Feeling Grey

For a long time I've been dreaming of having a grey walled bedroom with white fluffy sheets. In preparation, I've saved numerous (see below) pictures of this very look. The grey walls make it feel intimate and the all white sheets conjure up feelings of clean comfy hotel beds. Maybe it's my Scandinavian roots. But then...I don't know...then my anthropologie loving, bright color seeking Spanish/Russian traveling (um, Red) self looks at it and wonders...will I be depressed without some bright prints and colors? Something I noticed that really seems to brighten up the room is a pop of citrus color (does hot pink count?). Maybe I just need a lacquered chair or some brightly colored lamps, maybe a throw?
Which rooms do you like?

Sources: Design Sponge, Domino, Design Sponge, Coco + Kelley, Emma's Design Blog, From the Right Bank, The Selby, Design Sponge, Design Sponge

Sleek Legs

While catching up on some of my street style reading, I kept coming across these wonderful paneled leggings. They definitely take their inspiration from the military theme, and I think they would be much more flattering than your traditional legging. I believe these first ones are from Alex + Olivia, and the other three are Helmut Lang. If your budget is not quite in the Helmet Lang range, I found this great DiY here. Or there are are these and these from etsy.

Helmet Lang Sheath Leggings, available here.

Photos 1 and 4 from Altamira, 2 and 3 from Stockholm Streetstyle

My DC Summer List

My relationship with Washington, DC is definitely complicated. I go back and forth between seeing so much potential, and feeling so bored. And DC summers....are swampy and gross. But this summer, there are a few things on my list that I fully intend to get around to, that I haven't yet done.

For some reason, DC planners have not yet caught onto the idea of establishing some European style cafes, bistros, and gelaterias along the National mall (instead residents and tourists alike are left with hot dog stands and pre-packaged ice cream). I think it would be so much fun to pack a gourmet (read: with good cheese) picnic and nap in the shade.
Lately, I have been hearing nothing but raves about Founding Farmer's brunch. I don't think I can afford to ignore them anymore. To anyone who hasn't been, my favorite brunch spot is Domku.
See Jazz in the Park. Every spring and summer the Smithsonian organizes jazz concerts in the Sculpture garden. I'm not going to lie, I know nothing about jazz. But I think I should give it a shot.
Camping in the Shenandoah. I don't like bugs or mud, but I do like cooking outside and fresh air.

Now that PB and I have our own little balcony, I can't wait to sit outside (maybe on these chairs?) and drink some fruity cocktails while watching a lightning storm.

I finally made it to the Tidal Basin for the Cherry Blossom Festival, but I have yet to paddle around on the boats. It's clear that it would be a great fashion opportunity for all those breton tees I have. All pictures (aside from the first one, that's mine) are via We Heart It.

Roosevelt Island

Friday was sort of a bad day for me. Not sure why, some days are just worse than others. But I dragged myself down to Roosevelt Island for a run. And although it was hot and swampy (although with plenty of shade), it put me in such a good mood. There's no traffic, I saw tons of wildlife, it's dirt so you don't hurt your joints too much, and it was gorgeous. So green and lush. I highly recommend it.

I finally cook something!

When I started this blog (all of 2 months ago) I really believed I would have some posts about food that I (not a restaurant) make. But then....I stopped making food. I don't know why, suddenly I just have not been cooking very much. But, stuck in a food rut, I opened up the New Basics yesterday and tried out Pork Roast Romana, which was very easy and very satisfying. And, bonus, it features endives, which I think are really cute.

First, preheat the over to 350. Then make 1 inch long slits of about 1/4 inch deep in a pork loin of about 2 to 2.5 lbs. Then, rinse and cut in half 6 Belgian endives. Next chop up about a tablespoon of minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and prosciutto (2 oz.). And mix it with 2 tablespoons of butter (I never said this recipe was healthy).

Then spread the mixture of butter, rosemary, garlic, and prosciutto over the pork loin and season with salt and pepper. Then you place the endives next to the pork loin so they are sort of spooning. Finally cover the whole thing with 2 cups of dessert wine like San Vinto and place in the oven for 2.5 hours. When it comes out, cover with foil and let rest for 15 minutes. Then ...voila! Slice and serve with the endives. Spoon a bit of the juice on top.

My one change to the recipe would be to add some dried fruit, maybe raisins or dried apricots? What easy and delicious recipes do you have?

A Sweet Idea for the Father of the Bride

Isn't this really touching? I had never thought of giving my father something on the wedding day (I know he'll be crying as it is) but maybe I need to think of a little something for him.
Seen on Style Me Pretty, Photography by Craig Paulson

I am speechless

I just don't know....I'm pretty sure they're awesome...pretty sure. Does anyone know who makes them? What do you think? via Jak & Jil

Change of Pace

I'm a fan of straight leg jeans (not skinny, they make my knees look ginormous). I love that you can tuck them into boots and you can wear something long over them. In some ways, they're the best way to show off a beautiful top or awesome boots. But lately.....these high waisted, flared jeans are calling my name. It feels so fresh and incredibly vintage all at once.
They look awesome paired with a cool tee, or a frilly blouse and a cardigan and most importantly an awesome bag. Any brands to recommend?

photos via 1. Vanessa Jackman, 2. and 3. {this is glamorous}, 4. and 5. Vogue, June 2010, 6. What is Reality Anyway?

Where Have you Been Daytrip Society?

There I am just reading A Cup of Jo and bam! awesome nautical plates. I don't know what it is about the nautical theme, but I love it: navy? pirate association? possibility for a Duran Duran style party on a yaught? So then I trace down the plates to Daytrip Society. How have I never seen this before? Just look for yourself:

I know I'm not alone in my maritime desires. What do you think?