I ordered this ring by MIRTA recently and have been anxiously awaiting its arrival. It's currently en route from Zagreb, Croatia, where designer Andrea Simic is based. I found it really interesting that she's also an architecture student -- a lot of the jewelry designers I've been into lately have backgrounds in architecture and industrial design and I'm really curious about how it informs their work.
I've lamented the fact that I can rarely find bracelets to fit my scrawny, child-sized wrists many a time here, so I was delighted to find these lovely (adjustable!) pieces from Mathias Chaize. The simple, delicate designs would look perfect grazing a tanned summer forearm. Though I just got myself a similar style from Isabel Marant in red/brass, bracelets that work on me are so hard to come by that I'm tempted to scoop up a couple of these as well.
Turquoise bead bracelet in Wild Bird, $45 (update: sadly, sold out)
I'll be celebrating the 4th in our nation's capital with my family. Our plans call for a backyard BBQ, and I can't wait to get to the grilling, feasting, and basking in good company. If you too are barbecue-bound, I've rounded up some festive accessories to pack along for the occasion.
A Steven Alan striped beach blanket to take the party to the lawn (picked one of these up last year as a picnic/beach blanket and it's an absolute dream -- highly recommend), $48.
Is anyone else having a crazy week (/month)? If, like me, you find yourself in major need of a distraction, these vintage treasures from Laurel Leaf Farm are just the thing to whisk you away from your worries. The family-run, Wisconsin-based antiques business has the most delightful wares, from old coffee grinders to obsolete farming tools. Hand-plucked from the remains of someone else's long forgotten past, these lovely, vibrant finds are ready for a new life. Be forewarned, though -- they tend to get snatched up rather quickly, so act fast.
Vintage Wood Tennis Rackets, set of four, $60 @ Laurel Leaf Farm.
I'm generally not a floral prints person, but these sweet, flower powered looks are tempting (and wallet-friendly to boot).
Perennial tank, $34 @ NeedSupply.
Floaty, filmy frocks in barely there creams and neutrals are so dreamy. Some summer stunners:
Beautiful ribbon details at a budget-friendly price: Sleeveless Cream Dress, $78 @ NeedSupply.
Despite my squabbles with them last winter, I must admit that West Elm has gotten way more interesting lately. I usually rifle halfheartedly through their catalogue and promptly toss it, but the last few have had me folding over the page corners far more often than I remember doing in the past. They seem to have warmer, earthier offerings these days while still retaining a modern sensibility, and some of the pieces are even downright charming (an adjective usually lavished on Anthro).
I'm still useless in the kitchen, but now with prettier tools! My latest finds:
Set of stackable stoneware Sea Measuring Cups, $19.
Loving this silky, lattice-sleeve top. Loving the fact that it costs a mere $33 even more. It's like a sexed up version of my favorite plain white tee.
When in Rome white top, $33 @ Lulu's.
Still some great pieces to be found at Shopbop's winter sale. These lovelies are all under $100 a pop.
There's still plenty of winter left to wear this cozy cardi. American Vintage Big Sky Country Cardigan, $60.
I first met Jess LC's lovely Division bangle in the pages of the most recent issue of Rue, where I fell in love with this gorgeous little dresser top scene from the jewelry designer's amazing home/studio. Did you know she's also an interior design genius with to-die-for taste? I can't seem to find sources for the beautiful jars, but the story led me to her website, where I stumbled upon the bracelet. So chic, yet so reasonably priced!
I hope you all (Chicago friends especially) are keeping warm and toasty during this nationwide snow-in. I myself am enjoying a very decadent evening at home with a bowlful of chocolate covered strawberries, trawling the interweb in search of shiny treasures. On my short list of covetable bits and baubles:
A chic, asymmetrical bangle. Bone bangle, $8.40 @ Oak.
More wintry weather is on the way. As we continue to be buffeted by storm after storm indefinitely into the future and the snow piles high around us, I have devised a new coping strategy that involves just ignoring it, in hopes that it will grow bored and just go attention-whoring elsewhere. So! Let's shift our focus to new Spring covetables from J.Crew, shall we?
Linen henley tank, $68.
I'm not into New Years resolutions. I gag a bit each time I see a magazine cover or marketing blast exploding with those inane "New Year, new you!" headlines (actually the same story recycled from the previous year, with a new cover model). While I certainly have goals both big and small, I don't feel the need to designate a time of year for a self assessment or suddenly resolve to shed old habits and take up new and enriching hobbies. One of my ongoing non-resolutions has been to declutter, which includes the purging of my closet (probably so I can fill it up again with new stuff a few months later). In addition to the eight pairs of jeans, seven pairs of shoes, and countless coats and tops I've already done away with in the past year, I'll also be retiring several cardigans that have seen better days. The timing couldn't be more perfect, as I've just discovered a trifecta of perfect spring cardigans:
1. A folksy, open-stitched neutral with a bit of bright accent color. Kimchi Blue Rosie Posie Cardigan, $68 @ Urban Outfitters.
Fight grey December days with a little help from Rag and Bone, Wool and the Gang, Patterson J. Kincaid, and Fox River Mills.
Fair Isle has never looked cozier. Rag and Bone's cute Grayling Mittens will cost you a pretty penny even on sale, but the fact that they have a handy string connecting them means you're less likely to lose one. Also available in green. $98 (originally $140) at Saks Fifth Avenue.
