Dinner is served

You know what they say: location is everything. For example, the dinner party pictured above. Talk about a table with a view!

(Via bluepoolroad)

Breathing space

Set your sights on this gorgeous (and modernized) Hamptons home, spotlighted in the latest issue of Architectural Digest. Don't you love all the windows? There are so many different ways to let the summer light in. My favorite part is the view from the pool. Serenity now, indeed!

(Via Mimi + Meg)

The weekend is here!

Happy Friday! I love a four-day week, don't you? With today's inclement weather in New York, take your cue from the French and learn how to stay chic in the rain. I wish I had a bright red umbrella like the ladies above! So, what's on tap for your weekend? Any fun plans? I'm going to a friend's baby shower in Hoboken and looking forward to toasting her baby-to-be! Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

The only way to prevent me from hitting snooze.

Be gorgeous and tie one on.

A new way to work the runway.

A romantic pause in Beacon Hill.

Stylish pups!

The joys of being a bridesmaid.

A statement piece.

Let them eat cake!

Sweet dreams of summer.

How to take a leap of faith.

Rock a ponytail.

A floral love note.

Stand out in red.

The happiness formula.

The feminist perspective at an early age.

(Photos via Hip Paris)

Gorgeous Lady Kate

A windy day didn't stop Kate Middleton from looking her royal best alongside Prince William today in Anglesey at Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station. One of their first official appearances as a couple post-engagement, Kate helped William christen a new lifeboat in style. I love her champagne-colored coat by Katherine Hooker and her Vivien Sheriff headpiece. The soon-to-be princess definitely knows how to dress the part!

(Photos via The Huffington Post)

Behold BHLDN from Anthropologie

What do you think of BHLDN, the new wedding line from Anthropologie? I think the designs are so wistful and pretty and romantic. There is an airiness about each one — a dream-like quality that captures exactly how a bride should feel on her wedding day. I also love the bright pops of color sprinkled throughout, especially the raspberry dress pictured above. Something tells me if you choose that for your bridesmaids, they really will wear it again!

(Via Twig & Thistle, Apartment 34, and Oh Joy!)  

One sees clearly only with the heart

Where were you when you first read this book? I was in my senior year of high school. My French teacher gave my classmates and I character assignments and we had to act out every single line (en francais bien sur!). I later bought my own copy of the book, a used edition just like the one above. Such a sweet story — and the message continues to ring true today. What about you? Have you read this book? 

(Via Elephantine)

Silhouette postcards

These days, there isn't much that can compete with the beauty and thoughtfulness of a hand-written note. That's exactly why I love the postcards above, created by Anna Fewster and inspired by the Bloomsbury Group in London. Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell, Lytton Strachey, Duncan Grant and Roger Fry — each one is represented here. So, send a clever note or simply jot down some of your thoughts. You never know what kind of brilliance lies beneath a few simple words.

See more of Anna' work, spotlighted in Vogue. 

(Via Simple + Pretty)

A cut above

Next time you entertain, why not use a state-specific cutting board to serve cheese and crackers to your guests? I love the detail and accuracy of these hand-carved designs from A. Heirloom. Especially Massachusetts — that's a tough state to replicate! 

(Via Say Yes to Hoboken)

The weekend is here!

Talk about a whirlwind! This past week flew by. Now, I'm off to Boston for three blissful days spent catching up with family and friends, not to mention a surprise guest: my sister! She's playing the role of jetsetter this weekend, leaving the California sunshine behind to soak up the much-warmer-than-usual New England temps. What about you — what are your weekend plans? To help you kick off the three-day weekend, here are a few happy posts from around the web:

I want this DVF bag for spring.

If I lived in Texas, I'd be here.

Polish your toes!

Pretty polka dots.

Go back to the future!

I left my heart in San Francisco.

A house that's rainbow bright.

DIY je t'aime!

All rulers apply.

The only way to stand out in baggage claim.

Remember, it's okay to be shy.

Such a gorgeous necklace! See how to wear it here.

I adore Adele. 

Baked eggs for breakfast.  

Baby's First Audition! 

(Photos courtesy Snippet & Ink)

The path of a doer

I'd like to think of myself as a doer, which is why this little book by David Hieatt and Andy Smith might just be one of the most creative (and encouraging!) things I've ever seen. I'm going to hang this up at my desk as a reminder to dream big and remember that anything's possible!

(Via narrylikes)

Katie Holmes for Ann Taylor

Now that the first couple of shots from Katie Holmes' ad campaign for Ann Taylor have been released, what do you think? I must say that I'm delightfully surprised. Katie looks elegant and modern — and I love her hair! I can't wait to see the rest of the photos...and to shop. :)

(Via Refinery29)

Study abroad

Not that we need an excuse to fantasize about travel to places like London, Barcelona and Paris, but check out these gorgeous videos for EF Language Schools. They are beautifully edited and make me miss the eight years total between middle, high school and college that I spent learning French. What language did you study? Did you ever put those skills to good use?

(Via Design Work Life)

A Valentine's serenade

One more from me today! An a cappella love song from the Dalton Academy Warblers on Glee. Swoon! Wishing you — my dear readers — a lovely (and candy-filled) Valentine's! xo 

(Via YouTube)

Pillow talk

Happy Valentine's dear readers! For the record, Valentine's Day has never really been my thing, but I agree with Coco+Kelley — instead of celebrating with chocolate and roses, why not toast the occasion by giving a gift that's unique? For example, these pillows. What a clever way to send a message that's pure and sweet! My favorite is "You're Right". Deliver those words once on a pillow and its the gift that keeps giving! 

(Via Coco+Kelley)

The weekend is here!

Happy weekend dear readers! What do you have planned? I'm hoping to catch up on some much needed R&R, just like Gonzo, the cutest puppy ever, pictured above. :) Matt and I are also celebrating Valentine's a few days early and having dinner out with friends. So excited to try a new restaurant, and get dressed up! Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

Valentine's stickers for your sweetie!

Sleep in a cave. 

Body inspiration.

What if you could live in a modernized barn?

Valentine's cards from Mr. Boddington. 

Doggy bow ties! 

Take advantage of a snow day.

A trip to la isla bonita.

Make a Valentine's pizza. 

Design your own shoes!

Ladies, sing this to your Valentine. :)

(Photos courtesy of narrylikes)

Orange appeal

This spring, will you wear orange? Its quickly becoming my color of choice to throw on as soon as the warm weather hits. For example, this Steven Alan dress. Paired with flats or heels, it seems very 'effortless chic' to me. What do you think? If orange isn't your thing, is there another shade you love?

(Via Steven Alan)

Andrew Garfield for Band of Outsiders

These images remind me of two things: 1) I need to get a polaroid camera. 2) I just love Andrew Garfield. How cute does he look in this ad campaign for Band of Outsiders? So fun to see his playful side! Did you see him in The Social Network and Never Let Me Go? What a talented guy. Next up, he's set to star as Peter Parker in the new Spider-Man flick. Just one more reason to look forward to the summer! 

(Via Wit + Delight)

Skating in Bryant Park

Last week, my friend Lisa surprised me with a change of plans. Instead of our usual catch-up over drinks, she suggested we take advantage of New York and talk while skating in Bryant Park. Such a fun idea! We met at the park around 7:30, rented skates, and wobbled our way onto the rink to enjoy the spectacular city views. It wasn't long before we were skating like pros, navigating the icy rink, and laughing every time we almost fell! The night was so much fun, and a perfect reminder: a little spontaneity on a week night can go a long way. Thanks Lisa for coming up with such a creative idea!

Oceans apart

This trans-seasonal love story is too sweet for words. Created by filmmaker Kirsten Lepore, it's happy and sad all it once. Watch out for the ending — it will break your heart! 

(Via Marvelous Kiddo)

The weekend is here!

Happy Friday dear readers! Are you snowed in? This week, we only saw rain in New York, but come weekend, more winter weather is due! I'm planning a cozy couple of days indoors, except for tonight — Matt and I are going to hear Cuban music in Williamsburg. Should be fun! What about you — what are you doing to stay warm? Wishing each of you a lovely weekend off! In the meantime, here are a few happy posts from around the web:

Inspiration from Ina.

How do you feel about stripes?

An American birthday!

Pretty in pink and polka dots.

A library for kids. 

J.Crew goes Hollywood! 

Would you wear a turtle necklace?

Don't miss this book.

I need this: Operation Organization!

Fall in love...with these shoes.

This girl got 'carried' away.

A big kiss!

Did you see Andy skate to Dave Matthews? 

Don't shoot the bear! 

(Via The Sartorialist)

A perfect game

This bowling-themed wedding is — pun intended — right up my dad's alley! How clever are the invites? And the retro duckpins? Growing up in Massachusetts, candlepin bowling was (and still is) my family's thing, but in Connecticut, duckpin is the bowling style of choice. It really is the perfect reception idea. Besides, who wouldn't love a little friendly competition after 'I do'?

(Via 100 Layer Cake)