Black & Gold: In Still Life

Because I've been loving the color combination of black and gold, the subdued takes on this palette in each image below is what first caught my eye. While the colors drew me in, it was each collection's glimpse into something I love-- history, interiors, cities-- that drew me back for second glances.

Johnny Miller Photography

L: Anita Calero. R: Alexandra Rowley.

Black & Gold: At Home

I have been completely enamored with the combination of black and gold for quite a while (see here). While it's a palette that could easily veer toward gaudy, especially when used in interiors, it also can be classic and traditional, a bit rock n' roll, whimsical or even just simply done.

Jessica Antola

L: Nate Berkus. R: Peter Pennoyer Architects.


Mikkel Vang

Although I'd love to see a room with these colors as the predominant scheme, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this combination into your home on a smaller scale.

Left & Right- Horchow.


Lawson-Fenning


L: Modern Dose. R: Painted Porch Antiques.


Pieces


L: VintageModernDesign. R: Haviland.


Pieces


L: f2images. R: Leah Duncan.


The Love Shop



Anthropologie-- clockwise from top left: Here, here, here, and here.

If this palette strikes your fancy too, know there is more black and gold ahead!

This Little Light of Mine

Today was one of those winter days where gloomy clouds clung determinedly to the sky from dawn-to-dusk making the entire period overcast and dark (or well, I assume, as I didn't actually see dawn...)

Michele M. Waite

After such a day, I'd love to find myself surrounded by glowing candles, their light softly flickering and casting comforting shadows around the room.

Mark Wallis via Style Me Pretty

These photos perfectly capture the warmth candles bring to darkness, something I'm certainly craving tonight.

Photogen Inc.

For me, this weekend's plan include a bit of work, but I am hoping there will be some time for play too. Whatever your weekend plans hold, I hope you find time for play as well!

{Early} Moments- Final Mirror Check

It has been quite a while since we last looked at {Early} Moments, a part of the Moments series, but so far we've seen images of the bride as she has her makeup done, as she is helped into her wedding dress, and as she applies the finishing touches to her look by securing hair accessories, jewelry, and shoes. Yet in this process of getting ready, there is one step we've not yet seen.

I don't know about you, but I must admit almost anytime I leave the house, I try to take a quick glance in the mirror to ensure nothing about my appearance is out of place. On a wedding day, this look in the mirror holds even greater importance.

It is more than simply making sure your look is put together and straightening anything that is askew. It is taking in the day as you realize where all your preparation has lead you and also reflecting on where you are headed. It is truly seeing yourself as a bride.

For this reason, the images that follow-- bride's taking time for a final mirror check-- seem to be a natural conclusion to all the other {Early}Moments.

Suthi Picotte via Style Me Pretty

Leda & Jonathan- Sarah Rhoads Photographers via The Bride's Cafe

L: Kayela & Spencer- Michael Howard via Southern Weddings. R: Genevieve Leiper via Style Me Pretty.

Sheree & Song- Our Labor of Love

Rustic/Country + Industrial= Obsession

While certainly not a new obsession of mine, I'm still head over heels for the warm combination of rustic/country with industrial elements in interiors.

Mikkel Vang

The dining room above had me at hello-- with a large chalkboard, industrial light fixtures, dark wood floor, painted wood ceiling, and a collection of globes, I didn't stand a chance. I love both dining spaces that follow too, each charming and inviting in its own way.

Douglas Friedman

The room above drew me in with it's unique light fixture and varied art collection, while the space below, with it's oversized, shaded pendant light, seems the perfect place for a cozy meal.

Country Living

I'd be thrilled to cook in the following kitchen, where the mix of woods with metal strike the perfect balance.

Luis Albuquerque Photography

And each of the rooms below would be welcoming work spaces with their blend of warm and cold, and dark and light.

L:McAlpine Booth Ferrier Design via Desire to Inspire. R:Douglas Friedman.

I have a draftsman's stool like the one below, and I'm now pining for a work area that is sectioned off by soft French blue doors on a sliding metal track!

Meyer Davis Studio Inc.

Is this rustic/country, industrial combination one that equals love for you?

We'll Take a Cup O' Kindness Yet

Another year older. Another year passed. As the world welcomes the start of a new decade, I'm also welcoming the start of a new one in my life.

Max Wagner

It hardly seems ten years since family and friends were gathered to celebrate my twentieth birthday and waiting to see what, if anything, Y2K might bring.

Caroline & Matt- Whitebox

The past 10 years were filled with events I could have never predicted as the ball dropped on the night of December 31, 1999, events that changed me and some that changed the world.

Lauren & Zack- Our Labor of Love

Some events took me down paths very different than the ones I'd originally planned for myself, and all the events molded me into the person I am now.

Tom Watson Photography

While I'm trying to figure out just where the last decade went and attempting to reconcile that I'm no longer a Twentysomething, I am looking forward to discovering what my 30s hold and what lies ahead in 2010.

Emma Mitchell

And for all of you, I wish for 2010 to be a year filled with much happiness and contentment. Happy New Year!!

Way She Shimmers

During the holidays, it always seems pretty frocks are plentiful in stores, each anxiously waiting to be plucked from the rack and claimed by a lovely lady for wear during the various parties of the season.

And of all the events during the holidays, New Year's Eve provides a perfect reason to don one of the numerous dresses vying for a chance in the spotlight; there are beautiful metallic numbers that glisten and glow.

Chris Nicholls Photography

Kenneth Willardt

Sophie Hexter- Stylist

L: Temperley London. R: Badgley Mischka- Platinum Label.

L: Temeperly London. R: See by Chloe

L: Matthew Williamson. R: Philosophy di Alberta Ferreti.

Jewel-toned dresses glisten and shine next to black beauties that dazzle with embellishments. With so many choices and only one New Year's Eve each year, it's always difficult to decide what dress should get its chance to sparkle.

Annika Aschberg

Linda Nova- Stylist

Linda Nova- Stylist


L: ModCloth. R: Yoana Baraschi.

L: Anna Sui. R: Rachel Gilbert.

L: Rachel Gilbert. R: Alberta Ferretti.

While I'd adore the chance to throw on any of the gorgeous options above, this year, I'll be rocking a black, one-shouldered number as I welcome the new year. How about you? If you're heading out this New Year's Eve, what made your cut?