The City Sage

Feather Love Photography: Artist Workshop in San Diego

My deep respect for Noa Azoulay-Sclater of Feather Love Photography is no secret here on the blog. Last April Noa invited me to speak at her Bay Area Artist Workshop--click through for a great recap!--and it was an honor to be a part of that. Meeting her students, chatting about the role of branding and social media in building a business, and doing a Rue shoot all in the same day? What a treat!

Now Noa has announced a workshop in San Diego. She's hosting it at her home, and I'm telling you: JUMP ON IT. If you're a creative entrepreneur looking to spark new growth and transformation, this workshop is for you. If you're feeling stuck on your journey, this workshop is for you. If you want to connect with other artists and soak up the magic of Noa's studio (and pool!) this workshop is for you.

As usual Noa has assembled an incredible cast of guests (I'll be speaking again, and you can see the rest of the crew in the complete event description) but the main attraction really is Noa herself. For just a taste of what she has to offer, I encourage everyone to read a post she just wrote entitled 'Do You Want Overnight Success?'. No matter what line of work or stage of life you're in, Noa is for you. xo

P.S. Another reason to pounce? The Ace Hotel just announced that they're sponsoring the workshop, with one attendee up for winning a two night stay at the Ace Palm Springs! Images: 1. 2. 3.

Summer Outfit Essential: Tucker by Gaby Basora

Colorful prints are not something you find a lot of in my wardrobe. I veer towards the safer territory of neutral solids; paw through my closet and you'll come up with a lot of basic white button-downs, grey cashmere sweaters, and other variations on the theme. But one label I've found myself drawn to more and more lately is Tucker--they make silky, feminine prints seem positively doable!

With summer pretty much in full swing there's nothing better than a single sweet and simple outfit maker, is there? Whether it's for a day of meetings or something more, ahem, adventurous, I'm starting to appreciate the power of an abstract or a floral to punch up my standard slim jeans. And then I look at these pairings (tweed and ikat? spots on dots?) and my mind starts to spin! Oh the possibilities! 

Shop the collection at Tucker by Gaby Basora.

Wednesday Tune: 'I Belong In Your Arms' by Chairlift

May I introduce you to the song that will be in your head all summer? It's by Chairlift, and if the name 'I Belong In Your Arms' doesn't sell you, then the dancy-bright synth beats and sparkling happy mood it'll put you in absolutely will. When I listen to it I'm transported to a wonderland of pre-teen nostalgia. Think Pop Rocks, pool parties, sleepovers at which no actual sleep occurs.

This tune has an undeniable 80's appeal that reminds me of one of my favorite underdog movies from that era: Real Genius. Val Kilmer was adorable in that flick, but I had a thing for the nerdy main character--the one who bumbles his way through the plot and still gets the girl in the end. I guess I'm just a hopeless romantic! But isn't that what summer is for? So turn it up, you guys!

Recommended Activities: 1) Bop around with the kids while you make weekend breakfast. 2) Add it to your running playlist. Recommended Listening: If you like this song, you'll probably like The Piper's Song (Aeroplane Remix) by Gypsy and the Cat. Images: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 

Etsy Is My Kryptonite: Vintage Decor by Pine and Main

As always, though I love the thrill of the hunt when it comes to thrifting for my home, there's something comforting about knowing I can log on to Etsy and score a few treasures without having to sift through piles of suspicious smelling junk for hours upon end. Pine and Main is a particularly choice little gem of a boutique that specializes in pieces with that certain rustic bohemian charm.

I'm especially appreciative of their glowy, natural light photography--a definite selling point when it comes to the Etsy shopping experience! Head to Pine and Main when you're in the market for brass animals, unusual bookends, quaint pottery, or any time you're looking to create that vintage 70's California vibe that's so en point these days. Just get there before I do, mmkay?

Inspired By: Casa de Perrin

A wedding is rarely just the beginning of a new chapter in a couple's life together. In the case of Josh and Diana Perrin, it was also the start of a business that has taken the events world by storm. The two lovebirds were married a year ago today, and in the twelve months since, Casa de Perrin has become the premiere vintage tableware company in California. (Cough, celebs I can't name, cough.)

My favorite part? Their idea for a tabletop rentals company began when Josh and Diana couldn't find exactly the pieces they wanted for their own wedding and spent months gathering the collection themselves. These shots from their wedding--mixed with a images from my own inspiration files--don't lie; the two are an aesthetics powerhouse to be reckoned with. I can't wait to see what they do next!

Photos: 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12. Josh + Diana Wedding Photos, W. Scott Chester Photography. 3. 5. 7. Jen Gotch for Rue Magazine. Oh yeah, that dollhouse shoot? Diana Perrin concepted and styled it. POWERHOUSE, people. 10.

An Announcement...

It is with no small degree of sadness that I share this news with you today. The June issue of Rue will be my last with the magazine. After weighing a number of personal factors quite heavily these last few months, I've arrived at this decision knowing it is the right one for me at this time in my life. I wish my cofounder Crystal and the rest of the team all the best in the world as they move forward with Rue.

I feel so blessed to have worked not only with my fellow editors but also with our extended family of photographers, designers, stylists, and others who have helped bring Rue to life. Being a member of this community is such a gift, one that I will continue to cherish in all my endeavors here on the blog and elsewhere. Thank you to everyone--readers, contributors, and advertisers--for your support.

Photos: Ben Morris

YEAH! Weddings: Win a Dream Wedding for Free!

The wedding biz has changed a ton in the past few years. Blogs have had a lot to do with that. But so has the fact that couples are more interested than ever in expressing their individuality on the big day; and there are more incredible events pros than ever who want to help make it happen. The gang at The Flashdance and bash, please are some of my faves--and they're giving away a FREE WEDDING! 

The contest is called YEAH! Weddings, and it's literally an all-inclusive free wedding that any engaged couple can win. Photographers (Max Wanger and Our Labor of Love both shooting your wedding for free?), event design and florals, honeymoon, complete outfits for the bride, groom, and attendants, and more. It's really easy to enter. Just go to the YEAH! Weddings website and follow the instructions.

They're still sharing the rest of the fine folks involved, so stay tuned to the blog and Twitter for further announcements. And you never know when other hangers-on might get involved too--like, who the heck wrote this crazy manifesto?* But the most important thing to remember is that these guys just plain 'ol love weddings, and they want to make yours amazing. For free. So entrez, s'il vous plait!

*It was me. Heck. I adore this crew so much, I might see if those bash, please girls need an extra set of hands come free wedding day. Yes, I basically just invited myself to your wedding. Also, if you're not engaged but you know someone who is, gosh, wouldn't they love it if you entered them in this contest? BEST WEDDING GIFT EVER! Or, if you're in the industry and you'd like to get involved, it's not too late. Just drop 'em a line.  Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

Gearing Up for Summer: Beauty Must-Haves

Yesterday I went on a long hike in the afternoon sunshine. This morning I woke up to sore calves, sunburned shoulders and, in spite of it all, the irrepressible feeling of giddy anticipation that comes with knowing that summer is just around the corner! So I'm turning my thoughts towards the beauty routine required of warmer months. No way do I want to get caught unprepared! 

There's something so satisfying about getting ready for the season, such pleasure in knowing you've got smooth skin, shiny hair, and beach-ready sandal toes--even if the closest you'll come to the ocean this year is the salt that rims your margarita glass. I like to keep it easy-breezy with glowy oils that smell like paradise, lightweight double-duty products, and of course sunscreen! What are your faves? 

Shopping Guide: Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation SPF 30, Bobbi Brown Shimmering Fragrance Oil (smells like the beach!), Shea Moisture Line (my signature sexy scent--I get asked constantly what I'm wearing!), Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Cleansing Foam, By Terry Rose Balm Gloss, Bliss Mammomth Minty Scrub Soap, Ojon Rare Blend Oil Hair Therapy. Images: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 

Warm Weather Bedrooom Makeover with Lemlem

It has been a long while since I did anything new and interesting around the house--chalk it up to being busy with work and worrying myself silly over what other peoples' homes look like. So when Lemlem reached out to us Rue editors to let us know that they have expanded from clothing into decor, and they invited us to style the pieces our own indvidual ways, I was so excited to flex my interiors muscles!

Lemlem was founded by Ethiopian model Liya Kebede as a way to support women and children in her native country. All the products are handmade from cotton in Ethiopia--the colors are so punchy, the material is unbelieveably soft, and I love knowing that the proceeds from these products are supporting independent artisans. I had such fun refreshing my bed with these bright striped pillows!

Of course I couldn't just plop new pillows in without swapping out the artwork on the walls and the bedside accessories too (in case you hadn't noticed I'm a bit of an all-or-nothing kind of girl). I'm a big proponent of 'use what you have' decorating so I grabbed a lamp from another room, tore some pages from a book, and voila! Ready for summer! Tell me: Have you switched it up lately?

P.S. See how Bri styled her Lemlem blanket and Crystal styled her Lemlem pillow!

Outfit to Room: Sensitive Artist Boyfriend Edition

Oh Colin. I can see you're feeling anxious. Let me stroke that pensive expression off your face. While we're at it, let me stroke your shoulders beneath that butter yellow vee neck sweater, your biceps and forearms too. That would probably help us both relieve some tension. A cuppa tea will do us good, come to think of it. I'll put the kettle on while you lie down, won't you...?

Musical prodigy Glenn Gould, is that you? I didn't expect you to turn up here on my list of fantasy gents, but hey--your outfit is cute and your nonchalant lean is so devil-may-care! And there's something about you distant creative types that attracts us ladies. We want to break down your walls, discover what makes you tick. So Glenn, won't you let me lead you up those stairs and into the abyss?

Steve! My original funnyman crush! From the old Saturday Night Live sketches (King Tut!) to your tortured portrayal of a modern Cyrano de Bergerac in 'Roxanne', I've wanted to snuggle you since I was approximately eight years old. So lemme do exactly that, and bring your banjo while you're at it. We'll head to a cabin in the woods and have a running joke about the Smeg fridge in the kitchen. (Smeg!)

Charles Eames, don't look at me that way! I'm not sure I can handle the intensity of your stare! Phew, gettin' all hot and bothered up in here. Maybe it's the curve of that chair you're resting on, or maybe it's knowing how good you are with your mind and with your hands--I just can't help thinking you understand how to treat a lady right! Maybe we should move to that couch on the and find out, get my drift?

Guy Pics: Colin Firth, Glenn Gould, and Steve Martin: Nerd Boyfriend. 4. Charles Eames. Rooms: 1. Lisa Hubbard Photography 3. Tara Like