Guest Post: Daniella of Dress Design Decor

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! San Francisco last week was absolutely lovely (as was the Man in Blue Blazer) and now we're in Los Angeles for the second leg our of California home tours for Rue! I'm headed out the door now to one of the homes (so excited!) so without further ado, here's the always stylish Daniella of Dress Design Decor with what summer means to her...

Summer time for me, is all about the sunshine. I love packing a picnic and heading to the lake for the day. With good food and the sun sparkling off the water, it's my favourite summer pastime. Also can't forget to get a few clippings of sweet smelling roses... in full bloom, at the height of Summer, they always remind me of my Grandfather, who used to grow them all along the driveways edge... all different kinds and colours to enjoy. There's a reason why they say to "Stop and smell the roses..."

Happy Summer!

*images via Nicolas Routzen, South of Market, From Me to You

Guest Post: Hilary of Hilary Inspired

Well, I'm off to LA from San Francisco today for three more Rue photo shoots and a very special wedding! SF was a dream -- the people I met, the laughs we had, and the places I saw. I can't wait to be back in this beautiful city again! But now, please welcome our guest blogger Hilary of Hilary Inspired. Her blog is one you'll want to get familiar with. The writing is beautiful and the content is always fresh. Here's what summer means to Hilary...

A Summer Glow: Boiled down to its essence, summer always brings to mind a few simple things. Leaving the house, exploring outdoors, finding excuses, wherever possible, to enjoy the seasonal beauty...this is the first on my list. Some might chose a seat on the front porch with a cold glass of iced tea, others might take a bike ride at the local park or go on a walk with the dogs. Regardless of the activity, these warm weather happenings leave us all with one, common feature...a healthy summer glow.

Relaxing by the Water: Being a summer baby, I always looked forward to rowdy birthday parties by the pool. Now, I find myself enjoying more mature weekend cruises on the lake with family and friends. The calming roll and rhythmic crash of water and waves has a predictable affect on me...complete relaxation.

Sleeping In: Lastly, no summer list would be complete without regard to the greatest luxury, sleeping in. I'm sad to say my days of late summer mornings are quickly passing. As a recent college graduate, I have enjoyed years of hectic autumns and lazy summers. And so, for the remainder of this gloriously spoiled summer, I plan on slowly waking to warm, mid morning sun in a bed of cozy sheets as often as possible.

*images via dress design decor and coco + kelley

Guest Post from Vitania of Verdigris Vie

Hi Everyone! Just a quick update from New York! Anne and I have been having a blast working with the amazing photographers, stylists, and all the other talented people behind each shoot. New York has been treating us quite well! I wanted to give a quick shout out to our friends at Kravet and The New York Design Center for making us feel so welcome in the Big Apple!

Here's the always informative, forever stylish Vitania from Verdigris Vie with our last guest post of the week. Take it away Vitania!

New York is filled with fabulous designers and their varying interpretations of great style. But when it comes to picking my favorite, there is one who stands out from the rest: Mariette Himes Gomez. Her style is rooted in classicism, function, and elegance. Above is a New York Penthouse apartment that was completely revamped to meet a young family's needs. You can see the rest here. It's soft and sophisticated, and exemplifies a perfect balance of comfort and design.

The breakfast room in her very own New York apartment leaves me speechless. The curved slip covered sofa, reproduction needle point armchairs, antique English dining table, 1960's mobile hanging above it and gold gilded mirror. She perfectly highlights these fabulous furnishings by keeping the walls white, and adding only what is necessary. Even with this select group of furnishings, the dining room is filled with warmth and comfort.

She uses colour so subtly, one prominent shade that catches your attention. here it's deep blue that starts in the rug, the art and then again in the vase. Oh so lovely are her layers of neutral, whites are so soft, layered and textured.

There are so many lovely details in this bathroom, starting with the sinks flanking the tub. How often are tubs under the largest window, hogging all that natural light, while you are pushed over to the dark corner to prep yourself for the day? I love the large modern light fixture above and the hotel like lighting mounted right on the mirror. The balance and symmetry are perfection, from the marble sinks and raised bath, to the window details and warm wood flooring.

Gomez admits she cares less about style and more about her clients needs. It's evident, her homes not only feel lived in, they feel like they are truly enjoyed. They are also incredibly enduring. The are no items that can specifically date back to a particular trend. A fresh mix of light easy colours, and classic furniture that is suited to form and function. Antiques or reproduction, modern or traditional, her interiors are truly a reflection of the people who live in them and not a particular style.

Thanks Crystal. It's been a pleasure sharing my favorite New York designer with your readers today. Hope you are having a fabulous time in New York.

Best, Vie