This or That?

I've been wanting to upgrade my art collection for some time. I have a few wonderful original pieces, but also plenty of mass-market prints in Target frames. I like them, but it's (way past) time for something a little more grown up.

West Elm has several works that caught my eye, and a couple of them would look great in my office:

The office is black, white and gray with touches of pink, so either one would work beautifully. The abstract is on sale and would be more versatile, but I'm really drawn to the flamingo. It just makes me smile.

Any thoughts?

Everyone's a Decorator

Have you noticed the proliferation of virtual decorating services? From Anthropologie to Ethan Allen, it seems every retail furniture site wants to show you how to pull a room together (with their products, natch).

I think it's a great idea. While some of the advice is pretty simplistic, it's a great way to get inspiration from your favorite furniture stores. Maybe I can't afford that gorgeous chandelier, but perhaps I can find ways to bring some Anthro style into my home.

Pottery Barn's Design Studio offers tips on furniture arrangement and entertaining, complete with recipes and iTunes playlists! Its advice on accessorizing doesn't give a novice much to work with ("Shelves offer opportunities to present interesting vignettes." Really? I had no idea!), but its room-planning feature is fun and easy to use:

Everything these days is about socializing online, and Pottery Barn is no exception. It has a place where people can post questions, and galleries where budding Candice Olsons can upload pictures of their own rooms.

I'm Mad About...

I'm looking forward to a fun girls' weekend. And to kick it off, here are some things that caught my eye this week. Enjoy!

• If you love West Elm as much as I do, you'll love the retailer's new blog, Front & Main.
• I really need to add some brightly colored shoes to my wardrobe.
• I love this little idea.