dress, design & decor

i've moved!

2011-08-26T10:22:00.005-04:00

Please note: You will be redirected to my new site in a few seconds. Thanks!

Just a reminder that i've switched URL's and will continue to blog over on daniella marie...

More details in the post below. Thanks for following along!

big news + an engagement photo sneak peek!

2011-08-18T11:00:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone!

Hope you're having a great week! Today there's a little bit of change happening with Dress, Design & Decor, but definitely the good kind...

Blogging for the past three years has been an awesome experience and definitely a lot of fun. I've met so many different people through blogging, a lot who are now close friends. When you tell a non-blogger that yes, you have a blog, it's hard to explain the wonderful community of so many great bloggers out there, and how we all sort of "know" each other through one blog or another. The best part though, is that i'm still coming across new-to-me blogs each day, that are filled with so much talent and creativity.

The one thing I initially loved about blogging is that it helped me focus on getting all those crazy creative thoughts in one place, rather than collaged and glued in a million sketchbooks scattered all over my room. Plus, I get to share it all with you! There's something about connecting with people who feel the exact same way you do over something like an all-white room or your fantasy of living in Paris that's just awesome. Suddenly my love for all things white isn't "crazy" afterall.

Lately though, i've been thinking about a few changes I want to make, like taking more of my own photos and sharing what's going on around me, as well as mixing in a well-being aspect that I had on a separate blog. So, i've decided to start a new blog with a new name! I'll still have interior and fashion inspiration (i'll always love all things french, lol), so no worries, but I definitely want to make my new blog a more personal space, that features thoughts and ideas which are a little more attainable and "real" (if that makes sense). The title "Dress, Design & Decor", just doesn't feel as relevant anymore, as i'd like to cover a broader range of topics, so i'm happy to change it up. Pretty excited about it in fact! All in all, it's a small change, but one i've been thinking about making for a while.

I hope everyone will embrace the change (i know switching URLs is such a pain - sorry!), and I appreciate those who stop by to read Dress, Design & Decor daily (which will remain online so you can look back whenever you want). I will try to make the switch for Google Reader subscribers easy with no effort on your part, and the same for those subscribed by email. I kindly ask those who have my blog linked on their sites to update the name and URL when you get a chance. It's much appreciated! I will be switching everything over within the next few days, so please excuse any technical mishaps.

To excitedly start things off, come on by to the new site for a sneak peek of Rick and I's engagement photos, where the full set will eventually follow, along with pics from our party! I'll also be hopefully starting a new wedding-related series each week since a lot of you have asked that I share what's inspiring me. I'm also open to any new ideas, if you'd like to leave them in the comments section on the new site.

Thanks for understanding everyone and happy blogging! (Oh and, spread the word if you can? Thanks!)

New site: daniella marie
URL: http://www.daniellamarieblog.blogspot.com

Photo: By Candice Wouters on Flickr

late start...

2011-08-16T13:52:00.004-04:00

Hello everyone, sorry for the late start to the week, I can't believe it's Tuesday already! The weekend flew by and Monday seemed to go right with it. Our engagement party on Saturday was amazing! We had so much fun and the weather stayed nice and sunny afterall. Thanks everyone for your well wishes! All the decorating and organizing food and drinks, etc. all came together and everything went smoothly. It's so interesting seeing all the different groups of people in your life come together to celebrate like that, you know? It was a great party though, and I promise to share more details once I have photos back, as well as our engagement photos in a few weeks.

This week i'm working on a few important design projects, so bear with me as posting might be light! On that note though, thanks to everyone who sticks by the blog whether i'm posting everyday or have time for just a little. I appreciate it!

Have a lovely week...

Photo: By tiavir by Virgina Galvez on Flickr

weekend celebrations...

2011-08-12T11:35:00.008-04:00

Hello everyone, so happy to see that the rain is going to hold off here for tomorrow! Our engagement party is tomorrow evening and i've been obsessively checking the weather all week. In fact, my Mom called me three times to give me a weather update this week. A white tent is up in their backyard, everything ordered, and I spent the majority of my evenings this week putting the decorations together... lace wrapped mason jars for flowers, a pretty sign for out front, and about 60 feet of bunting last night. It'll be great once everything is all set up, making it totally worth it! For now though... coffee please...

Hope you all have a happy Friday and a great weekend!

Photos: Button Magee - Rachel Saldana, December Sun - Ines Perković, both from Flickr

cooler nights...

2011-08-10T20:06:00.006-04:00

Today was one of those cloudy/rainy/sunny days where the weather doesn't know what it wants to do. It makes for a cooler Summer evening though, without all the humidity. Now is the time I wish I had a big porch to sit out and relax on at night and watch the world go by. Isn't this little Hamptons spot just perfect?

Photo: Scan by Dress, Design & Decor from The Comforts of Home by Carolin Clifton-Mogg, photographer Paul Massey

flower class...

2011-08-10T18:08:00.004-04:00

Have I mentioned before how desperately I wish I could take Chelsea's {frolic!} flower class? I swear if I was a few hours from Portland, i'd somehow make it there just to attend. There's a new class this September, and I can only begin to image all the romantic end-of-Summer bouquets to be arranged. Seems like so much fun!

Photos: by Samantha Shorey for {frolic!} from Flickr

sweet tea...

2011-08-09T11:32:00.003-04:00

Almost every time I go out to eat I always order iced tea, sometimes the rare rootbeer, but I usually stick to what I love. Being up here in Canada though, i've been curious to see what authentic American sweet tea tastes like (and not the McDonald's version!). There's so many recipes out there it's hard to tell what's good, so i'd love to know... do you have a perfect family recipe for sweet tea? I'd love to try it out...

Photo: By Courtney of Vintage Button on Flickr

monday, monday...

2011-08-08T21:58:00.010-04:00

Hello everyone, hope you had a great weekend. The rainy weather here threatened our little photoshoot on Sunday, but luckily it cleared up at just the right time. It was a lot of fun and I can't wait to see the final results! This week though is all about prepping for our party on Saturday. I have quite the list of to-do's, but it'll be fun having everyone together...

How was your weekend? Did you do anything special?

Photo: by Parker Fitzgerald on Flickr

summer weekend...

2011-08-05T13:53:00.012-04:00

Happy Friday everyone! This upcoming weekend is filled with wedding-related events for Rick and I, as we are attending a family wedding on Saturday, and then going back to where we got engaged for a little photoshoot of our own on Sunday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be nice and sunny, and hopefully in a few weeks I can share some of those photos here. A few weeks ago we went by that same spot again... the grass is grown over and the river is barely visible, but the view will hopefully make for some beautiful photos. Can't wait :)

Have a lovely Friday everyone, along with some weekend links...

Fairytale...

A great post...

I want to go here!

Sparkling Summer light...

Love this paper...

So cute!

Great (natural) idea...

Photos: By EndofMarch on Flickr, here & here...

handwritten...

2011-08-04T15:37:00.007-04:00

Recently i've been obsessing over the gorgeous calligraphy of Mara Zepeda from Neither Snow. Mara has a stunning portfolio, including everything from wedding invitations to tattoos (what a compliment!). I love how pretty this slate chalkboard is that she worked on for one of Gwyneth Paltrow's dinner parties too. One can only wish their handwriting was this beautiful...

Photos: Neither Snow

summer whites...

2011-08-03T00:27:00.007-04:00

Hello everyone... Sorry for the lack of posting lately, it has been oh-so-busy around here, with Summer activities, party planning, and a lot of to-do's on the list! This past weekend was a long one here, and we celebrated my friend Alison's upcoming wedding with a shower and bachleorette party too – so fun! I'm still on the hunt for an engagement party dress myself, and can't help but love flowing Summer dresses in a perfect shade of white. Seems appropriate, no?

And on another note... can you believe it's already August?!

Photos: By digitalgopher and NicaMom

finest paperware...

2011-07-29T10:18:00.004-04:00

Would you believe these cups and saucers are actually paper? Made by Rebecca Wilson, the project is meant to shed light on wasteful consumerism and our "throwaway culture". The ironic thing though is that I kind of really love these paper cups. Is that bad? lol... She does have a really good point though.

Check out more "Finest Paperware" here...

Photo: Rebecca Wilson discovered via EclecChic

hydrangeas in bloom...

2011-07-29T00:09:00.007-04:00

Lately i've noticed hydrangeas are blooming all over the place, in colourful puffs of cream, pink, and blue. I love how full they always look. For some reason they always remind me of the ultimate preppy Summer... so pretty!

Photos: My own - taken in Niagara-on-the-Lake

sweet in seersucker...

2011-07-28T15:06:00.003-04:00

Isn't this just the prettiest little Summer shirt? I haven't purchased anything in seersucker for the longest time, but this beautiful blouse from EmmersonMade has such great feminine features, I might just have to have it!

Photos: Seersucker Derby Little Blouse by EmmersonMade discovered via Lace & Tea

tying the knot :: stunning details...

2011-07-27T21:17:00.009-04:00

Yesterday I came across one of the most gorgeous weddings i've ever seen on Style Me Pretty! An all white theme, paired with gorgeous floral arrangements is just stunning, don't you think? And aren't those wreaths amazing?! I'm definitely loving this kind of look for my own wedding, having just started to collect some online inspiration. We still have quite a ways to go, with lots of time to plan, but it's nice to have some ideas already in mind...

If anyone knows where to get those table numbers I would love to know!

Photos: Huntersville Wedding by Caroline Ghetes Photography featured on Style Me Pretty

field of dreams...

2011-07-26T00:13:00.010-04:00

During the beginning of my time off last week, I visited a beautiful lavender farm with my friend Natalie. The grounds were absolutely gorgeous and we were there at just the right time with all the lavender in bloom. Last year I was at another farm a little too early in the season, and didn't get to witness the full effect.

It was super hot that day, but we headed out anyway with scissors and elastic bands in hand to pick our own bundles. It smelled absolutely wonderful out in the field, with plenty of bees buzzing all over place - seriously amazing. Luckily the bees weren't that bothersome, being in a lavender pollen trance of some sort i'm sure... it does help you relax afterall! There's so many different kinds of lavender though, from dark purple, to a light, almost minty hue. It definitely makes for a gorgeous bouquet once we gathered it all together... I loved it!

If you ever get the chance to visit a lavender farm I highly recommend it. Freshly picked, it's nothing like you're "grandmother's" lavender. One of these days I hope to visit one of the lavender festivals that take place during the Summer... would be so fun!

Photos: My own

back, with that summer feeling...

2011-07-25T00:54:00.023-04:00

Hello everyone... back from my week off, after spending a lot of it outdoors in the sunshine, travelling here and there. My weekend away in the country was a lot of fun, picking lavender, relaxing at the beach, antiquing, and roasting marshmallows by the fire. Rick and I took a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a beautiful little "wine country" town with the prettiest heritage homes, and then headed to Niagara Falls the following day, indulging in way too much food and ice cream! It was definitely nice to have some time off though, and I fully intend to keep that Summer feeling of freedom and hazy days going strong here on the blog. Wouldn't it be lovely to take an afternoon nap in the beautiful bedroom above? All those textures and pretty patterns are perfect for dressing up a simple room, preferably at my imaginary country house of course... I can almost hear the crickets outside the window sill... *sigh*

See more of Debi Treloar's gorgeous photography, previously posted here, here + here...

Photos: Scans by Dress, Design & Decor from Romantic Style, photos by Debi Treloar

on vacation...

2011-07-15T10:00:00.001-04:00

Things have been so busy lately, that my Summer holidays crept up surprisingly quick! I will be off for a week and will be taking a little blogging break as well. Hope you don't mind! Really looking forward to a weekend away at my friend's cabin, and then some day-trips and relaxing with Rick all next week... hopefully i'll discover some new inspiration along the way. Have a happy friday!

And a few weekend links of course...

Tipped out...

Bordeaux, France...

Catching fireflies...

A gorgeous engagement...

The fashionable Carla Bruni...

Whole wheat banana bread...

Photos: Dustjacket Attic, What's Not to Love?

floral affair...

2011-07-12T10:32:00.011-04:00

I've definitely been in a floral mood lately, whether it's sweet-smelling garden roses, or a bouquet of peonies for home, embroidered blooms on a pretty dress, or a floral pattern on linens and paper. All those saturated pink and peach hues just blend so well into that feeling of Summer, don't you think?

Photos: Via Souvenirs, Knight Cat, by Abby Trys Again on Flickr, by Emerson Merrick on Flickr

a new week...

2011-07-11T12:02:00.008-04:00

Goodmorning everyone, it's a brand new week after a hot Summer weekend! I mostly relaxed, along with running a few errands and snapping this pic of the beautiful roses in my Grama's garden. No one really tends to them anymore, but they still bloom each year in all kinds of colours and smell wonderful. For me, they're a must in everyone's yard...

We also have a new sponsor here on Dress, Design & Decor, welcome Rugs USA! If you're looking for something new to decorate your home or to help bring a room together, Rugs USA has tons of selection, and a pretty great sale that ends today!

Hope you have a great week!

Photo: My own

summer moments...

2011-07-09T10:44:00.010-04:00

One day, when I have my own backyard garden, i've love to create little hideaway spots like this one... a relaxing place to sit, read, or dine outdoors, where you can escape for a a little Summer moment. Wouldn't that be great?

Time is flying by with lots of Summer plans though, so my apologies for not having a Friday links post up in a while. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for stopping by Dress, Design & Decor. I appreciate all the sweet emails i've received lately and all your comments too!

And finally... some weekend links!

Golden ride...

Basking...

Gorgeous Angelina...

Aw...

Must haves!

Stella cake...

Ladylike reminders...

Dear Fork...

Kate's Canadian tour (William who?)...

Photo: Scan by Dress, Design & Decor from Perfect English Cottage, photographer Jan Baldwin

haute history...

2011-07-08T12:03:00.005-04:00

I find there's something really charming about brands that have been around for ages. The early years always produce the best classic pieces, before mass producing and crazy colour combinations got in the way. Love these two pics featuring Louis Vuitton. The group photo is from 1885 when the company opened a London store and the tower is from 1978. What a great shot!

There's more to read about the history of Louis Vuitton, here, on The Paris Market...

Photos: Jacques Henri Lartigue - The Eiffel Tower for Louis Vuitton, 1978 via French by Design, The Paris Market, discovered via Strikes Our Fancy

oh, paris...

2011-07-06T23:12:00.013-04:00

"There are only two places in the world where we can live happy:

at home and in Paris." –Ernest Hemingway

Almost everyone who knows me, knows of my love for Paris. And while so many people find the city to be such a huge inspiration, i'm sure there's a lot of people who just don't see it. For me though, there really is something about Paris. My admiration for one of the most beautiful cities in the world has been totally reignited after watching Woody Allen's film, "Midnight in Paris" last night. It's a gorgeous movie, but also surprisingly relatable. I won't spoil it for you, but i've definitely found myself thinking the same nostalgic thoughts as Gil (Owen Wilson's character) quite often, as life gets busier and busier...

Go see this movie if you can though, I highly recommend it. Especially for us creative types!

P.S. As expected, the fashion is fabulous.

Photos: On Flickr – Liz Rusby, Natasha, Liz Rusby, Semiplume, Liz Rusby, Liz Rusby, Natasha

city of love...

2011-07-05T19:32:00.008-04:00

Have you heard of the street style blogger Yanidel? He captures the most beautifully candid shots of Paris and its people. I find it so refreshing to see such great candid shots, as opposed to the usual posed style shots. Don't get me wrong, I love the fashion element, but there's something more intimate and special about Yanidel's work, like you're stumbling upon little Parisian secrets. You can see more of his work here!

And speaking of Paris, i'm off to see the film "Midnight in Paris" later tonight. I heard it's beautiful and really well done, so we'll see! Have you seen it yet?

Photos: Street Photography in Paris by Yanidel

1950's charm...

2011-07-05T13:40:00.011-04:00

Ever since this post, i've been obsessing over the adorable lilac-hued radio. Though today over on Mrs. Lilien, I discovered the same radio in a gorgeous floral print by Cath Kidston! The company Roberts, offers the "Revivial" radio in a whole bunch of sweet colours, with blue (love!) and cream available through Anthropologie too. It's quite the pricey little gadget, but wrapped up in beautiful 1950's styling, what's not to love? I'm such a sucker for pretty packaging...

Photos: Anthropologie