and so it is, three months into 2011 – here’s to a killer march, onward to spring.

image kudos

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in full awards show swing, the academy awards were certainly no disappointment. i adore seeing which gowns the celebrities + their stylists choose, especially when the vintage collections come out. so many designers. and so, here were my favorite picks of neutral gowns from last night.

gwenyth paltrow was an oscar herself in that gorgeous golden gown, my favorite of the night – i adored the bottom hem line and simple fabrication.  halle berry, always a vision, in champagne + sparkle marchesa.  hilary swank in gucci, i adore the fade and simplicity of the elongated top.

which were your favorite gowns?

oh my! we had the loveliest time over at the switch modern event to enjoy the architectural beauties of the talented keith summerour. because “modern” was in the name, I assumed this might be more a gig for christina but oh, no no. so many gorgeous finds for us both to enjoy.

these were a few of my favorites: my *most* amazing find was this poppy hanging lamp by designer Christine Manguerra, these rustic little wooden side tables, and these really smart looking felt bowls that I first spotted at the January Gift Show from Graf & Lantz. can’t wait for the next event to swoon over the new finds.

variety is the spice of life. that gives it all its flavor – william cowper

via williams-sonoma.

if there is one makeup rule that is tried & true, it is to spotlight only one feature at time. of course for me, i prefer a simple palette to obtain that classic look, vamping up just the eyes or just the lip to add that piece of glam we all want to achieve. i adore above all else a simple, nude lip to get that perfect pout.

i prefer this nude tint from laura mercier – do you have a favorite?

oh, to get away. especially this time of year, as spring is slowly nudging it’s way back into the world {and i do mean slowly}. february is a lovely time to escape &  i have long been wanting to stay at the little pond inn in north carolina, an area near and dear to my heart. the rustic simplicity of this inn makes me swoon for a soon-to-be spring vacay.

to dine in neutral simplicity is to sit upon this glorious wicker seating, among the cast metal and elm wood with stacks of mismatched white pottery. and, the rope tie-back detail on the curtains, swoon.

tabletop experience via restoration hardware

fashion week is in full force and I am all over the neutral femininity of the spring collection from bcbgmaxazria. the perfect combination of frilly + indie detailing + classic cuts, i love the way the whole collection compliments itself.

what neutrals are your fav from fashion week? we want to know!

images from bcbgmaxazria

i know what you’re thinking … this might go against my “rustic elegance” love for design at first glance, but oh no, not a chance! as i flipped thru my west elm catalog, this wide stripped bedding caught my eye instantly.

i can’t get enough of the strength of this fab grey of course, but the stripes instantly took me away to outfitting the most rustic of beach cottages. the cleanliness of the bedding allows it to easily be paired with some worn beadboard or seriously distressed plank flooring.  i love this ensemble, so classic yet can work in so many ways.

pretty shot via west elm

march is a pivital month to me. a month of growth. the start of things fresh. bulbs peeking their heads. robins eggs hatching + the month i was born. happy march everyone + let this be a month of growth + inspiration for you.

lots of black + neutral goodness on the not so neutral carpet at the oscars last evening. so many lovely styles + if lavender was a neutral, mila kunis would definitely be a top runner on my picks with the absolutely sensational elie saab gown. melissa in marc bouwer looking full of spring + structured femininity. the shoes peeking through couldn’t have fit more perfectly. annette always a stunner staying classic yet trendy  in her sparkly black appearing as though she walked straight from the roaring twenties in a dress that is truly timeless + ageless.  anne appeared to have alot of fun in the lovely gold + blush – toned dress + rightfully so. sparkly with an heir to vintage stole the show in my opinion.

blown away by an event ashley + i were recently invited to attend over at switch modern. they  have an absolute plethora of items. interestingly enough, items that mix + match ashley + my styles together. a bit of modern + bit of rustic. great eclectic combinations. i have selected a few of my favorite finds, but let me just tell you i could easily choose 50 just off the top of my head.  the ultima thule cocktail, the blow up table , the jackie bed (although i would LOVE to see it in tobacco leather).

..or so my gram likes to say.

as if chanel was not fabulous enough – but now they have done this lovely photo-styling work with their make up line. is this not sensational?

simply + honestly put.

via

this dining experience from design within reach has just the perfect balance of curves, organic +  crisp clean mid century modern styling.  add a few candles + some single blooms + the space is just about perfect.

philip lim is one of my absolute favorite designers + his looks from NY fashion week were all i hoped for. these are two dresses i need to get into my closet asap.  perfectly modern + feminine. + have you seen his new lingerie / lounge line?

is there anything more fabulous than the perfect bedding. my preference is a cream, textural spread coupled with the perfect pairing of sheets, + of course neutral. this west elm pairing of the organic ikat sheets with the lexington quilt is just right up my ally