Countdown to Spring!

As the official start of Spring approaches I will be sharing a few of my favorite things about the loveliest of seasons each week...

Fedora by J.Crew, Leather blazer by Theory, Scarf by Matthew Williamson

Bracelet by Oscar de la Renta, Dress by Diane von Furstenberg, Sandal by Givenchy

Striped rug by Dwell Studio, Shorts by Madewell, Bikini top and bottom by Milly, iPad case by Marc by Marc Jacobs

Napkins by John Robshaw, Plate by DVF Home, Glass by Anthropologie, Striped hat by J.Crew, Bocce set, 

Custom ice bucket by Iomoi, Acrylic Tray by Jonathan Adler

Check-in next week for a few more of my favorite things of Spring - 16 days and counting...

Have a great weekend!

Amazing Alexa

I was totally captivated by these images of Alexa Chung in this week's Net-a-Porter magazine. It proves what we already knew, but is still utterly annoying - Alexa looks divine in everything...

This red lace Erdem dress is going to the top of my lust-list. Insanely gorgeous!

To see more from Alexa's shoot and read her style tips visit Net-a-Porter. 

Are you a Matchbook Girl?

Matchbook Mag debuted their sophomore issue last night and I am readily identifying with the list of traits that describe the matchbook girl. Particularly "considers picnicking an outdoor sport" (although one I love)...

I am thrilled to see that one of my favorite fashion designers, Chris Benz, graces the cover this month...

After winning the CFDA/Emerging Designer Award upon graduation, Chris went on to start his own line at only 24 years old. I personally love his use of color and play on "sportswear."

I was very pleased to learn that Chris is one of the few designers who still manufactures his clothes locally in the garment district.

Almost all of the items in his apartment were purchased on eBay! I could use a serious eBay tutorial for him...

A few of my favorite Chris Benz Spring '11 looks:

*All images from Chris-Benz.com

For must-have reads, a travel guide to Berlin, preppy classics, interviews with wonderfully talented creative minds, and much more check out issue 2 of Matchbook Mag. This new online launch shows no signs of slowing down! 

And to purchase any Chris Benz pieces check out Shopbop.

Let it Rain!

Suddenly the rainy forecast for the week isn't looking so bad...

Kate Spade

Artist Crush: Hayley Gaberlavage

While looking at new paintings by one of my favorite New Orleans artists, Amanda Talley, I stumbled upon Hayley Gaberlavage. I was immediately drawn to the humor in her art combined with the inspiration of her Southern roots. 

Hayley studied Interior Design before receiving her Masters in Fine Arts at Savannah College of Art & Design. She now lives and works in New Orleans. 

"In my paintings I contemporize the out-dated. With a sentiment for bygone attitudes and appearances, my acrylic on paper, canvas and panel paintings shimmy in two directions: towards the decorative, where I explore long-time infatuation with design, and in a sociological portraiture where innocence is equally dispersed amongst irreverent youth and the blue collar Americana of my Alabama roots." (Hayley Gaberlavage)

"My technique of evaporating background into swarthy brushstrokes allows time into the work, the acknowledgment of memory, which is imperfect, always unfinished, and congruous to the retro aesthetic and mood." (Hayley Gaberlavage)

Hayley and Amanda recently launched Transport Studio: a forum for collectors to obtain the works of featured artists at a discount for a limited time. They recently kicked things off with a 3-day sale, but look forward to more opportunities to purchase a beautiful piece in the future as Transport Studio grows.