hello & a little update

Hello, my lovely joie readers! How I’ve missed you. A fact which happens to be the theme of this post. Somehow, the last few weeks have disappeared into a flurry of deadlines, changes and, yes, a little bit of stress. I was forced to step back – and though you might have seen a post or two, I haven’t been able to invest much heart into joie lately. When we find ourselves battling for more time, energy, patience, downtime…we often jump to eliminating the things that aren’t necessity. Well. Inspiration is a necessity. So I’ll be spending a bit of time trying to figure it all out, and I will be back. That is a promise. Hang in there! I’ll see you soon. Pennyweight via Satsuki Shibuya

monday (need a getaway) blues

Hello! A very happy Monday to you. Hoping this finds you ready to go after a weekend of lovely things. I find myself craving a little holiday…not because I need a vacation but more to satisfy a recent yearning to see new, wonderful places. It is curiosity with a touch of wanderlust calling. Do you have fabulous getaways planned for the summer? Can’t wait to sink my teeth into planning. Have a wonderful week!

Elle Germany via Dust Jacket Attic via Sequins & Stripes

love to be…

Katie Armour via Patterson Maker ~ ys voice via This Is Glamorous ~ J.Crew Spring 2012

 

peony pink

Aren’t peonies such a beautiful flower? I can’t get enough of the lushness they bring to any arrangement, and a peony-only bouquet is lovely too. Since spring flowers seem to be popping up simply everywhere these days, taking a moment to honor one of my favorites and a pretty J.Crew Collection dress that was inspired by its most famous hue. Peony perfection.

J.Crew pleated blouson dress in wild peony ~ Peonies via Oh Happy Day!

beautiful room joie

Utterly taken by today’s beautiful room, in every way. I love the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. I adore the striped rug. I’m crazy for the hazy, glowy light. And I’m smitten with the idea of an office popping up in the middle of the living room. Need I say more? Enjoy.

Haute Faves Deux via Patterson Maker

monday (earth day) blues

Happy Monday! Hoping this finds you rested and refreshed after a lovely weekend. Yesterday was Earth Day, so in honor of that, starting the week off with these gorgeous and imaginative photographs. I love the camera focus and use of such ordinary things to make something so extraordinary. A dreamy scene results…and makes us appreciate mother Earth a little bit more. Have a wonderful week.

Flower girls via Little White Whale

love to be…

The Glitter Guide via Patterson Maker~ Cup & Cake via This Is Glamorous ~ J.Crew via J.Crewing

afternoon uplift

Conflicting Heart via Patterson Maker

clambake perfect

Celebrating what appears to be my most favorite color of the season today. There is, quite literally, a magnetic pull between me and this hue lately. It is the loveliest shade of orangey-red, aptly named “clambake” by Essie. I’ve always been a lover of all things red, but this time it’s taken on the most wonderful spin. I recently swooned about my seasonal lip color, and of course, these gorgeous pieces fit perfectly. What do you think? Isn’t it lovely? Happy clam-baking, gals. 🙂

Christian Siriano via Musings In Femininity via Patterson Maker ~ J.Crew Matinee trench in modern red ~ Essie clambake ~ Kate Spade Flicker Ellie in flo coral ~ Velvet Denit Dress in flambe via ShopBop

monday (base layer) blues

Happy Monday morning to you. It was a thunderstormy and wind-blown weekend in Chicago but the balmy temperatures made it sort of lovely. We jogged through sprinkles, window-shopped, cooked, baked and lounged our way through. Now on to the week! Kicking off with the perfect ensemble on the gorgeous Joanna Hillman of Harper’s Bazaar. Isn’t navy blue the best base to build upon? Especially in the spring, where your gut begins to tell you to ditch the black and reach for color. Dying for her satin navy pumps and leopard topper! Enjoy and have a wonderful week.

The Style Objective via Sequins & Stripes