Sparkle + Neon Glow

I love wearing dresses and skirts during all the seasons; in fall and winter, they are perfect paired with boots and tights, and there is nothing like an effortless dress with bare legs and sandals in spring and summer.

As we march further into spring, I've found myself drawn toward bright, cheerful dresses, like these from Matthew Williamson's Spring '09 collection.

I like the shortened version of this dress at Net-A-Porter

Love the necklace paired with this dress on the runway.
Runway Photos via Style.com

I love the attention to detail in the embellishments and beading of these pieces and was a bit surprised to realize I was drawn to the neon in the prints. I didn't think neon was a trend I was completely onboard with, but perhaps once a child of the '80s, always a child of the '80s...

While all of these pieces are sadly out of my price-range, perhaps something in Matthew Williamson's collection for H&M will strike my fancy. Now, if only there were an H&M close by!

Among the Trees

When I was little, I was captivated by the Disney film "Swiss Family Robinson." I loved the storyline and the characters, but what I most loved was the idea of living in a treehouse.


Treehouse life seemed utterly romantic and adventurous, and I can remember thinking that Fritz and Roberta were wise when they decided to stay and begin their joint life on the island.


While I can't say that the idea of full-time treehouse living seems quite as fantastic as it once did, I still love the idea of a treehouse escape.


It seems like a perfect tranquil place to step away from the hectic pace of everyday life, whether in your own backyard or perhaps even as a quaint vacation home. I would happily load up with books, magazines, and snacks and sneak away to read and nap in this treehouse featured on Cote Maison.

Should you tire of being among the leaves, a daybed close to the ground would be a perfect accompaniment to your getaway in the trees.

Photos by Jean-Marc Palisse

Abstract Paisley

I keep going back to the abstract paisley necklace from Hello Fabulous, and while I am not sure exactly what keeps calling to me, I do know I love the shape and colors. It makes quite a statement and would likely look as good with a cocktail dress as a simple t-shirt and jeans-- gotta love a piece that's skilled at multi-tasking!

One With Nature

While looking through the portfolio of California-based Backen Gillam Architects, I was taken with one project after another, and one of the things that struck me most was how connected each space felt to its surroundings.

There is a blurring of lines between indoor and outdoor living spaces in their work, and I love the wide expanses of windows and doors that tie living areas to nature.

Napa Valley Residence

Stags Leap Residence

Diamond Mountain Residence

Oakville Residence

Portola Valley Residence

St. Helena Farmhouse

Yountville Residence

Vintage Loving

I'm always amazed by the amount of creativity and skill there is in the wedding photography industry, and I constantly fall for new (to me) talent. Yet, just as often as I discover a new crush, one of my old favorites will remind me why they have long been on my love list.


One such photographer is Kelly Moore, and this incredible photo shoot, from a "Give Me Moore" one-on-one mentoring session (for other photographers,) illustrates why.


I gasped for the sheer beauty of these images; the colors, the styling, and the vintage-feel add to the allure of the photos, and, of course, a stunning couple never hurts the mix.


I love the sweetness that is conveyed as much from the settings and clothing as the expressions and poses of the models.


I had a hard time picking favorites, as it seemed I loved each as much as the next.


There are so many more gorgeous photos to see, you must check them out on Kelly's blog (which does them far more justice than mine anyway!) I am positive you may find yourself gasping too.


On a personal note, my mom is arriving this afternoon for her first visit to Houston since E & I moved here. I can't wait to show her around, and we have a list about a mile long of things to do. We'll make the most of the days we have, but, inevitably, there will be things left undone, and I will be saying goodbye to her far too soon. For now, though, I am simply excited to say hello.

Pretty Packages

I've mentioned before that I am a complete sucker for packaging, especially when it comes to making wine selections, but it certainly holds true for food items, ok, pretty much all items, as well. Present me with a product that has a lovely package design, and I will likely want to purchase it.

As I said yesterday, Louise Fili's website is full of beautiful work, and what follows are some of my favorite pieces from their packaging portfolio.

Irving Farm

Bella Cucina

El Paso Chile Co.

El Paso Chile Co. for Williams-Sonoma

Typophilia

There has been a bit of buzz around the blogosphere regarding the new website for Louise Fili Ltd., a firm specializing in the design of restaurant identity and food packaging, and for very good reason-- the website is chock-full of the creative work of this talented firm.

I fell especially hard for this logo for Rusk Renovations, Inc.; the vintage-feeling ruler and typography completely did me in.


I also am head over heels for what looks to have been an amazing issue of the Italian magazine, Un Sedicesimo. The issue was devoted to the Italian and French script typefaces from Louise Fili and Steven Heller's collections, and it looks like it would provide endless inspiration.

Finally, I adore this image from Louise Fili's sneak peek on Design*Sponge. The vintage tin is gorgeous, and I love that it is used to display some of the matchbooks and business cards from restaurants for which they have designed logos.


Stay tuned for more from this accomplished firm, as tomorrow I will be sharing some of my favorite packaging work from their portfolio.