The City Sage

Photographer Lust: Seth Smoot

Happy Monday, everyone! Thought we'd start the week off with these refreshing images from the portfolio of photographer Seth Smoot. Seth's brisk, bright style is like a shot of espresso for the eyes--exactly what I need today after a bit of a lazy weekend. Wouldn't it be lovely to enjoy a breakfast pancakes around this dining table?

A citrusy pop of orange provides a juicy contrast to dreamy, creamy whites and greys. I've been on the hunt for a fabulous bedroom lamp, and this one would fit the bill perfectly indeed. A slender brass arm is both modern and sophisticated, and that oversized shade starts my heart to racing!

A weathered setting feels full of energy--not ennui--with crisp sunlight streaming through an unseen window. I adore the look of rust on a painted surface, not necessarily on pieces in my own space but as a nostalgic memory of antiques hunting with my mom.   

A bold black tufted headboard? Yes, please! There's nothing like a deep, dark, saturdated surface for making a strong statement in a room. Whether on a single item of furniture or an entire wall, sooty shades are a no-brainer way to add glamour and impact. Pow!

Images: Seth Smoot 

 

A Collection a Day Contest with Martha Stewart!

I've waxed poetic about my love of collections before, so one of my highlights of 2010 was San Francisco artist Lisa Congdon's blog A Collection a Day. Lisa photographed her oodles and boodles of collections every day for the entire year, and to read through her archives is to feast on a satisfying blend of order and organization with creative inspiration.

This spring Lisa is releasing a book to commemorate the project, and Martha Stewart Living is hosting a contest that all the collection junkies amongst us can get in on! Just share a photo of your prized collection for a chance to win an original piece of artwork from Lisa and a copy of her book. Only question: should I enter my little family of brass animals, or should I start a new collection?!

Images: A Collection a Day

On the Hunt: Perfect Spring Skirts

Is it spring yet? I'm counting the days until I can pull out my lighter, flirtier clothes. This year I'm especially fond of short, full skirts in blushing colors and playful patterns. They're perfect for a romp through blooming orchards and fields of daffodils. (Or for, like, sitting in front of your computer and dreaming about doing those things...)

Look for mini prints like pindots or sweet florals. Hues such as salmon, apricot, and faded chambray call to mind crisp blue skies and tulips peaking through the earth. I'd team this silhouette with a simple ballet flat and a cozy cardigan, then stroll through the flower market early on a Saturday morning. Dreamy, no?

Fashion Images: 1, 4. Anthropologie 2. J. Crew 3. Ruche Shopping Guide: One, Two, Three, Four, Five Six.

Crazy day today! 'Bout to head out into the desert for a photo shoot. But of course had to pop in with the gorgeous photos of Antony Crolla. The black, whites, greys and woods are exactly what I envision for my next home--including a collection of white ceramic objets from Z Gallerie. See you with more goodies tomorrow! xo 

Outfit to Landscape: Anthropologie and the Desert!

The Rue girls are in Las Vegas for a collaboration with the crew behind Airplanes and Blazers, and we thought it would be fun to drive from San Francisco. After nine hours in the car yesterday we were more than ready to stretch our legs, but I don't regret the road trip at all--the desert landscape is simply sublime! It's definitely rivaling the seashore on my list of 'favorite places to visit'.

The range of colors and textures out here in the desert captivates me. From the bleached white sands to the crumbling rocks, from the dusty grey-greens of sagebrush to the pink of the sky at dusk, there is no end to the inspiration and eye candy of nature's vast canvas.

So imagine my delight when I popped over to Anthropologie's February catalogue and discovered that this month's offering seems drawn from the arid vistas of the Mojave itself! Washed chambray and weathered khaki are just right for exploring the desert like the pioneers of old--if only in my imagination!

Fashion Images: Anthropologie. Landscapes: 1. AZSevensPhotography 2. JSPhotoGallery 3. LizanneDesigns

Star for a Day: Kate Bosworth

It's hard to put my finger on why I love Kate Bosworth's style. Maybe it's the balance she acheives between studied and undone; maybe it's the unexpected play with fit and proprotion; maybe it's the fact that it defies definition. Whatever the reason, I want a piece of that fashion action!

If I had to choose a phrase to label Kate's style, it would be 'Gamine Grandpa'. Fusty cardigans meet stovepipe jeans; a midi skirt gets sexed up with a slightly sheer tee and strappy sandals; colors are subdued and desaturated with an occasional red accent. A great scarf is a must, and a crossbody bag completes the ensemble. Perfect for the relaxing weekend ahead!

Shopping Guide: Cardigan, Jeans, Trench Cape, Handbag, Sandals, Scarf, Patent Oxfords, Striped Tee, Midi Skirt.

My Sartorialist Moment with Trent Bailey Photography

A recent whirlwind trip to New York City saw the Rue girls packing in as many meetings, celebratory gatherings, and lingering meals as possible. One of the highlights? A photo session with our wonderful friend--and gifted artist--Trent Bailey Photography. We got gussied up in our favorite outfits and mugged for the camera one snowy afternoon. What fun it was!

Since moving from Brooklyn to San Francisco three years ago I haven't missed cold weather even a little bit. But still, I was thrilled for an excuse to pull my grandmother's vintage coat from storage. It's so special to me--a family heirloom from the 1960's--and wearing it around the city with the ladies from Rue made me feel very chic indeed! (Naturally, a sequin ban.do completed the look.)

Trent is such a joy to work with. I'm usually a 'behind the scenes' girl but he made us all feel relaxed and comfortable so we could just have fun for the camera. There are a zillion more wonderful photos from this day, and you can bet we'll be dragging out the reveal as long as possible. Thanks so much to Trent for making our trip to New York the best one yet!

Image Credits: Trent Bailey Photography

Latest Addiction: InteriorConnector

If I had a dollar for every time I've flipped through a shelter magazine and fallen in love with a piece, only to discover that it's custom or to-the-trade only, I'd be rich indeed. So I'm smitten with InteriorConnector, a new shopping site that brings previously inaccessible goodies to us regular folks. I couldn't resist sharming my favorite finds; green and gold chair, come to mama!

Shopping Guide: Lamps One, Two, Three, Four. Tables One, Two, Three. Chairs One, Two, Three.

Get the Look: Gramercy Park Hotel

There's nothing like travel for design inspiration; exploring the world beyond your comfort zone is the best way to jumpstart the imagination! Case in point: while in New York two weeks ago I stayed at the Gramercy Park Hotel. After spending a few nights surrounded by the hotel's luxe 19th-century Bohemian vibe, I'm craving sumptuous velvet, rich dark wood, and polished brass.

The neatest thing about the Gramercy Park? Even though the space was dripping with Golden Age opulence, there was an air of tongue-in-cheek humor about it that felt utterly welcoming. Plus the history buff in me loved imagining myself in old New York--I kept watching over my shoulder for the Rockefellers to stroll through the doors!

Shopping Guide: Chair, Light, Mirror, Phone, Pillow, Footstool, Subway Sign, Chest of Drawers. For booking info contact Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

 

Dispatches from Hitched Palm Springs!

Happy Monday, everyone, and Happy Valentine's Day! Today's sweet treat has been a few weeks in the making--the photos from my recent trip to the Hitched event in Palm Springs! You may recall that Rue was curating a Groom's Lounge at this wedding extravaganza, and I'm so pleased with how it turned out that I have to share all the juicy details with you!

Since starting Rue I've found myself more in a managerial role, delegating all the fun stuff (photo shoots! styling!) to the experts, so I was very greatful for this chance to get my hands dirty. I built a wall of ties (thank you, duct tape!), set up a 'Man's Man's Registry Table' with goods from Kaufmann Mercantile, and covered a mirror in fabulous shoes from the amazing Aussie lable Mere Footwear.

Of course I couldn't have done it alone. Rudy's Barbershop gave all the handsome grooms free shaves and haircuts, Launderette came out and gave bow tie lessons, DJ Smiles of The Flashdance set the mood with some groovy tunes, and the ping of pinball machines from Vintage Arcade filled the air.

The Rue girls took a break from the Groom's Lounge to get snap happy in the Smilebooth (a huge thanks to Lauren Moffatt for lending us these fun outfits from her Spring line!) Later that evening, Bri entered the dance contest as the only solo contestant, in hopes of winning a trip to Mexico for us all. Alas, it was not to be--but you can see her moves plus more of the fun in this video!

Where will the next Hitched be held? I'm not sure yet--but I can guarantee I'll be there with bells on!

Groom's Lounge Photos from Erin Hearts Court and Amelia Lyon. Video by Shark Pig. See the rest of the Hitched Palm Springs photos here, here, here and here on 100 Layer Cake!