engaged!

Alright, I know I've been all kinds of MIA lately but it's within reason. First I was on vacation and then something absolutely like changing happened. I, Sarah Finkelstein, was proposed to last week by my one and only, Kyle Earl. Yes, that's right, I'm officially engaged and could not be more excited! [Eek!]

All images are sourced from @ssarahfinkss on Pinterest. Follow along for even more inspiration

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Repossi Place Vendome

Not all retail stores were made equal. Think about it, a retail shop is meant to represent the brand and appeal to the company's target audience. With that said, when your brand is Repossi- the legendary Italian jewelry atelier- and your target audience is the elite looking to spend top dollar on incredible pieces of jewelry, you can believe that your flagship stores are going to be astonishing.

Since Repossi was established in 1920, the Italian atelier has formed a reputation as a family run business at the highest quality. In 2007 Gaia Repossi became Creative Director and Designer of Repossi collections. Since, the brand has kept that same high quality and incredible craftsmanship that it's loyal followers have learned to love, but appealing to an even larger audience. 

Most recently, Repossi launched it's newest flagship store, the Repossi Place Vendome in Paris France. Designed by OMA/Rem Koolhaas, the new store features a new take on retail. Transforming the 90 square meter space into a world of jaw-dropping finishes, awe inspiring displays and eye catching moments. 

Sitting within a historic Parisian square, synonymous with the more expensive retail stores in Europe, OMA had it's work cut out making sure that Repossi's flagship space shined just as brightly as their exquisite jewelry. Pairing up with Data Architects, the team was able to create a retail experience that was not so typical for the quintessential Jewelry shop.

"The underlying idea for the design was to synthesis architecture and display, using the whole space as a stage for Repossi's production" - OMA

Divided into three different levels, the Repossi flagship store allows its customer to customize it's experience as needed. For those shoppers looking for a fast transaction, the ground floor acts as the perfect base to quickly come in, purchase and be on your way. Next, the gallery, allows for that shopper who would like to browse, isn't in such a rush, and wants to enjoy their experience. And finally the basement, the salon, is a space reserved for those high profile clients that spend more and schedule an appointment to do so. 

Each floor creates an atmosphere with it's design to reflect what the shoppers mindset might be. With finishes that range from from aluminum foam to tinted mirrors- designed by Sabine Marcelis- that are able to give different degrees of reflection and color pigment. Each space of the Repossi Place Vendome is unique, special, and all around breathtaking.

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[Arch Daily] [DeZeen] [Repossi]

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house on the hill

I went to a high school that had all kinds of electives you could take and the older you got, the more "free" slots you could have to schedule these electives. So with every passing grade, the more classes I was able to schedule outside of the normal english, math, science, history realm. Which meant by the time I was a senior essentially half of my classes were spent in one room, my elective of choice - architecture.

I was all about it, the model building, the computer programs, the precision, it was my favorite time spent. But, unlike all of the other students in the class, I kept focusing more what was inside the homes, rather than getting creative with their exteriors. One semester our assignments was to build a to-scale tree house, accounting for each beam and supporting joist, the whole works. I finished early and ended up building to-scale furniture (including a desk with a small pencil and notebook) because I thought a treehouse isn't a treehouse without the fun stuff.

There was this constant notion in my head that a home is not a home until it feels lived in, and the only way a place feels lived in is with furniture. Furniture and accessories and lighting that reflects the home owners style. And with that it was good bye architecture, and hello interior design degree. 

Yes, that was the longest explanation to how I got to where I am. But it was also to explain that at the same time (in my head) it's whats inside the home that matters, that doesn't mean I don't appreciate a stunning exterior.  

(source)

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shop | studio arhoj

Lets talk ceramics. Sure I was first introduced to the concept of decorative fired clay pieces in my youth (color me mine was basically my favorite birthday party and only partially explains the name of this site) but it wasn't until recently where I actually found myself on the hunt for beautiful pottery to decorate my home. From a plate to serve cheese on to a random chachki that just, well, looked pretty, ceramics are my new favorite finds. 

This constant search lead me to Studio Arhoj, the newest gem in the cmq vault of Shop My Style. In case you missed my first two posts (The line & Baskets of Africa), Shop My Style is the newest page on cmq where I share all of my favorite hidden gems around the internet. New sites will constantly be added and my very favorites will get a spot light. This weeks spotlight is Studio Arhoj. 

Located in Copenhagen and built on balancing Scandinavian simplicity and Japanese traditions, Studio Arhoj is basically your happiest kid memories transformed into incredible ceramics. They carry the basics - bowls, pen holders, ring displays, cups, etc. - but make them amazing. And not just amazing, but wonderfully cute and creative [see all the Ghost figures]. With a mix of show stopping colors and organic textures, each pieces is beautiful, well thought out and perfectly executed. I can't help but want to own absolutely every piece on their site (my virtual cart is full).

Check out all Studio Arhoj has to offer and don't forget to check out Shop My Style for even more sites you won't want to miss. Enjoy shopping!

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