Jazmin Berakha

See Ya January

Are you guys on instagram? It's safe to say I'm addicted. Since I started using it, I've noticed that I appreciate little things (like a view of the skyline after a late night at the library) that I might not have otherwise taken the time to enjoy. Any app that promotes slowing down and taking time to savor the simple joys in life is worthy of an addiction in my eyes. Here are a few of my favorite snapshots from the past month. Can you believe February is almost here? We've still got one more day left of January, though, so make it count! :)

Outdoor Envy

 

Now this is my kind of campsite. 

styled by Katrine Martenson-Larsen photography by Stuart McIntyre

Alexandra's Kitchen

I recently discovered Alexandra's Kitchen via pinterest and can't get enough of her unexpected flavor combinations (nectarine pizza? yes please!), the beautiful photography, and most of all her commitment to sustainability. She has inspired me to join a CSA Program (something I have long been meaning to do) and I can't wait to pick up my first box next week! If you live in the U.S. and are interested in joining a program, visit Local Harvest. And be sure to check out Alexandra's Kitchen for some new recipes to add to your arsenal.

Her and There

Drama. Intrigue. Glamour. 

Black. 

That's just a little commercial concept I created for the color black. Think he'll hire me? 

Seriously, though, how gorgeous is that photo of Kate B? and that bathroom has been on my mind for weeks...

This and That

For avid readers and design enthusiasts, Lovely Book Covers hits the spot
Rachel Pally and Kevin Circosta's house tour via apartment therapy
An adorable colorful wedding via Oh Joy!
Some awesomely creative business cards from Alt via Camille Styles
Typographic prints by Matthew Kavan Brooks via Miss Moss
The Top 21 albums of 2011 from 120 Top 10 lists (and a Spotify playlist!) via Information is Beautiful 
Yvonne Estrada via Pattern Pulp
A cute homemade calendar via adore more
All of the nominees of Fubiz's photography awards
If there was such thing as a princess convention it'd probably look something like backstage at Elie Saab Haute Couture via Studded Hearts
this easy awesome dish we cooked for dinner last night - delicious!

Ana Montiel

Love these illustrations Ana Montiel did for Nina Ricci. They remind me of kaleidoscopes. The rest of her portfolio is equally awesome:

Be sure to check out her shop, too!

Under $50: Luxe Neutrals

1. UO classic menswear watch $29 2. Hive & Honey tobago wedge boot $39.97 3. UO oversized cat eye sunglasses $16 4. Forever 21 faux fur stole $24.80 5. Old Navy printed crew neck pullover $20 6. TopShop foil crinkle cami $36 7. TopShop tortoiseshell bangle $25 8. Forever 21 horn collar necklace $12.80 9. H&M skirt £14.99

Music For Your Ears 2.0

And a few tunes to gently shake you out of your mid-Monday slumber...

Hit List #2: 1. Norah Jones - Chasing Pirates 2. The Decemberists - Calamity Song 3. Fitz & the Tantrums - MoneyGrabber  4. Bombay Bicycle Club - Shuffle 5. Ray LaMontagne - You Are The Best Thing 6. The Heavy - How You Like Me Now 7. Phish - Ghost 8. My Morning Jacket - Holdin on to Black Metal 9. Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks 10. Graffiti6 - Free 11. Van Morrison - Everyone 12. David Bowie - Modern Love 13. The Shins - Simple Song 14. Foster the People - Call It What You Want 

photo via

Outdoor Envy

Some well-decorated porches to brighten up your Monday morning...Have a good week!

1 \\ 2 \\ 3 \\ 4 

Favorite Things

A few favorite things I've found on Etsy this week - a handmade kilim pillow case from Istanbul ($69.95) from this shop that is full of all sorts of kilim goodness, this chic Claire White Modern Art Print ($18) from new favorite shop Bergen House, a silver oversize leather tote bag ($159) from Smadar Shani Leather Shop and last but not least this cozy california bear pullover from Zen Threads ($26). Definitely check out each of these shops for more fun finds!

By the Way...

Hope it's a good one!

original images by Tom Watson

True That.

 

Studio Muti

Perk Up!

One way to combat the gray days of winter (and the gloomy mood that often comes with them): Tote one of these bright babies! You'll be able to carry them through spring and summer and they're sure to put some pep in your step.

From top left: Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium Leather, ASOS slot through portfolio clutch, Jimmy Choo rivera crocodile effect leather envelope clutch, MARC by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo, Tory Burch robinson mini leather shoulder bag, J.Crew Edie Purse

This and That

I saw these images on tumblr a few weeks ago and am glad to have finally found the source: the exceptionally creative Filippo Minelli. Turns out these poofs of color are homemade smoke bombs and the effect is no less than awesome. via but does it float
For the Thoreau inside of all of us: Cabin Porn
Loving the work of Kelly Behun via Desire to Inspire
Teddy bear skin rugs by Agustina Woodgate via My Modern Met
As a huge fan of the movie of Drive and also of creative graphic design, this poster by Mike Horowitz hits the spot
Have you checked out the lastest issue of Rue? If not, you should!
Emily Henderson's 99 cent DIY projects (and the lovely, talented, hilarious Emily Henderson in general)
How to Work Better and Rules of a Creator's Life
RIP sweet Etta James

Outdoor Envy

Anyone down for an Andalucian getaway? I'm ready to go to The Olive Grove after coming across this lovely feature via Design Tripper. Obviously the natural surroundings make this place so beautiful and unique, but I also love how owners Alan Hazel and Marc Wils have created sumptuous outdoor living areas that don't impose on the natural beauty of the landscape, but serve to accentuate it. Be sure to check out the rest here!

Nancy Ramirez

How cool are these prints by Nancy Ramirez? All available for purchase (and quite affordable) right here

A Pretty Girl in Pretty Clothes

Alexa Chung looking lovely in Vero Moda Spring 2012

This and That

Happy Thursday! A few links that have peaked my interest this week, starting with this amazing Swedish villa:

 

Now that is a solarium. Be sure to check out the rest here
Photographer Frieke Janssens and his Smoking Kids series via Fubiz
20 new years resolutions for 20 somethings via scotch & stones
Just discovered 44th Hill and I especially love what they've done for The Alice House
National Geographic's 2011 photo contest winners (this is one of my favorites)
If I ever make it to the Swiss Alps, I'll definitely be hitting up the White Pod hotel via Honestly WTF
not your standard birth announcement
Brianna Harden's portfolio
and I know I gave you a peek last week but here is the full Jason Wu for Target lookbook via fashionologie

Music for your Ears

 Hit List #1: 1) Lykke Li - Get Some 2) Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse - Valerie 3) M83 - Midnight City 4) Lady Gaga - Summerboy 5) Cee Lo Green - No One's Gonna Love You 6) Talking Heads - Once in a Lifetime 7) Kanye West ft. Lupe Fiasco - Electric Touch 8) Cults - Go Outside 9) SebastiAn ft. Mayer Hawthorne - Love in Motion 10) Neon Indian - Polish Girl 11) College ft. Electric Youth - Real Hero 12) The Black Keys - Lonely Boy

image via

Jenny Bowers

Jenny Bowers's illustrations put me in the best mood. Check out more of her work here and here.