uxua casa.

this weekend wasn't as sunny as i'd hoped, but it allowed me to do a whole lot of lounging and relaxing. this hotel in brazil is one place i'd love to jet off to for an ultimate luxe vaca full of relaxing and lounging. the decor is rustic and minimal--very native and natural looking.

the Uxua Casa Hotel is set in an old fishing village on the southern coast of Brazil. the design was done by Wilbert Das and is certainly in keeping with the authentic history of the village--in fact, a lot of the furniture incorporates local pieces from old abandoned farmhouses, tree trunks, fishing boats, coconut shells and beyond...i love discovering new places to explore, especially when they have such rich design to appreciate

hope you had a relaxing weekend!

xo

photos: Uxua Casa Hotel

pools. part deux

sorry for the double post, i couldn't resist sharing just a few more that i came across in my inspiration files after i got home last night...hope you all are close to a pool, the ocean, or really any body of water this weekend!

xx

Oscar de la Renta's Punta Cana Villa

Photos: 1. Helix by Deca Architecture via Wallpaper.com 2. Francois Halard's, Gardens and Exteriors 3. via Aubrey Road 4. via Habitually Chic 5. Francois Halard's, Gardens and Exteriors

pools.

these past few days have been pretty hot, and without any AC working in my office i've found myself daydreaming about jumping into a refreshing pool for an instant cool-off. these are just a few that i wouldn't mind dipping into...

Dennis Basso's Pool

Northern CA

Chuck Close's Pool

Ellen Pompeo's Pool

Tuscan Villa

Photos: 1. Elle Decor 2. House & Home (photographer Stephanie Brandford) 3. Elle Decor 4. Architectural Digest (architect Howard Backen) 5. & 6. Elle Decor 7. House & Home (photographer Martin Tessler) 8. Architectural Digest (architect Robert Brannen)

aerin lauder.

finally i have a minute to post again!! the last few weeks have been a complete whirlwind...

a lot of design blogs have been featuring the lovely and talented aerin lauder after she announced that she'll be introducing a lifestyle collection. i must admit that heather clawson's blog, habitually chic, inspired this post after she did one a little bit ago. since these images have been in my inspiration folder for ages i thought it would be a good opportunity to finally post about aerin's fabulous homes here in new york city and out in east hampton.

NYC Apartment

interiors by Jacques Grange

a Ruhlmann chandelier!

1970's desk (originally Estee's)

East Hampton Home

amazing wall color and love that cheetah sofa

idyllic kitchen, and i'd kill for that elsworth kelly

Photos: Elle Decor, Harper's Bazaar, House & Garden, Vogue Living

punta del este

inspired by photographs from my parents' recent trip to uruguay, i have been trying to scheme up a worthy post about the area they visited, punta del este. ironically, in last week's new york times there was a great spread on an amazing home in...you guessed it...punta. what perfect timing--thank you new york times travel editors!

to me, this home evokes a true feel of south america (although perhaps that's not fair seeing as i have yet to explore that area....) at any rate, the color palette and almost tribal decor gives off a very nature-inspired and earthy feel. it's simple and primitive and transports you to a peaceful place where the only way to live life is without worry. that being said, i'll be on the next flight to montevideo, sans cares and woes...

xx

Original article: by Paola Singer for The New York Times

Photography: Horacio Paone for The New York Times

dream escape: mykonos.

*no sooner did i publish this post but my Jetsetter email came in with a FAB deal on a hotel in Patmos....perhaps a sign i should book now....?

i have wanted to jet off to greece for quite some time now, but i came across this marvelous spread from Architectural Digest (October 2008) and was so inspired by the interior/exterior and that water that i'm thinking i'll have to get there sooner rather than later...

i love the stark white facade against the blue of the sky and ocean. also the use of stone enhances the "natural" look of the house and seems to mimic those cliffsides you can see in the distance. if i could laze around this house i would be one happy camper.....i'd pack nothing but a bathing suit and a white cover up

such a simple and clean interior (and exterior in this case!) makes for a truly relaxed vibe

love this stairwell

this outdoor living from is idyllic

look at those shades of blue! can you imagine lazing on that chaise...

Architecture by: Javier Barba

Photography by: Panagiotis Fotiadis

Original Article: Here

Photos: All from architecturaldigest.com