Monthly Archives: June 2012

Separate But Equal

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Yo, Pottery Barn signet monogram bedding, I’ma let you finish…

but, doubly personalized linens had the best design versatility of all time.

I am in love with this multiple monogram look, especially the “his and hers” pillow shams. What a great deviation from the usual approach, while still providing a saturated dose of preppy character.

Monogrammed bedding is a wonderful way to add your unique, signature stamp to ready-made bedding. It instantly customizes a space. The joint initial concept is classic and super popular at the moment. But, as much as I love singular signet coverlet and pillow concepts, I am incredibly superstitious.

Maybe it’s just me, but the whole idea doesn’t seem practical for couples, until they’ve exchanged golden anniversary presents. The last time I checked, the divorce rate was approximately 150%.

Don’t get me wrong.

One day, I’d love to own a set of beautifully appointed egyptian cotton linens, adorned with linked, punchily coupled joint initials.

I would also like 3 corgi puppies, a sailboat, and a home library.

But, at the moment, I’m perfectly happy with my own monogrammed pillowcase.

Classic Comics

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I’ve been a fan of Natalie Dee’s pithy artwork for ages.

She really has mastered an expert level of ridiculous social commentary, washed down with the best razor-sharp sense of humor. This random sampling of her work may not be as impressive as a De Kooning- what, with a few blobs discussing callout bubbled celebrity gossip, and all – but Natalie churns out consistent, comedic genuis on a daily basis.

That’s everyday.

Since 2004.

Talk about an unlimited supply of creativity.

Check out Natalie Dee’s quirky original art and prints on her site.

And if you happen to have a few free hours, to fall down the ultimate rabbit hole of browsing, check out this awesome archive of Natalie’s 2,500 silly doodles, for a truly recession-proof Friday’s Find.

All Wired Up

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Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.

- L.M. Montgomery

…or tuck it away in one of these amazing chicken wire catch-alls.

Yes, the “chicken wire in salvaged frame picture holder/memo board/earring holder/token pinterest project” DIY has been floating around the internet, roughly, since the beginning of time. It’s like the little black dress of the crafty world.

Despite its epic dilution, I can’t help loving the rustically upcycled treatment, especially when the rough honeycomb mesh is applied to the entire span of a wall.

This thrifty storage solution is a great idea for renters, teachers, dorm residents – or anyone – wanting to dress their walls, but not technically allowed to paint or wallpaper their space. 

I just probably like this concept so much because I’d finally have a legitimate reason to ferret away all of the wedding invitations, ticket stubs and life’s tiny trinkets that I’ve been known to hoard, without feeling like so much of a pack rat.

Jackson, don’t throw away that receipt from The Dutch, it’s for the chicken wire wall! 

Treasure Hunt

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Today’s temperature is a chilly 97 degrees.

I’ll be googling outdoor water fountains, sipping on an iced coffee (Starbucks should just start sell espresso popsicles instead?!) and dreaming of chic igloo decor, for my next home in Antarctica.

And drooling over these awesome finds from Etsy.

Check out my first Treasury List and good luck keeping cool today!

No Strings Attached

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I’m the queen of over-analyzing.

Should I have really eaten that last citron macaron, from Ladurée, after my friend begged me to polish it off? What if she actually wanted it! Maybe she would have rather had a proper chocolate cupcake, from Magnolia Bakery? And what if she did NOT EVEN WANT DESSERT, IN THE FIRST PLACE?!

Decorating is one of the few instances in my life, where I don’t over-think and reconsider decisions.

When it’s right, it’s just right. 

Like these wonderful tassel garlands.

Purely looking at these sparkly beauties makes me happy. They’re a YES – an everyday of the week, any hour of the day, for the rest of your life- sort of necessary object. Bring them out for parties, special events, weddings, in your home instead of wallpaper, really any time you want to spice up a lackluster space.

Check out The Flair Exchange‘s amazing offering of garlands as well as this great tutorial to make your own!

And, if you regularly second guess your dessert choices, you are not alone.

Beach Beats

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These cute little radio/ipod players from sunnyLIFE make me want to grab an oversized towel and head to the beach, immediately.

With their retro design, great sound capabilities and $34.87 price tag, how can you resist?

Number The Stairs

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I have a love/hate relationship with our pre-war, 4th floor walk-up.

It has charm and character. And on a good day, I consider the multiple flights of stairs additional exercise.

But after a long day of work and running errands, as I’m mounting each precipice with exhausted trepidation, armed with 8 bags of over-priced NYC groceries, straining against their plastic bags, just looking for a chance to break out of their entrapments and tumble back down to the first floor from the third, I can’t help cursing their existence.

So, directly calling attention to the distance between each landing, with numerical details, may actually not be so great of an idea. What I really need is a design concept that makes the stairs disappear altogether.

Or, just maybe, an elevator.

Open Door Policy

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I myself have never been able to find out what feminism is; I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat or a prostitute.

- Rebecca West

1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5. / 6. / 7. / 8. / 9. / 10. / 11.

These are just a few of my favorite doormats.

Bright colors, bold patterns and whimsical sensibilities work so well in the summer months.

On the front stoop of an East Village brownstone, the back porch of a Savannah cottage , a home on Fire Island, in my apartment building…the possibilities are endless.

Because every girl- from Gloria Steinem to Anastasia Steele- deserves a stylish entryway.

Hats Off

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Belmont Stakes 2012

Before: 

After:

We may not have been able to cheer on I’ll Have Another this weekend at the Belmont Stakes, but I’m betting these straw hat decorating ideas are the perfect way to store race accessories, year-round.

The delicate woven fibers safely out of reach, neutral and textural hats make quite a statement as wall candy. A little bit country, a little bit funky, I can’t possibly think of a better example of functional art.

Not to mention, an excellent reason to stock up on hats.