Monday, February 2, 2009

A Whiter Shade of Pale

Time after time, I am drawn to rich saturated colors that make a statement. I have far more purple and turquoise items in my closet than white or beige ones. In my home, white furniture and/or accessories are typically just used to take the edge off all the color. But sometimes it's nice to let beautiful construction and design (rather than bright colors and bold patterns) take center stage. J.Crew's newest collection for spring is particularly inspiring and it reminds me a little bit of LeAnne Marshall's collection from Project Runway (remember this stunning wedding gown?). In muted tones of white (or pearl, oyster, cream or butter -- there seem to be as many shades of white as there are colors in the rainbow), ruffles, rosettes and pinwheels look more architectural than child-like, and I'm starting to rethink my relegation of such embellishments to little girls.


As shown above (all from J.Crew):
1.
Tiered Analisa gown ($2,995) [How beautiful would this be for an informal garden wedding?]
2.
Tissue tee with hand cut applique ($55)
3.
Merino pinwheel cardigan ($98)
4.
Ringspun cotton rosette tee ($48)
5.
Tissue rolling-ruffles tank ($44)
6.
Solid silk garland cami ($88)
7.
Silk-linen ruffle cardigan ($78)

Similarly, in home decor, muted shades of white and beige allow (when selected and layered properly) texture and design to speak volumes. The items shown below illustrate how white doesn't have to be stark or cold -- or even modern. In fact, I think the detailing and textures of these pieces would add a layer of warmth and coziness to any space.

From Collages

As shown above:

1. Cameron organic metalesse duvet cover and shams (Pottery Barn, $49-209)
2.
Porcelain butterfly vase (small) by Polly George (2Jane, $95)
3.
Organic cotton pin-tuck duvet and shams (West Elm, $19-119)
4.
Organic crewel embrodiered lumbar pillow (Pottery Barn, $49)
5.
Eight nesting lotus bowls (Whitney Smith on Etsy, $325)
6.
Luxury plush throw (Restoration Hardware, $39)
7.
White Devil shower curtain (India Rose, $110)
8.
Flokati rug (PB Teen, $99-399)
9.
Anatolian bath towel (Toast, $53.92)
10.
Pine Cone Hill classic ruffle sheet set (Layla Grace, $88-144)
11.
Ruched voile duvet cover and shams (Pottery Barn, $39-$249)

From Collages

As shown above:
12.Flora Pouf (Modern Dose, $475)
13.
Crowned Crane Bedding (Anthropologie, $58-348)
14.
Whirl Serving Dish (Kim Westad via Etsy, $135)
15.
Handloomed striped cotton pillow cover (West Elm, $29)
16.
White Devil laundry bag (India Rose, $56)
17.
White Mod assorted set of 4x6 frames (Burke Decor, $67)
18.
Potluck Studios ruffle cake stand (Layla Grace, $40)
19.
Rouch Pillow by Oromono (Burke Decor, $150)
20.
Pipa side table (Oly Studio, trade only)
21.
Eva Zeisel sugar and creamer set (Unica Home, $100)
22.
Welsh tapestry bedcover (Toast, $223.29)

5 comments:

Unknown said...

I feel like that tiered dress makes that woman look like a cupcake.

Averill said...

Who doesn't want to look like a cupcake on their wedding day?! :)

I should've added that the dress would only be lovely if you were a size 0/2.

Anonymous said...

Girls, girls I had a dress exactly like that--well, except it was short and bright pink (notice I didn't use the word "hot") and it was 1965. The Supremes had a similar dress...enough said. Remember what Grandma Harrington always said, "If you were young enough to wear it when it first came around, you're too old to wear it when it comes back." I think she was referencing the lengh of a skirt of mine in the 80s!

Averill said...

I have a feeling that maxim applies to Jane and I with respect to leggings...oh well. :)

Anonymous said...

Leggings are exempt, I'm pretty sure. (I have on a pair today, myself!)

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