{Apartment Inspiration: Phantom Forest Eco Reserve}

One of my favorite places to stay in South Africa is Phantom Forest Eco Reserve, just outside of Knysna. Aside from the treehouse suites and amazing, remote location that overlooks a river and lagoon, the decor is really great, as is the incorporation of outdoor elements in indoor spaces: 

Here are some pieces that echo the decor of Phantom Forest:

jossandmain.com

Urban Outfitters          Anthropologie

                                  Anthropologie           Urban Outfitters

Dot & Bo

{In a Sea of Mystery}

"No matter what you touch and you wish to know about, you end up in a sea of mystery. 

This is the greatest damn thing about the universe. That we can know so much, recognize so much, dissect, do everything, and we can’t grasp it. And it’s meant to be that way, do y’know. And there’s where our reverence should come in. Before everything, the littlest thing as well as the greatest. The tiniest, the horseshit, as well as the angels, do y’know what I mean. It’s all mystery. All impenetrable, as it were, right?" --Henry Miller

{Grace by the Sea}

 As we prepare for winter's arrival in Minneapolis, South Africa's ushering in its summer season. One of my friends recently asked me to look for some high-waisted bikinis for her, so swimwear's been on my mind lately.

And who better to look to for beach inspiration than Grace Kelly? She makes being classy look entirely too easy. While Kelly isn't my typical go-to fashion icon, there are times when I'd like to exhibit the cool outward reserve and demeanor that she so effortlessly exuded with her style and personality.

 

"I avoid looking back. I prefer good memories to regrets." --Grace Kelly

  

Here are a few modern pieces that echo Kelly's iconic beach look:

 American Apparel:

Modcloth:

 Free People:

 

{Aqua & Ivy}

I love these aqua shorts. I found them on sale last season around this time at Target for six bucks. They haven't translated well to Minneapolis, though--way too short for walks with my dog. I'll try layering them with tights and see how that works.  For now, though, I'm dreaming of estuaries, air plants, and the southern hemisphere.:)

T-shirt & Shorts: Target (2011) - $12 total
Sweatshirt: Free People via Arlington, VA Goodwill - $5
Straw Hat: The Secret Ingredient, Richmond, IN - $15

{Montagu Pass}

George, South Africa. Montagu Pass. Featuring: Russell dog and a Monet-print umbrella.

Comfy dress, tights, warm boots, pea coat: perfect for a rainy Garden Route day in the mountains.

 

{Expat Estuary}

I found this skirt at my favorite Goodwill store in the neighborhood of Broad Ripple in Indianapolis. I've found a lot of exciting skirts and dresses there. The pictures themselves were taken in one of my favorite places, Kaaimans River Mouth in the Garden Route, South Africa.