SNAPSHOT: SCOTT A. WOODWARD

When I tweeted the other day that I was looking for a photographer in Asia, a very kind follower emailed me a link to Singapore based Scott A. Woodward's site. And the rest is history...I'm in love! Haven't laid eyes on such a stunning portfolio in ages.

For more breathtaking images, I highly recommend poking around on Scott's site. He can say so much with just a single image.

COLORWAYS

Gorgeous, no? This plushy editorial from Lynsie Roberts makes my heart jump. I'm not naturally a color girl, but I'm endlessly fascinated by the ones who can make tone on tone color and bold pairings look this easy. A punch of fuchsia never looked so good.

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...

LEFT ALONE...

"I don't want to be alone. I want to be left alone." That Audrey, she was full of good quotes.

Wishing you a lovely weekend, my dears. I'm going to savour my first one home in weeks and keep it quiet and simple. Thanks for stopping by this week. Your visits and comments mean so much to me. See you on Monday.

xo,

Crystal

*images via Denise Crew

Time Out in Tuscany

Because Italy is the place I love more than anywhere in the world and I'm bummed I couldn't squeeze a little Italian vacay into my life this summer, indulge me while I live vicariously through these images.

Could there be a population more adept at creating beauty? From fashion, to food, to furniture...those smooth talking, style producing, good looking Italians take the cake! Sorry folks, some people are just born with it.

When you're there you can't help but learn from their example. Before you know it, you find yourself slowing down while you eat, dressing up when you go out, and being present while you live.

But for now, I'll remember to add a little bit of that Italian sensibility to my life to hold me over until next summer...

*images via Simon Watson

SNEAK PEEK: Exclusive First Look at Rue Magazine!

Let the count down begin! Rue Magazine launches in less than a month and we're so excited we can't contain ourselves! The emails, phone calls, and to-do list items are coming in faster and more furiously than ever, but we're right on track for a smashing debut come September! Of course, we just couldn't wait until then to dish so we leaked a few images to our good friends over at ShelterPop! (You didn't actually expect us to be able to wait until September, did you?)

Pop over to their site for the full story, where you'll find a lovely write-up and behind the scenes pic of my partner in crime and me on location at a Rue shoot in New York. Anne looks darling, but go easy on me...it was a long (albeit fabulous) week in NYC.

Sending a big 'thank you' to ShelterPop, and especially to the fabulous writer Amy, for all the wonderful support!!

P.S. Rumor has it that a second batch of sneak peek pics will accidentally surface next week on another site...but you didn't hear it from me ;)

*images via the amazingly talented Manny Rodriguez for Rue Magazine

Captured By: Jason Nocito

I don't know much about photographer Jason Nocito. His site doesn't have an "about" section. Still, I feel like I know him. A look into the world as captured by him is a beautiful, revealing thing. After all, there are always two people in every pictures: the photographer and the viewer. So...perhaps I know more than I think.

There is a rawness about his photos. They capture an embarrassing moment, they expose a dirty little secret, and they're not afraid to put a beer belly on display. But always, they reach beyond that important layer of truth to another: there's beauty in flaw and allure in complexity.

A photograph is usually looked at, seldom looked into. I am guilty of this, possibly even presumptuously so. You see, I quite trust my eye for style and knack for knowing what looks good. That's why I'm embarrassed to admit that in my hurry, I hardly noticed the honesty of the transposed face on this beachy seascape. Humbly, Jason's photography reminds that there's always more to see.

I'm rather enchanted by photography in general these days. It's as if I've discovered a whole new world out there. Much like with interiors, I'm utterly spellbound by creating that perfect moment. Sure, I've always loved photography and played around with it for fun, but with all the Rue shoots this summer, never have I been so intimately close to it.

This has afforded me good fortune of working with, learning from, and observing so many talented eyes. Watching the different creative processes for each of them has been one of the most fascinating parts.

Now, do you think we could get Jason to capture a home for Rue? :)

Happy Friday + A Fabulous Week in Review

Thank goodness it's Friday because I'm exhausted -- but in the best possible way! This has been one of those weeks where I've hardly had a moment to pause or breath. So, if you'll indulge me for a moment, I'd love to share as I met some pretty amazing people in the last few days...

Last Saturday the fantastic team at Pottery Barn invited me to a private event with the one and only Nathan Turner, legendary tastemaker to the stars! He showed us how to make beautiful tabletops for weddings and entertaining using Pottery Barn's great selection of vases, vessels, and more. Of course he was nothing but delightful and we had a blast! Miss Alaina was also there, which always makes an event that much more fun :) On Monday, she and I are partnering with Pottery Barn for a fantastic giveaway, so stay tuned for your chance to win!

Nathan Turner on Saturday? How could it get better than that? But wait, it does. I met Nate Berkus on Wednesday! Jess scored hard-to-get-your-hands-on tickets to a show test taping at Harpo Studios here in Chicago and invited Alaina and I to go! As you all know The Nate Berkus Show premieres in the fall and the design world has gone crazy with anticipation. To top it off, we somehow got hand picked to sit in the front row. Yes, that means we got to chit chat with the personable and cute Nate during takes and shake his hand a gazillion times as they kept retaping his entrance and exist from the stage. Pure bliss! Delicious Mexican food and margaritas followed with the girls :)

Then, this coming Sunday a day I've been waiting for a long time is finally here. You may remember me saying I was preparing my home for a photo shoot. Well, it's finally happening! I'm so excited I can't hardly wait! Of course I still feel like I could teak a few things, but in the world of decorating, that is a never ending process. A home is never finished in my book. I won't be able to show the pictures right away because Emily, the photographer, and I have a few ideas of what we'll be doing with them first, but I thought I'd keep you all in the loop for now!

And lastly my loves, this is just a small glimpse of what my whirlwind summer is going to be. You see, I actually have some pretty big news to share, in fact so exciting for me I'm practically bursting at the seams with desire to tell all of you. But I have to wait just a little longer before I'm able to reveal. But what I can say is you'll be the first to know!

Sending lots of love your way...

xo, Crystal

*images via Anna Williams Photography

June Already!

Happy June! How did we get this far along in the year already? In my mind, June always marks the true beginning of summer. And with summer brings sunny dreams, beautiful blossoms, and of course wedding season! So today I thought I'd share a pretty one I recently found.

I love turning to wedding design for event and tabletop inspiration. Since the industry is full of talented stylists and taste makers, it's the perfect place to go. I tend to appreciate the classic over the trendy or thematic. After all, you'll want to love your pictures as much tomorrow as you do today. In my book, you can never go wrong with timeless.

*photography by Stephanie Williams via 100 Layer Cake

Captured By: Jamie of From Me To You

Are you familiar with New York based photographer, Jamie? If not, you're in for a treat! I first stumbled across her blog, From Me to You, a few months ago and have been following her work ever since. I'll be working on a project with Jamie in late June (more on that to come!) and am thrilled! She has an amazing eye for capturing a moment, place, and feeling. But since a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll let her images do the talking...

Captured By: Anna Williams

Yesterday, Anne reignited my love for photographer Anna Williams with a beautiful post about her latest endeavor: The Voracity. Today, I'm inspired by these poetic spaces captured by Ms. Williams as seen in her portfolio.

I don't claim to know the first thing about photography, but I do know it's key when telling the story of a room through an image. If one cannot physically experience the space for themselves, then the photographer is integral in capturing its essence and bringing to light its best attributes.

A perfect dining area with balance and a sense of calm. The furniture pieces, namely those Cherner chairs, are modern and clean. But matched with the billow of a transparent tablecloth, the space folds into softness and relaxation.

A painting that says so much without saying anything at all. Monochromatic art is still among my favorites. Blended with the color of the wall, it stands out in dimension yet stays quiet with easy elegance.

A truly finished look. This living space has just the right amount of pattern and layering to make it feel full and complete. But the light colored furniture and muted palette keep the room tranquil and serene.

A charming little kitchen. I'm still in love with open shelving and this one is styled just right. I like my 'stuff' contained and keeping the varying heights and colors of the tableware displayed in one easy spot is the perfect solution.

The softness of this image, the dream like quality, captured me in this bedroom. But the little coffee cup and accompanying flowers really made me fall in love with it. I adore that 'moment.'

Oh to have a mud room! They're so country and have me daydreaming of second homes far from the bustle of the city. Two sweet pillows and wall art whose placement doesn't seem to have a rhyme or reason. But the magic is it works...in fact, it more than works.

Chests of drawers against the side of a staircase is an old trick, but a constant favorite. My favorite part of the space is the boldness of the black on the stairs piercing through a space of ethereal blues and dreamy hues.