Paris, je t'aime ♥

What could be more romantic than an afternoon spent wandering around the most impossibly romantic city of all ... Paris. Alicia Bock's beautiful photography perfectly captures the city at its most magical. I'd love to spend the rest of the week walking through this entire collection.
{For those of us who can't get away...}

{All photos: Alicia Bock Photography: I Love Paris in the Springtime}

Sexy little somethings...

Valentine's Day never leaves without the mention of delicate, little sexy somethings - whether it's something silky you slip on to sleep, or something lacey beneath your outfit. My friend's mum always used to tell us, what you wear on the outside is for everyone else, what you wear on the inside is just for yourself. There's something special about the confidence it brings you and the allure of a little secret. Whether or not you choose to share is up to you...

{Photos: Natalia Vodianova for Etam Spring 2010, via FashionGoneRogue}

A soft rose glow...

The warm blush from a first kiss, the soft flutter of flower petals in Spring, the luminescent sky as the sun sets... it seems like some of the most magical things in life come in soft pink.

What could be more appropriate to lead into Valentine's week than the shade that makes everyone glow. Unlike firey hot red which can seem too aggressive and be somewhat draining, the warmth of pink welcomes you in like a soft blanket and leaves you feeling comforted and completely smitten - just like a fine romance. It has a certain relaxed and understated tone that set the tone for romantic lounging and relaxation.

{Photos: 1- Shanna Faust via Arianna Belle, 2- Domino magazine via this is glamorous,3- Lucina Moodey via Desire to Inspire 4- Mike Daines for Elle Decoration Dec'02 via Moodboard, 5- Polly Wreford for At Home with White, via DressDesignDecor}

Happy {romantic} Monday...

Do you believe in love at first sight?



{Photos: AliciaBockPhotography}

Flower power: DIY felt flower pillows

Feeling a little crafty this weekend? Ready to transform your space with a little DIY magic?

I'm itching to try my hand at this gorgeous Felt Flower pillows from the purl bee.

Such a bold, colourful statement that would look beautiful in almost any colour combination you can think of! Get the step by step tutorial here, then sit back and wait for all the compliments to start flooding in! (Trust me, there will be loads!)

{All photos: the purl bee}

Artist spotlight: Sandra Suy

I've been quite captivated by the illustration of Sandra Suy. Clean, crisp lines accented with flashes of beautiful, bright colour. Intricately exquisite and yet understated all at once.

No surprise then that I was especially excited to see the give-away for one of her beautiful prints at Dustjacket Attic, head on over to enter here.

{All images: Sandra Suy on Etsy}

A little cheese, if you please...

Life's little moments are definitely worth celebrating - and what better way to do this than enjoying one of life's greatest pleasures - eating delicious food. There are few things in life I enjoy more than cheese, (I swear, I'm part mouse!) so I was particularly taken with this delectable spread. Elevate your next get together by making it a simple wine and cheese. Friends can bring some bottles to share and you can provide a simple cheese spread. Thoughtful details - simple all white vase and tulips and a beautifully illustrated key to your cheese tray -printed out, oreven simple sketches in thick black pen on heavier stock white paper will look chic + add such a thoughtful detail.

This beautiful spread was styled and photographed by Karen Mordecai of Sunday Suppers, visit her beautiful blog for so many delicious images and recipes.

{Photos + Styling: Karen Mordecai, Assistant stylist: Lizzy Sall for Sunday Suppers}

Must read: Nonpareil Magazine

So excited to see a brand new online magazine on the scene! With so many beloved shelter magazines closing their doors, new online magazines like Lonny and now Nonpareil are stepping up to help fill the void. Budget savvy brides-to-be will be absolutely thrilled to see Nonpareil's lineup of clever DIY ideas (complete with tutorials), printable templates and budget friendly decorating ideas (like this gorgeous table setting, below) will leave you excited to try.

Not getting married? You can use all of these ideas for your next party (what better excuse do you need to throw one?) or for gift giving ideas.
Go look now!

{Photos: Jackie Wonders for Nonpareil magazine discovered at for design's sake}

i Care!

{... + another brilliant reason why I need an iPhone!}

Nothing makes me happier than finding a beautiful product with an even better message behind it. I was especially thrilled to see this new iPhone case designed by artist Scott Wilson, with 100% of the proceeds going to the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts in Haiti, it's a fantastic way to make a stylish statement and show support for the people of Haiti who desperately need it.

Scott was inspired by the vibrant colours of Haitian markets - the scene is abstracted through fracturing and rebuilt to form this beautiful mosaic. I think the message behind this is especially poignant - right now Haiti is in a state of fracture but together we can help to rebuild it into something beautiful. So treat your tech-y gadgets to a beautiful facelift, show your support for Haiti and help to send an important reminded to yourself and others about the ongoing need for support. We are all connected - show you care! Get it here.

{Image: UnCommon, discovered via StyleatHome}

Good Morning + a thought...

{I really need to remember this at the moment!}

Wishing you a bright and sunshiney day (on the inside!)




{Photo: Shannon Fricke for Country Style Magazine, also seen at Decor8}

Flakes + Flowers

Delicate cut-outs in soft petals and flakes add beautiful texture as light peaks through leaving a lacey silhouette. These intricate panels designed by Mia Cullin for Woodnotes are crafted from Tyvek and are created by slipping the individual pieces together to form a large net-like pattern. They would be beautiful used as a window cover in a bathroom or bedroom.

{Photos: Flake+Flower by Woodnotes via Living with White}

White + Whimsy

Hard to believe that this bright airy space is actually a garage converted into a studio for designer Neil Stemmet. Little pops of colour and bursts of butterflies make this clinical white space suddenly welcoming (and a little whimsical). Just goes to show, the one step between a dingy space and a chic transformation is often just a single coat of white paint.

{Photos: Neil Stemmet for Elle Decoration South Africa, Issue 67}