CHASING THE SUNLIGHT

Wishing for a day like this...



Lounging and loving the sunshine that is currently streaming through my windows...

Unfortunately, I have about a thousand things to check off my to-do list before I jet off to the east coast tomorrow, so I'll be working away! I hope all of you in the states with the day off enjoy every bit of it for the rest of us!

*images via frank features, lonny mag, elle decor

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CHASING THE SUNLIGHT

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https://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/09/chasing-sunlight.html

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FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: TACO NIGHT!

Camille Styles here, with this week's summer party fantasy. As Cass learned last time she visited me in Austin, there's nothing I love more than a good taco + margarita night...


So, for today’s inspiration board, I put together my dream south-of-the-border palette: saturated splashes of flame red and grapefruit set against earthy woods and whites. Don a sombrero and gather dahlias & ranunculus into emptied Mexican food cans (I posted a DIY here!) to scatter around tables. If you’re feeling especially festive, hire a mariachi to serenade guests late into the night!



Aren't these papel picado-inspired invites the cutest? Even for the most casual get-together, a simple invite turns the festive quotient way up.

I've always loved dresses with Mexican embroidery, and they make the perfect hostess garb for a carefree summer dinner...especially since the lightweight material stays cool on humid nights.

For this taco night, I'm sticking to my all-time favorite: fried white fish with fresh corn tortillas, lime crema and pico de gallo. Keep the menu simple and let the only accompaniments be my beyond addictive watermelon with mint, salt & pepper ...and a slushy peach margarita, of course!
*images: {row 1} coco+kelley, 101 cookbooks, jose villa {row 2} jose villa, maracas {row 3} diego uchitel, feasting on art, poppytalk {row 4} jose villa, brides, martha stewart living. invitations, d+k buckmaster; gwyneth & fish tacos, my father's daughter; cacti, ashley meadors.

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FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: TACO NIGHT!

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https://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/07/from-fantasy-to-fete-taco-night.html

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FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: PICNIC ON THE AMALFI

Since the moment Cassandra mentioned she was headed to Italy this summer, I haven't been able to stop dreaming of vino in Rome, shopping in Florence and most of all, long lazy days spent sunbathing on the Amalfi Coast...



Camille Styles here, and today's fantasy is totally inspired by the idyllic two weeks my husband and I spent in Capri and Positano on our honeymoon two summers ago. The incredible seafood, deep Mediterranean waters dotted with pristine yachts and sailboats, and the nautical-chic style of the jet-set as they escape the bustle of a bigger metropolis. A lovely little fantasy on which to base today's fête, no?



A sandy stretch of beach and a fun group of friends are really the only necessities for the success of this party. A lightweight folding table and swath of linen fabric are the base for a spread of fresh, seasonal dishes. On the menu? How 'bout a very Mediterranean cucumber, tomato & feta salad and this most-luscious marinated bean salad with grilled shrimp & watercress.


What to wear to such a summer get-together? A swimsuit of course, although a classic striped boatneck is a must to guard against the sea breezes when the sun begins to set.



Formal invites are not really necessary for a gathering this relaxed, but when the stationery is as charming as this by Mr. Boddington's Studio, you just might not be able to resist. The Wolfgang style is so fitting for an oceanic occasion with it's urchin-like pattern and inky blue script.



Arriverderci, Cass...we can't wait to hear about your adventures!


*images: {row 1} couple, bunting, compass escort cards {row 2} necklace, feathers {row 3} clementine place setting, capri, rope{row 4} map, invites, oyster, dress. all party images: roland bello. invitations: mr boddington's studio.

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FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: PICNIC ON THE AMALFI

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https://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/06/from-fantasy-to-fete-picnic-on-amalfi.html

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BACKYARD ENTERTAINING: WHITE + MOD

It's official. Summer is upon us in the Northwest and I'm so ready to host a little outdoor patio dinner party! In seeking some inspiration, I rediscovered this tabletop created by JL Designs, and I'm completely smitten...

Being a California girl, I am totally drawn to this mix of succulents and white modern accents - it couldn't be more reflective of the beach-meets-desert culture of SoCal.


Of course, no party is complete without a signature drink - whether your hosting 10 or 100! I think this one sounds particularly refreshing and the the little drink card is so perfect!


I love how much candlelight Carissa used along with the cafe lights...

Heavenly! Are you as inspired as I am for a little outdoor entertaining? Even if you only have a little patio in your apartment, there are ways to make it happen (I'm going to be shooting my own example soon!) I can't wait for late summer evenings around the table with good friends.


*photography by aaron young, paper elements by wiley valentine (love them!), and complete design by jl designs

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BACKYARD ENTERTAINING: WHITE + MOD

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HAPPY WEEKEND...

The temperatures are slowly rising around here... I think it's time for me to perfect my 'almost summer' style...

A Panama hat will be required. As will white-on-white... the jacket only necessary for the cooler evenings...

I can't wait to host my first outdoor dinner party of the season... must get the patio in entertaining mode!

And I'll definitely be adding some high shine accessories to the white-on-white look for a beachy glam vibe. What are your must haves for this summer??

Have a fabulous weekend everyone! Stay cool...

*images via malene birger, mi casa revista, and fgr

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HAPPY WEEKEND...

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ON THE VERGE

I feel like a kid counting down the days until school is out lately. The sun has been teasing us with a few days of summer sunshine, my vacation countdown has begun, and all I can do is daydream...



Is summer here yet?? And, could I please have that wallpaper for my entryway too? You'll have to excuse me if my blog starts to wander in the next few weeks... lots of little things to check off off the list before I leave for Italy! Anyone else counting down the days to some exciting summer plans?

*images via atlanta homes magazine, pinterest, sacramento street

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ON THE VERGE

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https://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/05/on-verge.html

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