Still Life Lately
Happy April, everyone! I seriously can't believe how fast this year is going.
Lately I've been busy working on new projects and getting new products ready for springtime, but I've tried to make time to stop and smell the roses (or, in this case, tulips). Some snaps from life lately...
The J.Crew spring style guide is killing it – I wasn't crazy about their clothes the last few seasons but I'm really loving what's out now.
I scored these Sam Edelman boots at Nordstrom Rack on crazy sale, after lusting after them for years. Sometimes things are just meant to be! I'm also really pumped about adding these crazy cool mirrored Ray Bans into my rotation.
I had a few days home alone this week, and took the opportunity to finally page through this book and eat cookies for dinner. Ooooooooops. It's pure eye candy. Kate Spade is such a young, but iconic brand and it was fascinating to see how their aesthetic has evolved over the last twenty years. The book is also a graphic designer's dream – lots of great photography and bold color.
Doing some brush lettering for a project...I love painting letters because things are so accidental. It can be frustrating at first, but once you learn to give up control, you get those "happy accidents" that all designers seek to have. But you can't seek too hard, or they won't happen! That's the conundrum.
What have you guys been loving lately?
Friday Links
1 | These bins need to make their way into my office immediately.
2 | A decorating tip I support fully. This and many more great home tips here on House Beautiful.
3 | Brownie cookie sandwiches filled with caramel creme – enough to break my willpower.
4 | Cooper is in desperate need for a new leash. I love this marbled rope one from Grey Paw Design.
5 | J.Crew's March style guide is killing it. These sandals are on the top of my wish list!
Stay warm, friends, and have a great weekend!
Friday Links
Between the freezing weather and catching the flu, this week's been a bit of a doozy. I'm looking forward to recharging this weekend and starting fresh next week. I'll have some fun Valentine's DIYs and printables coming up — I can't believe February is around the corner! Enjoy this week's links and have a cozy weekend!
1 | This recipe for make-ahead steel cut oats has been getting me through the morning. (The Kitchn)
2 | True that. (They All Hate Us)
3 | What I wish winter fashion actually looked like...it's zero degree here right now. (Print by Garance Doré)
4 | Love this uber cool side-diamond ring. (Free People)
5 | My second macaron attempt will be these vanilla bean and dulce de leche buttercream ones. It better go well because they sound damn good! (The Culinary Chronicles)
Friday Links + Giveaway Winner!
Thanks to everyone for entering the Pattern Pod giveaway! The winner was chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, and the winner is Emily! Please email me at novak.rachael@gmail.com to claim your prize.
Here are some of my faves for the weekend—hope you are all staying warm out there!
1 | Stamp your correspondence with a clever "vintage email" stamp (Wit & Whistle)
2 | This DIY faux bow clutch is the perfect for holiday parties! (I SPY DIY)
3 | Wishing you all Happy Alcoholidays! (Scout Mob)
4 | These bite-sized holiday bark treats look like an awesome snack. (Happy Hour Projects)
5 | Stella & Dot has released some swoonworthy new arrivals – loving the citron! (Stella & Dot)
Black & White
Claude Monet said, "Color is my day-long obsession, joy, and torment." In working with color on a daily basis, I can't help but think, dream, and obsess over color. Choosing paint colors for our house was a love/hate situation—only made worse by the pressure to make the final call once we narrowed down our choices ("the slightest hint of green will ruin it!")
So sometimes, the mind needs a break. Black and white provides a duality that few combinations can produce: a sense of simplicity and peace while conversely shouting for attention. The contrast is stimulating; the minimalism restful. I love it as the single statement in a room, or as a graphic addition to an already colorful space.
I'm absolutely obsessed with this graphite loveseat – the pencil-drawn lines are a less graphic take on black and white – it would look so cool in a gleaming white office!
I recently did a DIY of the Prada Marfa canvas shown here, so I'll be posting that soon – likely next week. It came out so well and cost a fraction of the price – win/win. Can't wait to share it!
So sometimes, the mind needs a break. Black and white provides a duality that few combinations can produce: a sense of simplicity and peace while conversely shouting for attention. The contrast is stimulating; the minimalism restful. I love it as the single statement in a room, or as a graphic addition to an already colorful space.
I'm absolutely obsessed with this graphite loveseat – the pencil-drawn lines are a less graphic take on black and white – it would look so cool in a gleaming white office!
I recently did a DIY of the Prada Marfa canvas shown here, so I'll be posting that soon – likely next week. It came out so well and cost a fraction of the price – win/win. Can't wait to share it!
Color Crush: Bold Cobalt
Cobalt has been popping up everywhere lately, and something about this pure, intense hue has me hooked. It might be triggering the art history lover in me — this color is derived from lapis lazuli, the highly-worshipped stone used in dyes, art, and pottery in ancient times. From ancient Egypt to the empires of Rome and Greece, lapis lazuli was used to represent godliness, truth, and purity. Its pure pigmentation complements natural elements, while still making a statement. It's interesting to see the "pop of color" concept evolving — this is giving us a break from neons, but carrying that blue PS1 would certainly have just as much impact!
I've never been much of a pure blue person, but this punchy color might have changed my mind. It's just starting to gain momentum, so I think we'll be seeing a lot more of it come fall and winter of this year. What do you think about this bold blue?
Gold Rush
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I have always been hooked on gold — I think it's the Leo in me. My prom dress was gold (ha!), my jewelry has (almost) always been gold, and there are accents of it all over my house. Accessorizing your closet with gold is easy — decorating with it poses a bit more of a challenge.
Gold in decor can be intimidating, as brass accents in the wrong places can say '80s mod, but in the right touches it can add a bit of unapologetic glam. A tip to pulling off the look is to keep silhouettes simple and modern — too much embellishment and detail can make gold come across as fussy and antiquated.
Pairing with white and neutrals keeps the look polished, and conversely, pairing with bright colors can create a global feel. Gold can also add a geological touch to rustic decor — this faceted table lamp would look great on a natural wood dresser. It can also glam up an everyday item — placing these gold playing cards out on your coffee table would entice anyone into a game of poker.
Have you embraced gold as a trend, and do you think it's here to stay?
WMC Fest talk video
My talk from this year's WMC Fest was recorded, and is now uploaded for those of you who might have missed it. Or for me to watch and cringe ;) You can follow along with my slides in PDF form since you can't see them in the video, there's a link in the video description. You can also see all of the other awesome talks on WMC Fest's YouTube channel. I can't believe this was already two months ago, I had such a blast and watching the talks totally takes me back.
let's have a great summer
Hand-lettered chalk sign, with a fun message I thought I would share with all of you as warmer temperatures arrive. Finally!
(via Scouts Honor Blog)