THE STUDIO

Sometimes I share instagram photos of the studio where I work on tuesdays, but I realize I haven't talked about that much on the blog- 

Every tuesday I work for my dad in Venice at his gorgeous photography studio, just blocks from the beach. I started working with him when I moved to LA, nine years ago {can you believe it!}. When I started It was just something to do on the side, I never thought I could BE a photographer. I had always had a passion for it- in high school I never went anywhere without my camera and cost my parents a fortune in film development. Through working with my dad, I finally got the confidence to start my own business and I guess the rest in history. There is almost nothing that makes me happier than taking photographs and it has been one of the true joys of my life, getting to learn from someone who's work inspires me endlessly.

Over time my dad's assistant Kristen, who had been scanning and archiving his collection of photos, taught me how to use photoshop. I ended up taking over her job when she left and to this day feel so indebted to her. Kristen sparked my passion for photoshop which has surpassed retouching photos to exploring graphic design.

I continue to assist my dad for major shoots, retouch and archive his photographs both new and old. Working with my dad has allowed me to know him in a way I wouldn't otherwise and for that I feel grateful.


*If you're curious about my dad's work, check out his website here

Happy Weekend! 

FROM THEIR HOUSE TO YOURS

Photo of Sarah Illenberger's Berlin Apartment January 2010 by Ailin Liefeld  


1. Large Cloche $125
2. Peacock Feathers $.55
3. Antique Ladder $129
4. Larsen Metal Task Lamp $119
5. Louis XVI Dresser $1,099
6. Rens Sheepskin $29.99
7. Acapulco Chair $475


I have loved this space from the first moment I laid eyes on it and have often used this image as inspiration for my own office/dressing room. I love the relaxed feel of this room and the punch of color the Acapulco chair brings. It seemed like the perfect room to recreate for my latest "from their house to yours."  

SOFT TONES

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While looking over some of my most recent pins, I noticed they all have a dreamy light and soft tones- can you tell I'm longing for spring? Luckily the boy and I won't have to wait until the spring equinox for some warmer temps, because we are headed to The Ace Hotel Palm Springs two weeks from today. I had to take advantage of the 100 N Sunny deal, it was just too tempting! 

MOVIE NIGHT

1. Vintage Pajama Set $78
2. Before Sunrise & Before Sunset
3. Atom Art Serving Bowl $28
4. Avec Tweed Sofa $1,299
5. Little Flower Sea Salt Caramels $8
6. Oji Masanori Kami Mug $75
7. Aztec Hot Chocolate $26
8. Striped Throw $78


When it's cold and rainy, there is nothing I like to do more then curl up on the sofa with some hot cocoa and a great movie. Before Sunrise and Before Sunset are two favorites, I most recently re-watched. They so accurately portray the human connection and the excitement of new love. If you've never seen them, you must rent them immediately and have a movie night of your own.  

SWEET. SWEETER. SWEETEST.

Sweet. House of Harlow 1960 Triangle Cuff $70
Sweeter. Marc by Marc Jacobs Suede Wedge $350
Sweetest. Alexander Wang Diego Bucket Bag $825


How was your weekend? Did you watch the Oscars? I watched with a couple girlfriends and a glass of wine. A perfect Sunday evening really. My fashion favorites were Michelle Williams and Rooney Mara. What about you?  

LATELY

The last few weeks have been pretty packed, but it feels really great to be busy. I've not only been working, but also spending time catching up with friends. The weather has been downright dreamy, which has put me in such a good mood. I almost feel like I'm on a springtime high- feeling happier than I have in sometime. I am so grateful for this life I have created for myself and the people in it. Here is a little look in into my life of late and a few of the sweet things making me smile... 

Happy Weekend! xo

BLOOMING SPRING

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Florals seem to be everywhere right now, but in a modern updated way. If there is anything I've learned it's never say never when it comes to fashion. Trends you thought you would never be caught dead in can all of a sudden pop up on your spring wish list. I'll never forget one of my best friends telling me seven years ago that skinny jeans were a passing fad she'll never partake in and what do you know- it's pretty much all she wears. Are florals a trend you will be embracing or is it just not your style?

SWEET. SWEETER. SWEETEST.

Sweet. Arrow Gift Tags $10
Sweeter. Arrow Cuff $60
Sweetest. Arrow Pillow $89


Last week was quite a week and I admit it got the best of me. As you all know it isn't like me to not make time for blogging, but I was just juggling too much. Anyway, I am back and ready to get back in the groove. How was you're weekend? Mine was absolutely perfect. I finished my cleanse/diet on Sunday and spent the day wondering the city indulging in a delicious food and coffee. 

MY LIFE RIGHT NOW

I am so sorry I didn't get a post up yesterday...just as I was putting the finishing touches on one, photoshop decided to quit and I didn't have time to redo it. Such is life, I guess. I haven't had time to do much of anything lately since the album cover shoot and the editing/retouching have taken up the last few days. Well, I am done with that job for this week at least, and now I'm looking forward to spending some time with a friend  who's staying with us from NYC. We are thinking of taking her to the Getty today. It's been years since I've been and I'm quite looking forward to stepping away from the computer for the day. 

BE MY VALENTINE

Happy valentine's day my sweet readers!! What are your plans for this 'day of love'? I'll be spending the day assisting a HUGE photo shoot with my dad for a very amazing album cover (shh, it's top secret). Later tonight I'll get to celebrate with my cute guy and maybe watch one of my all time favorite romantic movies, Cinema Paradiso. What are some of your favorite romantic movie?  

**that photograph of us above holds sentimental value since it was taken the weekend James told me he loved me for the first time. 

SWEET. SWEETER. SWEETEST.

Sweet. Je T'aime Poster $30
Sweeter. Heart Tote $20
Sweetest. Ban.Do Heart Show Clips $25


Welcome back my loves! How was your weekend? Mine was pretty low key since I am still on this cleanse. The boy worked most of the weekend so I went on a documentary binge, watching Food Inc, Buck, Eames: the Architect and the Painter and Fat Sick and Nearly Dead. Right now Netflix instant is kinda my best friend. Do you have any favorite movies streaming on there, i'd love some suggestions? 

LATELY

The last few weeks have been different to say the least. I have been on a cleanse/diet which I will spare you the boring details of, but has forced me to slow down. Since most social events, restaurants and bars have been off the table, I have been focusing on other things that make me happy like cooking at home, watching movies and taking walks around my neighborhood. I made myself a promise that I wouldn't buy one piece of clothing until this cleanse was over and let me tell you, it's been difficult but I've stayed true to my word. I've got one more week to go, but in the meantime here are a few things that have made these past weeks so sweet...



Happy weekend everyone! xo

LET'S GO FOR A DRIVE

1. Spiraea Shirtdress $158
2. Me & Arrow Key Chain $14
3. Pinstripe Scarf $9.90
4. Split Frame Shades $42
5. See by Chloe Platforms $365
6. Farmer's Market Tote $45


{photo via}


The weather yesterday was so incredible it made me want to pack a picnic, hop in my imaginary convertible and take a drive up the coast. I love spur of the moment adventures, don't you? Sometimes being a tourist in your own city reminds you how much you love it.  

I CAN'T STOP WEARING...

one. Ten Over Six Mae Dress $210
two. Mini Mailbag $118
three. High Road Sandals $158
four. Fallon Tatjana Necklace $165
five. Lookmatic Frames $58


I bought this dress on sale at Steven Alan a few months ago and it has been on heavy rotation ever since. Whenever I buy a dress casual enough for day that can also be dressed up, I end up wearing it a ton {like this dress or this dress}. Perhaps one of these days I'll have time to photograph it for you. I know it's been far too long since I've done a "sweet style" post.

HEAD OVER HEELS

1. Fawn Sporty Flat Sandal $295
2. Dita Platform Pump $425
3. Valentine Peep-Toe Wedge $375
4. Anja Mignon Wedge $375


The Loeffler Randall spring 2012 collection has just arrived and oh my, it's got me falling head over heels. Those Fawn Sporty Sandals must be mine!

Happy weekend everyone! Will you be watching the Super Bowl? We have plans to watch with some friends. I am not a football fan so I'm more looking forward to the company than the actual game. 

INSIDE MY MAKEUP BAG

Cover Girl Line Exact Liquid Liner $6.24
This liner goes on the easiest of any I've tried. It tends to run out faster then others, but luckily it's not very expensive. 
80 Acres Olive Oil Body Balm $22
I got this for Christmas from my boyfriend's sister and it has saved me these last few months. My skin is very dry in the winter, so I've been using this on my hands, feet and elbows. Sometimes I'll take a little and mix it with lotion to use on my body. 
Kiehl's Must Oil $26
It's my go to. Musk is not for everyone, but it's my most favorite scent. I get so many compliments when I wear this stuff. 
Ardell Dura Lash Individual Lashes $3.49
These make me feel like a million times prettier. I'll use a few on the outer corners of my eyes when I go out.
Tarte Cheek Stain in Tipsy $30
This color is perfection. It gives me a peachy glow and it last forever. I've had this bottle for almost two years. Crazy. 
Stila Illuminating Moisturizer SPF 20 $32
This gives me moisture, a little coverage and SPF for my fair skin. It also has an almost iridescent look that makes my skin instantly look fresh and dewy. 
Stila Lip Glaze in Grapefruit $22
Some people hate how sticky this stuff is, but I love it. It is the only gloss that stays on my lips for hours. 
12th Street by Cynthia Vincent Pouch $39.95
I just bought this pouch on sale at Anthropologie because of the fun pattern. I love it so much I have a feeling I might even start using it as a clutch.