Home Decor Inspiration-Outdoor Dining

I have been relaxing in Southern Oregon, and last night my fiance cooked a lovely dinner for my Grandmother and I and we were able to eat outside, it was the perfect summer evening, so I was inspired to share some beautiful outdoor dining areas with you:

Fashion Inspiration-Diannna Agron

I have to admit that while I love the music from Glee, I have never actually seen the show (although I planning on fixing that soon). So in a way Dianna Agron has been on my radar for awhile, but while browsing zimbio I started to realize what great style she has. She combines her sweet girl next door look with a very glamorous edge on the red carpet, and I love it:

Wedding Inspiration-Signs

As many of you know, my cousin Dustin got married this Sunday. It was a gorgeous ceremony and reception, and I couldn't be happier for he and Megan. They incorporated some very great, very sweet ideas into their special day, one of them being the use of signs. It is so nice for guests to have direction when they reach the wedding, so they know where to go instead of wandering aimlessly. Signs are also great because they add a personal touch and romantic feeling to the event. Here are some examples:

photos via: thingsbetterwithaparrot.com, weddingbee.com, elizabethannedesigns.com, stylemepretty.com, opulentcouturierblog, vintagesignprojects, betsywhite, 

Fashion Inspiration-Freida Pinto

While the Slumdog Millionaire star has been staying out of the lime light, it's hard to avoid her stylish moments on the red carpet. Not only is she exceptionally beautiful and sweet looking, but she also has great taste. She never seems to look anything less that perfectly fashionable and perfectly polished. Enjoy:

Travel Inspiration-Seattle

On Sunday I ventured into Washington for a family barbecue, and although I didn't get as far as Seattle, I will make sure I do next time. The Inn at the Market has a great location and looks ultra romantic, definitely worth the trip.

Home Decor Inspiration-Sarah Richardson Desig

Sarah Richardson has an amazing portfolio, so it's difficult to narrow down her best work to share with you, but this one for HGTV is pretty amazing, and looks like the perfect place to get away.

Ruby Red Summer Wedding

July's birthstone is the ruby, and while red may not be very summery, it can be as collection of photos from an inspirational shoot featured on Style Me Pretty shows:

Fashion Inspiration-Selita Ebanks

While she is a lingerie model, Selita Ebanks does have style that is attainable for your average woman, for the most part. While she does show off her exceptionally rockin body she also chooses sleek clothes that would work on almost any shape or size. Enjoy:

Home Decor Inspiration-Oregon Garden

Better Homes and Gardens article on how to create the perfect patio featured an Oregon Oasis so beautiful I had to share it:

Travel Inspiration-Oregon Brewfest

Today is the last day to stop by the Oregon Brewers Festival. Featuring more than 80 Craft Beers from around the country, live music, and delicious food it is sure to be a great way to spend your afternoon.

Shabby Chic Update

I attended a wonderful wedding tonight. I couldn't be happier for Dustin and Megan. It was gorgeous and everyone had such a great time. More updates coming soon.

xoxo

Shabby Chic's Summer Reads

Speaking of Books, I have some recommendations for some end of the summer easy, fun, beach reads:

Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner - A breezy read about writer Candice Shapiro, who wakes up one day to find her ex-boyfriend has landed his own column (titled Good in Bed) in a popular women's magazine. His first article is titled "Loving a Larger Women" and discuss the courage it took for him to do so. Humiliated, because everyone who knows her, and even some who don't, are aware the column is about her, 'Cannie' sets out to make some major changes in her life. The book follows the funny, dissapointing, and surprising turns her life takes, and it's easy to read because the main character is so sassy, real, and admirable. Definitely a great book for anyone looking for an entertaining escape.

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton- Although this novel is long, it's impossible to put down. I tore through the mystery around Cassandra, who discovers her grandmother Nell, who has recently passed away is not who she, or anyone thought she was. Cassandra sets out to discover the truth about where she and her grandmother come from although all she knows is that she arrived in Australia as a little girl, all alone on a ship, with a suitcase containing nothing more than a book of fairy tales by the mysterious "authoress" Eliza Makepeace. The story is told through different generations, but leave you guessing on how the story all comes together until the very end. I highly recommend this book, it quickly became one of my all time favorites.

Hush by Kate White-A breezy mystery written by the editor of Cosmopolitan. This mystery centers around Lake Warren, who wakes up next to Dr. Keaton the morning after a one night stand with his throat slashed. She had been consulting with the fertility clinic he worked for, and her fear of loosing custody of her children makes her too afraid to report the murder to the police and implicate herself, but she sets out to solve it herself. A light yet intriguing read, perfect for a day lounging in the sun. 

Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner-Yes, another Jennifer Weiner novel made my summer reading list because her style is so easy to read, and yet captivating. This may be her best book yet, as it covers the lengths we'll go to for our friends, and how they define ultimately who we are. Addie became best friends with Valerie the day her family moved in across the street, but a betrayal during her teenage years tore them apart. Which is why Addie is shocked to see Valerie on her door step the night of their high school reunion covered in blood and visibly shaken. Their lives had taken them in different direction, Addie stayed at home to take care of her troubled brother and dying mother, while Valerie became a pseudo celebrity by becoming a local weather girl, but suddenly they are thrust back together again. A review on goodreads said it best "a grand, hilarious edge of your seat adventure; a story about loyalty, family history, and small-town secrets. It's about living through tragedy, finding love where you least expect it, and the ties that keep best friends together." You'll be able to read it quickly and then pass it on to your best friend.

Travel Inspiration-Portland

As I said earlier I am heading home, and one place I always need to stop when I am home is Powell's Books the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world. It's like heaven..

Lust List

While browsing a blog I came across these stockings from Jean Paul Gautier's Winter 2010-2011 collection, and am dying to get my hands on them...

Home Decor Inspiration-Kitchens

I am heading home today, and I can't wait to spend time with family. It's not uncommon for families to bond and spend time together in the kitchen, whether cooking together, or simply waiting on dinner, it seems we congregate there in my family fairly often. So it seemed fitting to share some Inspirational Kitchens from Architectural Digest:

Celebrity Wedding News

Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom have wed. We are sure that this stunning model made a gorgeous bride:

Congrats to the happy couple!

Wedding Inspiration-South Africa

I shared a South African wedding with you earlier, but decided to share one inspired by their jersey colors that I put together because it's so fun and beautiful as well. Enjoy:

Home Decor Inspiration-Ralph Lauren

Yesterday I showed you the gorgeous Hilfiger pad at the Plaza, so today I decided to showcase another american fashion designer's home, Ralph Lauren. Located in Bedford and featured in Architectural Digest, the home is certainly amazing, a little too stylized for my taste, but I wouldn't complain about living there. Enjoy:

Charlie St. Cloud Fashion

I am not a big fan of all of the young teen actors, but I think that I am going to try to drag my fiance (or someone) to see Charlie St. Cloud, because the previews make it look so moving. Perhaps that's why I was drawn to the photos from the World Premiere, and the stars, young and old, brought out some great style:

Brittany Snow looked very chic and perfect for summer in bright Jimmy Choo heels paired with a fun pattern dress. 

Vanessa Hudgens looked fresh in white, and Amanda Crew shined in a silver mini skirt. 

Garcelle Beauvais and Ariel Winter kept is stylish and simple in all black. And finally while I love neon and espadrilles for summer, make sure if you wear them they go together, Kay Panabaker should have gone for one or the other.

The men at the premiere were all looking particularly stylish, Zac Efron, Dave Franco, Gilles Marini and Matt Ward all looked sleek and stylish in suits while the younger set went for a more laid back, yet equally stylish (Bubba Lewis, Augustus Prew, Brandon Tyler Russell and Charlie Tahan) 

Celebrity Baby News

It is being reported that Christina Applegate is pregnant! Which is such wonderful news. Not only will she be a wonderful mother, she'll also be a stylish one too:

Ancient Carving Tool or Ancient Dildo?

According to researchers, it could be either.

Travel Inspiration-Croatia

Although it's a short flight from many of Europe's most capital cities, I have never made it over to Croatia. The Lesic Demitri is causing me to regret that decision. Not only does the hotel occupy an 18th Century Bishop's palace, it's incredibly beautiful and the location is unbeatable. The 14th century town is so charming, and certainly worth the trip. Enjoy:

Home Decor Inspiration-Live at the Plaza

Like many little girls, there was a point in my life when I wanted to live at the Plaza. Ok, I still do. Which is why I am a little jealous over the fabulous Hilfiger pad. Not only is it in the Plaza, but it's decorated so beautifully. Very comfortable and yet high style.

Fashion Inspiration-Amanda Bynes

Yesterday I posed a great way to beat the heat in style, and today I have another suggestion. Yellow works, but so do any other bright colors, they take away from the frizzy hair and sweaty complexion and draw attention elsewhere.
Amanda Bynes may have lost it a little and "retired" from hollywood, but she is another great example of how to beat the heat in style. She showcased quite a bit of neon pink in her wardrobe, which is something any of us can do too:

Worst Roommate Antics

I have had the chance to live with some wonderful roommates/friends over the years, but I have also had the unfortunate luck of living with a few roommates from hell. And even the best roommates have bad habits. However, while College Candy's Top Ten List of the Worst Roomie Antics caused me to chuckle, I definitely have worse horror stories.

What about you? Do any of you have any crazy roommate stories to share?

photo via: the situationist

Travel Inspiration-Costa Rica

Whenever I get back from a big trip, I get a little bit of travel depression which is why I always start planning my next get away. Fortunately, I am heading to the West Coast soon, but I am hoping my next exotic trip destination will be Costa Rica. While Browsing I came across Gaia Hotel and Reserve, not only does it have all of the luxurious amenities I enjoy, it's also located on a nature reserve, so I could further my wildlife photography hobby. It just looks spectacular:

Wedding Inspiration-South Africa

I am still having trouble letting go of South Africa, so I couldn't help but share this gorgeous wedding in Wellington South Africa from Style Me Pretty . I wish I was back there, how crisp, clean and cool is this wedding?

Fashion Inspiration-Tori Spelling

I am not sure how it is in the rest of the country, but it's hot and humid in NYC. Immediately after leaving the apartment your hair falls flat and your makeup melts off. So how do you keep looking fresh in these miserable conditions? Take a hint from Tori Spelling and wear yellow. Even if it's not your color, just a little hint of it in your outfit (or your jewelry) immediately makes it pop, taking the focus away from everything else and making you look sleek and bright even if you're overheating:

Home Decor Inspiration-South Africa

So this isn't as much about home decor, because parts of this home are a bit over the top, but more about a fantasy relocation. After spending some time in South Africa, I am really yearning to go back. I already showed all of you how gorgeous the lodge we stayed in was, but unfortunately it's not for sale. This home in Johannesburg however, is listed by Sotheby's Real Estate, and I am considering making a move.

As I said before some of it is a bit too much for my taste, but it has enormous potential. I love the staircase, garden, bathroom and grey dining room in particular. It's just so fabulous, the only thing missing? Some Giraffes in the yard...

Inspiration of the Day

Although Zsa Zsa Gabor has recently fallen and broken her hip, I am sure the icon will make it through just fine. Not only is she beautiful, and witty, but she is tough as well. Here are some of my favorite Zsa Zsa Gabor quotes:

"I never hated a man enough to give him diamonds back"

"One of my theories is that men love with their eyes; women love with their ears."

"We were both in love with him. I fell out of love with him, but he didn't."

(What woman doesn't have an ex like that?)

"I want a man whose kind and understanding. Is that too much to ask from a millionaire?"