West Elm To The Rescue

Every September, I seem to always declare that this year will be different. I will shop early, wrap immediately and not sweat the mall the week before Christmas. Think I’ve stuck to my guns? Not so much. All I can say is, thank GOD for West Elm. Have you been there lately? Not only does their style and home décor rock my world, but this year they seem to have something for everyone. Today I looked through stocking stuffers, gifts for him and her, presents for kids and about 1,000 things I’ll buy for myself and make my husband wrap. Take that, Restoration Hardware.

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Artistic Endeavors

I don’t care how overtly girly this sideboard is, I’d make it mine in a hot minute. And I think I could justify the piece with my husband by calling it “art.” You know, like I do every day at work with my jeans, flip-flops, and inappropriate use of sarcasm.

(mondrian sideboard by Boco do Lobo, bello shag rug at West Elm, hourglass table and small kaleidoscope pillow from Jonathan Adler, chrome tufted chairs at Pieces, harry allen pig bank via Design Public)

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Evaluate Your Vanity

My grandmother's vanity was my very own treasure trove, where each small drawer held some kind of glorious wonder. Buttons the color of the sea, ribbon spun with gold flecks, huge Chanel pearl earrings. And on top, her antique silver pill boxes and hair brushes, always so neatly arranged next to family photos in pewter frames. I remember watching her carefully in the mirror as she applied subtle loose powder and coral lipstick that made her blue eyes even bluer. Considering her morning rituals were a FAR cry from my own, this memory makes me wonder if my grandkids will find me as glamorous as I found her. You know, as I sit perched on the toilet seat in sweats with hot rollers in my hair, applying my "face" using a broken compact mirror from the late 90s. Classy.

P.S. Thoughts on the tin ceiling tile headboard?

(etched glass votives at Beach Dwelling, llanfair blanket from Toast, image via Casa Sugar, parsons vanity from West Elm, elephant stool via Haus Interior)

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Cover Your Bases

And your books for that matter. In a perfect world, I’d have floor-to-ceiling windows that opened to a huge patio overlooking the water. I’d have gorgeous hardwood floors, a shiny white kitchen (see yesterday’s post) and all my book covers would be designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith. I’d also never be tired, I’d have Tina Fey on speed dial, and my jeans would always fit despite living on red wine, French bread and large amounts of cheese. The end.

(image via Skona Hem, pack of dogs bookshelves by Pirwi, andrea rund rug from Ikea, book covers designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith, loop chair via Urban Outfitters, martini side table from West Elm)

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Underground Style

Sadly, I don’t live in a place where great importance is placed on public transportation. As a result, I spend two hours of my day sitting alone in my car in hideous traffic. Not exactly awesome for the environment, or my sanity for that matter. To compensate for my commute and city’s lack of resources, I think a little “subway art” is in order. No, not THAT kind of art thank you very much. I’m talkin’ about signs. Subway signs in cool fonts featuring cities I am far, far away from. Cities with cool names including “park” or “beach.” Cities with better transportation. Not that I’m bitter. Happy Monday. Grrrr.

(leaning borghese mirror from Z Gallerie, rosette quilt via Anthropologie, claude modular collection from Jonathan Adler, photo styled by glen proebstel via decor8, medallion jewelry boxes at West Elm, los angeles trolley subway sign via eBay)

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Frugal Fridays - Lacquer, Oh Sweet Lacquer...

how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I could bore you here with an abnormally long list, but instead I'll just point you to West Elm and their glorious new office supplies. I happen to already own the Jonathan Adler bathroom set...a set I purchased before seeing the infinitely less expensive one at Crate and Barrel. Though I wasn’t as melancholy as I was after my Target run-in, I was certainly somewhat traumatized. Thus, I thought I’d try and spare you a little grief. Don’t get me wrong, I loves me some Jonathan Adler, but I’m not opposed to steppin’ out on a brother if it saves me some dough. Mmmmkay?

But you, White Lacquer, you are my one and only. And I love you like a fat kid loves cake.

(jonathan adler lacquer stash box and lacquer tray, West Elm lacquer office set - Magazine Butler, Trinket Tray, Paper Tray, Desk Tray and Pencil Cup)

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Woodworking

I love natural elements in a home. As mentioned earlier, I’m a softie for fresh flowers, but I’m also really drawn to succulents, interesting stones, and wood. In fact, I have a huge glass jar filled only with driftwood just because I love the texture. I also love that West Elm and I are seeing eye to eye on this matter. Their new Teak Wood Root is not only beautiful, but affordable as well, and I like how they’ve styled this shoot to feature it on a stack of books. Oh, books as art...also great. But that's a story for a different day.

(linen trays from Brook Farm General Store, mercer flats from Marais, image via Visual-Notes, brooke medium glass/metal canister via Haus Interior, teak wood root from West Elm, print by Lacey Terrell via 20x200)

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Fashion Forward - New Year, New Loves

Hellllloooooo 2010! Everyone survive the holidays?? I'm happy to say we made it through with flying colors in my neck of the woods, even managing to catch up with friends, family and much needed sleep. Woot! Now it's back to the grind and I must say I'm having a hard time getting into the swing of things. On that note, I think I'll put work aside for just a tad longer and share some of the delicious new items at West Elm. Admittedly, I was already pretty excited for a new decade and a fresh start, but with any of these lovelies in my corner, this year is bound to be bright. Mmmmm, shiny new décor... honestly, is there anything better?

Find more fabulous Fashion Forward finds (say that three times fast) over on Obstinate Pursuit!

(all items by West Elm! 2x2 console desk, round uplight table lamp, wrap dining chair, modular shelf, wood boxes with lacquered lids, andalusia rug)

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