Creature of Comfort: Coco + Kelley

Happy Friday lovelies!  I'm on my way down to the Domino Bazaar in Los Angeles for the day, so I'm leaving you with a wealth of inspiration - otherwise known as Cassandra from Coco + Kelley blog!  Enjoy!

Q: What is one thing that never fails to inspire you?

A: Going for a walk. Wherever I am, if I just get out, see the city, go for a hike... there's so much to see! Nature is the most inspiring ~ just the other day I was outside marveling at the texture of the bright green leaves of the trees in my backyard and how they contrasted so beautifully with the slightly overcast sky. And how could you capture that in designing a room? Or a dress? And cities are just energizing. Besides Seattle, I really love heading to San Francisco, New York, Portland and Boston. They all have great art, architecture and shopping!  All you really have to do is open your eyes and mind to it. Inspiration is everywhere.

Q: How are you currently incorporating your inspirations into your blog/designs/art?

A: I try to post things that really move me. Sometimes, I'll have an entire post written and by the end of it I'll realize that what I was writing about isn't as amazing as I thought it was, and I ditch the whole thing. I like to make connections between textures, styles and colors across interiors, fashion, photography, and nature. Above all, I want my blog to inspire others, so I try to take the things I love, put them out there, and hope that they'll move my readers as well. Sometimes, those things are incredibly simple, which makes me love them even more!

Q: What is your favorite indulgence?

A: Traveling. I love getting out and seeing new places. It's inspiring, and it's good for the soul! And of course, once I get to where I'm going it's all about food. I am Italian, after all... it's how we connect to everything!

Q: What are three creature comforts you can't live without?

A: 1) Music. ALL THE TIME. My parents were always playing music at home growing up, and I really can't operate without it!
2) Great dinner parties. Good friends, good food, good wine. You really just can't beat those nights.
3) Glamour. Whether it's teeny diamond earring studs that never get taken off, or a breathtaking chandelier. I think we've all got to have something that makes us feel a bit fancy once in while!

Q: Do you have a personal motto or words that you live by (quotes and song lyrics are fine too)?

A: I am addicted to quotes! Can I have two?  The quote for my blog: "In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different." ~ Coco Chanel (of course!)
The quote for my life: ""Don't give up trying to do what your really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can ever go wrong." ~ Ella Fitzgerald (quite fitting, don't you think?)

{CASSANDRA'S INSPIRATIONS}

1. Quartz Votive
2. Green Dress by Stella McCartney
3. Photography via Vogue Italia (sorry, i don't have the photographer's name)
4. Kate Spade Passport Cover
5. Thomas Binns Cuff from the "Faux Real" line
6. Mongolian Wool Pillow
7. Lama Chair
8. Magazine Photo via Paper Pony's Flickr Stream
9. Chandelier 

Thank you for sharing a wonderful glimpse of your life with us today Cassandra.  You've inspired me completely!  Be sure to see more of what inspires Cassandra on her BLOG and in her ETSY SHOP. Have a gorgeous weekend everyone and I'll see you all here Monday!

Inspiration Daily: 10 .17 .08

My Dogma by Muge Yorulmaz

(Photo Border by wwitch22)

Esty Favorite: Dilkabear

Last weekend I came across the wonderful artwork of Dilkabear on etsy and became an immediate fan.  I love how she uses color (especially in unexpected ways, such as in the hair of her beautiful subjects) and the way that she creates such a beautiful mood of interest in each of her pieces.  You can see more right here.

Inspired Artist: Elliot Jimenez

Elliot Jimenez takes such gorgeous photographs.  He has a way of capturing the vulnerability of his subjects that is really unique and appeals to me on a deep level.  What do you think?  Check him out: {FLICKR} . {WEBSITE}

Inspiration Daily: 10 .16 .08

{WORDS TO LIVE BY}

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." - Aesop

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

""You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

"YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL" from Kip Stutzman of Boise, Idaho. 
I've blogged about the You Are Beautiful project in the past, but if you are not familiar you might like to check it out... it will restore your faith in humanity.  You might also like to visit Operation NICE where you will find wonderful stories of random acts of kindness in effect as well as fun and thoughtful challenges to inspire you.

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

(Photo Border by wwitch22)