GIRL CRUSH: olivia palermo

So, after posting my wedding slideshow I think I am in the clear to post a few pictures of my girl crush. Not literally, just in a fashion sense. Her style is remarkable and I love how she is always setting the bar. I have seen numerous posts on her in the past 6 months, but I wanted to share a few of my favorites.

Olivia is in Tibi's 2011 Spring-Summer campaign via everything fabulous:

Check out her gorgeous, vintage inspired photo shoot in Spain's Vogue:

And, check out her steamy photo shoot with boyfriend Johannes Huebl for Elle Germany last December via socialite beauty. 

Olivia and the handsome bf are also doing some duo modeling. Check out a few images from their campaign for Mango.

And, a few miscellaneous shots of her roaming the streets:

trend :: tights with shorts

simple, sleek, and sophisticated

trend :: bright colored accessories, the orange & yellow combo is so summery!

I know Olivia was a total bia on The City, but I can't help to adore her style. It seems so effortless and chic. Word around the town is that she is getting her own reality show. Bet your bottom dollar that will be on my DVR schedule!

MORE WATERCOLOR

It seems that the fabulous trend of watercolor usage is still growing and making its way into more and more print pieces. If you remember, I posted about watercolor here and here and featured a few of my favorites at the time. I think I continue to gravitate towards this medium because it allows every piece to be unique and original. Watercolor can be as fluid and free as you want it, or controlled and refined. A few of my recent finds have all involved some sort of hand illustration and I wanted to share a few. 

First, some beautiful business cards designed by Jordan Ferney. I posted about her husband, Paul Ferney, last year and his amazing paintings. How awesome is that for them both to be so creative? 

Next, through the world of Etsy I have discovered some very talented artists that lend a great deal of inspiration. I love the simple backgrounds that allow the illustration to be the focus and the colors to really stand out. These featured below would be perfect in a nursery or a very serene setting.

1. amber alexander

2. lulabies

3. the Wheatfield

Anna Bond's whimsical illustrations have really become famous in the design/invitation world and I am dying for a set of her beautiful cards. Anna and her husband, Nathan, started the company Rifle Paper Co. based off of her paintings and it has sky rocketed. Here are a few of my favorites:

Lastly, I stumbled upon the blog Oh My Deer and fell head over heels for her watercolor 2011 calendar. It is available in her etsy shop. I would purchase this, but I am a little OCD when it comes to organization and planning so I feel the need to document everything in my calendar. But, this would make a fabulous piece of art for Melrose. 

If you like the watercolor trend but don't want to spend the money, check out this lovely free printable calendar by Creature Comforts. I just printed off one for myself to hang in the office. Click HERE to go to the link. 

MARBLE EFFECTS

I have noticed a design trend lately of incorporating marble textures into the print and home decor world. I saw this fun tutorial a few weeks ago via the wedding blog Ruffled on how to make your own marble paper and it inspired me. I thought it was really awesome and would make great envelope liners. You can easily customize your own colors -- it doesn't have to be neon!

Cool, huh? And, while I was flipping through the latest issue of Lonny Mag I found this spread illustrating beautiful products that all consists of marble. I love the color palette of the book cover (1) and the lamp (3).

[click to enlarge]

I can't remember how I first discovered this pillow, but it fits in perfectly with this post + my design taste ... cream and gold. 

A few months ago I posted about interior designer Kelly Wearstler's china she designed that I love. Well, besides her own china line, she also designed bedding for Sferra and the pieces are gorgeous. How do you like her marble texture? It is divine to me. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS ...

and happy holidays from Melrose!

[the bulbs are actually lime and white]

I don't have a lot, but here is some fun Christmas inspiration ...

love this wreath -- I am sure you could easily make this. 

I love all things natural ...

creative use of old books at Christmas time!

burlap ornaments -- my friend Lacey sent me this pic -- that I am going to attempt to make myself!

My good friend, Laurel-Dawn, did a fantastic holiday decor post so be sure to check it out for more ideas! I will share more photos of Melrose once the tree goes up.