where i blog from...

hi all - i'm taking a break today to enjoy the long memorial day weekend. but to tide you over until tomorrow, head on over to ill seen, ill said, where jane has been so kind as to feature me in her wonderful series, 'where we blog from'. hope you enjoy a peek into my little work-in-progress studio.

BOUGAINVILLEA IN SANTA BARBARA | PHOTO BY DESTINED TO DESIGN

weekly roundup...

BLUE SKIES, HOLLYWOOD | PHOTO BY DESTINED TO DESIGN

1. an oldie but goodie - this skit from snl is cracking me up today.
2. this recipe sounds delicious, think i'm going to test it out this weekend.
3. this could be dangerous, but it's too exciting - madewell's gone e-commerce!
4. delightful abstract watercolors by katherine sandoz really caught my eye.
5. i think i'd die a happy person if i were ever invited to a sunday supper party. now this is my idea of heaven.
6. a gorgeous collection of leather school bags - one day i'll be able to afford mulberry's alexa. one day.
7. what a perfect satchel - i love that putty color as an alternative neutral.
8. the cutest website (and company idea) for van leeuwen artisan ice cream. check out that list of flavors!
9. just what it says: a simple summer look. i adore it.
10. what are you all doing this weekend? i'm heading north, but wish i could escape to a countryside like this with all my favorite people.

eco oasis...

i won't lie, i spent a decent amount of time perusing old entries of jeana sohn's blog this week. i love the way she sees things, and was meanwhile introduced to some new places in my native los angeles. one of which was the smog shoppe - a 100% solar-powered 6,500 square foot haven for desert plants, vertical gardens, and chic vintage furnishings. it's beautiful and i think would be a super fun place to host a wedding.

IMAGES FROM SMOG SHOPPE

all natural...

some handsome accessories i'd like to add to my bedside from this week's 'shopping with peter som'. i like his taste...

IMAGES FROM NYTIMES

watercolor...

...some beautiful watercolor paintings that stopped me in my tracks while perusing the portfolio of ac martin. i love that this is part of their design process. it reminds me a bit of when i discovered gehry's paper models. just an unconventional way of visualizing the potential of a space...
IMAGES FROM AC MARTIN

industrial eatery...

love the mix of white subway tile and wood + leather furnishings in the lab gastropub, designed by ac martin (also the creative minds behind gjelina)...

IMAGES FROM AC MARTIN

summer salad...

a friend of mine made this at a lunch gathering recently and it was so delicious in its simplicity. i think it was all in the dressing, but it made for the perfect summer salad.

IMAGES FROM FLICKR: 1 | 2

INGREDIENTS
2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small clove garlic, peeled, green germ removed, and minced
1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
7 ounces (210 g) mixed salad greens (8 cups, loosely packed), such as escarole, oak-leaf, and romaine, rinsed, patted dry, and torn into bite-size pieces


DIRECTIONS
1. Place the vinegar, salt, pepper, mustard, and garlic in a medium-size bowl and whisk together until blended. Slowly add the olive oil, whisking constantly, until the dressing is emulsified.

2. Add the greens and toss well until they are coated with the dressing. Season with pepper to taste and serve the salad immediately.

outfit of the day...

1. FLOWERING PASTURE BLOUSE, $128 | 2. WHITE DESTROY SKINNY JEAN, $49.50 | 3. ENIKO GUNNY SACK, $620 | 4. WE WHO SEE SHOE, $78

serenity...

wow, kara mann designs some really beautiful bedrooms...

IMAGES FROM KARA MANN

currently coveting...

...crisp, white pieces for the home. you always hear it's not kid friendly, but there's nothing quite as refreshing to the eye.

1. ANDERS LIGHT | 2. ONE ARMED OAK | 3. KNICKER STOOL | 4. ALBA ARMOIRE

art wall...

nothing like a carefully curated collection of artwork gracing a great, big, white wall...

IMAGES FROM DESIRE TO INSPIRE | DESIGN*SPONGE

snap shots...

been collecting a few polaroids from around the web these days. there's something so personal about the way they look that no other medium can really capture...

IMAGES FROM PASSPORT TO TRESPASS | SFGIRLBYBAY | MISS MOSS

can't stop staring...

most of you know i have a penchant for grey + orange interiors, and this guy is no exception. especially love the bedside vignette.

IMAGE FROM DESIGN*SPONGE

ace hotel...

completely in love with the branding and identity that the official manufacturing company has created for the ace hotel chain. just brilliant.

IMAGES FROM THE OFFICIAL MFG. CO.

mixtape monday, no.27

1. passion pit | sleepyhead
2. caesars | since you've been gone
3. cat power | sea of love
4. the national | vanderlyle crybaby geeks
5. clap your hands say yeah | love song no.7
6. fanfarlo | harold t. wilkins, or how to wait for a very long time

*click here to listen to mixtape no.27!

weekly roundup...

my apologies for the light posting - it's been one of those whirlwind weeks. wishing you all a wonderful, relaxing weekend + i'll see you back on monday, in full swing.

MOMOFUKU DELIGHT, NYC | PHOTO BY DESTINED TO DESIGN

1. favorite new blog find of the week: she eats bears, which chronicles one little lady's attempt to cook everything from scratch. in love with the name and header! (via a cup of jo)
2. these branding packages from studio round absolutely stopped me in my tracks. spot-on to my aesthetic and super inspiring.
3. i wish i had a home office, and that it looked like the top image in this series.
4. can completely relate to erin's crushes this week, namely that bedroom.
5. rachel's post reminded me that i need to fill my empty porch pots with some fresh herbs for summer cooking.
6. a great laptop case with a nod to a simpler time.
7. aha! the leica camera case as a bag. knew it was only a matter of time.
8. loving this spring wish list - all the essentials, and nothing more.
9. nothing catches my eye more than driving past a house or building with vines creeping up the side. it evoke such a cozy, lived-in feeling.
10. if i could only wear one thing all summer long, this would be it.

outfit of the day...

1. THE ZOOLOGIST DRESS, $57.99 | 2. COOPERATIVE SUEDE LACE UP SANDAL, $38 | 3. JUST KNOT MY BAG, $118

currently coveting...

...vintage brass home accessories. these ones from empiric in west hollywood are right on the money.


1. VINTAGE BRASS ELEPHANT CARD HOLDER, $85 | 2. ROUND GLASS BOTTLE WITH BRASS RING STOPPER, $145
3. WOOD NESTING TRAYS, $225 | 4. BRASS BINOCULARS ON STAND, $165

words of wisdom...

at ease...

love the relaxed nature of ericka mcconnell's photography. flipping through her portfolio, i found myself wanting to dive into every image. and look closely - you may recognize one well-dressed chap from last week...

IMAGES FROM JUDITH MILLER INC.

can't stop staring...

...at this monochromatic patio set-up. love the worn nature of it and the how all of the various furniture styles seem to work together.

IMAGE FROM COCO+KELLEY

for the record: melinda of lion in the sun

...take a look at melinda's website for beautifully designed custom invitations & stationary.

1. FAVORITE DESIGNER? jonathan adler, morgan lefey, lotta jansdotter

2. FAVORITE RESTAURANT? gramercy tavern or blue hill at stone barn

3. FAVORITE PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK? the temple bar in nyc or our brooklyn roof deck

4. WHAT CAN'T YOU TRAVEL WITHOUT? my iphone. i am an obsessive e-mail reader.

5. LAST BOOK YOU READ? danny meyer's setting the table

6. ANY PETS? 2 cats, izzy and luna

7. WHAT'S FOR BREAKFAST? quinoa and scrambled eggs with chiracha sauce
8. AT AGE SEVEN, YOU WANTED TO BE...? a broadway star or folk singer

9. BIGGEST SELF-INDULGENCE? food and eating at good restaurants - it's where i want to spend all of my free time and money

10. FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP? kenneth cole, barney's co-op outlet, stewart+brown website, and to be honest (completely honest) bed, bath & beyond for kitchen gadgets

11. WHOSE DIARY WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO READ? janis joplin, i bet she has some great stories

12. FAVORITE FURNITURE DESIGNER? i'm not really a furniture designer kind of girl but anything shaker, quaker or mid-century modern. but i'm more likely to go to the crate and barrel or room & board route (shame).

13. CAR? no thanks, walking is too easy in my 'hood, but if i had to have one, a mini cooper would suit me.

14. ALWAYS IN YOUR CLOSET? black jersey dresses, black cotton dresses, black cardigan sweaters

15. HOBBIES? cooking, reading about cooking, and shopping to cook

16. HERO? people who forge their own path. oh, and my dad, j.

17. WHAT PIECE OF ART WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO OWN? an original jackson pollock or a kadinsky

18. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT? splurge vacation: the almafi coast. or the more reality vacation: new orleans in the winter.

19. FAVORITE MUSICIANS? luciana souza, joni mitchell, tom waits, wilco, cake, and lately i've been into pink (go figure).

20. CURRENTLY COVETING? old school classic frye boots in dark brown

IMAGE CREDITS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

mixtape monday, no.26

1. crystal castles | suffocation
2. broken social scene | all to all
3. air | eat my beat
4. yo la tengo | i'm on my way
5. wolf parade | call it a ritual
6. toro y moi | thanks vision

*click here to listen to mixtape no.26!

weekly roundup...

CITYSCAPE, NYC | PHOTO BY DESTINED TO DESIGN

1. i've seen my fair share of stationary companies, but this one stopped me in my tracks - sensational work by sideshow press
2. such a cute pair of nautical earrings - the perfect summer accessory
3. i'm with jenny - these two photos have a beautiful symmetry when paired
4. the perfect gift for your world-traveling friend - love the hand-illustrated quality of it
5. two great summer looks that i'm definitely on board with - strappy sandals and red sneakers? absolutely.
6. baron wells' portfolio is so moving - such beautifully paired images, via brian ferry
7. elegant industrial-style metal window panes. love the antique ones, but hope's windows can often be equally beautiful
8. these watches would make for the perfect everyday accessory - i'll take the black and white one, please
9. don't think i'll ever tire of the scalloped fashion trend - chloe pioneered it but bekvam does a stunning rendition
10. a pretty sweet am/fm radio design from the '60's that i think would look great nestled in a bookshelf or gracing a bedside table

the big eat...

spent the past day and a half up in san francisco for a brief work trip which was great fun, but also a total tease. that city has so much to see design and art-wise, and so much to eat! i could've easily stayed a week. though i am giving myself a pat on the back as we managed to hit four of 'the big eat sf: 100 things to try before you die' spots in under two days. let's just say it's a good thing i packed leggings.

IMAGES, CLOCKWISE: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

1. zazie: eggs over medium on polenta with tomato chevre, mushrooms and onions
2. tartine: eclair, lemon cream tart & hazelnut chocolate tart
3. pizzeria delphina: margherita pizza
4. suppenküche: käsespätzle mit zwiebel-buttersoße und gemischtem salat (translation: cheese spätzle in onion butter sauce served with a small mixed salad)

prim + trim...

thinking of starting a feature on here highlighting men's fashion. i'm seeing more and more gentleman out there that carry a head-to-toe look and look so stylish doing it, that they often inspire me as much as women's looks.

...in my opinion, derrick miller is about as sharp as it gets.

IMAGES FROM 42ND BLACK WATCH & BLACK NOUVEAU

sweet + salty...

it's no secret that the latest dessert craze is topping just about everything with sea salt. it's truly foolproof; on chocolate, on caramel - that sweet + savory combination always tastes great. spotted this recipe for salted caramel ice cream that i'd love to try to make in one of these summery-hued ice cream makers.

IMAGES FROM EPICURIOUS & FLICKR

INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
2 1/4 cups heavy cream, divided
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt such as Maldon
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
3 large eggs


DIRECTIONS
Heat 1 cup sugar in a dry 10-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring with a fork to heat sugar evenly, until it starts to melt, then stop stirring and cook, swirling skillet occasionally so sugar melts evenly, until it is dark amber.

Add 1 1/4 cups cream (mixture will spatter) and cook, stirring, until all of caramel has dissolved. Transfer to a bowl and stir in sea salt and vanilla. Cool to room temperature.

Meanwhile, bring milk, remaining cup cream, and remaining 1/4 cup sugar just to a boil in a small heavy saucepan, stirring occasionally.

Lightly whisk eggs in a medium bowl, then add half of hot milk mixture in a slow stream, whisking constantly. Pour back into saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until custard coats back of spoon and registers 170°F on an instant-read thermometer (do not let boil). Pour custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, then stir in cooled caramel.

Chill custard, stirring occasionally, until very cold, 3 to 6 hours. Freeze custard in ice cream maker (it will still be quite soft), then transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to firm up.

outfit of the day...

1. SILKY OVERSIZED SHIRTDRESS, $39.99 | 2. MARCH-TO-MAY LEGGINGS, $25 | 3. WRENCH BOOT, $372 | 4. UPWARDLY MOBILE SATCHEL, $112.99

currently coveting...

...diserdot lighting. spent mother's day scouring the rose bowl flea market and had my eye on quite a few look-alike desk lamps. didn't end up leaving with any, but not giving up just yet. though certainly not comparable, love this industrial-style one from cb2.

1. ADJUSTABLE DESK LAMP, $1,800 | 2. PAIR OF SCONCES, $3,800
3. 1950's SCONCE, $2,019 | 4. DOUBLE ARM WALL LAMPS

words of wisdom...

saloon style...

i think if i lived in san francisco, comstock saloon would be on my weekly circuit. the old fashioned damask wallpaper and concrete tile floors make for an unpretentious, and inviting hangout with a bit of an edge.

IMAGES FROM SF EATER

can't stop staring...

loved michael bargo's interior when i first saw it in the final domino issue, but upon a recent revisit, i fell head-over-heels in love. every aspect about it speaks to the aesthetic i'm consistently drawn to: minimal, collected, and monochromatic. if someone asked me what my dream interior would be, this is it.

p.s. check out this ny times feature on shopping with michael bargo - he's got a great eye.

IMAGES BY DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN

mixtape monday, no.25

1. cut copy | feel the love
2. yeasayer | sunrise
3. hockey | too fake
4. beach house | 10 mile stereo
5. edward sharpe and the magnetic zeros | home (RAC remix)
6. discovery | so insane

*click here to listen to mixtape no.24!

weekly roundup...

ROOFTOP VIEW, NYC | PHOTO BY DESTINED TO DESIGN

1. design with thought: pieces from martino gamper's 100 chairs in 100 days exhibit
2. landscape architect, gabriel wick's, fantastic parisian abode - absolutely heavenly
3. probably a bit behind, but just discovered totokaelo - my goodness, i want every outfit
4. lusting over this loose leaf paper t-shirt - please make adult sizes! (via blue moss)
5. these beautiful inspiration boards are urging me to gather all those magazine clippings and spruce mine up this weekend
6. wonderful mix of textures on chi-young bang - and that chloe clutch! swoon.
7. the niece of kate spade premieres her adorably styled fashion line, whit - looks like great taste is all in the family
8. a simple, but endearing bearded man - deciding whether or not it would be weird to have him grace my sofa
9. a wonderful springtime wishlist from a lady that certainly knows good style
10. wow, what an image - i can't stop looking at it. download + listen to the accompanying air france track, too.

duck, duck...

you'll see me post wedding-related content on here pretty close to never. but having said that, i hope when the big day comes, the talented crew behind the duckduck collective will still be around to hire. their wedding photography is, in a word, spectacular.

IMAGES FROM DUCKDUCK COLLECTIVE

vertical garden...

the ideal way to bring a bit of the outdoors in - a vertical garden wall in your living room. probably involves some intense maintenance, but it sure does look cool. flip through the rest of the slideshow over on the new york times.

IMAGES FROM NYTIMES

mid-century delight...

perfectly curated interiors by krista and vinh over at ad hoc. take a look at their all-encompassing design portfolio for more inspiration.

IMAGES FROM AD HOC

outfit of the day...

1. SPEED OF NIGHT DRESS, $64.99 | 2. COAST HIGHWAY SANDALS, $209 | 3. ECOTE FOLDOVER SATCHEL, $68

words of wisdom...

afternoon tea...

had the lovely pleasure of meeting a friend for tea at boxwood cafe at the london hotel in west hollywood this past weekend. it was such an indulgent few hours of tangerine tea, currant scones, tomato compote sandwiches and the most delicious array of desserts i've feasted my eyes on. and, of course, the interiors were equally swoon-worthy.

TOP PHOTO, BOTTOM PHOTO

gilbert & lewis...

flipping through the gilbert & lewis collection, i found that i would wear about 80% of their menswear. so dapper and classic - and their branding is equally appealing.

1. G&L UNSTRUCTURED JACKET, $295 | 2. G&L LEWIS SHIRT, $160 | 3. G&L CHAMBREY TROUSER SHORT, $145 | 4. G&L ZIPFRONT JACKET, $165