Monochromatic Monday :: Retro Palm Springs


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Is it really Monday already?! Not sure about you, but I could definitely use one more day of weekend…so I figured the next best thing was a shiny, happy, retro inspiration board to give us all a jolt of energy (that, and a very strong cappuccino.) Have to admit that I’m multi-tasking with today’s board as I gather research for a fun shoot I’m working on for DIY Network over the next couple of weeks. Think Palm Springs in the sixties, with graphic prints, vintage silhouettes, glamorous cocktails and a palette of tangerine, aqua and sunshine. Summer days spent lounging by the pool, then dressing up for a night of playing cards and passed hors d’oeuvres. I think it’s all going to come together as a really fun, retro look, but since I’m still searching for inspiration, I’d love a little help brainstorming! What do all of you associate with Palm Springs in the sixties?

Oh, and if you haven’t already, don’t forget to enter our giveaway to win a pair of ShoeMint shoes. We’ll be announcing the winner at noon today!  more +


Monochromatic Monday :: Artichoke Season


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When the weather turns warm, my favorite way to kick off an evening with friends is out on the terrace with plates of grilled artichokes, garlic aioli and glasses of sauvignon blanc. There’s really nothing better, although fair warning that your guests will be fighting over the mouthwatering hearts. (Did y’all catch the post where I showed how to prep them?) It doesn’t hurt that artichokes are some of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous veggies around, so I took a cue from their shades of plum and sage as the palette for an early-spring dinner party; a long table draped simply with a piece of white linen and adorned with rustic groupings of olive branches and artichokes. By the way, I mentioned to y’all that I was a bit nervous about attempting the ice cream cake roll my mom wanted for her birthday over the weekend? She ended up changing her mind at the last minute to my signature chocolate soufflés, and they turned out superbly… thinking I need to make that our next Tuesday Tasting! Hope you’re all having a great start to the week, and stay tuned for some super happy floral inspiration from The Byrd Collective later this afternoon! more +


Monochromatic Monday :: Lemon Tree


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Good morning, sunshines! Hope you’ll forgive me for the unseasonably summery board today, but I’ve got citrus on my mind… It’s always been a dream of mine to have a meyer lemon tree in my backyard, and this weekend we spent time planning the next phase of landscaping on our agenda…and I’m beyond excited that it includes a tree to fully satisfy my lemonade cravings this summer! Wouldn’t this palette be a dream for an early spring celebration? Set up a bright yellow café table on a sunny rooftop terrace for a casual lunch gathering…made festive with glasses of this vodka-thyme lemonade and individual jars of meyer lemon semifreddo, of course. And since I’m a total newbie at growing citrus trees, I’d love to hear any advice that y’all might have as I get started! more +


Monochromatic Monday :: Sealed with a kiss


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Did you all have a fun weekend? I had a busy Saturday with that Design*Sponge shoot I mentioned, plus a video reshoot for an upcoming HGTV feature…but Sunday was blissfully low-key! A & I cut our errands short when some light snow showers started to fall and headed straight home to watch movies in front of the blazing fire. Today’s our last inspiration board before V-day, and I couldn’t let the season pass without an homage to kisses, hearts and strawberries in shades of crimson and white. Whether you’re romancing a significant other or showering yourself with TLC, I can’t think of a more fitting way to ring in February 14th than donning a vintage floral dress, penning love notes to faraway friends and digging into a too-big slice of that divine strawberry cheesecake. I’ll be surprising my honey by picking him up early for work for a special afternoon that I can’t wait for (will divulge details later, just in case A happens to be reading!) What do all of you have up your pretty little sleeves? Anything in particular you’re planning to give…or hoping to receive?   more +


Monochromatic Monday :: Candy Hearts


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Confession: I tend to get a little addicted to the colorful little conversation hearts that appear on supermarket shelves each February…and have been known to eat a frightening amount while sitting at my desk during a day’s work. Not sure if it’s the rush that comes from the pure, unadulterated dose of sugar, or just the fun of reading (and eating) each term of endearment. Today’s inspiration is just as sweet in shades of peach, angel food, honey and bubblegum…’cause when else besides Valentine’s can we be so unabashedly girly? I’d love to use this palette for a bridal shower brunch or a champagne-and-dessert get-together with the girls. Lush florals and vintage china on the table are finished off with loads of candy hearts given with love in these easy-to-craft bags.  more +


Monochromatic Monday: Chocolate & Peonies


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I checked the calendar last night and realized, yikes! Valentine’s Day is only two weeks away! Although this holiday always seems to sneak up on me, I do love the frilly romance and proliferation of chocolate that defines V-day. So, let the color inspiration, crafting ideas and indulgent dessert recipes begin! Today’s board is more about rich, dark chocolate than sugary candy hearts; a lush bunch of peonies on the table for a sophisticated candlelit dinner at home. I love the contrast of girly pink set against a moody dark background…rather sexy, no? Stay tuned for lots more Valentine’s planning ideas over the next couple of weeks. And let me know if y’all have any great gift ideas for guys – I’m having a total mental block on what to get my honey this year!  more +


Monochromatic Monday :: Dinner at Downton


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Never thought I’d see the day when I’d design a board inspired by a television show…but then again, never thought I’d be as enamored with one as I am with Downton Abbey. The jaw-dropping scenery, gorgeous costumes and romantic plot lines have me entranced…who else shares my obsession? I’d love to throw an early spring soirée with the same elegance as those hosted by the Crawley clan, complete with delicate china, tea and crumpets, polished silver and views of the rolling green hills. A bridal shower or mother’s day brunch, perhaps? Until then, looks like I’ll have to get cozy and stay in on Downton Abbey nights to do my sufficient “research!”  more +


Monochromatic Monday :: Sea Glass


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Around this time every year, I start dreaming of the ocean. Just as it gets cold enough to pull out my winter coat, I can’t seem to stop thinking about strolling in the surf with the hot sun on my shoulders. Can anyone sympathize? Today’s inspiration board is meant to take us away for a moment, and after all, it’s not too early to start planning springtime showers and birthday fêtes! I love this look for an all-girls’ event, as there’s something decidedly ladylike about whispering shades of aqua and tiffany blue. A polka dot skirt with peep-toe heels, a perfect china cup full of rich cocoa and an assortment of tea sandwiches laid perfectly on a teal platter are all the makings for a pretty and proper afternoon full of lovely details. Hope you’re all having a lovely Monday morning…we have some special posts lined up this week that I just can’t wait to share with you!  more +


Monochromatic Monday :: In The Pink


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Confession: lately I’ve had to hold myself back from using hot pink in every single inspiration board…my love for the vibrant shade may be a teensy bit out of control right now. So I finally decided to give in and use some of my favorite pins of late to create an energetic, feminine palette that would be perfect inspiration for a January shower or birthday fête. I think this shade would break anyone of the winter doldrums, don’t you? The key here is to use small touches of pink against neutrals for major impact…magenta chairs around a rustic wood table, vintage silverware with colorful dipped edges, a chalkboard menu framed in raspberry…you get the picture. Bonus points if the girly shade is butted up against masculine, rougher textures for my favorite kind of study in contrast.

By the way, I’m in NYC for a couple days of meetings (and shopping, and eating.) Follow me on instagram (camillestyles) if you’d like to keep up with my fun in the city!  more +


Monochromatic Monday :: Mustard


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A new year means new obsessions, right? And now that January has me looking forward to the spring, my color inclinations are already moving in a brighter direction. Somehow straddling the line between a bold and a neutral, I can’t imagine a more luxe shade to be on the lookout for than mustard yellow. Since I’m a tad hesitant about how mustard would look set directly against my skin, I’m totally diggin’ it in gorgeous textures used in accessories, home decor and of course, florals. I’d love to hear what colors you’re all loving, and if you come across any fabulous mustard finds out there, let me know!

images: {row 1} girl, headboard, boots {row 2} handbag, velvet couch {row 3} bouquet, favor, cake, shorts {row 4} coat, dining room, clutch

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