beauty and the book

If you are like me, spending all your work day by the screen, you would agree that there’s nothing like the feeling of a page of book in your hands. Moreover, I haven’t seen a single New-Year’s resolution list not saying “Need to read mooooore”.  And I’d add to that where you set up to enjoy this magical (with the current sparsity, it’s certainly IS quite magical when you do carve out time for a book) experience is equally important as what you are reading.

So I’ve pulled some alluring libraries that inspire a few-hour long “cuddle up with a book” time. While there are some mind-blowing contemporary design, only the one with a little history behind could warm my heart.

The Old Library, Trinity College, Dublin, Thomas Burgh, 1712–33.

Boston Public Library, Boston, McKim, Mead & White, 1895.

Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, Paris, Henri Labrouste, 1838–50.

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, 1963.

Library, Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire, Louis Kahn, 1971.

<images via www.archrecord.construction.com>

the pleated necessity

Ranking first on my list of necessities is a pleated maxi skirt…preferably in color. I’ve been looking for it for quite a while now and if I won’t find it in time for the summer I’ll be VERY mad at the fashion gods up there.  So if you see a good one, send it my way or else…

<images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8>

my kinda registry

I’ve been shopping on registry lists quite a lot lately, which made me wish we’ve had “the American” wedding. Since there is no tradition of wedding registry in Russia, I feel like I’ve missed out on a great opportunity to score some beautiful dinnerware (‘coz let’s face it – when else would you treat yourself to a hundred-dollar plate?!).

So I’ve decided to put together my registry for “just in case” occasion…that is just in case I have extra $100 laying around. The first on the list would come the new DVF Home Collection. So fun and whimsy, it brings the memories of warm summer evenings…

…when you can pick a fresh bouquet,

…chase butterflies,

…gaze into the night sky laying on the beach,

…be creative and artsy,

…or try something new and unexpected.

<images via www.dvf.com>

nebesa

you might think that I’m bias but in reality I’m the toughest critic of the Russian popculture. Among thousands of one-song singers, it’s a very rare occasion that they come up with something worth paying attention to. But this one is a very special so I couldn’t help but share. The song itself might not stand out too much but it’s the visuals that keep haunting me every time I hear it. The color palette so delicate and luring that I want to watch the video over and over again just to indulge in every detail. Check it out for yourself.

..and for my non-Russian speakers: “Nebesa” means “heavens”

walking in charleston, sc

It’s been a while since I’ve made a “walking in…” post. Well, the only places I’ve been walking in recently were grocery stores and same old sightseeing places in LA with gazillion guest visitors last month. But last weekend we were so lucky to go for a wedding trip to Charleston, South Carolina.

To say that I was excited is to say nothing. I LOVE historic architecture and we don’t have it much here in LA. Charleston was founded in mid-17th century with tons of treasures to explore. Needless to say I was completely enchanted with charming little street, white porches and intimate gardens of residences, and southern food with its buttery sauces.

<images via me>

it’s an etsy world: ellemoss

I’ve been an awful blogger lately. With a completely unbalanced April schedule I barely could find time for sleep let aside writing and inspiring you guys. I’ll try to improve as getting back on tracks.

For now I’m leaving you with fantastic art photography by ellemoss. Soft color palettes with a healthy dose of weird curiosity. Got me thinking that I need to freshen up my art collection…

<images via www.etsy.com/shop/ellemoss>