For an aesthetics junkie like me, I knew that when I upgraded to the iPhone 4 last month, only one particular case would do. If you’re a color lover that’s in the market for a super basic case that doesn’t bulk up your phone, this may be the answer. And in case you’re wondering, the allure of constantly pulling a giant Pantone swatch out of my purse still hasn’t gotten old!

Today, I’m going to share my new favorite book with you, Pantone: The Twentieth Century in Color. What makes this book so amazing is that it covers the evolution of color in our society over the last 100 years, from 1900 onwards. Each decade receives its own chapter along with corresponding images of art, fashion and decor representative of particular palettes that were popular during that period.

From the swatches of 1930s The Wizard of Oz (Silver, Straw and Lion) to 1980s Miami Vice (Pink Mist, Lavendula and Radiant Orchid) to 1990s Grunge (Coffee Bean, Faded Denim and Earth Red), the cultural movements of America and the colors they helped influence are all painstakingly covered. Students of graphic and fashion design as well as lovers of color theory will adore this book.

Remember last week how I shared the sentiment that everybody should like everybody with the accompanying Warhol print? Well, it seems that the über hip design and decor flash sale site Fab.com read my mind and is offering a gazillion affordable brightly colored prints from this same series! *Please note that Fab.com is membership only so you’ll have to join to view the sales.

I wanted to set the tone for 2012 by indulging in a few of my favorite things including fresh flowers and a copy of French Vogue. I’ve been on a kick of picking up a bouquet of vibrantly colored flowers every two weeks to add some energy to my all-white office. And, I find French Vogue to be one of the most visually inspiring fashion publications out there.

Small indulgences, visual inspiration and a regular dose of relaxation: this is the tone that I want to set going forward in 2012.

I spent the first day of 2012 freshening up and organizing my surroundings. I stocked up on new cleaning supplies, shredded a stack of junk mail, vacuumed my office, pulled all the receipts out of my wallet, recycled a massive stack of print-outs that were collecting dust in my flat files, cleaned out my closets and flipped through and recycled a stack of old magazines.

I also spent some time changing up my beauty routine. I was on vacation all week in Phoenix and took some time to get my hair trimmed and picked up some new makeup at the MAC counter. I loathe foundation (and hadn’t worn it in about 5 years) but remembered how well my skin photographed last year after a MAC makeover so I picked up Studio Sculpt and Skinfinish powder. Then, I painted my nails nude for the first time ever with Face Stockholm Unclear and applied one of my favorite eyeshadow combos, Double Feature 1 by MAC. Finally, I used a new (to me) scent: Chanel N° 5.

A clean, organized environment, a beauty routine change-up and some time to think. Not a bad way to spend the first day of the new year.

The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel…The Sprawl was a long strange way home over the Pacific now, and he was no console man, no cyberspace cowboy. — William Gibson, Neuromancer

Today, I picked up my gray nubuck Camilla Skovgaard wedges from Halo that I ordered many, many months ago. I’ve worn the black ones to death and this is basically my ‘summer’ version. If you want a pair, call Halo at 503.331.0366 to order – they’re over $50.00 cheaper than shopbop is listing!

I Wore:

Gray zip dress, Forever 21
Gray rayon scarf, Forever 21
Neon yellow slip, Forever 21
Gray suede wedge boots, Camilla Skovgaard
P-Series watch, Nixon

Thanks to Joey for taking the photos.

I’ve been wearing Jeffrey Campbell shoes for years now – the have the freshest, on-trend styles at a fraction of designer shoe prices and the quality is awesome. Now, here’s your chance to win a pair of Jeffrey Campbell Splendid Studded Suede Platform Sandals courtesy of Intermix and Jeffrey Campbell.

To win, all you have to do is to leave a comment telling me what your all-time favorite pair of Jeffrey Campbells are and why. If you have a photo of you can link to of yourself wearing them, even better! (though not necessary). Make sure that your email address is entered (in the info part of the comment – it will remain private) and don’t forget to mention your shoe size. Good luck! A winner will be announced a week from today on Monday, June 14th.

To get started, I’ll go first. My favorite pair of JC shoes are the Clinics. When I zip them on and walk down the street, people literally start yelling and honking their horns…even when it’s 8 a.m. and I’m on my way to the coffee shop. Plus, the reflective side panels double as a mirror when you’re in a pinch!

Key:

0. Finsk Wedges
1. Criss-Cross Dress (sold out)
2. Gee Wa Wa Fatale
3. 10 Key Calculator
4. Noguchi Prismatic Table
5. Leica D-Lux Digital Camera
6. Jeffrey Campbell Clinic
7. Forever 21 F5965 Sunglasses
8. Waiting Line Mug Set
9. Quail Florette Bomber in Black

I haven’t been buying many new clothes lately but when I spotted the Quail Florette Bomber in the latest Urban Outfitters catalog, I had to have it. In the spring and summer, I tend to trade in a lot of my black layers for grays and whites and this coat is the perfect weight for Portland’s intermittent drizzly and overcast weather this time of year. Since I got it last week, I’ve worn it every day – I love avant garde clothing, but also want it to be easy to throw on and go, which this is.

Up until now, I knew nothing about Q U A I L – but Urban Outfitters says that it was “founded in 2008 by Los Angeles-native Michelle Williams” and “is devoted to classic silhouettes and playful textures.”

Why the Title Float?

When I was wearing this jacket the other day around two guys, they both decided that it reminded them of a “float in a parade.” I totally get the resemblance!

What I Wore

Florette Bomber, Quail
Gray and white tanks, F21
Shredded gray jeans, F21
Avant Garde necklace, Plastique (etsy)
Heels, Dries van Noten
Watch, Nixon P Series

When I moved into my house last summer, I wanted a fresh and airy palette for my office. My already white furniture was met with white curtains and white walls. Now, I’m craving some more visual interest and depth. My brother helped me rearrange part of my office a few nights ago and I am on a search for the perfect rug and office chair. In the meantime, I’ve made a few small changes.

Ceramic Hand

To organize some of my jewelry, I picked up this Ceramic Hand Jewelry Stand at Urban Outfitters. It reminds me of the vintage molds I’ve seen floating around shops like Fish’s Eddy in New York.

Red Cross Cabinet

I’ve actually had this cabinet since 2002 – I spotted it at Lancelotti Housewares in New York and had it shipped home. After shifting around some office furniture, I was able to clear the perfect space to re-hang it. The black chair is a Panton reproduction that we were temporarily using for our kitchen table.

Damask Velvet Curtains

Until recently, I had thin white IKEA curtains hanging in my office. While they were breezy and let lots of natural light in, too much daylight when you’re tying to design is a huge distraction (it tempts you to go outside and skip out on work!) These curtains from Urban Outfitters are much more dramatic and though some light is able to leak through the mesh, it is quite minimal and has already helped my focus immensely. My brother hates them and has dubbed them my “goth curtains.” So be it!

As I pull more of my office together over the next few weeks, I’ll show you the full outcome.