Inspiration – Page 5 – Snapshots & My Thoughts by Ailee Petrovic

Fashion March 21, 2014

Priya Launches Zama Collection

There are few people in life I’m more inspired by than my good (not to mention, ridiculously gorgeous) friend, Joy Kennedy. Three years ago, she launched Priya, an accessories line that is committed to fair trade luxury and employing groups of underprivileged artisans. Since 2011, Priya has worked with groups of human trafficking victims, special needs artisans and impoverished women in Nicaragua. Sold yet? Yes, the company is amazing. The best part is that the products are absolutely flawless. I love the purses so much from the original collection, but two weeks ago, Joy launched the Zama Collection, the first contemporary jewelry collection handmade by artisans in Jaipur, India. It’s unbelievable to see these pieces after sifting through the product sketches at Zoe’s Kitchen over lunch a year ago.

Joy graciously gifted me one of my favorite pieces for my birthday last month – the Square Ring in Blue. I literally get compliments from people every single time I wear it. I’m obsessed! The pieces are crafted with the highest quality materials. You’ll love them as soon as you put them on. I’ve compiled a collage of my favorite Zama pieces above. Shop the collection (top left to bottom right):

Also, you should watch the mesmerizing Zama Collection video here. See my previous Priya giveaway post here.

Um, see what I mean by gorgeous?

Baby March 11, 2014

My Maternity Style

As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I frantically started searching online for maternity clothes and pregnancy fashion blogs. I had no clue where to start! Shortly after I found out, J. Crew launched their line of maternity pants (still anxiously awaiting more selections!), and then found myself buying tons of blouses from Loft’s maternity line (love these so much). I officially retired my old jeans three weeks ago, and am hanging onto my J. Crew Cafe Capris for dear life (very little time left in those!). This has meant that I’ve been on the market for some fashionable work pants – which I found at J. Crew and Asos. I bought two pairs of J. Crew’s J. Crew’s non-materity draped drawstring pants, which work well for my growing waistline, as well as two pairs of their maternity Minnie Pants. I also really like J. Crew’s white matchstick denim pants, but love my Hudson maternity jeans the most! These Asos floral camo pants could not be more comfortable – match them with a black blouse and they work for going out for dinner or going to the office.

As for dresses, I’ve been looking for empire waistlines or tunics and buying 2 to 3 sizes up to be cautious. Anthropologie has a great selection – I love this tan and coral tunic with my white matchstick denim.

Without a doubt, my favorite maternity line is Hatch Collection. After looking at their stuff non-stop for the last few weeks, I finally caved and bought this dress (in Ponte) and these shorts. I want to buy everything.

J. Crew, Loft, Asos, TopShop, H&M, Old Navy, Gap, Rachel Pally, Hatch Collection – know of any other fashionable maternity lines? Always looking for some new options, although I only have 12 weeks left! Here’s to hoping they fly by.

Some of my favorite recent purchases featured below – links at the bottom!

1) Loft, 2) Anthropologie, 3) Loft, 4) Loft, 5) Loft, 6) Anthropologie, 7) Anthropologie, 8) Anthropologie, 9) J. Crew, 10) J. Crew, 11) Hatch Collection, 12) Asos, 13) J. Crew, 14) Hudson

Top and featured image via Hatch Collection

Décor March 3, 2014

Katie Del Castillo’s Gorgeous DC Home

Almost three years ago, I got a phone call that everyone dreads from one of my best friends, Kirby. She told me that one of our close high school friends, Dimitri, had been killed in Afghanistan. I was working on a project in Oklahoma City at the time, and I went into an empty meeting room and cried – not for my loss, as I hadn’t seen him in almost two years, but for his family, close friends, and his beautiful new wife – Katie. I had never met her, but had heard wonderful things from one of my friends who had. Dimitri was always the life of the party – he was funny, charismatic, athletic, and smart. We were in the same group of friends, and somehow all the girls were convinced to go to the Del Castillo’s house on the weekends to watch the guys play video games (wild high school years, right?). I have so many good memories of those days!

Anyways, I was so excited to see Katie Del Castillo’s gorgeous Washington, DC apartment featured on The Everygirl. Her taste is impeccable. I seriously adore every single element of her apartment – the ikat couch (reupholstered!), the decorated bar tray, the collage wall, the pink winged chairs? Love it all. Read the article for links to all of these amazing accessories and furniture pieces. Also, read her blog – Life with a Dash of Whimsy – for more indulgence!

PS I’d totally pick lunch with Kate Middleton too. I want to meet her so badly.

Décor February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Sasha opened his little Valentine’s treats this morning, and we’re going out for dinner tonight – he won’t tell me where though! The suspense is killing me.

For some Valentine’s inspiration and to brighten your day, go to Style Me Pretty to see their gorgeous Love Notes shoot! None of the cards are quite as pretty as the beautiful one that my best friend, McKenzie, sent me!

Sasha’s little surprise: Customized M&Ms (ASPB Team – our family nickname due to us having the same initials ASP and our nickname for the dog – PB, Volim Te Puno – I love you lots in Serbian, and two pictures of us and Belle), banana Crave cupcake, personalized collar stays, ‘You Make My Heart Skip a Beet’ card, two Chocolove bars (have you tried these? You must), and of course, a single rose (ha, I had to).

Décor February 4, 2014

Valentine’s Crafting + Baking

Last weekend, I headed over to Christie of KiKiMac‘s gorgeous house with Danielle of Goat and Spoon, and we had a perfect “Galentine’s Crafternoon.” She had posted some Valentine’s craft ideas here and here. As you’ll see in Christie’s post, we ended up creating these pretty hearts. Please soak in all of her gorgeous touches – like the place settings, menus, and delicious vegan, gluten free food!

Of course, with this festive holiday approaching us quickly, there are lots of DIY and decor inspirations posted across the web. Oh So Beautiful Paper’s Valentine Crafting Party ideas include some of my favorite! I adore these printables from Oh So Pretty x Sugar & Cloth.

If you’re looking to have or host a Valentine’s girl’s brunch, be inspired here. This Glitter Guide get-together is seriously perfect. I love the bubbly bar and the glitter LOVE letters.

Another gorgeous Glitter Guide crafty party is featured here. Every single detail (and craft) is perfect. Every one.

I also love this cupid’s arrow cake idea! Sasha and I would never finish that big of a cake, but I think a scaled down version would be perfect. I could even use our new favorite vegan chocolate beet muffin recipe for the cakes!

Another fun vegan Valentine’s Day recipe are these chocolate cake balls. I love finding vegan and gluten free recipes – perfect for a dinner with me and my brother-in-law, Carl, who has Celiac disease.