Under the Cottonwood

Twinsies

2013-01-08T04:30:00.000-08:00

Monday Mix-Up - Home Wishlist

2013-01-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

Here are a few lovely items for the home to brighten up your Monday. I'm sure I've shown you the Pia Wallen cross blanket before, but just had to gush again. Also, the beautiful little rope basket is now mine, thanks to a sweet Christmas present from Troy's dad, so it's not techinically on my wishlist anymore, but you won't hear any complaints from me. It is now doing its job housing coasters and remote controls on my coffe table and generally being awesome.

ONE // TWO // THREE (The real deal ) (A cheaper version) // FOUR // FIVE

Interiors

2013-01-05T15:32:00.004-08:00

This Austin home is my latest obsession/home inspiration from Apartment Therapy. I love the old mixed with new and the total celebration of color, especially primary colors. The red and yellow doors, the cobalt blue accents and the hints of antique and ethnically diverse pieces really speak to me.

Monday Mix-Up: Cozy Warm

2012-11-05T08:30:00.001-08:00

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten // eleven

Dieppa Restrepo

2012-11-02T07:32:00.002-07:00

So I hate almost all of my shoes right now. I think I'm getting to that phase in my life where I'd rather have a few pairs of really nice shoes rather than 50 pairs of cheapo ones. Thanks to Santa Claus 2011 (AKA Troy), I now have a beautiful pair of Rachel Comey Mars Boots to start off my collection of "nice" shoes, but I'm thinking I need a pair of flat soled shoes for walking and general comfort. I absolutely adore the shoes made by Dieppa Restrepo. The lines are perfect and the colors and patterns are totally elegant. I seriously wish I had every single pair below (even the crazy gold and black striped ones, okay, okay, especially those).

Twinsies

2012-11-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

Giraffe Print >>>>>>> Pullover Top

Weekly Interiors - Scandinavian Style in London

2012-10-31T05:37:00.000-07:00

God I love Apartment Therapy. They never fail to inspire me to make my home awesome. As I've mentioned previously, Troy and I are 1. moving into a new apartment and 2. Discussing building a home, so living spaces are on the brain (not that they're not all the time anyway - I'm borderline obsessed). As you probably gathered from reading this blog, I have a bit of a crush on the Scandinavian aesthetic. So this home really spoke to me.

Although located in London, its owners clearly have a passion for Scandinavian design as well. One of the owners is a print designer, which is pretty apparent from the lovely printed pieces scattered about the abode. Another thing that struck me about this space is that all of the floors are plywood. The thought of raw plywood floors may not appeal to some, but this is something I'm seriously considering. I actually think these floors look really stylish and, if we do decide to build, plywood floors would certainly save us a little cash-ola. We could always cover them with pricier flooring later on. What do you think?

All images via Apartment Therapy

Photographer Nick Meek

2012-10-29T09:02:00.001-07:00

I never know where my daily cyber travels will take me. Troy and I decided to rent a nice apartment in Evanston while we figure out the home buying vs. home building game plan. And so naturally I am already decorating the new apartment in my mind and scouring the internet for inspiration. I've decided we need a new rug for the living room and I am utilizing all of my resources to find something decidely awesome, unique and inexpensive (wish us luck). So while looking for inspiration, I happened upon a post on Apartment Therapy that featured a print by photographer Nick Meek. I responded to it immediately. It's exactly the kind of work I want in my house. I am especially eyeing the one of El Capitan (for those of you who don't rock climb, it's a big cliff in Yosemite National park) with the bright yellow leaves in the foreground. But really, I respond to all of his pieces. There is something very clean and also very dreamlike about the work and the distortion of color is pretty fantastic too.

I'm not sure yet if buying one of his pieces is realistic, or totally out of my price range. I'll be looking into it in the coming weeks. But just thought I'd share the loveliness for now.

Amazing Home Inspiration

2012-10-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

So I've been in the throws of some pretty major decisions lately. Troy and I were pre-approved for a home loan and quickly began scowering the neighborhoods north of Chicago for a house that feels like us. After some disappointment with the market, we've started bouncing around the idea of building a house instead. We still have A LOT of invesitgating and researching to do on what it really means to build a house, before that could happen. But regardless, houses have certainly been on the brain lately. I'm basically obsessed. Here's a tasty little tidbit I found while indulging my obsession. Isn't this house simply the most bad ass?

Troy loves the idea of a floating staircase (and I agree) and I really respond to the combination of old and modern, like the aged wooden beams against the stark white walls and concrete floor. Stunning.

All photos via THECOOLIST*

Weekly Interior Ideas: My Little Corner of the World

2012-10-10T05:37:00.001-07:00

Fall is the time of year when I feel most cozy. The crisp air and earthy smell in the air makes me want to come home from work, put on a pot of tea and curl up in my favorite blanket with a good book or (let's be honest) my laptop. I'd love to have a little nook in my home made specifically for this type of activity. Do you have a "me time" corner in your home?

Images Via: Apartment Therapy & Darling Dexter

Twinsies

2012-10-09T04:59:00.000-07:00

Duvet Set >>>>>>> Dress

4 Things: Moroccan

2012-10-04T17:58:00.000-07:00

It's official, Troy and I are on the house-hunt and I could not be more excited. Most of the places in our price range will need a little love, which is fine by me, because I'd rather make a place my own anyway. One idea I've been bouncing around is adding some Moroccan touches to our home. I especially think this looks amazing on a back porch or lazy outdoor area, but some of these pieces could look good in the interior as well. I'm especially loving this throw pillow.

Clockwise from top left: one // two // three // four

Weekly Interior Ideas

2012-10-03T07:20:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. As I am currently in the afterglow of not one but two amazing weekends with my closest friends from law school, I am inspired to share a little obsession of mine: Smeg refrigerators. Two weeks ago, I accompanied some of my buddies to San Antonio to surprise one of our nearest and dearest on her 30th birthday. San Antonio was delightful (I loved the river walk!) and we stayed in the cutest place, Hotel Havana. It was such a stylish hotel, with old Persian and kilim rugs everywhere and a Smeg fridge in every room! Being the design nerd that I am, my jaw basically dropped when I saw the Smeg in my room and then I quickly took a photo of it and immediately texted it to my fellow design nerd and partner in crime (and in life), Troy. He freaked too.

Why are they freaking out over refrigerators you wonder? Because Smegs are no ordinary iceboxes. They are sleek, smooth and oh so mid-century cute. Plus they come in a myriad of colors. Who needs a plain old white or stainless steel fridge, when you can have one in lavender, or mint green, or cherry red? They do have them in white though and they still look amazing.

Photos via Pinterest, Apartment Therapy, The Forgetful Wife

Twinsies

2012-10-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

Necklace >>>>> Bag

4 Things - Current Obsessions

2012-09-25T05:15:00.001-07:00

We've had some real fall weather around here and it has put me in the best mood I've been in for a long time. There's something about a season change that reminds me to stop, breathe and look around me. I absolutely love fall. Here are some of the things I've been loving as summer drops its leaves.

My coworker was sporting the cutest copper colored nail polish in a staff meeting the other day and I suddenly knew I needed a metallic nail color. I sported the shade below from Essie at a wedding in Marin County last weekend. I've been upping the intake of vegetables of all kinds lately and acorn squash is one of my absolute favorites. Roast it in the oven and top with butter, sea salt and sage. It's so perfect. If you have a sweet tooth, add a little maple syrup, de-licious. And isn't this dress just the perfect little fall number? I would wear that to work everyday. Finally, I need a new purse badly right now. The one below is pretty much my dream bag with beautiful aged leather and a simple design.

There you have it. I peak into my current loves. Some I have and have been enjoying. And some I wish were mine.

Clockwise from top left: "Good as Gold" nail polish by Essie // Acorn Squash photo via Pinterest // DV by Dolce Vita Dress at Penelope's // City Mama bag by Erin Templeton

Monday Mix-Up: Fall Wardrobe Picks

2012-09-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen

4 Things - Favorite Flowers

2012-09-19T05:17:00.002-07:00

There are few simple pleasures more lovely than fresh flowers. They can instantly make my home feel more inviting, and yes even cleaner. I often times pass by the beautiful flower section in my grocery store, thinking I don't really need those. But I have to give in sometimes and splurge because it's good for the soul. I've had a lot of favorite flowers over the years (I've always loved irises), but lately I have a few new favorites.

Clockwise from top left:

Billy Buttons - I love them because they're cute and quirky but also look very modern with their geometric spherical shape. Not to mention, they dry really well, looking almost exactly as they do when their fresh. I have a dried bouquet I've kept on my dining room table for months.

Tulips - A classic that never gets old. Not only do these blooms have an amazing history (if you don't know about this read The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan - it's fascinating). Also, my mom grew these in her garden every year when I was growing up and I used to watch for the first signs of them after winter started to thaw. I love how simple they are like little colorful lollipops.

Peonies - These are so lush and fluffy; they remind me of a tutu. They are the perfect girlie flower, with their varying shades of pink and were also a favorite in my mom's garden. And look how elegant they are without any accompanying flowers in a simple mason jar.

Dahlias - I was first introduced to these when my very dear friend, my sister from another mother, got married. She had bouquets with dahlias and I wore a bright red one in my hair as a bridesmaid. They grow in great fields in Oregon where we lived, which as you can imagine is a pretty amazing sight. Aren't they just stunning with their intricate layered pattern and strong structure? Love, love, love these.

Monday Mix-Up: Printed Trousers

2012-09-17T10:32:00.001-07:00

It's no secret that prints are everywhere right now. To me it's nothing new to see tops with bold prints, but the newest thing is printed trousers and I find myself really drawn to this look. It's like the fashion world reached back into the eighties and refined the look. Depending on the print it may not be a look for all body types, but if you can pull it off, I say you should definitely rock this look. I'm also loving the lines of a higher-waisted pant with a tapered leg. It's so flattering and somehow manages to look both effortless and professional at the same time (which is great for those of us with office jobs). What do you think of printed pants? For me it depends on the print, but I'm definitely planning to buy a pair this spring.

one // two // three // four // five // six

4 Things - A Few of My Favorite Things

2012-08-29T05:26:00.000-07:00

This week I thought I'd share some of the little things that bring me joy in my day to day life. I love having a home that smells good the instant you walk through the door, but I am very opposed to pumping strange chemicals into the air like most mainstream air fresheners do. That's why I love to use candles, specifically, Pacifica candles. They're made from soy and essential oils and are their fragrances are strong enough to scent a room. Plus they smell amazing, like real things, not some made up smell like "ocean mist" or "summer breeze." My favorite is the French Lilac. It smells like you're passing a lilac tree, ahhhh. It's amazing. I'm also pretty partial to the Tahitian Gardenia scent - it's similarly lovely.

Keeping some Green & Black Chocolate in the cupboard is key for me. First, it's absolutely delicious. Second, it's a great little mood lifter and a few squares are the perfect answer to a sweet craving. Plus they say it's high in antioxidants. I love a creamy milk chocolate, but there's something about a really dark chocolate that just makes your soul feel good.

Butter nail polishes are some of my favorites. They have really elegant colors, the polish itself is high quality and I think the packaging looks really clean and sophisticated.

And who doesn't love a dainty little necklace with your initial on it? I love larger statement jewelry pieces, but there's something nice about taking it down a notch sometimes. I'm partial to gold, but these beauties also come in silver.

Wouldn't all four of these things together make a great gift bag? You've got a little something to nosh on, a couple things to make you more beautiful and a candle to make you feel relaxed and at ease. Plus the initial necklace personalizes things a bit. And all four items together total less than $60. Sweet!

one // two // three // four

Monday Mix-Up: Shoes!

2012-08-27T05:16:00.002-07:00

Hi all. To kick the week off (pun very intended), I thought I'd give you a little footwear eye candy. Here are some of my favorite shoes I've come across in my online travels. You can tell I'm feeling the light colors these days (hey it's not fall yet).

Enjoy!

One // Two // Three // Four (sold out since I started the post, drat!) // Five // Six

Weekly Interiors: Pouf!

2012-08-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

I've written before about my obsession with throw pillows. I love how you can use them to add a pop of color or pattern to a room. Well poufs (also known as tuffets, hassocks, and pouffes) are kind of the same way. These pillowy floor seats are perfect for adding a little warmth and color to a room. Plus they're a great seat. I imagine using one for meditating. I also think kids would love them. Here are a few ideas of what they might look like in a room.

4 Things: Utilitarian Bags

2012-08-21T05:45:00.004-07:00

Hi all, I apologize profusely for the very lengthy absence. I have been feeling under the weather and decided to focus my energies on taking my vitamins, eating my veggies and even having a little acupuncture done (if you've never tried it, do. It's incredible). I'm feeling much better and am ready to jump back in.

For your viewing pleasure, here are four different bags that I think would be spectacular in a work setting. Corporate gal? Go for the leather tote. Work in a more casual office (like me)? Go for the white and grey canvas bag. Do you commute on a bike? Try this awesome ombre back pack, perfect for artsy types. Is your job more hands on? Try this sturdy white canvas bag with leather accents. The best part is that in addition to being actually usable, they're all really lovely as well.

Clockwise from top left: One // Two // Three // Four

Happy Place

2012-07-19T05:06:00.001-07:00

Every once in a while I like to share a visual with you - a little something to keep you inspired and centered. This room, overlooking the ocean is my new happy place. It's where I plan on going in my mind whenever I need a little serenity. That view is so amazing. I can just imagine waking up in that bed, grabbing a cup of coffee (with real cream) and just sitting on that bench for a good long while, gazing at the ocean. I sure hope whoever lives there darn well appreciates it - I know I would.

Photo via: Houzz

Weekly Interiors

2012-07-18T05:31:00.002-07:00

Today I want to talk about combining two of my obsessions: white bedding and kilim accents. There's nothing quite as soothing as slipping into a bed made with fresh, clean white linens. I've been toying around with the idea of making my bed entirely white. Right now I have this amazing grey and white duvet cover with white sheets and pillow cases, but could go all white when the duvet is in the laundry. Anyway, I think a really beautiful, warm way to dress up an all white bed is to add a few kilim throw pillows. They give the look a modern, eclectic feel and add a little color What do you think?

Photo credits: houzz, French by Design, Pinterest, Pinterest

4 Things - Arrows

2012-07-17T05:01:00.002-07:00

I just love how inanimate objects can suddenly become über fashionable. Nothing exhibits this better than the arrow. It's everywhere: bed linens, apparel, print art, jewelry, shoes, wedding invitations, even skin - my friend Danielle has an arrow tattooed on her arm (it looks great by the way). There is something so simple and yet so expressive about arrows. Here are a few lovely examples of how to use them to brighten up your daily life. >>>----->

(Clockwise from top left) 1. Sycamore Street Press 2. Madewell 3. Lauren Moffat, buy here 4. Photo via Snippet and Ink