{cheers to 2012}

Wishing you a fabulous 2012 & hoping all of your ambitious dreams come true!

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{happy holidays!}

Ok people, it's that time of the year where I disconnect from a few things and enjoy the company of friends, family & sleep. 

Looking back to a post that I created a year ago, I am happy to say that I stuck by my 2011 list of personal goals and am extremely happy with the outcome.  The first was the one that I struggle(d) with the most - not doing things/living in fear of failure - and not living in fear this year has helped me become extremely successful in the growth of my career, living on my own again and pulling positive people close to me to surround me in all aspects of life.  I am truly happy for the first time and I thank you all for being apart of this change, no matter how big or small!

Look forward to another amazing year with you!

 

These images are only wishful thinking, as NYC seems to be fighting Winter off with all it's got.

{more goodies made with love}

These lovely woven blankets are made with love. in the UK. by Holly Berry. 

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{Slowwood Designs}

There really is a nothing more refreshing than understated simplicity sometimes.  These pieces from Slowwood Designs look simple, but each piece is actually handmade by local craftsmen in the Netherlands and leave a minimal impact on the earth.

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{Stephen Sills} NYC apartment

This living room is like in another world outside of Manhattan....

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{designlovefest} rainbow closet

For the past 5 years or so, I have always had a color-coordinated closet [and I'm not even OCD, I just find it easier to find things that way].  Last year I purchased an additional clothing rack to display my fun, sparkly & printed items for show and to inspire myself to wear them more often.  The problem was, my rainbow wasn't really flowing, that is, until I saw this beauty on DesignLoveFest's blog [Bri really IS a miracle worker]:

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{apartment inspiration} The Coveteur pt 2

As I said awhile back, I like to look for new design inspiration everywhere, and looking in an unexpected place like prop styling is an exciting way to get the wheels going...

Man, I still have A LOT of work to do!

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{Ely Fair} Oklahoma Breakfast

This stylized shoot by Ely Fair is really amazing, creating a Winter Wonderland with a marshmallow chandelier.  Love it!

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{La Colombe Torrefaction}

It's extremely refreshing to walk into a true coffee shop in NYC.  No merchandise, CDs or t-shirts. Just good, fresh coffee in an open space.  I just wish La Colombe Torrefaction was around the corner from me...

Photos: Robin West

{happy Friday}

About 2 weeks ago I was very excited to decorate for the Holidays.... but, after coming up short in this initial motivation, it's nowhere near what I was hoping for.  I did manage to get some pretty festive [and fuscia] ornaments on the table to brighten up my meals, with some other Christmas/Hanukkah-friendly items around the place.  Just no twinkling lights or Charlie Brown tree...

Photo: Robin West

{giving thanks} Quill & Fox Designs

I was just speaking with my co-worker yesterday about the magic of Thank You cards and how such a simple handwritten note found in one's mailbox can really brighten their day.  They really are underrated and aren't sent nearly enough! These Thank You cards from Quill & Fox Design are an extra something special to the gesture. 

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{holiday gift guide} for the music lover

This post can be for the ladies & the gents that are appreciators of all things music [and #2 is a special treat, just for fun, for those creative types with a kittums at home].

1. Nixon RPM Over-Ear Headphone w/ 3-button mic

2. Suck UK turntable scratching post

3. Great Plains Griffin's Coffee Tin Ukulele

4. Geneva sound system model s

5. Libratone Live Speaker

6. Ceramic Speakers 

{side by side} pastels

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{holiday gift guide} behind the lens

For those of you who live behind your lens and want something 'special' for your passion.

1. IMPOSSIBLE PX 680 Color Shade Gold Edition

2. The Handy Dandy hand strap

3. Polaroid Grey Label Instant Mobile Picture

4. Billingham Digital Hadley Bag BI

5. Lomography Diana Mini with flash

6. iPhone Lens Dial

{holiday sparkle}

Sparkly eyes like this can only be compared to jazz hands to the over-ecstatic, or sparkle fingers to a cheerleader, if you will.

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{holiday gift guide} for the home

These are just a few items on my list for my apartment, which could be great ideas for your hostess or fellow design-afficienado!

1. Murray's Cheese - Spanish Sampler 

2. West Elm Tall Butler Tray Stand

3. Ikea birch Ribba frame [perfect for my PaperFashion print]

4. Crate & Barrel S'more Basket with handle

5. RugsUSA light green graphic rug

6. Maxine Clark pizza, calzone & foccaccia recipe book for my...

7. Oneida pizza stone

{express yourself}

Other than my one wall that adorns these beauties, my walls are white, white, white.  I was trying to hold out on certain walls until I find all of the pieces of furniture in, but I think the time is near to move forward without them and move things around later on.  These walls seem like a good start...

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{holiday gift guide} spotted

Polka dots....studs....whatever the circular creation, I'm definitely seeing spots this Holiday!  Here's the first of this week's Holiday Wishlists....

1. Kate Spade Le Pavillion iPhone case 

2. West Elm Cluster Pendent light

3. Jonathan Adler Charade Studded Taper Vase

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Hot Dot leather belt

5. On-The-Spot gloves

6. Madewell spotted snowfall sweater

7. Zara Studded Shopper

8. Halleh 18-karat gold diamond embellished earrings

{top of the rock}

Rockefeller Center is a beautiful backdrop during the Holidays.

Photo: Robin West

{Burberry pre-Fall 2012}

The pre-Fall collections are the perfect glimpse into what's to come during Fashion Week in February.  Burberry showcased lady-like silhouettes mixed with tailored perfection that are not only beautiful, but totally wearable.  My favorite piece is hands down the deep red gown with black bow.  Show-stopper! 

 

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{jeweled treasures}

When it comes down to it, many of my favorite items are ones that have stories behind them - a charm bracelet from a Great Aunt, a simple gold wedding band that once belonged to my most loved family member, and treasures that I have collected on my own on my travels. To me, it makes wearing a ring a little more special, even if no one else knows why.

1. Love knot ring from Mom

2. Beautiful heirloom ring from my Great Aunt, purchased along the Ponte Vecchio in Florence decades ago

3. House of Harlow ring

4. Ring I purchased on Haight St. in San Francisco in 2006

5. Double finger ring I purchased in Florence in 2004

(adorable giraffe ring dish from Anthropologie)


Photo: Robin West

{baby it's cold outside}

Happy Friday!  As the temperature in NYC has started to drop to normalcy for December and the holidays start to creep up, I find myself secretly wishing for a [calm] snow storm.  

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{Natural Selection PDX}

Since my visit to Portland last Fall, I always stay up with OMFG's branding projects.  They do a fantastic job at creating the vibe of restaurants through each and every detail and one of their latest jobs with Natural Selection is no less brilliant than the others.

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