Oct1
After we bought our house and prepared to move in, we realized despite how much furniture we had (bed, kitchen table with chairs, bookshelves, desks, dressers), we were still missing a couch. So we scoured the interwebs and Craigslist on the hunt for a decently priced, mid-century modern type couch.
Well, we never found a decently priced, MCM couch, but we did manage to score a classic MCM piece of furniture: a Broyhill Brasilia Tall Door Chest Dresser. Isn’t it awesome? We got it off Craigslist for only $100! What a steal. It has some dings and scratches, and the owner had it in her possession for 30+ years and she was a heavy smoker. (And so it’s still airing out in our garage). But honestly these are minor “flaws”, and nothing a little linseed oil and elbow grease couldn’t remedy.
The Broyhill Brasilia collection was inspired by the city architecture in Brasilia, the new capitol of Brazil (founded in 1960). This particular parabola-like motif is found on the Palácio da Alvorada, which was designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
{Images via Modern Mobler, and Magellan Architects}
Jan13
Finally, the torrential downpour has stopped here in central CA! Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration because I actually like {love} rainy weather, and the rain stopped like a week ago. But that hasn’t stopped me from scanning the interwebs for cool/functional umbrellas; which I always need because I stupidly buy really cute, compact ones that end up breaking, turning inside out from heavy wind {any wind}, and/or only covers half my body when in use.
Here are a couple I’m seriously considering:
The Senz umbrella - aerodynamically designed with wind in mind. It withstands up to 70 mph winds and won’t turn inside out! You can also get them here.
The Windbrella - all in the name. It features a double canopy to allow wind to pass through. Love the teal color, too.
The Merde Il Pleut - Okay, so this is more funny than uber-practical but I know I’d get a kick out of using this umbrella. {I know, I have the humor of a very mature 2nd grader.}
Dec9
Let the countdown begin…with one of these awesome Christmas advent calendars {from PB}. Aren’t they great? I’d love to have one of these. For the past couple years I’ve used a makeshift version and put little notes and treats in the pockets. Then my husband + I would try to do a Christmas-related activity each day in December {until Christmas day}. We’d do things like watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” {I tear up every time!}, make/decorate sugar cookies, create a gingerbread house, donate to a charity, deliver homemade bread to neighbors/friends, etc. It’s a nice way to remember to enjoy the holiday season. This year I’ve kind of dropped the ball, and now I can’t believe there’s only 15 days until the 25th!
{Not really a Christmas advent-advent calendar, but this
wooden wall organizer is a great alternative!}
Sep27
John Derian’s greatness returns to my shopping mecca, Target! {yay!} I picked up a set of silhouette coasters this weekend, and thought the collection {or what I saw available at my local store} was just as covert-worthy as JD’s 2008 collaboration. I don’t think I want to use these as coasters, per se, but maybe as some stylish-pseudo-paperweights or coffee table decor {aka: clutter}…not sure.
I’m still seriously debating whether I should go back and pick up the colorful phrenology tray {which, as I write this, is probably already sold out}. I’m still very happy with my calligraphy-alphabet tray I got from the last JD-for-Target collection.
Although these are “technically” dinner + salad plates, I still think they can be repurposed as trays or even mini-platters {which I guess is the same thing as a tray} :
{Images via Target}
Aug11
{Update: The Merona autumn line at Target features a black, and white metal-link watch! I do like the 3-mini dials, and the affordable $15 price-point. My sweet Husband already bought me the Timex watch, below, so why do I want this one, too? Maybe it’s because of my shopping addiction and severe weakness for all things Target, black, and Chanel-esque.}
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Black, link wrist watches have resurfaced on my radar again. I originally coveted them several years ago when Chanel launched their J12 line. I’ve had a penchant for all-black clothes since high school and that affinity still carries true today — so me coveting a black colored timepiece is just a natural progression towards becoming a 30 year-old goth. Fortunately, now there are other, less pricey, options out there — ones that won’t cost you $5-grand just to know the time. These black watches are unexpectedly sophisticated and definitely exude a sleek, masculine style.
{inspiration: Chanel J12}
{the holy grail: Chanel J12; $out of my league}
{runner up: MK acrylic; $180}
{runner up: Fossil Stella; $85}
{the winner/aka: fits my budget: Timex T2M519; $75}
{First image via jak + jil}
Jul18
{Update: I just got these in the mail and they are everything I could possibly want in a green plant leaf rip-tie. I’m thinking about getting another pack, maybe in the olive green…}
These are probably the cutest “how-do-I-organize-all-my-computer-wires-and-cables” ties I’ve seen! Very clever and more aesthetically appealing than say a normal rip-stop cord {or those weird according tubes}. Lufdesign, the Korea-based company that makes these leaf ties, just got more in stock so grab them up quick! {They come in six colors: emerald green, olive, espresso brown, scarlet, white reindeer, and kingfisher blue.}
{Photos via Lufdesign and Min.Song}
Jun29
Not that my piles of dirty clothes mulling in my super-plain laundry hamper {great mental image} aren’t enough to make me do the laundry, but wow, this gray ruffle laundry bag would at least make it slightly more enjoyable.
It can be bought here, for a very dirty-laundry price of $36. {But lets be real: I don’t think I could muster the energy to actually shop for cotton voile, let alone sit down and realize how crappy I am at basting ruffles for 2-3 hours, only to churn out a mediocre replica…}
Apr9
This handheld sewing machine seems crazy! Does it work? I think I’ll have to buy this guy and find out! It might come in handy for quick hemming or craft projects….
{Pocket change price tag: $15}
Oh, but I would love to have this industrial-looking machine! Straight out of 1930…
{Yikes! $300}
Wow, I’m loving the sewing goods that Urban is now promoting. My mom said that sewing was really popular in the ’70s and it looks like there’s a resurgence, especially if sewing supplies are being sold at mainstream stores.
{This looks like a tool from Edward Scissorhands’ home; $12}
{Image via Urban Outfitters}
Feb6
Yay! A new ashleyg print! Great coincidence, since it’s been pouring rain all day here!
“Take Shelter”
