European Design Inspiration & Quote of the week

(Here are a few shots I took at a home store in Paris. I just love these. )

The very air in which you live is an inspiration.

William Henry Moody

Quote of the week

"Most people would rather be certain they're miserable, than risk being happy."

Robert Anthony

Image by Herakut, an amazing graffiti artist duo! Check 'em out!

Branch Line

My friend Leighsa has started a blog for her floral and event design business Branch Out. The new blog will share her teams inspirations and feature events and ideas for weddings and parties. As one of her designers I will be guest blogging as well. I'm very excited to be a part of Leighsa's creative little world. Become a follower of her blog here! Branch Line

*images from Branch Out

"Imagination Inspiration" and Quote of the Week

I saw these photos by Tim MacPherson and I just loved them. I appreciate how they capture the imagination of childhood. It seems so hard for adults to let go and get lost in imagination. These photos inspire me to dream, to create, and to see the world outside the box. It's a good reminder that even though we can't control the way things are, we can control the way we see them.

Tiki Time!

Last weekend I helped out a photographer friend and modeled for a sixties Tiki shoot. We shot the photos in Alameda at a great Tiki Lounge called Forbidden Island. The clothes were supplied by a vintage shop called Twisters. All the photography was shot by my girl Jessica Milberg. The shoot was a blast, I had so much fun meeting the other girls and playing dress-up in some awesome vintage threads! Here are some of the first shots!

Quote of the week x 2

Love is the master key that opens the gates of happiness.
Oliver Wendell Holmes

I've added one more quote for this week, because tomorrow I am getting my first tattoo (pics to follow soon). I am getting the tattoo done by the famous Henry Lewis at Skull & Sword in SF. (Thank you Gaelyn for the recommendation!)

I am getting a skeleton key on the side of my wrist to remind myself to live my life for love and for all the things that bring me joy, no matter what path that takes me down.

Amen to that!

Industrial Delux

I love modern interiors, but I am always afraid that in executing a modern look it may come off too cold and stark. I love these inspirations from Design Sponge. They all have an industrial quality that is made richer with lux accessories and hints of natural materials and warm tones. This is a great way to approach thrift store and craigslist finds like these:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/fud/1616031534.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/fuo/1611284127.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/fud/1616685381.html

Inspiration

"Mezameru maeni" 目覚める前に before you awake"

"Yuuwaku" 誘惑 allure"

"Carry On"

"Superstition"

I am so inspired by artist Audrey Kawasaki. Her paintings are so moving. They are sad, sensual, mysterious, strong, and delicate all at the same time. I have tried to buy a print of hers multiple times, but they are always sold out (how I wish I could afford the real thing, but maybe one day). In the meantime I just added myself to her mailing list in hopes of getting to her site to purchase a print before they rapidly disappear.

Above are some of her paintings from 2009, she has a few new pieces already for 2010 and I can't wait to see what she has to show us in the rest of the year to come! Be sure to check out her site!

*images from http://www.audrey-kawasaki.com/index.php

Photo Shoot

Next week I will be joining the lovely Whitney Tudor in a photo project she is working on. She has asked me to model for her in a series of pictures she is in the process of taking. The theme is amazing, but you will have to wait to check it out until the entire project is finished. The anticipation will be worth it, I assure you! Whitney is so inspiring and I can't wait to be a part of her vision. I'm ready for my close up...I think.

*Pic from Whitney's fbook page. She does pretty well on both sides of the camera!