In honor of my trip to New Orleans this weekend (leaving tonight!) I thought I’d share this decadent, beautiful home of “a Southern-born media executive in New York who wears clothes with great silhouettes and really fun modern jewelry from Africa or France. She collects contemporary photographs and art. Her husband is a food and wine writer, and at the drop of a hat they’ll give a party for 60 to 70.” from House Beautiful. I’m drooling. That’s who I want to be.

The homeowner shares, “I think I dreamed the house. When you bump into something that’s in your mind’s eye, you recognize it. What’s the French term? Coup de foudre— love at first sight. The house is like a character in our lives. In New York, our home is a condo. It’s mostly where we retreat to plug in our batteries. But this is a real house, big enough to gather all our friends into, with a dining room table sturdy enough to hold a suckling pig. This is so Southern — in my walled courtyard, I have my late grandmother’s gardenias planted. We brought them over from Alabama, stem by stem, with the roots in little jars of water. To sit near them reading the newspaper in my pajamas while listening to the New Orleans soundtrack of crickets, steamboat whistles, children playing, cathedral bells, and the pie lady selling pies — it’s divine.” Divinity indeed.

Leandra Medine (The Man Repeller). Love her, love her sharp tongue, love her blog, love all the recognition she’s getting and now am completely jealous of her clothes/shoes/bags/abode.

Images via The Coveteur. Top Image via The Man Repeller

As of Friday morning (the same day I woke up at 4am to watch the royal wedding) there was nothing packed in either Robert’s or my house. As of today, we are living in the new house. So… a lot went down over the last few days. There was rain, there was 40 degree weather, there were floods and not everything is complete… BUT! we spent the night there last night! I cannot put into words the relief I feel today as I think about my new home with the guy I love and our little doggies. More to come about decorating and the like…

I hope you had a good weekend!

Images: here & here

Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. I don’t believe that applies to art on the walls. When done right, a gallery wall can be spectacular. It can be done in any room, with or without a theme. It can cover a blank wall or a busy one, a small room or a large one…just make sure you’re happy when you walk in and don’t be afraid to take a few decorating chances.

via The Decorista

I am lucky enough to have a vanity. It’s a very special piece of furniture that was given to me by a dear friend of the family. It’s the essential piece for a lady that loves to get ready. That may not be every day but it does happen. I stumbled upon some gorgeous vanities on {this is glamorous}. I prefer the mirrored versions, you?

via {this is glamorous}, The Decorista

My sweet little vanity :)

I’m house-hunting again. Robert and I are trying to find a place for June 1 and I’m getting antsy. I’m hoping for a big backyard, a front porch, a cozy kitchen and lots of closet space. We’ll see what we end up with. Here are some (dream) spaces I’m loving…I’m trying to keep in mind I’ll be living with a boy. It should be interesting. All images via decor supersite Lonny. What are some of your favorite sites for decor inspiration?

Kitchen

Bath

Bedroom

Living

Dining

Office

I think you can.

This was stolen from my rediscovered college friend (and accomplished interior designer) Tina. She’s going to help us find out where to purchase. Check out her blog – Sweet on Design.

As the weather warms and the flowers bloom, I find myself attracted to preppy classics. There’s just something so fresh about clean lines and bright colors. I’m not going so far as to tie a sweater around my neck but I do have a certain fondness for madras and seersucker. I tend to veer towards the Jackie Kennedy or Kathryn Hepburn version of prep rather than Lilly Pulitzer. How about you?

Sources: Matchbook Mag, Prep Perfection, A woman of casual elegance, Nautical stripes and critter skirts, Just Madras, Pink Preppy

The sun always makes me want to roll out my bar cart.

via {this is glamorous}

I went to a very chic wedding event at Vs Mobley this weekend and fell head over heels in love with Matteo bedding. It is the most luxurious, lovely, simple, handmade, soft bedding ever. This stuff is going on our registry for sure.

images via: Sacremento Street, Matteo Home, Bobby Berk, Apartment Therapy