INSPIRATION FOUND.

Inspiration found in Anjelica Houston's laced up espadrilles and rolled up shorts, Gene Tierney in a floral pin-up pose, the crown of bougainvillea tucked into Frida Kahlo's hair, the appeal of a slightly out of focus soft photograph of  Kate Winslet juxtsaposed against the angles of her profile, almost a metaphor of what it is to be a woman...that perfect balance of soft vs strong, we all try to acheive.

Notions of Navajo...

Earlier in the week I wrote about the sudden explosion of prints and patterns hitting the streets of NYC, once summer hits and the temperature rises, like clockwork everyone breaks out all their best ones and although I love a great floral there is nothing better than a Navajo pattern or stripe.

...and as long as we have Navajo on the brain, check out these Cowboys and Indians. I can't take my eyes off their layers of fringe, feathers, Navajo inspired jewelry, concho belts, long braids and leather cuffs.

...there are so many great Navajo inspired pieces out there. The All Saints beaded mini at the bottom is absolutely beautiful in person, with a loose tank and a worn in pair of brown sandals, a hint of a tan and hair perfectly wavy from a long day at the beach, and i'd say your on the way to one perfect date night...

Get the goods...1. Pendleton Pillows here 2. All Saints skirt here 3. Vintage Pendleton catalog here 4. Forever 21 beaded bracelets 5. All Saints bag here 6. Metal Fringe necklace here 7. Levi's navajo lined jacket here 8. Vintage turquoise bracelet 9. Pendleton by Peyote Bird belts here

images via enjoy the kiss tumblr, ciara bird tumblr, marlow35. black and white photos via Vogue Spain

Accidental Brilliance Wednesday Wisdom...

Accidental Brilliance Trendspotting...Print Madness

...nothing new about prints and patterns, other than the fact that every year there seem to be new variations and styles out there. But you know it's officially summer when people start breaking em' out. And it is officially summer because, no matter where I walk in NYC lately there are pops of bright patterned little skirts, great pairs of printed loose fitting pants rolled up with sandals, long flowy skirts or adorable printed short shorts all over the streets. Here's to summer and the arrival of print and patterned madness.

images via vogue.com and  phil oh photos, zara.com, ciara bird tumblr, pinterest

Accidental Brilliance Picks...Wayuu Taya Bags

Years ago I saw a woman on the street with the most amazingly colorful woven bag slung across her body, I stopped her to ask her where she had gotten it and she said she had just gotten back from a trip to Colombia where they are pretty common. I never forgot the bag and over the past few years they've been popping up here in the states. The best part, they are being sold for a great cause. Not only are they gorgeous but, the proceeds of each bag sold benefit The Wayuu Taya Foundation. The foundation helps to improve the lives of impoverished people in Latin America. The hand-woven bags are made by Wayuu indigenous women at the foundation's women's center that helps to educate women. There are a few stores that are selling them but, you can purchase the bags directly from the foundaion's website here and guarentee the proceeds are going to the right place. And while your there, check out other ways you can get involved and help. Fashion for a great cause, can't beat that.

Tunes for a Tuesday...Rave on Buddy Holly

I can't stop listening to the new tribute album to Buddy Holly, Rave on Buddy Holly. It could be because his music was so great or it could be because everyone from My Morning Jacket, Patti Smith, Paul McCartney, Florence and the Machine and then some have layed down a tribute track. To stream the album for free click on over here. And here's one from The Black Keys...

               

Accidental Brilliance Superfood + Supplement Series...

No secret that I love kombucha tea not only for all it's health benefits but I have become strangely addicted to the taste...some days I just need the stuff in a bad way. Although I have grown to really enjoy the stronger blends of kombucha out there, I recently sampled a new blend by Brooklyn Kombucha and was pleasantly surprised at how mellow each flavor was. The Red Zinger was my favorite, blended with fresh pressed ginger and strawberries you would never even guess something that tasted so good was full of vitamin B and C and was also improving your skin's complexion, helping in digestion, reducing anxiety, detoxifying and as the bottle claims, "increasing your mojo". Enough said right...to see where they sell Brooklyn Kombucha near you click on over here and drink up to good health and better mojo !

Accidental Brilliance Monday Muse...Allison Miller

...when actress Allison Miller was asked to describe her personal style she described it as " classic tomboy meets vs. Southern lady ", precisely why she is muse worthy. She can make a pretty little dress look just as good as a rolled up pair of overalls.

photos and quote found on closet visit.

Weekend Distractions...

images via soulsurfer tumblr, ciara bird, all those lovely things tumblr, vogue.com, street fsn

Sunday Simple Wisdom of Buddha + Somethin' from Bon Iver...

Usually I think the original is always a better way to go than a cover when it comes to a song. But, there are those songs that are so good that somehow you can't mess things up, sometimes they're even just as good as the original. I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt was pretty special for it's time and then Bon Iver (Justin Vernon) comes along and does it just a little more than justice...

Accidental Brilliance at the moment favorites...

Get the goods...ring available at Catbird , shoes available at Toast , honey available at Whole Foods.

Love what she is wearing...

...for the ease of a little white tank, the effortless cool of the way a silk scarf looks wrapped around wavy summer hair, the intrigue of showing just a little bit of skin and the simplicity of a patterned tunic day or night, short or long.

images via Stockholm Street Style, Ciara Bird, Ralph Lauren

Accidental Brilliance In The Beauty Bag...

Even though it might seem counter intuitive to slather oil all over your face, I think if you find the right oil for your skin there is no better way to keep skin looking hydrated, supple and help stave off wrinkles and dryness. I love all of these oils. If you haven't tried the Evanhealy line of products before click on over here and read up on all their great concoctions. Evanhealy is an artisan quality skin care created by aesthetician Evan Healy. Her holistic approach draws from traditional plant love, aromatherapy and homeopathy. Each batch of products is handmade and you can feel the love when you put them on.

The xx...Playin' of repeat today

...this one playin' on repeat today in the background. Sort of like the tick tock of a clock, you don't even notice it's there, a mellow beat.

                 

Dear Sun...

Even though this week you have been hidden behind rain drops and thunder clouds, when you come back...

To check out the rest of Mara Hoffman's collection click on over here.

INSPIRATION FOUND.

Inspiration found in the wind blown hair, tanned skin, open sails and blue water's glisten in the pursuit of Summer.


inspiration and photos of Daria Werbowy shot by Gregory White

So...I was at a party last night by Andrea Cuius + Roland Ellis

Have you ever had one of those experiences where you've been out and everything seems to flow, the conversation is just right, the lighting is perfect ? When I read about So...I was at a party last night, I thought about one of those sort of nights. " Light and sound shift in response to one another in this light installation as poet Sabrina Mahfouz performs her solo show Dry Ice. Thirty tungsten bulbs are suspended from the ceiling and they lighten and brighten in response to her voice, kind of like a symphony orchestra of lights and words. Pretty cool...

    

originally found on Design Boom

Accidental Brilliance Wednesday Wisdom...

Lotsa, lotsa layers is my motto for decorating. The cool part...it doesn't matter what your design style is, every room can do with a little layering in of color, prints, piles of pillows and anything else that brings a little soul to a room. It's like giving the room a voice so it can tell the story of where you've been and where your going...

images via elle decor, pinterest, desire to inspire.
top image the home of laura and diego garcia, little girl's room designed by martin lawrence bullard

Accidental Brilliance Picks...Clare Vivier Tote

...to see the rest of her amazing bags click on over here.

Local Natives. Tunes for a Tuesday...

Sun is shining. Get out there and find it, inspiration, a new goal. Or be it, the inspiration the best first impression. Try something different and believe that it is possible...


         

Lucy Williams...Accidental Brilliance Monday Muse

...muse worthy for the cool ease of her look and of course my love of a little ombre hair was documented last week, I just love the look. I have been following Lucy's blog for awhile now and then I came across these photos of her shot by super talented street style photographer Vanessa Jackman. A striped shirt, a little biker jacket, a pair of cut-offs and a kimono top never looked so good.

Weekend Distractions...

images via SoulSurfer tumblr, pinterest, All Those Lovely Things tumblr

Sunday Simple Wisdom of Buddha + Somethin' from Sera Cahoone...

...early morning and Sera Cahoone sounds right. I originally found her because she played drums at one point for one of my favorites Band of Horses. Super talented and perfectly mellow for a sunny Sunday morning. Enjoy the day...

                        

Deposit for the style files...Ombre Hair

...no there is nothing new about the ombre hair trend but everytime I see it, I love it. I've never colored my hair but this look is just so tempting, especially for summer.

Accidental Brilliance at the moment favorites...

get the goods...clutch available here  and check out the other colors as well, herb keeper here, tablecloth available here, necklace available here.

Playin' on repeat today...Lauryn Hill

Doesn't matter how many years later, this little lady...still got it. Hit play " everything is everything, what is meant to be will be, change it comes eventually "...

                     

INSPIRATION FOUND.

Inspiration found in...simplicity, the simple beauty of Carolina Herrera back in 1976 photographed by Mapplethorpe in Mustique, an old Hermes ad, a perfect pencil on paper sketch, the simple comfort, layers, lace and patterns of See by Chloe Fall 2012.

images via pinterest, style.com

Accidental Brilliance Loves...

1. Oriental Rug inspired beach towels here 2. Dolce Vita Sandals here 3. Juicy Couture woven bracelets 4. Calypso Home beach blanket 5. Flora Bella cross-body bag 6. Charlie &  Joe tote here. 7. Balenciaga Sunglasses here. Tunic and Hat by Matta NY

Destinations. Formentera, Spain...

I am in love with the home of Marni founder, Consuela Castiglioni. And if I had a little rustic getaway in Formentera, Spain this would be it...plenty of areas to laze around outside with thatched roofs to get a respite from the hot sun, big rustic outdoor dining areas with space for friends and family to enjoy siestas and late night meals, big bathtubs for soaking and beds piled with layers of embroidered covers and too many pillows for sweet dreaming...

images via Vogue Living

Accidental Brilliance Wednesday Wisdom...

Accidental Brilliance Picks...Tory Burch Resort 2012

Aren't these florals and prints from Tory Burch's Resort 2012 line great ? More is more comes to mind in a really good way...

Blind Pilot...Tunes for a Tuesday

 This is one of those groups that never gets enough attention, so good is all I have to say...

        

        

Simple Summer DIY Projects...

There is something about Summertime that always inspires me to come up with fun DIY projects, last year I bought every imaginable color of string to make old school friendship bracelets and this summer I am loving these three ideas...

1. How amazing are those paint dipped baskets...check out the easy directions here.
2. And how refreshing does that rosemary & orange water look...get the recipe here.
3. Or what about a couple of those bright rope bracelets...get the instructions here.

images and instructions via baskets- martha stewart, bracelets- honestly wtf