wanderlust: miami part deux

Hello from Miami. 

Just a note to let you know that I am happily ensconced in deco architecture, mojitos, the design district, and amazing Cuban food. 

I'll have some great shots to share when I get back. In the meantime, enjoy an ensemble and cocktail in my absence!

image via vapor source

interiors: closet crush on an accessories closet

I have a closet crush on this beautifully organized accessories closet. I especially like the drawers for the stacked foldables... and of course the angled shoe shelves... and the clear shelving for purses and clutches.

We can all dream.

image via shelterness

wanderlust: washington, dc

by Stephanie Dosch

Inspiration

What's more inspiring than the Lincoln Memorial? The resolute face of our 16th president; his moving, powerful words carved in stone; views back over the reflecting pool to the Washington Monument and the Capitol beyond. The shades of stone create a serene palate.

Interior

This one's a toss-up. The lobby of the Library of Congress is hard to beat: the neoclassical lines and colorful mosaics and frescoes create a gasp-worthy interior, with interesting details everywhere you look.

On the other hand, I could easily spend the day in the courtyard of the former US Patent Office, today home of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. The thoughtful landscaping, subtle water features, and spectacular Foster + Partners glass atrium create a quiet space to work, chat or just relax.

Cocktail Hour

The gorgeous Round Robin Bar at the Willard InterContinental instantly makes me think of drinking mint juleps (supposedly invented here) while lobbying mustachioed politicians. Bottoms up!

cocktail hour: rosé, bourbon, & blue

Hmm, you say. Yes, I say.

This yummy cocktail has a dual purpose. (1) It pulls in the red, white, & blue spirit of election season. (2) It marries summer flavors with bourbon (which smacks of fall to me) - just perfect for this gorgeous warm yet crisp fall weather.

Recipe after the break. 

interiors: real life bathrooms

I know I'm not alone. Every month I thumb through the pages of newly arrived glossies, swooning over the decor... especially the bathrooms. The bathrooms that are hyper masculine, very rugged, all shiny, and on, and on.

But if you're anything like me, your morning bathroom routine is less trip to the spa (like the swooning articles intimate), and more utilitarian. More minutes in bed will always win out, and I've organized my beauty products for optimal timeliness. 

This lucite tray is perfect. It corrals the palettes and blushes, single shadows and loose powders. 

When you visit your local organizing store (I prefer The Container Store for their sheer volume), don't get overwhelmed. Those trays perfectly sized to fit nail polishes? Steer clear; those are too limiting. Every few weeks or months, I like to rejigger my setup based on what I find I'm using most. Buy pieces with flexibility, and that $11 tray suddenly is worth its weight in gold. 

And always add a small clock. It will keep you on schedule as you primp.