Time to play

Current obsessions: irreverent, playful pieces for home that are a little bit Memphis-design wacky, a little bit modernist, and a whole lot of fun.  Curved lines, chubby shapes, and a healthy dose of quirk?  Yes and please!  Perhaps it is the post-holiday lull, or I’m wanting to capture the freshness of a new year?  Either way, here are some fun items I am craving:

A curvy bench-couch hybrid just begs to be lounged on.  And that nubby fabric!

Francois Halard: A Visual Diary is exactly what I want on my coffee table right now.  Bold, stunning, and personal.

This chubby round stacked vase always makes me smile.  It’s like a wink of fun every time I see it on my console, and I love the minty hue.

I simply must have this print.  So hilariously clever!

This Scalamandré-esque shower curtain had me at hello.  Perfection with some minimal brass bath accessories and an amber apothecary jar or two.

Target’s decor options keep getting better and better, and this artsy-cool pillow is no exception.  So chic and easy.

And finally, I am dying over Ayush Kasliwal’s notch wood chair — classic and architectural, and so fresh and fun at the same time!

All of these together would be beautiful in my imaginary little Parisian pied-à-terre, no?  Individually, though, they are just as amazing, and easy enough to incorporate with a variety of decor styles.  Which would you choose?  Any fun new home additions calling your name this January?

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Wish list 2019

I love this time of year.  Christmas lights are up, choosing gifts I know my loved ones will adore is one of my favorite things, and the scent of fir trees makes me happy every time I catch a whiff.  It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

As the holidays draw nigh, here is a list of things I am wishing for:

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I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Kate Joseph of Clouds and Ladders at a trunk show, and I was head-over-heels for her jewelry at first sight.  She is a delight.  Her jewelry is a delight.  I simply must have these studs.

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I have pined after these beautiful cups for years, and this is finally the year!  The shape, size, heft, and delicately imperfect stripe are just perfection.

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The tonal stripe of this gorgeous alpaca throw offers year-round cozy vibes, not to mention it is fair-trade in the truest sense of the word.

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Speaking of stripes, I am enamored with this new Coach field tote.  Their new horse-and-carriage print feels so fresh, and I love the plush velvet stripes!  It’s the ideal size for everyday schlepping.

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For reasons I cannot describe, this jacket had me at hello.  Somehow the denim, the quilting, the big slant pockets, and the slouchy comfort all add up to a lounge-y coat I want to wear all season.

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And lastly, I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of Paris by Design.  I love that city so much, and this would be a nice way to revisit without the hefty airfare price tag.  Although, if someone wanted to slip a pair of plane tickets inside, I would not be sad.

What are you wishing for this holiday season?  Wishing you a merry one!

 

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Giving thanks

While for many of us today marks the beginning of the holiday rush, I’d like to encourage a moment to reflect, give thanks, and maybe even give back.  May I offer a little nudge towards The Citizenry for some of your holiday gifts?  Not only do they offer incredibly beautiful items that support artisan communities all over the world, but today your purchases also help support their Black Friday Fund.  All profits today — yep, all profits — go towards building schools for migrant children at the U.S.-Mexico border.  While their families wait to seek legal asylum in the U.S., these children have no place to learn and play.  Education is a fundamental right these children are being deprived of, and today we can do a little bit to change that.  Every $120 we spend funds a week of school for a child: a real life magic school bus mobile school providing teachers, a psychologist, uniforms, and supplies.

Here are some of my favorites to bring some warmth to you or someone you love this holiday season.  Each is handmade, beautiful, and sure to be treasured for years to come.

Paloma alpaca throw  Oro cacao cups  Cuño accent pillow  Nublado wool throw

So thankful this year for family, friends, warm fuzzy cuddles, and the beauty of sharing.

Don’t forget!  Giving Tuesday is coming in just a few days!  It is a great opportunity to support causes that lie close to our hearts.

Five (+1) great plaid coats

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Fall has finally arrived in earnest here, which means I finally got to wear my new plaid coat today.  It drapes nicely, is lined beautifully, and fits like a dream — the kind of piece I can dress up or down and wear for years!  It feels like this year’s crop of plaids is more playful than ever (and I do love a classic pattern done in fun colorways), so here are five more I have been eyeing.  Enjoy, and stay warm!

duffle coat  double-breasted  oversized  swing coat  sherpa

Ten days in Europe in one carry-on

0c7717c9-b477-4388-a7dd-01390034dbfcThis summer we spent a glorious ten days in Paris and Brussels.  It was a magical trip and I’ll share more recs for each city soon, but in the meantime… packing!  I’ve had more than one request to share my tips for traveling (relatively) light, so here we are.

Due to both the hassle of wrangling suitcases on trains and metros and the airline fees involved for checking bags, we decided to only take one carry-on for each of us (plus my purse, of course).  It was warm and summery in both cities so I didn’t need to worry about bulky outerwear, which helped immensely!  I knew we were going to be walking quite a bit, so I planned outfits with that in mind.  Stylish and easy, with several options to dress comfortably for a day of sightseeing, or dress up a bit for dinner out.

Here is what I packed: Continue reading “Ten days in Europe in one carry-on”

Five great stools under $100

With the 4th of July holiday weekend almost upon us, perhaps you need some flexible seating for guests?  A spot for a cold beverage?  Someplace to kick up your feet?  A stool or ottoman can be all of the above!  Here are five stylish options that won’t break the bank.

A sleek hourglass shape in matte black makes a quiet statement.

Cane and rattan are having a moment, and I love this pretty option.

As classic as you can get. Add a tray on top for the perfect book-and-a-drink landing spot!

Warm wood and a sculptural shape at a steal of a price.

Graphic and modern — just the thing to punch up a neutral space.

 

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Things I’m loving lately

Obsessing over classic chair designs by Cherner and Bertoia lately, and mulling over beautiful dining chair combinations.

Applauding the genius of Jenny Komenda’s idea to use small dining tables as oversize end tables in a living space.  I just got this bistro table and am loving the look next to our sofas!  Maybe I should finally pull the trigger on this lamp to go with it?  I’ve been in love with it for months.

Thrilled with Bloomscape‘s easy-peasy way of letting you shop for indoor plants that will work with your space and lifestyle.  I need low-light, easy care, pet friendly options, which has seemed like a pretty tall order.  I’m so happy to know now there are plants that might do well in our home!  Their pots are also quite lovely, yes?  I see a couple of these in my near future.

Happy Friday!

You guys! It’s here! A+

Stop the presses, everyone!  Anthropologie has finally expanded their size range to include both petites AND larger sizes.  Their new A+nthropologie items go up through a size 26W, and I could not be happier.  Over 120 new items, including dresses, tees, jeans, blouses… I am thrilled.  The only caveat is that their expanded line is only available in select stores and online, but I am hopeful that Anthro will expand availability in the near future.  In the meantime, I love that they have a great assortment of pants especially — tops can be easier to find, but a good pair of pants can be hard to track down, as can a well-cut dress.

I have to say, I am so pleased with the styling of this collection.  The models look wonderfully confident in their own skin, and they are seamlessly integrated into catalog photographs and ad space.  The clothes can easily be found by size, but they have not been shuffled off to a sad corner to exist in a silo — pieces are integrated well into the existing product line-up.  Bravo, Anthro.  It is encouraging to be seen and included.  A few of my favorites, below:

buttoned top  slim jeans  patterned tee  gingham dress  relaxed chinos  pocket joggers

Women creatives

Happy International Women’s Day!  In celebration of women, the work we do, and the world that we shape, here is a round-up of artwork and ceramics by women makers that I’ve been loving lately.

There is something feminine and strong about these paintings by Bernadette Marie Pascua.  She is a multi-disciplinary artist based in New York City.

Humble Ceramics, created by by Belgian-born artist Delphine, offers artisan pottery made with mindfulness and intention in South Los Angeles, one small batch at a time.  I love their Alder tumblers.

On Society6 you can find art prints by Tracie Andrews, an abstract artist based in the UK.  The considered colors and shapes make me smile.

Bobby Clark is a Scottish artist and photographer who currently lives in Melbourne, Australia.  Her latest artworks “explore the symmetry and balance of shapes, creating minimal studies of shape composition,” which I find both meditative and inspiring.

I covet this small half mesa bowl from OATMEAL.  Elise Birnbaum is a maker and founder of OATMEAL, where objects are designed and made with care in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — ethically and with respect for the material and the people they are making for.

Support women, support artists.  Happy International Women’s Day.

 

One of my favorites: Pigment

Nestled on 30th Street in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego, Pigment is perhaps my favorite store in the city.  They strive to embody all the things I admire about a brand: organic, modern, friendly, homegrown, and local, with incredible style to boot.  It is a beautiful gift store with a laid-back vibe, full of plants, jewelry, home goods, accessories, stationery, and much more.  Every time I visit I am inspired!

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Besides amazing home wares, Pigment offers a “plant lab” where you can choose your plant, a planter or terrarium, and any number of pretty decorative stones, gravel mixes, and sand options to assemble your own creation right there in the store.

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Pigment also carries sweet children’s goods and an enviable selection of bath and body care, including tons of swoon-worthy candles.  (Btw, I am kicking myself for not buying that pretty little rainbow print to add to my gallery wall at home — isn’t it precious?)

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If you’re in San Diego and have a bit of time, Pigment is not to be missed.  Saunter, browse, and enjoy!  They are always adding fun new things, and many of their products are by local brands and makers.  If you only wish you could be in San Diego, they have an online shop as well.

Craving a bite to eat or an excellent cup of coffee?  Urban Solace two doors down serves a delicious brunch, and you can hop across the street for coffee at Dark Horse Roasters while you wait for a table.  Let’s just say you won’t be sorry.