Paris Flea

In Paris??? Or planning a trip to Paris soon? You must go to the flea market...biggest in the world. I totally regret not having gone...it seemed too complicated to get there and far from where we were staying, so we decided not to go (UGH, kicking myself now). Next time, for sure I am there....thanks to Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day I will have no problem finding it. Go HERE for detailed direction on how to get to the Flea Market.

XoXo,

Iris

Book Love

I am really into coffee table books, actually been a little obsessed with them lately and since it's been a while since I bought one....had to get the Tricia Guild: Colors, Patterns, and Space book when I saw it at the book store. It is just beautiful! The photography, colors, interiors...all of it is just so dreamy. I can sit for hours, dreaming of every single space. Here is a peek, if you haven't seen this book already. So inspiring.
















and I love the bright orange edge.

I definitely recommend adding this one to your collection (or starting your collection with this one).
Want the book? Get it HERE.

XoXo,

Iris

Just Playing with my new lens...

For some time now (since I got my Canon camera last year) I have been wanting a new lens so I can get sharper images. I was so indecisive whether I should get the 50mm 1.8 or the 50mm 1.4. So, Yesterday I decided to just go for it and get the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM. I figured, well if I want to get better photos for my blog (and overall) I should invest in a lens that is good quality, right? Actually, what I really want is a wide angle lens because I would love to start touring homes and taking photos of interiors for all of you to enjoy....but Holy Moly! are those wide angle lenses expensive.
Anyway, I started playing around with my new lens today and here is what I am loving about it: It's a pretty sturdy, lightweight, good quality lens. It takes very sharp images with amazing bokeh. It takes great pictures in low light. And I'd say it's pretty fast. The only cons I have found so far is that I am not used to a fixed lens, so having to get close to or farther from the subject is a little annoying and the other thing is that I am not able to get really close to subjects, even with manual focusing, to get super detailed images (but I guess that's what the macro lens is for, right?). But I would say, overall, I am pretty happy with it...hopefully with more use I can still say the same :-)

Now, I am no professional photographer by any means, nor do I try to be, but I love taking photographs and I appreciate the beauty and creativity behind it...not to mention great respect for professional photographers. Here are some of the photos I took with my f1.4 lens (was limited as I didn't leave my house today ha!)

First photo with the 1.4 lens. A big red bird statue that Peter and I found and love it...it's quite comical. Photo taken at night with bad lighting.


Root Beer. Photo taken at night.


Cross and tiny skull.


Buddha face and a succulent.


Rings...didn't mean to do this but I am liking all of the blur and the effect around the rings.


A woman from Mexico from my collection...there is a window behind her and plants outside.


Stacked books with a rosary I bought in Argentina.

From another angle.


And another angle.


A fun book with orange edges.


Fabric and trim I recently purchased to make pillows.


Mineral rock.


My good luck little friend.

I normally LOVE to go into photoshop and start playing with the contrast and lighting, but I wanted to show the true effect of the lens so I stayed away from photoshop. I'd say the images came out pretty good (again, keep in mind I am not a pro). Can't wait to take more photos and really get the hang of it.

Any thoughts on this or other lens'? Any tips on photo taking? Tips about this lens? I always love feedback.

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend...I am actually excited about tomorrow because I just called in and I DON'T have to report for jury duty tomorrow :-)

XoXo,

Iris

Hollywood Glam

This post was inspired by the movie Cover Girl with Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly (Hello!!!). I just watched it the other day and I loved it. Rita Hayworth is just stunning!! I was mesmerized by her beauty and her talent. I seriously want to find the images of her below, frame them, and hang them in my powder room...Ok, so I don't really have a powder room, but if I did, that's where they would go:-) Isn't she just beautiful? Who is your favorite "Old Hollywood" actress?







And of course, here are some interiors that are inspired by the Old Hollywood Glamour. {via Jay Jeffers}

{Via Jay Jeffers}

{Nanette Lapore's home}

{Jennifer Lopez' home via Veranda Magazine}

{Domino}

{via Home Fashions}

{via High Fashion Home}




Happy Weekend!!


XoXo,

Iris

A Good Divider

I have tried to convince friends when decorating to divide their spaces with curtains and they stare at me like I am crazy...like saying "what's the point of that?" I love the flowiness of curtains and the kinda whimsical look curtains give a space. They create coziness and well privacy too in the case of like a loft. I also love the look of curtains in a long hallway..beautiful. So, here is what you are missing out on my dear friends.

{via House Beautiful}


{via Country Home}


{via curtain wizard blog}


{source unknown}


{Amsterdam loft by UXUX Design}


{via Apartment Therapy}


{via cotedetexas blog}


{via Apartment Therapy}


XoXo,

Iris

Wallpaper Love

How beautiful are Nina Campbell's wallpaper designs? Just gorgeous. I am really loving the black wallpapers. Now I want to wallpaper something...anything :-) Which one is your favorite?











Working on a fun project for a close friend using my favorite color combo....blue and orange. Hope to share soon.


XoXo,

Iris