Late Night Dreaming

It's been one of those days where I haven't had a single moment to take a break to post. And then like magic I happened upon Ryan's beautiful blog and the inspiration came pouring.

Ryan's dreamy images from a recent trip to a local tea shop are just the soothing touch I need to end my hectic day.

In my next life, I'd love to be a photographer. There's something so special about capturing a moment in time and interpreting it through your lens.

I like photography for the same reason I like poetry. It attempts to grab hold of a feeling and make it last forever.

Do you think it succeeds? Or is its meaning a living, breathing thing that changes over time?

Sweet dreams, lovelies. It's just about that time for me to reach for my lamp and turn off the lights on this day...

UNEXPECTED BLACK

Black is one of my favorite colors (one look at my closet says it all...) and I love finding it used in unexpected places: a bathtub, a cluster of vases, a fireplace mantle.

A touch of mystery and sophistication always has a way with my heart.

*images via domino and simply seductive

HOTLANTA, HERE WE COME!

This morning I'm headed to Atlanta for the Lavish! Conference and I couldn't be more excited! With hundreds of bloggers in attendance, this is sure to be an informative and stylish affair.

The Rue team is honored to be speaking at the conference. If you're attending, we hope you stop by Saturday at 3pm as we talk about a day in the life of Rue. Anne, Bri, Cassandra and I will all be there and we're looking forward to meeting you!

Saturday night Rue is throwing a big party for all attendees with the generous sponsorship of HGTV and others! Dancing (you'll love our DJ!), drinks (a few special holiday cocktails included!), a smilebooth (bring those pearly whites!), and our video guy (hello Rue movie!)...it's going to be a night you won't want to miss!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! Lavish! attendees....see you in Hotlanta!

xo,

Crystal

*images via kate spade and unknown

THE COLOR OF ROMANCE

As I was flipping through my inspiration file this morning, bold pinks kept catching my eye. And it got me thinking...

As a quiet hopeless romantic, I tend to gravitate towards soft pinks, but why not shout it out a little more often through the use of louder shades of the pretty color? After all, if our homes are reflections of who we are, shouldn't we say it 'proud and loud'?

"Almost all words do have color and nothing is more pleasant than to utter a pink word and see someone's eyes light up and know it is a pink word for him or her too." - Gladys Taber

*images via house beautiful, unknown, dress design decor

WINTER WHITES WITH HINTS OF BLUE

Who says white is just for summer? The bright color reminiscent of a pure bed of snow is just as stunning now as it is then.

Paired with a hint of blue, be it a bolster pillow, billowing curtain or painted wall, the feeling is always crisp and forever fresh.

Layer it with different shades of blue for a look that has dimension and depth. Mixing textures - velvet, tulle, and linen - helps too.

Aww...the visual equivalent of a day at the spa. Refreshing, rejuvenating, and fresh.

*images via Martha Stewart, Dress Design Decor, and Jeff Andrews Design

RUE: NOMINATED FOR FAVORITE ONLINE MAG OF 2010!

The Rue team and I are thrilled to be nominated amongst such great company for "Favorite Online Shelter Mag of 2010" over on CasaSugar today!

This journey has been nothing but gratifying and it's thanks to you, our dear readers, that we have the opportunity to bring you what we hope is a little inspiration bimonthly. It'd mean the world to us if you clicked over and cast your vote!

Many thanks to CasaSugar for the nomination and support!

xo,

Crystal

DECK THE HALLS WITH COCO + KELLEY

It pains me to admit I won't be decorating for the holidays this season. With my impending move and a whole lot of travel, it just doesn't make sense for me this year. Thankfully, I can get my holiday fix from people like the talented Miss Cassandra LaValle - style extraordinaire, Rue guest editor, and fabulous friend - who decorate gorgeous spaces like these.

I'm loving Cassandra's urban-sophisticate direction here. You can never go wrong with black and gold when trying to capture a more elegant and refined look for the holidays. The icing on the cake though is that peacock wreath above the bar cart. Nothing says "I'm style foward" like ditching evergreen branches in favor of feathers.

A little bling incorporated into the holiday decor in the form of a mirrored table and crystal candlestick holders is a brilliant way to up the wattage on your festive decor. I love the way Cassandra paired the more luxe look of shiny surfaces with the subdued feel of dusty black.

Finally, color coordinated presents and matching ornaments bring the look full circle and make for a perfectly styled holiday home!

*images via HGTV