A to Z: Quad

Now that we have gotten to the letter 'Q' for our "A to Z" posts, instead of focusing on a seemingly random piece for this week, I chose a group of four that I am have found myself to be particularly drawn to as of late.

1: Socks with Sandals--

What used to be a major fashion faux pas, like so many trends, pairing socks with our footwear other than those meant strictly for the gym, is something that still I have yet to get right--but keep trying. Here, I love how the bright pink socks peek out the distressed denim, and the fact that the rugged quality of the jeans and the chunky heel on the shoes helps to balance out the too sweet factor of the socks.

2: That hair--

If you are an avid reader, you know that I am a huge fan of hair that seems perfectly messy. This hair, while a little extreme for day-to-day wear, is right up my alley. There is no part that appears accidental, and every stray is planned to form this tousled bed head style. Maybe it's my southern roots, but big hair  always seems so glamorous and effortlessly statement-making, and this big hair is spot-on.

3: Dusty Rose--

Recently, I have been noticing this color come up more and more. Pink is such a difficult color to work with in that it can easily become too girly and juvenile, which is a shame because it is such a lovely color but Dusty Rose, in a way, solves this problem. With it's dusty sort of grayed over nature, it is the more mature form of pink, but with all of the same femininity. 

4: Intricate Type--

Although typography is not a concept that I am particularly involved with daily, it is amazing the impact that a certain typeface can put on a product or brand. How many times have you purchased something based solely off the fact that it's lettering was eye-catching? Guilty. The font featured here is perfectly floral without being over-the-top, it is still readable, and the color that has been chosen provides a nice natural resemblance while staying away from a bright green or pink.

Home Improvement

I have always had a thing for libraries and when I was younger had a goal to read every book in the neighborhood library. While obviously unrealistic, it is a good thought. The idea of having all of the books filled with information, inspiration, and photographs waiting for me to delve into them was exciting and the limits of what could be read were endless. So many libraries seem to be under appreciated and are seen as dated. Even still, I can't shake the thought of eventually having a small collection of my own in my future home. While it will be a while, or never, until I can have a room organized with books in every category, simple bookshelves and coffee tables will take place. To liven up the basic set-up, like in the image above, a few photographs and prints, wallpaper accent wall, and the word "library" in a fun script, create a place for the books that show a little love to them just like a library would.

Do you ever think of creating a library--big or small?

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?

A to Z: Calligraphy

For a good amount of time now, I have been loving anything and everything calligraphy related. The way that the type looks so hand-made and intricate is something that is really aesthetically appealing. The term "calligraphy" comes from Greek words that translate to "beauty writing"and is "the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious, and skillful manner". (Mediavilla 1996:18) I have found myself lately looking up calligraphy tutorials on-line and trying to replicate the delicate curves and combination of thick and thin lines that make up the final design. Let me tell you, it is definitely more difficult than it appears. So, for now, here are some of my favorite designs that I have been seeing.

{A way to add detail to a traditional Thank You note}

{Hand addressing by Ladyfingers Letterpress}

{Or just amazing doodles}

Have you ever had an interest in calligraphy or typography of any kind? Some of my favorites are always ones with the higher amount of ribbons. What about you?

* New York script from Sugar Paper, Los Angeles *