New Dress (And the Best Mom Ever)

Remember when I wrote about H&M's spring line back in March? Well, much to my dismay,  I wasn't able to find any of the pieces that I lusted after when I finally made it into the store.  

Then, my mom called and told me she'd picked up the green lace dress for me!   See, the best mom ever :)

Given the weather in San Francisco,  I hadn't had a chance to wear it until this Saturday morning.  It was still quite chilly so I threw it on with a long blazer and a cozy scarf.  I'm sure I'll get plenty more wear out of it as soon as we get some more warm weekends.  Thanks, Mom!

Wearing H&M dress and blazer, Forever 21 shoes, Forever 21 scarf and Ann Taylor sunglasses

Monday Music

Currently on repeat...

Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks from Foster The People on Vimeo.

White and Rustic

I think it is fascinating how much I can love a style, but know that I would never put it in my home.  I often come across images of simple, mostly white and natural colored rooms that I LOVE; however, I am so drawn to color and pattern that I don't think I could ever commit to such a simple palate in my own place.

Here are some examples of rooms that I'm completly inspired by, but just aren't "me"

Maybe one day I'll have enough space/houses to play around with my style a bit more.

(Obviously, these photos aren't my own. Click on images for sources.)

Massimo Vitali Beach Photos

A couple of weeks ago I shared this room and mentioned how much I love oversized beach prints.  Massimo Vitali is an Italian photographer who started a beach series in the mid-90's that is responsible for my obsession with giant beach prints in interiors.

I love how his photos of beaches and seasides have such an airy feeling.  They're not overly saturated and pristine like most post-cards, so they actually make you feel like you could be there on the beach.   There's also something about them that makes you wan to walk up close to the photo and study what was happening on each of those blankets.

Check out how they can add a touch of vacation and light to a room...

Burley Katon Halliday via Habitually Chic

Burley Katon Halliday via Habitually Chic

Correction: Although a similar style, the photo above is actually by Christian Chaize  -- His Portugal photos have a similar vibe (and sadly the large prints are similarly expensive)  -- see them here.

From Lonny.

I am also just in love with how modern/current  large scale prints look on a wall.

Affordable Chevron Rug

Wowza,  I just stumbled  upon a great affordable rug option at Urban Outfitters and I had to share.   I honestly hate shopping for rugs because all of the good options are super expensive (and you can't buy used or refurbish them like you can with furniture)  So,  when I find a good, affordable option I always bookmark it.

If I hadn't picked up this ikea rug within the past year, I would definitely order one of these zig zag beauties.

The soft blue (above) is lovely, but I'm also a fan of the more graphic black and white.   I considered this similar chevron rug from West Elm before I picked up the ikea one. If I was going to do it over,  the version below is a similar style/weave and less than a third of the price

A woven rug won't last you forever, but in San Francisco, where most apartments are required to have carpeting/rugs, it's a great affordable option!