Now that I've been living under 16 foot ceilings for a few years, I don't know if I'd want to go back to house living, but tell me, how do you fill these tall walls? I was thinking of covering one with a series like this from Beat Up Creations, a peculiar-yet-charming collection of art by Los Angeles-based artist Angela Rossi. Hey, who wouldn't want Loppy Sue's school portrait on their wall? If animals in outfits isn't your cup of tea, perhaps you'll appreciate Pink Bunny Suit Lincoln or Mouseketeer Washington.
To properly throw a indoor camping birthday fete, may I suggest assembling your own teepee (so far the dog-sized version is up . . .thanks, Ian), collecting jars (happy campers for all!) and finding the right salvaged wood cutting board to sit front and center on your "picnic" table. Milled in the Hudson Valley, Gray Works Design is a sustainable and expertly-crafted line of interesting cutting boards and furniture created by Catskill artist Andrew Gray. Made from woods like black walnut, smoky hackberry and spalted maple, these one-of-a-kind Footed Plattes and other treasures make for stunning additions to your kitchen, whether to display edibles for your rustic gathering or simply to shine all on their own.(Hey, you may not need that teepee, after all.)
There are a few certainties in this world. One, I am always going to be a blind bat. (As in, I'm not even a candidate for Lasik. Sigh.) My first pair of (red) glasses I acquired in kindergarten and the spectrum of colors and lenses I've owned has only grown since. And so, I am happy to report that TOMS has introduced a line of sunglasses that will, along with the SEVA Foundation, help people all over the world with their own visual impairment—be it an unfortunate prescription like mine or a need for sight-saving surgery. With Father's Day around the corner, why not outfit pops with a cool pair of Classic 301s while helping someone who simply needs to see? Clearly a great idea.
As if the vibrant textile line wasn't enough, Proud Mary also has a blog filled with design posts so globally-inspired, it's enough to make you feel like you've explored the world while sitting at your desk. Rosa Mosa Spring/Summer 2011 is one of these finds. Pulling from the style of Frida Kahlo (who my mother dressed me up as when I was a child) and Diego Rivera, the Austrian shoe collection and campaign is a brilliant homage to the eccentric and colorful Mexican artists. Dare to pair them with bright ribbons, seersucker suits and embroidered dresses, and you'll be ready to take on summer with the fearlessness of Ms. Kahlo herself.
During a rainy week like this one, a pot of tea and a hot scone sounds oh-so-appropriate for breakfast. But what about come summer? What makes Sugarbird Sweets so delightful (besides the lovely lady at the helm, Kei Okumura) is that they are absolutely toothsome year-round. For a hot July brunch, simply serve her cooled Berry Scones, add a side of Passionfruit Marshmallows, and throw a pot of Fiona (red rooibos, raspberries, vanilla, rosehips, hibiscus) over ice. Come winter, cozy up with a cup of Zoe (green tea, cacao nibs, peppermint, vanilla) in the morning and a pile of Kei's perfectly plump Chocolate Marshmallows in your mug of hot chocolate at night. Enjoy!
Another fantastic artist from Unique LA, Keiko Brodeur-Ward leads us on a Small Adventure with her forest-inspired collection of the same name. Darling owls, bears and birds abound in her cards and original art, while her bow and arrow wooden earrings and her Alphabet Adventures print are charming pieces that leave you feeling a bit more inspired to seek out your own good fun, whether as an octopus wrestler or a knight.
Unsure of itself, this spring has been a bit cuckoo. Sometimes it urges you to hop on your cruiser and head for the sparkling beach. Other days it rolls over in a patchy haze only giving you enough sun that you have to bundle up to take your city bike out for a quick spin. Outlier, fortunately, is designed for the cyclist who cares not for the whims of the weather. With stylish and comfortable pieces ranging from the 4Season OG Pant to the Supermarine Rain Shirt, there are simply no excuses to stay in. (Plus, I'm loving the name of the boat in these inspiring photos!) So, what are we waiting for? Let's go.
As my first BANANAS FOR, I picked SM2, the darling and Scandinavian-inspired Japanese clothing line. Their current lookbook is a visual visit to a place where soft coats abound and cobblestone streets and books are a part of daily life. Sigh....a girl can dream.
