Lotus & Fig: Moroccan Tile Goods

moroccan tile in pink by micklyn at society6.com

Recently, while pinning away, I came across this beautiful print by Micklyn at Society 6. Obviously the combined color + pattern are exactly my jam:  varieties of pink, orange, lavender combined with a crisp Moroccan trellis lined in shiny gold. What puts this pattern over the top are the stencilled illustrations within each quatrefoil: wings, flowers, birds and lotus! 

Is it not the ultimate?!

Fuschia + Aubergine: Peacock Towels

peacock feather jacquard towels

Unexpected combination of color and pattern, but these World Market towels are quite lovely. Feminine, interesting and the contrast between the two colors is not jarring. Of course, the real test of a towel is plushness and softness. (Back when I couldn't afford them, I used to think that Turkish towels were the way to go. Then the Thomas O'Brien collection dropped at Target in some irresistible colors. Large, soft and plush. Still love 'em.) 

Imagine mixing these up with some other patterns for an eclectic look. The Thomas O'Brien experience taught me that you don't need to limit yourself to two colors. 

State of the Blog

lotus & fig: the scarf. my new calvin klein score from marshall's

During the holiday break I'm taking some time to do a bunch of posts that have been on my mind for quite some time. So there will be a slew of new posts that feature film and tv screencaps, though the topics will be slightly different.

Single-Girl Style: Global Mod Living

move-in ready, just needs one tweak

Seeing this livingroom in Cottages & Bungalows magazine last year was a jolt. What a an inspiring room. It's very casual and comfy, heavy on paisleys and blockprints, the colors are fresh and feminine and the bones have simple lines for a simple, modern feeling. 

The only thing I would change is that stuffy rug. 

Chez Moi: Moroccan Patterns

It started with the latest issue of Adore Home magazine. As soon as I saw the image above, I was inspired to dig out my own Moroccan-patterned bedding. Both of these duvets came from the now defunct Brocade Home.

Fuschia + Aubergine: Cool, Bright Bedrooms

luxurious winter retreat

Turns out my obsession with the deep purple and fuschia Lanvin gown from 2012 has not abated. And here's how I'm feeling during the current deep freeze:

Fuschia + Aubergine: City Chic Ottoman

The new Shops at Target collection from Patch NYC includes this jewel-toned beauty which encompasses some of autumn's very best aspects. It's rugged, plush, cozy and colorful. (Feels like it has a bean bag filling.) A delightful bit of plum/pink decor!

Psst... Seasons Change

photo credit: micasarevista.com

This is how I'm feeling now: trapped between summer brights and fall jewels. Between light 'n airy and chunky 'n cozy. Guess there'll be no Indian Summer this year. 

Oh, Autumn, I'm not ready for you yet...

Single-Girl Style: A Place for My Stuff

welcome to my home

So, awhile back I promised a tour of my humble digs. Funny how time gets away from you (and yet this summer seems to have slipped through my fingers like silt). Among other things, it became clear that all of my storage is so full of stuff that stuff is piling up out in the open. Which prompted me to pull out all the stored stuff and start selling it off. That left Chez Moi in a quite a bit of upheaval. But recently I had to squirrel everything away again for company. So here are the (crappy iPhone) pics I managed to take before hauling everything back out. (And, yes, this is what passes for neat in my life.) 

Good Pitch: Exotic Body Wash

dunno if you can really get a shower like this, but i'd really like one. and that floor pattern is exquisite too.

Apparently, Palmolive makes body washes inspired by India. But they don't sell them here in the U. S. Why the hell not?! I want to smell exotic and delicious. And I only have lotion and body yogurt left from my stash of discontinued Bath & Body Works True Blue Morocco... How am I supposed to leave a cloud of intoxicating fragrance in my wake?  

How?

Color Story: Natural Harmony

Just a little image that represents my sensibility when it comes to color. This image went into my Style Tray because the harmonious combination of color and objects. The whole scene is simply perfect: blue smoke, deep green trees and pink blossoms above a rich floor of light brown soil and dark fluid wood. Then there's the player dressed in natural dyes of purples and fig, holding her black and red instrument. The pipa should be striking with it's bold colors against all those natural shades, but somehow the red/black draws attention to it subtly. The music is the focus without the pipa being jarring. 

screencap from the movie "the forbidden kingdom"

Fuschia + Aubergine: Edgy Bathrooms

 rock star glam: bright, shiny, chic, cool, a little modern and a little messy 

This bathroom looks like the exact right 'mission control' for a girl who'd rock a flowing goddess gown in deepest purple and fuschia edged in shiny metals:

And a couple more options perfect mix of sparkle and glam for an edgy goddess to handle her ablutions...

Fuschia + Aubergine: A Ladylike Rug

urban outfitters' vine flourish rug

Put on your dancin' shoes! Here's a rug that fits my brand-new obsession with Emma Stone's custom Lanvin perfectly. I really wish it fit my apartment, but I already have my large rug, and the two just don't mesh. So it's just a crush for me (for now). And who could deny this? It's very easy to care for with that typical woven cotton of Urban Outfitters rugs. The damask is a lively, feminine pattern energized by the two rich colors popping against each other. You could play this one uptown or downtown. 

Fuschia + Aubergine: Canvas Decor

canvas wall art from target

Emma Stone's fabulous Lanvin gown at the Golden Globes is so inspiring I've been looking all over for that color combo. Word is the colors were much richer in person than they appeared on film (this from Kelly Osborne on E!'s "Fashion Police.) I can believe it! Turns out, I didn't have to look very far for more. Not only do I have the Moroccan patterned wall-hanging above, but also the pink boxes below from IKEA. Sadly, I never got the purple ones. Kept putting it off and they were discontinued. Too bad, the pink is a searing shade, both incredibly bright and incredibly saturated. The deep dark purple was the perfect companion to ground that sophisticated pink.

Exotic Beds: Sumptuous Ikat

When I stumbled on this bedding from N Natori it almost made me scream. Purple, pink and gold, with a hint of indigo. Makes you want to swan dive into luxury. All hail the Chapan comforter collection!

Bedding Roundup: "Twilight" for Grown-Ups

I'm no Twi-hard myself, but I know a few grown-ass ladies who are and it's to them that I dedicate this roundup of bedding similar to Movie Bella's signature purple floral. Options that aren't stigmatized as "teen" bedding. (Though, for those ladies who broke down and ordered this anyway, be at ease. I'm pretty sure this comforter set made it's acting debut in "Criminal Minds" third season as Penelope Garcia's bedding.) 

I know well that feeling of saying, "Oh, that's pretty" and then stopping short when you realize it's being sold for school girls. So all you moms, aunts and grandma's can have your own Bella Twilight nest instead of buying the real deal only to give it to your nearest teeny bopper: 

Single-Girl Style: Moody, Modern & Eclectic

Of the handful of things I wish I had studied in high school and college, Russian is not one of them. Which left me at a loss when I came across this gorgeous apartment profile. Such a bummer because this lady, whoever she is, has a really cool home. The contrast of the purple brocade wallpaper next to the brown bamboo wall sets the dark, moody tone of the space. The vivid grain in the dark wood floors stands out and contrasts beautifully with the smooth, shiny lacquer table. Not to mention the nubby, wool kilims and the modern leather chair. 

source: glamour russia  photos: will webster

But it doesn't stop there. 

Exotic Beds: Global Designs for Fall

The time to snuggle is now. The days are short, evenings are chilly, the heat won't be on for a month. Already I'm slipping into winter tendencies having grilled cheese sandwiches and cocoa for dinner. After which I want to retreat to my cushy, soft bed with a good book and nestle under piles of colorful blankets. And the fact that it's fall and jewel tones are in season does not alter my desire for brightly colored, well-patterned bedding. Thank heaven for brands like Echo who bring it like it's already been brung.

My favorite new collection, Mayan Geo, features my favorite colors, hot pink and orange, on an excellent tribal pattern. This looks like it would mix and match well with any John Robshaw you've got laying around.

all good things: echo brand mayan geo

The Bandwagon: Missoni for Target

purple zigzag pouf - the one item i am seriously considering.

some of the other things i liked: this print is delicious. but i don't need any of this stuff and i'm able to leave it alone. thankfully.

 
It is hard to know who to blame for my disappointment with today's launch. Certainly, some of the onus is on me. Waking up fully rested at 6am and deciding to web browse was my choice. Forgetting that today was the day, also my fault. And to be honest, I didn't really want anything, delicious though I find the brand. 

Color Story: Jewel-Toned Walls

When Kimhas7cats from Desire to Inspire first painted her kitchen cabinets pink, it was like a revelation. Not only was the independence and ownership of that choice inspiring, it reminded me of a long-ago visit to a classmate's home in grade school. I was struck by the fact that the kitchen was done in white and sage green, right down to the linoleum tile. It was airy and fresh and...the sage complemented the red-haired family. 

Since Kim's bold move, I am somewhat drawn to similar spaces where they're just putting it out there, allowing that color choice to lead to more bold and stylish choices that elevate the whole home beyond basic functions. 

It really is your thing. Do what you wanna do!

kitchen cabinets in a deep rich, pink! the windows keep the room so light that it can bear this level of saturated color