Photographer Crush: Alex Prager

Are you all familiar with Alex Prager's work?  Alex is a photographer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, and I'm captivated by her images.  Interestingly enough, she's self-taught, learning the art of photography through library books and yard sale finds.  Alex takes her aesthetic cues from film, fashion, and the world of pulp fiction, and creates images that are darkly playful and often feature retro-styled women in dramatic moments:

As playful as the images feel, her works are taken very seriously in the art world and often sell for upwards of $15,000. She's been featured in countless exhibitions, including a MoMa "New Photography" exhibit in the fall of 2010.  "My work is very much about where I'm at psychologically and emotionally in my life," Alex explained to South China Morning Post in 2015.

My favorite collection of her work is entitled "The Big Valley" and was released in 2008:

Alex Prager did a very unique, disembodied heads fashion shoot for Garage Magazine recently.  I can't get over the eeriness of the composition:

See more of Alex's drool-worthy work here.   She is represented by Lehmann Maupin Gallery in New York and Hong Kong, and is the epitome of a #girlboss.

Fourth of July Inspired Decor

Fourth of July is just around the corner, and I can't wait to spend it in one of my favorite cities- Austin, TX.  My best friend from design school recently moved to Austin and I don't think there is any better excuse to reunite and spend time on the lake than to celebrate America's birthday. You might've noticed lots of red, white, and blue in yesterday's designer crush post featuring Christopher Maya.  I love to see how he mixes the two bold hues together in such a daring, statement-making way.  In the event you'd like to add a little American pride to your own abode, here are a few red, white, and blue decor items I adore:

Shop This Board (From Top, Left to Right):

Chippendale Headboard $1,189/Pinstriped Fouta Beach Towel $48/Horizon Printed Rug by West Elm $119/Scallop Lantern in Royal Blue $2,499/Sol Outdoor Pillow Covers $58/Degaulle Table Lamp $165/Bandelier Arm Chair $342/Wesley Chest in Hot Red $220/Double Happiness Pot Ginger Jars $105/

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Designer Crush: Christopher Maya

I first began following Christopher Maya's work when Architectural Digest published his design of J. Christopher Burch's South Hampton getaway back in 2013.  Maya's design feels perfect for a Hamptons abode- cheery and tailored, yet effortless:

I love the palette of red, white, and blue in the living and dining area.  Christopher added fine details- like the red tape-trimmed edge on the stools that corresponds with the tablecloth, and the bullion fringe on the bottom of the swivel chair, that give the space a special, intentional feel.

The dining table sits atop a Merida sisal rug and is flanked by vintage rattan chairs:

The master bedroom continues the red, white, and blue color scheme.  I love that Maya added a Moroccan wedding blanket to the end of the bed- it feels cheeky and fun!  

A seating area at the opposite end of the bedroom features pink velvet occasional chairs and a sky blue lacquer wall color. 

I love the paneling details added to Christopher's master bath as well as the black scroll lining the floor tiles:

Maya deviates from the red + white + blue palette in the guest bedroom with a fun chinoiserie-upholstered headboard and bed frame and curtains with an orange leading edge. 

Then, earlier this year, Cottages & Gardens published an 8,000 square-foot Georgian home Maya helped renovate and decorate in Connecticut:

Maya worked with architect Mac Patterson 

Maya and Patterson worked together to preserve and lighten the pine panelling in the home's library, which exudes warmth and charm:

The master bath features built-in water basin sinks featuring a beautiful grey marble stone:

I love that Christopher embraces bold color in his spaces and pairs together unexpected hues:

See more of Christopher Maya's elegant work here.

Friday's Worthy Links

Happy Friday!  How was your week? It was finally warm enough for me in NYC and I enjoyed the weather by taking two long walks in Central Park and sitting on a few outdoor patios for dinner and drinks.  I'm currently in East Hampton again this weekend, and plan to spend the day soaking up the sun and catching up on some reading.   But before closing my laptop this morning, I want to share a few noteworthy links I found from around the web this week...

Friday's Worthy Links:

-Anna Wintour and Amy Schumer Swap Lives - and it's AMAZING. 

-Now that I have a niece, I am so very conscious of building her up and showing her how proud she makes me just by being who she is.  Even though I believe she's the cutest toddler out there, I loved this article about 7 Things to Talk to Little Girls About Other Than Them Being Cute. 

-Lin-Manuel Miranda speaks with Arianna Huffington about art, education, and inclusivity- The discussion is 25 minutes, and well-worth your time.  Skip to 15 minutes in to hear Lin-Manuel's portion.

-A few Fourth of July inspired outfits to get you ready for the upcoming holiday!

-STILL obsessed with these earrings, and wouldn't they look cute with this crochet romper (for only $30)?!  Also NEED this leather tassel clutch for only $48.  It could double as a makeup or cosmetics bag, too.

-My good friend Gaby is a home decor editor at My Domaine, and I loved reading about her dream room as well as other editor's dream rooms in this post. 

-I could spend hours perusing Maja Wyh's site.  Her style is divine.

I hope everyone has a fab weekend!

{image via Gal Meets Glam Instagram}

Sam Loves: 12

A few things I'm loving right now...

Sam Loves 12:

Banana Republic Medium Foldover Fringe Clutch $115.99/

Loving this bedroom featuring John Rosselli's fabric, via House Beautiful, design by Ellen Niven

Puerto Stool in Black & Copper via One Kings Lane $425/

I have a weak spot for white stucco homes with colorful shutters- and this beachfront property via Architectural Digest is TDF:   On the Market: An Airy Beachfront Manse in Windsor, Florida

Somehow I only JUST discovered Need Supply Co.  The clothes feel minimal yet chic. The store is based out of Richmond, VA, and I'm loving the Echo Cropped Top $52 and matching Echo Shorts $52. 

Tuesday's Mood

Coming off of the longest day of the year yesterday (yay summer!) I feel positive and excited for a new week.  Lately I've been vibing ultra sleek + modern interiors, pastels, and anything to do with life on the water.  Here are a few items on my moodboard today...

 

 

 

{Lonny}

 

{a snap I took while at Monc XIII, one of my favorite décor stores in the Hamptons}

 

 

{blissing out in the Hamptons}

 

 

 

What have you been vibing lately?  Happy (official) summer, everyone!

Needing, Wanting, Loving: Green Walls

I'm back from another great weekend away in the Hamptons, so there's no Monday scaries here.  I want to keep the relaxing vibes going by discussing one of my favorite hues~ green!  The last few years, we have seen a resurgence of emerald green, especially on walls and kitchen cabinetry.  I love the richness of the color and the depth and mood it can add to a space:

But beyond emerald, I love green for it's versatility.  It can work in a variety of settings, and I love seeing interesting applications- like fun wallpaper or tinted grasscloth.  Farrow & Ball's Acanthus wallpaper makes this bathroom feel extra special:

{Veranda}

I also love the olive-tinted wall treatment Charlotte Lucas used in this bedroom:

{Charlotte Lucas}

Farrow & Ball's Carriage Green in high gloss dresses up this office space:

{Michael Angus}

Tory Burch's living room has become somewhat iconic for the rich emerald walls.  I love how nicely it mixes with the blue and gold gilt accents:

{Vogue}

Another great green paint color is Farrow & Ball's Green Smoke, used here in a moody library:

A green wallpaper with a bit of striation adds texture and intrigue to this home office:

{Habitually Chic}

I'll always be a fan of lacquer, especially when it's done in a bright, bold color, like kelly green:

{Todd Alexander Romano}

Or a more muted blue green:

{Oomph Online}

Leave it to Jean-Louis Deniot to mix stone with a tasteful green hue.  The result is a library that feels both charming and cozy.

{Jean-Louis Deniot}

Green is the only color that I never tire of.  Whether it's layered with other greens in a space or only used as an accent color, I always find it appealing.  Which shade of green is your fave?