like the cool kids

"I wish that I could be like the cool kids 

'Cause all the cool kids, they seem to fit in."

{Echosmith} 

Way back when, it was just about keeping up with the cool kids you knew... fast forward to now, and we are literally linked to the coolest of the cools across the planet on the daily. No pressure, right?

It's so easy to get caught up in the comparison game, but the reality is, it's our uniqueness (the way we don't fit the norm) that is ultimately cool. We all have something to give the world.

To be honest, even if I secretly get a little jealous from time to time, there are some very cool women who truly inspire me. Women who create, explore and make it happen. Girl power at its best.

Today I wanted to share a few of the Spring styles I'm currently craving, and one of my design crushes, who happens to be one of those very cool chicks.  

{image via Em Fashion Files + Pinterest}

For me, Spring weather means all the more reason to wear white (though I'm a big believer in wearing it year round). This is my Spring style inspiration. My Spring vibe. I just want to look that cool. 

I've been on the look-out for the perfect pair of sunnies (I'm currently crushing on these groovy pink shades via Amazon... 

...link here to purchase yours.)

Spring is also time for savoring the moments + capturing them in creative ways. I love this idea from the SF Bay Girl (that cool chick I mentioned) - creating chic mini photo books of instagram images with Artifact Uprising. It makes me want to document my life in much more interesting and unexpected ways ... even if it's just a trip to the local farmer's market. #summergoals

I also loved Victoria's recent take on the Terrazzo trend. See her post + all the pretty photos here.  I'm tellin' you, her instagram feed is definitely swoon-worthy. She has amazing travel pics + depths of design insights for all of us creative types. Promise, you'll be inspired.

When it comes to decorating for Spring + Summer, I love to add simple fresh elements that give a nod to the season. My most recent find on Minted is this pretty pink palm print (say that fast three times)...

{image via Minted: "Palm Study #2" - Art Print by Cindy Lackey}

I love adding fresh art (like this print) to an interior to give it a Spring fresh feel. Link here to check-out Limited Edition Art Prints by Minted.

In addition to finding inspiration online, my biggest source of inspo recently was a short weekend trip to NYC. There's nothing like city feels to feed the creative soul. One of my instagram snaps captured some great graphic street art (click over to follow along on my visual journey).

This image has me wanting to paint + create ... and actually reminds me of my JuJu Hat DIY. I still have some feathers left, so I just may need to make more! Link here for my video how-to. Be sure to get the perfect feathers for the job at Etsy {Kimonos Feathers}.

{JuJu Hats created by moi; feathers by Etsy}

Inspired by the JuJus, I made this moodboard with hints of blush, brass + great textures...

Find links to the Moroccan Pouf, Pom Pom Blanket and Runners, all available for purchase via Amazon.

 I hope this post finds ya'll enjoying all the goodness of Spring. Here's to cocktails on the back porch + cool moments with good friends.

{image via Thou Swell}

Wishing you good vibes this weekend! Here's to a beautiful Spring to you + yours!!!

{Link here for how-to create your own mood-board}

xo

patti

Amazon ,  Etsy  +  Minted  Affiliate

spring fresh!

Spring is here! O Happy Day! I am such a warm-weather lover.  If I could live in flip-flops + white tees year round that would be just fine by me.  

I've been loving the blooming trees, warmer sunny days ...and soaking in the spring vibes.

It's been awhile since I posted, so I wanted to fill you in on some of my newest projects + experiences. Earlier this year, I was crazy busy DIY'ing with SMARTSTUFF ... creating + crafting fun ideas for kids rooms {my first-ever DIY how-to videos are up on youtube}. Here's a quick snap of my favorite DIY creation, juju hats made with texture-rich feathers. My go-to source for all that feathers is Kimonos Feathers. This etsy shop came through for me once again with beautiful sewn-together feathers that made this DIY quite a breeze. Don't you just love these blush + white feathers?

I also just got a new gig, working with COCOCO HOME. They make gorgeous chesterfields + mid-century modern pieces + many more styles of very comfortable + chic upholstery.  All hand-crafted right here in NC. Check-out their instagram + facebook feeds for some interior inspiration...

For a little fun, I took a mini spring break to one of my fav getaway spots, South Beach. Raised a Florida girl, I always need a beach fix in the spring. Just a couple of days of inspiration. Cool architecture + art deco interiors, amazing people-watching, international influences and good clean eats (see my instagram for some of my finds + favorites from Miami beach)... 

For me, spring always means fresh approaches to interior spaces. Like adding fresh-flowering branches or potted plants to your space. Organic elements add instant freshness, as well as interesting shape and texture. Lately I've loved picking up potted herbs at Trader Joe's to add organic touches to my kitchen. Plus, I love having fresh basil whenever I'm craving Italian (check-out this recipe I found for mini caprese skewers). I am also crazy about the look + feel of adding succulents to interiors. Love, love, love their mint + aqua coloring and their beautiful shapes + textures. In fact, succulents were my inspiration for a recent mood board I did for a client...

  
What do you think? Soothing, right? I'm loving the mix of copper elements + rich woods with succulents and a fresh mint + neutral palette.  

What are you loving lately? Be sure to share your finds + crushes.

Hope you are enjoying springtime in your world.  

xo

patti