simple style...

There's something so perfect about an antique chair covered in white linen... a comfy place to collapse in the evening or to snuggle into with a cup of tea. I'm officially on the hunt for a chair cover like this to create the comfy lived-in look at home... i'm sure there's lots out there, but any good suggestions?

Photo: Scan by myself - Simple Style by Julia Bird, photography by Hotze Eisma

barely there...

Good Monday morning... skies have started off clear and sunny early today, with that perfect shade of icy blue, but with threats of a severe snowstorm later this week, it all seems like the calm before it all. I guess it's still January afterall, which is why i'm loving these soft shades of french blue... grey and slightly dull, but perfectly elegant, don't you think? I especially love the little hint of sparkle captured on the pillow. Now, where do I find that duvet cover?

Photos: Jamie Beck - From Me To You, more shots in Rue

out & about + a winner...

A little late with my usual Friday post this weekend, as it seems as soon as the weekend arrives suddenly the time flies right by... I wish that was the case for the weekdays instead! Enjoyed dinner out last night with a movie and vanilla lattés, yummy french pastries this morning, followed by some shopping and an anniversary dinner tonight! Plus, I managed to scoop up my favourite BR jeans for only $23. (Seriously, if you haven't tried Banana Republic's jeans, you really need to do so.)

I'm also happy to announce tonight, that the winner of the Tiny Prints giveaway is Caitlin, congrats! I'll be in touch soon, and thank you to everyone who entered!

Ending with some weekend links of course... but first, how cute is the table above with its little scalloped-edge trim?

Fifi cupcakes...

Contradictory colours...

Katie Lee Joel's gorgeous townhouse...

Virgin suicides-esque...

Gorgeous Elie Saab...
Pretty pics...

Barcelona beauty...

Etam lingerie show...

Very cool photo...

French must-haves...

Photos: Scans by myself - Apartment by Alan Powers, Photographer Chris Everard

why don't you?

It's Friday! Why don't you... try on cherry red pumps this weekend?

Photo: via Elissa Braun

new j.crew...

J.Crew officially has me missing L.A. with their latest shoot in glamorous Hollywood. The new catalogue brings me back to so many of the places my friend and I visited last April and the utter "coolness" of all things L.A. I'm suddenly dying for short shorts, cigarette pants, blue skies and glistening waters... I could really use a drive down the coast again too!

Check out their new catalogue for more shots and fun stories from the shoot...

Photos: J.Crew

chloé :: spring 2011...

I can't wait to spy this pretty campaign in the latest Spring issues, as I love collecting the Chloé ads. So simple and chic, and totally effective. Plus, Chloé also seems to be on a little ballet kick with pretty flats, flowing skirts, and leotard-like pieces in gorgeous neutral shades...

Photos: Chloé Spring 2011 Campaign by David Sims via FGR, Runway shots - The Cherry Blossom Girl

ballet wednesday...

I have a feeling that Wednesdays are going to turn into "Ballet Wednesday" around here, as I keep coming across beautiful ballet editorials lately, making me look even more forward to my class each week!

The other day I came across these lovely photos by Shini of Park & Cube, where she had the chance to see a special screening of Black Swan with a ballet class, MAC makeover, and BLOCH dance kit... talk about jealous! Be sure to pop by her blog, as there's plenty more great photos to see. What a wonderful outing!

*I recently bought the Black Swan poster that's last in the lineup of the four above (cream background), can't wait for it to arrive in the mail! The graphics for all four teaser posters were done by LaBoca studio.

Photos: By Shini of Park & Cube

celebrating...

Very happy today has arrived, as this particular Wednesday it's Rick and I's 6 year anniversary! Champagne is definitely in order this upcoming weekend. Happy Anniversary to my very lovely boyfriend! xo

Photo: via Plush Palate

added warmth...

Falling for the perfect touch of just a little faux fur lately... whether it's a cozy off-white wrap, a short cognac-coloured coat, or grey trim on the hood of your jacket... it's adds the perfect touch of glamour to otherwise gloomy days, don't you think? My coat just doesn't look the same without the fur trim, I love it! Faux, of course ;)

Photos: 1 & 2 - Stockholm Street Style, 3 - Citizen Couture

tiny prints + a giveaway!

I've been waiting to share this post all weekend, as I have quite the love for perfectly pretty stationery and the art of sharing a simple handwritten note... there's nothing better than sharing a family update or wishing someone a happy birthday with a beautiful card. I love blogging, but i'll always treasure the act of sending out gorgeous stationery.

So it was only fitting of course, to learn about Tiny Prints, an online shop that provides stylish, modern and unique stationery from Valentine's Day cards to personalized greeting cards, business cards and more! Plus, there's exclusive designs from the nation’s top designers, like pretty watercolour creations from Petite Alma. Isn't the new home card beyond adorable? So sweet! They also offer memorable personalized photo-gifts like notebooks, photo books and calendars too.

And lucky for you today, Tiny Prints is offering a $50 giveaway for one special reader, just in time for Valentine's day (or a birthday party? or business cards?). Just head on over to their site, and then leave a comment below! A winner will be chosen this Friday, and be sure to leave your email address if it's not in your blogger profile.

Good luck, and many thanks to Tiny Prints!

Photos: All cards available at Tiny Prints

shades of sunnier days...

Hello, hello! A late start to the week today, but definitely a busy one! It's been a chilly -20˚C here the past few days with icy winds and snowy skies, that I think I've finally given up on Winter. I'm definitely looking forward to the lighter days of Spring where pretty pastels feel right at home, like in this perfect Parisian apartment. Light-coloured hues of pink and coral, cream and blue, purple and soft greys help to showcase it's many architectural details. Not to mention the feeling of warmth and happiness... isn't this place amazing? The moulding and intricately carved details are just beautiful. Not to mention the mirrored walls! Sigh... oh to live in Paris...

Photos: Scans by Dress, Design & Decor - Apartment by Alan Powers, photographer Chris Everard

perfect ten...

I always wondered how Alix did her nails like this, and now we know! I had to share this over here just in case you're not following her blog, as it's such an easy way to get the perfect two colour manicure for something a little different. I used to do this when I was younger for a french manicure look, and had totally forgotten how easy the hole-punch stickers make it... something you can pick up at your local office supplies store!

Click here to see all the steps!

Photos & tutorial by The Cherry Blossom Girl

happy weekend...

These two gorgeous images remind me of a book I have, called "Your Home As A Sanctuary". It's all about creating that inviting, light-filled space, that feels relaxing, yet energizing in that totally zen kind of way. A mixture of new and old things in neutral shades seems to really do that for me. I love the old wardrobe above with mixed frames of family photos, paired with a neat and tidy bed, smoothed out and tucked in to perfection. Even the way they just stacked the pillows like that gives a sense of balance and order to the room. I also really like the idea of a round table in the diningroom where everyone can converse easily. And those french doors and hardwood? Perfect!

I hope you all have a relaxing and beautiful weekend, hopefully the sun will come to play too. I'm headed to yoga tomorrow morning, and getting started on a new design project. As always, thank you so much for stopping by... there's quite a few new followers this week, so thank you, thank you! Can't leave without a few links of course... have a good one!

Fifi's highland fling...

Tea-time...

A hint of sparkle...

Fairytale wedding...

Multifaceted mirror...

Free Valspar Paint Project kit...

Behind the scenes of those gorgeous Black Swan costumes... (thanks Kinga!)

I'll have what she's having too.

Also, stay tuned for a giveaway coming up on Monday - perfect for Valentine's Day!

Photos: Scans by myself - Apartment by Alan Powers, photography by Chris Everard

why don't you?

Why don't you... dress up an ordinary ponytail with a long, ivory ribbon?

Photo: Patterson Maker

room love...

On the other hand... there's something to be said about a little bit of whimsy to a room, don't you think? If a fully-covered canopy bed isn't your thing, the above seems like a perfect idea to add just a little bit of fairytale-like quality. Two pieces of light, gauzy fabric hanging from a copper ring, looks right at home paired with a daybed of comfy worn-in pillows and patterned wallpaper... I think I like the teeny tiny frame the best though, especially hanging on an angle like that, whether it was on purpose or not. Isn't this room gorgeous?

Photo: Scan by myself from Simple Style by Julia Bird, photo by Hotze Eisma

a neutral home...

In the latest issue of Lonny, I couldn't help but notice how well this kitchen and bedroom flow together with the overall theme of chic, neutral pieces. I really like all the frames and pottery in the kitchen, and the sheepskin rugs in the bedroom just make it so cozy looking, no? Can't go wrong with simple pieces like this... it always looks perfect together!

Photo: Lonny Magazine by Patrick Cline, designer Jarlath Mellet

ballet-inspired...

I'm not sure if I mentioned this already, but i'm taking beginner ballet class on Wednesday nights now. It's so much fun and quite the workout. You wouldn't think it, but with all the balance, lengthening and pointing, my muscles are definitely feeling it. I'm really liking it though! Slowly, the steps from my childhood ballet days are coming back to me too, lol. And who doesn't love a pretty pair of ballet slippers?

Isn't the book cover above so fun? I would snap that up in a second if I saw it in an antique store!

Photos: Ce N'est Pas Un Blog, Tea & Toast