Thursday, March 31, 2011

design YOUR look.

lovelies, today i bring you my very first polyvore set!  this was such a fun challenge: my friend jess LC (see here) over at makeunder my life is having her readers design spring looks featuring her beautiful jewelry, and starting april 11, we can go over and vote for our favorites!  so here's my entry:
jess LC - design your look by aspotofwhimsy featuring messenger handbags

i wanted bright and sunny while taking into consideration the realities of chicago in the spring, hence the trench and the scarf!  i picture the girl in this outfit enjoying brunch with her girlfriends followed by an afternoon of window shopping on michigan avenue.  she'll swing by a flower shop on her way home for a fresh bouquet of tulips. 

xo. di.

*image via polyvore






Wednesday, March 30, 2011

over the moon.

i'm absolutely smitten with moon games, by astro-photographer laurent lavederhave a look:


 




these images are just the tip of the iceberg!  be sure to check out the rest of the series here.

xo. di.

p.s. thanks to julie for sending these to me!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

pantone.

until i became a blogger, i knew nothing about the color standardizing system for graphic design, fashion, interior design, paint, etc., or that one company - pantone - has been the global authority on it for almost fifty years.  needless to say, i'm still playing catch-up on my knowledge in this area.

pantone, with the help of designers, picks the top directional colors of each year, as well as one that rises above the rest.  by now many of you likely know that honeysuckle was selected as "color of the year" for 2011.  with spring now upon us, the color is popping up more and more, so i thought it was a good time to give it a closer look.



 {spring 2011 color palette, via pantone, read more about these colors here}

{fall 2011 color palette, via a little dash of ash, read more about these colors here}

 {designer sketches using honeysuckle, via pantone}

{celebs embracing honeysuckle, via a little dash of ash}

 {fashion + interior design inspiration, via seeing beauty}

 {perfect pairings with honeysuckle, via elements of style}

 {amazing pantone cookies by kim creative star}

{pantone mugs, via apartment therapy}

 {the pantone color of the year for the last decade plus, via the queue archive}

have you seen honeysuckle around lately?  keep your eyes peeled as we move further into the year!

xo. di.

*images as noted above

Monday, March 28, 2011

grateful: week 49

inspired by my reading of the happiness project by gretchen rubin, i am instituting monday "gratitude" posts (read here for more detail), where i will list "3 things i'm grateful for" from the previous week.

the 3 things i'm grateful for this week are:

1)  i made time for reading - a lot of it, actually!  i'm totally obsessed with the book series game of thrones.  midway through the 4-book series right now! 

2)  a midweek date night with the bf

3)  a simple weekend consisting of projects, sleeping in, and a sunday afternoon movie.

 {reading by the fake fire}

 {trying my hand at succulents}

 {sunday morning coffee, catching up on magazines + blogs}

this week's blog love:
here's to another grateful week. 

xo. di.

*images via my personal collection

Friday, March 25, 2011

legends: march.

the book legends by john miller catalogs "women who have changed the world."  given to me as a gift 8 years ago, it inspired me to dedicate the last friday of every month's post to a different legend (in my humble opinion).

this month's legend breaks my heart: the late elizabeth taylor.  oddly enough, i planned ms. taylor as the subject of this post just a day before her death.  when i heard the sad news on wednesday, i found it all the more fitting to pay tribute to the stunning legend this month. 

knowing of my love for classic movies, my friend c was shocked when she found out recently that i'd never seen the 1956 epic giant, and she wasted no time lending it to me.  the film, starring elizabeth taylor, rock hudson, and james dean, tells the story of the rise of the oil industry in texas through the struggles and triumphs of one ranch (albeit a large one) and the family who lives on it.  while watching the movie, i realized this was the first time i'd seen elizabeth taylor in anything other than the 1949 little women, when i was a little girl myself.  she hovers as a larger than life personality, but it was interesting to see her in action and in her heyday.  and her beauty is undeniable.

 {via}

{via}

 
{1, 2}

 {perhaps her most iconic role, as cleopatra, via}

{via}

 {clockwise top right: 1, 2, 3, 4}

 {via}

{via}

{before there was brangelina, there was liz 'n' dick, via}

one would find it hard to dispute that, although she had seven husbands, richard burton was the love of her life.  they met on the set of cleopatra, and although they were both married at the time, the chemistry portrayed in the film boiled over into real life, creating an unprecedented and unstoppable mega-watt star couple that overshadowed any work they did on screen.  although their marriages (yes, 2!) were tumultuous, it is interesting to hear that elizabeth, speaking to us magazine in late 2010, was still heart-broken that richard never won an oscar. 
 
it is unfortunate that my generation grew up knowing liz as little else than the somewhat eccentric spokesperson behind her many perfume lines and a good friend to michael jackson.  she is a woman who lived fully and passionately, albeit sometimes destructively, who won two oscars - for butterfield 8 in 1960 and who's afraid of virginia wolf in 1966 - and who spent her later years raising awareness and funds for hiv/aids research and treatment, a cause she took up when her good friend rock hudson was dying of the disease and before much of it was understood.  
 
from the washington post: more than for any film role, she became famous for being famous, setting a media template for later generations of entertainers, models and all variety of semi-somebodies.  she was the “archetypal star goddess,” biographer diana maddox once wrote.
 
"i never planned to acquire a lot of jewels or a lot of husbands...
for me, life happened, just as it does for everyone else."

xo. di.

*images as noted above

the IT list.

theitlist

Happy Friday folks... I hope you had a great week and an even better weekend planned!  Take some time to dive into these great links, there is so much great inspiration here!
  • mama loves papa is looking cowgirl-chic for sure, what with posing with cows and sporting some adorable cowboy boots.  I just love this look! (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
  • shen dove is rocking one of my favorite looks for spring... a maxi dress with tons of layers. Perfect for when you want to dress for spring, but still be warm! (find shen dove on twitter!)
  • the capital barbie features shimmery metallics to add to your wardrobe for spring. This little skirt is just TOO cute! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
  • a spoonful of dish rounds up her favorite pieces from the recently launched (or re-launched) Target GO Collection.  There are SO many good pieces to choose from!
  • daily crushes brings the sunshine to you with this gorgeous dress... and a gorgeous room. Both are sure to put a smile on your face!
  • turn up the rad finds an amazing rug style that I have never seen before called the Boucherouite.  They are so lovely and unique! (find turn up the rad on twitter!)
  • good tots features one simple maternity top in three great maternity outfits. If you have pregnant friends, or are expecting yourself - check out these great looks!
  • a spot of whimsy is internet-stalking (in the friendliest way possible, of course!) the first family of fashion - The Hilfigers.   How can you not love these classic preppy looks? (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
  • thought and musing goes all out with a vintage leopard print jacket.  This is such a fabulous piece and she carries it off so well - very fun!
  • rosy + tart has my mouth watering with this simple tomato soup recipe. I can never turn tomato soup down! Yum! (find rosy + tart on twitter!)
  • undeniable style is rocking these long wide leg jeans so well. I am smitten with this outfit... I just love a pop of red this season! (find undeniable style on twitter!)
  • rose a la mode snagged this ultra hip straw fedora hat for spring and summer - it will look so fab on her, I just know! How would you style it? (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
  • walking around {where the sidewalk begins} has me drooling over these sherbet-esque dining room chairs. Mmmmm, who doesn't love an ice cold bowl of sherbet? (find walking around on twitter)
  • good life for less released her spring + summer 2011 looks:book - get your copy now for all of your spring shopping needs.  It's like having a personal shopper for the season! (find good life for less on twitter!)
the IT list is organized by jill of good life for less, for information on participating, click here!

happy friday!

xo. di.

p.s. stay tuned for an extra-special legends post later today! 

Thursday, March 24, 2011

bubble.

this is the worst time of year for a mad men fan.  the previous season is long over.  the upcoming season is almost half a year away.  and season 5 is the hardest yet, with what is sounding like delays at best and no renewal (perish the thought!) at worst.  dark times, indeed, for those obsessed with all things don draper and peggy olsen.  at least season 4 is out on dvd next week!

so i clearly must get my 1960s fix elsewhere.  right now, it's through melvin sokolsky's photograph collection entitled bubble, shot for a spring of 1963 harper's bazaar.





 

what strikes many who see these photographs now is the fact that computers and photoshop could not be utilized to create these beautiful images.  the creativity involved in having actual bubbles (with models inside!) float over the city of paris is most impressive. 

be sure to look through the rest of sokolsky's magnificent bubble collection here.

xo. di.

*images found via for the love of bikes and black*eiffel

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

fresh look.

i am beyond thrilled today to introduce you all to my brand new header and blog button!  although i wish i was an artist or graphic designer, alas, i am not, and thus i turned to the sweet and uber-talented yee von chan of whimsy whimsical and yee von illustrations to create these lovely images for me.  this was the first time i've had someone create custom work for me, and i can't say enough what a joy it was working with yee von.  her art is understated while also drawing you in, and that's exactly what i wanted for the look of a spot of whimsy.  i hope you enjoy the new designs as much as i do - a fresh start for a new season!

i've already featured yee von's beautiful dream girl illustrations, but i have yet to introduce you to her adorable creations over at whimsy whimsicaltake a peek: 








 and feel free to grab the new button, if you are so inclined!
 

xo. di.

*all images created by yee von chan

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

things i heart: the hilfigers, spring edition

it's spring!!!  or at least the calendar says it is.  chicago is never totally sure until about may.  nevertheless, let's check in on our new favorite quirky+preppy family: the hilfigers.  last we left them, they were having the most fashionable tailgate i've ever seen.  and now, they're ready for a round of golf and a dip in the pool at el-country-de-la-club-ius.






here's a taste of the preppy-american-classic-with-a-twist (my expository name for one of my most favorite looks!) spring ready to wear collection:


and check out the rest of tommy's spring rtw line here.  now pardon me while i go grab my boat shoes out of storage in the hope of joining them!

xo. di. 

*image 1 & 2 via, image 3 via, image 4 via, image 5 via

Monday, March 21, 2011

grateful: week 48

inspired by my reading of the happiness project by gretchen rubin, i am instituting monday "gratitude" posts (read here for more detail), where i will list "3 things i'm grateful for" from the previous week.

the 3 things i'm grateful for this week are:

1)  winter is over (according to the calendar, at least)!

2)  with a little help from the bf, i finally got the rest of my pictures up on the wall (don't remind me that i moved in 9 months ago).

3)  broke out the colorful spring decor in the apartment (including these new sheets, a christmas present i finally get to use!) and said good-bye to the last of the wintery ones.

 {new sheets, rumpled, sunday morning}

this week's blog love:
here's to another grateful week.

xo. di.

*image via my personal collection

Friday, March 18, 2011

the IT list.

theitlist

Where is the month of March going? Another Friday is already upon us... take some time to be inspired by the great blogs I have rounded up today!  Happy weekend!
  • one hundred inspirations pulls together this Rachel Bilson look for less (less than $100 even!) - this is a perfectly simple look for spring and summer!
  • thought and musing takes a gloomy day and brightens it up with a bold blue top - I love how this color adds instant punch to any outfit!
  • a spot of whimsy features 'it' girl Amanda Seyfriend... it such a beautiful spotlight on such a uniquely gorgeous gal! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
  • rosy + tart gives a quick tutorial (it's so easy, it's hardly a recipe) on how to roast tomatoes and it has my mouth watering for farmer's market season! (find rosy + tart on twitter!)
  • second street east shows off some great home goods she found at The Foundary - I am loving this unique little side table! Decor blogs always have such a great inside track! (find second street east on twitter!)
  • the capital barbie scopes out sweet pleats for spring and summer - and shares her ideas on how to make pleats work for you! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
  • daily crush is loving the look of several stacked bracelets and I am too, what a fun and creative trend. She features inspiration and tips on how to get the look for yourself! (find daily crush on twitter!)
  • a spoonful of dish is inspired by Inslee Hayne's girly and chic illustrations. So cute!
  • undeniable style bought a very pretty small desk and gains inspiration on how to style it... if you are tight on space but still need a small work area, this is perfect! (find undeniable style on twitter!)
  • sweetie pie style is crushing on mini-bags... they are perfect with a sundress or shorts for spring and summer. I am loving them too! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
  • mama loves papa takes a vintage thrift store find and refashions it into something more current.  I 'sneaked' the before picture above... click through for the after! (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
  • keep collected is rocking the most perfect spring look in my opinion. The hair, the necklace, the jeans... I love the simple appeal.
  • shen dove style is spring-ready with a great cropped trench.  I just love trenches in any form lately and this look is amazing! (find shen dove style on twitter!)
  • walking around {where the sidewalk begins} has this pretty summer tunic on her wish list... I think it's on mine now as well. I love this for the beach or pool! (find walking around on twitter!)
  • rose a la mode sneak peeks some of her fashionable duds from the Texas Style Conference last weekend. I can't wait to hear more! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
  • turn up the rad takes $4 Anthropologie cloth napkins (four dollars!) and turns them into throw pillows. Ta-da! I love these kinds of DIY's! (find turn up the rad on twitter!)
    the it list is organized by jill of good life for less... for information on how you can be involved, click here!

    happy friday!
     
    xo. di.

    p.s. due to the nature of the it list, i wasn't able to fully participate in for japan with love
    which you may have heard about through other great blogs.  but this is the last you'll hear from me today, 
    and my thoughts and prayers are with the people of japan. 
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