ma vie en rose

Still here!

2011-05-21T22:56:00.001-04:00

Ish. Now that it is finally summer and I have said farewell to the semester I can finally think about tending to this sad little neglected flowerbed of mine. Don't get your hopes up, I said think about it...

In the meantime, I am contemplating a third visit to this exhibit...talk about a boost to my very own pursuit of happiness.

Maira Kalman, Lady Birley, 2003

oops!

2011-02-12T00:26:00.001-05:00

Jill Greenberg, Misinformation, 2006, from her End Times series.

housecleaning on one's blog is probably not best attempted late at night in the throes of exhaustion. I lost my old template and with it my blogroll and other things...posts are still intact, though. I think. and, like I said, a bit of straightening up was in order so I'm hoping this is for the best. clean sweep! anyways, bear with me! technical difficulties blah blah blah.

Photograph courtesy of Guy Hepner, originally via Cup of Jo.

Artwork to Room: à la Turc, by way of Russia

2011-02-11T21:30:00.004-05:00

This one was thump-you-on-your-head obvious, but I couldn't resist.

Jean-Etienne Liotard, Portrait of a Young Woman in Turkish Dress Sitting on a Divan, circa 1750. Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, Geneva.*

Living room of Charles and Olya Thompson, from American Vogue, Jan. 2010.**

* Don't confuse this with the strikingly similar portrait belonging to the Rijksmuseum which is thought to portray Mary Gunning, the Countess of Coventry. Liotard produced several pastels of this ravishing scene but only the one in Amsterdam certainly depicts Lady Coventry. DO, however, click on the image to see more detail. It's my own scan (not the greatest, but the colors are better than anything else I can find), so if you borrow it, please credit the book whose spine I butchered to get the scan:

Jean-Étienne Liotard (1702-1789): Masterpieces from the Musées d’art et d’histoire of Geneva and Swiss Private Collections. New York: Frick Collection, 2006.

This is from one of my old folders and I can't find the rest of the article, but you can see more images at Habitually Chic. Trust me, you'll want to.**

"There are fairies at the bottom of our garden,"

2011-02-11T20:06:00.003-05:00

or, as Andy Warhol would have it, at the bottom of HIS garden.

I wasn't expecting to glean blogging fodder from the art historical feeding frenzy that is CAA (because this is not, whatever you might think, intended to be an art history blog). However, I was bowled over when I recognized JJ Grandville's enchanting 1847 illustrations, "Les Fleurs Animées," from one of my favorite old Bibliodyssey posts, in reference to Andy Warhol's characteristically cheeky, whimsical series of 1956, "In the Bottom of My Garden." I thought you might like to see them as well.

The comparison was remarked upon yesterday by Allison Unruh in a diverting talk on Warhol's rococo references, and all I could think of for the rest of the session was how I couldn't wait to go home and find more images! I'm not going to wax scholarly now...you can read more about the Warhol series here, and click here to see more Grandville.

Perhaps my fondness for these works has an even earlier origin - two beloved books of my childhood, Cicely Mary Barker's Flower Fairies of the Garden and Elsa Beskow's The Flower Festival. Not to mention this. And oh goodness I almost forgot about THIS magical painting by Richard Dadd, one of my favorite little marvels at the Tate Britain:

Even the title, The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke, is enchanting. Unfortunately it loses a lot in reproduction (I really hate when people say that, it can sounds so smug,* but it's TRUE!!) but you should still click on the image - and that little magnifying glass - to see some fraction of the tiny details.

* Or maybe I'm just jealous of their mad world-traveler skillz.

Reproductions courtesy of Guy Hepner, Bibliodyssey and the Tate Britain.

because everyone loves a sale....

2011-02-06T01:00:00.000-05:00

How about a sumptuous silk robe? Imagine yourself curled in a leather wingback chair riddled with craquelure beside a roaring fire, channeling your inner Lady Ottoline Morrell. I know I am. This beauty is marked down from £265 to £143.10. This rounds up to about $230 ... about $200 more than I can afford at the moment, but not everyone is a penniless student, so go wild!

On the more financially palatable front, Flora Douville's luscious watercolor calendars are now $12. What are you waiting for?

If you can click on this link and not find the (admittedly coy) J. Peterman verbiage absolutely irresistible ... well, I admire your willpower. Half off...and this gentleman will be jealous. No mean feat, that. And the gloves aren't half bad either. Did I mention that's a silk lining you see peeking out under there? Magenta silk. Yup.

[please click the gold bar below the gentleman's portrait to zoom in. you won't be sorry.]

Adventures in Stitchery: A Prelude

2011-02-05T16:55:00.002-05:00

Karen Savage, Doll Dress #6, 2009

As you may have gathered, I picked up a new hobby or two recently. I asked for a sewing machine for Christmas. I had expended ridiculous amounts of energy for years thinking about how badly I wanted to learn to sew. Finally, I realized how silly I was and wondered what was stopping me. The answer ... absolutely nothing! Hopefully this will be a place where I can document my fits and starts, successes and failures.

You might wonder - why sewing?

For a visual person as I am, shopping for clothes has been an exercise in frustration. I usually have a very clear idea of what I am looking for, a very clear idea of what suits me, and a very clear (read: miniscule) budget. None of which tends to match up. Ever. And this somehow led to the moment at the laundromat when I realized I had loaded up one of the super-size machines with nearly all black clothes. It's depressing when you realize that in your wardrobe, grey or navy count as pops of color!

Karen Savage, Party Dress #2, 2005

So I fantasize about a custom wardrobe, which is now ever-so-slightly within reach. Not that I'm going to be making tailored garments within the month (or even the year). But you have to start somewhere, right?

Finally, there is the matter of me having my head buried in books all day long. Which is a treat, really, but an exhausting one. Having a strictly unintellectual problem to wrap my head around, being able to glide my fingers over sumptuous fabrics while feasting my eyes on color and pattern - well, it sounds like a dip in the pool (in August, not frigid February!).

Karen Savage, Party Dress # 3, 2007

All amazing photograms by Karen Savage, via Packer Schopf Gallery. I fell in love with her work years ago while interning at my college art museum; we purchased one of her works and spent countless hours fawning over it. See also here.

Artwork to Room: Friedel Dethleffs-Edelmann

2011-02-05T16:26:00.001-05:00

Friedel Dethleffs-Edelmann (1899-1982), Selbstbildnis in der Malkutte [Self-Portrait in Artist's Smock], 1932
Loft Tour: Amsterdam Sugar Warehouse, Loft Life Magazine, 2009

Artwork to Room: Harmony in Blue and Gold

2011-01-22T14:50:00.002-05:00

Why let my two passions be at odds with one another? In an attempt to meld them both while paying an homage to the dearly departed Domino (who didn't love their Outfit to Room feature?), I present: Artwork to Room. It's pretty self-explanatory, and more of a fun exercise in looking than a rhetorical visual analysis...obviously...*

Whistler's Peacock Room, or Harmony in Blue and Gold, now splendidly ensconced at the Freer Gallery, with its chatelaine, La Princesse du Pays de la Porcelaine (Princess from the Land of Porcelain). The story of this amazing room is a must-read.

A guest bedroom in the home of Kate and Andy Spade, who really require no introduction, via my unlabeled clippings (possibly Elle Decor).

* At least I thought it was self-explanatory. But one phone call from my mother later and I realized perhaps in this case I should have specifically explained that I am using the example of the Peacock Room, which is not a self-contained work of art per se, like a painting or a drawing or a sculpture, but rather a gesamtkunstwerk, or total work of art to be examined in its totality. Oooh, now we're getting fancy. What I mean is that the whole room and every object in it, every aspect of its decor, was finely tuned by Whistler and the assembled elements, though they are many, constitute a single artwork which may then be compared the Kate Spade room I have selected as its counterpoint. Oh boy.

Surfacing again, to say...what?

2011-01-22T01:01:00.005-05:00

I miss this blog.

I stopped writing here for very good reasons. Mainly, the stress of constantly needing new and original content meant it wasn't as fun as it used to be. Plus, as much as I loved gathering together ideas and finds and inspiration, I was simply less capable of putting in the time required to, you know, actually be a blogger. Comment responses? What are those again? Graduate school (yup, still in the thick of it!) tends to really force you to rethink your priorities. Blogging was supposed to be a fun and relaxing outlet...it was supposed to relieve the stress I accumulated in my very demanding Ph.D. program, not add to it.

Still, I miss it.

I'm not even sure that anyone could possibly still be reading. But, if you are...you may be seeing just a bit more of me. No promises! But it is a new year, and a new me, with a few new hobbies to boot. I have a good feeling about 2011. We'll see where this adventure takes us.

image credit: Jean-Etienne Liotard (1702-1789), Trompe l'oeil, 1771, courtesy of The Frick Collection, New York

Surfacing briefly to report...

2009-06-15T20:17:00.009-04:00

- Paris is still pretty, rain or shine (mostly rain today, but who cares?).

- Everybody should see a concert at Sainte-Chapelle. Especially if it is the Requiem. At sunset.

- COS: The most awesome store to ever not exist in New York. Well, possibly. But seriously -- they have a Topshop now, why not COS? From the people who brought you H&M -- COS is H&M's chic older sister, at a Zara pricepoint. Their specialty is ultra sophisticated not-basic basics...you follow? Also I am digging their rather snazzy grosgrain-handled shopping bags. For a "budget" store they have really nailed the importance of having a consistent (and consistently stylish) vision.

[Not my picture. Sorreee! But I did love that sofa.]

- You know, I have a pretty thick skin where my name is concerned, but watching French people wallow around trying to pronounce it for five minutes is progressing from funny to just plain sad (I beg them to give it up! It is a lost cause, that dreaded -th sound at the end, which they are unable to pronounce, but noooo - they think they will be the one to finally crack it). Settling for being called "Blight" as the lesser of many evils is a pathetic compromise indeed. OK, Americans have done this too and really they have NO excuse.

- Also. French eggs? I can deal with the day-glo orange yolks but what is up with them and their nasty strong sulfur taste? Also, ditto with the tap water. Though I think we may be able to blame the flouride and steroids and who knows what other scary chemicals we have gotten used to drinking in the good old US of A.

10 Things I Loved About Paris -- Yesterday

2009-06-12T07:22:00.020-04:00

1. The screening room at the musée des Arts décoratifs filled with design-y chairs (I sat in the Eames lounge but was eying the Eero Aarnio Bubble Chair, like everyone else). They showed the most fabulous clips from super stylish movies from the sixties and seventies (Qui êtes-vous, Polly Maggoo?, 2001: A Space Odyssey, La Piscine, Casino Royale -- the first one!) and then, at the end, identified the design chairs that had been featured in each clip. Fun stuff.

2. And yes, I am still obsessed with all of the chairs there...

3. I also loved the exhibit, Assez Rouge Que Possible (as red as possible), which cleverly displayed red furniture and artworks of all eras together.

4. My snack at a cafe in the Palais Royal. When one must be pampered, one can't do much better than tea and gooey chocolate cake. And hey, I took a picture this time!

5. The Palais Royal itself, which, despite being a construction zone, still managed to be stunningly beautiful.

6. The Calder show at the Centre Pompidou. Which, somehow, I managed to miss when it was at the Whitney. Like most people, I have always identified Calder with his mobiles but not known much past that. But his wonderful circus, and spare yet somehow incredibly apt and cutting wire portraits, are really remarkable and I am glad that he is getting so much attention with this retrospective!

7. Also, I got a kick out of the fact that Calder's Paris studio, where he produced wire portraits of luminaries like Josephine Baker, and Kiki de Montparnasse, was on my tiny little street, two doors down from my apartment. Here's Kiki outside of the studio, with her portrait.

8. The Kandinsky exhibit was overwhelming. But stunning.

Présentation de l'exposition Kandinsky au Centre Pompidou
envoyé par centrepompidou. - Futurs lauréats du Sundance.

9. I was happy to go back to the exuberant Niki de Saint-Phalle fountain outside of the Pompidou...

10. ...And to end the day with a sunset walk along the Seine.

Musée des Arts décoratifs

2009-06-11T17:58:00.017-04:00

So ... aquamaniles are always fantastic but I loved this one.

Gorgeous intarsia panels...nothing beats the Gubbio Studio, but these were pretty great.

Amazing, amazing cabinet filled with row after row of little knicknacks and doodads - perfume flacons, tiny figurines, compacts, and lighters all lined up like toy soldiers.

Bon appétit!

I heart this chair (oh lord did I really just write that?).

The most amazing little traveling tea set! For a very chic pique-nique indeed.

An elegant Parisian drawing room circa 1790.

I wanted to take this Empire tea set home.

Giacometti hardware for doors and drawers (wretched photo, sorry).

CHAIRS!

Honestly, my favorite part of the whole museum was the view out of its quirky little windows...the Tuileries, the rue de Rivoli, the Tour Eiffel... well, you really couldn't go wrong.

More tomorrow...I am nodding over the keyboard (this seems to be a common theme lately). I can only blame the murky photos on the fact that flash photography was verboten.

ETA: And tack on about 9 hours to the timer below, because it is actually more like 1 a.m. - I am not ancient or indolent!

Wouldn't you want to live here?

2009-06-11T13:18:00.000-04:00

"It was one of those delightfully irregular houses where you go up and down steps out of one room into another, and where you come upon more rooms when you think you have seen all there are, and where there is a bountiful provision of little halls and passages, and where you find still older cottage-rooms in unexpected places, with lattice windows and green growth pressing through them. Mine, which we entered first, was of this kind, with an up-and-down roof, that had more corners in it than I ever counted afterwards, and a chimney (there was a wood fire on the hearth) paved all around with pure white tiles, in every one of which a bright miniature of the fire was blazing. Out of this room, you went down two steps, into a charming little sitting-room, looking down upon a flower-garden, which room was henceforth to belong to Ada and me. Out of this you went up three steps, into Ada’s bedroom, which had a fine broad window, commanding a beautiful view (we saw a great expanse of darkness lying underneath the stars), to which there was a hollow window-seat, in which, with a spring-lock, three dear Adas might have been lost at once. Out of this room, you passed into a little gallery, with which the other best rooms (only two) communicated, and so, by a little staircase of shallow steps, with a number of corner stairs in it, considering its length, down into the hall. But if, instead of going out at Ada’s door; you came back into my room, and went out at the door by which you had entered it, and turned up a few crooked steps that branched off in an unexpected manner from the stairs, you lost yourself in passages, with mangles in them, and three-cornered tables, and a Native-Hindoo chair, which was also a sofa, a box, and a bedstead, and looked, in every form, something between a bamboo skeleton and a great bird-cage, and had been brought from India nobody knew by whom or when. From these, you came on Richard’s room, which was part library, part sitting-room, part bed-room, and seemed indeed a comfortable compound of many rooms. Out of that, you went straight, with a little interval of passage, to the plain room where Mr Jarndyce slept, all the year round, with his window open, his bedstead without any furniture standing in the middle of the floor for more air, and his cold-bath gaping for him in a smaller room adjoining. Out of that, you came into another passage, where there were back-stairs, and where you could hear the horses being rubbed down, outside the stable, and being told to Hold up, and Get over, as they slipped about very much on the uneven stones. Or you might, if you came out at another door (every room had at least two doors), go straight down to the hall again by half-a-dozen steps and a low archway, wondering how you got back there, or had ever got out of it.

The furniture, old-fashioned rather than old, like the house, was as pleasantly irregular. Ada’s sleeping-room was all flowers — in chintz and paper, in velvet, in needle-work, in the brocade of two stiff courtly chairs, which stood, each attended by a little page of a stool for greater state, on either side of the fire-place. Our sitting-room was green; and had, framed and glazed, upon the walls, numbers of surprising and surprised birds, staring out of pictures at a real trout in a case, as brown and shining as if it had been served with gravy; at the death of Captain Cook; and at the whole process of preparing tea in China, as depicted by Chinese artists. In my room there were oval engravings of the months — ladies haymaking in short waists, and large hats tied under the chin, for June — smooth-legged noblemen, pointing, with cocked-hats, to village steeples, for October. Half-length portraits, in crayons, abounded all through the house; but were so dispersed that I found the brother of a youthful officer of mine in the china-closet, and the grey old age of my pretty young bride, with a flower in her bodice, in the breakfast room. As substitutes, I had four angels, of Queen Anne’s reign, taking a complacent gentleman to heaven, in festoons, with some difficulty; and a composition in needle-work representing fruit, a kettle, and an alphabet. All the movables, from the wardrobes to the chairs and tables, hangings, glasses, even to the pincushions and scent-bottles on the dressing-tables, displayed the same quaint variety. They agreed in nothing but their perfect neatness, their display of the whitest linen, and their storing-up, wheresoever the existence of a drawer, small or large, rendered it possible, of quantities of rose-leaves and sweet lavender. Such, with its illuminated windows, softened here and there by shadows of curtains, shining out upon the star-light night; with its light, and warmth, and comfort; with its hospitable jingle, at a distance, of preparations for dinner; with the face of its generous master brightening everything we saw; and just wind enough without to sound a low accompaniment to everything we heard; were our first impressions of Bleak House."

From the sixth chapter of Bleak House, by Charles Dickens. Also, don't miss the superb BBC adaptation.

Things that don't have anything to do with Paris but make me smile anyway...

2009-06-10T09:38:00.007-04:00

This story about a series of magical boats built out of New York "garbage" and sailed to Venice for the Biennale. I call the one with the swing!

Izia bag, by Jamin Puech. Because, well, it's gorgeous. via

This exhibit, now in Florence, which I am sadly going to miss ...

Back to working on my paper...unfortunately a very UN-smiley task.

10 Things I Loved About Paris Today

2009-06-09T17:11:00.027-04:00

Computers really suck sometimes. And I'm bone tired. But still - I'm in Paris, I can't complain! Now on to the good stuff.

1. My perfectly French breakfast of tea and tartine at a sidewalk cafe on the rue Daguerre. Sorry, no pictures! Because I am still bashful about taking photos of my food in public (unlike some).

2. Meeting an old old friend with the sense that nothing had changed -- even though we hadn't seen each other since I was a wee high school student. We just picked up right where we left off. And lunch near the Panthéon was yum.

3. Despite the rainy day, a plucky blue patch of sky still peeked through. A few gratuitous Seine pics ahead - because, well, you can never have too many of those. It was raining when I took these, on the Pont St. Michel (you can see the Conciergerie to the left).

4. I got my reader's card at the BnF, which was about a hundred times easier than I had expected, no red tape in sight. Just loads of marble and a marvelous tiny bookshop, where I picked up these two lovelies on sale:

5. I left the library, worn out (not even having done any research or looked at any prints...I'm telling you, this registration business is life-sucking), and sat in the park across the street...London may have the most parks but Paris has its fair share of lovely bits of green.

6. I then stumbled over to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (the BnF is just north of the Palais Royal so it's just a bit further south to the Louvre). They were closing in a demi-heure,
so I just took refuge in the gift shop which was design heaven. Don't mind the gross window reflections...

7. Speaking of reflections -- this window in one of the antique shops near the Louvre killed me. It's hard to tell from the picture but this vignette is made entirely of sea shells...pure whimsy. Um, don't mind the umbrella...

8. So I finally went back to my favorite bookstore in the world (so far). Seriously. Have you ever been to a store where it seems like all of the inventory was chosen with you in mind? Well that's how I feel about Galignani. And today their windows were done up in an 18th century/revolution/Napoleon theme which just proves it. Also, they have Persephone books...this alone is reason for a visit.

9. I always come out of Galignani with a mile-long wishlist. Not sure how this is a good thing...it just is!

10. The best reason to go to Galignani, besides Galignani itself, is because it is next door to Angelina, where you too can taste their Chocolat African hot chocolate (pure heaven). I had a Coupe Mont Blanc, which is basically their famous Mont Blanc dessert in ice cream and now I can go to sleep with sugared chestnuts dancing in my dreams...wait, that's not quite it...

10 Things I Loved About Paris Today...

2009-06-07T12:58:00.017-04:00

1. The fact that everything is closed on Sunday - yes, really. It reminds you that people have lives here and the daily grind is not a priority. I know it is really a Parisian cliché, but life does move more slowly here, which makes everything just that much more sweet.

2. This little glove shop on the Rue de Rennes. I spent all of fall and winter in New York hunting for the perfect pair of buttery soft, fantastically detailed gloves only to come up short. In New York! Now here we are...in Paris. In euros. Sigh.

3. While the rue de Rennes was a ghost town this afternoon, Ladurée was bustling. I went to the less famous location on the rue Bonaparte. I think I may like this one better than the other, which is all gold and cupids and pink cloud confections. The tearoom is set up like an oriental café in the jungle -- wait, that sounded terrible, but it was lovely. The ceiling is tented with green striped ticking and there are green and red leather campaign chairs - the folding kind but they somehow still look cushy. The ceiling is held up by towering metal palm trees, which is not as Magic Kingdom as it sounds, and best of all is the chinoiserie mural covering the walls. I enjoyed my mini (really mini!) pistachio macaron and chocolat chaud but am looking forward to future visits to chez Angelina...their hot chocolate is so sinfully rich and thick that a full serving practically requires detox.

4. How the waiters at Ladurée made it seem like it was their fault that I knocked over the newspaper rack as I was coming in (they kept apologizing! and I kept apologizing! who won?). To be fair, the thing was so rickety that it probably would collapse at the introduction of a light breeze, but still...

5. This young swell's dapper necktie at the Musée Délacroix.

6. The geese (geese!) in the window of this gallery on the rue des Beaux-Arts in Saint-Germain.

7. How lovely Paris is, even (especially?) in the rain - when everything gleams. (1 - the Pont des Arts; 2 - the Rue Récamier)

8. Nancy Mitford was here! ( maybe?)

9. Peeking through the gated windows of this magical antiques store on the Place Furstenberg, near the rue Jacob.

10. For Mom -- a bookstore with gardening books (à droite) and design books (à gauche) on the rue Jacob.

11. Bonus -- this fantastical former seafood storefront - or poissonerie - (reconfigured to a Boissonerie) on the rue de Seine.

[as always, click the pictures to enlarge]

10 Things I Loved About Paris Today...

2009-06-05T15:27:00.016-04:00

[click to enlarge - well, all but the first two!]

1. My apartment building, with its twisty, creaky flights of stairs and cheerful yellow and white trim. Who wouldn't want to come home to that door? The pretty courtyard, too, complete with a friendly kitty (not pictured, mostly because it would not stay still...).

2. Who knew the Jardin du Luxembourg had a beekeeping school? Ha - when I first came upon this little fenced-in area, I thought it was some kind of avant-garde installation using bits of cobbled together old school desks. Um, right...

3. So everybody knows that the old men in Paris love to play pétanque. But did you know that the boules courts in the Jardin du Luxembourg actually have a rail with hangers so you can take your jacket off while you play?! As my mom said...only in France!

4. Filippo Lippi's luminous Vierge de la Ceinture, at the Lippi exhibit at Musee du Luxembourg. Sorry, icky picture.

5. Walking down one of those narrow, winding streets and seeing Saint-Sulpice suddenly appear out of (seemingly) thin air. See:

6. This funny little relief on the rue du Jardinet, near place de l'Odeon.

7. The tiny dog heads adorning the windows of a veterinarian's office in Saint-Germain-des-Prés:

8. The fact that my first view of the Seine (totally unexpected, I was way further north than I thought) was of les bouquinistes:

9. Enjoying my Berthillon ice cream cone (chocolat noir and pain d'épices, with fresh chunks of gingerbread!) in my favorite little park on the tip of the Ile St-Louis.

10. Vintage French cars. Also, the vespas which are EVERYWHERE. Ensue vespa envy.

11. OK, one more as a bonus. The inimitable Parisian skies. Really, there is nothing like it anywhere in the world. Just wait till I show you a sunset...

I'm officially in love...

2009-06-03T01:54:00.004-04:00

With the bundle packing technique.

Seriously -- it just changed my life. There is space. In my suitcase. Leftover space. How is this possible?

via

To get myself in the mood for Paris (um, not like that's really necessary)...

2009-06-02T22:12:00.004-04:00

I have finally been reading - no, devouring - this - which has been on my huge long "to read" list since September. Oh, graduate school!

I've never won any awards for brevity (massive understatement - also I could be fined for rampant abuse of parentheses) but I really am trying. Really really. So I will just say: READ IT! If you haven't already. And tell me what you think.

The One Where She Goes On, and On, and Turns a Simple Introduction Into That (not even a twinkle in her eye) Forthcoming Dissertation...

2009-06-02T22:04:00.005-04:00

So, this whole blogging thing...

I don't know if I'm going to start it back up again, but, well, you may have heard I'm going on a trip, and this seemed like the perfect way to keep everyone apprised of my whereabouts. It saves me from having to recount the same events/details umpteen subtly differently worded emails (though you can still email me!), and plus -- there will be pictures! Ooo. So it's a combination of laziness and my desire to keep a record of all things lovely, odd, quirky, or otherwise spectacular I come across. I love to live vicariously through other people's travels, maybe you will too.

I kept a journal last time, too, and it was pretty much the best idea I ever had, but trying to read through my copious scribblings (liberally sprinkled with chocolat chaud splotches and massive pen leakage - from when my beloved Pilot V6 tragically committed sepukku and bled out while I was writing on the plane ride home) was kind of a pain. Maybe I will still do something similar, just for myself -- that is, unless you want to hear every last lame detail of he-said-she-said, here's-what-i-ate-tonight kind of ramblings. Right.

Well really this whole trip is a selfish undertaking -- it will be nice to have six-odd weeks of me-me-me with a little bit of compromise thrown in towards the end when I meet Sydney in Prague. I hope you will enjoy seeing a bit of me doing what I want to do, when I want to do it, amidst the splendors and whimsies of various European capitals...

If this is anything like the last time, I foresee many tests of my chocolat chaud connoisseurship (yes, even and/or especially in the summer), musty used bookshops, quirky little shoebox museums, grand old manses, garden hedges and rude drunken train companions. Wait, scratch that last (I hope!). Hopefully no more disasters on the epic level of passport thievery. And maybe this time I will finally learn why it is not a good idea to come home with a backpack, duffel and suitcase bursting at the seams with a million more books that I still do not need or have room for or can even carry (despite having shipped a boxfull back already). But oh...

Anyways, here's the plan:

June 3rd - June 23rd PARIS
June 23rd (soir) - June 29 (matin) FLORENCE
JUNE 29th - most whirlwind trip to Venice ever, oh indeed, and there really is a good explanation
June 30th (soir) - hurtling through the countryside on an express night train to VIENNA - where I will be thru July 4th
July 4th (soir) - July 8th PRAGUE (arriving just in time for Mozart's Requiem, then a rendez-vous with little sis on 5th)
July 8th - July 16th LONDON then HOME

The goal is to post every night-ish (hopefully without keeling over on my keyboard from exhaustion from the long day, though that would make for some interesting entries...), but as much as I can try to make sure every place I stay will have wireless or some kind of internet, I'm not counting on it. This is not including my time in Paris -- I will try to post when I can but I will be doing research there as well which is less exciting (at least for you! as for myself, I am praying for a dusty library or three). And obviously trains don't have the internets, so you will have to do without my delightful ramblings on July 30th for sure, aren't I sweet for warning you in advance? Other than that, I can only promise to do my best...

p.s. this is really intended to keep friends and family up to date, but if you are a former reader who is still subscribing then THANK YOU for being so beautifully patient and although this isn't quite the same, I hope you'll get something out of it. there will be lots of pretty, I promise! if for some reason I end up setting this whole thing to private (or only certain posts), feel free to ask to be let in...

p.p.s. comments of any sort (particularly nice ones, obvs) are appreciated, but lurking's cool too, I guess...obviously tips and suggestions are welcome.

If Wishes Were Horses...

2007-12-15T20:00:00.001-05:00

then beggars would ride. And all of my worries would be gone. And some of these things would be under the tree come Christmas day:

A collage by Aja Robb (this or this)

Iosselliani ring, via style a work in progress

Maria Kalman's Principles of Uncertainty

Libretto Tray, by John Derian

A black chapeau by BoringSidney

Felt flowers placemats by Gabrielle Lewin

This Is For You, by Rob Ryan

Neighborhood Ring by J.Davis.Studio

John Currin monograph (or, a less expensive version)

And I Built a Dream by Shawn Stucky

Orla Kiely Wellies

Jonathan Adler Utopia Birdcage Jar

I am terribly sorry about the dearth of posts/responses to comments. I do appreciate each and every one of you readers. I'm stressed out about a lot of things and blogging is the last thing on my mind.

Bing Bang Crackle Clutch (say that six times fast!)

2007-12-04T23:08:00.000-05:00

Oh please, Santa...I may not need this artsy yet refined little handbag, (at least not like I need a pair of chic yet practical winter shoes), but I really want it, and it's 50 percent off - how can you deny me the ownership of this bag of contradictions?

Sigh. At least I tried.

Yes, more calendars...

2007-12-04T17:19:00.001-05:00

I know that everyone has been (rightly) going ga-ga over all of the amazing calendars coming out for 2008. (See decor8 and poppytalk for two great examples). I've been avoiding posting about them for that reason - there has been such good coverage by other bloggers! However, two of my favorites don't seem to have come up much in the blogosphere.

One is by Rachel Bone, of Red Prairie Press. I've been transfixed by her artwork since seeing this lyrical watercolor of hers, The Harbingers, on poppytalk, so I was very happy to see (thanks to Bloesem) that she has come out with a calendar for 2008.

The Dolphin Studios calendar is produced by the Ffrench family. They have been doing this, in collaboration, for decades. What a wonderful project! Each family member, grandchildren included, gets to design their own month according to their birth date. Each month is thus unique in style and simply gorgeous to boot.

Dan-ah Kim

2007-11-29T15:46:00.001-05:00

I love this new print, I Kept Missing Your Train, by perennial Etsy fave Dan-ah Kim. Maybe because I'm obsessed with Hello Stranger, which is hanging on my wall right now...

There are several great new pieces up at her shop, it's definitely worth a visit.

Silhouette Scarf

2007-11-29T15:34:00.000-05:00

As the days grow ever colder, people start to look all the same...Chicago becomes a parade of North Face-sporting drones. Do what you must to stay warm, but don't forget to inject a dose of individuality into your outer gear. It makes all the difference!

You've heard it all before - I love silhouettes, blah blah blah... so I don't feel as though I have to elaborate further. This fantastic scarf from Teal Town doesn't really require elaboration, anyways. Winter accessories can be cozy AND fun, I promise!

More awesomely big hair....

2007-11-28T18:52:00.001-05:00

I wish I had seen this print by little doodles when I did my big hair roundup. This would have been the icing on the cake! Definitely swing by the artist's etsy shop to see her other wonderful wares.

Clearly, Kate Spade wishes you a VERY happy holiday

2007-11-28T18:23:00.000-05:00

I just love to display a bit of humor in my accessories, and this tongue-in-chic (sorry, couldn't resist!) keychain by Kate Spade would make the perfect stocking stuffer for...well, just about any special lady in your life.

Really, I initially intended to post only about the above keychain but the peacock-themed holiday tableware elsewhere on the website was just too fantastic too ignore. To wit:

festive peacock demitasse cup and saucer

festive peacock cake plate

festive peacock ornaments

On a wholly selfish and hedonistic note, can I please take the time to say that I hope I will never be cured of my rampant consumerism? Sure, it means my life will be filled with ... window shopping, but can anything compare to the commingled pain and pleasure of coveting an elusive yet amazing _______ (fill in the blank)?

I guess consumerism is sort of the wrong word for what I feel - I'm not in love with the act of spending money or acquiring goods, but in the wholehearted appreciation for unique and beautiful objects, whether they cost $5 or $500. The former is in fact even more enjoyable, because everyone loves a bargain!

Doilies...

2007-11-28T17:53:00.000-05:00

I LOVED Holly from Decor8's massive new trend post on doilies. These are not your grandmother's doilies!

I began to notice the build-up of lacy imagery this autumn. It seems to go along with the prevailing trend towards cozy, nostalgic crafts with a twist.

Her post was especially pertinent because I just picked up a doily-like bowl I have been coveting, on sale at Anthropologie, just yesterday. It looks very much like the Unblossom salt crystal bowl which she mentions. They're not available online as far as I can tell, but I have seen them in the sale sections of several Chicago-area Anthropologie stores, so check with your local boutique if you're interested.

Holiday Stockings

2007-11-26T14:20:00.000-05:00

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, I feel it's finally safe to tell you about the wonderful felt-appliqued stockings I saw at the Art Institute of Chicago's gift shop several weeks ago. They're even on sale online! The Poinsettia is my favorite.

Dots Stocking

Poinsettia Stocking

Striped Stocking

Merci Beaucoup

2007-11-26T12:41:00.000-05:00

So as you may have gathered from last week's solitary post, I've been rather busy preparing for graduate school applications. At the moment I'm (busily) trying not to think about the GRE which I am taking tonight.

An important part of a graduate application is, of course, the letters of recommendation. Upon realizing, of course, that thank you notes must be sent to my recommenders at some point, I perked up at the idea of picking out the perfect card. Sure, I could use my regular Eames stationery (which I highly recommend) but it feels more special to choose actual thank-you cards for this specific purpose. I would like it to be apparent that I spent as much consideration on the outside of the card as the inside. In this situation, where someone has devoted a lot of time and effort for your benefit, it seems thoughtless to send them a meaningful message inside a card that reflects a thirty-second decision at the Walgreens card kiosk.

My requirement is that they be aesthetically pleasing, with an interesting design, on good quality paper. The vast majority of thank you cards, I have found, can only be described as "cute" (think daisies and buttercups and all those fun things) which obviously would not do here. Elegant and professional (but never boring) is my goal. Somehow, I would love the card to reflect my personality in a subtle way. Here's what I came up with...

Snow and Graham is a personal favorite of mine and I love that they're a Chicago company. Their designs are gorgeous for any occasion.

Eucalyptus Thank-You from Greer

Leaves Thank-You from Greer

I've featured this faux bois card by Blue Snail Papers before...I just love it. But is it too exuberant to send on this occasion?

Ditto with this super fun Merci Buckets card by Armato Design

The multilayered design of this card by Binth, another Chicago line, is just gorgeous.

Finally ... for a long time, I have wanted a good excuse to send one of the decadent yet elegant cards by Jezebel. (Like you need an excuse?) They're a little bit quirky but still sophisticated. And they're SO me - my first-ever post here was about my obsession with silhouettes.
There are several thank-you themed designs to choose from:

The only question is....which to pick?!

Hiatus...

2007-11-19T20:04:00.000-05:00

Sorry, guys...

I'm in the middle of filling out graduate school applications, writing essays, combating a work deadline, and preparing for the GRE which I am taking a week from today. Not to mention the upcoming holiday. So I'm warning you now - posting this week is going to be awfully spotty.

"I'm sorry" postcard from bread + butter

Books again, you say?

2007-11-15T10:34:00.000-05:00

Now that I have made it clear to you all that I am, indeed, something of a bibliophile, book-related post inspiration seems to be seeping out of the ether. With all of the (spectacularly well-deserved) accolades from bloggers regarding Jen Bekman's new project, 20x200, I decided to steer clear of posting of it unless I had a good reason.

Today's reason made itself clear to me last night, in the announcement of Wednesday's print, Word Study by Mickey Smith.

Yup...books! I absolutely love the concept behind Smith's series, Volume, of which this is a part. Smith's focus is on the replacement of tangible books and journals in research libraries, with their online equivalent - something with which any recent student would be familiar. Smith writes, "Searching endless rows of these utilitarian texts, I am struck by the physical mass of knowledge and tenuousness of printed works as they fade from public consciousness." I loved reading about his process. Such a thoughtful artist has created a striking photograph that would stand out on any wall. It can be yours, for only $20....

I can personally vouch for the quality of the 20x200 prints. I bought the last $20 print of The Faceted Couroucou by Carrie Marril and was stunned by the richness of the print quality. It's really a beautiful piece, and you can tell that much love was put into the making of it.

Embellished Bottles are a Joy Forever

2007-11-14T21:28:00.000-05:00

My deep adoration for these embellished bottles by the ever-talented Laura Normandin coincides perfectly with my inexplicable fixation on beautiful objects without any clear purpose. Besides just sitting around and looking pretty. Sure, they're bottles, and ostensibly you can store things in them - I suppose they'd make lovely bud vases, toothpick holders, etc. - but why fill them with things which will probably just obscure the beautiful decoration on the exterior?

I don't have a practical bone in my body. But if I get one of these for Christmas, Santa, I promise I would be a very, very good girl - the soul of practicality. Yup.

Not happening.

Au secours!

2007-11-13T14:04:00.001-05:00

There's nothing I love better than a sale that benefits a good cause. Phoenix-based artist Tiphanie Brooke of Antigirl needs your help. Due to some turmoil in her personal life (we've all been there) she's having a blowout sale of her work, which has previously been featured on Love Made Visible. Her beautiful collages and books would make wonderful holiday gifts.

I personally love her sketchbooks

but her exquisite collages are the real winners. You can now get four for $65. So what are you waiting for?

Wisteria's Translucent Bird Lamp

2007-11-12T10:48:00.000-05:00

Knowing my obsession with anything and everything avian, I was unsurprised when I fell in love with this gorgeous translucent bird lamp from Wisteria.

It would be wonderful in any setting, traditional or modern. This time of year, when the darkness seems to creep up so insidiously, beautiful lamps that project their warmth into the room are more important than ever.

Long Overdue...

2007-11-10T18:04:00.000-05:00

Sorry about my unannounced absence Thursday and Friday. Last week was the most stressful week ever....gosh I seem to be saying that a lot lately. I have a lot on my mind, and although I had lots of ideas for posts, I knew that I had more important priorities that wouldn't get done if I spent all of my time blogging!

Anyways, today I finally took the time to do something I've been meaning to do for FOREVER. I mean, at least six months. I updated my blog roll. There is a plethora of deserving bloggers out there who merit a mention, so I exhort you to check out the updated links to the right (I'm slipping in my GRE vocabulary, did you notice?). Let me know if I'm missing any wonderful blogs, or if you'd like to be added...

Seems like the fashion blog links are lagging well behind those on design. I've been posting a lot less about fashion lately, mostly because I don't have money to buy clothes and it makes me sad.

Hi, My Name is Blythe, and I Judge Books By Their Covers....

2007-11-10T15:56:00.000-05:00

It's funny - I don't post much about books here. Well, I suppose I sort of do, but not as much as I think about them. So you might not know this. But I am a huuuuuuge book person. Old books, new books, borrowed books, blue books. When I was little, my idea of fun was a visit to the local public library. I love the irreplaceable sensation of reading - the smell of the pages, the way they feel against my hands, the different typesettings and of course their covers. Not to mention the transcendent experience of a great story which is of course the whole point. I spent my childhood ensconced in other worlds, other times and places. And I wouldn't have had it any other way.

These days, I could probably build a house with all of my books. But that doesn't stop me from accruing more each month. I've actually been very good recently - maybe because I've been buying teapots instead! But my caution was tested when I came across this article, "Bound for Posterity, in the Telegraph about the Folio Society.

Eliminate any suspicions and or prejudices you may have about book clubs, as it is so much more than that (and they don't send you books in the mail every month!). I'll let the article convince you, as it did me, but a simple visit to their website just might do the trick. They put so much loving care into the production of each edition, and the gorgeous covers alone are proof of this. I'm dying to get my hands on these - and considering the quality and beauty of each volume, the Society offers a remarkable value. Any of their tomes would be a remarkable Christmas gift for the book lover in your life.

Oh My Cavalier!

2007-11-07T15:20:00.000-05:00

I've never been quiet about my praise for Julianna Swaney's wonderful work, so I thought I might let you all know that there have been some extraordinary things pouring into her Etsy shop of late. As usual, it's dreamy, whimsical, magical...you get the picture.

If I could, I'd splurge on this set of three marvelous etchings, imbued with a sense of the macabre by their juxtapositioning of 18th century ladies decked out in all their finery with giant creepie crawlies. It's like Marie Antoinette meets Them!

For those with a more realistic budget, this bird girl with ruff print is wonderful. I love the richness of the deep orange paper, and the striking contrast between the background, the delicate line drawing and the white ruff.

Plus she's got loads of new holiday-themed goodies. My favorites of the bunch are these darling mouse gift tags. There is nothing like receiving a gift which is totally handmade, inside and out.

Fancy a cuppa?

2007-11-06T19:50:00.000-05:00

I've recently become obsessed with teapots. Yes, teapots. It all started on that fated day at the Sandwich flea market when I discovered a tiny, perfect little yellow teapot embellished with golden daisies. Since then I've been like a woman possessed. Well, that's an exaggeration maybe, but let's just say I spend a lot of time browsing for "vintage teapot" and its variants on ebay.

And Grace's recent teapot roundup only fanned the flames. Speaking of which, if anyone wants to spend a ridiculous amount of money on me I would love you forever if you got me an Tea Set by Christine Misiak. Ahem.

What I mean to say is...the good thing about being obsessed with something as commonplace (yet frivolous) as a tea pot is that you have a lot of price points to choose from...from $4 to $400.

At $26, this adorable skull embellished tea set is just right. I love the contrast of such a traditionally "hard core" symbol with something as cozy as a tea set. And I'm tickled by the cartoony quality of its big loop handles.

Terrariums

2007-11-06T19:04:00.000-05:00

If you haven't already seen Joanna Goddard's post about Cookie magazine's terrarium slide show, I suggest you take a look! These may have been produced with an eye towards the wee ones, but who says kids can have all the fun? I have always been fascinated by terrariums - if Blake could see a world in a grain of sand, encapsulating one beneath a glass dome can't be all that difficult...

I love Cookie's imaginative and whimsical take on this ancient art. If you don't have the inclination to make your own, I think Brookstone's Ecosphere globe is lovely.

Blue Monday

2007-11-05T14:18:00.000-05:00

So....it's Monday. A rather chilly and definitely gloomy Monday which began, for me, with the sad, sad announcement of the closing of House and Garden.

I thought I'd leave you all on a lighter note, with this bit of silliness:

via AT:SF

Eye spy a holiday gift...

2007-11-02T15:44:00.001-04:00

For your favorite art geek.

Van Gah, by Jason Snyder

Brought to you by the brilliant folks at Keep Calm.

Species by the Thousands

2007-11-02T15:28:00.000-04:00

I really am loving these basswood plaques adorned with delicate, hand painted floral silhouettes. Slightly gothic, rather organic and definitely romantic. What a great way to add texture to a wall arrangement.

Produced by Brooklyn-based Species by the Thousands, these plaques can be found at the Shiny Squirrel Boutique.

Black Roses

Hummingbird

Speaking of talented modernist muses....

2007-11-01T17:47:00.000-04:00

I seriously love Jonathan Adler's surreal, stylized Dora Maar vase, and now he is making a candle version which is a bit more affordable. The best part: once the candle's melted down, you can use it as a gorgeous vessel for anything you'd like: loose change, potpourri (ick), etc.

I know that most people buy candles for their scent, but this is a design blog - who cares what the candle smells like so long as it looks gorgeous?

I kid, I kid. I'm sure it smells wonderful.

Cate Blanchett as la femme surréaliste?

2007-11-01T16:49:00.001-04:00

This month's iD cover:

Man Ray's photograph of Lee Miller from 1930 (cropped).

I haven't seen the issue yet, so I'm not sure that they're really invoking surrealism here - in any case, I'm reading Miller's fascinating biography by Carolyn Burke and it made me wonder...

D'you know anyone who was born in 1958?

2007-10-31T02:46:00.000-04:00

I think this calendar towel would make a really fun gift for the right person.

Cutest. Teapot. Ever.

2007-10-30T21:14:00.000-04:00

No, I mean it, this one really takes the cake. Found this Saturday at the musty Heritage Trail (Antique) Mall on Ridge Rd. in Wilmette. I went in with no expectations, and I came out with my new baby, and a reminder that I am rather allergic to dust. My mom and I spotted a few very special pieces amidst a lot of junk. I was only able to come home with this one, but I think I will be back. Definitely worth the hunt.

Sorry about the crummy photo - I will re-try tomorrow!

My dream dresser

2007-10-28T23:08:00.000-04:00

If only shipping alone didn't cost $300 ... it's so close, so close.
Please, someone tell me where I can find this in Chicago, for under $200?
I guess I'll just keep dreaming. And, you know, haunting Craigslist. Rattling chains and all.

Neutralismo

2007-10-26T14:06:00.000-04:00

As much as I love color, lately I've been gravitating towards a lot of neutral toned art. It's not as boring as you might think, and the lack of vibrant colors leaves you free to contemplate intricate detail or interesting compositions.

I know that several of these artists or their works may be familiar to you, but I thought you might appreciate seeing them in this context - and for those of you who don't recognize them, I think they deserve introduction.

Relocation by Lilly Piri

A Cage for Two by Little Robot

On Beauty print by Hammerpress

Trying, by Dan-ah Kim

Ornament print, by Abigail Percy

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists poster by The Small Stakes

The Suffragette by bees knees industries

Got a light?

2007-10-25T16:08:00.000-04:00

I've been looking for a few red items to balance out the tidal wave of greens and yellows that have taken over my living room. I love them to death, but it's always nice to spice things up - and since my curtains have a red accent, I thought I would accentuate that a bit. I never thought I would decorate with red (kind of like I never, ever thought I would decorate with orange) but it seems to have insinuated itself into my taste with incredible ease. Rather than allow myself to be intimidated by its way of dominating a room, I've come to appreciate the impact red can give to a space in small doses.

You can imagine my pleasure when I came across these Folk Art Flames at Wisteria.

I'm not sure if I could bring myself to actually use them, though. They're too pretty!

With my luck, I'd probably start a fire anyways. My Macbook power cord has been acting up lately - making weird popping sounds. Tuesday night, it was feeling pretty hot, and all of a sudden I looked at it and all of the plastic near the part where the cord attaches to my laptop had melted. Yes, melted. So today I have a shiny new cord and a very wary mindset.

My Top Five...

2007-10-23T15:41:00.001-04:00

from the Domino decorating contest (in no special order):

Maggie from LA

Jessica from NYC

Heidi from Brooklyn

Albert from Elberon, NJ

Steven from LA

Obviously this is a matter of individual taste - I am attracted to highly colorful eclectic spaces with unique details and a personal feel. I might have felt let down by the finalists chosen, and I might not be the only one, but I'm sure there are plenty of people that absolutely loved all of the choices and had no problem with the lack of range. Which is just fine ;)

domino disappoints

2007-10-23T14:13:00.000-04:00

Wow. I never imagined that I would be saying this, but I was really disappointed with the finalists chosen for the domino decorating contest.

There were so many wonderful spaces to choose from, and I felt like this was really domino's opportunity show us something different and new. Not that there was anything wrong with the entries - all of them were quite lovely, but excepting Stephen's wild and wacky living room (very Jonathan Adler!), they were all extremely similar, rather conservative traditional-with-a-twist rooms. This was a chance to WOW us with the creativity of everyday people - not just the people with an aesthetic that we see every month in upscale shelter mags. Is that asking too much?

Click here to see what I'm talking about.

I would love to hear your opinion on this. Am I the only one who feels this way?

Sheets...

2007-10-22T17:51:00.000-04:00

I think I'm in love.

That is, if it is possible to be in love with a textile. From Pottery Barn.

I'm crazy about whimsical, Scandinavian-style prints, so when I saw these sheets on Apartment Therapy, I just about flipped.

It's cuuuute right?
My sheets have been driving me crazy. It's not their fault - they're beautiful old Pierre Frey sheets that I've had for about a million years. I'm very fond of them. And they've aged well. But they've got that French country, shabby chic look that, while lovely, does not really go with my decor. It's been hard for me to find cute, inexpensive sheets that aren't so cheap that I fear nightly rashes. It's amazingly difficult to find sophisticated linens for twin beds.

I thought it would be a good time to post about my sheet saga (lots of sagas around here!) since it's bedroom week for the AT Cure...while I don't have a bedroom, per se, and my sheets are stored in a bin in the closet during the day, I still would like to sleep with pretty sheets as consolation for the fact that I don't have a real bed.

For months, I've obsessed over these sheets from Dwell. Of course, I waited too long to jump on them. They even went on sale, but I was broke and didn't want to pay $69.99 - I just kept telling myself I would buy them next week...until one day I went on the website and they were gooone. Out of stock. Forever. (They still make them in queen/king/full though).

I gave up on them, until a few days ago when I magically came across them again in the strangest of places.... However, the price had jumped back up to $99...still affordable for most, but not me.

Luckily, ebay came to my rescue. I found this buttery trellis print, also from Dwell, and decided to jump on it ... for a grand total of $25.50.

The duvet set only comes with one pillow sham, so I was thinking ... with a Swedish House sham my dreams would be very sweet indeed.

Hung Up, or, the coat rack saga you never knew you were missing

2007-10-17T01:54:00.000-04:00

My apartment's pretty starved for space, in case you haven't picked up on that already. I love how cosy it is, but sometimes I wish it were a little more roomy. It has forced me to become pretty creative, however, when seeking solutions.

One recent AT Cure task was to create a landing strip. For most people, this meant dressing up their hallway a bit - moving in a coat rack, cleaning off their console table and creating a space to throw their keys and stash their mail on said console. Something like this spread from Blueprint ... all right, and this photo from another article:

I have pined for a console table ever since seeing it.

Unfortunately, I don't have a hallway. You open my front door and wham! my whole apartment is laid out before you. Pretty anticlimactic, but at least there are no surprises. The console table is just a pipe dream - you could maybe fit a narrow end table in the space between my bookshelf and the door, but I'd rather not squeeze things into spaces simply because they're there. The idea is open and airy, not cluttered and closed.

So...I drop my keys and the junk mail on the vintage hors d'oeuvres tray on my coffee table and dump my fifty-ton bag on the floor when I come in at the end of the day. It works OK - when the tray starts to tip to one side I know it's time to begin shredding.

Winter is approaching, however. And while my coats are still hanging out at my parent's house, I have a feeling they're going to be useful soon (this is Chicago, after all) and I really need someplace to hang them. I've been looking for the perfect coat hook rack for weeks now - something attractive, reasonably inexpensive ($20 and under, hopefully), as well as utilitarian. My idea was to find an overdoor model - I'd rather hang art on my dwindling wall space - but it seems that cute overdoor coat racks are few and far between. I'll spare you the trouble but let's just say they vary from ugly to uglier to ugliest.

I finally came across this Umbra model.

I loved the sleek design and hated the stainless steel - it's so cold looking. I'm one of those annoying people who ponder a purchase for weeks at a time - weeks that I could have spent enjoying it if I had just made up my mind - the bonus being that I almost never regret a purchase. So I vacillated back and forth over it, some days thinking I could just spray paint it red and it would be perfect, other days wondering why I should go through the effort and risk an ugly paint job.

Luckily, the problem seems to have solved itself. I had pretty much given up on my hunt for the perfect overdoor rack when I found (stumbled over, rather) this cool customer by Spectrum. It's exactly what I was looking for. It has interesting details: I love the wooden balls at the end that remind me of the iconic Eames coat rack. It's minimal yet fun. And, with shipping, the total is just over $22. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner!

IKEA, how I love and loathe thee...

2007-10-16T17:43:00.000-04:00

So I did make it to IKEA this weekend. I left with a headache, plus a lot of random little goodies, including but not limited to this $4 (yes, $4) fleece throw with sweet laser-cut trim with which I am cuddled up right now.

I also spotted this Patricia fabric which is beautiful in person. It would make gorgeous curtains or a wall hanging. The colors are so perfect for fall! It almost (almost) makes me wish I had chosen more somber tones for my own color scheme...but not quite.

I returned the evil filing cabinet which had caused the migraine of all design migraines. I was sad to part with it - or rather, sad to part with the idea of a small and convenient office storage solution, but not with the hassle of trying to put something together whose holes do not match up and whose directions were written for denizens of another planet. I ended up exchanging it for a cheap stopgap that I will simply have to be content with until I can afford something better.

I bought two of these green boxes for files plus the Fira box for sundry office supplies. I'm going to clear out a cubby in my bookshelf for the Fira box (it just fits), and the files will go under the breakfast bar. It's not the perfect solution but it will have to do for now.

Rainy Day Luxury

2007-10-16T17:23:00.000-04:00

After weeks of unbearably untimely 90-degree weather here in Chicago, it is finally beginning to feel like fall! I get to pull my cozy sweaters out of storage and curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea, instead of attaching myself to the air conditioner. What better way to (belatedly) start off my favorite season than with a particularly special pot of tea?

I dropped a little bulb into the steaming water and watched the magic begin...

I sat, entranced, watching the blossom's progress until the tea itself began to grow cold. Which kind of negates the purpose, but still ... it was purty.

This post, by the way, represents my attempt to justify the $15 price tag...yes, you read that right. There was no sticker on the box of tea at Whole Foods. I yelped when they rang it up at the cash register, but with a line of people behind me I just decided to go with it.

I might be crazy but I think the prettiness is winning out. It wasn't the smartest purchase I've ever made, but like cashmere socks, sometimes the most pointless luxury items can make you feel very special indeed.

The Birds

2007-10-11T17:34:00.001-04:00

If you have read this blog for any length of time, you are probably aware of my longstanding obsession with all things avian. Feeding this obsession is Hayden Harnett, who have just released this Ms. Hitchcock dress that is so fabulous that it's already backordered. Sorry to be such a tease, but...I just had to share.

Apartment Therapy Cure: Week Five, and the most exciting post ever

2007-10-11T17:16:00.000-04:00

Here, finally, is the long-promised post on my AT Cure activities. Are you sure you're ready for this? A sampling of what I've been up to since the weekend awaits...

First, I went through piles of papers. And mail. And magazines. And random junk like pretty boxes from Saks that held even prettier Missoni gloves received as a Christmas present two years ago that I left in a cab ONE year ago, so why did I even still have them? Well, I don't know, so they've been re-embraced by Mother Nature. Anyways, this pile doesn't look like much, but trust me - it helped.

I also cleaned off the tops of my kitchen cabinets, which were coated with a prehistoric, rock hard layer of grease and grime and dust and who knows what else. In short, they were absolutely FOUL. I did not understand the true meaning of "elbow grease" until I got to work on them. To illustrate:

It looked much, much worse in real life. I promise.

I've been avoiding the yuckiness since I discovered it (by swiping my hand atop a cabinet door and coming away with swamp slime) upon moving in this June, so I'm very proud that they are now clean and storage-worthy.

What prompted my decision to attack the evil cabinet-tops was my very great need to store magazines. I've been keeping them in the big basket above my fridge, but I'm starting to get sick of looking at it, and it's not very useful for long-term storage.

I have a memory like a sieve so I can't remember my source, but somewhere I saw a photo of bookshelves, or a credenza, or something, that had very neatly aligned stacks of magazines with the white spines facing outwards. It didn't look cluttered at all. It looked very minimalist and almost cool. Then I remembered seeing someone's kitchen on Apartment Therapy (during last year's Smallest Coolest contest?) - that had stacks of books above the kitchen cabinets. So I decided to combine the two. This is just the tip of the iceberg - I still have tons of magazines at my parent's house that need to be retrieved. I've been bringing a few home, bit by bit, but magazines are ridiculously heavy so I'm taking my time with it.

I also decided to do something with my vast collection of museum postcards and other random unnecessary bits of paper by collaging my fridge. Impermanently, with architectural magnets I picked up at the Whitney years ago. They've been waiting patiently for just such a purpose.*

I've been chewing over the results ever since. I'm torn between loving the color and eclecticism and hating the cluttered-ness. I want it to look fun and unstudied, but not messy and amateur. Does that make sense? I'd really appreciate some additional opinions. Love it? Hate it? Let me know!

Finally, last night I got rid of more random crap (namely, dry cleaning detrius and leftover shopping bags)...

I also removed my coins from the ugly vase thing that was sitting atop my fridge (threw it away, too) and put them in my new piggy bank! I think it's just about the cutest thing ever. Yellow, and smiley, this little owl does me in every time.

Babushkas may be the new forest creatures (and God help me I do think they are precious) - but who am I to blindly follow trends? I just love this little guy and I hope he'll be with me for a long time. He's small, though, so I separated the coins and put the pennies in a separate container. Quarters go straight to the laundry change purse. Let's see how long that system will last...

And that's about it for now.

So am I right or what? Wasn't that the most exciting post ever?
Just ignore my sarcasm. This stuff might be deathly boring (except for the fridge-arranging, that was fun to do...and my new ceramic-feathered friend) but it does make a big difference in how I feel about my home. A lot of these things have been nagging me for months, and while I still have a lot of projects to slog through, I really feel like I am making progress. And that's the important part.

* So impermanent, in fact, that I just crashed into my frigo (I'm perpetually clumsy) and knocked half of the thing to the ground. Good thing I documented it with pictures or I'd really be gritting my teeth right now...

O at Home

2007-10-10T10:36:00.000-04:00

I've never been a big Oprah fan (gasp!) so you'll forgive me for admitting that I've never picked up one of her magazines. I didn't even know she had a shelter mag, but, well, we learn new things every day. I flipped through the Fall 2007 O at Home issue and I was seriously wowed by several of the features.

I loved their article promoting pillows as a stylish and easy way to spice up a room, particularly this exuberant, leafy display (surprise, surprise). They used a plain white IKEA couch, which forms a neutral backdrop for the pillows. I was impressed by this - most other magazines wouldn't have qualms about using the $8,000 chesterfield from Williams Sonoma Home instead (well, they use it elsewhere in the issue) but it's nice to be reminded of economical options. I sort of love those chunky legs!

What really got me was the apartment the magazine's editors spent decorating from scratch. I loved that they made a point of using resources accessible to all, and they picked things from all different price points. But most of all, I just thought it looked fantastic, and I was very jealous of the imaginary woman for whom it was designed, with "fun, fantasy and fabulous" in mind.

I won't belabor my obsession; I rather think the pictures speak for themselves. The look is colorful, fun, and altogether chic.

Finally, I thought their feature, One Hour, One Day, One Weekend was particularly of note to AT Cure participees. As the title suggests, they took one woman's apartment, which was already lovely, and made it spectacular in three steps, showing what can be accomplished in one hour, one weekend, and one day. This post is already super-long so I'm not adding photos. I'd recommend you check it out for yourself - perhaps it will inspire your own transformation.

I'm sorry about the dearth of posting lately but I've been very busy and my internet connection is straggling. I'm going to try to get a post up about my Cure progress tomorrow!

Taxidermists Digest

2007-10-10T10:15:00.000-04:00

There's been a bit of blog buzz about the opening of the new Condé Nast store where you can purchase old House and Garden photographs, including cover images. I decided (finally, after my internet started working again today) to check it out for myself, and almost died when I saw this cover photograph by Anton Bruehl from January 1937:

HIDEOUS, right? But in the most hilarious way? I seriously cannot stop laughing long enough to post this. Maybe my sense of humor is just sick. But I think it it all boils down to this very important question:

Is or isn't the dog stuffed?

Metamorphoses

2007-10-05T02:30:00.000-04:00

Apollo and Daphne by Gianlorenzo Bernini

A soaring drowsiness possessed her; growing
In earth she stood, white thighs embraced by climbing
Bark, her white arms branches, her fair head swaying
In a cloud of leaves; all that was Daphne bowed
In the stirring of the wind, the glittering green
Leaf twined within her hair and she was laurel.

Ovid's Metamorphoses, trans. Horace Gregory

THE STAG no. 1 by Monstruo

Broken Pieces of Yesterday, by Shawn Stucky

Lady Bird by Julianna Swaney

Unicia by art and ghosts

Man finds his inner baby bird by Melabo

Specimen 6. Barn Mouse/Frog/Sea Flora by wondercabinet

The Fighters

2007-10-05T01:30:00.000-04:00

So this is what I learned this week about buying flowers from the supermarket:

They die fast. Reeeaalllly fast.
Can you tell I'm new at this whole domestic goddess thing?

Julianna Swaney's Arlecchina

2007-10-02T14:27:00.000-04:00

Julianna Swaney (whose work can now be found at The Shiny Squirrel as well) has been busy! Lots of new goodies have been showing up in her Etsy shop, Oh My Cavalier, of late.

I have been a fan of her whimsical, nostalgic pieces for some time now.

The Harlequin Girl Halloween Card is a new favorite. It features the beautiful linework and charming details that I see as a hallmark of Swaney's work. Wouldn't you love to get one of these in the mail?

It reminds me of Fornasetti's Arlecchino series. Last year, I got a set of ten cards by him on ebay italia for less than $10. Six of them were from that Harlequin series. Someday I would like to get them framed and hang them in my apartment - above the breakfast bar, maybe?

Shiny Squirrel Shop

2007-10-02T14:11:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite bloggers, Jessica from The Shiny Squirrel, has finally launched her online shop, also named The Shiny Squirrel! She has such a good eye and the shop does not disappoint. It's always nice to see affordable prices, independent artists, and simply gorgeous aesthetics united in one package.

Particularly drool-worthy is the huge selection of original works by Alyson Fox.

Other favorites include screen-printed ceramic pieces by Katie Parker, fellow blogger extraordinaire Michelle Armas' Elka Series, and Olivia Jeffries' haunting Expectation.

Congratulations, Jessica!

Tongue-Tied over Prada

2007-10-01T17:19:00.000-04:00

Giovanna is often featured on The Sartorialist (for good reason). This recent shot really wowed me. She deserves an award for making the Prada shoes look so amazingly wearable! Everything in this outfit is perfect on its own - the vintagey flowered dress, the sharply tailored jacket, the gorgeous green belt - but the shoes, the shoes!

I'm a little bit obsessed.

The hardware from hell...

2007-10-01T17:12:00.000-04:00

OK, that title is not precisely accurate, but I went to install the pretty pretty hardware for my bathroom cabinets and, despite having checked the measurements twice, the little screw holes were just 1/8" off on either side and will have to be returned. I had been waiting in anticipation all weekend! I even considered drilling new holes in my cabinets for about 10 seconds, but I don't think the landlord would be pleased. So it's back to the drawing board...

At least the rest of the bathroom is sort of shaping up - I put a mum in the measuring tube, isn't it sweet?

Eye Spy

2007-09-28T20:34:00.000-04:00

Ever since I started working from home, I've been watching a lot of TV. On my computer. Gotta love Netflix! I recently got hooked on Heroes and devoured the whole first season in about a week and a half (I'm almost done - one more episode and I can watch the new season premiere!). It's not my favorite TV show, but it has good character development and an interesting plot that makes me want to keep watching, episode after episode.

I never, thought, though, that I would be blogging about it here -- until I saw this, on episode 1.21:

It's Cole and Son's woods wallpaper! One of my favorites. I was starting to think it was getting overexposed...and this is pretty much sealed the deal. By the time I can afford to paper a room with it, though, it will look fresh and new again!

P.S. - click on the image for a closer view.

Lamp Lust

2007-09-28T19:05:00.000-04:00

I never imagined that I would be going stark raving mad over a lampshade, but I posted about something as innocuous as hardware last week, so...maybe the world hasn't turned upside down after all.

But seriously? I want, need, must have this lampshade by Orla Kiely . Maybe if I found the perfect base for $5 then I could justify spending $200 on a lamp...

No, who am I kidding? It's hopeless.

Gossip Girl...yes, really

2007-09-27T00:12:00.000-04:00

Gorging myself tonight on my new guilty pleasure, Gossip Girl (shh!), I was struck by something that I just had to share with all of you here, risking possible humiliation in the process. I was really impressed by a particular set - not, as might be expected, of the array of tony Park Avenue penthouses, which feel appropriately cold and museum-like, but by Dan and Jenny Humphrey's bohemianish Brooklyn apartment. Their dad is a musician and gallerist, so I can see how they were trying to bring across a cluttered artsy vibe. Anyways, to me it was way cooler than spiral staircases, uncomfortable French sofas and mawble cahlumns...

The first thing that caught my eye was the inset bookcase, as artfully arranged as the hairstyle that you spend an hour fixing in order to appear as if you just rolled out of bed.

Little sis Jenny's bedroom was my favorite - I love the unexpected pop of pink against the teal, and that gorgeous kimono.

I had an awfully hard time finding a decent screenshot of the blue Chesterfield sofa and salon-style installation...and gave up. You get the idea, I hope.

Oh, and Serena's Vena Cava top was pretty awesome too.

Clean Sweep

2007-09-26T14:17:00.000-04:00

I've been doing a lot of cleaning around my apartment lately, for the Fall Cure. One of the great things about its Lilliputian scale is that it is much, much easier to clean! Because of the lack of space, however, I don't have an extra closet to store cleaning supplies. There is a huge cabinet under the kitchen sink, and a big one underneath the bathroom sink as well, but it doesn't leave room for larger items like the vacuum (which hides behind my closet door).

Anyways, one of the things I don't have is a broom - I just use the dustbuster. But if I did, I would totally order this Sorghum handbrush and broom set from RE-Found Objects

Those bright candy colors are so pretty that it would be hard to be embarassed about leaving them out in the open.

Sandwich

2007-09-26T01:36:00.000-04:00

I spent a very productive Sunday at the Sandwich Antiques Market with my mother and two other fabulous ladies. As the day progressed, it grew unexpectedly hot, and we returned home sweaty yet satisfied. The two other visits we made this summer yielded only this (admittedly awesome and assuredly un-PC) Royal Copley planter which now lives on my bookshelf:

Sunday, however, was different. It just seemed like every new booth yielded something special (until 3/4 of the way through, when I started seeing double). The best part was the friendly dealers, many of whom starting bringing the price down the second I looked twice at an object.

The first thing I picked up was this beautiful Czech hand towel. The dealer told me that it had been purchased in an estate sale, and had been found in a trunk filled with beautiful old linens - none of which had ever been used. It's as crisp and vibrant as the day it was purchased.

Purchased from separate dealers were this adorable, tiny teapot (approx. 6" x 4") and test tube. I think I'm going to find a pretty bloom to put in the test tube, and as for the teapot ... well, don't you agree it's just too cute for words?

From the same dealer as the test tube, we purchased a tiny little clear glass woodgrain jar, with which my mother absconded. That's OK, though, because I found the best thing of all:

This little tin globe, with the loveliest saturated colors. It's ever so slightly distressed, which only adds to its charm. It's about 10" tall - perfect - all of the other globes I had found were much too big.

It's old, too! Judging from the curious array of extinct or otherwise altered countries (The Belgian Congo still exists, Korea has not yet been divided by the 38th parallel, Alaska is still a territory, a significant part of China is in the hands of the Japanese, and Guiana is not yet independent, to name a few anomalies), it was made somewhere between 1931 and 1945. I wish I had a geography expert around to be more specific. Germany, for one, looks suspiciously large - as though it has encompassed countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and part of Poland - which were occupied during WWII. Yet the globe is made of tin, and such things would not have been produced during wartime. I do love a good mystery to solve...

My favorite thing about it, though, was the base:

Red woodgrain! The months! The seasons! The horoscope! I mean, really. It doesn't get any better than this.
I can't wait for next month's market (October 28th).

Note: the colors are more saturated if you click on the image.

On Sale...

2007-09-21T01:38:00.000-04:00

When I was hunting for hardware the other day at Anthropologie, I came across their gorgeous botanical charts -- in the sale section! Well, Flax and Dandelion are, anyways. I'd been sighing over them for a while, wishing I had a bare wall somewhere. Well, I still don't have that bare wall, but maybe you do! They're marked down to $99.95, from $228...so run, don't walk, to your nearest store as I doubt they'll be available for long.

Other goodies include the very covetable Louis tables and a beautiful Dandelion tray which I was very tempted to buy for myself.

BIG Hair

2007-09-21T00:45:00.000-04:00

I'm having so much fun with my Etsy theme posts, why not continue? This next one's a bit silly, but I wanted to pull together a few favorite pieces for you depicting most wonderful, whimsical hairdos.

While one takes Grey Gardens as its source, several of them are inspired by the fantastically over-the-top hairstyles around 1770-85, one of my favorite periods in fashion and art/design. Marie-Antoinette is the most famous proponent of this style, but it was common for many fashionable women in Paris to go to the opera wearing miniature ships, gardens, and aviaries atop their heads. Such hairstyles may have been, literally, rat's nests (critters liked to hang out in the wire infrastructure the hair rested upon) ... but it looked so spectacular that the trend continued.

This may not have been the most practical way to dress, but it is so romantic to think about, and rather than styling your hair outrageously yourself, why not pay homage with a pretty print that you can hang in your boudoir?

A Bird in Hand by Justin Richel

Edith and Edith by MarmeeCraft

Bird's Nest Bella by Tilly Bloom

Hive, by Julianna Swaney

Marie Antoinette by Cate Anevski

If this subject interests you at all, I would recommend Caroline Weber's Queen of Fashion: What Marie-Antoinette Wore to the Revolution for a fascinating and penetrating analysis of the way the ill-fated queen used dress as a source of personal and political power. For anyone interested in this time period, fashion, or cultural studies in general it's a wonderful read.

Fall Cure, Week 2

2007-09-19T12:16:00.001-04:00

I've been pretty busy with real-life things - I'm starting my first German class tonight, wish me luck! - but that doesn't stop me from thinking constantly about my apartment. I haven't been there in a few days, as I've been hanging out at my parents' house since the weekend, going to my brother's regatta and various doctor's appointments. Well, I can't wait to get back home and start this week's Cure assignments:

1) deep clean kitchen
2) start cooking in said kitchen (this, I think, will be the hardest part for me - let's just say, I looove my microwave)

Decorating-wise, I'm still pondering the decals. I really need to get my kitchen rug. And I'm still thinking about hardware, both for the kitchen and the bathroom. My budget has really been taking a beating, lately, so I can't splurge as I'd like.

I was browsing around on Anthropologie's website, my favorite wallet-emptier, and I saw some lovely drawer pulls on sale that just might work for my bathroom. They've since been taken off, but I may get lucky and find them in-store. They are gold, and they look like chain links. Very elegant, and I think they would warm up the space a bit. I'm just wondering - my faucet, etc. is silver - is it silly to worry about how matchy-matchy I should be?

The Hammered Handles are still available, and the same price as the others. I love the texture, and think they could be beautiful in my bathroom.

Still...I would need three, and I don't know if I want to drop $24 on non-vital decor elements just now. I'll have to think about it.

The same goes for the kitchen hardware - an even more daunting prospect as I need so many more handles. I love this yellow milk glass pull from Look in the Attic (thanks, ImaVunDerBrah for the link!) but I shudder to think how much it would cost to outfit the whole kitchen...remember, I'm a recent graduate with a very part-time job.

IKEA also has a decent selection... I like these and these but I haven't seen any colorful ones. Perhaps spray paint could work...

Show Pony

2007-09-17T22:15:00.000-04:00

I know everyone's pretty sick of seeing eco-friendly shopping totes, but I just had to post about Glasgow-based Show Pony's bags, made with organic fair trade cotton; I think they are brilliant!

I love their trompe l'oeil cleverness, and the fact that they are pretty seals the deal for me. I don't really like to wear t-shirts or carry bags with "clever" sayings or worse - labels. These are rather more glamorous than your usual cotton shopper, don't you think?

Available at Show Pony's Etsy shop.

Sunday in the Park with RugBag

2007-09-16T22:36:00.000-04:00

I know summer is almost over, and that autumnal chill is beginning to linger in the air. But to me, this is the most beautiful time of year, and a bit of a drop in temperature should not immediately signal that it is time to hibernate for the winter. So when I saw the RugBag by Demelza Hill I thought it was as good an excuse as any to picnic well into the autumn months. It's only September, so you have some time!

I love to see items that marry beauty and convenience in one simple package, and RugBag is a perfect example of this - the black and white baroque pattern is so pretty. Bundle up in a cozy sweater coat, tote a wicker thermos of hot apple cider, dine off of charming faux bois melamine plates and enjoy the fall canopy while it lasts.

via pan-dan.

Sticker Shock

2007-09-13T16:22:00.000-04:00

I try to avoid the more rabid trends in decorating. With a ten foot pole. Unless I adore them at first sight.

The truth is, I don't want to be able to date my apartment (to the season) years from now. Seeing wall decals in a home, I could say, "a-ha! spring 2007!"

I saw some lovely ones, particularly over at French site Ugly Home (which has a beautiful selection of wallpaper as well) - but I wasn't tempted because they still seemed too faddish to me, though I understood the appeal.

Why, then, am I contemplating putting them in my apartment?

This is why:

My tiny kitchen is dead boring. I'm planning on warming up the floor with a 2' x 3' rug, but the cabinets and tiles are like a never ending expanse of white. It's neither sleek nor modern - it just looks dull. I'm a renter, so I'm pretty much stuck with the kitchen. Bemoaning this fact over on Flickr, I was surprised when fellow apartment therapy cure-ers on the Chicago group suggested decals. At first I shuddered, but then I thought - why not?

They're affordable, removable, and customizable.

Even chic!

I liked the overall selection at Modern Wall Graphics. The prices, in particular, are just up my alley. $36 to spruce up my kitchen cabinets seems like a pretty good deal to me. I know Blik's graphics are popular but the prices are a little too high for me.

A lot of the motifs that appealed to me (well, all of them) are organic and leafy: bamboo, ferns, and flowers. I'm afraid of being too repetitive, especially because my apartment is so small, and the main wall in my apartment is covered with a riot of green leaves. I'm going to do yellow decals, so hopefully that will detract from it.

I would love to do the lattice print, but it doesn't come in the color I want (sunshine).

I have time to think this through, so I'm going to be patient and not rush a decision. Though said patience is beginning to run dry on my dresser hunt!

Progress is the best motivator...

2007-09-12T01:33:00.000-04:00

I know I've been neglecting the blog, but I have piles of grad school application thingys, a new job (a research assistantship involving a VERY cool project related to the 1968 Chicago Democratic National Convention and artists) and some super exciting apartment developments...can you blame a girl for getting distracted?

To be more to the point,

I finally put my curtains and mirror up and assembled/painted my coffee table (uh, thanks, Dad!). Ecstatic is one word to describe the way I'm feeling right now...the curtains are even more Josef Frank-like than I had hoped and the table, which until a few days ago existed only in my imagination, is even better than I ... you guessed it, had hoped!

The photo looks a little faded on Blogger, the colors are more vibrant than this. Click here for more pictures and explanations from me.

Thoughts?

Apartment Therapy Fall Cure

2007-09-10T21:58:00.001-04:00

Posting my shame for all to see...

Yes, my Flickr photos for the Apartment Therapy Fall Cure are up! So far, I've posted my before photos and my style tray for inspiration. I tried not to tidy up the place for the sake of truthfulness - the closet, especially, is a wreck. Though I'm rather proud of some parts.

I decided to do the Cure last week after putting that to-do list together, and it seems to have been the right choice. Although it only began officially today, I was so revved up over the weekend that I got a lot done. My curtains are now up, my mirror is hung, and my coffee table is finally put together! I got a battery for the cuckoo clock, too. Photos of the new developments will be up sometime later in the week.

Now, if only I could be so assiduous about my graduate school applications my life would be in great shape!

Barnyard with the Bling Bling...

2007-09-10T16:39:00.000-04:00

I've always loved Harry Allen's piggy bank. The gold shade is totally glam, and its creepy anatomical correctness imbues it with humor.

But it's been difficult to justify spending $200 on something, however special, that represents *saving* money. Right?

I mean, I love expensive things. I love to ooh and ahh over them, and imagine them in my home. I even love to post about them. But when it comes down to it, I'm just out of college and most pricey objects are way out of reach for me.

Sometimes you have to compromise.

Meet my new friend:

He's not a piggy bank - he's way smaller in fact, and is meant to hold cream. It's the disco diva version of those iconic white creamers. And I won him on Ebay for just a fraction of that Areaware bank.

Sorry about the low volume of posting, guys. As last Friday's post probably suggested, I'm super-focused on getting my apartment up to speed. I've made a lot of progress, but I still have a ways to go. I've even decided to do Apartment Therapy's Fall Cure! As soon as I get my before photos up on Flickr I'll post a link up here and let you all know.

Braeburn Bentwood Chairs

2007-09-08T00:22:00.001-04:00

My obsession with green and yellow is still going strong ... are you sick of it yet? Even if you are, you have to admit these bentwood chairs from Urban Outfitters are seriously adorable. They look like they came from some cheery 1950s kitchen, but imagine the impact in a hyper-modern all white kitchen. They would be cute on a patio too - as an accompaniment to DWR's Pix Cafe Table, perhaps.

Living Hand to Table?

2007-09-05T18:57:00.000-04:00

I've always really liked the design of BluDot's Strut Table. Clean lines, juicy colors - what's not to love? It's minimal and maximal all at once. But I was really perplexed to find this line in DWR's new catalog:

"While furnishing post-college apartments, designers Christakos, Lazor and Blanks discovered they couldn't afford the things they liked, and didn't like the things they could afford. Inspired to change this, they started their company in 1997."

Um, the Strut Table is $1,100. Their sculptural Butterfly Rocker is $849.

That's a really admirable statement and all - who says people with low incomes shouldn't be able to have beautiful homes? - but I don't know any new college graduates who would consider dropping over a month's rent (or possibly two) on a table. I'm sure that lots of people would consider this furniture "affordable" but ... people in their early twenties (lacking trust funds) are not among them.

For the record, my IKEA dining table cost $149. Is it wrong of me to feel outraged about the term "affordable" being thrown around so loosely?

Operation Apartment

2007-08-30T23:00:00.000-04:00

Three months post-move, I still have to ...

1) go to the hardware store and get bamboo curtain rods cut

2) hang curtains

3) put together my coffee table, find the perfect yellow paint for it, sand, prime and paint the tabletop

4) enlist my dad in helping me to fix my poor new ikea file cabinet which I misguidedly tried to put together on my own. actually, enlist dad in helping me with all of the above. except help with paint color, which is mom's area of expertise. (am i 22 or 12? sometimes it's hard to tell)

5) create a little "office nook" with said filing cabinet underneath the breakfast bar...get a little wall pouch to put my mail in (my current method of throwing it on the nearest surface until I can remember to deal with it is not working

6) get battery for my cuckoo clock (d-oh : it's been sitting pretty on my wall for weeks now and still not performing its intended function)

7) cut mats for my two vintage prints at work

8) frame above prints

9) get a few more pieces for the little wall by my door

10) frame those too

11) get something green (i heard it's really easy to grow grass .... I am not even kidding - I think I killed my eggling)

12) prettify the blah white kitchen - i'm thinking of lining the cabinets with pretty paper, getting a bright rug, etc.

13) do something about the boring bathroom (new rug?)

14) get my Polish poster, and frame it

15) find the perfect dresser/credenza:
midcentury, with clean lines and vintage charm
less than 56" long
less than $500 (hopefully way less)
in short, a fantasy on tapered legs

16) hang my mirror above the dresser. finally.

My goal is to accomplish at least five of these tasks by Monday ... I will report back and let you know how that goes! Hopefully the list will be totally complete by Thanksgiving ... I have lots of other ideas of things I want to do with the apartment, but these are the most pressing.

OK, I'm adding one more item to the list:

17) get a new USB cord for my camera so I can take some pictures and show you all what I've done so far (I happen to be really, really proud of the salon-style wall I put together a few weekends ago, though it won't complete until I get #7 and #8 done)

Shades of Grey

2007-08-30T13:33:00.000-04:00

I like to weed through my Etsy list of favorite objects, looking for patterns. Today, I noticed a lot of grey-toned items have been cropping up - just as they have in my closet. Grey might not have the immediate impact of vibrant colors like red or yellow, but I can find a lot to appreciate in its smoky subtlety. It's more variable than you might think. Can you really look at these wonderful and diverse pieces and tell me that grey is boring?

Grey Rose Mini Print by askey

Plastic Conflict, by swirlingthoughts

Street in Riga by artquirk

handbuilt lace imprinted gray bowl by dgordon pottery

Reflected Rainshower by jared in kansas

I woke to someone else's dream, by Elinor Scott-Sutter

Beatles Magnets by Bungle Bears Designs

Rainy Day, by menta

Jump, by Ryn

Up, Up, and Away!

2007-08-29T09:38:00.000-04:00

There is something so lighthearted and romantic about balloons - particularly the hot air variety. I love seeing them as a motif.

Flying Shoes Art Card, by Two Guitars

Nucleus' artist series Balloon tote

Stowaway in the Sky, by Marian Stachurski

The Friendly Sky, by Little Robot

You may have seen this on my blog before, but the "Montgolfiere" umbrella, by Fornasetti, is too gorgeous to skip.

Turtle Papers

2007-08-27T17:57:00.000-04:00

I recently received a really nice e-mail from Jennifer telling me about her lovely new Etsy shop, Turtle Papers. Her wares include t-shirts, stationery, and prints for your walls. Her pieces all exude a singular charm - I might say in one word that they are adorable!

I just love this gocco print in metallic gold, Love Birds. It's such a sweet image but the gold gives it a bit of edge.

I also really like the elephant motif (a traditional good luck symbol) on this scalloped Good Luck Card. I can't think of a better way to cheer up someone on the precipice of something big in their life.

Polish Posters

2007-08-23T02:02:00.000-04:00

As I work in a museum, I get introduced to a lot of cool art that I might not otherwise have come across. One of our board members collects Polish film and theatre posters from around 1920-1970 and he donates a big batch each year.

These posters represent a remarkable and relatively unknown art form that deserves some recognition. Rather than simply slapping together a movie still and some text (obviously I'm generalizing here), these artists produced something that can be considered a work of art in its own right. Playful and often moving, some of the trademarks of these posters include a dynamic style, bright colors and unusual compositions. Each artist has their own unique style, which is what makes these posters so special.

The prices, for the most part, are pretty reasonable as well.
The best resource on the web seems to be PolishPoster.com...if anyone's interested I will report back once my purchase goes through.

Some of my current favorites:

La Village Magique, by Jan Mlodozeniec

Gra, by Jan Mlodozeniec

Parasol, by Franciszek Starowieyski

Iwan Grozny, by Franciszek Starowieyski

Kobiety by Maria Ihnatowicz

Stories About Lenin, by Jan Lenica

Desire, by Jerzy Flisak

My all time favorite is this superfantastic Arcimbaldo-esque Casanova: Childhood and Adolescence poster by Marek Mosinski... which will hopefully be up in my apartment very soon.

Newbies and Goodies at Anthro (Feast Your Eyes!)

2007-08-21T21:32:00.000-04:00

Let there be light:

Woodworker Lamp

Lacemaker Lamp

Pillow talk:

Oaxaca Pillow

Flowering Quince Bedding

Let them eat cake:

Damask Desert Plates

Bird in Hand Potholder

OK, no more clichés. I'll put a stop to it....

Shoemaker Doorstop

All right, I'm done now. Seriously.

Merci!

2007-08-21T03:00:00.000-04:00

It was my birthday on the 15th (I'm 22, for the record) and I'm now faced with the task of writing some thank you notes. I will probably go with my trusty Eames stationery.

I might fuel my faux bois obsession (at least I'm not alone) and stock up on a few of these babies for next time.

From Blue Snail Papers.

Back to School with Acme Made

2007-08-20T22:20:00.000-04:00

Today was my sister's first day of college, and many students throughout the country are returning to school this week. For me, late August was always peppered with an excitement (bordering on mania) for shiny new school supplies combined with the absolute dread of a return to schoolwork and gym class.

I graduated from college in June, and it's really beginning to sink in that those days are in the past. Though I'm hoping to go to graduate school next year so this may only be a temporary respite. In any case, my visit to Stitch on Saturday turned up a most tempting back to school item perfect for a fledgling grown-up like myself.

When I got my Macbook last September I had a long and fruitless search for the perfect stylish functional affordable case which ended in my purchasing a squishy neoprene cover that allowed me to slip my computer into my Kooba Paige. Functional and affordable, yes, but not really super-stylish.

During my search I came across Acme Made bags. I really loved them - the design was outstanding, they seemed really well-made, and I really liked the fabric choices. I just couldn't be persuaded to spend almost $200 on a laptop bag (I had just shelled out a lot of money for the Kooba).

When I stepped into Stitch I was soon stopped in my tracks by this perfect specimen:

The design is so sleek and minimal that it allows the outstanding print to take center stage. It's graphic and chic. And the subdued shades mean that it's quite versatile. It was love at first sight. Problem is, my job doesn't require that I carry my laptop around, and school is over...
what's a new grad to do?

John Derian arrives in Provincetown

2007-08-14T12:53:00.000-04:00

For all of you New Englanders, I have some rather good news.

I received a darling postcard in the mail yesterday announcing that John Derian is opening a new shop in Provincetown, Massachusetts on Law Street... "hours by appointment or chance."

For those not in the know, John Derian operates a magical wonder emporium specializing in gorgeous decoupage items and other flea market finds. His studio was featured in this month's Domino as well. His Lower East Side store is one of my favorite places to visit in New York. Overpriced, perhaps, but definitely inspiring.

If only he would come to Chicago!

The Magic Bunny

2007-08-14T08:15:00.000-04:00

Not everybody appreciates a sense of humor in houseware design, but I think it adds the most perfect frisson in most spaces, particularly when it is present in the most mundane of objects. Philippe Starck comes to mind - his fly swatter is the perfect example. The teams at Pylones and Alessi are also pros at this sort of thing.

Today I came across this Alessi paper towel holder and I just had to share. Having wanted to buy one two months ago upon my move-in, I ended up giving up, because they were all so ugly, and boring, and I thought I could save a few bucks and do without. But who can say no to this silly little number?

ReadyMade

2007-08-07T15:10:00.000-04:00

So I picked up the new ReadyMade at Blick the other day, along with this totally fantastic pencil sharpener, which I'm either going to give to my dino-obsessed friend or keep for my very own.

I'm a sucker for those last-minute register displays, OK?

While I really like ReadyMade, I've been trying to cut down on my impulsive magazine purchases (ahem). But I knew as soon as I saw the heading on that lovely shiny sunny cover - "SMALL SPACE LIVING" in bold black letters....that I had "done good." Anyways, it's a definite recommended read...I loved the DIY room dividers and the two wonderful small spaces they featured. The second one is in Chicago and I swear I've seen the guy's apartment before - in Time Out Chicago, maybe?

Table Decor for the Non-Spillers

2007-08-07T13:38:00.000-04:00

As most people who dine with me are aware, I am a chronic spiller. To the point where it has ceased to faze me. Meal after meal I generally do something like dumping a brimming glass of ice water in my lap (not once, but twice in one meal), or a chunk of salmon down my shirt. Par for the course, you know. It does make me sad, however, because I've just seen these two new round tablecloths at Anthropologie which would grace my table beautifully. Oh, the price one pays for klutziness.

Margeaux

Mina

Just a dash of citrus...

2007-08-03T11:16:00.000-04:00

How adorable is this pair of side tables from Inside Avenue? I don't think I could ever get tired of yellow and green, and the interlocking shape is fresh and so fun. It makes me wish that summer would go on forever...pass me that mojito, will you?

that's foh bwa to you...

2007-08-02T19:27:00.000-04:00

I have been hankering to put up my West Elm faux bois mirror, which I got in June...but I don't want to hang it until I find the perfect dresser (it will hang above the dresser). Instead, it sits enveloped in cardboard under my breakfast bar, waiting to flutter from its chrysalis...

in the meantime I can ogle its extremely refined and delicate older sister, courtesy of blue bell bazaar.

Thumbtack Press

2007-07-31T23:30:00.000-04:00

I may or may not be totally clueless but I just discovered this fantastic resource for prints called Thumbtack Press... which gathers together prints by dozens of artists. They have a very big selection of really wonderful things at very affordable prices - most things are under $30. They even give frame recommendations. I could spend hours looking through it (in fact, I just have). If you haven't already uncovered this gem, I would recommend a visit! Here are a few of my favorite finds:

Primo Presagio by Gianluca Foli.

Rome by Matt Mills.

Come Pick Me Up by Jared Drew Moody.

HiFi by Chris Silas Neal

The Bear (Ursa Major) by Lilly Piri.

Predatory by Brad Yeo.

Old Sicily New by Jaime Zollars.

Lux Graphique Mini Dress

2007-07-31T19:52:00.001-04:00

Isn't this mustard and navy printed dress from Urban Outfitters just divine? at $58, the price isn't bad either. It's just the right sort of piece to transition from summer to fall...wear it now with gladiator sandals, and later with ribbed tights and spectator pumps.

To Coffee Table, or Not...???

2007-07-20T23:19:00.000-04:00

I'm on the hunt for a coffee table.

I've uncovered a few likely contenders. Trouble is, while all of them are relatively affordable for most people (under $500), they're still too expensive for me. $300 for something on which to rest my feet and some magazines seems like a total joke at present. But as my daybed is currently the only seating surface in my apartment as I await the arrival of some chairs, I'm finding a coffee table would be very handy.

I've canvassed the IKEA website (and store) over and over again. I really thought that I would pick up the Parsons-style LACK table with shelf, but when I saw it in person the white was really off-white and the wood laminate looked cheap. For $29.99 you really can't complain but I do have some standards.

The only way I can imagine it working is if I decoupaged it with some pretty paper from the Paper Source. A few candidates:

The Stockholm table would suit me very well but I saw it in person and it's enormous; absolutely too big for my tiny studio. Of course IKEA has lots of other options but none of them really fit my very picky qualifications.

I'm looking for something in a light or medium-tone wood to add some "color"/depth to the space, with very clean lines and some interesting but undistracting detail. Also, most importantly, I would like something that serves a double duty, with either drawers or some kind of storage below. If it is lacking in the latter qualification, it would have to be a pretty stellar design and price.

Here's what I've uncovered so far:

Bonsai coffee table, $329 at DANIA.

Vintage lucite coffee table, $395 at ModHaus.

Patterned Veneer Coffee Table, $349 from West Elm.

Parsons Storage coffee table, $249 from West Elm.

I think I would like this table if it came in something other than black. A light wood could be nice. $89.99 from IKEA.

I really like the decoupage nesting tables from Anthropologie, and they are nice on their own, but having seen them in person I think they look the most interesting as a set.

Any ideas for cheaper options would be lovely....I'm going to the flea market on Sunday and I'm hoping that something special will turn up.

Galbraith & Paul

2007-07-19T13:18:00.000-04:00

I love the crafty/ethnic appeal of Room and Board's new textiles line designed by Liz Galbraith and Ephraim Paul. Their graphic prints are fun and modern. I liked the website feature that gives you some background on the design duo and shows photos of them at work.

The pillows are quite fun..

but I adore simply adore their pendant lamps:

ma vie en rose

Still here!

oops!

Artwork to Room: à la Turc, by way of Russia

Jean-Etienne Liotard, Portrait of a Young Woman in Turkish Dress Sitting on a Divan, circa 1750. Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, Geneva.*

Living room of Charles and Olya Thompson, from American Vogue, Jan. 2010.**

Jean-Étienne Liotard (1702-1789): Masterpieces from the Musées d’art et d’histoire of Geneva and Swiss Private Collections. New York: Frick Collection, 2006.

** This is from one of my old folders and I can't find the rest of the article, but you can see more images at Habitually Chic. Trust me, you'll want to.

"There are fairies at the bottom of our garden,"

because everyone loves a sale....

Adventures in Stitchery: A Prelude

Artwork to Room: Friedel Dethleffs-Edelmann

Artwork to Room: Harmony in Blue and Gold

Surfacing again, to say...what?

Surfacing briefly to report...

10 Things I Loved About Paris -- Yesterday

Musée des Arts décoratifs

Wouldn't you want to live here?

Things that don't have anything to do with Paris but make me smile anyway...

10 Things I Loved About Paris Today

10 Things I Loved About Paris Today...

10 Things I Loved About Paris Today...

I'm officially in love...

To get myself in the mood for Paris (um, not like that's really necessary)...

The One Where She Goes On, and On, and Turns a Simple Introduction Into That (not even a twinkle in her eye) Forthcoming Dissertation...

If Wishes Were Horses...

Bing Bang Crackle Clutch (say that six times fast!)

Yes, more calendars...

Dan-ah Kim

Silhouette Scarf

More awesomely big hair....

Clearly, Kate Spade wishes you a VERY happy holiday

Doilies...

Holiday Stockings

Merci Beaucoup

Hiatus...

Books again, you say?

Embellished Bottles are a Joy Forever

Au secours!

Wisteria's Translucent Bird Lamp

Long Overdue...

Hi, My Name is Blythe, and I Judge Books By Their Covers....

Oh My Cavalier!

Fancy a cuppa?

Terrariums

Blue Monday

Eye spy a holiday gift...

Species by the Thousands

Speaking of talented modernist muses....

Cate Blanchett as la femme surréaliste?

D'you know anyone who was born in 1958?

Cutest. Teapot. Ever.

My dream dresser

Neutralismo

Got a light?

My Top Five...

domino disappoints

Sheets...

Hung Up, or, the coat rack saga you never knew you were missing

IKEA, how I love and loathe thee...

Rainy Day Luxury

The Birds

Apartment Therapy Cure: Week Five, and the most exciting post ever

O at Home

Taxidermists Digest

Metamorphoses

The Fighters

Julianna Swaney's Arlecchina

Shiny Squirrel Shop

Tongue-Tied over Prada

The hardware from hell...

Eye Spy

Lamp Lust

Gossip Girl...yes, really

Clean Sweep

Sandwich

On Sale...

BIG Hair

Fall Cure, Week 2

Show Pony

This is from one of my old folders and I can't find the rest of the article, but you can see more images at Habitually Chic. Trust me, you'll want to.**