farewell + [early] tuesday treasures

I'm off! The car is stuffed (once again) and I've got my trusty travel partner in tow... My alarm is set to beat the sunrise and my goodbye tears have come and gone. So, the only thing left to do is leave you with some treasures from around the web to keep you occupied and inspired while I cross the country. Enjoy, and I'll see you in a few days!

a dramatic wedding...
a new line of cheery wallpaper...
an enchanting 195-year-old estate...
a recap of last night's red carpet...
{january jones was my best dressed!}
a 'keep calm and carry on' giveaway...
& a very proud {and very weird} moment for the gardner family...
{ben, #49 & the one with the long curly mess of a haircut is my not-so-little brother}.

{images via anna wolf}

one precious laundry room

... just a perfect, whimsical place to wash your delicates.


{image: unknown. if you know the original source of this photograph, please pass on!}

washington's calling my name

Well, the end of summer has officially arrived and it's time for me to head back west. I can't put off packing any longer, so this weekend will be spent locked inside piling my things into boxes and stuffing the car in a hurry. And let me tell you, it won't be nearly as glamorous as those pink jeweled peep-toes and teal vintage suitcases.
What are your weekend plans? Hopefully you'll get to enjoy the late summer sunshine with a cocktail or two! xo.


{image via the bottom of the ironing basket}

"two young people falling in love with their first house"

I stumbled across Young House Love the other day and managed to lose myself for over an hour. I couldn't help drooling over John and Sherry's incredible home makeover (and then their wedding...and then their design advice...and then their how-to's). Four years ago, they bought a 54-year-old bruiser and put their blood, sweat & tears into creating a livable, charming home -- all DIY-style! Here are the highlights:

Not too shabby, right? I'm so inspired, I actually can't wait until it's my turn to own a home and work my butt off to make it beautiful. For some killer tips, and to see more photos of John and Sherry's home, click here. Happy Thursday! 

new york magazine wedding issue: ["just float"]

Ohh my goodness have I fallen in love with the fluffy, flowing gowns featured in New York Magazine's Wedding Issue. These dresses are bridal fashion in all its stunning, over-the-top glory. Enjoy!

Holy tulle... holy ruffles... holy gorgeous! 
See the rest of the gowns here.

happy humid weekend

I don't mean to sound impatient or anything, but I am so ready for fall to get here! Don't get me wrong, the sunshine is great: The lazy days and long nights are fantastic, and I'd gladly take my easy summer gig over long days sitting in class. 

But oh my goodness, I am sick of the heat. I'm sick of the humidity. I'm sick of the mosquitos and the bees. And most of all, I'm sick of having to shave my legs every single day so I can wear my jorts without freaking everybody out! As my summer vacation comes to a rapid end, I'm wishing that this Wisconsin weather would leave right along with it. I'm ready for colorful leaves and a crisp breeze so that I can wear this slouchy cardigan...

...this oversized scarf...

...and these covered wedge heel boots.

Fall fashion has always been more fun: layers, texture and comfort. But tonight, I'll have to settle for a lightweight cotton sun dress and a high pony to stay cool. Happy weekend!

{images: one, sweater, scarf, boots}

one perfect nook

My heart melts for this effortlessly cozy dining nook. I'll dream of eating a decadent breakfast here as I happily scarf down my oatmeal on the couch this morning...

I'm home and taking the day to unpack, unwind and get all my ducks in a row. More tomorrow -- Happy Wednesday!


{image via decorpad}

bye for now!

Good morning! Just stopping in to announce my departure for a few days -- a bittersweet ending to a most wonderful summer with Mikey. 

We leave too early tomorrow morning to make the trek back down to Kansas, where I'll get him all settled in to his new apartment, go out for a few nights of fun, and then bawl like a baby all the way to the airport before he sends me back home. I can't say that I'm ready to be 1,800 miles apart from my best friend again, but thank goodness for modern communication! 

As you anxiously await my return, keep busy by...
...perusing the Aug/Sept issue of Lonny!
...getting a deal with the Jonathan Adler rug sale
...anticipating cooler weather with j.crew's fall lookbook
...taking a Moroccan holiday with Coco+Kelley
...and trying one of Martha's 60 summer ice cream treats.

Happy weekend! xo.


{images: one, two, three & four}

designers guild fabric: bold souls only

This morning I stumbled upon some fabulously bold fabrics on the Bemz website that I just had to share. And while these Designers Guild slipcovers might not be for everyone, {I, for one, would be a bit terrified to have such a graphic sofa!} you can't deny that they make a pretty fun statement.

Happy Thursday!


{images via bemz}

yearning for yellow

Yellow is, and always has been, a happy color; It symbolizes sunshine and joy. Lemons, raincoats and macaroni and cheese -- all yellow, all fabulous. Which is why I just love a good pop of yellow in a home. 

Fabulous! I'm feeling a bit more chipper already, a welcome jolt on this sleepy Tuesday morning. I'm thrilled to report that I successfully completed my one day of work yesterday and I will be shamelessly relaxing and enjoying the rest of the week with Mr. Sweet... and possibly choosing a cheerful shade of canary yellow to paint my bedroom! Happy Tuesday! xo.

{images: decorpad.com, two ellie, & dress design decor}

happy late summer weekend

I'm finding myself less & less excited for weekends as they keep passing by... It's Mikey's last one in Wisconsin and that end-of-summer sadness is starting to set in. But, it will be nice to simply zone out of online classes and work for a few days and just be. Nothing more planned than a few dinners outside, a drive-in movie and a long Saturday morning walk. What are your plans? Something outside and with good company, I hope. Cheers!


{image: dress design & decor}

wedding inspiration [sprawling vineyard]

This rich, rustic wedding is bursting at the seams with romance. And all of the luscious details perfectly compliment this intense August heat! Note the stunning {and practical!} Valentino flats, the abundant peony bouquets and the decadent chocolate cake...

To see more photos and read about the details, click here.


{Images via Green Wedding Shoes}