The City Sage

Must-Read Blogs: Inspiration is Everywhere!

It's getting harder and harder to keep up with all the amazing bloggers out there. So I was thrilled to happen upon Flairful--a site that does the curating for you. Amongst my faves? The Diversion Project, a topnotch interiors blog that proves my theories about the supremacy of Aussie style. Jules blends modern and romantic to create an aesthetic you won't see anywhere else.

Lushlee is pure girly goodness. An ideal blend of fashion, accessories, art, design and crafts, you'll adore the crisp, colorful layouts and unique finds. Plus I'm hard pressed to meet a girl who loves handbags as much as I do, but Ange seems to be that girl. Case in point.

Mustard and Sage has been around for a while but it just keeps getting better! Meghan has an unparalleled eye for all things cool and wonderful--plus she sprinkles in tons of her own terrific photos. I was delighted to learn she recently moved to San Francisco and has been making the rounds of all my favorite spots. Can a blogger date be far behind?

Finally, Busy Being Fabulous is the online journal of stylist Deb McLean. I'm always intrigued to see what catches the imagination of the pros behind my favorite images, so this sneak peak into Deb's mind is a treat indeed! And I'm so going to use her blog name to my advantage: "Sorry I didn't to the dishes, Huz. I was 'busy being fabulous'!"

P.S. Shelterpop recently toured Jonathan Adler's ceramics studio. No, there were no 'Ghost' inspired pottery wheel incidents, but it still looks pretty fan-freakin-tastic.

For image credits visit The Diversion Project, Lushlee, Mustard and Sage, and Busy Being Fabulous.

Must-Read Blogs: Inspiration is Everywhere!

As usual, I'm scrambling to stay on top of my blog reading; with so many talented bloggers out there, it's impossible to keep up! Lately I'm especially fond of The Iconic Blog. From sunglasses to sandals, pizza to peonies, Melanie is the authority on the good life. Plus she travels extensively and takes her camera everywhere--for vicarious luxury at its very best!

Erika at 2 by Design describes herself as 'a writer by profession and an interior designer by passion'. You won't want to miss a single morsel of her hilarious words or her gorgeous images! Pay special attention to her titles (Suicide by Ceiling Fan! Teak It Down a Notch!) and her ability to create a mood board for every occasion under the sun.

Finally, it's not really a blog, but it is a must-visit. Ikea just launched LIVE FAMILY--a new resource for interiors inspiration. Upload your own photos to the flickr pool--you might later see them in the official gallery or even have your home featured! And if all else fails, at least you'll get some ideas on how to position your new Brygga ;)

Image Credits: Board One via The Iconic Blog: Louis Vuitton, Sabon, Russell + Hazel via dress, design, decor, Unknown. Board Two via 2 by Design: Poppytalk, Sweet Paul, Kitka Design Toronto, Ikea Sweden. Board Three: All via IKEA LIVE FAMILY.

Three Must-Read Blogs!

I know. Our Google readers are fit to burst. But you must add these blogs post haste! Swoon over the clean, crisp styling of designer Kate Arends, the genius behind Wit + Delight. Don't be alarmed by the unusual layout; it's just Kate's way of cramming in more gorgeous content than you could possibly imagine. How does she find the time to be so awesome? The girl must blog in her sleep!

Lanalou Style comes to us from South Africa. Be careful when you read this one, or you might find yourself making plans to quit your day job and move to an exotic, far-off locale. Not that there would be anything wrong with that. Just be sure to invite me for long, lazy holidays, mmmkay?

If you like flowers, candy, parties and pretty dresses---and really, who amongst us doesn't?--then you will adore Two Brunettes. Written by the gal behind a stationery shop of the same name, this blog celebrates everything you love about being a girl. Now pass me that bonbon, will you?

Original Image Sources: 1. Taiana 2. Martha Stewart 3. Shana Faust 4. Heath Ceramics 5. Vogue Espana April 2010 6. Paul Joseph Hopper 7. Kate Birch 8. Leifsdottir 9. Mavis and Frank 10. Martha Stewart 11. Nonpareil12. Library Fashion

Blog Love: My Fave Kids' Design Blogs!

In case you're just tuning in, this week I'm getting a case of baby fever out of my system. It's all kidlings all the time--at least until Friday, when like a maiden aunt, I'll hand the babies back to someone who knows what she's doing. And Rachelle at Kenziepoo definitely knows what she's doing. Not only is she the most stylin' mom this side of the Mississippi, she's got killer shopping instincts.

Two more chic mamas? Dottie and Alix at Modern Kiddo. You'll squeal with delight at the retro sensibility of their site. I don't know how they do it, but they manage to hunt down the cutest vintage finds, and they make me long for a little boy so I can dress him in a bowtie.

Last but not least, head to The Boo and The Boy for a glut of can't-be-beat interiors ideas. And remember, even if you don't think you're into kids, don't write off mom blogs completely; you never know when design and fashion inspiration will sneak up and hit you over the head like toddler wielding a nerf bat!

P.S. More awesome kids rooms over at Time Out Kids this week!

Image credits: From Kenziepoo 1. Darling Clementine 2. Armelle 3. The Happy Home 4. Leif.designpark From Modern Kiddo 1. Tea and Jam 2. The Belle and the Beau 3. Martha Stewart 4. SnugglePants From The Boo and The Boy 1. Sixx Design 2. Nina In Vorm 3. Milk Magazine 4. Hus & Hem Sponsored Links: We offer 100% pass result in first attempt for all kind of IT exams including OG0-093 and MB2-633. Join 642-373 online course to save a big deal on real exam.

Extra Credit: Long Weekend Reading

Here in the States we have a holiday weekend, so I've been whiling away the hours immersed in the archives of some new (to me) blogs. Even if you have only a passing interest in photography, you will instantly find yourself sucked in by Mocking Bird. Blogger Amanda interviews favorite photographers, shares her own lovely work, and creates gorgeous Flickr collages. Simply breathtaking!

'My eyes always find you first. Even on a nude beach.' Just one of the warm, happy, smiley, captions you'll read at t.ruffles. This collaboration between blogging superstars Karey Mackin and Mary Ruffle features sweet, spare morsels--a tasty image paired with a perfect sentence or two. Described as 'candy for your soul', it's yummier than chocolate and won't go straight to your hips.

You know that inspiration binder you never got around to starting? Don't fret; Tear It Out is the only inspiration you will ever need. Blogger Cheryl literally pulled the 'big dusty binder' out from under her bed and is gradually posting her most-loved images. No words, no distractions, just divine interiors awaiting your imagination.

Image Credits: From Mocking Bird 1. Eleonore Bridge 2, 3. Mocking Bird 4. Sycamore Street Press. From Tear It Out 1. Unknown 2. Vogue Living 3. Unknown 4. Thom Filicia

Yippee! Weekend!

Phew! What a busy week! Every time I crossed an item off my to-do list, two more popped up. Which got me thinking: we write to-do lists for work, but why not for things we enjoy? So I'm starting my weekend fun-to-do list, and I'm including my new favorite workout, a little pampering, and playing this addictive song on repeat. What's on your fun-to-do list? Perhaps you might:

• Update your accessories wardrobe by entering this week's giveaway!
• Visit Designed to Design and fall irrevocably in love with this gorgeous blog.
• Go crazy for Every. Single. Thing. in Whitney's Etsy shop.
• Hunt for The Perfect Blazer. If you find it let me know.
• Cleanse your palate with refreshing mint.
• Join a club. Or two. Or four.
• Feel foggy--in a good way.
• Redecorate according to the genius of Louboutin.
• Get nude. (With a new make-up look, of course! Why, what did you think I meant?!)
• Just lounge.

Whatever makes your list, have a wonderful weekend!

Image Credits: 1. Elle Decoration France 2. Melodie McDaniel 3. Shun + Hideki 4. Burcu Avsar

Happy Weekend!

The weekend is upon us! Anything exciting on your plate? The huz and I are taking a road trip to attend my cousin's sweet sixteen--it's a Woodstock themed party so we're dressing in bellbottoms and tie-dye! I'm also looking forward to catching up on some of this week's don't-miss goodies:

• Lanalou Style: a breathtakingly beautiful new (to me) blog.
• When we lived in Brooklyn we stored our bikes inside; they never looked nearly this good!
• One of my all-time favorite posts: it's dreamy, moody, and perfect for fall.
• An amazing black, white and yellow tea party. How can I score an invitation to the next one?
• One day I will live in a house where I can have a dog. And I will buy one of these.
• There may be a trip to NYC in my near future--so of course I'll need a Central Park outfit!
• They say all that glitters is not gold, but I'm inclined to disagree.
• For those who enjoy 'well placed piles': clever and creative lessons in styling your stuff!

I'm also honored to have been nominated for a Divine Caroline Love! That Site award and would be honored if you'd vote for me. Have a smashing weekend!

Image Credits: 1. Haynes-Roberts 2. Teen Vogue via A Glamorous Little Side Project 3. Katya de Grunwald 4. Roland Bello

What a Week!

This week was a busy one indeed--lots of playing catch-up after the holiday. Plus I was honored to receive a little mention on the Martha Stewart Home Design Blog! What are your plans for the weekend? I'm looking forward to some quiet time with the huz out of town on business. I'm thinking long, ambling walks; serious snuggles with the kittens; and lots of reading, including:

• Heartwarming tips for a loving marriage at Cup of Jo. You'll get teary-eyed, I promise!
• This brilliant makeover for plain IKEA curtains (via Casasugar).
• Lofty dreams and one seriously gorgeous piece of artwork!
• Cassandra outdoes herself with a stunning Room of the Week.
• The shoes I almost bought last month--and now I'm kicking myself that I didn't.
• An amazing jewelry giveaway. I want a necklace with my name on it!
• White after Labour Day? This house proves it's okay.
• Two scrumptious recipes to hang on to summer just a little bit longer...

Have a lovely weekend, friends!

Image Credits: 1. Luigi Cassinelli 2. Elle Decoration UK November 2008 3. Emma's Designblogg 4. Oscar Falk 5. Rachel Whiting

Weekend at Last!

I have been counting the moments 'til this weekend--in just a few hours we're hitting the road for Carmel, my favourite vacation spot! There will be bike rides down the coast, otter spotting at the beach, and the yummiest blueberry scones on earth. And to make the weekend even more wonderful, there is:

• A Blog Out Loud recap, complete with group photo (I'm the spaced-out looking blonde).
• The loveliest black and white round-up this side of the Mississippi.
• The history of KitchenAid colors. Mine is white--what color is yours?
• A New Etsy shop from Rachel at Heart of Light. Oh happy day!
• A savage/beautiful wildflower bouquet from Chelsea Fuss on Project Wedding.
• A new online gallery of dreamy, romantic designs.
• Secrets to dressing like the very stylish Zooey Deschanel.
• Win a 6-month polaroid subscription courtesy of You Are My Fave and Oh Hello Friend!

Have a scrumptious weekend everyone :)

Image Credits: 1, 4. Chris Tribelhorn 2. Marie Claire Maison 3. Hallie Burton

Guest Blogging: Outfit to Room at Plush Palate!

The sweet and stylish Crystal of Plush Palate kindly invited me to contribute to her Fall: Get Ready/Get the Look series. I paired my favourite trends from the Fall '09 runways with some gorgeous interiors--pop over and tell me what you think!

Image Credits: 1. Stella McCartney 2. Living Etc.