Diptyque

Smell is so strongly tied to memories, and the intense, fresh garden rose smell of this Pink Roses candle reminds me instantly of picking blooms in London with my dad.  It also doesn't hurt that it's the most beautiful shade of summery pink.

Diptyque Limited Edition Pink Roses Candle, $68

Tom Binns

Tom Binns' deconstructed/reconstructed punk meets bejewled-Upper East Side-grandma aesthetic is so fabulous.  I would love to wear one of his creations over something simple: a perfectly slouchy, slightly oversized white tee, black straight leg jeans and black leather heels.  Because really, a Tom Binns necklace is the whole outfit.

no prices are listed on the website

Dumont Collection

DMT0081

Dumont Collection

DMT0067

Regal Rocker Collection

Wild Duchess

Austerity Binns Collection

Candy

Even the First Lady has rocked some Binns on occasion:

Gorgeous.

Poufs

These definitely aren't new on the design scene, but I still desperately want a pair for my tiny living room. If I were single I would definitely go for something pastel, but a *slightly* more masculine metallic would be equally fabulous.

The white is soft and inviting, and somehow feels really modern.

by Selina Lake

So classic and traditional, but the trio of poufs give a relaxed-bohemian twist.

from Candace Bushnell's apartment in Elle Decor, 2005

I love the pink. In the words of Rachel Zoe, 'I die.'

from Domino

John Derian's amazing selection.

from John Derian, $265 for colors, $325 for metallic

I love a good unexpected dose of metallic in a room.

from e-mosaik.com, $299

A slightly more authentic looking Moroccan pouf.
from AuthenticMorocco.com, $75

A unique take on the trend. So beautiful and whimsical.

from ModernDose.com, $549

These are DIY! For fellow sewing enthusiasts, you can buy a pattern to make these poufs. A bit more labor-intensive, but much more affordable.

Amy Butler Gum Drop Pillow pattern, $13

J.Crew flats

I have a major crush on J.Crew's entire collection of flats this summer.  But of course, they make it virtually impossible to buy just one when they offer suede, metallic, leather and satin options.

Claire neon-trimmed leather ballet flats in pewter, $148

Claire leather ballet flats in sandalwood, $148

Marjorie suede ballet flats in soft purple, $98

Marjorie satin ballet flats in mineral grey, $98

Marjorie satin ballet flats in pale orchid, $98

Marjorie metallic-leather ballet flats in neon yellow, $98

I know Easter is over...

...but I came across this ring at Urban Outfitters.  It's sweet, elegantly kitschy and looks far more expensive than it is.

Urban Outfitters large animal ring, $34

Black Walls

I spent way too much time on Architectural Digest's AD 100 list and re-discovered my love for Mario Buatta when I saw this amazing room.  He's called the "king of chintz," which makes me cringe, but I think it's fabulous.  It's ornate and layered, but then the lacquered black walls add such a moody undertone.  If I weren't a renter, I would totally get on this look.

The texture of the molding and built-ins keeps this black on black from being too dark.

by Todd Romano

A black ceiling?  Hell yes.  The white floor and mirrors keep it from being oppressive.

by Miles Redd

I love Kelly Wearstler.  Her hairstyles on Top Design were to die for.  So is this borderline-goth kitchen.

by Kelly Wearstler

A small back alcove or entry way leading into a warm-hued living room?  Genius.

Miles Redd encore.

I would go with different bedding.  Less natty natural, more fluffy and luxurious (I really just have a big, overstuffed white bed fixation).

From Living Etc.

I'm particularly in love with the huge painting in the background.  It reminds me of one of my favorite portraits by Whistler.

From Hollister Hovey

First of all, this picture is just amazing.  So retro fabulous.  But pluck the couple out of the scene (particularly the dame in that 60's dress) and this room could easily fit a home today.

By David Hicks

Even in black, this room feels incredibly cozy.

From an old issue of House and Garden

Bud Vases, take two

I found these amazing sparrow and woodpecker bud vases on the British site Graham and Green.  I couldn't resist posting them: 

Sparrow and Woodpecker vases, £18.95 each

Of course, I would fill them with beautiful ranunculi:

Stars Without Makeup in French Elle

The April issue of Elle France features three beautiful stars without makeup or retouching on the cover.  Sometimes a clean face and relaxed outfit can be just stunning.

photographed by Peter Lindbergh

Sophie Marceau

Monica Bellucci

Eva Herzigova

Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels

Some truly amazing jewels are up for auction at Sotheby's this week.  They are all total budget-breakers, but I can fantasize, can't I?

gold, diamond and enamel leopard bangle, est. $30,000-$40,000

colored stone "Persian" brooch, est. $5,000-7,000

multi-colored stone and diamond flower bracelet, est. $6,000-8,000

multi-colored sapphire and diamond chain necklace, est. $20,000-30,000

diamond necklace, est. $70,000-90,000

emerald and diamond pendant-earrings, est. $40,000-50,000

5.14 carat diamond ring, est. 35,000-45,000

emerald and pink sapphire ring, est. $10,000-15,000

moonstone, pink sapphire and diamond bracelet, est. $10,000-15,000

pair of diamond pendant-earrings, est. $15,000-20,000

4.97 carat diamond ring, est. $50,000-70,000

cultured pearl, colored stone and diamond necklace, est. $5,000-7,000

emerald cameo and diamond pendant necklace, 19th century, est. $20,000-30,000