Pinterest Preoccupation

Sometimes I can’t decide which piques my interest more: Instagram or Pinterest. Both are, undeniably, fantastic time sucks –I prefer Instagram throughout the day (where, for some reason, I’m particularly drawn to inane shots of meals, outfits, buildings, jewelry and the like), but there’s nothing better than curling up in bed at night with Pinterest on your iPad and combing through the trendy inspirational images floating around out there in cyberspace.

I’ve collected quite a variety of boards in my pinning career thus far, but for reasons that I hope you see here, one of my all-time favorites is one that I like to call “Hide & Seek.” May these fun images inspire you to have a weekend full of whimsy, intrigue, peace and quiet.

P.S. To explore more of my Pinterest collection, follow me here. 

Magpie Manse

I’ve been spending an inordinate amount of time on home design blogs lately. Although I’m not entirely bored with our current set up, we’ve been in this condo for over three years, and we’ve filled it with just about as much décor as it can handle. So until we relocate, or we reconsider some of our current not-so-gently-used pieces, I will have to live out my interior decorating fantasies online. Here are a few gilded pieces that recently caught my eye and which would be perfect to incorporate into any home as the weather cools off.

1. Archipelago Botanicals Black Forest Candle, $29
2. Land of Nod Charming Hamper (snakes not included), $89
3. Rablab Kiva Agate Platters, $398 each
4. Land of Nod Gold Clip Lamp, $59
5. Wind and Willow Bowls, $32 each 
6. West Elm Whiskey Bottle, $29 
7. Jonathan Adler Metallic Lantern Gourd Vase, $98
8. Jayson Home and Garden Marble Salt and Pepper Cellars, $108

New Leaf

Accented my blowout and new Phillip Lim x Target shirt with a marabou pouf

It’s fitting that the first day of fall was this past weekend, as it seemed to usher in an era of transition. I unpacked some warmer clothes, got a new haircut, and added a few new accessories to the mix as the weather leveled off and stuck around the mid 60s. We went into the City for a couples dinner, where I caught up with friends who are busy leading their adult lives all across Chicagoland, and then we headed up to Waukegan to walk another leg of the Des Plaines River Trail (our last visits documented here and here) and to kiss my boyfriend’s childhood home goodbye for the last time. It was a poignant moment that officially put the summer behind us and encouraged us look forward to new places, experiences and traditions. 

The numerology possibilities for my fingers are endless thanks to my new rings

Admiring the convergence of Mill Creek and the Des Plaines River (and one of my first hot drinks of the season)

One last glance before leaving for the final time

We skipped Sunday night dinner in favor of bowls of popcorn, Breaking Bad and the Emmys

Wright On

We recently found ourselves with a rare free sunny afternoon, and so we decided to check something off of the list of activities that we’ve been wanting to do for far too long: wander around Oak Park and marvel at some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s early masterpieces.

If there’s one thing that my boyfriend and I share after watching hours of Curb Appeal and Power Broker, it’s an appreciation for the Prairie, Arts & Crafts, and Craftsman styles of architecture. Oak Park is the perfect place to get your fill of all of these and more.  If you’re in the area and you find yourself with a few hours to kill this weekend, consider strolling along these forested, sun-dappled neighborhood streets. For a $5 donation, you’ll get an easy-to-follow area map and a glimpse at some amazing design details. Oh, and also an intense yearning to read Loving Frank—consider it moved to the top of my list now. 

Fall Fashion

I’ve found myself gravitating towards sultrier pieces in anticipation of the new season. As the weather cools off, I plan to try a few trends that I don’t often incorporate into my wardrobe: graphic sweatshirts, toughened-up leather boots, heavier makeup, and chunky accessories.  These are the items that are on my wish-list right now to help me achieve the look that I’m after….

1. Benefit Bad Gal Lash, $19
2. Karen Walker Super Duper Strength Sunnies, $280
3. Forever 21 Countdown Midi Rings, $5.80
4. J. Crew Studs and Stones Embroidered Necklace, $198
5. Hudson Encke Buckle Booties, $298
6. Estee Lauder Pure Color Lip Shine in X-Pose Rose, $26
7. Forever 21 Dazzling Sequin Lips Sweatshirt, $22.80
8. 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Mini Satchel, $35