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.