I can't get over how incredible this fireplace is--that dark wood with the exposed brick and the white, white walls. I think what makes it so striking (and the rest of the house as well) is all the contrast between the white walls and the heavy wood trim. It's lovely and actually quite classic.

I'm a little sad to see the neutral trend dissipate along with the great recession. I really like it. Great style and great design transcend trends though, and I think I'll hold onto the neutrals in my own house.

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And by the way, Kate Spade e-valentines are up again this year. These are the best ever, people.

Will someone pleeeease send one to me?

I've been researching for work today, and have found the motherlode of childrens valentines.

What is it about V-day that brings out the puns? These little kid crafty-valentines remind me of the ones we used to make as kids--I think we got pretty creative, and I'm sure there were many terrible jokes too.... Also quite a few dinosaurs if I remember correctly. Those are my favorite.

Oh great memories. The thought of endless pink and red paper, doilies, glitter, and red foil hearts still inspires my soul and makes me want to create. You too?

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Just a dorky imac photo to show off my new Jayhawk-blue cowl. It's deliciously soft and warm and will substitute nicely for a blue tee at the KU game on Saturday.

Rock Chalk!

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From an oldish but excellent read on Mickey Drexler, JCrew merchandising mastermind:

“Success” is often just a fancy word for “luck,” but a recurrence of it suggests the subsistence of design.

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Just another genius idea from Kate Spade.