{style inspiration: luxe layers}

. . . and while we're on the topic of dusky neutrals and rich textures, one of the best things about autumn's inevitable fade into winter is the luxe layering -- cashmere camel cardigans over lightweight floor-length dresses, cozy italian wool sweaters belted over navy pullovers, and deep tartans intermingling with sheer and pretty pleats . . .

{images: a glamorous little side project}

{travel inspiration: tahitian dreams}

. . . once there was the grandest cruise ship and sunny, exotic islands far away -- barbados & st.lucia and other such magical places of white sand and swaying palm trees, champagne and oysters at midnight and the moon reflected in the night waters . . . but since, a city-adoring and wanderlust heart has only traipsed narrow cobblestone streets and gilded opera houses, preferring museums and galleries and sidewalk cafés . . . but every once in a while, when the whether begins to change, the enchantment of the islands beckon . . .

{images: pia miller by darren mcdonald on location in bora bora pearl beach resort & spa, styling by karissa fanning; via studded hearts, originally from the lane}

{fashion inspiration: zara spring 2010}

. . . pretty ruffles, romantic florals, platform sandals and bows, and to top it off, a crown of blossoms -- spring, at long last, has arrived . . .

{p.s.}
* more flower tiaras: here & here & here & here
* more of this collection here

{images: zara spring 2010 ad campaign via a glamorous little side project}

{at home with: photographer carter smith}

. . . back from an idyllic weekend in the countryside and still dreaming of deep, rich tones for the coming days when the sound of fallen leaves breaks the mid-afternoon silence and warm and romantic fireplaces crackle with newly chopped wood and everywhere, dark rich hues -- the colours of autumn . . .

. . . and here, carter smith's photographic work, intermingled with the warm deep colours of his darkly cozy home . . .












{p.s.} also new:
* at home with: marc jacobs
* side project: camilla belle

{from late last week}:
* inspiration: elle russia
* fall colours: jewel tones
* photography + illustration: do.ri under.ligne

{images:1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14 - editorial: Great Lengths; model: Angela Lindvall; photographer: Carter Smith; fashion editor: Paul Cavaco; magazine: US Vogue October 1998; images: 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13 - carter smith's home scanned and created by Moodboard from House & Garden magazine, produced by Kim Gieske and Joe Zee; photographed by Martyn Thompson & styled by Stefan Beckman}

{summertime hair + the winner}

Braids, butterflies and blossoms . . . adoring Argentinean born photographer Diego Uchitel's beautiful shots of summertime hair . . .

{p.s.}
* congratulations to ashley from seattle, winner of the nantaka joy stationery give-away!
* still catching up after a whirl-wind weekend & a little overwhelmed with e-mails . . .

{images: photography by diego uchitel via much love}