tomboy style

I so enjoyed Katie's interview with Tomboy Style author Lizzie Garrett Mettler in Matchbook's April issue. As someone who lives in her sperrys and steals her husband's buttondowns, I find a fashion tome that celebrates borrowing from the boys so refreshing! A few personal favorites to start off the look>> tortoise readers / tomboy style / gold bodum french press / juliska bamboo cup / timex watch / kate spade airmail scarf / "boys will be boys" smythson notebook / sperrys / striped aubin and wills pullover / poppy-red trousers / tory burch burlap carryall / mens' oxford / add a feminine touch: nars in roman holiday / gold charm bracelet / for the pooch: rope leash and collar from adorable british pet co. mungo & maud :)

ten little ways to spend a spring sunday

1. rugby backpack, lime passport holder, kate spade bangle // 2. flowers and herbs of early america, the allure of women // 3. dot wellies, striped umbrella // 4. pink patent sandals, this side of paradise // 5. sunnies, trina turk needlepoint case // 6. matchbook's april issue // 7. lemon tart, dean & deluca diner mug set // 8. pup // 9. girl on bike print, glasses print // 10. popcorn, how to steal a million, manicure set

Happy Easter! Hope you're taking a little time to celebrate by doing something you love. Scott and I skipped off for brunch at Terrain this morning -- always a treat! And of course I later got lost browsing all their goodies in the shop and garden center. Great food, company and inspiration -- couldn't ask for more :)

bon weekend!

Hope you have a lovely weekend, and are getting this early summer weather in your neck of the woods too!  sunnies / essie nail polish's incredible spring collection / kate spade gramercy watch / Riesling Strawberry cocktail / michael kors black crossbody / topshop top / asos spot skirt / j.crew linen blazer / bench / ferragamo pumps

feeling green

paint / butterflies / ginger jar / bamboo mirror / boxwood / lamp / pillow /
chair / storage basket / wellies / console

I recently painted an accent wall in my office with Sherwin Williams' Paradise… and I'm in love! It instantly transformed the space, and is so fun to accessorize against. I'm saving the color in mind for when we move back into an apartment in the city, I would love to use it in a foyer or other small space. I was especially excited to see House Beautiful's recent "Green Issue" and found so much inspiration in its pages.

brighten your day

No color has the innate cheer, playfulness, or tidings of warm weather as yellow... 1) Invite your friends over for lemonade with these darling note cards from kate spade 2) Impossible to resist Caswell-Massey's classic products 3) Orange and lemon scented candle, divine! 4) Lemon aid eyelid cream, because by Friday I'm sure we can all use a little help looking perky 5, 6) Never overlook those charming finishing touches -- earrings and watch 7) This lemon wedge makes a perfect day shopper 8) These old navy flats put pep in your step and won't break the bank 9) Lilly's Breakers barstools – wish-listed! 10) This Chris Benz number is pure perfection! 11) These are calling out for a tall cold glass of lemonade with friends!
Have a wonderful weekend!

the chris benz girl...

This past week I attended several NYFW Shows for Matchbook – one of my favorites was the Chris Benz presentation on Monday afternoon. Big Band standards blared from the speakers and a glistening gold backdrop set the scene for models with retro updos. His fall collection looked to the flappers of the 30s, secretaries of the 60s, and bright young things of the 80s for an entirely fresh take on youthful, urban sophistication.
I captured a few of my favorite looks...

a little gift guide

Vintage Holiday Cover: be it a framed vintage magazine cover or a decorative figurine, something that speaks to a place with special meaning can be the most thoughtful and original gift / Earrings, David Yurman / Espresso cups, Mikasa: from the jewelry box to the kitchen cupboard, objects with a timeless design most quickly become one's daily staples / Pillow, John Robshaw / vintage unused stamps, Verde Studio / Valentine's card, sugar paper / potted wishflower, branch

Happy First Anniversary, Matchbook Mag!

By now I'm sure you've seen our beautiful first anniversary issue, which came out on the 1st. I'm so proud of what we've accomplished this year, and even more excited about what the second year holds in store! It was a delight to shoot Jonathan Adler for our cover. His designs hold a special place in my heart and home. The magnificent Greenbrier resort was beautifully captured by Cooper Carras, and the home of fashion designer Jules Reid left me equally as inspired! In addition, there are lots of fresh ideas and fabulous new staples... I'm off to find my perfect bar cart ;) Happy Anniversary, Matchbook – to many more!

spring fever

It's been an unseasonably warm winter – this time last year we were buried under snow drifts. I won't complain ;) I've been able to enjoy al fresco January lunches on the porch and field jackets and wellies and longer walks. A few other things I've been eyeing >>
yellow polka dot umbrella / flower shower gel / bunny toy / daisy earrings / yellow dress / book of sonnets / tall regent wellies / white watch / tortoise sunglasses / jonathan adler bud vase / neon tote / green bicycle note cards / trina turk pillow / daisy perfume

quoted

january issue

{ Matchbook / Elephant side table / striped rug }

I can hardly believe that January marks our 12th issue of Matchbook. I'm SO proud of our little team, and can't wait for what the year ahead holds in store. Be sure to read the latest issue here – and see more of my favorite animal picks in my editor's wishlist :)

drink of choice

A champagne cocktail is my go-to – it's easily made and just right for any occasion. Here's to a wonderful New Year. Cheers!

merry merry

Wishing you and yours a very merry holiday! I leave you with a few snapshots from my week – a particularly scrumptious cupcake date with Sarah. xx

to the museum

I'm off for the day to do a little museum-hopping in the city. Ideally, I'd don this fun big-buttoned red coat paired with these adorable mouse flats. I'd slap these pretty purple studs on my ears and a little tortoise on my wrists for good measure. Alas...
• book
• flats
• bag
• coat
• earrings
• red nail polish
• eye shadow
• bangles

monday must-haves

• Skin tonic with the prettiest little label
• Love the bold serif numbers on this Timex watch face
• So smitten with these lavender and gold studded hoops!
• Pixi polish for New Year's Eve
• Pretty pink passport (and cards and other things!) holder
• Classic red deco bangle from Lulu Frost
• A metallic twist on my everyday classics – can't go wrong here
• Pom pom sweater! Need I say more.
• And the best dog sweater I ever did see :)

new year, new...

Once December rolls around, I jump at the chance to spruce things up for the new year. From the essential buy of a new planner, to an update in personal stationery (adore these!), December is a crucial time to invest in a few key items for you and your closet :)

Outfit: Cable-knit wool-blend cape / Red tights / Red cashmere tee dress – so soft and versatile, it'll be impossible not to live in!

1) Personalized crocodile planner
The monogram adds an essential personal touch!
2) Quill pen
3) Cable-knit wool hat
4) Bow tassel earrings
5) La Mer Lucite Watch
6) Crane & Co. Personal stationery
7) Super Ciccio Havana Frames
8) Lucite bow ring
9) Tartan tote
One thing you can never have enough of, and this is definitely calling my name.
10) See by Chloe Wallet
11) Cork/Red patent leather ballet flats
Another essential you can never have too many of... I adore the unique cork and patent leather combo!

always take time for the little things

Amidst all the festivities of the holiday season it's important to keep sight of the little things – from peppermint manicures to planning New Year's resolutions (more weekend getaways!). Here are a few of my personal recommendations for enjoying your time home for the holidays to the fullest:

Outfit: Old Navy Women's Chambray Shirt/ Aubin & Wills Calderwood cable-knit wool sweater /
J.Crew Mosaic wool scarf / J.Crew Café leopard-jacquard Capri pants

1) The New York Times 36 Hours: 150 Weekends in the USA & Canada Can't wait to dive in and start planning!
2) Marc by Marc Jacobs - Classic Q Natasha in Moss
3) Sperry Top-Sider - Hingham in Green/Tan Quilted
4) Bodum - EILEEN 8-Cup French Press Coffee Maker in Gold
5) Kate Spade Curling Ribbon studs
6) Sally Hansen Salon Effects - Peppermint Twist
7) Jane Tran - Medium Polka Dot Clip Set
8) Marv Graff - Bonbon Ribbon Crystal Hammered Ball Bracelet
9) La Sardina Lomography Camera in Cubic
10) Metropolitan DVD
11) Martha Stewart Collection - Fair Isle Sweater Knit 18" Square Decorative Pillow

charles philip shanghai

I'm a flats girl... ballet, loafers, boat shoes, you name it... And I've been eyeing Charles Philip Shanghai's beautiful collection for ages now. From the lush velvet colors to the perfectly placed tassels to the striped lining... they're simply perfect (and reasonably priced). In an ideal world I'd wear the tweed in fall, herringbone in winter, pink in the spring and summer, and swap in the leopard and blue for a little extra pizzazz every now and then :) P.S. How adorable is their styling?!
Herringbone/ Leopard/ Blue/ Pink/ Tweed

fun with black and white

I always love a black and white ensemble – it allows you to colorfully accessorize with abandon! I a-d-o-r-e this printed skirt, basic white tee (exrtra soft, borrowed from the boys) and classic black flats trio... just think of the possibilities! I'd wear the skirt all the time, casually as so, or with a cropped blouse for more of an occasion. Either way, it's the perfect foundation for some sparkly cocktail rings and arm candy.

1) Kenneth Jay Lane - CZ Onyx Tile Drop Earrings
2) Kate Spade Cut to the Chase Stretch Bracelet in Citron
3) J.Crew Slim Broken In Pocket Tee
4) J.Crew Women's calf hair watch strap
5) Marc by Marc Jacobs Silver birch Cleo print silk skirt
6) Salvatore Ferragamo - Varina
7) Ralph Lauren Women's 0RL8072W Round Sunglasses
8) TOPSHOP Lips in Infrared
9) Essie A Cut Above Nail Polish
10) Classic Cubic Zirconia Cocktail Ring in yellow, blue and pink
11) The Cambridge Satchel Company, Red 14"

a favorite accessory

These silk scarves from Tory Burch are to die! I love the rich colors and fantastic prints – with leopard and cherries, and navy gingham and floral in a close tie as my favorites. Tie one to your handbag straps, twist it around as a headband, or make a simple bow around the neck, there's simply no way to go wrong with a little silk scarf! Better hurry if you want to snatch one up, they are marked down to $98 from $195 – what a steal!
 1) Pink / Red / Orange Lightweight silk woven Allover square pattern2) leopard and cherry print silk chiffon scarf3) navy gingham floral print silk scarf 4) leopard and berry print silk chiffon scarf 5) red leopard heart print silk chiffon scarf