An Artful Weekend: Alexandra Valenti

Alexandra Valenti is one of those artists that continues to produce work that emanates her signature wanderlust style while at the same time innovating and creating something fresh and new with each project she takes on. Her bohemian brilliance is completely unique, mixing stunningly raw photography and fashion with watercolor and patterning in a way that makes each image feel like a little portal into a purely artistic world...

 

images via Alexandra Valenti

 

Wanting to spend the weekend soaking up new inspiration, Alexandra Valenti was on one of the first places I turned...Enjoy!

 

Love it / Live it: High [Fashion] Altitude

There is little else that inspires me as much as a snow-capped mountain range, and this Icelandic view taken by an Australian photographer known as 'She Is Frank' is one of the most magnificent I have ever seen. I can't say enough how humbling and calming mountainscapes are to me and with the bright blue sky and nothing else in sight, I can't imagine feeling anything but serenity here...

And because I'm a big believer in dressing to inspire, I love this printed silk top...Enjoy!

SNOW DAY!

Please excuse my absence this week, as we are in the midst of 'the biggest Seattle storm in a quarter century'. I know, it sounds a bit dramatic, but Seattle rarely if ever gets enough snow to actually make a snowball with, so the fact that we are going on 6 inches and accumulating has everyone very excited. So while I'm splitting my time between trekking through through the snow to find the nearest latte, and holing up inside by the fire working on home improvement projects that are well overdue [photos to come I promise], please enjoy a little snow-capped inspiration from artist Cem Tan...

Cem Tan via Saatchi

And I hope you're all having a wonderfully Wintery week as well...Enjoy!

Colored Daylight: Smooth Waters

As you may have noticed, my blog got a mini face lift for the new year. I just felt that I needed to begin the new year with a fresh white canvas. I'm in a state of transition right now, on the verge of some very big changes and while the uncertainty of what is to come is a little scary, I'm mostly just excited to dive in head first to whatever life is about to throw my way. So while it may be grey in Seattle, I'm channeling blue skies and crystal waters in hopes of my brightest year yet...

art by Lisa Carney, eames chair, Palaminerals , source unknown

What are your plans for the new year? Is anyone else finding themselves turning the page? Hope your year is off to a smooth and peaceful start..Enjoy!

Love it / Live [in] it : Catherine Ulitsky

I love this layering of neon geometry on sky photography by artist Catherine Ulitsky. There is something so interesting in the contrast between the fluid clouds and the bold straight lines...

And what a wonderful way to decorate a staircase? Sure, it wouldn't provide much of a guard if you were to slip, but it brings such a light and delicate element to the cold concrete staircase; the perfect example of a gorgeously curated minimalistic detail...Enjoy!

image

Art + Music: Led Zeppelin 'Going to California'

Many of my friends refer to me as a 'hippie' and while this may be because I go in bare feet or sandals more often than not and I rarely if ever run a brush through my hair, I think it's mostly because I like to wax on about peace and love and would rather make art than have a 401k. So here is a little tribute to the flower child in me...

image source / found via

I simply could not think of a better soundtrack than Led Zeppelin for these images, they make me want to get away from it all and just enjoy the moment. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and have some time to relax with love in your heart and flowers in your hair...Enjoy!

Love it / Live it: Painted Ikat

Good morning readers! I am always on the lookout for great throw pillows, I love the way they can add a splash of color and texture to a room without overwhelming the whole space. And they are an incredibly cost effective way to spice up an otherwise drab old sofa. I've loved the palette and feel of this image for some time now and was absolutely thrilled to find some pillows that had the same effect...

image via Hiddenite, pillow via Burke Decor

I love the way the pattern seems to be sketched and painted on, creating subtle imperfections and an organic sensibility. And there are more where these came from right over here...Enjoy!

Love it / Live it: Speaking of the Ocean...

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air." Ralph Waldo Emerson

 Yesterday's 90 degree weather had me dreaming of the ocean more than ever. What I wouldn't give to have a whole day with the waves and the sunshine all to myself. I'm always fascinated with the never ending shades of blue and turquoise in the ocean's tide, and the crisp white of the crashing waves...

For now I'll have to satisfy my coastal craving with some gorgeous ocean photography and stunning resin dishware from Dinosaur Designs (made in Australia, is this a sign?!). You'd never feel far from the coast with these on the table..Enjoy! 

 Myan Photography + Oh Joy! Photography

Love it / Live it: The End of Summer

With it being the first day of September today, I can't help but get the sense that Summer is quickly drawing to an end while it feels as though it only just began. There are so many Summer rituals I still have yet to do, like a bonfire on the beach and a day out on the lake. So while I'm going to keep hoping for an Indian Summer, I always look forward to the leaves changing and the sense of renewal that comes with Fall...

This lovely photograph shot by the talented Alexandra Valenti reminds me of that time when the days are still long but you can feel the seasons changing. And a gorgeous vintage rug in Fall's warm palette from Loom Rugs...Enjoy!

My Daylight: 8.30.11

As you may remember me mentioning, I had the chance to have a little photo shoot earlier this summer with a dear friend and talented photographer Natassia Robinson. It is always a thrill to spend a day working with another creative, especially when it means hanging out in a park on the water on warm and sunny day. I was so excited to receive them in the mail yesterday that I just couldn't resist sharing a few of my favorites with you...

She has a brilliant way of capturing the light, the photos completely exude the feeling of summer in Seattle. Anyway, sorry for all the personal photos, but I just had to share this talent with you. I promise I'll be back to my normally scheduled programming tomorrow, until then...Enjoy!

Love it/ Live [in] it: Teal Morocco [Shae Acopian Detar]

Happy Friday, friends! I am absolutely thrilled today to begin authoring a column on one of my absolute favorite blogs, Design For Mankind. Erin's beautifully curated display of all things art and design is a constant inspiration and resource for me and I couldn't be happier to be a part of it as a weekly contributor doing what I love...

art by Shae Acopian Detar, interior via Elle Decor

So after soaking up the fluid mixed media work of Shae Acopian Detar (yes definitely worth posting twice!) and the boldly layered interior of Joauad Kadiri, head on over to Design For Mankind for another helping of 'Artful Interiors' brought to you by yours truly. And have a lovely and inspired weekend!

Art + Interiors: Painted Daylight [Shae Acopian Detar]

Bohemian photography AND fluid painterly brush strokes? An absolutely stunning combo. While perusing one of my favorite sources for inspiration, Strataflora, I was completely blown away by these multi-media gems from artist Shae Acopian Detar. Her photographs have such a soft, effervescent quality to them and I love the addition of such a sultry palette... 

pendants, coffee table, end table, sofa via anthropologie, baskets via wisteria, pillows via etsy shop hettle and kelly wearstler for sferra

I love a mix of textures and natural materials with color washed accents in fresh cool tones. On the verge of beginning to design and decorate our bedroom, I'm loving this palette for a calm space to decompress at the end of the day. Now if I can just get my hands on these incredible color dipped glass pendants from Anthro I know the rest will just fall into place...Enjoy!

Photography + Interiors: Sybil Steele+Oracle Fox+Bikini Bird

Good morning readers and happy Monday! I apologize for being missing in action on Friday, I have a new distraction in my life that I promise to share soon. In the mean time, I want to share one of my biggest inspirations lately: Oracle Fox. The blog absolutely epitomizes my aesthetic and the styling is everything I dream of being. This spread shot by Sybil Steele for Bikini Bird sums it all up, it is nature meets bohemian grit and glamor with of course a touch of gold...

I love the layered textures and mangle hair, and the golden lashes are a brilliant touch...

pendant via 1st dibs, pillow via john robshaw, feather via jayson home and garden, garden stool wisteria, end table zara home, stool and chest chair 1st dibs, feather pens jayson home and garden

This space is a mash up of styles connected by organic undertones and surface texture. The navy helps anchor the otherwise natural palette pulling together an eclectic mix of influences. I love a mid-century modern chair next to a Moroccan end table and a Chinese garden stool. And of course, feather accessories and gold accents are a must...Enjoy!

Ladybird: 1, 2, 3, -Riding Coach

Hi readers, sorry I have not posted in a while. The lack of posts is not because there is a lack of musical inspiration out there, actually I have found some amazing stuff recently. The song I am posting today is by the Duo 1, 2, 3, you can say that one comma two comma three comma. The song I picked is called Riding Coach, sorry they do not have any videos out yet. I had the grand idea of trying to make a video myself but I know that will not happen anytime soon, so to not leave you any longer w/out amazing tunes. 1, 2, 3 is a Pittsburgh band who will definitely be making a statement. This song gets me swaying and I have to say I have listened to this more than twice on repeat. Enjoy

signing off ladybird

1, 2, 3 - "Riding Coach" by indiemusicfilter

A perfect soundtrack for a few things the gorgeous photography of Harper Smith is reminding me to be thankful for today...

Love it / Live it: Grit and Glamour [Marilyn Minter]

I've always been a bit enamored with the photography of Marilyn Minter. I love the way she captures both grit and glamour simultaneously. And I often find myself experiencing life in these two extremes. There is much sadness, darkness and pain but it is far exceeded by all the joy, beauty and light. And I truly feel it's that contrast itself that makes it so inspiring...

Marilyn Minet, ring via tanja-ufer.co.uk

Minter's work is the same way, she captures the moments that break the idealistic facades of Fashion, embracing the details where the two world's meet, placing the viewer smack dab in the middle of it all. I love this style as well, this ring is a little bit bling but it has unexpected asymmetry and a roughness to it.

Marilyn Minter, ring via luvaj.com

This image is one of my favorites with its metaphoric implications about walking in her shoes. This girl obviously walks hard and if you're a motivated woman dedicated to doing what you love you know what that means, we may love a little sparkle but we are damn tough...Enjoy!

Love it / Live it: Flower Power [Alexandra Valenti]

Happy Wednesday everyone! I am happy to say we are having some very welcome sunshine here in Seattle this week and it's getting me all excited for springtime! Unfortunately, we still have a few months until things start to bloom but these allover florals will do in the meantime.

photography via Alexandra Valenti, sofa via Anthropologie

Lounging around in cheery yellows and reds? Yes, please! Enjoy...

Love it / Live it: Winter Glow [Abby Blaine]

Happy Friday everyone! Today I'm embracing winter's cool neutrals and lusting over this gorgeous ethereal photography by Abby Blaine. And this necklace by SADIE is just my style, earthy with a touch of glamour...

Also consider this a sneak peak of our exclusive interview with The The Head and the Heart's stylish and inspiring front girl. Enjoy! 

Ladybird: If Not for You / George Harrison

Some days we need to think about how lucky we are to have inspiring, wonderful people in our lives. The song by the great George Harrison expresses in words how I feel for my significant others out there… you know who you are <3. Hug someone today; I know I will!

Signing off Ladybird

We found this adorable photography on Etsy from Capow's shop...Feel the love!

etsy.com/shop/capow

"Above all things I believe in love. Love is like oxygen. Love is a many-splendored thing. Love lifts us up where we belong. All you need is love!" via Moulin Rouge