Halloween Birthday Soiree

For my Halloween birthday several years ago, my friend Colin threw me the most amazing bash at his loft. This is a detail of the spectacular dinner table, which displays a number of our "arts and crafts" projects - glittered pumpkins, rats and skulls spray-painted in candy colors, and custom decoupaged dinner plates.

The party space viewed from above

Click on the photo to get a better view of the fantastic tabletop!

The decoupaged plates were the most fun to make. Using $1 clear glass plates from Bed, Bath & Beyond, we tore images from magazines and adhered them to the underside of the plate using Mod Podge. Such a fun, personal detail.

Rummaging Through the Sales Bin at... Kate Spade

Some tempting spring finds at Kate Spade, most at least 50% off!

From top: Mayan Riviera Ava Clutch in neon pink pvc (marked down to $98);
cotton Charlie top in blue (marked down to $146);
Fillmore Street Dominique gold metallic leather (marked down to $133);
Chilimark Jana straw handbag (marked down to $233)

Luxe Stationary

I'm not particularly obsessive about stationary and paper goods, though I appreciate many of the fabulous designs out there. I do though have a weakness for the uber-luxe offerings from Smythson of Bond Street and Mrs. John L. Strong.

These elephant motif correspondence cards from Smythson of Bond Street

are classic and whimsical at the same time, and feature lovely bespoke touches like envelopes hand-lined in coordinating tissue.

It might not be made of paper, but this travel wallet from Smythson is probably their most well-known product. This one, in their signature blue leather, actually gives me heart palpitations. I am forever in search of a deal on eBay.



Set of seven "Lucky 7" correspondence cards; set of eight "Cocktails"
invitations - both from Mrs. John L. Strong


This petit desk calendar, also from Mrs. John L. Strong, comes with twelve calendar cards and a gold easel, and is packaged in a beautiful wood box. At $98, it is a perfect high-end thank you gift that will be used all year long.

Cool Blue Living Rooms

(from Domino)

(from Woodson and Rummerfield Design)

(from Miles Redd Interior Design)

I love the soft Tiffany blue hue of the first two rooms, and the contrast
of the dark accents in all three. Also, the continuation of the color
onto the ceilings really complete each look perfectly.

Michele Varian

Michele Varian's jewel box of a shop in NYC is one of my favorite stops. In addition to her beautiful appliqued pillows, I love browsing her eclectic, humorous, and sometimes slightly macabre, selection of home accessories. A good selection of her wares can be found at her online site as well.

A metallic appliqued owl adorns this linen pillow

A tattoo-inspired dragon design in ultrasuede

A wood veneer pendant lampshade

Hand-carved owl and mouse tape measure

That is one dead bird!

Woodson and Rummerfield Design

Every single interior featured on design duo Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield's site is just spectacular. These images of their ever-changing L.A. store say it all.





Meanwhile, their online store features a stupendous selection of unique furniture and accessories, and a stunning array of wallcoverings:

Windsor Purple and Matte Black Solar Wallpaper

Matte Black Horses Stampede wallpaper

Green Birdcages wallpaper

Virginia Johnson

I love the beautiful cotton voile fabrics designed by Virginia Johnson. So light and airy - perfect for window treatments. She also designs beautiful tunics and dresses and scarves, and some totally fun tote bags.

Glam Powder Rooms

My favorite idea for a powder room. I love the classic sink with the Greek key mirror
and the super-mod light fixture. The ebonied floors and door add drama.
(from Domino)

Mirrors and marble and monograms!
(from Living Etc.)

Such pretty wallpaper
(from Woodson + Rummerfield)

Crosshair Posters

Like old snapshots, these concert posters from Crosshair Design are some of the coolest I've ever seen:

All posters by Crosshair Design. Images at GigPosters.com.

Bicycle Flats

The approach of spring means that it is almost time to break out my pink Schwinn cruiser and start pedaling to work. It also means I have to break out the flats. Try as I might, heels just don't work on a bike. I've got my eye on some stylish options:

Knitte Suede Sandal in Blue ($69.95) from Steve Madden

Pepper Suede Flat in Sour Lemon ($148) from J.Crew

Candela NYC Flecos Fringe Sandal ($225) from Intermix

Ballerina Graffiti in Gold ($250-$350 on eBay)
from Christian Louboutin

Summertime at Ikea

Colorful, adorable, irresistible, Marimekko-esque pieces from the summer outdoor collection at Ikea:

All from the SOMMAR collection (from top): cushions $7.99; pillar candles $1.99;
knit bag $14.99; aprons $7.99; floor cushion $39.99; hanging planters $14.99;
gardening bags (also perfect for dirty laundry!) $2.99

Graphic Print Totes

For girls like me who like their shoes designer, but their handbags cheap (or in my case, vintage), these modly-printed totes from the Mossimo line at Target are a perfect addition to the spring wardrobe. So affordable at only $16.99, they are also large and quite functional, and they are surpringly well-detailed with nice heavy cotton canvas and useful pockets inside. I picked up the cream one with the red and purple circles this weekend, and have a feeling I will be carrying it a lot in the weeks to come!