Home Improvement

When I was younger, I collected everything from quarters from each state to porcelain dolls. Through the years, though, I have grown quite an affinity for collecting and admiring coffee table books. With their typical high cost, my collection (here, here, and here) is still small, but in their nearly endless categories of inspiration from fashion, photography, and art, I see them not only as amazing references for my interests, but as beautiful decorations in themselves. While their name mainly places them on the coffee table, the way that they are displayed in the image above, is not only much more interesting to the eye, but allows for the true beauty of the content and covers of these books to be showcased. Just as artwork can show the owner's personal style, these coffee table books can do just that, as well as provide passages into the owner's interests. On my current dream list: fashion, typography, and a favorite artist.

What are some of your favorite coffee table books? Would you display them like this?

Home Improvement

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There is a library on our Syracuse University campus that has creaking spiral metal staircases and narrow wooden floored aisles that always makes me feel as if I am in an old English library when I am in there. I have collected all of my favorite fashion and art magazines for as long as I can remember, and held on to favorite books for whenever i get the sudden urge to delve into them and hope to one day have an immense shelf filled from floor to ceiling with books and magazines that are not only interesting and beautiful to read, but to look at, as well. I love how in the room featured above, everything about the room is simply white and black and that aside from the rug, the only other color is coming from the spines and covers of the books.

Do you hope to one day have a library? What are your favorite books and magazines to collect?

Dress Up

Last week, I was in the fashion section of the library picking up research for a project. I noticed that for every book I would pick up for the assignment, I would be just as infatuated with the hundred others that surrounded it. So, when I finally narrowed it down to a few books for my assignment, I couldn't help but resist checking out piece on one of my favorites from this post-- on Christian Dior. This week, the dress is one that is most likely never going to find itself in my closet. This Fall 2012 RTW from Christian Dior, though in a bold choice of pink, is not at all intrusive. The way that the pleats fall softly and create a whispy effect, and the high necked intricate top with long sleeves are all qualities about it that are what make this dress amazing aside from the color. Often to me, a Dior piece is the epitome of femininity and poise, and this dress is nothing short of.