February Lust List

February has arrived.  And unfortunately for many of  you loyal readers, I hear Punxsutawney Phil prescribed a LONG winter yet to be had.  (To which my Jefe lovingly asked “who is Punxsutawney Phil?!” and I immediately whipped out Groundhog Day.) So while you’re bearing the inches of snow  and blustery wind Mother Nature is still sending your way, cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa and Bailey’s and do a little window shopping with me!

Here are some of my latest design crushes:

February Lust List

1)  West Elm Hexagon Mirror – I’ve had my eye on this puppy for my hall entryway for quite some time and it’s now reduced from $149 to $79.  I may have to convince Jefe that we need to pull the trigger…

2)  West Elm Elton Settee – Although we are not in the market for any sort of love seat, I’m in love with the subtle curved lines, traditional tufting, yet overall modern feel of this piece.  And the blue fabric is to die for!

3)  Nate Berkus Lamp – I can’t believe this beauty will soon be available at Target.  Yet again, Nate Berkus knocks it out of the park with this modern piece of glam.  Look at those lines!  The inner shade’s lining!  GORGEOUS.  Also reminds me of the little Land of Nod lamp I used for my Dorm Room Decor Round Up!

4)  Lulu & Georgia Print – Is there anything Jenna Lyons isn’t right about when it comes to design?!  Now about the $300 price tag of those calf hair leopard flats I want….

5)  Nate Berkus Hexagonal Wood Tray – I’ve already seen this piece explode across the blogosphere and I am totally jumping on the band wagon.  If it had handles, it would already be in my apartment looking for a permanent place to live and corral things.  And after having seen it in person, I honestly was astounded at the quality of the piece for the price.  Bravo, Mr. Berkus.

6)  Sam Edelman Cheetah Loafers – So about those JCrew shoes… I’ve found your younger sister and my wallet loves her so much more.  I happened to see a coworker wearing these with a simple, jersey knit heather grey dress and it was the perfect mix of comfortable chic for the office.  I must have.

7)  Baublebar Slim Bow Pendant – I’m obsessed with costume jewelry lately.  And Baublebar has such fabulous sales (and credit for purchases made) that I never pay full price.  This one had me at hello so I snatched it up for $10.  It’s the perfect accent against my favorite emerald silk blouse.

8)  Magic Carpet Yoga Mat – Yes.  Yes.  Yes.  I’ve been wanting to get back into my yoga practice and this is the PERFECT incentive.

9)  Baggu 13″ Polka Dot Laptop Sleeve – Last weekend I was at the Apple Genius bar for a tune up for the old laptop.  This adorable case caught the corner of my eye.  Five minutes later I was walking out with it.  It also happens to PERFECTLY complement the Baggu I got for Christmas (and yes, I actually kept and have been using the iPad case too!  It’s a perfect little set, although a little tough to get the iPad in and out).

10)  Baggu Small Leather Pouch / Gold – So I’m a little Baggu obsessed right now. But as my wallet won’t fit in my new Kate Spade purse, I need something to corral my cards and (small) amount of cash when I’m on the go.  This gold little pouch would be perfect!

Well there you have it, February’s Lust List.  What are you lusting after these days?

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August Lust List

I skipped July. I know. You all were waiting with bated breath, and here we are 2/3 of the way through August and I haven’t given you a list of glorious finds to lust after in MONTHS. What can I say? I’m doing the work of 3 people at my day job and that doesn’t leave much time for blogging. Plus I kind of like to see Jefe for 5 minutes before we literally collapse into bed every night from exhaustion.

ANYWAYS, without further ado, I bring you August’s Lust List!

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1) Pacific & Rose Table Runner: Last week I hit up the Rose Bowl Flea Market again and this stand is the first thing you see to the right when you walk in. Every time I go, I’m always drawn to the block-print textiles. They’re not *quite* Jefe’s style, but I’m obsessed with them nonetheless because they’re so beautiful. The patterns are very Pottery Barn meets India.  Thinking I may have to snag a blue & yellow one for Momma Sny’s dining room.

2) JCrew PJ’s: I used to be the queen of pajamas back in high school and college. Remember Joe Boxer? Yeah, I was his #1 fan. But lately, my pajama drawer has been leaving much to be desired. After being introduced to Amber Interiors thanks to a “behind the blog” feature on Style Me Pretty Living, I was scrolling Amber’s blog and came across her post on Maison Du Soir.   Although I can’t quite afford Maison’s prices, I’m loving the idea of wearing more than a battered t-shirt and some old sweatpants to bed.  Besides, I really need something cute to wear while I’m watching Jefe cook me eggs on the weekend… what can I say?  The man knows his way around a frying pan.

3) H&M Home Tray: It’s black, it’s white, and it’s New York all over.  For these prices, I’ll take the set.  H&M Home has quickly become my newest budget friendly obsession.  If only it was a few inches slimmer, I’d have the perfect spot on my bathroom counter.

4) West Elm Braided Cable Knit Pillow:  India ink is totally my jam.  So much so that we already bought this.  And anything cable knit just reminds me of a crisp fall day back home.  Jefe has been jonesing to add some blue to our otherwise fall-themed living room so I quickly said yes  on our most recent trip to West Elm.  I promised him we were just window shopping…. we left with a large shopping bag. 😉

5) West Elm Zigzag Shower Curtain: Every since Jefe and I picked up this print and these photos, we’ve been wanting a little less modern feel.  So while we were on the aforementioned West Elm trip picking up our cable knit pillow, we grabbed this puppy too.

6) Goyard Classic Tote:  I’ve seen these all over the place lately.  They’re classic in terms of structure and style but now they’re selling them in such bright, modern and fun colors like this blue.  It’s the perfect travel bag for an overnight in Santa Barbara wine country or as your carry-on when making those 48 hour trips to NY on the weekends (or is that just me….)

7) Old Navy Zip-Front Military Jacket: I’ve been lusting after one for these for quite some time.  Now they’re finally back in style and with a vengeance.  Lucky for me, Old Navy has a bunch of them at a fabulous price.  Perfect for those cool, desert nights in LA.

8) Gold Charm Necklace by Mei Elizabeth: Found this incredible jewelry stand at the Rose Bowl last weekend.  The stand had a TON of beautiful gold necklaces.  I had my eye on one just list this, except the charm was a wishbone.  Had I $49 in cash on me, I’d be wearing it right now.  And unfortunately she doesn’t have that particular charm on her Esty site.  Guess I’ll have to go back next month with enough cash.  Live and learn.

So there you have it.  This month’s Lust List.  What have you all been lusting after?  Any new home decor?  Maybe a special piece of jewelry?

Sand Between My Toes

Summer has officially arrived in LA.  Between Memorial Day and the onset of 90+ temperatures in LA the last few days, I am ready for sundresses, day trips to Hermosa Beach and evening picnics at the Hollywood Bowl.  Although I’m a bigger fan of autumn, there’s always something so exciting about the start of the summer season.

And this year is no exception.  I’m already planning my packing list for Jefe and I’s annual trek east for our August vacation with our respective families.  His family has been gracious enough to host both Jefe and myself the last few years at the beach in Spring Lake, NJ.  It’s a gorgeous, quaint little town on the northern Jersey shore, just an hour train ride for Manhattan.

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So today I’m going to share some of the incredible architecture that I get to stare at for a few days every year when we’re making our way 5 blocks from our rental house to the shore.  The town actually became super-popular with the uber-wealthy of New York and Philly during the Gilded Age of the 1910’s and 20’s.

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(via Spring Lake Historical Society)

Some of those original houses are actually still standing.  You’ll notice the second one above is also below, as well as a few others that have been standing since Spring Lake’s hey day:

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And here are just a few gorgeous others that I’ve had my eye on.  They only run five-figures per weekly rental…. or $1 million PLUS for purchase.  I suppose my daydreaming will have to remain just that; but window shopping can’t hurt, right?

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The Victorian inspired architecture is really stunning, particularly in person.  There’s such detail and so many unique architectural features…. I’m starting to feel like Ted Mosby geeking out on buildings.  But there is definitely something to be said for homes whose structure and aesthetic appeal has withstood the test of time, some of whom have lasted over 100 years.  I’d love to sneak inside some of these homes.  Most of the great ones aren’t available for rental, so I unfortunately can’t do any internet snooping for you all.

In addition to the spectacular homes, Spring Lake has an incredible boardwalk.  And we’re not talking about the kind where you fear of running in to Snooki.  Spring Lake’s is simple and a perfectly serene place to take a walk or an early evening jog before dinner… which you just so happen to get stuck on during a thunderstorm… (true story – Jefe and I had to hide under the pavilion near a pool to avoid lightening last year.  But it looked AWESOME.)

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Unfortunately the hurricanes that hit the mid-Atlantic seaboard the last two years took their tolls on the boardwalk, but I have faith that it will look great by the time we arrive this year.

And now that you’re all dreaming of your future beach homes (who knew there were such gorgeous places in Jersey?!), why not deck yourself out like you own the place?  Here’s what I’m thinking….

Spring Lake Summer Style

  1. C.Wonder Wicker Picnic Basket
  2. JCrew Panama Hat in Natural
  3. Baggu Weekend Bag in Sailor Stripe
  4. Jack Rogers Hamptons Classic Navajeo Flats in Gold
  5. C.Wonder Colorblock Stripes Boatneck Tee Dress in Palm/Coastal
  6. Tory Burch Sunglasses in Blue/Green

I really can’t wait for summer vacation.  Almost makes me want to go back to school just for the summers off 😀

In other news, did anyone catch the new show Renovation Raiders that premiered on HGTV tonight?  I am officially obsessed.  Amy Matthews basically has my dream job (and has some rocking red hair).  It’s home design, renovation, and tv production all under a ticking clock: she leads an awesome crew that completely renovates a space in someone’s home in a few hours while they’re out to dinner.  I kind of want to be her.  It’s a shame so many HGTV shows shoot outside of LA (or the US for that matter – those Canadian accents are THICK).

April Lust List

Today I bring you this month’s LUST LIST – things that have caught my eye and made me check when my next payday is.  The weather in LA, along with the start of the baseball season, has really made it feel like spring out here.  It has me longing for days spent on the beach (and clearly continuing my obsession of Pantone’s color of the year Emerald) and nights in the stands at Dodger stadium.  I’ve also been eyeing some new kitchen linens as I think my love affair with chartreuse is quickly coming to an end.  When combined with my current Operation Homify, I’m leaning much more towards the traditional; I’ve been daydreaming again that I’m Martha Stewart and Williams-Sonoma is my playground.  And I love me a good stripe of ANY kind…… without further ado, I bring you:

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  1. ’47 Brand Brooklyn Dodger Hat – $19.99
  2. JCrew Twist Bandeau Tank (in vivid jade) – $118
  3. JCrew Superga Classic Sneakers (in white) – $65
  4. West Elm Cotton Apron (Cafe Stripe) – $24
  5. West Elm Cotton Oven Mitt (Cafe Stripe) – $12
  6. Target Nate Berkus Dipped Bowl – $15.99

What have you guys been lusting after lately?  Home decor?  A new pair of shoes for spring?  I’m headed off to NYC with Jefe this weekend for a quick visit with friends and family and I’m bound to do a little shopping while I’m there.  I’ll be sure to share my finds with all of you once I’m back!

Santa’s Grab Bag

So apparently this was the year of the accessory.  My birthday/Christmas list was a good mix of home decor, reading material and some much-needed clothing & accessories.  I have to admit that Santa, particularly his little elf Jefe, was very good to me.  I was shocked at how generous.  I’m one lucky girl 😀

Christmas Loot JPG1.  Allegra Hicks: Eye for Design – I’m SO excited to read this book.  I’ve been a fan of hers, particularly her West Elm collection, for quite some time.  She’s got such simple, soothing, but interesting patterns.

2.  The Handbuilt Home – John & Sherry are big fans.  And anyone they like is worth a second look.  Unfortunately for Jefe, I now want to bust out a power saw and turn our balcony into a woodshed.  I blame all of those years at CMU building booths.  Obligatory booth post here (yes, I helped make that….):

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3.  Pottery Barn Mercury Glass Ornaments – Mercury Glass.  Christmas Ornaments.  Could it get any better?  Only if you add jingle bells…..

4.  Sleigh Bell Embroidered Table Runner – It had me at hello jingle jingle.

5 & 6.  Michael Kors Runway Watch (silver & gold) – Not one but two pieces of bling.  Hearts to my Jefe, mom & my stepdad Jeff, and Jefe’s parents.

7.  LLBean’s Wicked Good Slippers – Even in LA, those hardwood and tile floors get downright chilly at night.  Cold toes need fuzzy slippers.  Even Jefe agreed to be twinsies for once.

8.  JCrew Striped Knit Infinity Scarf (no longer available) – It’s so freaking cozy, already wrapped to the perfect length and it has NO ENDS!  I’m in love.  I had to go buy more navy blue just so I can wear it more often.

9.  Target/Neiman Marcus Marc Jacobs Cashmere Blend Scarf – I picked it up and put it down a solid 10 times the week before my birthday.  I was so worried that they would sell out like they did with the Missoni collection.  So Jefe insisted I just leave it in the cart… (although now that I see it’s still there and on clearance for $40 cheaper, I feel a bit like a sucker…. but I do LOVE it).

So there you have it.  The birthday/Christmas 2012 rundown, full of holiday decor, classic design, and some fancy but necessary pieces of awesomeness.