Today's inspiration - Celebrations

Charlotte Casiraghi's wedding dress in Saint Laurent

It was nice to watch the news and see that this whole week has been filled of nothing but celebrations - graduations, weddings, the long weekend, and birthdays - I just attended the coolest 3rd birthday party (social distancing observed, of course).

Also, thank you to those who served in the military, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

A sweet outdoor birthday party

Love this bow outfit worn by Hannah Strafford Taylor's daughter

Photographs by: Alex Grossman

 Have a safe, amazing weekend! 

Chin up Buttercup

 Photo credit of Sophia Coppola:  Pinterest, unknown

One of the silver linings to our new norm has been being able to spend time with my children.  I always felt guilty dropping them off to preschool and daycare at an ungodly hour and my heart would break each time they would be one of the last kids left to be picked up.  I was already aware that I was only spending 3 hours each work day with them, and it usually entailed rushing to get ready and out the door in the morning and cooking or cleaning up in the evening. 

In spite of everything that's going on, I hope the following images lighten your mood, even if it's for a short moment.  I know we'll all look forward to when we can hold our loved ones and celebrate life's precious milestones.

   

Photo Credit:  Julien Fournie Couture S/S 2014

Photo credits:

Roses and Vogue Living -  Unknown

Shimmering gown - Pinterest, Unknown

Creme gown -   Town and Country 2014 Weddings issue

San Francisco landscaping:  Marne 

 Photo credit:  Pinterest, unknown

Photo credit:  Cutter Brooks  

Equestrian Chic Decor

Photo credit: Via eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com 

When I heard in the news recently that the Kentucky Derby races would be postponed and done virtually, it got me thinking about what life as an equestrian must be like - I'm fascinated because unfortunately, no one in my circle of friends or family is an equestrian.  Although, I did have an aunt in Canada who had equestrian decor down to a tee.  I remember visiting her home numerous times and seeing the hound statues guarding the entry way; she had lots of plaid and dark, moody colors throughout her home, as well as what I'd call old-world elegant furniture - the kind you would see in an old library filled with stuffy leather chairs and gold leaf books. 

I can only imagine what it must be like to compete in an equestrian sport, particularly one such as dressage which requires years of training, discipline, and the pursuit of perfection.  Hope you enjoy these images and here's to mint juleps or my husband's preference, straight bourbon!

Silver bowl of Caps - Via Gunner and Grace, 

Horseshoe - Unknown

Equestrian-inspired style - Fashionmakestrends.com 

 Elegantly dressed rider - Ralph Lauren

Photo credit:  Christy Ford  

 Photo credit:  Gary Riggs Home

Photo credit: thepolohouse.blogspot.com

Photo credit:  Zimmo

Toile de jouy decor

Isabella Teal Toile by Brewster

Most people associate toile decor with their granny's home, but I love how it's getting a modern update in shades of purple or pastel.  I gradually gravitated towards classic, traditional decor - it certainly didn't happen overnight.  With the state of the environment and climate change manifesting with each passing year, I'm a lot more thoughtful in what I purchase and have more of an appreciation for vintage table linens or precious, quality items passed down to generations.  

Photo credit:  Unknown, Pinterest

   

Photo credit:  Quintessence

Photo credit:  Unknown, Pinterest

Photo credit:  Le Journal des femmes

Escape to the Garden

 Photo credit: Alexandre Bailhache for Veranda

A 200-year old farmhouse in Provence.

My husband and I visited the region a year after we got married - such an idyllic setting.  I have yet to read A Year in Provence which has been on my list forever.  Who wouldn't want to fix a dilapidated stone home and have their own version of Under the Tuscan Sun, but in Provence? 

 Photo credit:  Unknown

In reality, this is more my style...Jane Austen, English countryside, Cotswold, Hunter boots, moss.

Photo credit:  Patrick Demarchelier for British Vogue

                                       

Photo credit: Vogue

And definitely this stateside - Miranda Brook's home. 

Photo credit:  Vogue France

Monet's House in Giverny with its kelly green shutters - would love to visit someday.   

Blue and White Forever

Photo credit:  Pieter Estersohn for AD

Ginger jars usually come to mind at the mere mention of blue and white as color combos, particularly in the design world, but I wanted to see more inspiring versions of it whether in a gorgeous ballgown, as stripes, gingham or toile de jouy.  Growing up my mother would take me along to shopping excursions at antique stores filled with blue and white china and I would usually end up waiting outside with my dad, bored, as the signs posted in the the stores said No Children Under 12 Allowed.  It is funny how as an adult I've grown to appreciate all things blue and white and how my mom and I now share a love of that same aesthetic. 


Hope these photos serve as a temporary escape and hope you and your loved ones stay safe,
Marne

 Andrea Brooks Design

 Patricia Herrera Lansing.  Photo credit:  Unknown

Photo Credit:  Alberto Pino 

Elena Perminova by Christopher Sturman for Harper's Bazaar

Ethan Allan 

Unknown source, Pinterest

From Beaux Mondes Designs

   

Valentino at the Emperor's Table by Assouline

Decor Inspiration - The Pink City

City Palace

Photo credit:  Sarah Traveling Nature

It's difficult to not long for travel during a time like this.  My husband and I always throw out ideas at the dinner table on where our first visit would be once it's safe to travel (following our priority visits with  family and friends of course).  The latest city to add to our already long bucket list is Jaipur, India.  I'm obsessed with textiles and had always heard about Jaipur being so inspirational in design.  I was able to finally catch up on my old issues of Departures and Travel and Leisure, and fell in love with the articles and photos of Jaipur.  

It's no surprise that a lot of photos center around Bar Palladio, the restaurant which was designed by Marie-Anne Oudejans.

Photos at Bar Palladio.  This is my favorite - simple but the wall design makes the room pop.
Photo credit:  Kirsten Alana

Photo credit:  Kirsten Alana

Photo credit:  Kirsten Alana

Photo credit: Architectural Digest

Photo credit:  Kirsten Alana

 Photo credit:  SFGirlbytheBay

Photo credit:  Unknown, Pinterest

Patrika's Gate.   

Photo credit:  Unknown, Pinterest

 Photo credit: Kirsten Alana