Inspiration 1.10

When was the last time you soaked in a bath long enough for your fingers to wrinkle? Pair a neck-deep tub with a stunning view and simple lines, and I'd never get out.

Images: 1-3. John Granen via My Paradissi 4. Via Ocean Home Magazine |

Inspiration 12.16

So excited about DC's first real snowstorm, and this amazing Belgian house would be perfect for watching the snowflakes fall...

Images from Lolita Blog, Martha Stewart via Dress, Design, Decor and Stockholm Street Style

Inspiration 9.3

I keep telling myself that I'd never really want to live in a modern house, that I need the protection of sturdy beams, insulation and plaster to feel at home -- then I see images like this, and the feeling is a lot like love.

Update: Apparently this is a "sauna house." There's a sauna area inside, and the pond outside is intended for a cool dip after. Heaven!

Designed by Wingardhs via Bits of Beauty, Small House Style

Inspiration 8.23

I love how the architect carved out this little enclosed space in such an airy bathroom. Something about applying liquid eyeliner or using a heated eyelash curler brings out that primordial cave-dwelling need for tight quarters, doesn't it?

via Kika Reichert

Inspiration 8.2

I'm not usually a fan of modern architecture, but the skylight here is just gorgeous. I would love to see a smaller scale version of this room off of a more traditional country house.

Weekend Obsessions: Fluctuat Nec Mergitur

As some of you may know, I'm headed to France in about 30 days (!). Naturally, my normal levels of francophilia have shot through the roof, and I wanted to share all of the awesome stuff feeding my excitement sourced from around the Web.

1. First, I am truly obsessed with the Paris' motto and coat of arms, "Fluctuat Nec Mergitur," which translates to, "She is tossed by the waves, but does not sink." So lovely, I would actually like to make that my own official motto. Supposedly, you can find the coat on architecture throughout Paris, and you know I'll be on the hunt for beautiful photos to snap. A few I discovered on Flickr above and below. (Image credits [and great photographers]: Jean Michel-Voulat, Dorenrof Claudius)

2. One of my stops on the trip will be St. Tropez, and I am loving Garance Dore's dispatches from the resort right now, particularly her shopping finds, including vintage shop Le Marché Du Marin and Rondini sandals. If you want to see pure, unadulterated glamour, go check out her blog right now.
3. While we're on the subject of St. Tropez, my friend Tristan from Liminality is there right now, and snapped this gorgeousness. I basically died when I saw it.

It reminded me to dig up this older photo he took in Paris of models post-show, which I also love.
4. I can't talk about models in Paris, without thinking of Antonio from The Singular. His photos provide tons of packing inspiration.

5. Finally, Nichole from Little Brown Pen takes the most amazing photos of Paris. I love that she captures the details -- cafe chairs, the vivid reds and blues of a shop's awning, and beautiful architectural details most people never notice. It's easy to take beautiful pictures of Paris -- but Nichole's photos actually take you there. Stop by her Etsy shop to take a little piece of Paris home.