[Best Dressed] Champagne & Stars

Before I dive into the perfection of these looks from Rodarte and Prabal Gurung, I have to say that there are no words that can properly express the admiration and awe Jamie Beck's work stirs in me. If you don't hurry over to her site to get her full coverage of New York Fashion Week, you are missing out on something immensely special.

Now for the fashion -- if this is what fall 2012 will look like, teleport me there straight away. So many shades of champagne and cream, glimmering metallics, delicate sheer fabric and embroidery, paired with the flush of indian summer skin and sun-faded hair. It doesn't get much better than this.

Images: Jamie Beck

Inspiration 2.17

So many great ideas worth stealing in this city apartment, particularly in the kitchen. I'm especially loving the butcher block countertops, picture frame on the cabinet and glass shelves in the window.Super charming, and a great use of small space.

Images: William Abranowicz for Elle Decor

Inspiration 2.16

Loving these unexpected pops of greenery in the hardest working rooms of a house. A little carrot stick to help get us through these last weeks of winter.

1. Hus o Hem 2. Paul Brissman

Three Things...

Three things I want right now (after a Valentine's overdose on pink and frills) -- an adorable DIY "tea soap," a one-of-a-kind cutting board from Brooklyn to West and sandalwood perfume. So simple and clean.

1. Cumbersome 2. Brooklyn to West (discovered here)3. Le Labo Fragrances

Presenting Dear Heart DC

Oh, hey there. You look lost. But, not to worry, you're in the right place. Things just look different around here.

After a year of heart flutters, fretting, excitement and furrowed brows, I've finally decided to relaunch Department of the Interior as Dear Heart DC (inspired by the old movie and song). I know, I know. I thought we had a good thing going here too. DCers loved the name and everyone else was gracious enough to smile and nod! And it has to be said, the blog banner (saved here) was pretty damn awesome too.

But somewhere along the way, my little interior design blog evolved into something more --it became a meeting place, a journal, a travelogue and a studio for all of my kitchen experiments. It became an extension of me, and the interiors-only niche I was pegged in didn't fit right anymore.

You'll notice the new tagline is "Simple and Beautiful Living." To me, that means luxury through simplicity. Fewer "things", true quality, more moments, more joy. I hope that Dear Heart DC will provide loads of inspiration for tangible things like outfits, food and home décor, but also, for living in a way that makes you truly happy, however that may be.

A few housekeeping items:

• Until we settle in, you can still find this blog at DeptoftheInteriorDC.com. It won't be that way forever, but let's take this one step at a time!
• With this relaunch, you'll find a few new ways to connect with me. If you look to the sidebar to the right, you'll see that you can follow me on Twitter and Pinterest, and on a brand new Facebook page too.
• If you love the new design, you must get to know Tabitha Emma, the woman behind the new look. If you loved the old design better, well, you're in luck -- that was Tabitha too!
• Interested in advertising opportunities? Connect with me via the Contact page above.

So that's it! I'm so excited to start on this new chapter with you and I can't thank you enough for all of your encouragement so far.

P.S. If you're reading this between 11pm-5am ET, coding is still happening, so things may look a little shaky until the morning.
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{Scenes from} A Weekend in Old Town (2)

Yesterday, I mentioned that my Valentine's weekend ended with some sweet treats and champagne. Now here are a few quick snapshots of that deliciousness from Alexandria Cupcake. So cute!

Images by me
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{Scenes from} A Weekend Getaway in Old Town (1)

Feeling so refreshed after a fun weekend getaway in Old Town Alexandria. A great stay at the Lorien Hotel, a relaxing massage, bluegrass at a dive bar and some seriously amazing food. My mouth is watering just thinking about it -- wine, charcuterie and wood-fired tarts at Brabo Tasting Room, an amazing array of locally sourced courses at the Majestic Cafe, and more than our fill of champagne and cupcakes (more on that tomorrow!).

Above, a few early evening shots of our room. I loved all of the special details, from a huge private terrace to the deep soaking tub, and Vicente Wolf's artwork hanging on the walls, I left feeling inspired and pampered.
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Images by me
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Weekend Link Love {Valentine's Edition}

Hello lovelies, and happy Valentine's weekend! I'm spending the weekend doing a stay-cation of sorts with Eric. We're hopping on the metro for a mini-getaway in nearby Old Town Alexandria, for some exploring, dining and a stay and spa visit at the Vicente Wolf designed Lorien Hotel.

I'm so excited for a little break from real life without the hassle of travel, BUT, if you're hanging around this weekend, I've got more than a few ideas for you.

First, think about tackling this clustered pom-pom DIY from Blue Eyed Yonder. So perfect for a Valentine's Day party, or even a touch of whimsy year-round.

Other great links:

• It's not too late to send out some last-minute Valentines! I'm completely obsessed with the vintage feel of postage stamps from Mae Mae Paperie. Stamping envelopes with any of these instantly elevates even the most basic card. (here)
• In other exciting stationery news, Tommy from Specs Appeal just launched his own Etsy shop featuring cards that perfectly capture his charming, yet simple style. Love. (here)
• After a weekend away, I'm going to be looking forward to a low-key night in on Feb. 14. Cork Market and Gilt City are answering my prayers with special V-day carry-out deal: fried chicken and champagne for two for just $65. (here)
• Presenting the world's most perfect Valentine's dress. File this under: Someday? (here)
• One of my new year's resolutions is to learn something new every month. February's goal is to finally learn how to make macarons. This instructional video is hugely helpful, just be prepared to figure out the metric system! (here)
• If you're around town on Saturday looking your best, you might just get snapped by Refinery 29's photographer. (Details here)
  

Love: V-Day Gifts for Home

After all, they do say, home is where the heart is...

Shop: 1. Astier de Villatte Heart Dish (Alder & Co.) 2. Mr. Darcy Tea Towel (Brookish)
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Inspiration 2.8 {Gloss Trim}

Lately I've been completely and utterly obsessed with glossy dark trim against creamy white walls. So glamorous and understated.

Images: 1. Douglas Friedman 2. Home of Rosy Strazzeri-Fridman via Design Sponge
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Happily...

Valentine's Day always seems a bit misplaced to me, here in the winter wasteland that is February....the deep reds and pinks, men toting fresh bouquets, bare-legged women willing to brave goosebumps for an epic dress. What is a holiday like this doing in winter??

That said, we can all agree that a little burst of spring is exactly what we need this time of year. And that's why I love the idea of a spring-inspired wedding in the dead of winter. Imagine it hosted under a glass roof with evergreens and a canopy of stars overhead, dozens of shaded chandeliers glittering. Neruda poems read, a wispy lace dress and an ombre layered cake in shades of pink and cherry. Perfect.

Images: 1. Ralph Lauren event, photographed by Steve Eichner 2. Itsy Bitsy 3. Pretty City Life 4. Martha Stewart Weddings
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Love: Viva Terra "Tree" Bed

I typically prefer upholstered beds, but the soft, organic curves of this iron bed from Viva Terra are instantly soothing to me. It reminds me of the whole concept of "setting down roots" -- letting yourself be in one place for a while, without reaching and striving to move. The idea being that, like a tree, the act of not moving allows for the most growth.

So zen, right? :)
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Shop here.

Scenes from Real Life

This snapshot of my living room couch sums up this restful little weekend perfectly...plenty of downtime-- reading, thinking, napping and yoga, paired with two dinners with some of my favorite people.

I'll be rounding out my Sunday enjoying the glorious counter-programming for the Superbowl. Right now, Stealing Beauty, one of my favorite vacations-in-a-movie is airing on HBO. Afterwards, I'll be escaping into the orderly world of Downton Abbey.

I hope your weekend was equally lovely!
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Weekend Link Love

As a hopeless sap, I can't help but love the run-up to Valentine's day...not the Hallmark version of the holiday -- thoughtless cards, supermarket red roses and Russell Stover-- but a more authentic take. Think: Handmade chocolates, hand-written letters and artful flower arrangements. (You'll be seeing lots more of this here in the coming weeks.)

Saipua's arrangements are always the gold standard for me. If you haven't heard of this flower shop, or haven't visited in a while, Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to check in.

P.S. for my NYC readers -- a Manhattan pop-up shop is planned for 2/11-14.

A few other things I'm loving this weekend:

• Brightest Young Things has launched a weekly DC street style roundup. (here)
• Two exciting recent openings in DC worth checking out -- The Hamilton (an all night music venue) and Little Serow, a brilliant new Thai restaurant from the genius behind Komi.
• If your Valentine's plans include a weekend get-away, this (affordable) sequin-dipped weekender bag is a must. (here)
• If (like me) you had to miss Simon Doonan's DC visit, get a sprinkling of his fabulous wit in an interview with Holly at Refinery 29. (here)
• Love these perfect cinnamon buns from Shulie at Food Wanderings. (here)
• See Jane has become my go-to style blog. Why? Because I actually want to wear her outfits in real life, and even better, I can afford them. It's downright revolutionary. This preppy outfit with a hint of edge sums up all of the reasons I love her blog. (here)
• I've recently discovered Thirst DC -- think of it as cool networking events mashed up with TED talks. Check back often for new events on the schedule. (here)

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Inspiration 2.2 {Bistro Lighting}

I always find that some of the freshest ideas come from restaurant and retail design. I'm feeling so inspired by the lighting in these cafes -- from exposed pipes turned task sconces, and casual string lights under a peaked glass ceiling. Seriously lovely.

Images: 1. Murray Mitchell 2. Vineet Kaur
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Love: Chalk & Blooms

Love these sweet chalkboard heart labels available at Terrain. An easy way to dress up a supermarket bouquet.

Shop here.
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