Neutral Territory

I'm a color-loving girl, so when I wear neutrals it's usually in the form of an accessory to keep from looking like Rainbow Brite (not that there's anything wrong with that), but these days I'm digging an all neutral ensemble, especially black and brown. It breaks the one rule I spent all of middle school trying to adhere to, but maybe that's why I love it. Don't these ladies look so chic? 

1 \\ 2 \\ 3 \\ 4

Outdoor Envy

I'm seriously craving a beach vacation after lovely Femi sent me a link to Hibiscus Hill, India Hicks and David Flint Wood's three houses available for rent on Harbour Island in the Bahamas.

Each home has multiple outdoor living spaces (as all beach houses should in my opinion), but what I love most is how seamless the transition is from indoor to out. India Hick's easy breezy style creates a sense of continuity throughout the homes that feels relaxing and comfortable yet still luxurious.

I'm going to start saving my pennies now. Thanks again to Femi for sharing with me!

Cecy Young

Loving the movement and color in Cecy Young's photography. 

This and That

Happy first Thursday of 2012! Here are a few links that have caught my attention recently:

Love the premise behind Advice to Sink in Slowly where designers share wisdom with first year students through these posters via brain pickings
A sneak peak at the Jason Wu for Target line hitting stores February 5 via fashionologie  
2 lovely transformations (1, 2) on Design*Sponge's Before and After 
Lifehacker's list of the best time to buy anything in 2012 giving me a good excuse to buy new bedding this month
Top 10 musical discoveries of 2011 from Rachel at Black Eiffel
Postelco handkercief envelopes via note to self
Bon Appetit's 2012 Food Lover's cleanse
And last but not least this cool photo and the rest of David Talley's 365 project

Madewell Spring 2012 Lookbook

I know we're only 2 weeks into winter, but Madewell's spring 2012 lookbook is looking rather enticing - and this is only half of it! Check out the rest right here.  

Barrie Benson

Loving interior designer Barrie Benson's use of color, texture and pattern.  Check out the rest of her portfolio here!

Happy New Year!

Can you believe it's 2012? It's amazing all that can change in just a year's time and I'm feeling so blessed for all the opportunities I've had this past year and looking forward to all that 2012 has to offer. I'm especially excited to start school tomorrow (!!?!) at Savannah College of Art and Design and can't wait to challenge myself, learn a lot, and meet all sorts of creative, intelligent people. This year I'm also planning on keeping a gratitude journal, worrying less, visiting a new city, keeping in better touch with faraway friends, stepping outside my comfort zone more often, and losing the 5 lbs I gained when I quit smoking (last years resolution). Cheers to the new year! And here are a few links to wrap up 2011 and kick off 2012 :)

Best albums of 2011 according to Pretty Much Amazing
Best environmental photos of 2011 via Mother Nature Network
NPR's best of 2011 lists 
Woody Guthrie's resolutions from 1942 via Brain Pickings
12 things happy people do differently via Habitually Chic
10 secrets to success also via Habitually Chic

Winter Wonderland

Maria Netsounski via My Modern Met