Let's Get Cozy

When Tiho asked me what I wanted for Christmas this year, I immediately answered "something cozy." That wasn't entirely helpful to him, so I ended up sending along a few links to specify my desires, including the pompom hat and sherpa blanket up there.

What can I say? I figure that the majority of my time this winter will involve snuggling a newborn, so why not indulge those creature comforts?

Dip-Dyed Ornament Set | Sherpa Blanket | Hot Cider Candle | Winter Hat

Garden Lounging

Necessary provisions for an afternoon well-spent. Although I suppose for the time being, I need to settle for a city bench and my trusty but battered old sneakers.

(Hanging wisteria, yellow espadrilles, letterpress book, straw fedora, teak chair, moonstone mug).

Snug As A Bug

Where oh where is the snow? Winter is mildly bearable when a sparkling blanket is present on the twisted skeleton trees. Right now, New York is experiencing the teeth-chattering type of cold you feel deep in your bones. So, because I have nothing better to do (a lie--I'm procrastinating), I deemed it fitting to pull together a few cozy provisions currently helping me muster the energy to do anything other than burrow deep under the duvet.

ONE: Sunny-colored flowers. Daffodils are just beginning to pop up in the markets (yay!).
TWO: Cute pompom hats. Makes braving the windchill not quite as terrible.
THREE: Spritzing on a yummy, summery fragrance to trick myself into thinking that season is near.
FOUR: Cozy pajama pants. I'm inclined towards this striped pair.
FIVE: An oversized cable knit throw pillow. I bought mine years ago at Pottery Barn and adore it.
SIX: Socks in a fun, happy pattern. Because nothing is worse then cold toes.
SEVEN: Something hot in my mug at all times. I love a bit of citrus & spice.

Is it freezing where you are? What are some items in your "stay warm" arsenal?

Making a List, Checking it Twice

This wish list is mostly for Emma's benefit, as she always asks me what I want for Christmas/birthdays and then ends up buying something off my blog. A smart one she is, that sister of mine. Here's what I came up with based on my laptop's open browser tabs. (Speaking of which, Tiho wants to design me a t-shirt displaying my personal catchphrase: "Don't close my tabs!" (No, but seriously, never ever close my tabs).

ONE: My favorite perfume. I've been out for over six months and haven't gotten around to reordering.
TWO: The Hat Book. A collection of images by one of my all-time favorite photographers.
THREE: A yellow coffee/tea pot. Because it's super duper cute.
FOUR: Leather Stud Wallet. Simple, classic, stylish, & well-made. (I'd use this for years).
FIVE: Vintage Kaj Franck Heart Bowl. Dream collector's item (aka, always on my ultimate wish list).
SIX: Original Lulie Wallace Art Print. This would be a lovely addition to my collection.
SEVEN: Little Flower Cookbook. I love the name. And the recipes sound delicious.
EIGHT: Chemex 6-Cup Glass Coffee Maker. How is it possible I don't already own this?
NINE: Gradiated Striped Rug, size 9x12. Unbeatable price for the quality & size.
TEN: Clybourn Loft Chair. Two words: green velvet.

For The Shutterbug

I couldn't resist putting together a photo-themed gift guide (even though this hilarious post portrays exactly how I feel about gift guide mania). It would thrill me to receive any of the ten items included here. Perhaps it will inspire a purchase for the snap-happy person in your life.

Olivier Camera Figurine / Hand-stitched Leather Camera Strap / Personalized Pillow Case / Photo-opoly Game / Colorful Wide Angle Camera / Gorilla Pod Flexible Tripod / Palma Leather Camera Satchel / Watercolor Giclee Art Print / Lazy oaf Camera Tote Bag / The New York Times Magazine Book of Photographs

Paper Doll

Red lipstick, bold stripes, and a little extra oomph with something cheery & bright.

I legitimately wear a similar getup to this on a daily basis, except it's likely I also have dried paint on my butt and a hole in my sock.

With that, I bid you farewell, as I'm off to Rhode Island to eat my weight in stuffing. Happy Thanksgiving, dudes.

Bag / Top / Infinity Scarf / Lipstick / Jeans / Boots / Travel Mug / Earrings

Things I Like, V. 15

Oh man. It's that time of year where I start poking around online in search of holiday gifts for loved ones and grow more and more greedy by the hour.

One / Two / Three / Four / Five / Six

Not-Lame New York

I feel like there are a disproportionate amount of super cheesy NYC-themed souvenirs compared to offerings in other cities. Maybe I just notice it because I pass through one of the most touristy sections of New York twice daily.

I possess a deep pride for this city though, especially in light of everything she's currently slammed with, and felt compelled to round up some decidedly not-lame tchotchke gift ideas. Because really, NYC is the bomb dot com, even though my use of that phrase clearly indicates that I am not.

1). NYC in a Bag; 2). Rifle Paper Co. Art Print; 3). Kate Spade Taxi Mittens; 4). Andy Burgess Times Square Art Print; 5). Brass Apple Figurine; 6).Tom Slaughter New York Valentine Print; 7). Bridge & Tunnel Mug; 8). Sugar Paper Letterpress Print.

Things I Like, V. 13 (Red Edition)

So, this post came about because of that old-school red Fiat 500 up there. It's always been one of my favorite cars* and I am convinced I need one. Tiho made a deadly declaration over the weekend wherein he promised to buy one for me if I learned how to flawlessly perform an oil change all by myself (my lack of knowledge concerning anything automobile-related is laughable).

Never mind that I can't manipulate a stick shift to save my life--that car and I are destined.

I'm currently typing "how to do an oil change" into google...

For now, other red things making my heart go boom boom:

1). World's Fair Striped Duffel from Spotted Moth; 2). Classic Fiat 500; 3). Parsipanny Rainboots from Kate Spade; Chanel #475 (Dragon) Nail Laquer; 5). Kaj Franck Red Heart Enamel Bowl; 6). Red Macbook Sleeve Case by Rib & Hull.

*I would also happily take one in bright yellow. Or baby blue. Or emerald green. Preferably with a country house in Europe where it would fit right in parked along the cobblestone driveway.

Four Things

...making me smile today. This bag (thanks to two of you for the recommendation); this little dude; this gold elephant (absolutely need); and these camera cookies.

In all seriousness though, I can't stop thinking about babies in bow ties. Anyone itching to collaborate on a shoot? I'll provide the bow-tie, you provide the baby...

Like Peas in a Pod

 Zarape Oxfords from Goodbye Folk & Abstract Mixed Media Collage from Emily Rickard;

Striped Weekender Tote from DNTX & Crochet Fox Pillow from Peanutbutter Dynamite;

Vintage Automobile Print from Grace Archives & Brass Car Figurine from Estate Eclectic.


I like when things go together. It pleases my virgo-mind.

That being said, I'm feeling a bit brain-fried and frazzled. Signing off for the weekend to reboot!

Things I like, V.12 (Birthday Wish List Edition)

My birthday is less than two weeks away and while I certainly don't need much, it's always fun to round up a few things I've been ogling (several of these items have been on my list for months; # 2, 3, & 6 were even blogged about previously).

1). I would love to add to my Le Creuset collection. Currently I own one "mini oval coquette" (essentially, a lidded ramekin). This 12-piece bakeware set from Williams Sonoma is both beautiful and functional. $199

2). I've been wanting this edition of F.Scott Fitzgerald's short stories ever since Penguin Hardback Classics first released it with Coralie Bickford Smith's gorgeous cover design. $16

3). Big plans a brewin' for this oversized Paris Graffiti Kiss art print from The Paris Print Shop. I'm picturing it on display in our bedroom and framed in gold. 16x20 - $75

4). I don't currently have a travel case for my macbook air, but this one from Kate Spade caught my eye. You can't go wrong with black & white polka dots. Classic and fun. $60

5). Last week, both our coffee grinder and Keurig machine broke. I use the Keurig more during the school year when I need something quick in the mornings before work, but now I'm thinking it's time for a fancier upgrade. This cappuccino/espresso maker is (relatively) inexpensive as far as these things go and seems like a nice starter model. $75

6). Ah, the Pendleton Wool Throw. I will own this someday. It's a design staple, and the colors make me so happy. Plus, I know it would get constant use. $138

Thanks for humoring my indulgent little wish list!

Things I Like, V.11

It's Friday again? The days feel as though they are melting into one another. I've been busy working on a brand-new venture that I'm almost ready to share with you. Until then, here's a handful of happy-makers to welcome the weekend.

Got any big plans? I'm hoping to make a few messes in the kitchen and play with my new lens. Also, happiest birthday wishes (tomorrow) to my fantabulous sister, Emmie bean. Hay girl haaaay! (Those candles are here in your honor).

1). Gold Spoon; 2). Book; 3). Scarf; 4). Art Print; 5). Measuring Cups; 6). Sunglasses; 7). Candles

Things I Like, V. 9 (Summer Beauty Edition)

Pictured here are the items I can't live without during these sticky summer months. Aside from the elephant bag--something I just like a whole lot--I own and love all of these products and use them almost daily.

1). The perfect red lipstick for summer (and year round). Revlon's "Love That Red" is my favorite and one of the best "bang for your buck" lipsticks ($7 at any drugstore). It stays on while moisturizing and is universally flattering.

2). Panama Hat: I know, super trendy right now, but for good reason. It protects my skin from the sun and looks cute. I own this one from JCrew.

3). St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Facial Scrub. Budget-friendly version of my other favorite facial exfoliant (discussed here). I use it in the mornings--makes my skin feel baby soft.

4). Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock. Confession: I hate how sunscreen feels on my skin (sticky, greasy, gross). This is one of the best out there, leaving literally zero residue behind while simultaneously preventing sunburn (trust me, I've tried a lot).

5). Travel Bag. I adore it, and wish I owned it to schlepp all this other shiz around. (Price is listed in Swedish currency. I converted it, and it translates to $220).

6). Saltwater sandals in red. Comfiest shoes ever. I live in them.

7). Essie's "Jelly Apple". I treat myself to a pedicure every few weeks throughout the summer months and enjoy trying different bright colors on my toes, but also hold the belief that you really can't wrong with a classic red.

8). Well-fitted, rolled demin shorts. Along with my saltwaters, I live in these. Durable enough for biking, comfy enough for lounging. Sold. I have this pair from Banana Republic.

I'd love to hear your summer beauty essentials. What gets you through the heat?

Singing In The Rain

When it rains, I like to pretend I'm a lemon drop on steroids.

Also, whenever I see people in NYC carrying that umbrella, I automatically want to be their friend.

(umbrella/boots/print/mug/jacket)

Little Things

1). Tiny wildflower bouquets tied up with twine and left out to dry.

2). Summer haircuts that leave you feeling bouncy, fresh and light. (This was the inspiration).

3). A cheery iPhone case acquired for zero dollars thanks to a gift card.


Bada bing bada boom...it really is the little things. What's making you smile lately?

Things I Like, V.8

The never ending (two years and counting) coffee table hunt may have just ended. Still ruminating the purchase, but I think this might be it.

Other stuff I like a whole lot:

1). Kate Spade Wickford Sea Cliffs Striped Mug (I already own a yellow striped mug--what is wrong with me?); 2). Elsie bag by Mimi (dreaming!); 3). Marrakesh Tray Coffee Table from Pottery Barn; 4). San Diego Yellow & White Striped Sunhat (definitely don't need, just hard for me to ignore yellow & white striped anything); 5). Hugo Guinness 'Cut Flowers' Print from John Derian (a someday splurge).

A Few May Favorites...

Ceramic cup; floral notecard; strawberry sugar pot; leather wallet.

(And there I go with my bizarro strawberry worship again).

Springtime Favorites

...á la Steven Alan. I popped by the San Francisco store when I was out west and made myself a mental note to visit the NYC location more often. I splurged on one of the lightweight beach/picnic blankets after having admired the colorful collection for nearly two years.

Oh. Also. The orange blossom perfume pictured here smells so damn good. I wanted to lick my wrist upon sampling it in-store. If this descriptive bit from the site doesn't convince you, then I don't know what will:

"The windows were thrown open to let in the afternoon sun, along with a breeze of orange blossoms. She secured fresh flowers into her hair and her eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation. She had been a whirl of precise motion in her final preparation and took pause to dream about the moment to come."

(sunglasses; striped shorts; flower seed ring; scout socks; orange blossom perfume; anniel italian leather lace-ups; beach blanket)

Things I Like, V. 4

Whoa baby, no surprise with this color palette: I feel like it definitively screams "Kaaaaaaylaaaa!" I spotted that emerald beauty in JCrew last week and let me tell you, it took every ounce of my being to walk away.

Clockwise from top left:

1). Abstract Painting by Mossmottle; 2). Adorable breakfast nook; 3). Fleur-De-Lys Tumblers from Anthropologie; 4). Peony Print by Kari Herer; 5). Emerald Tillary Purse from JCrew; 6). Coffee Letterpress Poster from Hungry Prints