COLORFUL PRINTS: PAYTON COSELL TURNER

Last year, I was reading a favorite design magazine and bumped into an inspiring young designer, Payton Cosell Turner.  This talented twenty-something year old, uses a playful childhood passion to decorate walls.  Upon first glance, the colorful damask looks like a typical wall covering, but take a closer look and the classic pattern is an arrangement of bright yellow fire trucks, jumping whales, and even Elvis.  Turner started stickering walls for her senior thesis, at the Maryland Institute of Art. Later, she installed in various rooms, including the Brooklyn Living Room of filmmaker and actress Lena Dunham.  In addition to her playful sticker installations, Turner designs and creates hand-printed wallpapers for her company Flat Vernacular.  

First image via Elle Decor, 2 via Elle Decor, 3 via paytonturner.com, 4 via babyology.com, 5 via thetrendboutique.co.uk, 6 via paytonturner.com, 7 via Elle Decor, 8 via Elle Decor

COLORFUL PRINTS

Wintertime often leads to long hours cooped up indoors.  Within a very short amount of time, cabin fever sets in and the quest for something to do begins.  I have gone through multiple crafts and activities to try to alleviate the dreaded cabin fever.  One that I have found most successful, is watercolors.  There is something about seeing a blank sheet of paper evolve into a colorful image.  Like the blank white landscape outside, the paper is transformed into a colorful spring day. One winter I created a series of floral prints inspired by vintage patterns.  I have yet to find this year’s remedy for cabin fever, but I am sure today’s snow day will spark my creativity.   

Images by AGA

GRAY DAZE: GET THE LOOK

Here are a few winter items for the gray daze of January:

Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Single Breasted Wool-Blend Walker Coat, from Macy's 

Over Coat with Gathering on Shoulder, from Zara 

Stand Collar Topper Coat, from Ann Taylor 

School Boy Blazer in Italian Wool Flannel, from JCrew 

 Cabled Cowl Poncho, from Anthropologie 

 Cashmere Long Sleeve Tee and Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, from JCrew 

Fall Neutrals Collection Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater and Fall Neutrals Collection Cashmere Crewneck Cardigan, from Lord & Taylor 

Ana Embellished Hat, Savannah Cabled Hat, and Sienna Angora Hat, from Club Monaco 

GRAY DAZE: WINTER WEAR

This time of year, my go to is a gray cashmere sweater. This shade looks fabulous with black, navy, and white.  Other great combinations include lighter or darker shades of gray, and vibrant tones such as saffron yellow.  A classic gray sweater can be dressed up or dressed down; wear it to work with a skirt, or wear with leggings and riding boots on the weekend.  Here is some gray winter wardrobe inspiration, for your January gray daze: 

Images via Tumblr and Pinterest 

GRAY DAZE: AT HOME

After January first, everything turns a flat shade of gray.  Days slowly pass as we recuperate from the holiday rush.  Ornaments are packed, Christmas trees are left on the street for pickup, and the sun continues to make an incredibly brief appearance each day.  This combination sends most into a daze.  The gray daze of January.  As depressing as this may seem, gray can create a very tranquil and sophisticated atmosphere.  Here is some positive gray inspiration to get you through the gray daze of January.

1) Image via Tumblr, 2) Image via Pinterest, 3) Image via Habitually Chic Blog, 4) Image via Habitually Chic Blog, 5) Image via Pinterest, 6) Image via Pinterest, 7) Image via Pinterest, 8) Image via Pinterest, 9) Image via Pinterest, 10) Image via Pinterest, 11) Image via Pinterest, 12) Image via Habitually Chic Blog 

DOWNTON ABBEY: FASHION FASCINATION

Tonight, many will tune in for the season premier of Downton Abbey.  This British series has seduced young and old viewers, with it's portrayal of English aristocrats and the servants who look after them.  This is a true drama; rich with history and complex relationships. One of my favorite elements of this series is the magnificent array of costumes.  Beginning with season one, after the sinking of the Titanic and progressing through The Great War, we have seen the influence of the current time on each characters' interests and attire.  One of the most memorable fashion moments, was in the fourth episode of season one, when Lady Sybil models a very trendy pair of blue pants. After three seasons, Downton Abbey still manages to capture my fashion eye every time I tune in.  Here are a few memorable fashion moments from the previous seasons.  

Images via Tumbr and Pinterest