esque silhouettes. It's exciting to try new sleek shapes and hair.

I'm just getting into Boardwalk Empire. I'm a sucker for a costume drama.




I think that the writers really just had Kelly MacDonald's character work in a dress shop just to show off the beautiful clothes of the era.

Now it seems that the whole world is talking about all things 1920's with the success of Boardwalk Empire and the fantastic attention that film The Artist has received.




so it's no surprise that many of the designer collections for Spring 2012 are 20's inspired.

I'm working on a few different inspiration boards that I'll share here soon.


Have you seen The Artist yet?

Keep It Short

So I cut my hair.



I'm also contemplating doing something really bold and dying it strawberry blond.

It's January. The weather here has been warm and sunny and I've been spending a lot of quiet time at home reading, watching French films, and listening to music like the Department of Eagles. I picked up my guitar again and I'm searching about for a used Ukulele.




How has your year started out?

Bring in the New Year

It has been one crazy year. So much filled the time marked from last December 31 to today and there is already so much set for 2012. Including a move to NYC. More on that later.

For now, I am taking a break after a long semester. I'm spending my time arranging the little apartment we moved into, watching French films, and drinking lots of tea and coffee.

I've seen many bloggers make lists of things that occurred in 2011. It seems to have been a very busy year for everyone. Since I tend to always think in terms of what lies ahead, here is a list of the top 5 things I want to happen in 2012.

1. Paris
2. Palm Springs
3. Finding a cute space in NYC
4. Finally put a song up on YouTube.
5. Grow my hair long again (I just got it bobbed)


What are you hoping for in 2012?

The Korakia

Sometimes a place just inspires you. Last year on our trip to Palm Springs (which I've decided should be an annual trip every February) we came across the Korakia Pensione. We were just down the street at an amazing Mid- century hotel. I packed up retro-atomic prints and 60's garb to wear to the poolside happy hours- but with just one look at the Korakia I was longing to wear slinky dresses and bob my hair. I am hoping that we get to make that day-dream possible this winter.

Just look at this place! And they show old movies at night in their courtyard. I want to wander around in it and pretend to be a silent film star...I mean a Candlelit orchard? That's the stuff of dreams.












Now to start planning the perfect things to pack...