As I was browsing for a coffee table recently, I realized that a) there were several I LOVED, and b) all of them were the wrong shape and size for my living room. Wah-wah. I needed something oblong, and narrow enough to allow for comfortable clearance between our facing couches. All those round and square coffee tables of my dreams were a solid no-go. Sigh. I eventually found some great contenders, but it was a bit of a journey!
Just for fun, today I share with you five coffee tables I loved that I couldn’t get, along with five that I could. Double the five things, double the fun!
As you can see, a very specific aesthetic had lodged itself in my brain. I loved these for their chunky bold look and clean lines. Three legs were also a theme. I mean, look how gorgeous these are! Swoon, amirite? I could just see a stack or two (or four) of beautiful art books on display, pretty as you please. But sadly, we were not meant to be.
Not only did I need something oblong and relatively narrow, but it could NOT be brown, to avoid brown overkill with our our leather couch. Way to make it harder, huh? I cast my net wider and looked and looked and looked. And looked. And gradually, some lovely options coalesced from infinite internet land. Interestingly enough, even though none of these options were originally my “dream” table, I think the assortment below feels a whole lot more like “me” than the ones above. Less minimal, more eclectic and collected, a little richer, a little more glam. I could easily see any of them fitting into my home beautifully and seamlessly.
So what did I go with? Well, I found a spectacular dupe of the Anthro table here for a great price, plus there was no need to wait for a backorder! Hooray, a clear winner! I love it and am so excited to play with styling this weekend. Airy, open, a little Deco, a little glam, and the perfect size.
Thanks to COVID-19 and perpetual working-from-home-in-sweats days, it’s been a hot minute since we talked about, well, wearing real clothes. Nordstrom Rack is having their Clear the Rack sale this weekend, though, so I decided perhaps enough was enough. (Not a sponsored post, I just love a deal.) Here are a few excellently-priced pieces to get the ideas flowing if you, too, think maybe real clothes on occasion might be a fun change of pace. I’m not talking about too high a bar — just some easy pieces that might be a tiny step up from a sweatshirt. And if you decide to wear any or all of these with sweatpants? Zero judgement here! Lunar New Year or Valentine’s Day make fine excuses reasons to treat yourself.
This sweet short-sleeved sweater looks as easy as a tee, but with just a little something extra. I went with the “marled oreo” grey, but this oatmeal-ish olive is just as cute.
Also super easy: this striped crewneck sweater has a classic shape, and the heathered stripes give just enough visual interest. Also, stripes, so I had to!
For a nice little Valentine for yourself, you could definitely do worse than this ridiculously well-priced diamond eternity band. It would be lovey balanced out with a chunky, slightly tough-girl curb chain bracelet like this one.
I’ve been dying over these ultra-cool loafers by Freda Salvador for ages, so imagine my delight at finding them on sale! Slip on and go, but you know, in a stylish look-how-I-great-I-look-with-zero real effort kind of way.
As you may have been able to tell from my post last week, lots of comings and goings with my home decor of late. I’ve refreshed my Spaces and Sources page this week to reflect that — so feel free to go down the rabbit hole browse to your heart’s content this weekend. Enjoy!
Going into this new year, I’m stretching my aesthetic muscles a bit! My sister is moving into a new house, and asked me for a bit of help getting it decorated. She is looking for a farmhouse sort of vibe — clean, light, a little rustic, and a lot cozy. Our styles are very different, so I’m excited to stretch myself a bit AND give her family a fresh new start. Without further ado, let me show you what we’re planning. First up, the main bedroom!
I love bold color, pattern, and modern quirk, so a more minimal and rustic look is a fun challenge. She had already picked out a bedroom set in a grey-toned wood, so I pulled in some warmer wood tones to give the room a cozy, layered feel. A patterned rug gives some interest as well as some brightness to the space, and a little hit of black in the bedside lamps adds depth. Being me, I had to add a little bit of pattern mixing — a sweet floral block print sheet set is just interesting enough with the geometric rug, and when paired with a fluffy white quilt, it feels super home-y. She also wanted some added shelving, so a low bookcase at the foot of the bed it just the ticket. Plus it can double as a bench! Win-win!
The main bedroom in their new house is much bigger than her current space, so she has room for a sitting area in here as well. A blue velvet slipper chair, an airy accent table, and a natural wood floor lamp make for a great spot to sit and read, unwind a little, and decompress from the day, or perhaps to get the day going with a cup of tea. Either way, I hope this bright, serene bedroom provides them a with lovely retreat, and a happy new place to call home!
Welcome to this year’s holiday gift list! This year more than ever, I have been working hard to support small businesses, and to find great products that give back. Here is a curated guide of items I’m giving, would love to receive, or both!
Bloomist‘s aesthetic is stunning, minimal, and inspired by nature. Their aim is to help artists, artisans, and makers flourish, and they do so with panache. From their beautiful selection of gifts, I am especially partial to the Bright Black Koi candle and the handcrafted pale wood chain. 50% of the proceeds from the Koi candle by Bright Black go to 100 MALES TO COLLEGE, a Massachusetts-based initiative dedicated to college readiness and retention among young Black and Latinx men. And the beautiful wood chains? They are made by the Atuto group in Honduras! The group not only creates opportunities for skilled employment in the region, but they also support the Ambos Foundation, improving the lives of the people of rural Honduras at all stages of life — from providing children with school supplies to securing housing for the elderly.
Next, I am proud to announce the Pink&Green Musings shop at Bookshop.org! Here you can find all of the books I’ve discussed here on the blog, plus I’ll be adding more all the time for your perusing (and purchasing!) pleasure. Bookshop.org is a new online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. Keep local book shops thriving while easily finding anything you’re looking for! Orders placed by tomorrow, Dec. 5, will arrive by Christmas with standard shipping. Hint, hint. May I suggest the sumptuous Francois Halard: A Visual Diary for the creative in your life, Kate McDermott’s Pie Camp for your favorite baker, or perhaps a copy of What Kind of Woman by Kate Baer for all of your closest girlfriends?
For the design-minded, fun-loving, or have-everything-else people in your life, a keytag by small company Various Projects may be just the thing. There are hundreds of options in dozens of color combinations — something for literally anyone and everyone — in a smart, unfussy little package. At only $15, what’s not to like?
For something a little more luxurious, Missoma jewelry has a beautiful selection of of classic yet of-the-moment baubles that are responsibly produced, environmentally packaged, and give back via a variety of charitable partners, including Treesisters, Akshaya Patra, and Magic Breakfast. Perhaps a pretty Victorian-ish necklace set, an edgy pair of claw earrings, or a bold signet ring might catch your fancy? Ahem, for someone on your list, of course. They offered a truly covetable 12-day advent calendar that has since sold out, but I also love these lux festive table favors. Bonus: you get a free pair of mini hoops right now with any purchase over $200. Gift them or keep them, I won’t tell!
Designed in London and handcrafted in Spain, leather collars from small brand Supakit are the purrfect choice for a spoiled feline. My kitty may or may not be getting a mint green collar this year. *whistles innocently* These beautiful comfort collars from House Dogge are a great choice if your tastes run more towards the canine.
I love everything they are doing over at Fur. Redefining definitions of beauty, supporting freedoms of choice and from systemic oppression, and standing up for inclusivity and body positivity? Yes, yes, and YES. All their products are made from facial-grade, vegan, cruelty free, non-toxic ingredients and are free of mineral oil, silicones, parabens, synthetic fragrances, or artificial dyes. Their now-classic Fur Oil is ideal for soft skin, silky hair, and preventing ingrowns — pubic area, legs, underarms, chin, wherever. Perfect.
One of the cooler items I came across this season is the tiny but mighty Flikr fireplace created by husband and wife team Travis and Haley Seera. It is a chunky cement vessel with a quartz-like base, and is ingeniously fueled by rubbing alcohol. Brilliant, adorable, unique. I love it. Set on a tabletop and enjoy a warm glow. Bonus points if you also gift the makings for some s’mores, amirite?
And finally, any Schitt’s Creek fans out there? Please meet Beekman 1802, the real-life equivalent of Rose Apothecary. When Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell lost their jobs in the recession of 2008, they moved out to Sharon Springs in rural upstate New York, population 532. They took in a neighbor who was losing his farm AND his herd of 100 goats, started creating their goat milk soaps using fresh milk from the farm, and the rest is history. They sell a variety of natural face and body care as well as tons of great mercantile items from local farms and artisans. Pure goat milk soap, ylang-ylang tuberose body cream, or lavender creamed honey spread are A+ picks for the beauty buff or foodie in your life. They even partnered with the show on a limited run of Rose Apothecary-themed items. I love this for you.
One of the joys of the season for me is finding just the right gifts for my loved ones, so I hope this guide inspires you as well. Shop small, give back, and happy gifting!
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Today my sartorial choices are skewing slightly fall-ish and decidedly voter-ish.
A printed dress is still easier than easy for pandemic staying-at-home working and lounging — while still looking polished if you venture out.
This snappy tote and black and white I Am A Voter strap make for a stylish and comfortable way to schlep your ballot to the nearest polling station or post office.
Don’t forget to wear your mask when you go! Stripes with a heart are as cheery as can be.
Pink ankle socks paired with a classic flat loafer are a fun nod to fall while still being comfy to wear, just in case there is a line at the voting booth.
A beautiful pen makes filling out your mail-in ballot a pleasure. Plus it is refillable, so you can use it for years to come.
This terracotta-meets-poppy nail polish feels perfect for early autumn — and the name Yes, I Can(yon) is just the inspiration we need to carry us through this election.
For voting resources, visit I Will Vote.com. Let’s make our voices heard!
Some of the makers I love have been up to fun new somethings, and I just had to share!
Block Shop is offering a free VOTE pin with every order shipped from their studio this month, and it is seriously the cutest version of this hugely important message I have seen so far. Also, if their Instagram is any indication, they will have masks back in stock next week! All mask profits go directly to support meals for garment workers in LA, plus they are super stylish and adorable. Win-win.
Heath Ceramics just debuted their 2020 Winter Seasonal Collection, and I couldn’t love it more. Dubbed “The Season of Hope & Love,” it is full of stunning icy whites and greys along with the happiest buttery yellows and a hint of wildflower purple. Gradations in glazes are meant to signify transition, which I find beautifully poetic for this tumultuous time. I think we can all use some hope and love right about now, and the gradient yellow trays and vases in particular are perfectly sunny and delightful.
Finally, Baleen Jewelryhas some beautiful new arrivals to peruse. I am in love with the organic simplicity of the pebble necklace, and want to add the sweet little XYZ studs to my rotation immediately. As always, all of their pieces are sustainably handmade in the USA, with zero-waste manufacturing and recycled materials.
This weekend is my birthday, so just for fun, I thought I’d share some of the home items I’ve had my eye on lately. Our house is an eclectic mix of 19th-century-Paris-apartment-meets-relaxed-California-chic vibes, and here are five things I have or would love to have in our space. We are home these days for work and play, celebration and everyday alike, so we might as well make it a place we love to be.
We have been home SO MUCH in the past several months that a new couch has become a necessity. Our old one is cute but not all that comfortable for the long haul, unfortunately. This beauty, the Maxwell from Interior Define, was customizable in so many ways — fabric, cushion type and fill, size, legs — everything! I can’t wait for it to arrive. And besides their lovely furniture offerings, their customer service staff has been nothing short of amazing.
I ordered this chair from CB2 about a million years ago (you know, back in February), and it finally arrived a couple weeks ago after a pandemic-related delay. It is super comfortable, and I love the look so much! It’s the perfect addition to our mix of dining chairs.
EQ3’s adorable Bingo Bango Bongo stools are all finally in back in stock, and they are on sale to boot! Bingo has had my heart for months, so you’d better believe I ordered it as soon as I could. Indoor or outdoor, stool, side table, plant stand, alone or as a set — these earthenware beauties are super versatile. Decorative AND functional.
This burlwood cabinet in CB2’s newest catalog had me at “hello.” I have zero need for a new cabinet, but if I did, this would be at the top of my list. Curvy edges with that gorgeous texture and the brass accents? Hel-lo. I’ll just lean here and casually sip a cocktail, thankyouverymuch.
Lastly, I am intrigued by this year’s pleated lamp shade trend. These gorgeous shades from Danish shop LeKrazyHorse are beautiful, come in amazing colors, and they offer pretty much any size you might need. New shade = easy way to snazz up whatever lamp you’d like to give a bit more personality. Bonus: this vintage Mads Caprani lamp is AMAZING.
Our next featured maker is Atelier Stella, home of the sweetest ceramics you ever did see. Stella Baggott established her unique ceramics business in 2012, and all her creations are hand built, sculpted and pinched with love. She credits “Cornish, Italian and Swedish potters from the 50’s and 60’s” as influences for her stylish designs, and there is not a single piece that I would not love to bring home!
I was lucky enough to snag a couple of her pieces when she collaborated with West Elm and also Anthropologie a few years back, and their little smiling faces bring me joy every time I catch a glimpse of them in my living space. To me, her pieces mix dreamy neutrals and organic shapes with just the right touch of whimsy. Luckily for all of us, she has begun to ship out her beautiful ceramics again after a brief pandemic hiatus, so shop on her site to your heart’s content. Any of her little works of art will brighten your day.
The vase and candle I have are both sold out, but here are a few of my favorites currently available on her site. Act quickly if you see something you love, as her pieces are made in small batches and change regularly.
Flora vase in whiteDouble wave candle holder in terracottaMini rainbow pot in white
As the days continue to blur into each other, I thought I would share some things that have stood out to me amidst all the sameness of sheltering in place. It is such a strange clump of feelings we are experiencing — gratitude to be working from home, concern over friends and loved ones, guilt over never being “productive enough,” tiny joys found in a daily homemade latte or a dog nuzzle midday, and a foreboding sense of anxiety suffusing everything (mostly) under the surface. It’s a relief to turn all that off even for a little while, so please enjoy!
As COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc all around us, I was reminded of this thoughtful article from The Atlantic from 2018. It rings just as true as it did then. If you are a young child, be comforted by looking for the helpers. If you have the autonomy and ability to, be a helper.
Clare V. is having an excellent promo for Mother’s Day. Now through 4/26 spend $200, and get a freewebbing strap with code FREESTRAP. Even better, 10% of all proceeds go to Every Mother Counts in support of safe pregnancy and childbirth for every mother, everywhere. I have been eyeing her adorable Midi Sac for ages and finally took the plunge, along with this excellent Masculin Féminin strap for a nice graphic punch.
I’m still “nesting” now that we are home so much more, and currently I am focused on small tweaks to make our kitchen feel more pulled together. This retro little microwave couldn’t be cuter.
Speaking of home decor, I am crushing hard on Nicole’s sweet pink Stardew Valley-inspired kitchen. I’ve been playing quite a bit more of late, and I think I might be ready to dive into some modding for this game — especially if I can create a kitchen even half this cute!
And for a tiny dose of levity, here’s a video explaining the pandemic to one’s past self. Ah, to remember the good old days… four months ago.
Take good care of yourselves, and (at least try to) have a relaxing weekend!
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