Ciara Obscura

Into the weekend*

2012-01-27T13:40:00.000-08:00

This is what I'd love to be doing this weekend, but maybe I'll just wander around town instead. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is in full force so I'm sure things will be nutty in these parts. Maybe I'll sneak a peek and then meander along on my own adventure.

First though, it'll have to be me fine tuning the construction of Spring/Summer designs and getting the kitchen back in order after a week of having it all painted. We chose these knobs (in Sky for the kitchen and in Black for the washer/dryer + bathroom area) from this post to prettily accent an all ivory cream paint base with just a really really subtle hint of a gold undertone. If you're interested in seeing the final look, I'll be sure to post some photos next week.

Enjoy a refreshing + adventurous weekend.

Love,

Cath

{Paris image found HERE}

Behind the Design* Bask in Love

2012-01-25T21:10:00.000-08:00

The design: Bask in Love hair adornnment

Lace and pearls, a hint of sparkle, and vintage 1920s...

Magical, huh?

{lingerie}{behind the scenes} {hair adornment} {dresses} {1920s}

Favorites (lately)*

2012-01-25T12:37:00.000-08:00

Are you all over Pinterest? That place is an insane burst of online connectivity... what a genius idea. Really. And I'm just in the beginning-ish stages of succumbing to the mad rush of visual imagery. Here are some of my latest favorites, by way of my own personal style...

fitted dresses... (and sometimes sun protection for my pale skin)

red dress, little socks + red shoes

sexy little things...

bold pops of floral (in a comfy dress... although, it is likely I'd trip while walking in this.)

... this one is the sweetest...

Coat dress + vintage shoes...

Join me over at Pinterest HERE, if you'd like.

{photo credits throughout this board}

For the love of POLKA DOTS!

2012-01-24T09:53:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the only thing that sets me straight, knocks me back into shape, and (for extra emphasis) gets my noodles back in order is the sight of a pack of polka dots. Instant mood elevator.

So much to come for the Spring/Summer 2012 collection and mid-season launches... I'm ready.

Are you?

{Photo source HERE}

Into the weekend...

2012-01-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

This will be a weekend filled with a little bit of new and different and a little bit of the same. I think that's a good recipe for something fun to happen... catching up and visting with friends- including one from college (who I don't think I've seen since college... that's facebook for ya.), a long walk, a bike ride, a hug, a kiss, a belly flip + a leaping of the heart + a whole lot of seeing only what's uplifting and beautiful. That's the plan.
Have a lovely one, friends.
Cath

{Photo source HERE}

Today, I dream...

2012-01-19T15:07:00.000-08:00

I've been getting the itch, lately, to visit back East. New York + Boston + Maine

are always my go-to spots.

So today, I dream...

... that I am here

while wearing this (let's assume the fur is fake.)...

and sipping on this...

{ Photo(1) HERE, Photo(2) HERE, Photo(3) HERE }

Guest Blogger: Brian* Books!

2012-01-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

Welcome, friends... here's another fun post from Guest Blogger (and awesome friend) Brian:

Take a look, it's in a book! Or something like that...

Hi! As you can, I've been busy catching up on my wintertime reading. As the son of a librarian and a mailman, I grew up doing a lot of two things: obsessively reading stacks of books, and running from barking dogs. I thought that this week I'd share some of my favorite books from over the past 30-ish years.

" So You Want To Be a Wizard" by Diane Duane was written back in 1982, and I remember it being one of my first real favorites. It's sort of an ancestor to the "Harry Potter" books, about 2 kids in NYC that find a manual in their local library about how to perform magic spells. They soon learn that the world is secretly filled with magic, and they begin their training to become real wizards. One thing leads to another, and soon they find themselves trapped in an alternate "dark" NYC fighting an evil force and trying to find their way home. Honestly, I haven't read it since I was a kid, so maybe it wouldn't hold up now, but I remember it being a pretty great book.

"Allen Mendehlson, the Boy From Mars" by Daniel Pinkwater. Again, this is back from my childhood, and I credit Daniel Pinkwater for being a key figure in the way I turned out. All of his books deal with kids going on crazy bizarre adventures, usually without their parents knowledge. If you love wacky humor, corn muffins, weirdo hippy aliens, parallel dimensions, and hot chocolate, then you'll love Allen Mendehlson.

"The Brief History of the Dead" by Kevin Brockmeier is a haunting story about death, the afterlife, and the connections that bind us together. A plague is wiping out the last humans on Earth. The souls of the deceased reside in The City, in which everyone exists as long as there is someone alive who remembers them. As the residents begin to vanish, they start to make their final preparations for the end, and explore what it means to have lived and loved. Seriously, I think about this book all the time.

I started reading the Spellman series a few years ago, and the first one, "The Spellman Files" by Lisa Lutz is still my favorite. It's about a family of private detectives in San Francisco that spend most of their time spying on each other. The main character, Isabel Spellman, is a hard drinking, witty 28 year old who tries her best to keep her meddling parents, perfectionist brother, and troublesome younger sister from ruining her good times. She's one of those characters that you wished would think you were cool enough to hang out with.

This is a really hard book to describe. "The People of Paper" by Salvador Plascencia is a strange experimental format of storytelling. The basic story is about a group of Mexican flower pickers that realize that they are just characters in a story and begin a rebellion against the author. The page layout begins to shift and change as the characters learn new ways to keep the sullen author, who is in a deep depression about a breakup, from controlling their lives. It's great but takes some getting used to. It contains one of my favorite quotes about love lost: “One day I will forgive you; until then there are scabs everywhere that you have touched me.”

Lastly, "The Bread Baker's Apprentice" by Peter Reinhart is an amazingly thorough book about the art and science of breadmaking. I had about 6 months of unemployment at one time and my wife encouraged me to follow a passion and do an apprenticeship at a local tiny bakery. It was hard work, and I still daydream about someday opening up my own place. This book is well written and accessible to the home baker, though maybe skewed a bit more towards people with lots of time to prepare 2-3 day step recipes. I don't get to bake as much as I'd like to, but I still thumb through this book constantly and dream.
So that's it! Go get lost in a book for a couple hours. Maybe while you're reading, someone very nice will bring you a hot chocolate and fold that laundry. I kid, honey, I kid!

-Brian
"Always onwards, ever upwards and forever twirling, twirling, twirling."

Just because*

2012-01-18T18:49:00.000-08:00

I think it's time for a nice relaxing bath.

{photo HERE}

Top Five Tuesday * Knobs!

2012-01-17T10:15:00.000-08:00

The kitchen is this close to getting painted and so now I'm on the hunt for new cabinet knobs and pulls to spruce things up. Here are my top five picks. Which one is your favorite?

Pretty neat, huh?

{All knobs from Anthropologie... of course.}

Belly Flip Monday* Mars

2012-01-16T13:31:00.000-08:00

This is Mars. He is our boxer dog. I love him so much that I've posted about him here + here (plus several other posts; I should really stop.)

This beast lives in our home. He enjoys long evening walks, laying in his sunshine, feeling victorious while running from the room with a lone dirty sock or half of a leaf he discovered in the yard. He sits very politely for treats and motions back to give me kisses before he digs into his food. He's a big dopey almost five year old puppy who somehow knows he's not suppose to barrel down small children and the elderly. He gets pissed off at the gaul of the neighborhood cat that dares to walk our fence and stare down at him without fear. His bark scares the crap out of any new and unfamiliar delivery person and, in fact, left one poor phone book delivery guy to drop the book in the middle of our driveway and run in the other direction.

But he's a love. He's about 90 pounds and still thinks he's a lap dog (especially when he's not feeling well) and will attach himself to your feet if you let him. Small dogs attack him all the time and he just stands there confused and non-confrontational.

And his ears are like soft soft velvet.

He's a very very good boy and we love him so much.

It's a good time to give your pup a big hug, don't you think?

Into the weekend*

2012-01-13T15:10:00.000-08:00

What'cha up to this weekend?

I'll be visting with some friends on a bicycle ride into town, taking some photographs of a-nothing-in- particular-bit-of-neatness, dreaming of big and tiny things, and making a wish while standing directly in the sunshine.

Work will have to wait.

Have a very good one, friends.

Love,

Cath

{photo HERE}

Behind the Designs*

2012-01-12T10:36:00.000-08:00

My days (and late late nights) have been enjoyed mapping out materials and making the designs for the Ciara Obscura Spring/Summer collection come to life from all the sketches and notes that fill my journals. I thought I'd share some of the materials and colors and textures that will be used for the final pieces. Or, at least, some of the materials for some of the final pieces... there'll be lots more.

Soon after these are all constructed, I'll be gathering my talented peoples for a photoshoot for the launch of the collection late February- early March. But more on that later...

For now, you have a peek into my life with the photo above. Nice, huh?

For the love of art*

2012-01-11T12:34:00.000-08:00

Back in the day when I used to teach art to young children ( and quickly realized that those little ones had a more instinctive grasp of its process than many adult artists I know), the parents used to playfully hassle me because I would take their art work so seriously. Chucking a painting or a collage or a drawing that those itty bitty hands created up on the fridge wouldn't cut it for me. Oh no. I say frame them, find a place where all that color and texture can fill a home.

So you can imagine, then, how much I appreciate this great way to display their art. Simple, clean, and a white wall popping with color and love.

Neat neat neat.

{Source HERE}

Pretty*

2012-01-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

I'm about ready for Spring.

(Can I get away with saying that while living in California?)

Belly Flip Monday*

2012-01-09T09:48:00.000-08:00

This, in honor of the full moon tonight... aren't these images great?!

I love full moons, don't you? I react the complete opposite to them than how most people claim to. I get super mellow and introspective. Do you notice a shift in your mood or do you think all the talk about full moon lunacy is just hooey?

{heads up: the comments section is still functioning a bit wonky, but if you'd like to join in on the discussion, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the facebook page or the twitter page.}

Into the weekend*

2012-01-06T17:16:00.000-08:00

What are you up to this weekend? (I'd love to hear on our facebook or twitter page... the comments section below seems to still have basic functioning issues [insert sad face here] ).

I'll be doing one of my very favorite things ever by putting all the materials in front of me and recreating my Spring/Summer 2012 designs for an upcoming photoshoot. My studio space will be a mess, but a happy pretty mess.

Then I'm off to visit with a friend who is recovering from an intense, but very hopeful surgery.

So this weekend, I will also be counting my blessings...

Love,

Cath

{Photo HERE}

Guest Blogger* The Best thing Ever, This Week: The Future Is Now-Ish

2012-01-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

{Welcome to another guest post from pal, Brian. Enjoy!}

Greeting from THE FUTURE!

Yes, it's me again, Newlin-bot 2012. You've probably seen this already, but I think going into the new year, it's good to think about just how amazing the inventions of the past few years really are, and what we have to look forward to becoming jaded about in the years to come.

Let's face it, there absolutely no way to get really excited about gadgets anymore because you just know that in a couple months, something even newer will come along that makes your gizmo look like a caveman club. I just had to replace my cel phone last month so I bought a new iPhone 4. Is it fancy and shiny and has a bored robot lady voice that answers every stupid question I have? Yes. Does it perform THE BASIC FUNCTIONALITY OF A PHONE and make calls any better than my old brick? No. Not a bit. It's just a shiny toy that makes beep boop bop noises and tempts me to forget to look around at the amazing world and people around me. I cannot deny that I already feel the inner nerd in me getting excited about the upcoming iPad 3, which apparently will be issued to newborns in well-to-do hospitals:

Sorry to break it to you, folks, but I don't think we're going to be getting our flying cars this year. But come on, would you really trust the neighbor kid to drive a flying car? I know I wouldn't even trust *me* to drive a flying car. However, I think it's encouraging that car manufacturers are making great advances in making our landbound automobiles safer and more efficient. Pretty much every carmaker has an electric or hybrid car in the works, and with any luck they will start bringing the prices down a bit so more people can afford them. I'm still not too impressed with how most of the new car designs look, but maybe I'm just still wishing that the future of transportation would look more like this:

I know, I know. Another year has come and gone, and, like me, you're getting old and feeble. Don't despair! Medical research is advancing leaps and bounds, and I'm hopeful that we're going to continue seeing breakthroughs in every field. On the flip side, I get a little worried about the growing number of infomercials for medications that are on tv lately. Do I need Lipitor or Xanazaburol? I have no idea, but I think my doctor is probably getting pretty tired of me asking all the time. I'm just looking forward to the day I'm assigned my sure-to-never-malfunction-and-destroy-humans robotic nurse. Seriously, these are being tested in Japan:

It's really exciting and scary to think about what the coming years will bring. I would be disappointed if we're just going to see an ever increasing glut of new phones, computers, and televisions, when clearly what we want are hoverboards, spaceships, giant robots, and world peace. As a new father, I think about all the amazing things that Baby Chupacabra will see in his lifetime, things I cannot even imagine. I only hope that the world will be a better place than it is now and that he'll have a chance to appreciate the wonder and beauty of it all. But just in case, we're getting in lots of razor edge boomerang training.

Until next time, enjoy the last year of civilization as we know it, according to the wacky Mayans!

Elvis Perkins, "Doomsday"

-Newlin

Tweet #TwitterStories

Lordy lordy...

2012-01-05T10:11:00.000-08:00

I'm kind of flipping out over this.

{Found HERE}

Song of the Week *

2012-01-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

My good friend, Christian, is kind of like a genius with music. He will listen to anything with a complete open mind and always goes right into the song; it's rarely background music for him... I envy and admire that about a person. When we were in college together, he introduced me to nearly every band that I currently have in my collection. We were both dj's at our college radio station and even after he graduated and I moved on to music director of the station, he STILL knew 500% more about music than I did. Then, as roomates in Boston, he would listen almost exclusively to Noise music. It's got an amazing history and a great connection with artists from a hundred years ago, but... BUT... much of the music is dissonance to my ears and so I would let him enjoy most of it on his own.

These days, I'll get an email from him every so often with a link to a song he thinks I'll like. That's one of the reasons Chris is a keeper; the boy looks out for me.

Now I'm not sure if I'm way out of the loop with this one, but I just now heard it and have it on repeat. I suggest you close your eyes, listen to the lyrics, and enjoy...

and then this is the same song live (it's a beautiful version... more atmospheric, I think I like it even better.)

There will be a couple guest bloggers posting here for future songs of the week (I'm trying to get Christian to contribute, but he's too shy). Can't wait to hear what they come up with.

And so it begins...*

2012-01-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of each new year, I like to set out some new goals... not so much of the resolution kind (although, when I think of it, it's pretty much the same thing, isn't it?). But then I realize that it's all just a continuation + a dose of a blank slate.

And then most years I like to choose a word that will serve as the basis for my goals and blog about it, but this year I'm holding it sacred. The word came to me in a very very special way and I'd like to keep it like a secret, making it that much more meaningful to me; at least at this stage in my life.

Since last year held an incredible array of eye opening experiences and realizations for this girl right here, I'd like to use this year to revel in this new found understanding of who I am in my life. It's an exceptional feeling and I'm going to try to not mess with it too much.
Happy day, peeps.

{sparkle photo HERE, cloud photo HERE}

Farewell, 2011...

2011-12-31T12:14:00.000-08:00

It's been one heck of a busy year... lots of activity, lots of going going going, lots of trying but still pretty much refusing to take proper breaks to just rest and breathe (baby steps), but mostly really incredible moments of wide open inspiration. So tonight... New Year's Eve... we're staying in with maybe a good friend to join us. Keeping it slow moving in activity, but full of happiness and celebration for what 2011 offered up and for thoughts of how 2012 will unfold.

Enjoy a safe and festive celebration tonight with your best of peoples or with your special love or with your self and your dreams and hopes.

Cheers to you, dear friends.

Love,

Cath

{photo from The Library of Congress archives}

OOooOoOoooo....*

2011-12-29T11:37:00.000-08:00

Fact is, I sometimes think I could wear black all day/every day and then I see color combos with this kind of vibrancy and think I will never go back to wearing just black ever again. Still... I'll keep the black around for reasons such as spilled coffee, melted chocolate, and watercolors that all too often find their way onto my clothes (thank you, aprons!).

Swoooooooon....

{Giovanna Randall for Honor}

Wanderlust Wednesday* Sidewalk chalk

2011-12-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

Are you a fan of sidewalk drawings? The colors, the impromptu pictures, the hopscotch (I was never an althlete in school, but man did I kill it with my mad hopscotch skills. I was THAT good.). So imagine my gasp when I came across these patches of color on dog walk the other day. What a treat.

Note to self: optimism/pessimism

2011-12-27T15:20:00.000-08:00

Yep.

{Found HERE via Pinterest}

Into the {Merry} Weekend*

2011-12-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

The heart is a mighty entity. It expands and compresses based on the very notion of what fuels us to live. Will we choose to live void of passion or will we each, individually, choose to live in the greatness of love, freedom, and glowing authenticity? Will you choose to be kind and inspire gentle waves of peace? Will you choose to focus on those you least admire or those you deeply love? Will you be and create beauty? Will you take a little bit of time this Holiday season (and beyond) to hugely appreciate the good, the true, the dreams?

I hope you do.

Wishing you a remarkably stunning Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule, Festivus, whathaveyou... it's yours to make crappy or beautiful. Choose well, Friends.

Love,

Cath

{Tree photo found HERE}

Guest Blogger: The Best Thing(s) Ever, This Week.

2011-12-22T11:19:00.000-08:00

Today's Guest Blogger is Brian Newlin- who happens to also be one of my very favorite people in the whole world. Need a laugh... go to Brian. This boy is also a super talented animator for Dreamworks (as is his incredibly awesome wife, Jen <- I did a post on her HERE.)

Onto Brian's guest post...

Oh, hello! I didn't see you there.

Ok, that's not really me, but it's how the internet makes me look.

My name is Brian, and my old friend (meaning I've known her for a long time, not implying that *she* is old) Cathy has asked me to contribute to her already wonderful blog. I'm not sure exactly why she would want me to do that, but I think I owe her money so I said "why not?"

I work in the animation industry, so most of my days are spent sitting at my desk, looking blearily at a computer monitor, waiting to be told by a director that I need to put 3 bananas in the shot with the rabbit, or to try and make someone getting kicked in the crotch look funnier. It's my dream job. But I do tend to have a lot of chances to discover new and weird things on the internet and here is where I will share them with you, whether you like it or not. I kid! You will like it. Please like it!

I just saw a couple new animated things this past week, and they are both amazing in different ways. First up is "Boxcar Fair" by Little Tybee. I can't say I'm a huge fan of the song, but the fact this entire video is done in ONE take, performed by the team of puppeteers truly blows my mind. I've done a couple very small projects with puppetry, but I can't even begin to imagine the work and skill in putting this video together.

Little Tybee - "Boxcar Fair"

Little Tybee - "Boxcar Fair" from Little Tybee on Vimeo.

In the feature film world, I'm very excited to see the next stop motion film brought to us by Laika Studios up in Portland, the same studio that gave us the awesome-but-underrated "Coraline" in 2009. Again, as someone who deals only in computer animation, I'm fascinated by these kinds of projects where the artist can actually feel and touch the characters they are working with. And I'm a huge sucker for stories about zombies and ghosts, so this one looks great to me.

So that's it for this week! Until next time!
"Always onwards, ever upwards and forever twirling, twirling, twirling."

-Brian

Wanderlust Wednesday: Tattoo Shop*

2011-12-21T11:48:00.000-08:00

Contrary to what rumors say, I am not a tattoo artist. I am often asked if I am since I, once in a while, stop by Sebastian's shop to say hello or to get them coffee. And I don't work there, except to confirm appointments and do "the books" for them once a week. But I do consider this shop my second home. I wander in and get to chat (Read: bother) Sebastian and J and whichever clients happen to be getting tattooed that particular day. One of my favorite sounds is hearing the buzz of multiple tattoo machines as I am walking down their block... soothing, meditative, activity, art.

Throughout the day and night, passers by will peek in the window to look at the art and then, as if embarking on an adventure of discovery, slowly make their way inside to take a closer look, ask questions, or just witness tattooing in action.

When I wander in I get see what sort of beautiful images are being tattooed, I get to meet new people or catch up with longtime clients and friends, and I get to see Sebastian do what he loves and do it well.

I am so proud to at least be a wee part of this shop. And I'm proud of Sebastian and J for putting out such incredible art into the world. Otherworld Tattoo = Wanderlust heaven.

DIY Postcards*

2011-12-21T08:52:00.000-08:00

GUEST BLOGGER: Meg Sullivan

Here on Wishlist, we are very lucky to have Meg contributing the new DIY posts for our happy enjoyment. Meg's a gifted singer and, yes DIY Queen on her blog artsy/craftsy. She is currently living in San Francisco.

Now for some DIY action... Postcards!

MEG SAYS: When it comes to holiday shopping, I’d rather stay home. This year my hunny and I are filling homemade stockings for each other, so I’m getting trying to get crafty and make some fun stocking-stuffers. I’ve had this old San Francisco map sitting in my laundry room, so I decided to make him a set of postcards for Christmas.

The Method

Materials

Paper of your choice (old map, wrapping paper, recycled holiday cards, etc.)
cardstock or cardboard
Spray adhesive
x-acto knife
pen and/or stamp to decorate

Cut equally sized rectangles from cardstock and use spray adhesive to join them to the paper of your choice. Let the adhesive dry and cut your postcards out with an x-acto knife. Decorate their backsides with lines and/or homemade stamps (I made a stamp stamp — silly, I know — but if you’re interested, you can read more about stamp-making here).

Easy peasy! If you don’t have any time left for holiday crafting, these would also make great thank-you cards. I bundled a few together for my hunny’s stocking and kept a few for myself.

Thanks, Meg! For this and more DIY goodies, visit her blog HERE!

Belly Flip Monday*

2011-12-19T17:54:00.000-08:00

True.

{Found HERE}

Wonder*

2011-12-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

I wonder if this light gently chimes when it is touched by a breeze from the window.

That would be so cool.

{Found HERE}

Wanderlust Wednesday*

2011-12-14T09:15:00.000-08:00

So last weekend, there was a boatload of festivities going on and I somehow managed to hit most of them. Some I went to with friends and others, if I decided to check it out my own, I was lucky enough to bump into a totally random assortment of my peoples and ended up having a really great time. Such was the case with a show I stopped by to see on Sunday night. And I mainly went for two very wonderful reasons: 1. The band, Holdfast Rifle Company- shown in photo above (friends, Becca and Ralph are two of the band members). and 2. to pick up some beautifully made fused glass gifts from Sukiku (this artist is incredibly sweet and so talented).

Now to save up the energy for the next round this coming weekend...

Neat*

2011-12-13T19:40:00.000-08:00

Alright, well, I wouldn't wear this out bicycling or anything (for obvious safety reasons), but I do love the stylistic aspect of these editorials. What an incredible way to show how awesome scarves are. Cannot wait to work my new scarf designs into the next shoot. This will be fun.

{Source HERE}

Belly Flip Monday*

2011-12-12T17:32:00.000-08:00

Yes.

(That is all.)

Wait... maybe just a few words for impact: Holy freakin' god. I've never needed anything so much in my life as I need these cheesy quinoa cakes right now.

{Recipe HERE}

Into the weekend*

2011-12-09T14:09:00.000-08:00

This weekend there are no less than three kagillion Holiday parties going on around here (and slightly under five kagillion next weekend). So this means I'll be out and about with pals going to an evening art opening, seeing my friends' band play at a holiday spectacular, and getting some gifts at a local art show. I'm hoping there will be just enough by the way of high spirits to distract me from feeling so darn nostalgic for New England Holidaying.

But first... I'll dive into finishing up a wave of orders (it's been a busy week!) and then... THEN the fancy dressing up and, naturally, some eggnog.

Have a good weekend, friends.

Love,

Cath

{Photo found HERE}

Behind the Design*

2011-12-08T10:48:00.000-08:00

Now in prep mode for Ciara Obscura's Spring/Summer 2012 photoshoot, I've been on the hunt for great backdrops. And then this morning I came across this photo series from artist Sivan Askayo. What's so alluring about these images is not only the variation of color and texture, but the defining moments of a normal everyday task turned into a collage of art. It's a good example of how perception can mold our view of life into a vista and vision of incredible beauty. Enjoy...

{Photo source via Honestly...WTF}

Wanderlust Wednesday*

2011-12-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

Three doors down from Sebastian's tattoo shop is a barber shop, M.O.B.S., that decorates its storefront every Winter season with a Holiday festive theme. This year it's a gingerbread house. And it's very very difficult to not touch it when I pass by. The trolley tour always swings down our own East Victoria Street to show off this sweet little spectacle.

Top Five Tuesday: Window Displays*

2011-12-06T14:55:00.000-08:00

Have you seen these Bergdorf Goodman Christmas window displays on 5th Avenue? This link has been passed on to me by several of my friends and I can't stop looking at these. I don't think a person can take in all the imagery in one sitting... it's rather overwhelming and, from one perspective, maybe even way too gaudy. BUT, the very fact that some lucky window merchandisers/artists were given this much freedom to create such a wild eye candy wonderland is downright incredible. Over the top? Kind of. Well orchestrated? Yes, indeedy.

Holy cow.

{Found HERE}

Belly Flip Monday*

2011-12-05T16:18:00.000-08:00

Snowglobes! When I was a little girl and it was wintery outside and I had my swiss miss hot chocolate with those really nasty, but so good when you are 7 years old, marshmallows and I would stare outside and watch the snowfall... those were some of my favorite all time memories. And sometimes I would sneak a snowglobe with me to bed at night so I could fall asleep with that being the last thing my eyes saw and the last bit of silence my ears heard.

Snowglobes = Awesomeness.

{Found HERE}

Weekend*

2011-12-03T19:59:00.000-08:00

Looks like I'm a bit late getting to the weekend post this time around. We just finished up with our Holiday Pop Up Shop (with Ciara Obscura, Vintage Trunk Show and Shaybu Chocolate... which was so sweet and fun). And now- once with plans to venture out for the night- have decided to stay in and just relax. So that's what I'm about to do. Have a mellow and colorful rest of your weekend. See you on Monday...

{p.s. I love this photo. Makes me want to nestle up with morning tea or coffee and a neat book or the Sunday New York Times. Photo found HERE. Thank you, CHRIS for sharing!)

What's in my bag*

2011-12-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

It seems to be a running theme in a series of blogs out there, this "What's in my bag" concept. I like it and find it really really fascinating to peek into the bag or purse of the various peoples, but- you know- without getting arrested. Here's mine:

*I'm slightly embarrassed that I carry this much stuff around with me, but - and for starters- I cannot leave the house (or the room) without taking my journal with me. This red one is just about filled up and I'm on the hunt for a new one (I'm very particular about these things.). Inside you'd find design ideas, sketches, visual references/clippings, names of books/music/movies that I'd like to read/listen to/watch, quotes that I think are awesome, and my inside thoughts that are best left for my eyes only. If this journal escaped from me, I'd totally freak out.

* Pens and coloring things.

* A swiss army knife (This was my father-in-law's and a gift received when he passed away.). I love being prepared for any predicament, if need be.

* Red lipstick and strawberry lip balm (I'm a pale girl, so the red gives me much needed color and the lip balm is there just because I love the smell and taste of it.)

* Keys. For all areas of my life and one other that I have no idea of its source.

* The camera. This one is fairly new and now I carry it to capture itty bitty moments in time. It'll be my way to bring you the new post, Wanderlust Wednesday.

* Wallet. A gift from my mother-in-law. It holds all the fixens for buying coffee, materials, and racking up bonus points at CVS (which I always forget to use).

* Sunglasses. Cheapies from the drugstore.

* And the purse. A gift from friend, Amy. She made it and it's beautiful.

* Not shown: a crapload of receipts from mailing packages.

That was oddly therapuetic.

Wanderlust Wednesday*

2011-11-30T09:11:00.000-08:00

Lately, there's been a whole lot of working in my daily and so I treated myself to something I've been hoping to try out for a long while. I got a polaroid-type/instant mini and took this photo as my second ever shot. The film is costly, so it would behoove to be a little more selective about what moment you want to capture... which is counter intuitive to our digital camera age. But I think it's a good way to appreciate your vision in a whole new way, don't you? Eye something beautiful and love that moment in the single shot... polaroids have a great way of keeping you in the moment. Anyhow, welcome to Wanderlust Wednesdays which will document these wonderful little pieces in time.

{ This photo was taken when we took Mars the Dog to the beach. The sun was intense, beaming on the water. I love how surreal and bizarre the image turned out. Is that dark spot the sun (do you see the ray reaching from it off to the right?). Or is it a UFO? I think we've solved the mystery behind all the UFO sitings of the 70's and 80's!}

Top Five Tuesday: Books to Love

2011-11-29T15:56:00.000-08:00

Are you a book lover? I sure am. Here are some that I have rounded up and hope to add to my book shelves soon...

{All books - and more- can be found on my Pinterest boards HERE. I'm just getting started over there... holy crap, it's addicting.)

Belly Flip Monday*

2011-11-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

These days I'm into the clouds, the peacful, the distractions from my mind wandering into things that offer me frustration and doubt. Today I am a believer in the radiance of hope and of sparks of inspiration that lead me along brand new, wide open, transformative adventures and dreams waiting to be revealed. Today is a good day to open your eyes really wide and take it all in. I hope you do.

smoke from floto+warner on Vimeo.

To be thankful...

2011-11-23T18:42:00.000-08:00

I'm of the philosophy that we shouldn't reserve all thanks and kindness for one or two days of the year. Much better to divvy it up a bit and spread out the nice stuff a little longer throughout the year and, heck, throughout life in general. But given that Thanksgiving is upon us and, soon after, the Winter Holidays, I'm going to share a few things that I am currently thankful for. Which are...

* A mind and a journal filled with ideas

* The ground wet from rain and the plants reaching toward the sunlight

* That moment of stillness when I step into a new space

* Hugs and kisses when I need them

* A steady flow of work

* Watercolor inks in every single color imaginable

* A lesson learned to stop being so damn hard on myself

* The same lesson teaching me to stand up for myself a little more

* Baths

* A hot drink and a great book

* Witnessing loved ones succeed

* Getting tingles running through my body when I hear a good song (case in point: Just Like Heaven is currently playing on Pandora)

* Having the entire day off tomorrow wherein I will sit and eat as much as humanly possible.

* Luna's verison of Ride into the Sun

* Feeling huge hope for what's now unfolding...

Enjoy a fulfilling weekend, friends.

Love,

Cath

P.S. If you are in the shopping mood this weekend, come visit the Ciara Obscura SHOP for at least 10% off everything plus Free Shipping... Black Friday through Cyber Monday!

{ Felted acorns... how adorable... found HERE}

Top Five Tuesday: Swings (revisited)

2011-11-22T10:59:00.000-08:00

I've often said that I am a six year old- ninety seven year old. Meaning, simply, that I am both an in-the-moment enthusiast plus a sentimental appreciator of life. I can make for an oddball in conversations sometimes. But... but...no one can ever accuse me of not living life to its fullest (for the most part anyway- sometimes I let myself get distracted by meddlesome worries). That said, one of life's greatest gifts is the swing. Wouldn't you agree? I mean, try thinking about anything but freedom when you're on one. I don't think it's possible. ( I think they're so awesome, I dedicated another blog post to it ->HERE) . Enjoy a little daydreaming while looking at these...

{girl on swing , colorful bedroom swing , wooden swing with pillows , Indian home swing , "bead" swing }

Belly Flip Monday*

2011-11-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

I came across this short film the other day and am blown away by this artist's innovation and clarity of senses. It's really worth taking the (less than) ten minutes out of your day to experience this sort of genius. I remain astounded.

Todd Selby x Christine Sun Kim on Nowness.com.

Into the weekend... Blue*

2011-11-18T17:33:00.000-08:00

This weekend I'll be taking deep breaths and having a diversity of drinks ranging from green tea to hot chocolate to hard apple cider- but not all at once. It's been one hell of a whirlwind week as far as work goes (this is good -> a way lot of orders and a side design project that has slightly consumed me <- but, man oh man, am I eyes-crossing pooped out.). I'll also be fine tuning the guest blogger element of this blog and hope to have new faces and voices joining in over the next couple of weeks. Until then, I'll share my latest love of velvet in the color of blue. And then an extra special treat at the very end of this post to take you into your weekend...

And then this song...

Enjoy an inspiring weekend filled with happy discoveries that make you gasp.

Love,

Cath

{ *Outfit *Room *Shoes *Office Chair }

A neat book

2011-11-16T19:20:00.000-08:00

This book looks awesome. Bonus: my good friend Brian Newlin is one of the authors. I'm going to snag myself a copy for a Holiday gift (but not without taking a few peeks inside first).

Scoot on over HERE to have a look inside for yourself!

Belly Flip Monday

2011-11-14T11:19:00.000-08:00

The brief intermission was due, in part, to having been out of town for my brother's wedding (Congratulations, Ed and Kasey!) and then having to finalize last minute orders before I left. But now I'm back in the game and thought maybe these vintage quilts would make you feel as happy as I feel when I look at them. Also, I finally hopped onto the Pinterest train and - Yes. Yes, I am hooked. I plan on adding many more goodies to the boards over this coming week and I can't tell you how giddy this makes me. Meantime, some pretty pretty quilts just for you...

{All quilts found HERE}

The visual definition of Cute*

2011-11-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

I just want to hug all of them...

( I have a very similar romper... now to hunt down those sweet tights.)

(If you haven't seen the Bill Cunningham documentary, you really should. He's the loveliest man.)

(click to enlarge to see the detail on her shoes!)

(reminds me of my high school days, except she's got a bit more style and class than I did.)

{All photos from The Sartorialist}

Belly Flip Monday

2011-11-07T16:39:00.000-08:00

Today my belly flips because of this...

Aren't we very very lucky to have this kind of beauty in the world?

{Artwork from My Folk Lover}

Into the weekend

2011-11-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

This weekend it's off to a friend's surprise party, reworking and sewing a 50's style bridesmaid dress for a wedding I'll be attending next weekend, and drinking probably more hot chocolate than is good for me (I'm doing it anyway.). I'll also be keeping an eye out for a tree to climb, a new book to read, and an autumn inspired cookie recipe.

Wishing you a cozy one, friends.

Love,

Cath

{Photo found HERE}

Enter Love...

2011-11-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

Who are we to think that we can't have full, sustaining, wildly awesome love in our lives?

I think we can. I think it's all about how much freedom and aliveness we allow ourselves.

Don't ever... for one single second... underestimate this kind of love in your life.

Enter love ...

“The real lover is the man who can thrill you by kissing your forehead or smiling into your eyes or just staring into space.” — Marilyn Monroe

{Photo source HERE}

Holiday Collection!

2011-11-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

Couldn't wait to launch the Holiday goodies just a wee bit early this year. It's not normally how I would do things, but the recent snowfall back east kick started my nostalgia for winter and the holidays and Christmas and that sort of thing. And so it goes...

Want to see the new designs?

(the first and last photos here are neat ideas for different styling with the same silk scarf)

Enjoy a visit to the Ciara Obscura SHOP here!

{Photographer: Kiel Rucker ; Model: Erika Leachman ; Hair: Myriah Bujak ; Make-up: Lauren Pitts}

Belly Flip Monday

2011-10-31T15:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

This is me with my five siblings one Halloween, many years ago. I'm the littlest one peeking out on the far left and, honestly, I have no idea what the hell any of us are.

I like Halloween less for the dressing up part and more for the candy part. My brother, Stephen, and I used to unload our stash on the den floor and then divvy up and trade for our most coveted crack replacement : Anything with 10 or more grams of sugar. My favorites were candy corn, butterfinger, nestle crisp, and milkyway.

But if I was lucky enough to get a full pack of fun dip, it was well worth the 43 minutes of insanity and then the 3 days of nausea that inevitably followed after eating it all at once.

Into the weekend...

2011-10-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

This weekend, we're headed off to a 1920's Speakeasy party. I'm so looking forward to it. Nothing makes me happier than to dive into the fashion, music and frenzy of the era between 1910-1930. My grandmother-in-law is a (fantastically healthy) 101 year old and- lucky for this girl right here- she's let me have a couple of her dresses from about 1925. The one I'm wearing this weekend is a long, sleek, silky velvet black number and it's stylin'. Maybe I'll post a photo if I manage to have a "presentable" one taken. So, anyway, this weekend...

I'd like to be here...

while wearing this...

and listening to this...

and this...

Have a spirited and highly unconventional weekend.
Love,
Cath

{ Photos one and two , three , Vogue)

Ideas:: Studio

2011-10-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

My office is in our home. It's a workspace for concocting designs, constructing them, and hopefully making some decent pieces of art. With materials stored around me and the dog at my feet, it's where I work every single day... a home cubicle, but maybe a little more decked out than those found in office buildings. So last night, I was taking a break and looked around the room and felt a dire need to reconstruct the space. Rework some of the layout, redesign storage. Stuff like that. What's fun about this process is gaining inspiration from others' ideas... like these:

(Large work table- which we already have- layout trays for in use materials [in first image above] and streamlined storage)

(Narrow shelving for artwork and more pops of color... inevitable in an art studio)

(More mason jars for storage!)

(Reclaimed objects for storage and art)

(Larger bulletin board for design ideas)

(Creative use of materials display... maybe not so functional, but still really pretty.)

Now to put some of these ideas into action...

{Images}

Into the weekend...

2011-10-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been given gentle reminders of the preciousness of life. So I don't hesitate to take note and then, and especially, make sure to let my love for anything and everything be known. My love for people, the furry creatures, the camellias blooming outside my window, even my love for secret dreams and wild hopes... I let myself feel it all so I won't ever regret not having full love in my life.

So this weekend, I will remember to remind the world that it is loved in any teeny tiny way I can.

Enjoy a remarkable one, dear friends.

Love,

Cath

{Photo source HERE}

Today...

2011-10-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

I'd like to be here...

while wearing this...

... and eating this...

(I realize that it'll be messy on the white dress, but it will be totally worth it.)

{Photos: unknown Brussels restaurant; Emma Cook dress; Olio Pizzeria}

Sometimes...

2011-10-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it takes a dose of stupidity mixed with bravery

plus some gumption

add a dose of a frolicking good time

throw in some flexibility

share and accept sweetness and love

while remembering to embrace solitude

...to create something otherworldly and beautiful...

Love,

Cath

Ever need a pick-me-up? Something that always always makes you happy, no matter if you feel like everything else is going wrong? (You should totally keep Color Me Katie bookmarked.)

{photos found HERE}

Into the weekend...

2011-10-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

This weekend I'll be taking a little afternoon road trip out of town to the south. The best part of this adventure is driving between the ocean and the mountains at the same time. It's really extraordinary and peaceful. The second best part is spending time with talented and inspiring friends. I look forward to drinking coffee and laughing a lot.

Enjoy a happy one.

Love,

Cath

{ photo source HERE }

Today I dream...

2011-10-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

... that I am here

(I grew up not too far from this place.)

...while wearing this

and eating these (with peanut butter)...

{First photo stock, Second by Elle Moss , and Third photo by Inmost Light}

Oh my.

2011-10-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

I like shoes, but am rarely capable of wearing any over the top heel for more than an hour. And because I walk or ride my bike a lot, I end up wearing wedges, for safety's sake. But these... these I really really like for the colors and materials and shapes.

I'm also a huge fan of hosiery... sexy, huh?

{ Photos found HERE }

Swoon*

2011-10-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

My head says to stick with a practical newer car (we have a Toyota), but my heart and belly are really telling me to go for one of these...

This one looks nearly identical to the Volvo we had some years back. Her name was Olive and she broke down on me on the freeway. But I still love and miss her- the interior was all original and even had an AM radio that played Perry Como and Benny Goodman. Can't beat that.

{ I did a google search on these and totally forgot to source credit the photos, so if any of you know the photographers, please let me know. First image borrowed from Wit and Delight}

Behind the Scenes:: Holiday Photoshoot

2011-10-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

Last week's photoshoot was a pretty fun one. It was a mini-shoot for a mini-collection for the winter holidays and we just ended up meeting up at my home and letting it all unfold there (which is why you'll see a photo or two of Mars the Dog hanging out with the crew.) Some behind the scenes photos for your viewing pleasure...

(styling a silk scarf as a necklace)

(Mars' new favorite toy.)

(scarf in a cute and classic ponytail)

(I think I would hire Lauren and Myriah to do my daily hair and make-up if I wasn't such a low-maintenance slacker with those such things.)

(Doesn't Erika look so adorable in this dress? It's one I bought from Vintage Trunk Show for myself, but had to bring it out special for this shoot.)

(Kiel in action and Erika being her usual spunky and beautiful self.)

The new goodies will be launched for holiday sales in November... can't wait!

And a big huge thank you to Erika Leachman who modeled, Kiel Rucker who photographed, Myriah Bujak who styled the hair, Lauren Pitts who did the make up and Mars the Dog who just really probably got in the way a bit, but who also brought the cuddly love.

{photo credits: Kiel, Myriah and me!}

Into the weekend.

2011-10-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

I took a bath this afternoon. Right smack in the middle of the day. I never do this, but today I did because my very being could not take any more website fixing, a loony workload, and way overthinking. So, I did it. I loaded the tub with hot water, dunked in some bath salts and slid into my own little slice of happy place for a well appreciated break. It was awesome.

This weekend, I am allowing myself to step through a wide open door of secret hopes. There are many many of these doors and windows and hidden cracks with bold light peeking through that you can go through, too. I hope you do.

Love,

Cath

{ photo by Gina Conti }

A Reprise*

2011-10-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

Been totally out of the blogging loop this week- life took a hold of me and swung me around for a bit, plus we had a photoshoot for the Holiday designs (excited!). But now I'm back and wanted to share this beautiful photography that a friend passed along to me.

Aren't they great?

{ Photo source HERE }

Into the weekend...

2011-09-30T17:02:00.000-07:00

Around this time of year, I really start to miss New England. October and April are the months that most make my heart leap... I can't get myself to stop taking incredibly deep breaths and feeling such giddiness with everything I see. It's the glow, the new way of viewing light and colors that affirms just how freakin' awesome nature is. We are very lucky creatures to have this kind of beauty around us.

Enjoy a lovely weekend with peeks of color beginning their wild ride, peace of mind just when you think there's no hope, love for all that is good in your life, and an unexpected tender touch that blisses you out.

Love,

Cath

{ Photos: (1) and (2) }

A sort of meditation*

2011-09-29T13:48:00.000-07:00

This past week has been tricky. So I've decided to stop my normal routine (which isn't really that normal) and shift gears. Some things I am thankful for:

+ A sweetly decorated wish box made for me by my two little nephews- complete with a colorful watercolor painting, a note, and an already-been-opened, half empty (half full?) jar of Nutella. Heartbreakingly adorable and hilarious.

+ Food. I love to eat. So anything that is packed with carbs and/ or chocolate, and is not meat, I'm all for. I'm always hungry and am glad I have food around when I want to chow down. My current favorite is goat cheese with just a little bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar-> insanely good.

+ My boys. The husband and the dog keep me in a place of love even when the world can sometimes be kind of mean.

+ My work. All else fails, I've got the ability to make things and feel very very blessed to make a living from it all. It's a nice feeling.

+ Leftover and a little bit stale coffee that Sebastian left on my work desk. Reheat. Maybe not so high class, but it's still bliss for this girl right here.

+ Clean floors. Why does this simple thing completely make my day? I won't question, I will just enjoy and savor it.

+ The sun just came out. Instant mood enhancer. Thanks, sun!

{ Awesome photo from Missoni S/S collection}

Top Five Tuesday: Illustrations

2011-09-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

I think these are just perfect for this day.

{All illustrations by Samantha Hahn}

Word for the week: Proof

2011-09-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

Ever feel like you need to prove yourself? I do and, let me tell you, it sucks.

How do we, as a living race, stop feeling like we constantly need to provide evidence of our "rightness" and our greatness? Better yet, how do we just let all of this, that doesn't really matter, go?

I think this is how...

First drop everything, breathe and relax.

and then smile wide...

It's a good start.

{Ocean photos found here and Boo the dog found everywhere <- check out his facebook page... hilarious!}

Into the weekend...

2011-09-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

What will you be up to this weekend? Reading? Dancing? Baking something yummy?

I hope to be doing a little bit of all of that, plus fine tuning the Holiday designs for product launch in the not so distance future (Yes. I am already jumping to December in my head. Yikes.)

Also... last chance to enter the giveaway for a $30 gift certificate toward Vintage Trunk Show's wonderful Etsy shop. The deadline is tonight! Want in? Enter here!

Happy weekend, peeps.

Love,

Cath

{photo source- Elle Decor magazine}

There's truth in living.

2011-09-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

" To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all."

-Oscar Wilde

{ Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward photo HERE}

{ Louis Armstrong and Paul McCartney HERE via Cup of Jo}

Last Chance for the Vintage Trunk Show GIVEAWAY!

So cool.

2011-09-21T16:38:00.000-07:00

Can you get over this stove?! I sure can't.

Wow.

Enter the Vintage Trunk Show GIVEAWAY HERE!

{ photo: Elle Decor }

Vintage Trunk Show GIVEAWAY

2011-09-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

There's something special to be said about treasure hunting at vintage and antique shops. It's like you are taken into another story, a whole new atmosphere, brand new possibilities. Finding a crazy awesome dress or photograph or piece of jewelry this way is just a great great feeling and one of Ciara Obscura's blog sponsors- Vintage Trunk Show- wants you to feel this extra special way, too. They're offering a lucky reader a $30 gift card toward anything in their Etsy shop!

Here's how to enter for a chance to win:

+ Hop on over to Vintage Trunk Show's shop HERE and find your favorites.

+ Then share your picks on the wall of Ciara Obscura's Facebook page HERE.

+ The winner will be announced on the FB page this Saturday, September 24th.

+ Giveaway deadline is this Friday at 11:59pm PST!

Good luck!

Nesting.

2011-09-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

That stereotype about women and nesting... I'm afraid it's really accurate, in my case. Lots of times I catch myself standing in the middle of a room in my house just staring. I take in everything that I love about it- the glow from the light coming through the windows mid-afternoon, the artwork, the colors. Then, inevitably, I think about what could be enhanced- a skylight, better lighting, the sofas stored in the garage that need to be reupholstered. Things like that. But mostly I just want the kitchen remodeled (of which I have spoken about 73 times already in this blog.). We'll get there.

Until then, I'll still be here appreciating the fact that 1. we have a home, for cripes'sake. and 2. that it holds every notion of sentiment in my life. I'd say that's pretty great.

{photos from Elle Decor}

80% transparency*

2011-09-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

You see this sheer dress? Do you also see how her bathing suit/underwear peeks through all summery cute-like (FYI: you can only get away with this in a bigger city... or in a kick back beach town.)? This happens to me by accident more often than it should... and, really, it's not as cute as the girl in this photo. I don't have a full length mirror at home and the indoor lighting is kind of off- so things like this (and lipstick that somehow got on my eyelid) aren't noticed until I'm in broad daylight. Which is pretty embarrassing. I visited my husband at his shop one day not too long ago- wearing a pale tulle skirt. He stepped away from his client, walked into the office, called my name and motioned toward a yellow post-it note held up in his hand reading: "80% transparency". It took me a second to realize that he was talking about my skirt. I'd like to think I pulled it off like this girl here, but likely I absolutely did not.

Anyhow, wha'cha got going this weekend? I'll be celebrating a friend's birthday tonight at a pizzeria (Happy birthday, Alexis!), maybe catching a movie, and - heck- doing some laundry.

Hope you have a playful weekend.

Love,

Cath

{Photo from The Sartorialist}

Fashion Week favorites*

2011-09-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

Truth be told, I'm kind of a deadbeat when it comes to following the various Fashion Weeks. But I do like to have a lookie loo at some of the truly awesome designs that are making their way into the world. Here are my picks- if for no other reason than that I just think they're really pretty.

{Jill Stuart}

{Marc Jacobs}

{Suno}

{Vena Cava}

{Costello Tagliapietra}

{Erin Fetherston}

{Luca Luca}

Do you have a favorite?

Home.

2011-09-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

Took a part of the afternoon off yesterday to enjoy a stroll here. No matter how many years I've been living in this town, I don't think I'll ever quite believe that I reside right next to this beautiful ocean. There's no way around feeling complete peace and just-rightness while staring off into this vastness of nature.

And a coffee in hand...well then...that would be what's called bliss.

Deep breath.

Reasons why...

2011-09-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

I am shy to admit that I've never been to Paris. And I'm even more hesitant to admit just how much I dream about it. It's just so cliche to dream about Paris.
But, hey, I do. So there it is.

I am the kind of hopeless romantic that can't be deterred... wherein my mind is in a near constant state of imagining and daydreaming. Maybe that's a little off, but-seriously- there's no way I'd want to change that part of me for anything.

Would you agree that there are worse things going on in the world than a girl dreaming up beautiful happenings?

Anyhow, someday for me... Paris. And in the meantime, a stroll in the park up the road.

{photography by Little Brown Pen}

Fun for your Monday...

2011-09-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

Have you seen these images from Carli Davidson? She snapped the dogs in the middle of a get-the-wet-off-me shake.

Oh doggies, you make me so very happy.

Into the Weekend...

2011-09-09T17:40:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I'll be working on a little painting and hanging with my bestie.

I'll also be eating chocolate cake and starting in on a new book (Tina Fey's Bossypants).

This is all in an effort to force myself to take a day off here and there. It's working out nicely... these moments of stillness coupled with good fun. That's me ... throwing caution to the wind. I'd like to think I'm getting used to this way of living... though in the back of my mind, the ideas for work are still going strong. Ah well, I'll get it right one of these days.

What are you up to this weekend?

{ White Hearts }

Candy!

2011-09-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

This is much cuter and prettier than the sesame seeds that stick to my lips after I eat a bagel.

{ photo source here }

Some time for play...

2011-09-07T14:43:00.000-07:00

It is a rare thing, in general, that I would hop into a photo op willingly. But at our bash this past weekend, a photobooth ("fauxto" booth, as friend and photographer Kiel Rucker called it) was set up and it was way too hard to resist. Here are some that I managed to sit still in...

{This one cracks me up. We had no idea what a friend had written on the thought clouds... until we were allowed to peek mid way through. It stays censored!}

{Here's one of me and Kiel- stepping out from behind the camera. Following my robot dance, his sister told him to bite me, but he wasn't successful.}

{And then one of me and Sebastian- which I love...}

I had such a good time with a home filled with wonderful and dear friends. And I'm already figuring out an excuse to throw another party. Until then... happy memories.

Top Five Tuesday: DVF

2011-09-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

These outfits are something special and I'd like each one of them for this Fall. You?

This one would be perfect for Holiday parties, don't you think?...

{all from DVF}

Into the weekend...

2011-09-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

What are you up to this weekend? We're throwing an evening bash at our place to celebrate friends, food, and the (somewhat official) close of Summer. I'm hoping my belly will be full, my spirits will be high, and a way lot of laughter will be going around.

Enjoy a very good one.

Love,

Cath

{photo source unknown}

{Vintage} European Beaches

2011-09-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

Right. There. Now.

{Life magazine archive}

Really good movies.

2011-08-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

There are so many fine movies out there in the world and every now and again I end up adding a new one to my favorites, but these are some that I can (and have) watched many times over.

I'm sure- right after I publish this post- I will remember five more that should have been added to this bunch.

But for now...

(Bottle Rocket)

(Son of Rambo)

(Harold and Maude)

(The Fall)

(Waiting for Guffman)

(The Royal Tenenbaums- mostly because of that one scene where Pagoda stabs Royal with that tiny knife.

It kills me every time.)

What movies would you add to this (or take away?)

Image for the week*

2011-08-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

We've got a party happening this coming weekend, and although I know I should probably enjoy the days in between until then, I can't help but feel excited for a home full of new and old friends and surprises lined up in every nook and cranny.

(Images from this super sweet shop)

Into the weekend...

2011-08-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

Magazines can be a mixed bag. Like books and music, they bring out the snob in me. There are a handful of magazines that I enjoy reading through religiously. And Anthology is becoming one of those. Wouldn't this latest issue be a fun and relaxing distraction for your weekend? They make a trailer for each one- which is pretty cool. Here you go:

Issue No. 4 Trailer from Anthology Magazine on Vimeo.

This weekend, I'll be working on some prep stuff for a party we're having next weekend, catching up with a friend, and going for a nice long walk all by myself. Have a happy one.

Love,

Cath

O.M. freakin'.G.

2011-08-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

I'm kind of freaking out over these lookbook shots from Rodarte for Opening Ceremony. Fresh and gorgeous. Oh, the things I aspire towards...

{Go here for more... Weeeeeeee!}

Top Five Tuesday: Books

2011-08-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

I confess to sometimes being a little obsessed with Anthropologie. But it's mostly because of stuff like their doorknobs and say, oh I don't know, butter dishes. Though the first place I head to when I visit an Anthropologie store is their book section. Here are some new ones I've come across that would be a nice addition to my own stash.

{ more here }

Image(s) for the week

2011-08-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

I can't help but feel very well and content looking through these photos of designer, Stella McCartney's home. They put me right smack dab in the center of a long drawn out, "AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH".

Would you agree?

She's got a great way of creating gorgeous and effortlessly wearable designs without compromising ethics and integrity. Mad props.

Into the weekend...

2011-08-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

I can't figure out if this week was painfully slow or whip fast. Do you have weeks like this, when you feel you are, simultaneously, totally slacking but then hyper-focused on boat loads of work? The brain is a funny funny phenomenon. Anyhow, I came across more of Lou Mora's photography and thought these would be nice images to take you into your weekend.

And, after I work on a couple of orders, I'm heading off to see a movie with a friend. (It feels luxurious to see a movie in the middle of an afternoon!). And then... who knows. I am open to some pleasant surprises.

Happy weekend.

Love,

Cath

My dream for today...

2011-08-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

... is to be here

while wearing this...

...and eating these

What are you dreaming of?

[macarons] [balloons] [dress]

Holy geez...

2011-08-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

This room!

Are you a book lover? I am. As in, I have way WAY too many books in our home and they are constantly threatening to take over. Which is fine by me.

And how is it that those chairs somehow fit perfectly in that room? They pull out the bright and happy (and pink!) in every part of the space. So cool.

(image found here)

Top Five Tuesday: Things I Love Now

2011-08-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

These have caught my eye and have become five of my new favorite things...

Sometimes happiness in material form is perfectly fine. Wherein bliss, it is claimed, can only be attained within your own calm (and with a glass of wine... and then maybe with sex.).

{Found here: {1}Book {2}Candle{3}Dress{4}File Cabinet {5}Kitchen }

Word for the week (year. life.): Pleasure

2011-08-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

I just celebrated my birthday and it was a good one. Which makes me consider the year ahead and all the possibilities that may go along with it. Which, then, makes me consider the week ahead as a fresh start. And all I can think of and feel is freedom and pleasure. So I'm going with it. Pleasure. I'm goin' in.
You are welcome to join me...

(apple found here)

Into the weekend...

2011-08-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

What'cha doin' this weekend?

It'll be my birthday, so that means I'll be eating a lot, kicking back a bit, spending an afternoon with my bestie, and all around enjoying this life.

Birthday or not, I hope you'll be doing the same!

Love,

Cath

(photos: Alexandra Grablewski via Decor8)

Scarves!

2011-08-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

It's hard to miss the latest craze with scarves. When I first came up with the idea to design a line of scarves for Ciara Obscura, I was relatively unaware of this new trend emerging once again from the core of fashion history. I love that they can be worn in the hair or accessorize like mad (neck, belt, bandeau, wrist...). Here are some from the new collection:

But I mostly love this video from the hugely talented Bri Emery of the gorgeous Design Love Fest. Spirited and inspiring (and, of course, fun):

SCARFFY from Bri Emery on Vimeo.

So sweet.

Ciara Obscura

Into the weekend*

Behind the Design* Bask in Love

Favorites (lately)*

For the love of POLKA DOTS!

Into the weekend...

Today, I dream...

Guest Blogger: Brian* Books!

Just because*

Top Five Tuesday * Knobs!

Belly Flip Monday* Mars

Into the weekend*

Behind the Designs*

For the love of art*

Pretty*

Belly Flip Monday*

Into the weekend*

Guest Blogger* The Best thing Ever, This Week: The Future Is Now-Ish

Lordy lordy...

Song of the Week *

And so it begins...*

Farewell, 2011...

OOooOoOoooo....*

Wanderlust Wednesday* Sidewalk chalk

Note to self: optimism/pessimism

Into the {Merry} Weekend*

Guest Blogger: The Best Thing(s) Ever, This Week.

Wanderlust Wednesday: Tattoo Shop*

DIY Postcards*

Belly Flip Monday*

Wonder*

Wanderlust Wednesday*

Neat*

Belly Flip Monday*

Into the weekend*

Behind the Design*

Wanderlust Wednesday*

Top Five Tuesday: Window Displays*

Belly Flip Monday*

Weekend*

What's in my bag*

Wanderlust Wednesday*

Top Five Tuesday: Books to Love

Belly Flip Monday*

To be thankful...

Top Five Tuesday: Swings (revisited)

Belly Flip Monday*

Into the weekend... Blue*

A neat book

Belly Flip Monday

The visual definition of Cute*

Belly Flip Monday

Into the weekend

Enter Love...

Holiday Collection!

Belly Flip Monday

Into the weekend...

Ideas:: Studio

Into the weekend...

Today...

Sometimes...

Into the weekend...

Today I dream...

Oh my.

Swoon*

Behind the Scenes:: Holiday Photoshoot

Into the weekend.

A Reprise*

Into the weekend...

A sort of meditation*

Top Five Tuesday: Illustrations

Word for the week: Proof

Into the weekend...

There's truth in living.

So cool.

Vintage Trunk Show *GIVEAWAY*

Nesting.

80% transparency*

Fashion Week favorites*

Home.

Vintage Trunk Show GIVEAWAY