this is where I want to go right now

 Brazil's Uxua Casa Hotel

{Photos by Fernando Lombardi via the New York Times}

camera phone photography

 I'm always amazed at the capabilities of cell phone cameras these days. It's frustrating to not have an actual camera around when a good photo op comes along, but mine seems to take some decent shots every so often. Pictured above are a few that I've taken recently. From the top: at the car wash during the Jackson Pollock-style, scented foam-bath cycle (scented?); great pattern on a fabric panel at IKEA; Auguste, a lovely Bordeaux from a fun girls' dinner; and French botanist Patrick Blanc's vegetal wall at Capitol in Charlotte – one of the most gorgeously designed shops I've seen. Side note: make sure to check out Capitol's fantastic new blog!

And, happy birthday to the most fantastic sister ever. Laura, hope you have an awesome day today!

february inspiration

Where are you, Springtime? Seems like everyone's got either rain or snow right about now. Bring on some sun, please! Since we've got at least a month until daylight savings, I've been web-collecting a few things here and there to brighten up your day. Here are just a few - voila!

First up and pictured above is the Colour Mania book series. You can get yours at the delightful Rare Device online store. They have all kinds of other awesomeness, too.

 Above and below, photos from the Kate Spade site of their store on 5th in New York. I'm a sucker for anything stripey, and cannot get enough of these cheerful colors. I want to live in this room.

And, I'm so excited about the brand new issue of Lonny magazine - hot off the virtual press today! My dream sofa is pictured below, photographed by Patrick Cline and art directed by Editor-in-Chief Michelle Adams (co-founders of the magazine).

Photos below (also by Cline and Adams) are from another Lonny spread about the fantastic design work of Betsy Burnham. Those casement windows are just beautiful.

Speaking of Michelle Adams, her lovely line of organic cotton fabrics, Rubie Green, is making me want to reupholster everything I own. Photo below, from the Rubie Green site, features the East Village and Megan patterns.

{All photos in this post are from the shops/designers listed with each item.}

stationery for minted

Just entered another contest at minted! For this challenge, designers were asked to create personal stationery + matching mailing labels. You can see the full beth perry DESIGN entries (including the fun mailing labels!) by following these links – pictured from top: Lumiere, Prep School, Florette, Wintergarden, and Greenhouse.

If you have time, please take a moment to rank as many designs as you can – not just for me – all the new and talented designers there need your input! If you don't already have a free account at minted's site, it's super fast to set up – just click here. Thanks so much for your support!