Madewell & Neutrals

I usually gravitate towards bright colors and patterns but every once and a while, I get inspired by neutral color palate. Madewell always does a great job of styling simple pieces and neutral colors, and their most recent online lookbook is no exception.  On top of that, it features Arizona Muse - a model who I noticed in the recent J.Crew catalog and I think she's adorable. 

Rumor is that Madewell is opening up a San Francisco store later this summer, so I'm putting my online purchases on hold until I can do my shopping in the live store.

Leopard Loafers

Against my better judgement, I can't stop thinking about purchasing a pair of leopard loafers. (My better judgement is telling me that these shoes don't make any sense for summer, and that I just don't need any more shoes!)  I don't even know where the obsession came from.    I already own a great pair of loafers (these if you're curious),  but I really want a pair of leopard slip-on loafers.    I love how they almost feel like house slippers. Here are the options I'm deciding between:

Steve Madden @ Piperlime ($119)

Jeffrey Campbell @ Nordstrom ($99)

I usually think leopard shoes should be calf hair like the ones above, however, this woven pair ($136) has kind of a cool, preppy look

If Mischa Barton can wear leopard Keds with her bathing suit,  who's to say I can't wear leopard loafers with mine?

Doodling

Poking around on Fossil's website the other day (did youk now they sell things other than watches?  Including some cute leather goods and summer dresses?),  I found an awesome sketchbook that made me wish I kept some type of journal.   Back in high school, I did a lot of collage-ing and art projects but most of that has taken a back seat.   Even if they just live in a sketchbook, how cute are these little pieces of art?

All images above from Fossil  and said to be drawn by their designers.

Monday Music

Currently on repeat...

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

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.