{ Springtime, the Only Pretty Ring Time }

"Every man and every living creature has a sacred right to the gladness of springtime."
- Leo Tolstoy, Resurrection

The Monet French Country House at Giverny, France

le blog de la mechante

I love the coziness of Christmas and guarantee of too much barbeque on the Fourth of July; but Easter tops my list of favorite holidays. The sunshine and flowers wake me up from a long winter's nap, and get me excited about all things new, fresh, and beautiful. I feel like it's God's way of rejuvenating the human spirit, in honor of the miracle of Easter.

This year, Springtime is particularly special because I'm getting to see the yard of my new home bloom for the first time. The previous owner was amazing and innovative in what she planted. Every day there seems to be a new surprise-- fresh mint and basil sprigs, a yellow bud peeking out of a shrub I thought was evergreen, or (my favorite suprise so far) a gorgeous blanket of pink, red, and white flowers on what I thought was a "dead" tree.

Time to celebrate the season! This is my ode to all that is new and gorgeous this time of year.

Salon.com's "Spring Fever Fiction" List, including:

*This list was published on Salon.com in 2001

In contrast, Joie de Vivre's "My Brain Needs a Spring Break Too" Spring Reading List:

Spring inspired decor.

I love the dainty pink window dressings, with a splash of sass on the animal print stool.

Those damask print pillows in juicy colors bring the beige couch to life.

Flowers everywhere! Bringing the outdoors in.

All above pictures from House Beautiful Spring Inspired Rooms

A Kelly Wearstler montage... lots of color in various textures and prints.
Kelly Wearstler Designs



House of Turquoise
Turquoise and white... sublime. With a pop of-- what else? Hot pink tulips, of course!


And last, but certainly not least... Spring Fashion.
Long live the Little White Dress


Handbags...
Hermes Snakeskin Bucket Bag; Fendi Tapestry Peekaboo bag;
Valentino Embroidered Bow Bag.

And some sassy jewels. Fabulous.

Lanvin Glass Pearl Necklace

Sonia Rykiel Studded resin bracelets.
Bijoux Heart 24-karat gold-plated Tropica necklace

{ Camillia. Wisteria. Vermillion. }

Since I'm heading to the West Coast to visit a friend this week, I thought I'd put a spotlight on one of my favorite decadent, color-loving, somewhat divisive, California-sunshine designers, Kelly Wearstler. I found out about her through a feature on the always impeccable Habitually Chic blog.

I love her style for being florid and opulent while still embracing the clean lines and luscious yet strict color palette of Modernism. Hip design meets "Hollywood Regency." If you gave up sweets for Lent like I did, the eye candy in her books (Modern Glamour, Domicilium Decoratus, and Hue) are a great substitute.

Bring on the Frappaccinos and Uggs... I already love L.A.

All images courtesy of Kelly Wearstler's Official Website.