Love this Boutique!

Thanks to Facebook, I found Ruche.com tonight. Ruche is a "vintage inspired boutique with a modern touch" according to founders Mai and Josh Olivo. The couple created the on-line boutique as a hobby in 2005 because of Mai's love of vintage and unique fashion. Their hobby turned into a successful business after a few years, enabling both Mai and Josh to quit their day jobs in the corporate world. Thus, making Ruche their full time gig. Ruche offers small boutique and indie fashion brands at affordable prices.

Head on over to Ruche and check it out. I promise, you will not be disappointed. Ruche offers fab finds including clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry and even small home/office accessories. What's more? Sizes range from XS to plus sizes, truly a little something for everyone. Oh yeah, while your there be sure to read their charming and inspiring story here and their blog here. Here are a few of my faves. Enjoy!

Loving the camera carrying case and the hedgehog paper clips. I know my daughter would go crazy for the animal erasers and the "Little Red" sticky tape dispenser.

It is a gift...

I snapped this pic on a gloomy day last week. Beyond this grey sky was a beautiful silver-lined, puffy, white cloud. Made me think of one of my fave songs by 311. So I'm sharing it with you, enjoy and have a great day!

Abby's Afters!!

Last year I did an eDesign for Abby, which was a birthday present from her daughter Luanne. Luanne had just completed her bedroom makeover (stunning!) and wanted to help her mom transform her traditional bedroom into a tranquil retreat. Here are Abby's before pics and AMAZING AFTERS!! Wow, great job girls!

You can check out the complete plan with design board and floor plan here.

Royal Wedding

Today, April 29, 2011, Prince William of Wales (full name William Arthur Philip Louis Mountbatten-Windsor) married Miss Catherine Elizabeth Middleton. Queen Elizabeth II has bestowed each with new titles, Prince William will now be known as Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus and Kate will now be known as Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn and Baroness Carrickfergus. Kate arrived on-time at 11:00 a.m. this morning to Westminster Abbey in a beautiful gown designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Kate chose to travel to her wedding as a true Britsh citizen, via a Rolls-Royce Phantom VI rather than the traditional horse and carriage.

Images courtesy of USA Today

The Royal Wedding is truly that of a modern day fairytale. After 9 years of courting, William proposed to Kate while on safari in Africa. Kate is the first true commoner to marry royalty in 350 years. Yes, Princess Diana was considered a British citizen, she however hailed from aristrocratic roots as she descended from King Charles II and her father (Edward) John Spencer, known as Earl Spencer was a personal aide to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II and also was also a godson of Queen Mary. Kate, a true fairytale bride, will one day be Queen of England, alongside her King, William. They are most relatable royal couple in history. A Royal Fairytale if you ask me.

I couldn't gloss over the prescence of William's ex-girlfriend, Arabelle Musgrave. Mainly because she stood out in true fairytale spirit, looking the part in her crimson Gucci gown and Philip Treacy headdress (or fascinator).

Image via Good + Glam

I love the 20 foot tall maple trees that lined the processional, their green branches made Westminster Abbey look so soft and romantic.

Top Notch

I really enjoyed the "2 for the road" fashion spread in the March 2001 issue of Lucky Mag. Mostly because I am a fan of the updated sixties attire that has been dominating the runways for the past few years. Offbeat patterns, high waists and tailored cuts have always been some of my fashion faves. But most of all I LOVE that a Scala hat was used in the shoot. (Pictured below: Coral Scala Collezione hat, worn by the model on the left.) Years ago my mom bought me a Scala hat just like it, only it was white with large coral polka dots and yes...I still have it. Of course, over the years my collection has grown, choosing from a rainbow of options and different styles has made it pretty easy.

Via LuckyMag.com

Images courtesy of Dorfman Pacific.

Dorfman Pacific offers affordable hats in a wide variety of styles and sizes (including infant, children, women's and men's). These are by far my favorite go-to toppers! View the Dorfman Pacific on-line brochure here.

Eclectic Electric

Here are a few unique and glam light fixtures I've found in my travels. My favorite is definitely this Spectacle Chandelier by Stuart Haygarth. At first glance I didn't know the "crystal" drops were glasses. I LOVE the repurposed "shades". SPECTACLE + FUNCTION = GLAM. Very nice.

Spectacle Chandelier by Stuart Haygarth

Madeline Boulesteix Handmade Crystal Cup Chandelier

Vespa and Motorcycle Light Lamps

Geoffrey Bradfield

Here are some works of art by Designer Geoffrey Bradfield, read more about this accomplished, South African now New Yorker here. His range of style spans from traditional to eclectic and he is a color magician. Bradfield and his Associate/Company VP Roric Tobin have offices in New York, Palm Beach and Dubai. Enjoy!

Oceanfront Apartment

Kip's Bay Showhouse

Escape Hatch

Manhattan Townhouse

Manhattan Townhouse

Palm Beach Art Deco

Smythe Does it Right

If you are a big fan of Designer Sarah Richardson and have ever watched any of her shows, then you probably adore her punchy sidekick Tommy Smythe like I do. Want to know more about Tommy? Then head on over to Style at Home.com and check out "20 Questions with Tommy Smythe", you'll find out that Tommy's favorite spaces to decorate are halls and passageways. Also, see Tommy's Stylish Suite featured on Style at Home.com here. My favorite part of his pad is his stylish black closet. Check out Tommy on Apartment Therapy this past fall and see how his style has progressed.

Pure Design

Designer Samantha Pynn of HGTV's (US and Canada) show Pure Design has been hitting the nail on the head with her style and eco-conscious designs. Here are a few before and afters from the show. Find our more about Samantha here and watch the show on HGTV (US) Thursdays at 8:30/7:30c.