FASHION | FUNCTION: MARA HOFFMAN SPRING 2016

With scarf-covered long braids, you could tell Mara Hoffman was inevitably inspired by legend Willie Nelson for Spring 2016. Set against a field of grains, her show exemplified warm weather Americana. Hoffman, always known as being the balmy temp dressing expert, displayed flowy dresses and long prairie skirts with a cool, country vibe that Willie would pen a new song to. Mara's backdrop and garments with grain detail reminded me of dbo home's 'grain' porcelain platters. I first discovered dbo home at Burkelman Home---an amazing home store in Cold Spring, New York. Engrained prints, like lace, on beautiful platters, plates and bowls is what caught my eye. Each piece is hand cut making no two the same. Their 'grain' collection, with a simple and textured grain print, is exclusively available at Blue Hill at Stone Barns's Blue Hill Market---one of my absolute favorite places so it is only fitting that this post be made. 

Images from: Vogue Runway and @dbo_home

TAKE ME THERE: HILLSIDE SCHOOLHOUSE

I first discovered the quaint Hillside Schoolhouse via AndNorth---the wonderfully curated online guide to everything amazing about upstate New York. I am an avid reader of the site so when they featured Hillside Schoolhouse earlier last year I knew we had to go. The boutique inn, located near the New York | Pennsylvania border, in Sullivan County, was just as AndNorth had pictured and described. The owners purchased and overhauled the schoolhouse perfectly---converting it into a well-designed two bedroom getaway just two hours from the city. Since we decided to stay there during a quiet week of November, we were the only ones at the inn which was terrific. Therefore, we took full advantage of Hillside Schoolhouse by relaxing on the extremely long chesterfield sofas in the common living area, listening to records, reading and spending a lot of time looking in awe at all the design details and furniture pieces [many of which were made by Bronson, the owner, and are for sale]. We cannot wait to go back there! 

All images by: ME

INSPO: CAFE COLETTE

Yes, I am here. Injured, but I am here. I tore my ACL and meniscus skiing back in February in Utah and decided to have the repair surgery now. I am holed up in my apartment with my pup, Sinclair, after being taken care of by my parents at my house in Maryland. Going stir crazy and being a shut in has me itching to go to some of my favorite restaurants. One of which is Cafe Colette---nestled in Northern Williamsburg. It's a terrific brunch spot and has the most precious enclosed sunroom making it enjoyable year-round. Enjoy your polenta and eggs with shiplap walls, galvanized steel, and striped garden upholstery. We are currently on the hunt for a weekend farmhouse upstate and yes, I want to bring wood paneled walls back bringing some Cafe Colette with me up there.

All images by: ME 

PAJAMA DRESSING FOR FALL

Whoever came up with the trend of wearing pajamas during the day is a f*$king genius. I am totally on board with this look. Who doesn't want to be in their pajamas all day? I don't know about you but changing into my jammies is the first thing I do when I get home. If you want to adopt this day look, you could go all the way and have a full head-to-toe pajama outfit--minus the onesie--unless it looks as fabulous as the one on the bottom left, or gradually grasp this trend by wearing just jammie bottoms or a top. Make sure to brush your hair and get the twinkles out of your eyes! 

From left to right: The Sartorialist | Harper's Bazaar | Vogue Italy | Harper's Bazaar

KNOLL PLATNER CHAIR

My love for Knoll's Platner Chair is strong. Not only is it a fashionable chair but it is also comfortable with its cushiony upholstery. It is a chair that has transcended the decades and looks amazing in rooms of today. And it is even more incredible because it comes in an array of colors as shown above! Now for the price...

Images from: Field Stone Hill Design | New York Magazine | The Socialite Family | Jacquelyn Nicole

COVETING: ARMY BOMBER JACKET

I already have a few iterations of army jackets in my closet, but olive green is considered a 'neutral' color in my eyes. So it's no surprise that the latest army green jacket that is on my radar is a bomber jacket. This style gives that 'tough' look exterior but I love dressing it up with lace and florals. Here are a few that I found: Nasty Gal's Army of One's Bomber Jacket | Urban Outfitters Light Before Dark Bomber Jacket | MissGuided Soft Touch Bomber. Da Bomb...The Bomber Jacket. 

Images from: New York Magazine The Cut | Haute Pursuit | Who What Wear

FASHION | FUNCTION: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN SPRING 2016

Alexander McQueen's Spring 2016 collection was unbelievably romantic. Utterly gorgeous, it consisted of so many feminine elements: ruffles, embroidery, and most importantly florals. Some of my favorite pieces of the collection consisted of these beautiful botanical prints. They looked like clothing out of a Jane Austen novel. You know, something Mister Darcy would adore on you. I love the look of having botanical prints like these beautifully incorporated into your home. Framed in your living room or over your desk, they would bring a romantic, English garden tone. Prints like these can be found on Etsy of you can track down a book of botanicals and rip the pages out to create the looks above. 

Images from: Matches Fashion | Vogue Runway | Honey and Fitz | Domino