Amanda Brooks - Always Pack a Party Dress

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Amanda Brooks second book "Always Pack a Party Dress" just came out. Normally I wouldn't give a book like this a second glance as I wear jeans pretty much 24-7, but since I am a fan of her home aesthetic and admirer of her fabulous personal style, I went ahead and downloaded a copy. A few chapters into it, I'm rethinking my wardrobe and may branch out a bit, maybe even try a dress?? I am still amazed that she left behind a job as fashion director of Barneys a couple years ago to pick up and move herself and her family to a farm (gorgeous as it may be - see below) in England. How many times have you daydreamed about packing up and moving far, far away to make a fresh start? Good for her for having the guts to do it. Interested in reading the book? Vote on which of Amanda's outfits featured here you like best and maybe you'll win a free copy (see bottom for details). Just wait till you read the part about her internship with the amazing fashion photographer Patrick Demarachelier. The good fortune that comes from being in the right place at the right time!

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 With Jenna Lyons from J. Crew. #10

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Pick which outfit you like best (1 - 13). One person will be chosen to win a copy of Amanda's new book. The winner will be announced next week. Please click HERE to write your answer in the comment section of the blog. My vote is #9!

Photos via Selby, Pinterest & Always Pack a Party Dress.

Make mine a double

Hello summer! Hello summer entertaining! Nothing is more practical (or appreciated) than a fully stocked bar cart at a party. It not only looks great, it allows guests to explore and pour at their leisure and leaves the hosts to do other things, like have fun.

 As a nightstand? Ok!

We just added these styles to the website. Take a look here. And click here for tips on stocking & styling one beautifully.

Photos from the Shed Pinterest board.

Miranda Brooks

This Brooklyn brownstone. which belongs to landscape artist Miranda Brooks and her family has been blogged many times over, but it's so pretty I thought adding in images from her work, modeling etc. would make it feel fresh and perfect for this time of year. 

  Strolling in a garden of her design with one of her daughters.

 One of Brooks garden projects above. See her talk about her work here.

Hand painted wallpaper in the girl's room. Just gorgeous!

  Brooks wedding gown was designed by Oscar de la Renta.

 

 

Above and below at work in her office. Featured in Creativity at Work.

Photos Vogue & Creativity at Work