autumn de wilde.

The warmer weather is making me crave a windows-down road trip in the country, and I think the perfect destination would be this installation by artist Autumn de Wilde called Lighting, Layers, and Reflections.  Surprisingly (and somewhat randomly), the installation was designed as a backdrop for a new Cadillac Escalade advertisement, but hey, I'll take it.  The combination of the vibrant color, soft sunny light, and the dusty California landscape is truly beautiful.  Now I just need to find out if it's still standing, and if so, where I can find it!  Learn more about Autumn here.

mikkaller beer.

I'm one of those people who usually picks out a new wine or beer because I like the label, even if I have no clue whether or not the contents are actually good.  Case in point: I was at the store the other day and got totally sucked in by the amazing labels by Belgian brewer Mikkaller.  I recognized the style and discovered that they are done by Philly-based artist Keith Shore who does a lot of other quirky and weird characters in his own work. The labels are colorful, funny, and they must have worked, because I got a bottle!  Learn more about Mikkaller and Keith.

color study XXXIV.

1. denim polo hat  2. chanel les jeans blue boy nail polish  3. nanushka lollo quilt coat  4. jenna rose handmade tote  5. indigo by jenny balfour-paul  6. pottery barn polka dot napkins  7. marais open oxford denim  8. purlbee denim pinwheel quilt

santiago salvador.

What better way to start 2014 than in a playful mood?  Let's kick off the new year with the delightful work of Chilean artist Santiago Salvador, whose powerfully simple portraits are fantastic studies in composition and color.  His application of paint is judicious, but it pays off!  He loves repetition, and I appreciate that he pushes that even further in the paintings where he creates true patterns out of his colorful characters.  And something about the way his people move always makes me smile.  The year is off to a good start!  See more of Santiago's amazing work here.

orla kiely s/s 2014.

The new spring/summer 2014 show from London fashion house Orla Kiely is definitely getting me.  It's one part Suzy Bishop from Moonrise Kingdom, one part Anna Karina, and one part outdoor sock hop.  I always appreciate the retro-inspired, feminine details that she puts into all her pieces along with her signature patterns.  Clothing aside, I also love the styling of the set which is reminiscent of a natural history museum diorama.  Looks like it's time to buy a beret and some pointelle knee socks for my next safari.  See more from Orla Kiely here.

merry christmas!

A Very Merry Christmas to everyone!  Hope you have a fantastic holiday! 

color study XXXIII.

1. stewart & claire la nuit lip balm  2. marshall hanwell speaker  3. bryr moto boots  4. adia kibur petal statement earrings  5. feel the piece dolman jumpsuit  6. klippan greyscales wool blanket  7. triple c iboost backup battery  8. marvis licorice toothpaste  9. ancient light: a portrait of the universe

catalina bu.

I just came across the quirky illustrations of artist Catalina Bustos Mendoza, aka catalinabu, who hails from Santiago Chile.  Everything in her work has such a sense of humor and playfulness, and I like that her quick and loose style shows that she doesn't over-think things too much.  Her characters in particular have such a funny quality about them, I can only imagine that she must be a cool girl to hang out with! You can see more of her work here, and her tumblr is pretty entertaining too. 

the grand budapest hotel.

The trailer was just released for Wes Anderson's next film, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and I could not be more excited.  Inevitably, any time he releases a new movie it becomes one of my favorites of the year (if not all time - I'm looking at you Royal Tenenbaums), and this one looks to be no different.   The film seems to cover the usual themes - murder, friendship, drama, romance - with the requisite absurdity and attention to detail and style that Anderson is known for.  Aside from what promises to be a stellar cast, story, and soundtrack, I'm loving the rich, jewel-toned colors too. Since it doesn't come out until March of next year, I now have to wait several months in anxious anticipation, but in the meantime I may have to pick up The Wes Anderson Collection to get my fix.  

the birds.

naturally, i need this backpack by herschel supply co.  perfect for a day hike up in the marin headlands where i can convene with my feathered brethren. 

kora.

i just came across this beautiful piece of pottery - the kora vase, designed by studiopepe for spotti edizioni.  at first i was drawn to the asymmetrical graphic angles, and then i began finding it more playful as i imagined it to be a funny little lady with her arms on her hips (see it now?).  though i love the way all the colors look together, the pink ombre one at the top is definitely my favorite - it would look so gorgeous with a giant summery floral arrangement sprouting out the top!  see more from studiopepe here.

mara hoffman.

the lastest runway show by new york based designer mara hoffman has me adding things to my fantasy wishlists left and right.  hoffman, of the ubiquitous tribal-patterned bikinis that seemed to be everywhere last summer, is not afraid of a little color (hello neon pink) and a lot of pattern (hello again, psychedelic peacock print).  i enjoyed the whole collection, filled with party sweaters, party dresses, and party pants for any girl who doesn't mind a little attention.  see more from her here.

hense.

i'm having some serious building love with this church mural installation by atlanta-based artist hense (real name: alex brewer), a graffiti-turned-contemporary artist who is transforming neighborhoods one building at a time.  as part of a private commission in washington dc, hense used a historic church as an extremely oversized canvas for his colorful, abstract compositions.  his shapes are textures are gestural, leaving meaning up for interpretation, while the vibrant hues create a playful mood.  living in the mission district in san francisco, one of the most heavily-muraled places i've seen, i know what a positive impact these public pieces of art can have on a community and its people, so it makes me happy to know that somebody else is spreading the love on such a large scale!  learn more about hense here. 

color study XXXII.

1. antique garnet ring 2. diptyque tubereuse candle  3. nico all tomorrow's parties lp 4. blazer with zip pocket  5. nars scarlet empress lipstick  6. horse bit socks  7. fig, clementine, & port wine popsicles (!)  8. jen & oli chelsea ankle boots 9. xsilk red ombre tights

the holidays ... in geo.

1. super people glasses  2. clara von zweigbergk hay plates  3. alice by temperly santos poncho  4. donna wilson hofdi blanket  5. sabrina dehoff fox ring  6. cobra society cannon booties  7. fieldguided dreamcats 2013 calendar  8. honeycomb glass pendant shade

the holidays ... in black and white.

1. pave moon necklace  2. schoolhouse electric black dot mug  3. blouse with bow print  4. zigzag leather gloves  5. stendig 2013 calendar  6. areaware iphone alarm clock  7.  brass works booties  8. moon diamond print  9. pendleton canyonville tote

paper birds.

i'm loving these paper-craft bird sculptures by colombian artist diana beltran herrera, who clearly has a way with detail and texture (and mad cutting skills).  the faces of the birds are so expressive, the color is vibrant and fun, and they are elaborate enough that it feels as though they will come to life at any moment.  since the holidays are beginning to permeate my mind, i'm picturing a whole christmas tree filled with ornaments just like these....  see more from diana here.