The City Sage

Inspiration Board: American Prairie

I have always been captivated by the history of the American West. From the courage of the pioneers to the adventures of a vast, uncharted territory, we can all take inspiration from the legends of exploration and endurance.

Presenting those legends in all their real-world glory: the honeyed hues of the fields, the blues of a sky that stretches farther than the eye can see. The romance in a scrap of lace, the freedom in a picnic on the plains. The stories of the generations told by a plank of weathered wood.

To all my American readers, happy Independence Day. And to everyone, have a wonderful weekend!

Image Credits: 1, 4, 15. House Beautiful 2. Oscar Falk 3. Elle Decor 5. 6. Country Home 7. Leigh Miller via Snippet and Ink 8. Atlanta Bartlett 9. Southern Accents 10. Kate Towers 11, 13. Christine Rudolph 12. Camera Link 14. Liz Ham 16. Tim Evan Cook

Photographer Lust: Pernilla Hed

Feast your eyes on these lovely images from Swedish photographer and stylist Pernilla Hed! Full of that special appreciation for color and light that seems unique to Scandinavian countries, they make me want to abandon the city for a green and breezy meadow somewhere. I would happily do all my laundry by hand if I could hang it to dry from birch trees!*

A major fix for my pillow addiction! I love how this shot combines the homespun, handcrafted feel of the cushions--that little deer applique!--with the Moroccan bazaar effect of the silver light fixture and tea pot.

A stunning shade of blue. What would you call this hue? Robin's egg? Aqua? Whatever it is, it looks perfect contrasted with touches of pure pink. And there's that Swedish love of chandeliers again!

More blue, this time with a retro-kitsch vibe. The wallpaper is used to terrific effect here; it prevents the cabinets from feeling cold or stark. And a backsplash in the kitchen is a great budget-friendly way to get a hint of pattern without having to buy rolls and rolls of paper.

I'm more of a shower than a bath girl, but even I could be convinced to take a soak in this tub. Splash rose oil in the water, close the door, crank up the volume on some Debussy, and lean back with a juicy romance novel!

Perhaps the only thing that could tear me away from that rose-scented bath is the prospect of a mid-summer dinner by lantern light! I adore the idea of having a vibrant collection of cushions and throws reserved for outdoor dining; it would turn every meal into a special event!

Finally, I couldn't resist this close-up of a simple summer bouquet. Proof that you don't need a fancy floral arrangement to bring life into a space--just a casual collection of blossoms, a special vase, and voila! Instant happy!

*Okay, who am I kidding? I would happily supervise someone else doing my laundry by hand while I sipped a lemonade.

All images courtesy of Pernilla Hed.

Shopping Guide: Swimsuits Galore!

Yesterday's Swimsuit to Room post and the upcoming holiday weekend have got me thinking about that most vexing of apparel categories: bathing suits. So I indulged in a little online window shopping--much nicer than the sight of my wobbly bits under those fluorescent dressing room lights!

Folds and ruching are stylish and figure friendly--that extra material works wonders to suck in any stray parts. Jewel tones like garnet, tourmaline, and sapphire look extra classy, especially when paired with platform wedges and cat eye sunglasses.

For the bolder gals amongst us, glitzy details say 'Victoria Beckham's got nothing on me.' Stick with solid neutrals such as chocolate, ivory and black, and keep trim subtle. Then go all out with fab slides and statement sunnies.

Florals are lots of fun; a mosaic print, a fern pattern, or a classic Missoni flame put a grown-up graphic spin on the trend. And who can resist a playful surprise like flowers on insoles or oversized shades?

Handcrafted touches--flowers, beaded trim or sunbursts--are smokin' hot on buff hued suits. Turquoise sandals and reissued RayBan Clubmasters complete the look for a vibe that's more Sumer of Luxe than Summer of Love!

Tell me: What's your swimsuit style this summer?

Image Credits: 1. Sasha Eisenman 2, 3. Christopher Micaud 4. Jimmy Backius 5. Kate Towers 6. Matt Jones

Outfit to Room: Swimsuit Edition

With summer in full swing and temperatures soaring here in the States, I thought it would be nice to cool off with a swimsuit themed edition of Outfit to Room! A sweet Liberty print bandeau feels just right paired with a straw hat, and likewise those floral pillows with a clean-lined linen sofa.

Of course it's important to coordinate your swimwear with your beach chair. A 70's hippy vibe with a palette of red, orange, yellow, green and turquoise suits the beach and the bedroom equally well.

I thought I left pink and purple behind in kindergarten, but I'm loving it here! It speaks to the carefree summers of childhood, spending all day at the pool and drawing on the sidewalk with chalk.

Of course there's nothing wrong with a very grown-up take on the laid-back mood of summer. Sun-baked earth tones and tribal prints project a smoldering sensibility that make me want to book a trip to Tangiers.

A stripey menswear-inspired suit in shades of grey is calling my name. Sadly that high waist wouldn't do my tummy pooch any favours...so I'd happily settle for a serene and simple room like this one!

I'm not sure why this girl is posing so suggestively in what looks to be an abandoned greenhouse, but to each her own. Personally, I'd be much more comfortable ensconced in bed with a plate of cookies (see above tummy pooch).

Ruffles don't have to be girly. Think of them as origami you wear, and match them with a structured hat and bold scarf--an abstract statement that looks fresh in chair and painting form too.

And neither does nautical have to say, 'Anchors away!' A subtle nod to the look will suffice, as proven by a deconstructed semaphore-esque space. And that outfit? Proof that sometimes the best accessory is a bold red lip!

Image Credits: 1, 13. Corrie Bond 2, 6. Marie Claire Maison 3, 5. Amanda Pratt 4. Country Living via Made by Girl 7, 11. Christopher Micaud 9. Camera Link 10. Paul Massey 12. House to Home 15. Kim Payne 8, 14, 16. Michael Grimm

To Die for Recipe: Chocolate Coconut Cheesecake Squares

Every once in awhile I come across a recipe with DEAB status: Drop Everything And Bake. That was definitely the case for these little babies. They contain that triumvirate of awesomeness--chocolate, coconut and graham crackers (I have such a thing for graham crackers lately). Throw in a thick layer of golden cheesecake and I'm a goner. In fact they barely lasted long enough for a photo session.

I won't reprint the recipe because you can find it easily via Martha Stewart. However I will say that these are a must-try. They're deceptively easy to make but sure to impress, great for a crowd and a perfect dessert for Fourth of July barbecues. Or for eating the whole pan by yourself with a gallon jug of Yoo-Hoo. Not that I know anyone who would do that...