photo by yvette roman via Coco + KellyAnd of course, her list is just as fab as her blog.
Without further ado, Cassandra’s favorites. Enjoy!
I was so excited to be asked to contribute to Joslyn's wonderful blogger's favorites series because I thought it would be a great little exercise for me. With so many trends and beautiful pieces passing through my daily life, it's incredibly hard to pick only a few to make the cut. MUCH harder than I thought, in fact! But, here we go...
Hermes China -- The one piece I knew I had to include right away is my favorite china pattern from Hermes: Balcon Du Guadalquivir. For me, it's the perfect mix of a pattern that is incredibly classic, yet unique and special at the same time. So far, I have a teacup... I hope someday I'll at least have a pair of teacups! (Photo by Martyn Thompson)
Dinners & Entertaining -- Some of the 'must haves' in my life revolve around more intangible things, and (being raised in Italian traditions) the most important of these is meals with friends and family. Cooking, enjoying the company of others, entertaining, throwing little dinner parties... these are the things in life I cannot do without! It really comes down to making time for the people you love, and having a wonderful time doing it. (Photo by Marcus Nilsson)
The White Oxford -- Most people will tell you a little black dress should be the number one staple in your wardrobe. I think a crisp white oxford makes the top of my priority list. To me, you can't go wrong with a clean button up, a flattering pair of jeans, and great accessories.
Signature Jewelry -- I wear a pair of diamond studs nearly every single day - they will stand the test of time, and are appropriate on every occasion. I also adore a good vintage piece of jewelry. I really wish I had nabbed this horseshoe ring from Erie Basin when I had the chance! Opals are my birthstone, and impossible to find in a setting I like. *sigh*. A friend of mine has an emerald ring that was her grandmothers that she wears every day, and it's become a part of her, which I think is a lovely side effect of having these heirloom pieces.
A Handwritten Note -- There is nothing better than opening the mail to see (amongst piles of bills and catalogs) a handwritten thank you or hello. I've started the tradition of adopting a signature stationery for the year, starting with this sweet pony in a crest design I found in January. It encourages me to use it all up instead of stashing it away, and reminds me to reach out to friends with a special little note instead of an email!
Beautiful Bouquets -- What can I say? Flowers perk up the dreariest days and make every room a little more fresh and special. My favorites are the arrangements that look a little more wild and natural - if I could have a bouquet every week from Saipua, I would! They do an amazing job.
Vintage Chandeliers -- On the interiors side of my favorites, I would say the one piece that can really complete a room is a vintage chandelier. It could be anything from midcentury modern to a true antique. Either way - if you take a plain, sparse room, and throw up a gorgeous chandelier - you're done!
Simplified Rooms -- Speaking of plain sparse rooms... I love a basic room with organic textures, neutral pieces, clean lines and bright white walls. To me, these create a core aesthetic to design around. Accessories and smaller pieces can come and go, paint can be changed, but the basics are the bones to the design. (Room via Living Etc.)
The Dress -- Every woman should own a gown that makes her feel beautiful, sexy and confident. For some people that may be their little black dress (I admit to having several of those!), and for others it could be a piece in a signature color, an incredibly flattering fit, or an original design. Whatever it is... tuck it in the back of your closet as your go-to for last minute occasions or anytime you want to feel fabulous, and you'll never regret it. (Photography by Dirk Rees)
Sunshine & Beaches -- I actually don't think I'm exaggerating when I say I think I would die without a little sunshine and beach time in my life. Growing up in Southern California, both of these elements mean so much more to me than they stand for on their own. My design aesthetic in both fashion and interiors is heavily influenced by a more laid back, beach living style - a little bit of bohemia and simplicity, a bit of mid-century modern, and light, bright open sunshiney spaces. I'm also addicted to dresses - something not easily pulled off by a girl living in Seattle at the moment, but there's just something about the whole vibe of a beach town that really defines me... it's an absolute must in my life! (Photography by Tamara Schlesinger)
