idea: how to makeover a wardrobe

before:

looks useful, but also so...so... old.

& not in a cool "vintage" way, but in a completely un-modern, un-pretty way.

so check out how designer lia fagan revamped this old wardrobe into "stella" :

so cute!

what's even greater about this makeover is that it seems somewhat doable.  definitely something to file away for later days.

more pics and information here

celeb style: natalie portman

i've had a slight obsession with natalie portman since i was young [& dreaming of being a hollywood actress], so needless to say, i've been pretty pumped to see her rocking some amazing dresses as of late.  here's just a few of her recent fashion choices:

in miu miu for "black swan" photocall @ venice film festival

this dress is impeccable.  and with those peachy nude shoes? - even better!

in marc jacobs resort 2011, arriving in venice

and this is why i've always felt a connection with miss portman.  polka dots, aviators, & ballet flats -- this outfit is totally "me"

and the pièce de résistance...

in rodarte at the 2010 venice film festival opening ceremony & "black swan" premiere

there is so much beauty going on in this one dress -- the color, the shape, the detailing... just stunning.

i can't wait to see what natalie steps out in next!

photo cred

pretty pictures: vogue 2004

the other day i picked up the [heavy!] vogue september issue & immediately started salivating over the gogeous photos.  it made me think of my very first september issue, purchased 6 years ago, & it's epic photoshoot of nine top models. 

daria werbowy, natalia vodianvoa, gisele bundchen, isabeli fontana, karolina kurkova , liya kebede, hana soukupova, gemma ward & karen elson

here are some of my favorite photos from the editorial: 

...and my all-time favorite:

ever since, my love for fashion, photographry, & [above all] fashion photography, has only grown.

[i posted yet another photograph from this editorial here]

from vogue september 2006 

photographed by steven meisel 

find all photos from fashion spread here

design: dreamy cottages/sheds

sweet little cottages:

perfect backyard getaway:

office shed:

 love!

photo creds

1: image from house & home via the alternative wife [via grayson]

2: found on sweet paul

3: image from ideal home [via grayson]

4: cottage/office of designer artemis russell  [via lottie loves]

etsy spotlight: claire la faye

with gorgeous pieces made of chiffon, satin, & feathers, designer claire la faye is more an artist than anything else.  her clothes are simultaneously classicly feminine/romantic, & still fashion-forward.  take a look at some of her etsy postings:

ballerina series tank tops:

dresses:

like i said, art.

see her past collections & fall even more in love [my favorite is "let them eat cake"]

 items shown:
ballerina series tanks:  pink, black, yellow, blue
dresses:  short tulle wedding dress, pale pink chiffon dress, chiffon & feather gown, white dress with blue bow
first found on with this ring

etsy spotlight: sarah hood jewelry

i absolutely love the simple beauty & natural aspects of sarah hood's jewelry.  my favorite is the lilac ring -- wouldn't it make a gorgeous & unique engagement ring?!

items shown:

smallest branch necklace [matching earrings available]

twig initial pendant

lilac ring

random: incredible desk stamps

too cute!  i think my favorite is the middle one.

buy here

via lottie loves

decor: outdoor elegance

it's incredible what one piece of lighting can do to a space.  lovely.  now i want to hang a super elegant chandelier outside in my tiny backyard!

via pinterest 

first found on bright, bold & beautiful & style me pretty

design: cotton candy kitchen

guest suite kitchen

a.d.o.r.a.b.l.e.

image & information from house beautiful [check out all the photos of this colorful & cozy cottage]

first found on a life's design

celeb style: blake lively in purple

so, not only is blake lively stunningly beautiful in this photograph, but she also apparently looks incredible in purple.  and oh boy is this purple frilly frock amazing!

photographed by guy aroch

via vintage rose garden

idea: easy bathroom redesign

bathroom fix me up by beach vintage

close up:

this wouldn't be applicable for my current bathroom situation [althought it does desperately need a makeover!], but i love the idea of a quick & easy fix-me-up for ugly bathroom cabinets.

filing this away :)

art: dalton ghetti pencils

teeny tiny masterpieces:

 

can you say talented?!  i am absolutely amazed by these lead pencil carvings by artist dalton ghetti.  i think my favorite is the key one -- what's yours?

photos courtesy of the telegraph & kidrobot

first found on design*sponge

design: purple princess bedroom

look & fall in love:

there isn't anything about this design that i don't absolutely adore.

i think the shades of lavender are gorgeous; what do you think: pretty or purple overload?

pictures courtesy of home designing

via grayson

fashion: fall 2010 = leopard print

this fall will be all about leopard print.

just take a look at some of the ads out right now:

 

coats, purses, shoes, hats - everywhere you look, there's leopard print!

here are blog articles on fall 2010 trends/leopard print:

 shelter

fabulous k

social thread

coco and emma

quotation: paradise is...

“i have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library.”

– jorge luis borges

agreed.

first found on serendipity in the stacks

look i love: big hair, dark eyes

love this look.

enough said.

[some gorgeous photography, too]

photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5