Finding Vivian Maier

This past weekend, my roommates and I went to an exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center that I had been wanting to check out for some time. "Finding Vivian Maier" is a captivating collection of street style photography from an artist whose work was not discovered until after her death.

Born in New York to Austrian and French immigrant parents, and spending some of her formative years in France, [Vivian Maier] eventually ended up in Chicago as a nanny to wealthy North Shore clients, but her passions ran much deeper. Over 100,000 negatives and more than 3,000 prints of her massive body of work were discovered [by writer John Maloof] in an estate auction shortly before her death in 2009.

While not much is known about Maier herself or her reasons for keeping her photographs hidden, this first exhibition of her work reveals a keen eye for observing the people and fashions of Chicago in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

-explorechicago.org

Maloof now chronicles his adventures through a blog as he develops her film and uncovers pieces of the mysterious puzzzle that was Vivian's life. Keep up with his discoveries by following his blog here. But, if you can make it to the exhibit before it ends on April 3, I'd highly recommend it.

Dreaming of... Perfect Powder Rooms

There's something very intriguing about powder rooms that I just can't put my finger on. I think I like the idea of having a little jewel box in a home where you can experiment with (and indulge in) bold colors, textures, and fixtures that you might otherwise be hesitant to use in a larger room. Because the surface area is minimal, you can splurge on decadent wallpaper, or try out an intricate painting technique or pattern. I also LOVE the impact a small chandelier makes in a powder room- what a pleasant surprise for guests to walk into! Decorating the powder room is a quick and affordable way to add some personality and design to your home and explore your own creativity and aesthetic.

Images via 1/2/3/4/5

Animal Kingdom

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a serious weakness for animal jewelry. The gaudier the better.

When I think animal jewelry, Kenneth Jay Lane's enamel and jeweled pieces usually come to mind. But I was pleasantly surprised to see a collection of critters taking over the current jewelry line at Rachel Rachel Roy- and all at very reasonable prices! I'm particularly partial to the rings (*hint hint- my birthday is coming up!), but there are necklaces, bracelets, and rings as well!

Hummingbird Ring $44

Turquoise Snake Ring $48


Bird Skull Ring $38

Beetle Ring $50

Night Sky Ring $42 (OKAY, so this isn't an animal, but I love it!)

The Mondrian SoHo

Earlier this month, the Mondrian SoHo opened in NYC. Interior designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz was inspired by Jean Coucteau's 1946 French fantasy film "La Belle et la Bete" (more commonly known as "Beauty and the Beast") to create this blue-and-white fairy tale of a hotel.

Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy

I love the idea of Etsy, but I often find it hard to navigate, and even harder to find something actually worth purchasing. So when I came across Italian artist Vincenzo Rizzo's page, I was thrilled at how many pieces I was actually DYING to have! His mixed media collection is a series of breathtaking portraits where color, texture, and emotion combine.

He sells both original paintings ($90), and print copies of his paintings ($15). There is a limited edition of 100 of each print, and each one is numbered and signed by the artist.

"UV" print

"NaturAL" print

"drinking my tears" print

"Resistance" original painting (pastel)

Dabble In It

Another online magazine was unveiled earlier this month! Canadian newcomer Dabble sets itself apart from other online lifestyle magazines (such as Rue and Lonny) by featuring content on design, travel, AND food! What's not to love?! Some of the inaugural issue's highlights include: a peek into 40 WiNKS- an exclusive London hotel with only two rooms available; travel guides to Nashville and Prague; and instructions for DIY sushi. Definitely worth checking out!

The House That Jimmy Choo Built

An oldie but a goodie- last August, Harper's Bazaar featured this look into the New York apartment of Tamara Mellon, owner of Jimmy Choo shoes, and I still can't get enough!

There are so many things RIGHT with this picture.

Tamara and her daughter, Minty, in the entry.

Mellon's upstairs living room. I love the mixture of textures and patterns.

Mellon worked with interior designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard to create the formal sitting room.

And, of course, her beyond-enviable closet where she houses her more than 1,000 pairs of shoes.

Terai Folding Chairs

I'm crazy about these Terai folding chairs from Anthropologie. The bohemian feel of the wood combined with the gorgeous ethnic fabric make these look like pieces you've picked up during a Moroccan vacay.

I would choose one to use as a desk chair (my favorite is the Red Ikat), or put one of each pattern around a rustic dining room table like this one. Check out the rest of them here.

I Love Lonny

It's here! The March/April 2011 issue of Lonny Magazine launched last night, and it's certainly been keeping me entertained (or distracted) today. For those who aren't familiar, Lonny is a bi-monthly online magazine that focuses on lifestyle and home decor. This issue is especially packed with endless eye candy and inspiration, so be sure to check it out!

In this issue...


Much needed career and life advice from interior design icon (and one of my idols) Kelly Wearstler, and peaks into her DREAMY office in LA.

"Accessorize with Flair" with the owners of elite interiors shop FLAIR. Useful tips on how to create your own custom vignette by mixing unexpected accessories such as old books, chic boxes, small sculptures, and scented candles.

In "Eclectic Ingenuity," Colleen Locke transforms her 1960s Cape Cod home/barn into a treasure trove of vintage finds. I love how the juxtaposition of the barn's rustic framework and the chic vintage decor results in a surprisingly modern-looking space.

Color Combo I'm Loving

Black & Orange

I have a serious crush on this Chloe' bag. The black and orange color combo (along with the touch of burlap) is so unexpected and fresh for Spring/Summer. I usually shy away from color combinations that are synonymous in my mind with holidays, companies, rituals, etc. (black & orange= Halloween, red & green= Christmas, red & yellow= McDonald's), but this bag and the rooms below are definitely making me second guess myself. Stark black accents are the perfect complement to this deep orange hue. Instead of spooky and autumnal, they look rich, elegant, and surprisingly neutral!

Images via 1, 2

Floor Fashion

The Rug Company- a London-based retailer, now with select locations in the US (including Chicago)- has collaborated with some A-list designers to come up with their exclusive Designer Collection. They really are pieces of artwork for your floor (made obvious by the prices), but if you can invest in one it would be a fabulous piece to own.

The ones I'm drooling over:

Climbing Leopard- Diane Von Furstenberg

Feathers- Alexander McQueen

Zap- Fiona Curran

Tribe- Matthew Williamson

Peacock Light- Matthew Williamson

Happy Hour

High on my apartment lust list is a bar cart. I have been noticing them on some of my favorite design blogs, and I think they make the perfect decorative-yet-functional touch to any living room. Ideally, I'd want to thrift a unique, vintage cart, and fill it with an eclectic collection of funky glassware and expensive liquors in antiqued bottles (I'd keep my real stash of Svedka and Captain safely in the freezer, obviously). Cheers!

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5