Photography Style-Edition: Heart Shaped Bokeh

Played around with a bokeh filter last night and I wanted to share the first images that I came up with.  I've  been waiting a few days for a clear evening to see if I could get a fun heart shaped silhouette of the Golden Gate Bridge; unfortunately it seems to be the wrong season for that. In the mean time - check out how a simple piece of paper with a heart cut out can change the view from my camera.

I had been wanting to play around with bokeh shapes since I saw this on Color Me Katie.   If you're ever looking for a pick-me-up,  stop by her blog! She is always doing someting silly and colorful, like taking a colorful walk through NY...

Black & White Spots in Decor

Following along the lines of my recent obsession with leopard print, my interest in spots has spread into decor.    Check out the above photo of Tommy Smythe's living room found on Apartment Therapy.  I love almost everything about it, but it is especially those black and white spotted chairs that stick in my mind.   There are plenty of versions of this black and white fabric, ranging from snow-leopard to more classic polka dots and I've been seeing it a ton over the past couple years.  It's a great small scale pattern to layer with other textures and colors in a room.

I love how it adds some whimsy to this otherwise masculine room full of classic pieces.

A bit more girly, I Suwanee added the black and white spotted fabric as another layer of pattern in her colorful bedroom:

She also used it on the most adorable sofa in her store.I haven't quite figured out how to work this fun print into my home.  (I tend to lean towards navy blue as a neutral instead of black.) But,  I have scoped out some sources for the fabric and might just order a few yards to play around with in pillows or something small.

If I had access to "to the trade" fabrics, I might pick up Kelly Wearstler's Lee Jofa "Confetti"

Or, Brunschwig and Fils Les Touches fabric, available on Etsy here. (I think this is what Tommy Smythe used in the first picture)The most affordable option I've found is this $9.99/yard "Togo" from Premier FabricsWaverly's "Spot on Blackbird"  is a bit more snow-leopard-y  ($20/yard)

What do you think?  Is this pattern a fad or one that will stand the test of time like leopard print?

Seeing Spots for Fall

Leopard print can be totally glamorous and classy (see above) or, it can be extremely tacky.  Regardless,  it's a versatile print that seems to stick with the fashion world year after year.  This fall the animal print seems to be getting extra coverage from mainstream retailers.  J.Crew seemed to work it into almost every look in their fall catalog, and it was also all over Banana Republic's Mad Men collection.

I've always preferred leopard print as a simple accent, like classic shoes or a bag. So, if you are weary about the animal print,  try it out in accessories:

Here are some fun options that could spruce up a fall wardrobe:

1.  French Sole India Leopard Pony Ballet Shoes ($155 at  asos.com)

2.  Mad Men Collection Leopard Print belt ($50 at Banana Republic)

3.  Sheer Leopard Print Blouse ($33 at ModCloth)

4.  Leopard Print Flap Over Clutch ($45 at TopShop)

5.  Minicci Leopard-Print Scarf ($13 at Payless)

6.  Diane Von Furstenberg Leopard Hair Calf April Pumps ($295 at Bloomingdales)

7. Mad Men Leopard Print Trench ($198 at Banana Republic)

8.  J.Crew Edie Calf-hair Tote ($620 at Net-a-Porter)

Monday Flowers

Happy Monday!

Sorry for my lack of updates! I just got back from a week in the mountains for a family reunion.  (Yes, my SECOND week long vacation this summer!)  We were in Breckenridge, Colorado which was amazing and I feel so lucky to have spent quality time with family members from around the country.  I'll share some Colorado pictures later this week, but this morning I just wanted to start the week of with some colorful floral inspiration :)  

A cousin told me a great story about meeting his husband on a bike ride through the tulips in Holland, a trip which is definitely on my bucket list.   I  adore tulips and the colorful Dutch fields seem so magical! Check it out...

 

 Can you imagine walking through those fields?! Stunning!

(Top photo from my apartment, click on others for sources)

How I Wore it: White Jeans, 3 Ways

I've gotten feedback that you like seeing what I wear, so today's post is a triple dose.   I have a closet full of clothes, and I love to mix and match all of the pieces I've collected over the years, but sometimes you need a reminder that you don't always have to wear the same item the same way.  I definitely latch on to a couple favorites each season, and with the summer weather in San Francisco (ie. cold and foggy),  white jeans are the perfect fit for me.   They feel "summery" but still keep me warm.  Here is an example of 3 different ways I've worn them over the past couple of weeks.

1. Light neutrals - In an apparent attempt to match the morning fog, I paired an H&M sweater, over a light pink J.Crew blouse, with J.Crew suede lace-up booties (picked up on eBay)
2. Black & white - Black and white  is such an easy and crisp color combo.   Here I threw on an old favorite polka-dot Forever 21 blouse, Forever 21 necklace and Zara wedges for an easy work outfit
3. A bit of sun -  I topped of a ruffled silk Forever 21 tank top with a J.Crew blazer, a pile of bracelets, and Madewell white and grey oxfords

I hope this helps provides some inspiration for mixing and matching your own pieces!  Happy Friday!