Out of Africa Art Shop!

How's everyone doing? I hope you all have been well. Today I am so excited to share with you some gorgeous things out of Africa. I'm excited for the obvious reason that we all love some pretty things, but too, it is my very own mother's shop. This is something she's wanted to do for a while, and I am so proud of her, for putting together such a wonderful collection of arts, highlighting the great talents of African artists. The shop aptly named Out of Africa Art Shop is decor heaven. The shop is located in West Palm, FL, so for you Floridians - lucky, lucky.

These beautiful handcrafted jewelry from South Africa are a few of the gorgeous pieces in store or online. I love the intricate metal work combined with the soft beautiful gemstones.  

This tablecloth with napkin set is one of my very favorite things in the store. It is so fresh and perfect for summer entertainments.

 Doesn't this little gathering of the cutest animals put a smile on your face?!

I picked some favorites, narrowed it down, then narrowed down from that to share with you all :-). They are truly gorgeous pieces, and just knowing how hard she worked and the time she spent making sure that she got the best of the best to showcase makes me even more thrilled for her. Please check out the site for plenty more gorgeous pieces here. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts. I hope you are all having a lovely weekend.

Images: via Out of Africa Art Shop

Zara Home Collection

So this has been one of those posts that I couldn't decide if I should, what I should say, etc. I love Zara, from clothes to accessories, so nobody could have been anymore excited than me when I first read about their home collection coming state side. However, it wasn't love at first sight. I felt a bit , okay a lot disappointed that I didn't like it as much, because I thought I'd be swept off my feet. Plus this is my beloved Zara, how could I not be filling up my cart already! So I kept going back looking to see if there is something I'm missing. I should mention that I instantly fell for the kids' collection. I found it to be very colorful, cheery yet stylish. What finally convinced me is their catalogue, perhaps it helped me get it. I think I just didn't get it, therefor I wasn't feeling it.  The styling is gorgeous and very Zara. It's stylish, rustic and has an old world charm to it - it's very European country chic.

I always love this type of styling, feels very organic, as if everything fell into place without any effort. I've said it before, I think styling is such a powerful tool and a hard one to master. It looks so easy, but you have to have a special eye, and talent to arrange things in a way that communicates a feeling or statement that resonates. 

My eyes can't help but zoom into that gorgeous chandelier, reminds me of the intricate rose windows found in gothic churches. I love the different colored glass crystals. I bet they cast a gorgeous shadow. 

I love the gold/brass accents, they have a very glamourous feel to them, but not over the top...just like what a Zara fan would expect. In typical Zara fashion I find their collection to be very unique. The price points are great, and these not the same things you find at every other store.

This arrangement here to me is everything - it is perfection.

I instantly fell in love with the kids' collection, and can you blame me! I love the use of bright colors, and fun images, and they all have a vintage feel - like it was passed down from generation to generation.

So the verdict: I love love the new home collection a la Zara! I encourage you to take a look if you already haven't. I say it is a perfect Monday morning activity :-).

Were you as excited as me about the Zara home collection? Did it live up to expectation, exceed? What are you really about it?

Have a great Monday!

(Images: Zara Home)

Beautiful Black and White: Annaleena Leino

Annaleena Leino is an Interior Stylist who just launched her gorgeous site with her impressive portfolio. I first came across Annaleena's work when a search landed me on her blog, Annaleena's Hem. I was smitten ever since, and I haven't stopped visiting. I feel compelled to share her work, I find it so beautiful in it's discipline. Obviously you have to be completely inspired and love what you work with  to so with such a limited palette. Another great thing about it, is that even though she's only working with two or three colors her work is always fresh and new, it doesn't feel repetitive.

     

If you are a follower of Annaleena's work, you know that she usually works in black, white, and some natural tones, sometimes. I love color, but I also appreciate a good monochromatic scheme.  I can't say that I can live in a space with just black and white, but I can't help admiring it.

     
 



Happy Monday guys! I wish you a very beautiful week.

(Images:Annaleena Leino)