rock my world

groovy studio

2011-05-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

how fantastic is this studio?
i would love to have a space like this to be creative.
or just to sit and daydream.

...it also makes me want to hit up the flea market for some macramé.

{photos and studio from feather love photography}

dog collar bowties

2011-05-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

why hasn't this been done before?
genius.

{via the debonaire}

jumpsuits

2011-04-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

i couldn't resist posting this adorable pic.
how sweet are those jumpsuits?
and their cute french-girl hair and little bare feet?

{image from no kidding via freshly picked}

Bolivian blankets

2011-02-07T08:05:00.000-08:00

these Bolivian blankets at the
Thunderbird hotel in Marfa
are making me want to trade in
my beloved suzani.

they even sell them in the gift shop.
i'd go for the red-orange-pink combo.

so now we know...

2011-02-04T13:02:00.001-08:00

that redheads can wear lipstick shades of red...

and hot pink!

this is good news.

i love your style

2011-02-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

all of it.
but especially that easy, wavy short hair.
get me the scissors...

{spotted here}

sweet wedding

2010-12-19T20:03:00.000-08:00

if i had to plan my wedding again,
i would want it to be in a space like this.

can i live here? please?

2010-12-17T19:58:00.000-08:00

oh, how i wish my house looked like this.
perfection.

i cannot wait...

2010-10-22T22:47:00.000-07:00

...to get my hands on this book.

fab fringe

2010-10-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

i'm kind of loving this necklace...
it's super cute with her bohemian dress,
and i imagine it'd be the perfect foil to a businessy blazer.

more simple life

2010-10-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

apparently, i'm still obsessed with the idea of simplifying.
i also love to romanticize the idea of living on a farm.
but doesn't this little barn look divine?
it's perfect shape makes me feel calm.

i'm also loving the idea of this "headboard."
i might have to steal it and pretend it was mine!

{both lovely images found at this lovely blog}

simple life

2010-10-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

i stumbled across this website and was captivated by the simple interiors.
such a great mix of modern architecture and humble design.
i especially love that third picture.
the traditional wood banister with all that white,
gives the modern furnishings such a quirky feel.

see more of the firm's work here.

p.s. i know i've been a baaaaad blogger of late.
all i can say is
working from home + baby + no babysitter = 0 blog posts
but i will try to be better.
i miss you all!

oh, kate.

2010-06-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

this outfit makes me want to go on vacation.

can i move in?

2010-06-06T22:24:00.000-07:00

this kid's room is great for many reasons:
the red-and-blue color scheme,
the cool "adult" furniture,
the dr. seuss print
and the teepee!!

i love it.

{via wide open spaces}

have a yummy weekend!

2010-05-28T06:25:00.000-07:00

it's all you need, really.

{image via lost}

braids...again

2010-05-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

i really have tried to be more adventurous with my hair.
ever since i first mentioned it way back here.
but my braiding attempts never seem to turn out like this.

or this...

or this.
but now i'm newly inspired!
again!

{images via freshly picked}

yamwich

2010-05-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

of the solid foods my little one eats, sweet potatoes are a perpetual favorite.
but i never thought of actually eating them myself...in a sandwich!
but this looks delish.
and possibly even easy enough for me to attempt.

chuck taylors

2010-05-24T05:11:00.000-07:00

i've been wanting white low-top converse for quite some time.
(maybe since i read it's the only kind of tennis shoes that jenna lyons wears?)
anyway, this picture sealed the deal.
i need them.

this room...

2010-05-17T05:07:00.000-07:00

makes me happy.

{via happenstance}

happy mother's day

2010-05-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

dear baby,
thank you for giving me everything
i didn't know i wanted.
love,
mom

{image from soulemama}

small style

2010-05-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

oh my goodness.
how adorable are these little ensembles from smallable?!

i feel like the little girl who wears these
outfits needs to have her own nursery rhyme.

and those shiny, tiny shoes...
too much.

this color combination...

2010-05-04T21:06:00.000-07:00

is making me rethink purple...

outdoor swing

2010-05-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

i've often dreamed of having a comfy spot
in my backyard with lots of pillows,
a place to lie down and read or take a nap.
now that list includes this swing...
and all the amazing styling along with it.

{via poppytalk}

kathleen clements

2010-05-03T06:12:00.000-07:00

the first time i saw kathleen clements's design work, it took my breath away.
it's so original and artful, but still looks comfortable and inviting.
she used to merchandise for ralph lauren,
so she knows how to create that easy-cool look.

so i was super excited to discover that she has a rug collection.

the designs are so simple, and they're made from mohair and bleached hemp.

and then there's this amazing peacock wall hanging.
it's made from hand-painted canvas and linen fabrics stitched onto a vintage turkish kilim.
and it's pretty much perfect.

happy weekend.

2010-04-30T10:35:00.000-07:00

happy weekend!
i'm looking forward to brunch with friends,
maybe a trip to the park
and hopefully not much else!

{seesaw}

socks with pumps + a braid

2010-04-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

i keep coming back to this image.
first of all, the dress is adorable and so is her red lipstick.
but i think the socks and pumps make the outfit.
would i ever be brave enough to try this look?

would you?

but i will definitely give this messy braid a try.
and maybe even the liquid eyeliner {gasp!}

happy birthday, blog!

2010-04-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

it's been one year since i started this little experiment in blogging.
i wasn't sure what to expect,
how long it would last,
or if i would even like it...
but i have to say,
it's been such a lovely, rewarding experience.
and one that has helped me get through some tough days this year.
and it's all thanks to YOU
and your sweet comments.

so, cheers!
you rock my world.

p.s. so sorry for the disappearing act.
life intervened,
but i think things have calmed again.
i think...

happy weekend!

2010-04-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

my weekend will be spent mostly writing
and not wearing this sparkly skirt, unfortunately.
hopefully your weekend involves something festive!

{image via daydream lily}

pullover perfection

2010-04-07T06:49:00.000-07:00

this rachel comey pullover is just about perfect.
that print, that scoop neck, that sweet cut-out...
and the model's hair is lovely, too.

{via oh joy!}

vintage nursery

2010-04-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

this little boy's nursery has so much to love.
vintage fabric-turned-crib sheets, wicker pendant,
animal drawings and 1960s mobile.
plus the unusual-for-a-nursery colors.
so sweet.

{the happy apple via a beautiful mess}

too true

2010-04-05T07:07:00.000-07:00

this pretty much sums up how i feel all the time.

{via sfgirlbythebay}

style stalking: jenna lyons

2010-04-02T21:35:00.000-07:00

i, along with the rest of blogland, am slightly obsessed with j.crew creative director jenna lyons. in this lucky interview, she discusses her favorite go-to pieces, secret sources and puppies.

the weekend is here!

2010-04-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

hope you all have exciting weekend plans!
i'll be celebrating husband's birthday and hopefully eating lots of birthday cake.

{in my next life, i will look just as lovely as
miss emerson does strolling through the market.}

style evolution: christopher and suzanne sharp

2010-03-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

i've been holding on to this elle decor article about
christopher and suzanne sharp's notting hill house for years.
i pretty much love everything about the rug company,
so i was thrilled to see how its owners live.

so i was doubly excited to see the march issue of vogue
with a story on their current london house.
it still has their style, but feels a bit more sophisticated.
the colors are richer and the design seems more substantial.

and then there are all those gorgeous rugs...

the wise words of dr. seuss

2010-03-29T06:05:00.000-07:00

last week i saw this dr. seuss quote written out on a storefront window:

"be who you are and say what you feel,
because those who mind don't matter,
and those who matter don't mind."

it made me stop and smile. i had somehow never come across it before.
then later that same day,
my husband was listening to talk radio,
which I usually tune out,
when i heard a string of words that made me stop and listen.

it was the exact same dr. seuss quote!
maybe the universe is trying to tell me something.

{p.s. in looking for the quote online,
i came across a whole slew of magical dr. seuss quotes.
i highly recommend checking them out here.

why is the best philosophy found in children's literature?}

happy weekend!

2010-03-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

so happy to see friday roll around.
hope you have a lovely weekend!

{image by julie blackmon via a beautiful mess}

pia's photography how-to

2010-03-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

i love taking pictures, but i never really learned
how to properly use my camera.
as a result, my picture taking generally involves a lot of luck and fakery.
so i was thrilled to see this post on photography tips by pia,
who takes some of the most lovely, dreamy pics on the web.

blue cheese + honey = yum

2010-03-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

just the idea of this combo is making my mouth water.
i might have to try it today.
find the super simple recipe here.

{via frolic!}

l.l.bean signature collection

2010-03-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

i've never been that interested in l.l.bean,
but the new l.l.bean signature collection is really beautiful.
the clothes have a sleeker cut and a retro/preppy feel.
i especially love the mariner tote.
the leather is perfect,
and i'm wild about those rope handles.
check out the rest of the collection here.

pretty in pink

2010-03-19T06:41:00.000-07:00

i'm loving the pink accents and rustic wood of this
montecito house by molly luetkemeyer.
makes me want to run out and buy a pink rug!

holding patterns

2010-03-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

i'm not sure why i find this series of photos so captivating,
but i can't peel my eyes away.

{by nathan harger via the morale agency}

happy saint paddy's day!

2010-03-17T05:43:00.000-07:00

forget green beer;
i plan on celebrating with green ice cream!

{photo by daveleb}

more necklace love

2010-03-10T21:45:00.000-08:00

and earring love, and ring love.
so over-the-top, but somehow she pulls it off.
and so beautiful with the simple trench.

{via the sartorialist}

necklace love

2010-03-09T06:27:00.000-08:00

i'm imagining these with any and all summery dresses.
everything from a giraffe-print tunic
to a simple white linen shift
would be much better off paired with one of
these beauties by kristina klarin.

{via simple lovely}

j.crew + andy spade = so cool

2010-03-08T09:47:00.000-08:00

i, like most people, am intrigued by the cleverness and
spot-on chicness of kate and andy spade.
so when i saw a post of their apartment and a link to
this article over at habitually chic
i was thrilled to revisit their interior style.

the article mentioned a recent collaboration
with andy's new company, partners & spade, and j.crew.
he transformed an old liquor store into a gentlemen's den
of sorts to seamlessly showcase j.crew's menswear.
it sounded so cool. and now i can see that it is.
of course.

have a magical weekend!

2010-03-05T06:17:00.000-08:00

looking forward to
some lovely downtime this weekend with husband and baby.
and going to my friend's annual oscar party.
{even if i haven't seen any of the nominated films this year. oops!}

hope you have a lovely weekend, too!

{image by chrissie white}

lemon spaghetti

2010-03-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

we live in los angeles and have a lemon tree in our yard.
which basically means that we have tons of lemons all year round.
{or at least it seems like it.}
we're constantly trying to figure out what to do with them,
because you can only drink so much lemonade.

a friend told me about this recipe
for lemon spaghetti and i think our problem is
{at least partially} solved.
the sauce has three basic ingredients
{olive oil, parmesan cheese and lemon juice}
and it's so tangy, delicious and different.
you need to try it!

so knotty

2010-03-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

i'm currently the lucky owner of an anthropologie gift certificate.
{yay!}
i'm thinking this cute belt would be a wise purchase.
so unique, and it would make a statement out of any top...

like this one.
can't you picture the two with
high-waisted jeans and platform wedges?
so cute.

ashe + leandro

2010-03-01T06:20:00.000-08:00

i discovered the website of new york design duo
ashe + leandro this weekend and spent far
too much time pouring over every one of their projects.
their interiors have a wonderful sense of color and playfulness.
and i love that crazy dennis hopper
portrait hanging on a floral wallpaper panel.
genius.

happy friday!

2010-02-26T06:45:00.000-08:00

happy friday!
i'm glad the weekend is here,
but i'm having olympic withdrawal already...

{via nytimes}

like mother like daughter

2010-02-25T06:42:00.000-08:00

i would NEVER wear matching mother daughter outfits.
but maybe matching mother-daughter
custom-made moccasins like these.

{via auburn & ivory}

the accidental stylist

2010-02-24T08:06:00.000-08:00

this outfit shouldn't work.
the skirt's a little long,
the tights are a little rumpled,
the sweater is a little baggy,
but those quirks are what make it so wonderful.
not to mention those green gloves.
j'adore.

{via the sartorialist}

baby greens

2010-02-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

areaware's line of onesies
is good for your little one for two reasons:

1. the images are screen-printed in soy ink onto organic cotton
2. they're really cute

at a minimum

2010-02-22T06:51:00.000-08:00

the selby posted images of w design director edward leida's apartment.
it is strikingly minimal.
i'm always amazed when people live like this.
so ordered, organized and pared-down.
i think it's a beautiful way to live.
i'm not sure that i could ever achieve it,
but seeing these pictures does make me want to clean out my closet.

{and stock my fridge with oatmeal and champagne.}

the leather menagerie

2010-02-18T06:45:00.000-08:00

you can always count on jonathan adler
for fun pottery and kitschy accessories,
but i had no idea he also carried these
amazing footstools/kid's chairs/all-around-cool leather animals!

they're somehow sophisticated and silly at the same time,
and i could imagine them migrating
from the nursery to the living room without a problem.

p.s. they also have this cute ceramic weenie dog.
oh no...

pola-scarf

2010-02-17T06:51:00.000-08:00

now, these are cool.

{via seesaw}

table manners

2010-02-16T07:13:00.000-08:00

isn't this dining area gorgeous?
the bookshelves, photography and
window-like artwork
give the space such a light and airy feel.

{via elle decor}

outside in

2010-02-15T06:44:00.000-08:00

the new issue of lonny has so many lovely interiors,
but i keep coming back to this one.
i would have never thought of putting those
white wire-frame outdoor chairs in such a warm and rustic room,
but they're perfect!
love the pillows, too.

happy valentine's weekend!

2010-02-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

this valentine's day will be a little different.
it will be just the three of us.
and i couldn't be happier about it.

{via le love}

white balance

2010-02-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

the gleaming white walls, color-coordinated accessories,
and flawness organization of yvonne's house always makes me feel...calm.

{yvestown}

how does she do it?

2010-02-11T06:51:00.000-08:00

each time i stop by lolita,
i'm blown away by the imagery and pairings.
sometimes beautiful, sometimes disturbing,
always alluring.

{lolita}

baby moccasins. seriously.

2010-02-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

words cannot express the sheer adorableness
of these baby moccasins.
and to find out they are handmade
by the creative genius behind
freshly picked
is most impressive.
her whole blog makes me wish
i had any sort of sewing talents.
but luckily,
these little guys are for sale.
no sewing required.
{at least not for me.}

{via simple lovely}

paper hearts

2010-02-09T06:55:00.000-08:00

i'm not especially artistic,
but i love making homemade cards for husband.
this valentine's day i'm going to try this
awesome idea i saw on a beautiful mess.

she makes it look so easy.
just trace over a picture,
cut it out and
paste it onto a hand-cut heart.
instant super-cute valentine!
how hard can it be...
right?

{for diy instructions, click here.}

sparklers and rain

2010-02-08T06:51:00.000-08:00

for some reason i can't stop looking at this picture
by seattle photographer james moes.
the couple looks so happy,
their friends look so excited,
and all that smoke from the
sparklers in the rain
looks so cinematic.
almost makes me wish it rained on my wedding day.
almost.

{see more pics here.}

ah, friday.

2010-02-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

here's a quick outline of my weekend plans:

-writing, writing, writing
-farmer's market
-writing, writing, writing
-double-stuffed oreos
-writing, writing, writing

hmmm. at least it's balanced?
what are your plans?

{image}

house candy: black walls

2010-02-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

lately i've been obsessed with
black/charcoal/chocolate-colored walls.
so when i saw this image,
i could not stop thinking about it.
i love the moroccan rug, african drum table,
huge graphic bird photographs,
and, most of all, those dramatic black walls.
gorgeous.

{via a lovely being}

wanderlust: amsterdam

2010-02-04T06:37:00.000-08:00

these gorgeous pics posted by pia
make me want to book a flight to amsterdam.
isn't that last house idyllic?
i'm envisioning moving in and
curling up by the fireplace
with a mug of hot chocolate...

hopefully the owners won't mind...

chanel ink

2010-02-03T06:54:00.000-08:00

chanel is going to be selling temporary tattoos.
yes, that chanel.
just like the ones the models wore down the runway.
kind of strange, kind of surprising, kind of cool.
i kind of want one...

{via garance dore}

flowers and stripes

2010-02-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

a perfect combo.

{eleonore}

p.s. speaking of flowers...did you hear?
liberty of london coming to a target near you.
SO excited.

mattia biagi

2010-02-02T06:17:00.000-08:00

have you seen the artwork of mattia biagi?
he takes everyday objects and drenches them in tar,
creating a sticky, rubbery,
shadowy version of its former self.

what do you think?
creepy or cool?

los angeles tote

2010-02-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

remember my post back here about canvas totes?
well, when joanna wrote this post,
i found this site,
and came across this tote.

and now i can't stop thinking about it.
i need it. bad.

style stalking: francesca dimattio

2010-02-01T05:48:00.000-08:00

how cool is francesca dimattio?
not only does she create beautiful art,
but she has amazing personal style,
achieved mostly with a killer eye and
frequent trips to the salvation army.
i love her braided up-do...

leg warmers!...

crazy jumpsuits and super-wide belts.

her apartment is super-stylish, too.
filled with artwork by her and her husband,
like this sculpture he made in college.
it now holds a polaroid from their wedding day.

so sweet.

{via refinery 29}

happy weekend!

2010-01-29T05:53:00.000-08:00

i wish i were more excited about the weekend,
but i'll spend most of it writing.
or procrastinating...

maybe i'd be more inspired if my desk looked
more like this lovely little area.
i love the red flowers, pink vase and orange lamp.
and of course all the white walls.

so simple and sweet.

{via my scandinavian retreat}

cute pregnancy self-portrait

2010-01-28T06:40:00.000-08:00

why didn't i do something like this?

seeing stripes

2010-01-27T06:57:00.000-08:00

oscar wilde once said,
"the only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it."

translation:
"the only way to stop thinking about this anthropologie shirt
is to buy it."

house candy: loft

2010-01-26T12:47:00.000-08:00

the idea of living in a loft has always intrigued me.
can all that open space really be ... comfortable?
stylist emily chalmers certainly manages
to make her london loft feel comfortable, cozy even.
and i love that loft doesn't always have to equal spare.

{marie claire maison}

ballet inspired

2010-01-26T06:55:00.000-08:00

the new collection by rachel antonoff
is so flirty and fun.
plus, it's inspired by ballet
and modeled by a dancer!

{via sally jane vintage via 21st and ivy via rockstar diaries}

style evolution: genifer goodman

2010-01-25T13:28:00.000-08:00

as i've mentioned before,
i love to see how people's spaces evolve.
stylist genifer goodman creates a home that's stylish and personal
no matter what stage of life she's in.
lucky published her chicago apartment,
marked by lots of pink, paint-by-numbers artwork and quirky accessories,
where she lived while working as visual director for oilily.

and then domino caught up with her in nashville,
where she settled with her boyfriend and kids.
their house has the same sense of color,
graphics and fun as her apartment,
but feels a bit more fleshed out.
black leather chesterfield sofas, vintage wallpaper
and monochromatic pottery
are balanced with fun graphic prints,
bright colors and even a mounted fish!

i think her look is so inspiring! proves that accessories
{even creative and inexpensive accessories}
go a long way towards finishing off a home.

crankypants

2010-01-25T06:01:00.000-08:00

kids with their crankypants on have never looked more adorable.
the little handknit pants come in
monster booty and sock monkey styles,
but the coolest thing about the company
{aside from being called crankypants}
is that they work with a fair trade cooperative in peru
and use local peruvian highlands wool.
fancy pants.

weekend at last...

2010-01-22T06:01:00.000-08:00

happy friday!
we made it though a week of storms and rain,
and i'm looking forward to a quiet weekend at home
with no other plans than to {try to}
knit some baby leg warmers and maybe make some pancakes.

{weheartit}

reading list

2010-01-21T12:58:00.000-08:00

i'm always looking for a good book to read.
but i can never seem to remember the ones i'm supposed to read,
or that were suggested to me by friends or that sounded interesting in reviews.
when i find myself at the library or bookstore...my mind goes blank.
so from now on i intend to refer to this list.
i found it in the "behind the curtain" section of kate spade's website.
one of my favorite places to search for new ideas.
with 1001 titles, it should keep me busy for awhile.

p.s. if you haven't yet discovered the online
"place hold" feature of your local library,
i suggest you do so immediately!

p.p.s apparently, there is something in the air coaxing
people to read more books.
check out this post and it's accompanying
little icon over on the right of this blog...

{image}

fashionable friends

2010-01-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

so much to love about this photo.
it makes me want to be their friend.
{i'd need to get some better accessories first...}

{scott}

the rug company

2010-01-20T12:40:00.000-08:00

the rug company has always offered brilliant rugs.
especially those in their designer collections.
but i keep coming back to their website for the inspirational room shots.
gorgeous.

can redheads wear red lipstick?

2010-01-20T07:36:00.000-08:00

yes, i think so.

{image}

rain boots

2010-01-19T13:43:00.000-08:00

i love rainy days because they let me spend the whole day inside
reading, watching movies and eating rich,
heavy foods without feeling guilty.
but maybe with a cute pair of boots like this, i wouldn't mind getting wet.

{image by shelba}

bookcase headboard

2010-01-19T07:30:00.000-08:00

don't you love the idea of a bookcase headboard?
then a good read would always be close at hand.
{the "R"s and bed wheels are pretty fantastic, too.}

{via marie claire maison}

pretty prints

2010-01-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

i'm a big fan of mixing prints, but it can be hard to pull off.
this pretty dress by tuleh gets it just right.

{via simple pretty via style.com}

karin blake

2010-01-18T06:56:00.000-08:00

malibu designer karin blake has created
her own brand of minimalism.
her spare spaces, punctuated with folk art,
contemporary art, white slipcovers and farmhouse tables,
end up feeling cozy and modern.

i think this room in particular is flawless.

the huge twombly work,
navajo rug, simple white sofas and
tricycle {!} couldn't be a better match.

happy weekend!

2010-01-15T05:18:00.000-08:00

i sometimes fantasize about checking into a hotel room,
climbing into the bed,
and reading until it's time to order room service.

does that seem wrong?

happy friday!
i'm going to try and squeeze some reading in...
without the hotel room!

{image}

seriously cute wedding

2010-01-14T12:44:00.001-08:00

i think the best weddings are always held outdoors.
{and not just because mine was.}
being in the fresh air surrounded by nature,
family and friends lends an intrinsic sense of casualness and fun.
but this couple went a step further.
his shorts, her short dress and the matching
loafers-without-socks are so stylish AND relaxed.
adorable.

see more pics here.

gallery kitchen

2010-01-14T05:26:00.000-08:00

i love gallery walls and hallways {like this one},
but have never thought of doing a gallery kitchen.
the monochromatic frames and black-and-white
images in this kitchen by mlinaric, henry & zervudachi
make the small space look so sophisticated.

{via desire to inspire}

wanderlust: switzerland

2010-01-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

while sifting through rough luxe's website,
i came across this amazing 15th-century house for rent
in zug, switzerland.
it's been softly renovated,
and each of its three stories has a different theme.
the penthouse, soul, is my favorite.
i adore the combination of rough wood beams,
plaid fabrics and modern accents.
it makes me want to redecorate...

or at least create a leaning stack of books against one wall.

{vorstadt 14}

am loving...

2010-01-13T12:58:00.000-08:00

am loving her sweet braids and long red hair...

{image from lesretrouvailles}

loyal army

2010-01-13T06:51:00.000-08:00

a friend of mine just introduced me to loyal army.
aside from making super soft and super cute tees for women...

you can also buy a onesie for your baby...

and a matching hoodie for your pup!

y'know, for kids!

2010-01-12T07:58:00.000-08:00

blackman cruz is not the type of shop
i would associate with kid-friendly decor.
it's inventory, filled with anatomically-correct-heart paperweights and
impaled-skull lamps is a bit too edgy for most kids.
but i was surprised to come across a few very
kid-friendly finds on their website.
i think any of these would be adorable in a nursery.

antique french wind-up toy dogs

antique hobby horse

winged heart sconce

so sweet, no?

max wanger prints

2010-01-11T06:41:00.000-08:00

max wanger, the photographer of cute happy-couple shots like this one...

and this one...

is now selling some of his signature prints.
8x10 prints are $25 and 16x20 are $200.
i'd love to get these two!

love

perched

{max wanger}

happy friday!

2010-01-08T07:21:00.000-08:00

simplify, simplify.
-thoreau

this quote is becoming my mantra for 2010.
here's to a lovely weekend filled with simple pleasures.

{image}

love letters

2010-01-07T06:20:00.000-08:00

have you ever read a book that sticks with you long after you read it?
or one that you re-read again and again?
for me, love letters, by a.r. gurney, is one of those books.
it's actually a play that i saw performed at a small theatre
in los angeles while i was in high school. it impacted me so much
i hunted down a copy of the book and have read it several times since.
it's the story of andy and melissa,
friends/lovers/friends,
told through letters they exchanged throughout the years.
the love story is beautiful and intimate and real,
but more than that i'm drawn to the idea expressed that words
can become more powerful when written than spoken.

this is one of my favorite passages {it's long, but worth it}:

ANDY: As I've told you before, in some ways I feel most alive
when I'm holed up in some corner, writing things down.
I pick up a pen, and almost immediately everything seems to take shape around me.
I love to write. I love writing my parents because then I become their ideal son.
I love writing essays for English,
because then I am for a short while a true scholar.
I love writing letters to the newspaper, notes to my friends,
Christmas cards, anything where I have to put down words.
I love writing you. You most of all. I always have.
I feel like a true lover when I'm writing you.
This letter, which I'm writing with my own hand, with my own pen,
in my own penmanship, comes from me and no one else,
and is a present of myself to you. It's not typewritten, though I've learned how to type.
There's no copy of it, though I suppose I could use a carbon.
And it's not a telephone call, which is dead as soon as it is over.
No, this is just me, me the way I write, the way my writing is,
the way I want to be to you, giving myself to you across a distance,
not keeping or retaining any part of it for myself,
giving this piece of myself to you totally,
and you can tear me up and throw me out,
or keep me, and read me today, tomorrow,
any time you want until you die.
MELISSA: Oh Boy, Andy. Love, Melissa.

{image}

canvas totes

2010-01-06T06:05:00.000-08:00

it seems that lately canvas totes have been making their move on the purse.
they're showing up everywhere.
and getting cuter and cuter...

here's a casual one at the rockstar diaries...

literary at debonaire...

colorful at camp comfort...

cheeky at a cup of jo...

and there are tons of these affordable bags on etsy.
like this one from baostudio...

and this one from the craft pantry:

and then, of course, there's the original...

what do you think?
would you carry one instead of a purse?

{p.s. check out the most hilarious new year's resolution here.}

pom pom love

2010-01-05T06:47:00.000-08:00

how fun is this pom pom necklace?!
i'm picturing it as the perfect quirky addition
to a black dress, black tights and brown boots.

the best part is you can make one yourself.
find the how-to here.

{spotted on the space in-between}