frenchie macs.

As I gear up for my trip to Europe in early May I feel the butterflies in my tummy escaulating at the mere thought of getting back to Paris. It’s my favorite place in the entire world & 12 days of Parisian goodness is long overdue. I’m so excited to get back!

In looking at my pinterest page this week, I couldn’t help but notice my accumulation of french macarons reaching an all time high. I’m so drawn to the pretty colors and delicacy of this sweet pastry. Do you have a favorite pastry?! Where is your favorite place in the world to visit/be/relish?

photo cred: {via 1, 2, 3, 4}

pic me a palette : prop styling.

I had the absolute pleasure of assisting Chelsea Fuss with a couple of her interior styling jobs this week here in Seattle and I cannot even begin to tell you what an honor it was to be on set with her. Chelsea is honestly someone I greatly admire as a prop stylist and her work continues to inspire me to work towards my own styling career. When I 1st launched myself into the world of weddings & events I didn’t really really know where my biggest passions might lie, and I’m learning more and more everyday about how much I truly value, admire & cherish the skill of creating beautiful photographs through styling.

I really don’t think a lot of people know what goes into actually making a beautiful photo. There is of course the photographer, but there is also a stylist behind the scenes that is working their magic on set or at an event to make sure that everything the photographer is snapping a picture of looks just so. I encourage you the next time you are flipping through your favorite magazine or scrolling your blog feed to ask yourself what might have gone in to making that photograph happen. Really study the picture because I guarantee the photo didn’t happen by chance. Prop styling is not as easy at it might look – it takes a ton of concentration and a fantastic working relationship b/t the stylist and photographer. Some of my fav styling/photography duos out there (Chelsea & Lisa are definitely one of them!) make it look easy as pie – but in reality their work is pure art & some serious talent.

photo, prop styling cred: {happiness etc.}

inspired by : patterns.

I’m pretty sure my infatuation with patterns started when I was little and would take trips to the fabric store with my mom. As she scrolled the aisles looking to be inspired for her latest craft or home project, I’d run my hands across all the soft fabrics in total awe of the beautiful patterns.

At the time I had no idea where my life might lead or how truly inspired I’d become by the simple sighting of a pretty pattern, but I’m always on the hunt for the perfect art-to-material to add to some aspect of my life.  The paper to wrap a gift for a friend ; a new dishtowel for the kitchen ; a bright summer maxi dress ; or even now potential fabrics for reupholstering scout. goods – there is nothing better than a perfectly eclectic pattern. Patterns are so crazy inspiring  and these by Ashley Goldberg are certainly some of the cutest I’ve seen. What inspires you?

art cred: {ashley goldberg via flickr}

pic me a palette : pink + neon.

photo cred: {sam mcadam via homelife}

inspired by : book graphics.

As I gear up for a big editorial photoshoot this week, I’m reflecting a bit on how inspired I’ve been by bold patterns/shapes/colors & minimalist design and type lately. These book graphics are not incredibly intricate yet they just pull me into them. I’m completely infatuated and could stare at them for hours!

 I’m pumped to be bringing a little of that minimal simplicity into my upcoming shoot this week, with a lot of the design elements that I would typically go crazy with being kept intentionally simple & clean to really allow for the beauty of each element to just speak for itself. Can’t wait to show off what I’ve been working on along with some amazing vendors here in Seattle.

Hope everyone’s week is off to a great start!

photo cred: {Montague Projects}

trophy cupcakes & party design project.

I’ve been really excited to share these pics that my buddy Julie captured of my recent design project for Trophy Cupcakes. I shared some instagram pics a while back here, but professional ones are so much more pretty right? I absolutely LOVE the pic below. It captures the bold, simplistic beauty of Trophy’s Bravern shop to a tee! Thanks for the pics Jules!

I had the time of my life creating window display concepts and store details for Trophy earlier this year ,and I’m absolutely thrilled with how everything turned out. It was so so so much fun incorporating some vintage details from my scout. collection and the gold & white chevron flooring that I painted by hand is one of my proudest design details of this project. I can’t get enough of all bold color + chevron + gold – YUM!!!

Jennifer Shea (owner & cupcake extraordinaire) wanted the design to really speak to Trophy’s mentality of “the party starts here!” and I couldn’t imagine anything party related without some fun confetti. I created custom multi-colored confetti and a custom fringed streamer backdrop for both their Wallingford & Bravern locations. I also created some whimsical garland and streamer chandeliers for the inside of their shops too! The colors to this day make me just smile. They are just so so happy!

Thanks to Jennifer and her team for allowing me to crash their stores on multiple occasions to rock out the color. I can’t imagine a more fun and celebration-focused company to work with. I heart Trophy to pieces and I look forward to working with them in the future!!!

**Also! A GIGANTIC thank you to my little sis Coli who spent part of her Christmas break knee deep in color with me. Couldn’t have done it without ya – muah! xoxo!

photo cred: {julie harmsen photography}

bow tie wednesday / 39.

I’m always looking for fun ways to spruce up an outfit and these bow ties are just perfect. Wishing I could snag one in every color! Claudine & Compagnie certainly are proof that bow ties are DEFINITELY not just for him!

photo cred: {claudine & compagnie}

inspired board #13: color blocking.

I can’t get enough of all things: color blocked. I’m dying to see a wedding go color blocking bananas…bridesmaids and ALL!

Oh, if I could only do it all over again…

photo cred: {the capital barbie} {via the lingerieaddict} {j. crew via refinery 29} {designspiration} {rowpinto} bow tie & bustle{the adamantic chic} {david stubbs via green wedding shoes}

wears to weddings : golden globes.

I know, I know. It’s been over a week since the Golden Globes, but I couldn’t resist sharing a few “wears to weddings” inspirations. I had every intention in the world of touching base earlier on all the celeb gorgeousness, but with the craziness of ALT things are a bit delayed – whoops!

Usually I’m excpecting quite a few “misses” amoungst award show nominees, but this year I actually enjoyed most of the looks that came down the red carpet. I would have liked a few additional “wow!’s”  but overall was pleasantly surprised by all the fashion choices.

Instead of doing the traditional “hits & misses” post, I thought I’d instead correlate some of the most talked about dresses of the night with some wedding detail counterparts…in this case, CAKE! I honestly believe a gorgeous dress can be the overall inspiration to a wedding day even if it’s not ultimately the one (or color) a bride might choose to wear on her big day.

What were your fav looks of the night? Which could you have gone without?

Favs for me? Emma Stone, Piper Perabo & Charlize Theron. What were they thinking moments? Zooey Deschanel (that hair drove me nuts!), Sarah Michelle Gellar & Madonna.

photo cred: all golden globe pics {via e online} wed pics {beaux arts photographie via style me pretty} {sweet and saucy shop via candy and cakes} {platinum weddings by kerrie via style me pretty} {sweetapolita} {via style unveiled} {once wed} {via ruffled}

trophy.

a couple instagram shots of one of my most recent design projects.

trophy cupcakes window displays and decor including some of my favorite pieces from my scout. collection.

some of my fav design details? gold chevron flooring & gigantic confetti too!

if you get a chance, swing by the u-village or bravern locations this month to catch a peek!

photo cred: {moi iPhone}

starts with a board.

I’ve learned quite quickly that the best way to hash out design ideas with a new or potential client is through an inspiration board. I am naturally such a visual being that these boards are super helpful in helping me efficiently and effectively articulate the ideas I have rushing around in my busy little head.

I was all two excited a few weeks ago when I got the chance to chat color and rebranding across the table from Jennifer Shea, owner of Trophy Cupcakes. I’m still giddy that she put her confidence in me to revamp her window displays at her U-Village and Bravern locations for the New Year and couldn’t wait to get prepping. She wanted the window to reflect a “party starts here!” mentality and was hoping I could give the design some sort of Kate Spade inspired twist (aka a color bonanza!).

I’ve been dying to get back into visual merchandising, so this job was right up my alley. I knew I wanted crepe paper backdrops to scream “party! party! party!” and chevron flooring was an absolute must – had to make it happen. I also planned to tie in a bunch of my vintage pieces from my scout. collection as a fun juxtaposition to the never ending stream of color.

Here’s a little peek into my design inspirations for Trophy Cupcakes. Check back tomorrow for some instagram pics of the actual windows AND if you’re near U-Village in the U-District or Bravern over in Bellevue be sure to stop into Trophy for a yummy cupcake and a gander at my design.

pic me a palette: pour me one.

photo cred: {via rue mag}

bow tie wednesday / 29.

bow tie blouses.

photo cred: orange {far fetch} green {mod cloth} blue {romwe} yellow {chloe via net-a-porter}

double dose wishlist! red + yellow.

Since Christmas is less than 48 hours away I thought I’d give you a double dose of color and wishlists today. Yellow and Red have to be two of my fav colors, and these little gift yummies are nothing short of awesome. Any of these gifts would be a happy compliment to our rather bare bottomed tree.

Good luck with those last minute shopping trips and Merry Merry Christmas! We woke up bright and early this morning to hit the road for our trip to CO. I hear there is snow waiting for us! YES! Pics surely to come soon!

Happy Friday friends!

RED LIST: photo cred: HIM – white snowflake patterned mittens {rokit} francis illy coffee machine {tesco direct} corgi lightweight pattern socks {jcrew} red aluminum eiffel stool by shiegeki fujishiro {fab.com} icade iPad arcade cabinet {think geek} HER: sequin heart {ban.do} wellies {joules} ray-ban rubberized wayfarer {barney’s} zippity rabbit wine opener {metrokane} chacha chocolate clutch {kate spade} johnny loves rosie crystal ball earrings {asos} oxblood satin collar jacket {topshop}

YELLOW LIST: photo cred: HIM – black diamond gizmo headlamp {REI} canvas laptop case {west elm} james perse v-neck tee {barneys} HER – chevron clutch bag {etsy} coltskin ballerina {zara} jonathan adler porcelain vase {nordstrom} all wrapped up pave studs {kate spade} mustard cable scarf {topshop} taylor by elizabeth & james {piperlime} sun stripe lidded basket {leif}

the BLUE list.

Did you know there are only about 2 weeks left until Christmas?! Uh-huh. Those shopping days are trickling away faster than you can fa la la la la!

I’m heading out this weekend to find the perfect secret santa gift and some stocking stuffers for Mr. Blake & Bailie Bug. I’m definitely gonna keep this week’s BLUE wishlist in mind.

Adam and I actually exchanged our “gift” this week! I’m not even gonna lie. Our brand spanking new 50 inch flat screen television is pretty freaking amazing in our living room right now. And I think most of my excitement stems from the fact that the ‘old school’ t.v. jokes will finally subside from our friends & fam.

Happy weekend friends!

photo cred: HIM – Hand Powered Electric Razor {amazon} Yamaha PDX 11 Speaker for iPhone {yamaha} Lacoste Canvas Belt {lacoste} custom fit college striped polo {ralph lauren} royal stripe boxer {kings underwear} pass on sneaker {diesel} urbanears ‘plattan’ headphones {nordstrom} HER – steven womack scales iPhone case {society 6} honeydew flower lace bralette & undies {madewell} spotted snowfall headband & gloves {madewell} helen dress {wiksten} retro eames style rocker {vintage looks} kate spade dot to dot earrings {nordstrom} denim fitted shirt {topshop}