COLOR HEAVEN: THE RAINBOW CHAPEL IN SHANGHAI

So, nearly three years ago, I had the honor and joy of marrying my husband in a gorgeous historic church in Massachusetts. And while I loved every minute of my wedding day, I have to say that if I got a chance to have a second one (to my same husband, of course!) I think I might go modern all the way. Though it wouldn't be in Shanghai, China, this Rainbow Chapel designed by Coordination Asia for the G+Park museum park is spectacular. Pretty much my dream venue. Now if we could just ship it to New England . . . 

Learn more about the Chapel here.

(Thanks to Design Milk for the tip.)

LILLY PULITZER FOR TARGET

Everyone is buzzing about the new Target capsule collection released to stores this coming weekend featuring the designs of Lilly Pulitzer (see here and here)! Though I am an avowed prepster, I have to say that my closet is not overflowing with Lilly Pulitzer pink and green. Still, the brand does produce some beautiful patterns and I am really impressed with how that translates to all the chic yet playful home goods on offer in the Target collection. Once again, I am sorry to say that there is no convenient Target location near me in NYC. If you are headed to Target this weekend, pick me up something pretty from the Lilly line!Happy Weekend!

OBSESSED: COLOR CORD COMPANY

Holy cow, I think I just died and went to color nerd heaven! This morning I stumbled across Color Cord Company, an outfit that sells all the materials needed for making some captivatingly colorful pattern-pretty pendant lamps (say that five times fast!). I have been dreaming of adding some hanging lights to a dark corner of our apartment—above our dining table—and I think this discovery just sealed the deal. Not only do they seem to have every style, color and pattern of cord under the sun, they also sell socket covers and shades in all different hues and sizes. All for what seem to be reasonable prices!

They even sell super cool bulbs! What?! Mind blown.If you feel like a bulb just went on in your head (see what I did there?) check out the Color Cord Company website here.

KATE SPADE, JAKE SPADE AND GAP: TOO CUTE!

Okay, I know I am super behind the 8 ball on posting this, but how gosh darn cute is the collaboration between Kate Spade, Jack Spade and Gap?! It came out at the end of last month and tons of things are already sold out, but I am still trying to convince myself that I can squeeze my 5'7" frame into a girls extra large (haha, in my dreams) or find a way to use too cool for school pencil case.

Of course, the promotional styling was on point too. Those cut out stars and rocket ships? I am pretty sure they would make the perfect kid birthday photo booth backdrop or, you know, decoration for my living room. Just sayin'. 

I would pretty much buy any of the items above if they came in big people sizes. I am seriously swooning over those bow tie pants and I love the playfulness of the boys sneakers with tiny cartoon eyes on them. I can totally see millions of little boys stomping around delightedly in their 'eyeball' shoes.

If you have a little person in your life—or are lucky enough to be tiny enough to squeeze into these things . . . Mom, I'm looking at you!—check out the selection here before these (very) limited edition goodies are all gone.

(all photos from the Gap website except for the lookbook shots, which were borrowed from Brit+Co)

MY DREAM HOME: FEELING DOTTY!

When I was on Pinterest recently I stumbled across a mini trend: decorating small spaces in this fabulous dalmatian-style dot print. I love polka dots but this organic take on it is spectacular!

So, I thought I would start a new installment of 'My Dream Home' featuring none other than—you guessed it—polka dots in all sizes and, apparently, shapes! I know, what took me so long?!

sources: spotted bathroom, spotted entry (painted with a stencil!), spotted bookcase

Click through the link to see more spotty goodness!

I'M BACK!

Hooray! I'm back! My beloved MacBook Pro came back from the shop this weekend and when you use your computer as much as I do, the relief I feel in getting it back is akin to the joy you feel sinking into your own cozy bed after a long business trip rife with crappy motel stays. It's delicious. Welcome back Prince Humperdink the Third! I missed you dearly. Anyway, last week when my computer heaved a heavy sigh and quit on me I was in the midst of preparing a post on this incredible photographer you see above named Bernard Lang. He does a lot of very cool commercial work but my favorite part of his portfolio by far are these incredible aerial shots. How awesome are those beach umbrella photos?!! I must have one. Must!Check out all of Lang's very cool and colorful work on his website here.

MODERN QUILT PATTERN INSPIRATION

You know how Pinterest can be this black hole of inspiration, where you start searching for something on a whim—in my case modern quilt patterns—and hours later you look up from your screen with quilt piecing patterns burned on your retina and a lingering confusion where the afternoon went? Yesterday I fell head first into that black hole and came out with these pattern-perfect quilts that will, hopefully, search as my muse when I endeavor to make my first quilt this winter (I will do it, gosh darn it, even if it seems overwhelmingly complex!). Even if you are not a craft nerd like me, I have a feeling you will appreciate these beauties. Take a look with me, will you?

the pattern of the quilt above was derived from computer code!

I love the color and traditional-cum-modern pattern of this example.

Love this bolder take on a sweet crib quilt.

This simple, fresh design was based on a Society 6 print. Cool!

Again, modern yet classic, this quilt is full of bright orangey goodness.

Who doesn't love chevron? This would be a graphic example for a minimalist home.

Or go even bolder! This pattern reminds me of Charlie Brown!

I love the use of ombre in this girls quilt, proving feminine can also be modern and cool.

I am dying over the colors in this example. So pretty!

This cross pattern/plus pattern baby blanket is AWESOME. Very grown up without losing its playfulness, don't you think? 

Grey, mustard and yellow are always an elegant combo. This triangle patterned piece is no exception.

Last but not least—this one is my favorite of the lot—is this chic orange, coral and B&W number. I think it would look fabulous on a bed with tiny white and black polka dot sheets, don't you?
p.s. Feeling quilty? Previous quote about my favorite quilt patterns here.

MY DREAM HOME: PATTERNED WOOD FLOORS

You know what one of my favorite parts of traveling in Europe is? Gawking at all the beautiful architecture, particularly the historic homes and museums. And, obviously besides the paintings and furniture and all around finery, the best thing to check out is the flooring. It seems that Paris and Florence and other historic cities across the pond have a monopoly on gorgeous inlay flooring. Since I have an unending war with the terrible square parquet floors in our rental apartment (there are huge gaps that seem to spit splinters every couple weeks!), I am taking a minute to channel the perfectly patterned pavement of European mansions and file them away for dream home inspiration. Join me, will you?

My preferred style—and likely the most replicable in real life—is tie between herringbone and chevron. There are a lot of ways to modify these common patterns to add some extra visual interest, including an inset of contrasting wood or long, straight plank across the middle of the room. You pretty much can't go wrong.

links: sunshiney chevron, chapel herringbone, stripe-divided chevron room, herringbone with contrast squares

Click through the link for more floor-tastic inspiration . . .

GUILFORD CRAFT FAIR 2014

This past weekend, amidst grey skies and perfectly cool nap weather, I went on my annual pilgrimage to the Guilford Craft Fair. As always, I managed to find a lot of fun things to buy and even more fun things to drool over. Without further ado, here are some talented craftspeople with work you should definitely check out . . .

above, Hoist Away Bags are made with recycled sails in bold, bright colors. Every detail has been taken into consideration for these totes, pouches and dop kits—from a detailed label that explains where your sails came from to zippered pockets and drawstring tops to keep everything in order. Each bag even comes with a bottle opener keychain! As a sailing nerd I couldn't live without one of these and I suggest you check out their Etsy shop to pick up your own.

I also discovered the beautiful ceramic work of Kiara Matos. I love the sophisticated colors, patterns and organic references in her work. Couldn't you just picture these on your dresser or side table?

As usual, however, the majority of my drool worthy moments were from jewelry vendors. Here are some pieces I had my eye on:

The setting on this ring is an innovative take on a solitaire setting, no? It's not quite my style but I still think its amazing! Made by Stephen Leblanc.

I have written about Dana and David's work before and their work continues to impress. How gorgeous is this pendant necklace?

Dahlia Kanner was another new-to-me jeweler with very cool things this year. I particularly love her collections focused on dots and scribbled lines. Pretty, right?

Rachel Atherley's jewelry deals with natural patterns like snakeskin and leopard spots to create a lovely interplay between light and shadow. How chic is that cuff bracelet?

I also fell in love with Naomi Grace McNeill's jewelry featuring hexagon and honeycomb patterns. Somehow she manages to make her work seem tough and delicate, abstract and scientifically exacting at the same time. A mean feat with spectacular, unique results.

Last but not least, I wanted to share the work of Martha Sullivan—another new discovery for me. I fell instantly in love with her simple rings and bought one in silver for myself. Now I have my eye on one of those diamond bands, but isn't that petal pattern pretty too? Decisions, decisions!

That's all folks! Back to regular posts tomorrow.