About the Author

Gail Smith-Peterson

Author GAIL SMITH - PETERSON

  

The blog Casual Loves Elegance connects readers through posts sparkled with design, musings, DIY’s and stories while keeping it real with an occasional silly or special moment. She inspires with beautiful optimism, always quoting her words “Home is everything”.  Her own organic style, Casual Loves Elegance  authenticates her love of simple, beautiful and functional details. Inspired by her love of vintage and old homes, she's obsessed with custom craftsmanship and creating one of a kind design elements that embody a nostalgia feel. 

She reminds us that our lives should be filled with beauty, creativity and a style of living that connects us to home…"it’s where our hearts should not wonder from." Entertaining is an extension of ourselves we can give to others, an experience to be cherished and remembered by.  She creates an adventure to inspire the heart in all that she does. 

Current Project: renovating a 1980’s mediterranean house, transforming it into a French Normandy Farm house. A large scale project including a vintage garden house, workman's shed and private Lemon grove.  

A Glimpse back.

An entrepreneur at heart, forever grounded by her family and childhood in the cutest small midwest town. Gail proclaims she's an old soul that longs for the pure and good, "I think my heart beats with nostalgia and my dreams have cinematic scores" says Gail.  She's always had a deep appreciation and connection to home. Her desire is to see families gather again elbow to elbow around tables, for gardens to be planted, homes to become nests where families return to. Days to be soaked in what fills and satisfies the soul.

Marriage and Motherhood changed her priorities and career status, life as a successful 80's model would be exchanged for all things family and home.  A new chapter began, with excepting new challenges she could manage from home. With their new 6 week old baby she began her first home design project with her husband. A two year complete home renovation of a beach home.

Her entrepreneur instincts took off and a new chapter began, aligned with the needs of  her new baby boy. Her vision, passion and entrepreneurial spirit would work overtime to create a product line that filled a niche missing in the children's apparel industry.  The fact that she hadn’t any prior industry or business experience didn't stop Gail.  She designed, launched and manufactured her own luxe brand of european inspired children's wear. The successful label found its way into exclusive boutiques across the country and Barney's of New York.

 International press, books, radio interviews, talk shows appearances followed. Entrepreneurial women events featured Gail as a guest speaker sharing her passion and the brands homespun story with their audiences.

Today

Design, Realtor, farm girl and storyteller.  Home is in Southern California with her husband of 30 years. Their giant Saint. Bernard “Lincoln” her BFF. They have two boys.

What’s next for Gail…She's in early development with new projects that are very exciting and will keep us posted as they unfold.