

tumblr is a great place to create moodboards. the archieve feature is a quick and easy way to reference something you’ve blogged months ago. it’s also a great way to browse your favorite tumblrs!
some of my favorite finds this month:
+ this charming country church
+ stone collections, via all the mountains
+ chicks in suspenders
+ daper gentlemen
+ cute pups
+ savory breakfasts via galaxie andrews
+ lists of things to remember
+ leather knots via alissa boisson
+ rough cut diamonds

it really doesn’t get much better than this. of course, i say that everytime i see something new from Satomi Kawakita.
via bri’s pintrest

I’ve long admired the simplicity of Scandinavian style. Through impeccable tailoring, thoughtful details, and relaxed styling, these women always look chic- no matter what the setting. Luckily for us American-born gals, there is Susanne, Swedish-born owner of FINA DU (which means “Lovely You”). FINA DU, a Manhattan-based online boutique, is now offering wardrobe pieces and accessories that reflect timeless Scandinavian style.
I’ve pulled together some of my favorite looks, as well as some pieces I’ve been eyeing. Not only are these pieces truly unique, they are well-tailored, essential wardrobe pieces made from quality materials. What’s not to love? Take a look at FINA Du’s selections here, and visit their fantastic blog for more Scandinavian goodies.
my picks: Milady TwillCoat / Ophia Linen Dress / Tauste Leather Trim Skirt

I want…
that look: jcrew fall 2011
that hair: messy updo via sweet thing’s pintrest
this face: understated glamour a la alexa chung
How to get it…
dress / shoes / cargo jacket
surf spray / teasing comb / pins
blush / bronzer / liquid eyeliner

it has been S-T-E-A-M-Y up in minneapolis for days now. all i want is my bathing suit, a cool drink, and a pint of ice cream. stat.

i’m well on my way finalizing alecia and jon’s wedding invitations, so i figured it was finally time to share their save the dates with you.
alecia is not afraid to have some fun with her upcoming wedding, which promises to be chock-full of fantastically funky details. we used a bright gold foil to print her save the dates which further enhances the bold typography. the chevron pattern was printed digitally and really complements the gold nicely. we shipped them off in transparent envelopes so you could see the pattern and gold peeping through. if you are interested in seeing the inspiration behind these, you can check out this previous post.
i love the statement these make. her invites are definitely going to embody the same kind of fun!
design and photography by kate arends gabriel

sticky days and longer nights are upon us, and the heavy summer air seems to set a magical haze over minneapolis. what do you have planned for these glorious few months? taking a big trip? making fresh lemonade? tending to a garden? summer’s allure calls for a slower place and leisurely activities, that’s for sure.
as for me, i’m keeping things simple. enjoying some seasonal fare, good brews, easy reads, and the company of good friends.
snapshots taken from iphone

art directed by Jo Obarowski, typography by Jessica Hische, via Allen Peters

these designs by mirta make my heart melt a bit. there is something so simple and sweet about them.
via amateur couture

midnight + mint, on w+d inspiration board (aka my tumblr!)

to cut or not to cut? that is the question i won’t be asking anymore! when i saw this picture of the gorgeous Rebekka and her long healthy locks, a little light bulb went off in my head. so i tried out this look today and it’s a really fun way to change up your current cut.
just sweep your hair across the opposite side of your natural part, fasten with a few bobby pins, and there you have it!
now, if i could only find a way to master the faux bob…
source: we the people, via endeavor collection

hello, readers!
i’m happy to be back blogging after realizing i needed some quality “me” time to manage all the balls i have flying in the air. I caught up on freelance work, started my summer running routine (read: early mornings to beat the heat), and got back in the kitchen. i’m still scrambling to catch up with a few things, but it feels good to establish a few rituals again!
here’s a little snippet of what i’ve been up to since the end of May… more from me later.
kate
No. 1: Egg + Prosciutto + Roasted tomatoes + Siracha + Gouda = Heaven
No.2: Spring flowers along Lyndale.
No.3: Orecchiette + Spicy Sausage + Broccoli Rabe + Ricotta = Delicious meal for family and friends
No.4: Minneapolis Farmers Market.
No.5: Fresh breakfast of strawberries and avocado toast.
No.6: Biking across the Stone Arch Bridge.
No.7: Vintage find: wooden hand, used as a jewelry stand.
No.8: Vintage find: gold clothing rack from antique store. Love the ornate legs and simple lines.
No.9 + No.10: Dressing for bizarre Minnesota weather.
No.11: Thrifty Find: $5 oil painting. I love the colors and gestural quality.

what’s been happening over on the w+d tumblr ? lots of summer wear, glimpses of togetherness, simple meals, and clean interiors…

my parisian wish list is up on a cup of jo today. thanks for having me, joanna!
head on over to cup of jo for the details.

readers:
do you use tumblr? i started one as a way to share some of the content that doesn’t find a home on this blog. it’s a messier, more random assortment of decor, music, man stuff, and food. there’s still a lot of fashion, art, and design. i like to think of it as my stream of consciousness blog.
check it out and follow me for more wit + delight!
k

finally. the sun has been out for three days in a row (and counting)! i think we should throw a huge “welcome back” bash for the return of this nice weather. thanks for the pick-me-up, mother nature.
image 1: trees along nicollete mall in full bloom
image 2: take-out sushi by lake of the isles
image 3: lilacs from the giant bush behind my apartment
image 4: hennepin ave bridge + iconic grain belt sign
image 5: madewell top, h&m belt, urban outfitters skirt, len necklace
image 6: anthropologie cardigan, american apparel skirt (worn as a dress), h&m belt, jessica simpson flats

Hey there, readers! I had some computer issues today so I’m writing you all from an iPad. Pretty spiffy set up, really. Because it’s IT day here at work, we’re having a few afternoon cocktails to unwind after a busy week. A pretty nice way to spend a Friday.
Last night I watched Troop Beverly Hills, which is a forgotten favorite of mine. It must have brought out my inner girly-girl because I took the extra time to get dressed this morning. Did/do you ever lay out different ensembles? Here were the two options I gave myself this morning. I’m thinking I might continue my girly movie kick and rent Clueless next.
Speaking of girly activities- I’m spending the entirety of my weekend with girlfriends! I am so exited to see my long lost friend, Anna, who is fresh off a three week trip in Thailand. Her boyfriend surprised her with the trip (doesn’t that make you green with envy??)
Have a good one!

I am so excited to be wrapping up the blog tour for Drawing Nature: A Journal, by Jill Bliss. I’ve been a huge fan of Jill’s work for some time now and her new journal brought my fandom to a whole new level.
Drawing Nature: A Journal is chock-full of Jill’s gorgeous illustrations, providing helpful tips on using drawing as a way to look at the world. What I like most about Jill’s journal is how easy and inviting it is for anyone to use.
“Seeing and drawing are intertwined,” says Jill. “Every person who can see has the capability to draw- it’s just a matter of having a positive attitude, developing your seeing and drawing habits, and practicing on a regular basis.”
For more information on Drawing Nature: A Journal, by Jill Bliss, check out this video. You can purchase the journal at Chronicle Books for $16.95. It would make a lovely mother’s day gift, no?