Inslee By Design

Oh, the sweet month of May, a non-stop parade of weddings and graduations. All the monumental occasions this month have me meditating on the perfect gifts to help my friends and family celebrate their big milestones.

The Barbara Cosgrove Foo Dog Lamp would be the coolest wedding gift ever. Newlyweds tend to play it safe when decorating, starting with neutral, safe tones, not sure yet what colors work. Wouldn’t this elegant turquoise number be the perfect way to help them shake up the mix and build a collection of eclectic treasures for an exciting, sophisticated home? 

And whether your loved one is heading off to their first dorm, first apartment or building their forever home, everyone needs a few pretty objet, things that they’d never think to buy themselves. 

The Dwell Studio Glass Vase is a wonderfully affordable gift; I love the idea of pairing several together each filled with a few flowers to create dimension. And the graphic patterned glass of the Illume Mediterranean Candle makes this so much more than just another scented candle. Besides, everyone loves candles. If you are trying to buy a gift for someone who doesn’t like candles…. I give up. Why are you even shopping for them?! 

I’m kidding, surely they at least fall into the category of tray-lovers. We all need trays, even if we don’t know it. Trays announce to the world that you know a thing or two about keeping a well-appointed home. I like the bright, modern ikat pattern of this Global Views Tray. 

And finally, let’s think about ourselves for a moment. Attending graduations, christenings, showers and weddings means you’ll need a few new outfits and accessories, of course. The Kendra Scott Nadeline Necklace is a great statement to get you through this season of special occasions.

Inslee By Design

Spring is right around the corner and I’m dreaming of flowers! I’d love to begin my spring cleaning with a garden full of tulips outside and a new set of bed linens inside. This Pine Cone Hill Watercolor Flowers Duvet is right up my alley. Crisp white linens dotted with vibrant watercolored flowers – so perfect for springtime. I’d pair it with the Arteriors Zoey Mustard Dot lamp to keep the colorful, bright theme going. I happen to love a round mirror over a bed. Especially one with an inlaid quatrefoil like the Regina Andrew Decor Lula Gloss White Mirror. What a cheerful room to welcome in the new season. Happy Spring!

Inslee By Design

The most romantic month of the year has arrived! Bring on the pink and red everything, the flowers, the chocolate, the excuse to send valentines and – best of all – the excuse to get in the kitchen and cook something decadent for someone you love. I’ve never been a big fan of the white-tablecloth-restaurant date on V-day. I prefer spending time at home, cooking something from the heart and skipping all the formalities of going out.

But don’t get me wrong, staying in doesn’t mean spending Valentine’s in your yoga pants. A sweet little black mini dress would be an unexpectedly romantic date-night-in look paired with bright pumps. And since you’ll be in the kitchen, I’d add the Jessie Steele cross stitch hearts apron. Whip up some macarons and you’d be the ultimate picture of loveliness.

Speaking of macarons, wouldn’t these limoges be the perfect gifts for all your favorite girlfriends on February 14th or any time of year?

Inslee By Design

Happy Awards Show season everyone! This may be the darkest and coldest month of the year here in NYC, but it is the most glamorous time of the year for stargazing as celebrities suit up in red carpet finery out west. Thank goodness for the Oscars! I feel warmer just looking at the beautiful people! All the glitz and glamor on TV has me inspired to get a little sparkly myself. Wouldn’t this Tracy Reese Frock be perfect for a mid-winter black tie event? I love the metallic shimmery disks on the front and the sleek exposed zipper down the back. This kind of dress was made for January.

Inslee By Design

Home for the holidays! It’s time to pop the champagne and gather round the bar (cart) to celebrate the end to another great year and look forward to ringing in 2013. This beautiful cart would make any holiday gathering feel even more festive, fully stocked with all the classics of course.

Merry merry! See you next year!

Inslee By Design

Happy November! I don’t know about you, but my social calendar is filling up quickly this holiday season. It seems like everyone is having a party!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. This is one of my most favorite times of the year. But all these invitations mean it’s time to perk up my wardrobe. So, this month I’m on the hunt for a perfect casual party dress. Something that’s festive enough for a get together at the office or for stepping out to a cocktail event mid week, but also relaxed enough to wear all day. I’d love to pair one of the flirty new styles from Tracy Reese with these Kendra Scott Tavi black studs. Slip on my favorite black patent heels, pop the champagne and I’m ready for the holidays!

Inslee By Design

Hello friends of Layla Grayce! I’m Inslee Haynes, a fashion illustrator at Inslee By Design and a new contributor to the Layla Grayce blog. I have the pleasure of sharing my monthly inspirations with you in the form of a watercolor sketch. I hope you will enjoy!

For the month of August, I chose to stick with a palate of soft blues and neutral tones inspired by the beach. I opted to pose this girl relaxed with a book because, for me, summer seems to be the only time in the year that I can actually find a moment to sit down and read. And what better place to curl up than the AFK Eloise Patina Sofa. Not only is it gorgeous, but Eloise is my dachshund’s name. (Don’t worry, I’ll illustrate her for you next month.) 

The dress I’ve illustrated here is the Tracy Reese Diamond Ocean maxi dress. Maxi dresses and skirts are my go-to look for casual summer dressing. I paired it with Kirra Tate Green Graduate Earrings. Big earrings and maxi dresses? You can’t go wrong. And drinks are always better and colder served in a Mint Julep cup on a hot August afternoon. I imagine she’s drinking mint-basil lemonade…

Also featured in this illustration: The Phoebe Pillow and the DL Rhein Double Conch Pillow. I am a sucker for admiring throw pillows, but weirdly enough I’ve never bought one. These two would be a good place to start! The rug is the Capel Walkover Stripe in Oatmeal. Love a good stripe. And the only thing I love more than mint basil lemonade and maxi dresses… garden stools. So obviously I had to pop one into the sketch. 

All of these lovely items are available right now so you can bring my sketch to life in your home. Happy shopping!