It's All In The Bag

J and I have been raving about being home for the first full weekend since mid-March! Although after seeing this cotton-linen weekender, I'd happily hit the roads again if we were packing our goods in this artisan's duffel.

Under the Hat

I think its pretty safe to say I have a clear fascination with Millinery and this slowly fading craft. Today I added another hat to my growing collection of toppers. Saks is currently having its In-Store Preview Sale and I couldn't help but scoop up this Lola Half Nelson. I love a mean hat - especially one that can effortlessly rock straw and leather.

Blogging 101

I recently came across the Blogger's Guide to HTML by Dan Gookin. An extensive and super helpful resource for anyone looking to spruce up their site. I hope to spend some time over the weekend learning new tricks to wow you! Stay tuned...

Now and Then

Good design always stands the test of time. Back in May 2006, Domino did a story on how to pair the perfect combination between outdoor tables and chairs. My heart stopped when I saw the Agora table from The Conran Shop. This extra-long cherry red stove-enamelled top and angular, galvanized metal frame completely had me enthralled. I even fell for the Victorian chairs that would typically be too frilly for my taste.


I just opened the new May 2008 issue of Domino when lo and behold! My heart raced again when I saw how they re-envisioned the table in another perfect setting. But, good things don't always come to those who wait. Two years ago the table was $2600. Today, you can expect to pay a hefty $3400 for this looker.

Karl Rocks!

Who knew Karl Lagerfeld had such great taste in tunes? Les Musiques Que J'aime contains 25 tracks of pop, techno, indie, and rock selected by the designer in cooperation of Paris Vogue. And much like his famed business in front, party in back hairstyle, one disk is for work, the other for play.

Disc 1: At Home
01. I Feel Just Like A Child (Devandra Banhart)
02. Be Gentle With Me (The Boy Least Likely To)
03. Vigo Bay (Minotaur Shock)
04. Mighty Girl (Lindstrom & Prinz Thomas)
05. Slow (Mayer & Aguayo)
06. To Much Love (LCD Soundsystem)
07. The Proper Ornaments (Super Furry Animals)
08. Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me (The Pipettes)
09. No Satisfaction (Black Mountain)
10. Yer Actual (Smokers die Younger)
11. Eight Steps (Electrelane)
12. Perfidia (Xavier Cugat)
13. I Wanna Bite Ya (Planningtorock)
14. I'm In No Mood (Fiery Furnaces)
15. Romceasca (A Hawk And A Hacksaw)

Disc 2: At Work
01. Blindness (The Fall)
02. Capricio for Piano and Orchestra (Stravinsky)
03. Recording a tape (The Bell Orchestra)
04. Spellbound (Siouxsie and the Banshees)
05. Solo Short props For Joe Meek (Matmos)
06. Lord Leopard (Caribou)
07. Slide in DFA remix edit (Goldfrapp)
08. I Wish You Were Gone (Joakim)
09. I was a sunny rainphase (Stereolab)
10. Cervantes (Kreidler)

'Ritas and Ronda

Speaking of margaritas, last week a few Houston bloggers gathered at Armando's to chat & chew with fellow Southerner, Ronda Carman from All the Best. It was really encouraging to hear everyone's latest news and future endeavors and, boy, do these women have some wonderful things brewing!

Somewhere between the gabbing and gushing, we took time to shoot a couple of photos to post on our blogs, natch. And just in case you're wondering, we all got a tutorial on how to strike the perfect pose according to Joni. I'm still working on mine!

Me, Ronda [All the Best], Joni [Cote de Texas], Paloma [La Dolce Vita], Carolina [Carolina Eclectic]


Like Joni, actually meeting the women behind these inspiring websites has been the most unexpected surprise to come from blogging! I don't have a MySpace page or Facebook profile. Heck, I've never been on a blind date until my recent Round Top outing with Erika of Urban Grace. All of these fellow bloggers are such a creative support system and as PVE wrote, "I never anticipated the bright light, warm souls and connectivity" that would come from this little site. I can't imagine Houston without Carolina, Joni, Paloma and Paige, and I certainly can't imagine the future without the friendship of Erika and Chance! Here's to new friends, real and virtual.

IKEA or Bust

Every summer I race to IKEA and stock up on their seasonal paper tablecloth rolls. I use these year round [because in Texas we can do things like eat outside in January] and love them immensely for their ease. Just roll over your table, cut to size and, voilà, instant party! I don't think better happiness can be bought for under $3.


And while I'm there, I'll most likely pick up these magnetic tablecloth holders to ward off the evil winds.

The Heat Is On

...and I want to sip fresh, homemade margaritas on my porch wearing this flirty silk dress.

Fuzzy Wuzzy Wuz A Hair

Last week, I purchased the FURminator and the cleanliness of my house will never be the same. I'm usually the first one to buy into infomercials and gadgets, but I held out on this prize far too long! After numerous rave reviews, I bit. I've since brushed my dog with this little wonder, and I can't even begin to count how many animals could have been assembled from the undercoat that was removed from dear, sweet Burks. In fact, I was even tempted to call this company for donations.

I know $60 is steep for a dog brush, but it will seriously change your life. The thought of no more fur tumbleweeds floating through the house makes me want to turn cartwheels. I can open doors and not have to watch as the hair billows from room to room. I can actually go more than one day without vaccuming. WHY? Because this is one "As Seen On TV" product that I'd proudly recommend to anyone who'll listen. It works and at the risk of sounding like the commercial myself, it does indeed seem "to reduce shedding by 90%." Hallelujah!

Seeing Double

Something is looking a bit familiar in everyone's favorite trellis print design.

Put a Lid on It

Every time I get my hair cut, I'm given the "you shouldn't wash your hair every day" talk. But I just can't help myself; I'm a shower taker. Get in, do what you've got to do, and get out. No lollygagging to be had at 7:00 in the morning.

I may have found a way to have my cake and eat it too...all the while giving myself something to smile about each morning. For all you Prince and The Revolution's fans, the Raspberry Beret shower cap is a must. If black is your chic color of choice, you're in need of the French Beret. Me? I'm personally loving the Little Devil.

Go Green

In honor of Earth Day and the desire to be more environmentally conscious, I'm green with envy for Phillip Lim's Go Green Go collection. Constructed from earth friendly materials like sustainable silk and undyed, untreated organic cotton, it's exclusive to Barney's. I love the purity - both literally and aesthetically - of the all-neutral line.

Weight-Listed

Gotta love a doorstop that won't leave you seeing stars when stubbing your toes on it. Made of sand and cloth this little guy is much more foot friendly than its bronze counterparts.

Houston's Modern Market

Calling all Houston Modern Lovers: Don't miss out on Lawndale's 13th Annual 20th Century Modern Market taking place this weekend.

Preview Party/Sale
Friday, April 25, 6 - 9 PM
Get a sneak peak and first pick of all of the fabulous mid-century modern offerings. $30 for Lawndale members [includes admission throughout weekend] and $40 for non-members.

Market Weekend
Shop Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27, 10AM – 5PM
$5 Saturday and Sunday General Admission

Group Therapy

Tie the Knot

Either of these belts would look amazing tied over a loose voile shirt or easy summer dress. One skinny and the other a bit thicker...a little something for everyone!

Gone Fishin'

I took a few days off from Bloggerville to head to Louisiana and spend time with my parents. There's nothing like going home and nothing in the whole world like eating a home-cooked meal made by Mom and Dad.


This weekend was filled with wonderful food, hearty laughs, warm weather, Sunday shopping, and a perfect wedding for a perfect couple. Monday came too quickly this time around.

What's Your Name?

Never have I wanted a name like Myrtle, Marsha, Joan or Jeannie so much in my life. Who would have thought Courtney would be so progressive for a 1950s bike plate?

Jackpot

If I had a free flowing money tree and a casino in Morocco to hit up, this would be the only frock in my carry-on.

Repeat

Lately, I can't get enough of Band of Horses. Keeping me great company on my drive to and from Austin this past weekend, their album was played over and over and over again. If you're still wanting more, definitely check out their well designed website.

It's a Wrap

Taking inspiration from her sketchbook, Virginia Johnson creates prints using watercolors on paper. She is a Canadian clothing/textile designer who has designed accessories for Helmut Lang and illustrations for Kate Spade. I'm currently coveting her lightweight cotton scarves.

P.O. Box

Can't quit thinking about these old post office boxes we unearthed at Round Top. Someone with $800 went home with one amazing piece, keys included. Check out the Greek Key motif bordering each individual box!

Bag It

When I saw this Nesting story in Domino's April issue, I immediately wanted to replace my entire purse's contents. I'd love to downsize from my current brick-of-a-wallet to this tiny, light-teal "Gladiator" Botkier. A new bag wouldn't be too bad either, but I'd prefer this one.

Goody Two-Shoes

The beautiful sunny weather is causing me to stow all closed-toe boots and get ready for sandal season! I can't get enough of these luxe shoes by Rachel Comey. Stylish and comfortable enough to run around all day...my kind of footwear!

Dr. Bird wooden heels with canvas insole, nail head details, and strings of cherry beads across the toe. They would be worn well with every dress in my closet.

Lark lavender knotted flat sandal. Ideal with great fitting jeans and comfy tees.

This Little Light of Mine

One thing in, another out. I'm selling this little light of mine. Vintage industrial Holophane glass pendant, circa early 1900s. Email me if you're interested; I'm willing to ship.

The Whole KIT and Caboodle

Note-taking and organizing has been much more enjoyable thanks to KIT, Office Max's collaboration with Russell+Hazel. All of your workday basics are covered with everything from binders and files to clips and notepads. My home office has never looked so good!

A Real Page Turner

Another Jennifer Khoshbin wonderment is her Book Project: diggin' for the truth. She describes them as a series of small, self-contained, conceptual pieces in which she has turned to the sculptural use of books. Khoshbin carves each page to create a “depth of thought”, and minimally designs the surface with mixed images. Real objets d'art page turners.

Hunting for Something?

Tired trend or not, I'm always on the hunt for deer paraphernalia that stands out from the norm.

On a recent trip to Sloan/Hall, I was thrilled to be introduced to these "trophies" by San Antonio artist, Jennifer Khoshbin. These Handmade Wilderness heads are created using resin casts and covering them with paper-maché and decoupage. 

All heads are $225 and can be purchased through her Etsy shop.

Happy Birthday, Dear Friend

Happy Birthday to my favorite partner in crime. I can't even begin to tell you how much I miss our last minute jaunts to Bowery Ballroom or running over to Bergdorf's 5th floor. Thinking of you, Kelly, and sending lots of love from Texas. Yeehaw.

P.S: Clearly we need to visit soon and update our photos. Not sure what I am drinking in that one on the right, but it is glowing red. Nice.

Eyes Wide Open

With all the biking J's been doing for his ride to Austin, I am constantly worried about him on the road with all the crazy Houston drivers. I saw this commercial on Ellen and it not only made me think of his safety, but also confirmed I'm most likely one of the aforementioned crazies. I completely missed the obvious.

Fiesta Flags

A sweet friend is currently planning her birthday fiesta and we've both become obsessed in the process. Without a doubt, "Picado" banners are an absolute must!

I love these customizable flags from Mi Fiesta. Would be perfect stamped with your silhouette or celebratory age!

Aloha

Jason Castro did it again by singing one of my favorite songs, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's Somewhere Over The Rainbow. We heard this version several times during our vacation in Maui, and I am still instantly calmed by the ukulele.