perfectly illustrated

I'm completely in love with my new duvet cover from Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. The beautiful illustration is by artist Leah Duncan, a new favorite of mine. The red sandals are also newly acquired, from & Other Stories. I've got that spring fever that makes me want to buy all new things for my apartment and closet and clear out the old. Dangerous for my wallet, but quite fun for me. Oh, and I definitely didn't coax Donut into posing for these photos, she did that all on her own (she's a ham like her mom).

february still life

I am completely over this winter weather. Philadelphia has had record breaking (read: freezing) temperatures this year and my style has started to resemble that of the younger brother from A Christmas Story, not cute unless you're a kid. Fortunately I have had wedding planning to keep me occupied, and I must say (at the risk of jinxing myself) that things are going very smoothly in this department! We have already booked our venue (the amazing Terrain at Styer's), found a photographer, commissioned an artist to create our stationary, and that's just the beginning. I have to keep reminding myself to slow down because we still have over a year before the actual day, but I can't help it, I love planning things too much. Perhaps I have missed my calling as a wedding planner?

radial daydream

long sleeved blouse  j. crew
sleeveless blouse  vintage
skirt  c/o sheinside
shoes  vintage

Apparently I'm having a neoprene moment. And I'm always having a sparkly gem moment. This weird-in-a-good-way skirt is the latest bejeweled addition to my wardrobe, paired with a favorite sparkly top that has a matching pleated skirt (one of my all-time favorite thrift score finds). The 1960's-esque shoes are actually 1980's Joan & David, found while vintage hunting in Santa Rosa during my last trip home. Sadly I probably won't be venturing outside in this outfit today because it's currently record-breaking freezing in Philadelphia and I'd much rather just stay warm right where I am.

unintentional flamenco vibes

blouse  vintage

skirt  suno

Freshly cut hairs and a glimpse into my guest room, which I haven't yet shared photos of because it has quickly turned into a massive second closet / office. The embroideries on the wall all belong to my boyfriend, who has quite a thing for flowers, boats and birds. The little framed number resting on the fireplace to my right says "Clarity is Such a Fucking Rarity" and was a birthday gift from me to him based on lyrics to an old rap song he wrote. Oh, and my outfit wasn't intended to be a nod to flamenco dancing but those sleeves don't lie.

falling into place

A few photos of the main living area in my apartment, which I'm still rearranging constantly because I can't help myself. It feels mostly complete, and definitely cozy. The new chartreuse velvet couch was won at an Anthropologie silent auction last week and makes a good buddy for my other velvet couch. Is there such a thing as too much velvet? Maybe don't answer that. Now I just need a few more giant plants in here and I'll be good!

a new bedroom

photos by Darcy Rogers

dress by To Be Adored

It's funny how many wonderful people I have met through the internet, sometimes I forget that some of my closest friends and favorite collaborators are ones that I first communicated with via Myspace, or Friendster, or blog comments. Darcy Rogers and I met via the internet years ago and we have managed to meet up for a photo shoot a few times each year. We both hail from Northern California but are enjoying life on the East Coast (crazy winters and all). It was especially fun to collaborate on a shoot this time around because I am just settling into my new apartment (shared with my boyfriend of almost two years) and it was the perfect opportunity to document the process. Darcy observed that wherever I live I tend to pick a spot with a lot of natural light flooding in, and although I had never actively thought about this, she is completely right. I still have some work to do before I feel like this apartment is "done," but I love that Darcy was able to capture things as they are right now, natural light and all.

inspiring spaces

Apartment inspiration featuring a lot of clean white walls, all images via Pinterest.